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outdated and self-sabotaging ideas that persist in our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.


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Not Dead Yet

the incredible graphic novel "Family Matter"

by Will Eisner

In my day, I've seen a lot of people at the end of their lives.
Between frequenting nursing homes, volunteering, making friends
with sick and older folks, and surviving the HIV/AIDS crisis, I saw
a lot of different takes on how people face the end.

The one similarity I can draw between them all was the lack of
interest in having friends and family be around them.

In the movies, you see people hover and clutch and try and say
those precious 'unsaid' thoughts. In reality, most want to be
like the animals, and go off by themselves to die in peace.

People who are not experiencing sickness themselves don't
want to experience it. It's uncomfortable and scary, and people
do everything they can to avoid thinking about old age, sickness,
and/or death. They can't be expected to understand. Yet all people
who are at the end want is understanding.

An identity of separateness and diminished
capacity starts to form. The Whole Person is replaced by The
Sickness. The Well can't see anything but the Sickness, and yet
are distracted by their lives of activity and busyness. The unwell
can't relate to what are now trivial concerns, and need someone
who can understand what they're talking about.

So a schism starts to form. Only natural, but a schism nonetheless.
Detachment, for both parties' self-preservation.

I have watched many a friend's entire complexion change for the
worse upon hearing that a family member was coming up to visit.
They didn't want to have to put on a show. They didn't want to
answer umpteen expected questions about the day's numbers.
They didn't want to see the changed look in their eyes. No one
wants to be an obligation or a compartmentalized object.

Many elected not to tell friends and family that they were sick
at all. "I don't want to be treated any differently because of this
one thing. If they love me, show it when I'm well. If they don't
want anything to do with me, that's fine too."

When someone is sick, honesty in words and action can be a
true blessing. The sick are still the human beings we have always
known.

No More Words

Healthy Revolution event

HEALTHY REVOLUTION:

KNOWING YOUR WORTH!

A free workshop for building self-esteem

and taking personal responsibility!

We'll look at overcoming codependency,

finding inner strength, and strengthening recovery!

SATURDAY, May 14th, 2011

at the Still Waters Retreat by the Lake

(7882 Parkside Circle, Donalsonville)

(just e-mail for directions; easily accessible from

Donalsonville or Bainbridge!)

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Coffee provided; bring paper & pen!

For more info, e-mail Robert at HealthyRevolution@live.com

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.

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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.

Remove Anger From Your Heart

Working on it...some days are better than others.

Last night, anger overtook me. I didn't lash out
entirely as I wanted to, but I still let myself be altered by
things outside of me.

I also didn't suppress my rage. I allowed it to be present,
acknowledged it, tamed it sufficiently, and then slowly
worked my way through to what specifically had caused
the anger.

As is usually the case, there was great hurt and betrayal
behind the armor of anger. I released it, and dealt with
the emotions, and worked on releasing all the resentment
once more. It is sometimes an ongoing battle.

But in the end, it serves me no good to hold on to any
form of upset. I know this, but sometimes old wounds are
still easily triggered.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsUmPvaZIP0&feature=player_profilepage

This video helped me to reclaim my desires. Maybe it can serve
as inspiration for you, too.

Peace....

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