Solitude

Life's journey is essentially a solitary one.

I was struck by so many things as I witnessed Dwane's death:  the fact that we can take with us none of the possessions we work so hard to gather and take care of.  the fact that even if someone is with us, the death experience is a solitary one.  the fact that the life force is strong, but inevitably it will leave each of us.  

10 Healthy Foods

"10 Healthy Foods You're Probably Not Eating." Prevention Magazine August 2016

Cranberries improve brain activity, Brazil nuts support thyroid function, fennel helps with bone strength, kefir can help depression, parsley may help prevent breast cancer, mung beans can promote fat loss, capers reduce inflammation, sorghum cuts cholesterol, split peas defend against diabetes, and cucumber supports healthy skin.  (research from Prevention Magazine August 2016)

Danger of Supplements

"23,000 ER visits occur each year because of people taking 'natural' supplements." Prevention Magazine, August 2016

This article goes on to say that 700 supplements have been identified as tainted since 2007.  I am always amazed at the people who suspect doctors but will go to a health food store and fill their baskets - and subsequently their bodies - with one supplement after another.  Not that all supplements are bad, but supplement makers in the US are far less regulated than prescription drug makers.  As usual, it is common sense which needs to prevail.

Making Our Environments Better

"There are two ways of spreading the light:  to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." Edith Wharton

My philosophy is to make the environments in which I am better for my having been there.  What does this mean:  it means being friendly, optimistic and kind.  It also means keeping up with maintenance and establishing a living environment which is serene and welcoming.  What is your philosophy?  

Apologizing Is Good For Your Health

"Ruminating over an unresolved conflict after an argument can raise the risk of heart disease,ulcers, and muscle pain.  Apologizing helps mitigate those effects, as long as you mean it." Negotiation and Conflict Management Research

What a lovely thing to know that forgiveness is not just good for your soul and emotional health, it is also good for your physical health.  The way to apologize is to express regret, explain exactly what went wrong, acknowledge your responsibility, say your sorry, offer solutions and ask for forgiveness.  

Creating Our Future

"The best way to predict our future is to create it." Abraham Lincoln

The quality of our lives is largely based on our attitudes about it.  If we see the goodness, we will begin to see more and more of that.  The same is true if we focus on the negative -- more and more of it will catch our attention.  We can create the world we want by our intention.  What is your intention?

Expecting The Good In People

"We can see world events from a new perspective.  We can expect people to act out of the goodness of their natures, and so they do." Judy Morley

With the current political climate in the world, it is even more important that we look for the good in people and the rightness in situations.  If it is true we experience what we expect to experience, it is so important that we expect goodness and tolerance and well-being for all.

Living as Love

"The final stage of the Sufi path is living as love and birthing love in the world." Andrew Harvey

What a different world this would be if there were more love/tolerance and less hate.  With the violence around the world and the violence within politics, it is more important than ever to live as love.

Memory Tip

"Drawing pictures of what you need to remember is nearly twice as effective as writing it down." Quarterly Journal Of Experimental Psychology

It is the act of drawing, rather than one's artistic ability, that seems to lock it in our memory.  Also, climbing stairs, even one or two flights a day, can help our brain maintain health.  

Avoiding Weight Gain

"Research shows that people who cut 100 calories and took 2000 extra steps per day successfully kept weight off." JAMA Internal Medicine

The above source recommends taking calories off by eating turkey instead of roast beef, air-popped popcorn instead of pretzels, 1 slice thin crust pizza instead of 1 thick crust, 1 whole wheat pita instead of 2 slices of whole wheat bread, 1 tablespoon hummus instead of mayo, Italian dressing instead of French.

Preventing Blisters

"Invest in some paper surgical tape and apply the tape to blister-prone areas on your feet prior to walking." Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine

New or improperly fitting shoes can cause painful blisters.  This trick is simple and is said to be better than more expensive blister pads or cushions.  Cover commonly irritated areas with one or two strips overlapping.