Taking Help With You

An awesome recycled leather backpack is one option!

Would you rather be 'cool' and aloof, attempting to work a public
image, or be well-prepared and comfortable in a greater number
of situations?

There's always a compromise involved, and that seems a key
question to need to know the answer to before venturing into
this next project.

My priority is always being well, being comfortable, and being
prepared (and I also hate to have to rely on others for anything!)

So in order to accomplish that, I take a nicely insulated, sturdy,
water-resistant backpack with me everywhere, filled to the brim
with all manner of helpful items.

It's pretty fashionable, too, and has multiple compartments for
keeping things separate. For someone with a billion issues like
me, it's nice to have what you need rather than rely on luck!

It certainly gives me a level of emotional and mental security, if
nothing else. (And that's worth the price of admission!)

My backpack contains:
-an EPI pin
-bottled water (Have you tried finding clean water in public?)
-first aid kit (band-aids, neosporin,
-eye drops
-aspirin
-Aleve
-nitro tabs
-blood tester
-spare glasses
-tissues and paper towels
-hand sanitizer
-medicine
-cough drops (including enough for those next to me who can't stop hacking!)
-hard candy for diabetic emergencies
-snacks
-cell phone and chargers
-book for unexpected waiting periods
-notebook for writing, making lists, etc.
-flashlight

And of course, men can put all the things a purse would normally
carry for women who use them; breath mints, travel toothbrush
and toothpaste for lunch time brushing, toothpicks, floss, and other
everyday essentials.

In the summertime, I carry an extra shirt and deodorant, as my
heavy perspiring soaks the shirt I set off in. (And of course, take a
plastic bag to store the stinky old shirt in!)

These are just a for-instance of what I do and how effective it can be.
The whole point of emergencies is you never know when you'll have
one, and being prepared once is way better than not being ready.
Your bag contents can be absolutely whatever would make your
time away from home easier; What do you always find yourself wishing
you had with you?

As the saying goes; "I'd rather have it and not need it than need it
and not have it!" (And I always have need of something from my
bag of tricks.)

**********************************************************

Flu Smarts: Hidden Threats

So, you're concerned about getting sick and you go to the

doctor's office...the place where all the already sick

people have been congregating !!!

Make sure you wear gloves and a face mask

( your prime concern is to stay healthy and alive,

not worry over image and aesthetics ) and

don't sit near anyone else.

(Again; your welfare is paramount; don't worry

about hurt feelings.)

Open your mouth to speak (even with the

mask on) as infrequently as possible.

Even with the gloves on, don't put your

hands to your face. Surface still carries.

Stay away from the magazines and newspapers;

paper is one of the most absorptive of

substances, and those sick fools tend to sneeze

into the pages!!

Take your bleach counter-top wipes and your

hand sanitizer with you. You're not being

overly-concerned; others refraining from doing all they

can are being under-concerned.

Bring your own pens so you don't have to touch

the 'Community Pens' that everyone else has handled.

As usual, think ahead...

and PREPARE.

Your mind is your best defense against illness.

***

Coping with depression (video)

Some pretty interesting insights about depression, anxiety, OCD, and other
issues that can make life quite difficult. Explores the origins of such matters,
how they manifest, and how to come to terms with them.

Hearing and reading about others experiencing the same problems can offer
comfort as well as alleviate feelings of confusion and isolation.

If you have had trouble identifying precisely what is behind mood swings,
irritability, stress, constant and unrelenting thoughts, try giving a listen.

**********************************************************

Bi Polar treatment naturally: Exercise

Through the years, I have found some actions which help
to alleviate some of the pain and disconnect which occur
regularly when cycling with bi polar disorder (a.k.a. manic
depression.)

It should be noted these are just suggestions for helping to
taper off the severity of this devastating illness, and not in
any way a cure or something to take the place of therapy
and medication. Like most things, it is a regiment of many
positive factors that produces the best results; all factors
coincide to make healing more effective.

Today, I'll focus on physical activity.

Exercise is incredibly important, and even though I have
many physical limitations, I strive to find ways to stay
active. I walk, I do yoga, I do light aerobics (dancing to
music,) and calisthenics. It all depends on mood, weather,
and physical acuity on a particular day what I decide to do.
That's where flexibility and assortment come in handy.

If I'm having a day where I don't feel 'motivated,' I have
learned to make myself do it because I know it is for my
own good, and the end results is that the post-workout
Robert will feel better for having done something, rather
than nothing. Even a mild, brief workout, or several small
and light workouts through a day are better than being
sedentary.

I always make sure to stretch out easily and well; I don't
rush and I don't overextend. I don't have anyone to impress,
and nothing to prove. My health and welfare is always my
top priority.

If I am especially stiff and sore, I'll do a soak in a tub of
Epsom salts. This helps muscles, joints, and relaxation.

On a day where I am sitting at the computer for an especially
long period, I do isometrics, which are toning and flexing
of the muscles in an isolated way so that specific muscles
get worked out. This is a good way to keep from getting
'secretary spread' and blood clotting. I also stand up and
stretch regularly to keep from atrophying.

Yard work is a good release; constantly changing jobs so
I don't overdo it on one motion (and then have hurting
muscles the next day.) Think of it as you would reps in a
workout. 10 minutes raking, 10 minutes squatting for
weeding, short break, 10 minutes hauling heavy stuff, 10
minutes mowing, break, etc. And of course always drinking
plenty of water, no matter the temperature.

When I work at the school, I am standing on a hard floor
most of the day, but I will take a few minutes once an hour
to do some deep bends and stretching to flex the muscles,
and I take a pair of tennis shoes to change into and walk the
campus during a free period.

The point is that I don't allow myself any excuses; not
schedule, time, mood, disability, or physical exhaustion.

No matter your situation or mindset, there is some form of
activity that can be accomplished. It's the effort of self-improve-
ment that has to be centered in the mind, not the apathy that
can sometimes deter us from starting.

And the endorphins released from exertion have a natural calming
and pleasuring effect when entering the bloodstream.

Another side to the exercise is that the better we look and feel,
it's one less thing to weigh on our depression. Keeping busy
and being generally 'in motion' is also a good way to keep your
blood pumping and your oxygen cleaning.  Staying off the couch
and away from the lure of TV, food, and other 'comforts' is a
good alternative.

Remember; Bodies in motion stay in motion, and bodies at rest
stay at rest. The easiest way to start is just to start.

(If you do have physical ailments, check with a physician to see
what sort of exercise you can safely work into your routine!)
*************************************************

It gave me the same reaction

The infamous MJ crotch grab!

So while taking a shower last week, I was doing my
normal weekly self exam for testicular cancer.

I found something.

I couldn't even bring myself to consciously follow-up on
the finding until now, from a mixed bag of fear, denial,
and an all around week-from-hell on other fronts serving
as great distractions.

I also really don't need any more health problems right
now! Doesn't the body consider that when formulating
additional issues!?!?

The amount of growth in just one week accelerated my
concern to the "Get your head out of your ass and quit
procrastinating" stage. Now, it is not directly a part of
my gonad, but rather free floating, but it does seem so
much more than the possible less-harmful candidates.
And, it could still be a cyst.

Regardless, common sense and responsible nature insist
I get it checked out, and I am making calls this afternoon
to do just that.

For those men--or the women and men who love them--
who don't know how to do the checkup, or who are a
bit self-conscious, here's a link to check out.

Testicular Cancer Self-Exam

It's quick and easy, and knowing is so much better than
being caught off guard by something. The quicker things
are caught and treated, the better the chances of safe
recovery.

Be aware. Be vigilant. Be healthy.

Don't let the fear of a concept or possible reality make
you open to problems caused by overlooking and being
passive!


*****************************************

"Why can't you just act right?"

Although it's hardly a laughing matter, I chuckle when
I think of the average person's misconception about
those of us with mental afflictions.

The above cartoon serves to illustrate how simplistically
most feel towards a condition like bi-polar disorder
(a.k.a. manic-depressive illness.) If only it were as easy
a notion as picking out a different shirt, from a clear and
conscious point of view.

I have, over the last few years, discovered an alarming
problem, even within the context of my already perplexing
illness of constant cycling from mania to severe depression.
The realization was that upon each new cycling (return) of
the depressive element, it worsens.

I have been unable to find competent care available for
a person without insurance, particularly here in the smallest,
most isolated, most backwoods part of Georgia, a state the
federal government had to file a lawsuit against for the
established incompetency in dealing with people with mental
illness. (You know it's bad if the government --Department of
Justice--has to get involved and say "You're killing folks!")

I thought perhaps I was even more 'crazy' than initially
understood, with these increasing lows (but, unfairly enough,
not increasing manias, Dammit!) I figured I would continue to
spiral until reaching an inevitable, horrid-enough existence
that suicidal tendencies would no longer be frightening, it would
be welcome release. I thought I was deteriorating into an
even deeper, different hole.

And then I read this book, entitled "Food and Loathing" by
Betsy Lerner, and she mentioned, simply enough, that bipolar
is a progressive illness, when not treated and maintained by
medication.

Now, I understand the chemical component of bipolar, and
that my brain can't materialize what it's incapable of producing.
But never, in any of my various readings and studying to find
answers through the last 28 years, had I ever seen anything
that mentioned the progressive nature of the disease.

I sobbed to read these words. Not because of the dire nature
of their portent, but because I knew that I was not alone; that
I saw for a moment there was a logical reason for what was
happening in my life.

No more idea of my being inferior, even for a 'mental patient.'
No more worry that I was descending into complete madness.
This was part of the party package that I had received (even
though most definitely not a requested one!)

I have found many ways to cope with the highs and lows of
this disease, and made peace with those aspects I cannot
control, but to know that this severity and fear I had faced
was not exclusive to me....that I was not just 'too weak'...
this was both revelation and uplift.

Maybe this message can reach someone else, too.

*********************************************

January Retreat Script (part Five)

There’s a difference between ego and self-esteem.

Ego (out of check) is rampant in this country. Esteem, however,
is not. Ego is pretense, posturing, defensiveness, impressing,….
esteem is peace, self-aware, contentedness, independence,.
Esteem is not needing to be in competition; it’s feeling good
about self, exactly as you are—which of course means knowing
who you are. Breaking past societal defenses and illusions usually
takes us til late in life when we start getting real, and worrying less
about attention, approval

We have to determine what our self-interest is, and stop identifying
through others’ notions reflected back at us.
How do you feel?
What do you want?

Learning to own your own space takes time and practice. Our
motivations should be internal, not external. Are we directors in
our own world, or spiraling at the mercy of others’ boldness?

We have to be active and aggressive, not passive in life. Allow
for our insights/abilities/understandings to be different and unique,
and still feel as proud and supportive of them.
Do others seem bigger and more important?
And, is that notion real or perceived?
Do another’s accomplishments diminish or thwart our own?
Do we self-sabotage by imagining that others don’t share the
insecurities, fears, and pain that we do?

Why are others able to speak thoughts, do what they want,
but we “can’t”?
Do we imagine a separate set of rules, while our self-con-
sciousness and resentment and attitude actually promote an
energy that shuts us down?

We are our own single most important asset; If we don’t
look out for self, then we are not fulfilling our goal and our
directive.
The world doesn't need victims or martyrs; goodness
doesn’t mean giving in to people in this world. We have the
ability to stand up for ourselves, to change our lives, if unhappy.

When we blame another, we relinquish control of our lives.
We give our power to others. We give up the pressure to decide
our own fate. When we want others to pay attention to and love
us, care for us, feel for us, we ask others to take on a job that isn’t
theirs; we give up responsibility. We manufacture dependence, and
thereby weakness.

Our emotional lacking and pain comes from not being connected
enough to ourselves, our needs, or life. When we accept
and love ourselves as we are, and fulfill our designation, we find peace.

Independence, self-sufficiency are not bad character traits.
They’re necessary to staying alive and find contentment.
We’re able to bring a whole person to our relations....
to be complete when alone.
Have the basis of every charitable act be genuine giving, not
receiving of attention, or impressing.

Being at peace with self leads to being at peace with others.
There can never be enough praise or attention to alleviate our
own low self esteem. Our sense of self must be acknowledged
from within. Even a belief in a truly loving god requires us accept-
ing the ultimate love, which means accepting ourselves.

EXERCISE:
Imagine walking into your home as if you were a stranger.
 What would your perception be?
Is it good enough?
What would you change?
Would you judge it if it were someone else’s home?
Why do you keep it the way you do?
Do you treat yourself as well as you would a loved one or stranger?
 If not…why?


****************************************************

January Retreat Script (part Four)

BEING HURT


Why do we take such offense at the words or criticisms of
other people?

If we don't believe it, it has no power. So where's the real
problem? On some level we must believe that what others
say about us is true.......or we value the opinion of another
person more than we do our own.
Granny used  to say "Consider the source." But even this is
an avoidance of the real issue.

It isn't what they call you, it's what you answer to.
If all the world knows nothing about you, but you yourself
know the truth, that must be enough. The issue is not entirely
to avoid conflict, but to avoid conflicted thinking within.

HOW CAN other peoples' comments hurt us?

1) we believe what they say is true

2) we put more stock in that person than we do ourselves

3) we don't know who we are, and we allow others to
     identify and define us

Who's responsible for the people we have in our lives?
The thoughts we have in our heads?
Where did the voices of self-doubt come from?
Do we still want them?
Some of us are identified by caring for others, sometimes
even to our own detriment. Love is not supposed to hurt.
 We can get a sense of who we are by giving UP who we
are in order to care for another. Our lives become secondary
to their needs. Resentments grow as we feel obligated, but
who told us to? We are not responsible for anyone but us.
If we keep going back for more, why wouldn't the other
person continue abusing us? People are willing to take every
bit as much advantage of us as we are willing to allow them.


We are responsible for every person and thing in our life;
we have the ability to change our lives at any time.
Our lives are not meant to be a reaction to other people.
We are not here to exclusively fill the needs of another,
and others are not here to cater to us.
We have our own path to follow, each and every one of us.
Discovering what that is, seeking our own truth, is what life
is about.


We create our own world, and we start to do so by
supporting ourselves, not expecting anyone else to believe
in us or our dreams.
We learn to speak our needs and defend ourselves.
We learn to not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of,
rather than passively being upset that others do take advantage.


We learn to say "No." The world is what we put into it.
We have to fill the void of negativity and old habit with some-
thing....we can't simply erase the bad. Nature abhors a vacuum.


So let's take an example--a situation where we find ourselves
'upset' with someone. Pick a specific person you always have
trouble with , or pick a specific pet peeve you have with some-
thing everyone does. Get that in mind.


Now, what's really going on is we say
"I'm upset because so-and-so does THIS."
But what's behind that?
See if any of these statements ring true;
-They don't act the way I want them to act
-They don't say what I want them to say
-They don't do what I want them to do
-They don't think the way I want them to think
-They don't feel about me the way I want them to feel
-They don't give me the respect I want them to
-They don't appreciate me
-They don't accept me

We tend to use big, broad, vague terms and sweeping
generalizations in our upset, like:
-"I hate you"......."You hurt me"......"You always do this"


We need to focus on more specific and explanatory thoughts;
If/then statements; "When you _____, then I feel like______."
This both depicts the reality, no room for doubt, and it takes
the responsibility of owning your own feelings. The next step
after responsible communicating is to address what your needs
are and what you expect to happen next. You need to ask for
your own needs to be met.

*Get to the root of the problem.
*Recognize the need for action.
*Take action for self and our part.
*Recognize others cannot be made to take responsibility for us.


Confront others who take advantage.
Find our voice to represent our own needs.
Take a stand against what is unacceptable for us.
Say NO to what we don't want.
Protect our bounmdaries. (Establish them if need be.)
We each have a right--and responsibility--to defend our boundaries.

(continued)...
****************************************************

January Retreat, Part Two

ACCEPTANCE, APPROVAL, LOVE



Why do we so desperately seek the approval of peers?


Why do we require the acceptance or respect of parents
and friends throughout life?


Why is love the one thing we go to nearly any lengths to
find, attain, and keep?


We seem to operate on a basis of fear and lacking, but
even when we get hold of 'the answer' we seek, we are
obsessed with it since it is an external source and outside
of our control. We may alter how we act or think in order
to draw another person to us.


We give up the one thing we do have--our real selves--in
order to seemingly cement the deal with a fickle person's
affections.


Our society is completely obsessed with image, illusion,
lies, and manipulation.


We almost assume duality in all things from business to
personal relationships; it's a given that people say one
thing and do another.


Think of a first date or meeting someone in business; we
are consumed by putting forth only positive imagery,
glossing over the warts...we want to impress this stranger.
But what are we presenting if not the real us?


What is your mindset?


Are we fixed, finite, knowable, set creatures, rigid and
absolute in our parameters?
Or are we ever-developing complex, complicated creatures
on a journey of discovery?


How you believe probably has great impact on how you
live. Whether you are open to possibility and differences,
or whether you seek the illusion of control and try to
maintain a set role.


We don't really ever know where we've been, often
times, so how can we know where we're going? Goals
are fine, as long as they're written in pencil.

Do we need to know for sure?


If we're honest, we probably would say that we're
uncertain and doubtful at times, despite the need to
appear solid and ready.
Why can't we let others be unsure too?


Ah, because presentation is the thing; WE know
we're doubtful, but we don't want anyone else to.


If we are so desperate for love, are we truly open to
receiving it?


Do we find the measure of our worth based on
whether or not another person loves us?
Whether people laugh at our jokes or not?
Whether our product sells or we get the raise?
Is our value based upon the acceptance of a key person?


Or do we try and please everyone at all times, losing
our true self?


We achieve a sense of separateness, or division when
we go about seeking to connect in such ways. The very
goal we sought becomes counter to what we receive
because of the tactics we employ to attain it.


(continued...)
 
*********************************************

Retreat Script, January (part One)

"I do what I love, and the world loves what I do."
 -Alan Cohen, "a deep breath of life"



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


intro..

Good morning everyone; my name is Robert Sayre, and welcome
to the retreat!


I chose the name "Healthy Revolution" because being mindful and
having a specific goal requires clarity and specific wording. Because
of what we fight against with bad habits and the enticements of the
world, a true revolution is required in both thought and action.


Maybe we made some new year's resolutions aimed at health and
fitness? Maybe we even kept some. But did we make a focused
determination to change how we think?
How we feel?
How we act spiritually?


So, today we'll be looking at 4 things;


-How we view ourselves


-Why are we so needy?


-Why do we have so much conflict?


-How to discover and promote our true selves


So...who's responsible for us? All of us are over 18 and able-bodied.
Is a parent responsible? A child? A spouse? A boss?
No, of course we are responsible for ourselves. Maybe we find
ourselves guilty of blaming others for treating us poorly....or for
partners not doing what we want. But we still are responsible.
We bring into our periphery exactly what we need.


If people are taking advantage of us, it is not their job to look out
for our best interests; it is our job to learn how to defend ourselves
against people who would do us wrong. to learn how better to
spot these people.


To learn the lesson of not being so vulnerable and open to harm.

Spirituality is not passive or weak.

WHO ARE YOU?


What makes up your identity? Is it a job, a hobby, spouse,
friends, causes, money, kids, looks?
(Have the class consider or write down)
Or is it something more?


If externals were removed or changed, what of 'you' would
remain? (offer the scenario from 'Trading Spaces' )


Is your esteem based on these external things?
What of your identity is internally based?
On spiritual skills, ideals, abilities, lovingness?
Would other people evaluate you the same as you do yourself?
Does how others think about you affect what you do?
How do we discover who we 'really' are?


Buddhism focuses on the idea of 'impermenance,' the under-
standing that all things pass away; from money to looks to
health, relationships and love to life itself.


What is it that we can truly depend upon? I assert that
we can and must depend upon self. For many that's a given,
but for others of us it's a fundamental of life that has been
overlooked.


(continued)....

Behind the Facade

"The spectacle of what is called religion, or at any rate organised religion,

in India and elsewhere, has filled me with horror and I have frequently

condemned it and wished to make a clean sweep of it. Almost always it

seemed to stand for blind belief and reaction, dogma and bigotry,

superstition, exploitation and the preservation of vested interests."

                                                                   
                                                                             — Nehru

                    *************************************************************

One Moment at a Time

Even if you feel like you can't do a lot,

every one of us can do a little.

Right where we are, every day, for a little

bit of time...we can make a differnce.

You don't start off a battle by

trying to win the whole war.

It's incremental, slow, strategic, one step at

a time. Taking care of our bodies is a battle.

We are in a war for our well-being.

If you're pressed for time, do

exercises where you're at.

Do squats while you brush your teeth.

Do side bends while vacuuming.

Do isometric muscle tensing while driving.

If you work at a desk, do knee lifts and

foot rotations and neck stretches.

Take stairs.

Walk during your lunch break, even if

just around the building.

When it's cold, walk at the grocery store.

Eat just a little less than normal, once a day.

Eat your last meal a little earlier in the day.

Cut starches just one meal a day.

Do without butter just one meal a day.

Every little decision adds up to an end result.

Don't buy the baloney that you can't affect

real change right where you are, right

like you are. You can start a revolution

without severe cosmetic or financial

or geographic changes;

life happens wherever we are.

One choice at a time.

**********

Conscious Eating

When it comes to food and eating, we have very little
actual requirements. I'm speaking of our basic biological
requirements.

We need to eat for nutritional intake to maintain our bodies,
health, and mass. (Now, getting specific, the level of protein
you need, the vitamins, etc, is very specific. But our reason
for putting food in our bodies--as a necessity--is very simple.)

However, we are a by-product of a prosperous and spoiled
society, and a technological society, and our eating habits and
motives have become varied. And negative.

We eat because others are eating.
We eat what it is convenient to eat.
We eat the amounts that others give us.
We eat because we are bored.
We eat so as to not have any leftovers left to save.
We eat to fill an emotional void.
We eat to finish the bag.
We eat because we're angry and not paying attention.

But the bottom line on all of these patterns of behavior is
that we are not truly PRESENT in the moment, paying
attention to what we are doing...and more importantly,
the EFFECTS of eating what we are eating.

It's important to recognize the correlation between our
actions and our consequences. Our weight, our health,
our energy levels, our longevity, our very lives are effected
by the quantity and quality of every single thing we place
in our mouths.

Hard as it is, we have to get out of a habitual action of
eating whatever is available, or eating to medicate feelings.
If we are learning to care about self, we must learn to consider
and deliberate what we are doing and how it relates to our
body's actual nutritional needs.

We need plenty of water, vegetables, fruits, and protein.
We need less fats and oils and sugar.
What have we had so far today?
How much are we eating beyond quelling hunger?
What would make me feel better?

Stop. Think. Consider.
We are responsible for our well-being...and we must make
the changes required to adjust to better living.

More than just complaining

It may seem rudimentary, but it obviously bears
repeating; The Heat Kills.

Please do everything you can to stay safe, healthy, and
alive. This is no time for trying to impress anyone.

The 'common sense' stuff;

Drink plenty of fluids, preferably room temp.

Water, tea, and sports drinks are best.

Stay away from caffeine and sodas and sugar.

Don't eat heavy meals before going into the heat.

Stay inside if at all possible; go out before or after
the peak hot times (12-4 EST) if possible.

Wear light, loose fitting clothes.

Carry a rag to keep perspiration off your face and
out of your eyes.

Wear sunblock.

Don't wear regular hats that block release of heat;
straw hats that are well ventilated keep you aired
out but block the sun.

Wear an icepack (wrapped in cloth) around your neck
to keep cooler.

Carry a cooler with you; don't worry about looking
'un-cool' to friends. Stay healthy.

Keep animals inside or under shelter. Give them
a fan if possible. Keep plenty of water and check it often.

NEVER leave animals or kids in a closed car.

If getting perishable groceries, take a cooler and ice
with you for long drives.

Don't go from severe heat directly into cold air.
Also, dry off and cool down before going inside.
(The severe temp changes cause sickness.)

Eat right, eat light, eat smart.

Take breaks often and don't push past exhaustion.
heat can upset many existing medical conditions
and bring on heart and brain problems.

Break up projects over several mornings, taking it
easy, rather than trying to do it all at once.

Use your mind; don't give in to peer pressure.

Remember; you owe it to yourself to take care
of yourself. There is no amount of proving self
to others worth sickness, suffering, or death.

This is the real deal; act smartly.

*********************************

Assumptions

Who told us to think the way we do?


Even after knowing that what we worry about hardly
ever comes to pass, why do we still hold to the
outdated and self-sabotaging ideas that persist in our
heads?


When we hear the phone ring, why do we tense
up and assume the worst?


When people say what their plans are, why do we
think they are wasting their time or doomed?


Our own hearts and minds seem determined to undermine
our own happiness or burden the day.


We don't see even a fraction of what is going on
in the world, and what we do see is filtered through our
ability to comprehend as well as our filters we have
from our limited understanding of our past experiences.


How can we possibly be so unctuous and presumptuous
that we think ourselves capable of comprehending the
make-up of the universe? That we can know what is in
the heart of another human being? That we can glean an
insight into the meaning of life? That we can select the most
accurate philosophy or interpretation of such things?


We imagine ourselves to be the first who will set right
all the yearnings and struggles that all people have had for
centuries. We will select the one true source, the one true
idea, the one perfect example. But perhaps all of this
starts with the assumption that such an absolute exists
in the first place.


Perhaps the human brain is better focused on not
thinking so much. Allowance. Acceptance. Taking
things at face value, even if it brings trouble. Release
of expectation and 'need to know.'

Less absolute, less dogma, less striving.
More contentment, more relaxation, more ephemeral.

There's only one way off the mudball, anyway, so
maybe we can just enjoy the ride, regardless of where
it goes and what it entails. Of course, I'm assuming
that we can change in time for it to matter.


*******************************************

EVERYONE is at risk for HIV infection

This is what HIV looks like up close.

Do you know how to spot it from a distance?

http://www.hivfactsabout.com/

In 2008, there were 42,439 new cases

of HIV transmission reported.

That's just transmission of the virus

that were caught by people who were

tested or had blood run.

The Black/African-American community

accounted for just over 50% of the

new cases of HIV, and the rate

of transmission for Black and Hispanic

women is FIFTEEN times higher

than that of other races of women.

These communities continue to

be at significant risk due to aversion to

education about the virus as well

as aversion to safer sex practices.

Other groups like young adults are at risk

because they think the virus is over. When's

the last time YOU heard anything about

HIV or AIDS on the news?

Being afraid won't keep you safe

from HIV and AIDS.

Avoiding certain people won't prevent the spread

of the virus.

Thinking you are one of the privileged few who

is 'safe' will not keep you safe.

Believing the sweet nothings of a lover, or

not wanting to 'ruin' a tender moment

will not stop the spread of this undetected

micro-organism.

Be aware.

Be smart.

Protect yourself.

Open a dialogue with those you love, today.

*****************

Every Single Day

One of the things people always say is "I can't afford
expensive supplements and such."

Well, you really don't have to spend money to be well.
It's as simple as being conscious of what you eat and
looking to natural healing foods for your basic health
and wellness.

Here is a list of 12 simple, mostly average household
staples that every person (barring an allergy) should use
every day to help improve your immune system!

THE LIST!

1. Raw onion... antioxidants, cancer-
fighting and cardio health

2. Fresh apple...appetite suppressant,
high vitamins, weight loss, diabetes control,
etc.

3. Cayenne pepper...help with lungs, reduce
high blood pressure, assist stomach/intestines

4. Extra-virgin Olive Oil (uncooked)...
joint maintenance, fights colon cancer, reduce
blood pressure/cholesterol, etc.

5. Apple cider vinegar...helps with cholesterol,
blood pressure, triglycerides, diabetes, and
absorption of minerals

6. fresh garlic (minced is fine)...wonder drug for
everything to helping prevent cold/flu, acne,
cholesterol, etc.

7. Fish oil...either capsule or in baked fish....
good oils, lubrication, heart health, etc.

8. locally grown honey...helps fight allergies,
reduces inflammation, general healing, etc.

9. Yogurt...look for low sugar...great for stomach
and colon health

10. Muscadine grape juice ...antioxidants,
good replacement for wine, Vitamin E, etc.

11. Cinnamon...regulates blood sugar, fights
clotting, helps arthritis, etc.

12. Grape seed extract...(probably the most
costly item on the list)...fights swelling,
carcinogens, allergens, viruses....wide use

To make it easier to ingest, I'll usually put multiple items in one thing....
Like have a bowl of chili or a baked potato and add the garlic, olive oil,
cayenne pepper, onion, cinnamon, to flavor and also get all my
supplements covered.

Or I'll make a smoothie and include fresh apple, cinnamon,
honey, yogurt, muscadine grape juice, and grape seed extract so
that it is efficient and easy! Mix it up...be inventive!

I encourage you all, as always, to do further research on your own
to find out more about these items, and especially to check on side
effects if you have any conditions or are taking medications.

The Stray Dog

A Reality Explored


One day a stray dog, obviously diseased and
sickly approached an old couple in their country
home.


The dog approached them--that's all.


The couple had a choice to be frightened and
assume the worst. They could have imagined
the dog was vicious. They might have had
a prior experience with a wild dog that left them
concerned. Perhaps they heard a news story
about someone being attacked by a dog.


The mind brings much to every encounter
except perhaps accurate analysis of what is
actually happening in front of the eyes.


There are a hundred different possible
scenarios that could have emerged from
the couple's encounter with the dog.


They could have shot the dog to put it
out of misery. They could have shot the dog
rather than chance it attacking.


They could have turned it away with a stern
warning. They could have placed food and
water out but then sent it along. They could
have ignored it as it hovered.

Perhaps they could have treated its wounds
and left it alone. Taken it to the vet for
treatment and placement.

They could have helped the dog recuperate and
then sent it back to the wild. Saved it and
kept it as a companion.

They could have taken the animal in as their
own but not done anything to treat it.
They could have become abusive to the dog
in their own way.

So many possibilities...hundreds of different
options, and any one accessible by the
actions of the moment. The power of choice.

So the only reality is that the dog approached.

What happens next is dictated by the
reactions of the couple. The reaction is in part
influenced by the thoughts of the couple. But
decisions are optional constructs, made by
whatever level of consciousness in possessed
by the couple.

The dog merely exists; it is the reality.

We form the next phase by how we respond.
If we respond.
By what level we accept all aspects of a
situation as it is, not how we perceive it to be.

Do you see a dog that wants to bite?
Do you see a dog that wants to be healed?
Do you see a threat, a victim, or a kindred
spirit?
What fills your eyes?

**********************************

Murky Waters

So what happens when someone mixes reality with
supposition? Do we get tricked and swallow the
bait? Or do we sift through the murky waters and
garner the kernel of truth, leaving the rest?

This is a tricky area; separating what we believe
from what is fact.

Say you're not feeling well, so you go to the
doctor. The doctor runs tests, and comes to you
with the results. The doctor presents that you are in
fact sick (which we'll assume for the purposes of
this exercise, is a fact.)

Next, however, the doctor decides to give a little 'gift.'

"I give you 6 months to live," he or she states.

Nope.
Take it back.
Don't curse me, you quackish hack.
F*** you very much, Doctor Douche bag.

This is an assumption, not fact. It is the doctor's
reality, which is distinctly different from being
actual reality or your reality. It doesn't become
reality until you accept it, embrace it, take it
inside and give it a home. That's a choice.

The sickness may be true. Sickness is treatable.
Attitude and mental clarity are huge factors in
addressing any dis-eases in the body. Some
even point to evidence that disease is a direct
result of stress, thinking, and pent-up emotions.

Maybe you want a death sentence?

Maybe you believe life is unfair and you feel
dramatic and want to die and feel sorry for
yourself prior?

Maybe you simply think big ol'
important doctors know more about your body
and your fighting spirit than you?

Maybe a lot of things....like there are plenty
of folks out there who decide to improve their
lives as a result of such erroneous curses from
doctors, and come back from it better than ever.

We choose everything in our world.
How we live. Whether or not we want to live.
Giving up is a choice, too. It isn't a reality....
despair is a state of mind.

Life can be as good as we want it to be.
What do we really want?
Have we ever been asked before?

*************************************

What's really important?

Trying hard to hold

this groove intact

(grasp too tightly,

it's crushed;

ignore and release,

it's gone)

That delicate balance

between

acceptance and preparation,

confidence and humility,

peace and fighting spirit,

honesty and judgment....

an ever-expanding

living creation

of growth and experience.

I see those I opposed

in a different light

as my perspective

broadens

and matures.

May I never stop growing

and being dedicated,

but may I always remember

to be gentle and kind,

and allow frivolity

in at every possible

moment.

Tread lightly

and enjoy the experience.