Dealing With Fear At the Source
by Jonathan on December 8, 2009
Have you ever wondered where fear comes from? Most people feel some sort of fear on a regular basis, but it’s rare that anyone questions the source of that fear. Since fear wears so many different faces, is it possible for all fear to come from the same source?
Before we look at the actual source of fear, let’s talk about three of the more common broad categories of fear. I think you will find that most fears fit into one of these general categories:
Impending danger. This is the fear associated with the “fight or flight” response. Much of what happens in the face of impending danger is automatic. That doesn’t mean that we all respond the same way, not by a long shot. Just that our response in the face of real impending danger is usually dictated by our own unique emotional reflex. Some will feel paralyzed by the fear, while others will take flight. But whatever the response, it tends to be automatic.
Unexpected tragedy or loss. When we are forced to face unpleasant situations, it can easily trigger feelings of fear. This often happens in the face of loss or tragedy. It might be the loss of a job, a loved one, or an opportunity we were depending on. It could also be a serious disease or accident. Whenever circumstances take an unexpected and unwelcome turn, we can easily see things in a fearful light.
Uncertainty, the what if syndrome. This is the broadest category and it includes many of the most common types of fear. For example: fear of failure, fear of loss (not the same as actual loss), fear of rejection, fear of embarrassment, fear of loneliness, fear of disease, and so on. This category is unique because none of the huge variety of fears included in it are based on existing realities. Instead, they are the result of dwelling on a possible negative outcome. They are all based on an imaginary “what if.”
A common source?
Realizing that fears come in such a wide variety, it might seem unlikely that they could all stem from on e common source. Especially considering that some are based on real situations, while others are nothing more than figments of our imaginations.
Well, as unlikely as it might seem, all fear is based on one core emotion. In fact, it is the granddaddy of all human emotions. What is it? It is the inherent and insatiable desire to feel safe and secure. Anything that threatens that sense of security creates feelings of insecurity, and all fear is based on insecurity.
Real or imagined, it doesn’t matter
Let’s go back and identify how insecurity is involved in our three categories of fear. When it comes to impending danger, on an emotional level we feel like our very existence is being threatened. The “impending” aspect means there is a strong sense of urgency involved. This is why we tend to react automatically. It’s programmed into our survival instinct. Our sense of security is directly linked to our survival instinct on the deepest level.
Tragedy and loss rock the very foundations of our world. Our sense of security is deeply rooted in our physical wellbeing and our close relationships with loved ones. Any threat or loss in these areas triggers a corresponding sense of insecurity.
Uncertainty has a different relationship with our sense of security than the other two categories. Fears included in this category are an expression of an existing sense of insecurity that is being projected into the future. If you want to reduce the level of fear in your life, this is the place to start.
Dealing with the “what if syndrome”
Changing the way we deal with impending danger or tragedy is very involved. These are either major emotional events that involve a healing process, or sudden, unexpected situations. However, most of the crippling effects of fear that limit people on a daily basis fall under the heading of uncertainty.
There are an almost limitless host of emotional conditions that depend on the what if syndrome for their existence. Anxiety is one of the more prevalent. Even depression is often based on a sense of hopelessness about the future. Changing the emotional anchors we attach to our perception of the future can work wonders.
Negative thoughts produce negative results
What if syndrome is a negative mindset being expressed in a future tense. Since the mind is only creative, this is an extremely dangerous way to project your energy. It can easily become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
This is true even if your thoughts are something like “I hope I don’t… (lose my job, get cancer, spend the rest of my life alone,etc).” What you are really projecting is “I’m afraid I might…” So, right away your creative mind goes to work looking for a way to manifest the very result you are fearful of.
Change your focus, change your outcome
The obvious solution here is to stop projecting fear into your future. I suggest a twofold approach. First, you need to shift your focus in a more productive direction. Additionally, it’s a good idea to identify things that encourage feelings of insecurity and eliminate them from your life. This second step can have a huge impact on your overall outlook.
Replace negativity with curiosity
What’s so great about curiosity? Several things! It allows for many possibilities without trying to dictate or force an outcome. Curiosity is almost emotionally neutral, leaning slightly to the positive. And curiosity is inquisitive instead of judgmental.
The ability to view life as a journey is greatly enhanced by a curious nature. This mindset allows life to unfold naturally. Once we are comfortable with the unfolding nature of life, we begin to feel secure in the process. Change becomes something to embrace, rather than something to fear.
Reduce your exposure to negative input
What do you gain by watching distorted sensationalism on the nightly news? How is your outlook improved by long conversations that focus on problems you can’t do anything about? How does listening to chronic complainers and fault finders help you adopt a less fearful mindset?
Constant exposure to these things will only make you feel less secure about your life and your future, why go there? I’m not suggesting that you hide your head in the sand. I am simply saying that being bombarded by negativity will increase your feelings of insecurity and fear.
Get over the “what if syndrome”
Most of the things people tend to worry about never happen. And, even if they do, worrying about them never helps. It just robs you of your joy and fills you with fear. Truth is, most fear is nothing more than a figment of our imaginations. It’s an expression of insecurity based on pointless speculation.
In other words, most of the time “there is nothing to fear but fear itself.” Do yourself a giant favor, let it go!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
law of attraction
« Freedom Starts Between The Ears | Main | Power Start Your 2009 »
Saturday
Jan032009
Is There A Real Law Of Attraction?
Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 10:13AM
Is there really a Law of Attraction in the Universe? The movie the Secret and the writings of Abraham-Hicks have brought this idea of a law into our awareness over the last few years. We know gravity is a law because we have tried and proved it. Is the Law of Attraction something we can try and prove or disprove? Of course it is.
The challenge of this law however is that it is complicated because it means consciously directing our thoughts and emotions toward a level of vibration that will attract what we want. I don’t know about your experience of directing your thoughts, but my experiences tell me that this can be a challenge.
Let’s do an experiment for the next 30 days and see how this Law of Attraction (LOA) can work for us. Choose something that you want to attract into your life. It could be: more money, a loving relationship, your ideal body weight, a job you like, peace of mind, or whatever would make you feel good. Here are the guidelines for the experiment:
• You have to use your mind to imagine and feel what it would be like to have what you want in your life now. It needs to feel real to you.
• You must avoid thoughts and feeling that would indicate that you lack what you want. Lack only attracts more lack.
• You can think that you are beginning to feel what it feels like to live your life with what you want in it. It can feel uplifting to have what you want.
• You can enjoy life and feel the relief of moving towards what you want. If you can imagine it you can make it happen.
• You need to take time each day to visualize what you want and visualize or sense the vibrations necessary to attract this desire. When you wake up, before you go to sleep, and throughout the day are good times to visualize/sense.
• You must do your best not to make this an effort. This is not about doing something effortful but rather effortlessly.
• You need to have an open heart in this experiment. An open heart is part of the vibration of attraction.
• You also must engage your spirit, your higher power, your connection to the source of the universe. This spirit in you is more powerful than your ego/personality, which should not be involved in the attraction.
• You can do this best if you enjoy what you are doing. Make this fun and do it lightly with joy as a powerful vibration in you.
Yes I know this is a challenging list but I know you can do it. Please remember that being effortless in your effort is important here. Let your thoughts come into alignment, your heart make you joyous and your spirit expand your consciousness and very soon you will see results if this Law of Attraction is truly a law you and I can live by.
Saturday
Jan032009
Is There A Real Law Of Attraction?
Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 10:13AM
Is there really a Law of Attraction in the Universe? The movie the Secret and the writings of Abraham-Hicks have brought this idea of a law into our awareness over the last few years. We know gravity is a law because we have tried and proved it. Is the Law of Attraction something we can try and prove or disprove? Of course it is.
The challenge of this law however is that it is complicated because it means consciously directing our thoughts and emotions toward a level of vibration that will attract what we want. I don’t know about your experience of directing your thoughts, but my experiences tell me that this can be a challenge.
Let’s do an experiment for the next 30 days and see how this Law of Attraction (LOA) can work for us. Choose something that you want to attract into your life. It could be: more money, a loving relationship, your ideal body weight, a job you like, peace of mind, or whatever would make you feel good. Here are the guidelines for the experiment:
• You have to use your mind to imagine and feel what it would be like to have what you want in your life now. It needs to feel real to you.
• You must avoid thoughts and feeling that would indicate that you lack what you want. Lack only attracts more lack.
• You can think that you are beginning to feel what it feels like to live your life with what you want in it. It can feel uplifting to have what you want.
• You can enjoy life and feel the relief of moving towards what you want. If you can imagine it you can make it happen.
• You need to take time each day to visualize what you want and visualize or sense the vibrations necessary to attract this desire. When you wake up, before you go to sleep, and throughout the day are good times to visualize/sense.
• You must do your best not to make this an effort. This is not about doing something effortful but rather effortlessly.
• You need to have an open heart in this experiment. An open heart is part of the vibration of attraction.
• You also must engage your spirit, your higher power, your connection to the source of the universe. This spirit in you is more powerful than your ego/personality, which should not be involved in the attraction.
• You can do this best if you enjoy what you are doing. Make this fun and do it lightly with joy as a powerful vibration in you.
Yes I know this is a challenging list but I know you can do it. Please remember that being effortless in your effort is important here. Let your thoughts come into alignment, your heart make you joyous and your spirit expand your consciousness and very soon you will see results if this Law of Attraction is truly a law you and I can live by.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Herbal Remedies
Natural herbal remedies from the most popular herb garden herbs
June 13, 12:02 PMTampa Bay Sustainable Agriculture ExaminerRobin MontanyePrevious
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Herbs can be used in refreshing and healing teas
Image: flickr - thebittenword.comHerbal remedies have been used for centuries to provide relief for a variety of ailments. Home remedies can stop a headache, ease a stomach ache, relieve stress and help with an abundance of aches and pains all with the use of simple herbs from the garden. View the slide show below to see the beauty of herbs and to learn how to identify some of the more commonly used herbs.
In the Tampa Bay area, herb gardens can be maintained all year long and what's a better way to cool off on a summer day than a refreshing glass of peppermint tea?
Herbs and their uses
Calendula, a type of marigold, is applied externally in home remedies as salves and ointments for skin irritations. When used in tea it is used to relieve heartburn and to treat ulcers because of its ability to reduce stomach acid. Make an infused oil for use on minor skin irritations by combining 2 parts extra-virgin olive oil and 1 part dried Calendula blossoms in the top of a double boiler and simmer for 1 hour. Strain the cooled mixture before use. If stored in a cool, dark place, this oil will last for 3 to 6 months.
Chamomile is a white flower with a yellow center, very similar to a daisy, and makes a very relaxing tea. Use a tea infuser to brew the dried flowers into a tea. Chamomile can be added to bathwater to soothe fussy babies or for a great way for adults to relax before bed on a stressful day.
Echinacea, a purple coneflower, boosts the immune system. Simply brew the roots by boiling in water for 20 or 30 minutes and strain. Sweeten with honey if desired.
Garlic, although not as pretty as the others, if a very powerful and useful herb for both culinary experiences and for use in natural home remedies. Garlic is an antibacterial and anti-viral, and has cardiovascular benefits. It has also been said that garlic has cancer fighting properties. It is wise to note, that it is believed that once it is cooked garlic loses some of its antibacterial and anti-viral properties.
Ginger has been used to treat digestive difficulties for more than 25 centuries. Ginger root relieves nausea, motion sickness and indigestion and its anti-inflammatory benefits aids with rheumatoid arthritis. Ginger is cooked into foods, made into candy, used to make ginger ale, and used to make ginger tea, among a variety of other uses.
Lavender, a deep purple flower, is used for its relaxing scent and is used to treat insomnia, headaches and burns. Use lavender oil in compresses or in a bath or as a mild tea. Store dried flowers in a pillow for relaxation and to help insomnia.
Lemon Balm is a lemony scented leaf that is used as a tea or as a garnish for relieving headaches and stress. Use dried lemon balm in a tea infuser to make a refreshing lemon-favored tea.
Peppermint leaves are used to relax the muscles of the digestive tract this allows it to soothe stomach aches, and is excellent for indigestion. Use the leaves in a tea infuser or use peppermint oil.
St. John's Wort is a vivid yellow flower with deep green foliage. When infused, St. Johns' Wort makes a dark red oil. Place 2-3 ounces of dried or fresh-wilted St. John's Wort leaves in 1 pint of olive oil. Place the jar in a warm spot – a sunny windowsill works great – for 2 weeks. Gently shake the jar every 2 or 3 days to mix the oil. After the 2 week period, strain and press the oil from the st. John's wort. Allow the remaining oil to sit until any residual water separates out, then poor off the oil and store in a dark location. This oil will keep for 3 to 6 months.
Valerian grows wild in North America on plants that grow up to five feet. Valerian has long, fern-like leaves with small white to pink and lavender flowers that grow in clusters. Use one dropper full of tincture in some water at bedtime to benefit from its relaxing qualities. It is not recommended to make tea out of Valerian because of its foul odor. Many people prefer to just take it in capsule form to avoid the smell altogether. It can be used in combination with some other sweeter herbs to help disguise the taste; use with chamomile, catnip, peppermint and lemon balm as a soothing and relaxing tea or in a calming bath.
June 13, 12:02 PMTampa Bay Sustainable Agriculture ExaminerRobin MontanyePrevious
Comment Subscribe
Subscribe
Get alerts when there is a new article from the Tampa Bay Sustainable Agriculture Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use. Email Address
Include other special offers from Examiner.com
Terms of Use
ShareThis
Herbs can be used in refreshing and healing teas
Image: flickr - thebittenword.comHerbal remedies have been used for centuries to provide relief for a variety of ailments. Home remedies can stop a headache, ease a stomach ache, relieve stress and help with an abundance of aches and pains all with the use of simple herbs from the garden. View the slide show below to see the beauty of herbs and to learn how to identify some of the more commonly used herbs.
In the Tampa Bay area, herb gardens can be maintained all year long and what's a better way to cool off on a summer day than a refreshing glass of peppermint tea?
Herbs and their uses
Calendula, a type of marigold, is applied externally in home remedies as salves and ointments for skin irritations. When used in tea it is used to relieve heartburn and to treat ulcers because of its ability to reduce stomach acid. Make an infused oil for use on minor skin irritations by combining 2 parts extra-virgin olive oil and 1 part dried Calendula blossoms in the top of a double boiler and simmer for 1 hour. Strain the cooled mixture before use. If stored in a cool, dark place, this oil will last for 3 to 6 months.
Chamomile is a white flower with a yellow center, very similar to a daisy, and makes a very relaxing tea. Use a tea infuser to brew the dried flowers into a tea. Chamomile can be added to bathwater to soothe fussy babies or for a great way for adults to relax before bed on a stressful day.
Echinacea, a purple coneflower, boosts the immune system. Simply brew the roots by boiling in water for 20 or 30 minutes and strain. Sweeten with honey if desired.
Garlic, although not as pretty as the others, if a very powerful and useful herb for both culinary experiences and for use in natural home remedies. Garlic is an antibacterial and anti-viral, and has cardiovascular benefits. It has also been said that garlic has cancer fighting properties. It is wise to note, that it is believed that once it is cooked garlic loses some of its antibacterial and anti-viral properties.
Ginger has been used to treat digestive difficulties for more than 25 centuries. Ginger root relieves nausea, motion sickness and indigestion and its anti-inflammatory benefits aids with rheumatoid arthritis. Ginger is cooked into foods, made into candy, used to make ginger ale, and used to make ginger tea, among a variety of other uses.
Lavender, a deep purple flower, is used for its relaxing scent and is used to treat insomnia, headaches and burns. Use lavender oil in compresses or in a bath or as a mild tea. Store dried flowers in a pillow for relaxation and to help insomnia.
Lemon Balm is a lemony scented leaf that is used as a tea or as a garnish for relieving headaches and stress. Use dried lemon balm in a tea infuser to make a refreshing lemon-favored tea.
Peppermint leaves are used to relax the muscles of the digestive tract this allows it to soothe stomach aches, and is excellent for indigestion. Use the leaves in a tea infuser or use peppermint oil.
St. John's Wort is a vivid yellow flower with deep green foliage. When infused, St. Johns' Wort makes a dark red oil. Place 2-3 ounces of dried or fresh-wilted St. John's Wort leaves in 1 pint of olive oil. Place the jar in a warm spot – a sunny windowsill works great – for 2 weeks. Gently shake the jar every 2 or 3 days to mix the oil. After the 2 week period, strain and press the oil from the st. John's wort. Allow the remaining oil to sit until any residual water separates out, then poor off the oil and store in a dark location. This oil will keep for 3 to 6 months.
Valerian grows wild in North America on plants that grow up to five feet. Valerian has long, fern-like leaves with small white to pink and lavender flowers that grow in clusters. Use one dropper full of tincture in some water at bedtime to benefit from its relaxing qualities. It is not recommended to make tea out of Valerian because of its foul odor. Many people prefer to just take it in capsule form to avoid the smell altogether. It can be used in combination with some other sweeter herbs to help disguise the taste; use with chamomile, catnip, peppermint and lemon balm as a soothing and relaxing tea or in a calming bath.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
eye exercises
Yoga
[Yoga Home][Postures][Breathing][HolisticOnline Home][Meditation][Prayer]
Eye Exercises
The yoga practitioners attach special importance to eye exercises, for two reasons.
Firstly, a lot of eye problems in later life are due to a loss of tone in the eye muscles. These muscles become rigid, and this loss of elasticity reduces the ability of the lens of the eye to focus at different distances. It also causes the eyesight to become weaker. These exercises tone the eye muscles up and keep them elastic. If you already have eye problems when you begin these exercises, you will find your eyesight improving after a few months.
Secondly, any eye tension present will tend to produce a general feeling of tension, due to the eye's connection to the brain via the optic nerve. What happens is that eye tension produces an increase in the nerve impulses in the eye muscles. This increase in nerve impulses travels along the optic nerve and bombards the brain, causing a general feeling of tension and anxiety. The eye exercises will reduce tension in the eye muscles, as well as reduce general tension.
It is best to do these eye exercises while lying down after you've finished the asanas. This way you're resting after the asanas and doing the eye exercises at the same time, thus reducing the time taken to do your yoga routine.
When doing the eye exercises keep your eyes open and don't move your head.
Sitting (as in the exercises for the neck given above), open your eyes, then check on your posture. Is your spine erect? Hands on the knees? Body relaxed? Head straight? That is how you should always remain while doing eye exercises. The whole body must be motionless; nothing must move except the eyes.
Raise your eyes and find a small point that you can see clearly without straining, without frowning, without becoming tense and, of course, without moving your head. While doing this exercise look at this point each time you raise your eyes.
Next, lower your eyes to find a small point on the floor which you can see clearly when glancing down. Look at it each time you lower your eyes. Breathing should be normal. In other words, you don't have to do deep breathing.
Exercise 1
Move your eyes upwards as far as you can, and then downwards as far as you can. Repeat four more times. Blink quickly a few times 1 to relax the eye muscles.
Exercise 2
Now do the same using points to your right and to your left, at eye level. Keep your raised fingers or two pencils on each side as guides and adjust them so that you can see them clearly when moving the eyes to the right and to the left, but without straining.
Keeping the fingers at eye level, and moving only the eyes, look to the right at your chosen point, then to the left. Repeat four times. Blink several times, then close your eyes and rest.
Exercise 3
Choose a point you can see from the right corner of your eyes when you raise them, and another that you can see from the left corner of your eyes when you lower them, half closing the lids. Remember to retain your original posture: spine erect, hands on knees, head straight and motionless.
Look at your chosen point in right corner up, then to the one in left corner down. Repeat four times. Blink several times. Close the eyes and rest.
Now do the same exercise in reverse. That is, first look to the left corner up, then to the right corner down. Repeat four times. Blink several times. Close the eyes and rest.
Exercise 4
This exercise should not be done until three or four days after you have begun eye exercises given here.
Slowly roll your eyes first clockwise, then counterclockwise as follows: Lower your eyes and look at the floor, then slowly move the eyes to the left, higher and higher until you see the ceiling. Now continue circling to the right, lower and lower down, until you see the floor again. Do this slowly, making a full-vision circle. Blink, close your eyes and rest. Then repeat the same action counterclockwise.
Do this five times then blink the eyes for at least five seconds.
When rolling the eyes, make as large a circle as possible, so that you feet a little strain as you do the exercise. This stretches the eye muscles to the maximum extent, giving better results.
Exercise 5
Next comes a changing-vision exercise. While doing it you alternately shift your vision from close to distant points several times.
Take a pencil, or use your finger, and hold it under the tip of your nose. Then start moving it away, without raising it, until you have fixed it at the closest possible distance where you can see it clearly without any blur. Then raise your eyes a little, look straight into the distance and there find a small point which you can also see very clearly.
Now look at the closer point-the pencil or your finger tip then shift to the farther point in the distance. Repeat several times, blink, close your eyes and squeeze them tight.
Exercise 6
Close your eyes as tightly as you possibly can. Really squeeze the eyes, so the eye muscles contract. Hold this contraction for three seconds, and then let go quickly.
This exercise causes a deep relaxation of the eye muscles, and is especially beneficial after the slight strain caused by the eye exercises. Blink the eyes a few times.
Exercise 7
This exercise is called 'palming' and is very relaxing to the eyes. It is also most important for preserving the eyesight. Palming also has a beneficial, relaxing effect on your nervous system.
It's an ideal way to finish off the eye exercises.
Remain seated on the floor. Draw up your knees, keeping your feet on the floor and slightly apart. Now briskly rub your palms to charge them with electricity and place the cupped palms over your closed eyes. The fingers of the right hand should be crossed over the fingers of the left hand on the forehead. The elbows should rest on your raised knees and the neck should be kept straight. Don't bend your head. Do the deep breathing while palming your eyes.
If you are going to do the palming for longer than a few minutes, better sit down at a table, place some books or pillows in front of you to support your elbows so that you will be able to keep the neck straight, and palm the eyes in this position. If the palming is done for only a short period one can do deep breathing for half a minute or so at first, gradually increasing it every week.
Benefits:
This exercise helps to do away with eye strain, and tension. Your vision will get better and clearer as the ophthalmic, or eye, nerves receive a richer supply of blood. Some people use this to improve their vision.
[Go To: Corpse Pose (savasana) ]
[Yoga Home][Postures][Breathing][HolisticOnline Home][Meditation][Prayer]
Eye Exercises
The yoga practitioners attach special importance to eye exercises, for two reasons.
Firstly, a lot of eye problems in later life are due to a loss of tone in the eye muscles. These muscles become rigid, and this loss of elasticity reduces the ability of the lens of the eye to focus at different distances. It also causes the eyesight to become weaker. These exercises tone the eye muscles up and keep them elastic. If you already have eye problems when you begin these exercises, you will find your eyesight improving after a few months.
Secondly, any eye tension present will tend to produce a general feeling of tension, due to the eye's connection to the brain via the optic nerve. What happens is that eye tension produces an increase in the nerve impulses in the eye muscles. This increase in nerve impulses travels along the optic nerve and bombards the brain, causing a general feeling of tension and anxiety. The eye exercises will reduce tension in the eye muscles, as well as reduce general tension.
It is best to do these eye exercises while lying down after you've finished the asanas. This way you're resting after the asanas and doing the eye exercises at the same time, thus reducing the time taken to do your yoga routine.
When doing the eye exercises keep your eyes open and don't move your head.
Sitting (as in the exercises for the neck given above), open your eyes, then check on your posture. Is your spine erect? Hands on the knees? Body relaxed? Head straight? That is how you should always remain while doing eye exercises. The whole body must be motionless; nothing must move except the eyes.
Raise your eyes and find a small point that you can see clearly without straining, without frowning, without becoming tense and, of course, without moving your head. While doing this exercise look at this point each time you raise your eyes.
Next, lower your eyes to find a small point on the floor which you can see clearly when glancing down. Look at it each time you lower your eyes. Breathing should be normal. In other words, you don't have to do deep breathing.
Exercise 1
Move your eyes upwards as far as you can, and then downwards as far as you can. Repeat four more times. Blink quickly a few times 1 to relax the eye muscles.
Exercise 2
Now do the same using points to your right and to your left, at eye level. Keep your raised fingers or two pencils on each side as guides and adjust them so that you can see them clearly when moving the eyes to the right and to the left, but without straining.
Keeping the fingers at eye level, and moving only the eyes, look to the right at your chosen point, then to the left. Repeat four times. Blink several times, then close your eyes and rest.
Exercise 3
Choose a point you can see from the right corner of your eyes when you raise them, and another that you can see from the left corner of your eyes when you lower them, half closing the lids. Remember to retain your original posture: spine erect, hands on knees, head straight and motionless.
Look at your chosen point in right corner up, then to the one in left corner down. Repeat four times. Blink several times. Close the eyes and rest.
Now do the same exercise in reverse. That is, first look to the left corner up, then to the right corner down. Repeat four times. Blink several times. Close the eyes and rest.
Exercise 4
This exercise should not be done until three or four days after you have begun eye exercises given here.
Slowly roll your eyes first clockwise, then counterclockwise as follows: Lower your eyes and look at the floor, then slowly move the eyes to the left, higher and higher until you see the ceiling. Now continue circling to the right, lower and lower down, until you see the floor again. Do this slowly, making a full-vision circle. Blink, close your eyes and rest. Then repeat the same action counterclockwise.
Do this five times then blink the eyes for at least five seconds.
When rolling the eyes, make as large a circle as possible, so that you feet a little strain as you do the exercise. This stretches the eye muscles to the maximum extent, giving better results.
Exercise 5
Next comes a changing-vision exercise. While doing it you alternately shift your vision from close to distant points several times.
Take a pencil, or use your finger, and hold it under the tip of your nose. Then start moving it away, without raising it, until you have fixed it at the closest possible distance where you can see it clearly without any blur. Then raise your eyes a little, look straight into the distance and there find a small point which you can also see very clearly.
Now look at the closer point-the pencil or your finger tip then shift to the farther point in the distance. Repeat several times, blink, close your eyes and squeeze them tight.
Exercise 6
Close your eyes as tightly as you possibly can. Really squeeze the eyes, so the eye muscles contract. Hold this contraction for three seconds, and then let go quickly.
This exercise causes a deep relaxation of the eye muscles, and is especially beneficial after the slight strain caused by the eye exercises. Blink the eyes a few times.
Exercise 7
This exercise is called 'palming' and is very relaxing to the eyes. It is also most important for preserving the eyesight. Palming also has a beneficial, relaxing effect on your nervous system.
It's an ideal way to finish off the eye exercises.
Remain seated on the floor. Draw up your knees, keeping your feet on the floor and slightly apart. Now briskly rub your palms to charge them with electricity and place the cupped palms over your closed eyes. The fingers of the right hand should be crossed over the fingers of the left hand on the forehead. The elbows should rest on your raised knees and the neck should be kept straight. Don't bend your head. Do the deep breathing while palming your eyes.
If you are going to do the palming for longer than a few minutes, better sit down at a table, place some books or pillows in front of you to support your elbows so that you will be able to keep the neck straight, and palm the eyes in this position. If the palming is done for only a short period one can do deep breathing for half a minute or so at first, gradually increasing it every week.
Benefits:
This exercise helps to do away with eye strain, and tension. Your vision will get better and clearer as the ophthalmic, or eye, nerves receive a richer supply of blood. Some people use this to improve their vision.
[Go To: Corpse Pose (savasana) ]
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
safe water
The Health Benefits of Drinking Water
Even in developed countries there are cases of people falling sick and even dying from drinking unsafe water. It is no secret that there is a correlation between contaminated drinking water and a variety of diseases and health problems. It is necessary and prudent to be aware of the different water contaminants, especially the most common ones.
Groundwater and surface water can actually be contaminated in a number of ways. It is very easy for a contaminant to seep, wash or deposit itself in close proximity to the water that you drink. The most common contaminants are:
Living organisms: these bacteria are commonly found in septic tanks and manure
Domestic contaminants: can often occur when ordinary household products like soap or fertilizer mix with drinking water.
Industrial contaminants: these pollutants may be emitted by industry or by a gradual build-up over the years and always in the case of an industrial accident.
Protect Yourself with a drinking water filtration system
The health benefits of drinking clean water are many and thankfully with the right tools, getting clean water is easily done. There are several steps you can take to ensure that your water is safe to drink including:
-Mandatory testing (water quality check) of your water supply using our water test kits or through a certified laboratory will provide you with the most important information to select the appropriate water treatment system.
-Having an appropriate water filtration system: we offer a variety of drinking water filtration systems that are specifically designed for a home application. Our models differ only in the quantity and type of filtration, but all can provide water that is free from chlorine, sediment, bacteria or other contaminants.
-Excel Water Technologies Inc. provides you a detailed solution finder which will help you identify your specific requirements.
Your Best Defense
Being aware of the health benefits of purified drinking water for yourself and your family gives you reason enough to ensure that your own water is clean and safe to drink. Excel Water Technologies Inc. is able to offer you the right solutions with a number of water filtration systems that meet your specific needs.
Contact us with your inquiries: info@excelwater.com
Even in developed countries there are cases of people falling sick and even dying from drinking unsafe water. It is no secret that there is a correlation between contaminated drinking water and a variety of diseases and health problems. It is necessary and prudent to be aware of the different water contaminants, especially the most common ones.
Groundwater and surface water can actually be contaminated in a number of ways. It is very easy for a contaminant to seep, wash or deposit itself in close proximity to the water that you drink. The most common contaminants are:
Living organisms: these bacteria are commonly found in septic tanks and manure
Domestic contaminants: can often occur when ordinary household products like soap or fertilizer mix with drinking water.
Industrial contaminants: these pollutants may be emitted by industry or by a gradual build-up over the years and always in the case of an industrial accident.
Protect Yourself with a drinking water filtration system
The health benefits of drinking clean water are many and thankfully with the right tools, getting clean water is easily done. There are several steps you can take to ensure that your water is safe to drink including:
-Mandatory testing (water quality check) of your water supply using our water test kits or through a certified laboratory will provide you with the most important information to select the appropriate water treatment system.
-Having an appropriate water filtration system: we offer a variety of drinking water filtration systems that are specifically designed for a home application. Our models differ only in the quantity and type of filtration, but all can provide water that is free from chlorine, sediment, bacteria or other contaminants.
-Excel Water Technologies Inc. provides you a detailed solution finder which will help you identify your specific requirements.
Your Best Defense
Being aware of the health benefits of purified drinking water for yourself and your family gives you reason enough to ensure that your own water is clean and safe to drink. Excel Water Technologies Inc. is able to offer you the right solutions with a number of water filtration systems that meet your specific needs.
Contact us with your inquiries: info@excelwater.com
Friday, May 21, 2010
pesticides
EWG's list of non-organic pesticide content in produce (US-based)
Scientists have found that exposure to pesticide residues on vegetables and fruit may double a child's risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) a condition that causes inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity or a combination of all three in children.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between three and seven percent of school age children in the United States have ADHD, which makes them impulsive and impairs concentration in the classroom.
In the study, researchers with the University of Montreal and Harvard University tested the urine of more than 1,100 children, between the ages of eight and 15, looking for breakdown products of organophosphate pesticides. 119 of the children in the study had been diagnosed with ADHD.
"What we saw was that the higher the level of pesticide residues in the urine, the higher the risk of ADHD in the children," said Maryse Bouchard, who led the team of researchers.
Investigators found the risk of ADHD was almost double in youngsters with higher levels of the most common breakdown metabolite, compared to children with nearly undetectable levels.
Researchers say 40 organophosphate pesticides are registered with the U.S. government.
Organophosphates are among the most widely used pesticides by growers to protect fruit and vegetables. Studies have showed that organophosphates cause hyperactivity and cognitive defects in laboratory animals, as well as neural changes.
Bouchard, who is with the University of Montreal's Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, says she is not surprised by the finding, although she cautions it is too early to draw any firm conclusions.
"We can't affirm that exposure to pesticides is causing ADHD," she added. "We would need a different kind of study to say that."
Lynn Goldman is with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health in Baltimore. Goldman says the use of pesticides, including organophosphates, is widespread in developing countries, where children are exposed to high levels of pesticides through farming.
"Those kids have much more serious, much more severe, neurological problems," said Goldman. "So, we do see evidence of effects in those populations globally."
Goldman says studies will probably now be conducted in other nations to determine how pesticides affect brain development in children.
A 2008 study of produce in the United States found organophosphate residues in 28 percent of frozen blueberry samples, 25 percent of fresh strawberry samples and 19 percent of celery samples.
The new study on pesticides and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder appears in the journal Pediatrics.
Scientists have found that exposure to pesticide residues on vegetables and fruit may double a child's risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) a condition that causes inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity or a combination of all three in children.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between three and seven percent of school age children in the United States have ADHD, which makes them impulsive and impairs concentration in the classroom.
In the study, researchers with the University of Montreal and Harvard University tested the urine of more than 1,100 children, between the ages of eight and 15, looking for breakdown products of organophosphate pesticides. 119 of the children in the study had been diagnosed with ADHD.
"What we saw was that the higher the level of pesticide residues in the urine, the higher the risk of ADHD in the children," said Maryse Bouchard, who led the team of researchers.
Investigators found the risk of ADHD was almost double in youngsters with higher levels of the most common breakdown metabolite, compared to children with nearly undetectable levels.
Researchers say 40 organophosphate pesticides are registered with the U.S. government.
Organophosphates are among the most widely used pesticides by growers to protect fruit and vegetables. Studies have showed that organophosphates cause hyperactivity and cognitive defects in laboratory animals, as well as neural changes.
Bouchard, who is with the University of Montreal's Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, says she is not surprised by the finding, although she cautions it is too early to draw any firm conclusions.
"We can't affirm that exposure to pesticides is causing ADHD," she added. "We would need a different kind of study to say that."
Lynn Goldman is with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health in Baltimore. Goldman says the use of pesticides, including organophosphates, is widespread in developing countries, where children are exposed to high levels of pesticides through farming.
"Those kids have much more serious, much more severe, neurological problems," said Goldman. "So, we do see evidence of effects in those populations globally."
Goldman says studies will probably now be conducted in other nations to determine how pesticides affect brain development in children.
A 2008 study of produce in the United States found organophosphate residues in 28 percent of frozen blueberry samples, 25 percent of fresh strawberry samples and 19 percent of celery samples.
The new study on pesticides and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder appears in the journal Pediatrics.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
sleep
11 Reasons Why You Absolutely Need More Sleep
There’s nothing better than that feeling of waking up completely and utterly refreshed. Feeling so good that you virtually spring out of bed, already enthusing about how marvelous the day ahead is sure to be.
Of course it’s a shame that the last time you woke feeling that way was on summer break in your college days, but hey - that’s the way it goes, isn’t it?
These days, sleep is little more than something that cuts into your every-day hectic schedule. Sure, you love going to sleep, and you definitely acknowledge that you need to sleep at least a few hours, but the reality is that you simply cannot prioritize it above everything else in your life. I mean, you're already behind on Twitter messages as it is.
Besides, you function extremely well on just 5 or 6 hours thank-you very much. In fact, you’re quite proud of it.
Well sorry to burst your bubble, but what if I were to tell you that lack of sleep is one of the Western world’s foremost reasons for increased obesity, heart disease, and diabetes? That it’s physiologically impossible for you to ‘get away with’ a lack of sleep? The truth is that what you in fact have is a very massive and very demanding sleep debt. And the interest is mounting.
It’s funny how you can start to make just a little more time for something when you truly believe and understand how important it is. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the foremost reasons for a good night’s sleep. Read these and you’ll soon realize that not only can sleep transform your weight and your health, it just might save your life.
1.Studies have shown that staying up all night long (being awake for 17 or more hours) can leave you with a reaction response comparable to that of an intoxicated person with a blood alcohol reading of greater than 0.5. This makes you a definite danger to yourself and to others. Of course this lack of physical and mental control does not simply ‘happen’ at minus 8 hours. For every hour you stay awake you decrease your ability to focus and perform throughout the coming days.
2.Insufficient sleep results in an incomplete hormonal cycle. This means your body cannot produce daytime hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline when it needs them first thing. As a result, you depend on stimulants to keep you going, and set yourself up for another poor night’s sleep. You can’t escape the always tired but always wired cycle you’ve set up for yourself.
3.A classic symptom of this ‘tired but wired’ cycle is not feeling hungry in the morning, or feeling nauseous when you do eat breakfast. Never imagine that this is a convenient way to save on time and calories – the food that you eat first thing stimulates your metabolism and aids in detoxification. Without a good breakfast to line your belly you set yourself up for low energy and poor eating patterns the rest of the day.
4.A poor sleep cycle causes your body to create patterns that will enable you to handle the ongoing sleep of your go-go-go lifestyle. One of these patterns is an excessive release of stress hormones such as cortisol – particularly in the evening. Stress hormones allow you to keep going, but they’re also the ones that keep you up at night, and what’s more - they signal your body to store fat. And that’s regardless of how you’re eating or exercising.
5.Physical patterns such as the release of stress hormones are just one part of the equation. The other thing you need to consider is the compensation patterns that you yourself end up creating. An extra coffee here, a few pieces of candy there, the decision to have that mid-afternoon muffin. When you’re tired your defenses are down and it’s easy to think that these little things don’t count. But they could be the one thing stopping you from losing weight and improving your health.
6.Speaking of sugar, those mid-afternoon cravings are not just in your head. When you don’t have enough sleep your brain continually sends out urgent messages for quick energy. This is a survival instinct – it’s all about keeping you as alert and focused as possible. Will power alone can’t override these cravings - not when you’re fighting your own physiology. This just makes it harder to stick to your healthy eating goals, and the sugar slump doesn’t do you any favors either. The really scary part is that these daily indulgences can mean the hormone named insulin is constantly elevated and you’re setting yourself up for possible diabetes.
7.In fact, it’s not just the mid-afternoon cravings that’ll get you when you’re tired. The truth is that you’ll find yourself eating far more on a daily basis, and that you’ll tend to do it all day long. Breakfast aside, no doubt. You’ll also tend to make poorer choices – more processed foods, more sugary sodas, more starchy carbohydrates or fried foods. And it’s pretty tough to escape this cycle when your eyes are stinging and your motivation is at an all-time low. Leading sleep researchers T.S. Wiley and Bent Formby, Ph.D, in their book ‘Lights Out: Sleep, Sugar, And Survival’ show a close connection between a lack of sleep and the increasing existence of obesity in our society.
8.One of the most unfair symptoms of sleep debt is that inability to wind down come evening time. Of course it shouldn’t really be much of a surprise – not when you’ve spent the better part of the day jacked up on caffeine and sugar. And even if you haven’t, your nervous system is in overdrive which keeps you buzzing all night long but leaves you groggy and useless in the morning. There’s only one way out of this mess, and it’s not more coffee.
9.Back ache, neck ache, tummy ache, headache … when you’re tired it sometimes just seems as though everything hurts. According to Paul Chek, H.H.P, as stated in his book “How To Eat, Move And Be Healthy”, physical repair takes place while you’re sleeping, and it happens in the first half of the night – around 10pm-2am. If you skip those vital first few hours and hit the sack post-midnight with the alarm set for 6 or 7am, your body simply cannot rejuvenate your muscle cells, or indeed any of your cells. This leaves you physically weaker and with constant ailments.
10.Of course you could try going to bed on time and getting up super-early if you still can’t afford yourself a full 8 hours, but according to Paul you’d then you’d be skipping out on crucial psychological repair. This takes place approximately between 2am and 6am, and is directly linked to your mental focus, your moods, and your ability to maintain a positive mindset. Imagine the effects of a lack of sleep over time – small wonder so many people find themselves heading down the dark road of depression or anxiety.
11.It’s pretty hard to climb off the wheel of life when you barely have the energy to get through the day. Missing out on sleep could be costing you a lot more than you realize if it means you’re stuck in the rut of your day-to-day life and simply can’t even begin to contemplate what it would take to make some changes. Whether it’s testing the waters for a new career or a promotion, ending or beginning a relationship, or even just trying out that hobby you’ve been shelving for so long, chances are it’s not going to happen when you’re frazzled and burnt out.
Missing even half an hour of sleep every night adds up to an impressive sleep debt of 182.5 hours per year. There’s no short-cut to paying of this debt, nor can you outrun it’s constant and grueling effects on your health. Next time you tell yourself that you can get by, stop and consider just how big your sleep debt is right now. And consider that the nights are dark for a reason, that your body sends you physical and emotional responses to tiredness for a reason. Maybe it’s time to listen to those messages and see just what you’re missing out on.
The good news is that increasing your sleep by as little as half an hour, or even 15 minutes, every night can immediately and drastically improve the way you feel and function. For most of us it’s not possible to drop everything and implement drastic change, but the benefits of sleep don’t have to be a case of ‘all or nothing’. Why not treat yourself to an extra half hour shut eye tonight and start to soak up the health rewards right away?
There’s nothing better than that feeling of waking up completely and utterly refreshed. Feeling so good that you virtually spring out of bed, already enthusing about how marvelous the day ahead is sure to be.
Of course it’s a shame that the last time you woke feeling that way was on summer break in your college days, but hey - that’s the way it goes, isn’t it?
These days, sleep is little more than something that cuts into your every-day hectic schedule. Sure, you love going to sleep, and you definitely acknowledge that you need to sleep at least a few hours, but the reality is that you simply cannot prioritize it above everything else in your life. I mean, you're already behind on Twitter messages as it is.
Besides, you function extremely well on just 5 or 6 hours thank-you very much. In fact, you’re quite proud of it.
Well sorry to burst your bubble, but what if I were to tell you that lack of sleep is one of the Western world’s foremost reasons for increased obesity, heart disease, and diabetes? That it’s physiologically impossible for you to ‘get away with’ a lack of sleep? The truth is that what you in fact have is a very massive and very demanding sleep debt. And the interest is mounting.
It’s funny how you can start to make just a little more time for something when you truly believe and understand how important it is. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the foremost reasons for a good night’s sleep. Read these and you’ll soon realize that not only can sleep transform your weight and your health, it just might save your life.
1.Studies have shown that staying up all night long (being awake for 17 or more hours) can leave you with a reaction response comparable to that of an intoxicated person with a blood alcohol reading of greater than 0.5. This makes you a definite danger to yourself and to others. Of course this lack of physical and mental control does not simply ‘happen’ at minus 8 hours. For every hour you stay awake you decrease your ability to focus and perform throughout the coming days.
2.Insufficient sleep results in an incomplete hormonal cycle. This means your body cannot produce daytime hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline when it needs them first thing. As a result, you depend on stimulants to keep you going, and set yourself up for another poor night’s sleep. You can’t escape the always tired but always wired cycle you’ve set up for yourself.
3.A classic symptom of this ‘tired but wired’ cycle is not feeling hungry in the morning, or feeling nauseous when you do eat breakfast. Never imagine that this is a convenient way to save on time and calories – the food that you eat first thing stimulates your metabolism and aids in detoxification. Without a good breakfast to line your belly you set yourself up for low energy and poor eating patterns the rest of the day.
4.A poor sleep cycle causes your body to create patterns that will enable you to handle the ongoing sleep of your go-go-go lifestyle. One of these patterns is an excessive release of stress hormones such as cortisol – particularly in the evening. Stress hormones allow you to keep going, but they’re also the ones that keep you up at night, and what’s more - they signal your body to store fat. And that’s regardless of how you’re eating or exercising.
5.Physical patterns such as the release of stress hormones are just one part of the equation. The other thing you need to consider is the compensation patterns that you yourself end up creating. An extra coffee here, a few pieces of candy there, the decision to have that mid-afternoon muffin. When you’re tired your defenses are down and it’s easy to think that these little things don’t count. But they could be the one thing stopping you from losing weight and improving your health.
6.Speaking of sugar, those mid-afternoon cravings are not just in your head. When you don’t have enough sleep your brain continually sends out urgent messages for quick energy. This is a survival instinct – it’s all about keeping you as alert and focused as possible. Will power alone can’t override these cravings - not when you’re fighting your own physiology. This just makes it harder to stick to your healthy eating goals, and the sugar slump doesn’t do you any favors either. The really scary part is that these daily indulgences can mean the hormone named insulin is constantly elevated and you’re setting yourself up for possible diabetes.
7.In fact, it’s not just the mid-afternoon cravings that’ll get you when you’re tired. The truth is that you’ll find yourself eating far more on a daily basis, and that you’ll tend to do it all day long. Breakfast aside, no doubt. You’ll also tend to make poorer choices – more processed foods, more sugary sodas, more starchy carbohydrates or fried foods. And it’s pretty tough to escape this cycle when your eyes are stinging and your motivation is at an all-time low. Leading sleep researchers T.S. Wiley and Bent Formby, Ph.D, in their book ‘Lights Out: Sleep, Sugar, And Survival’ show a close connection between a lack of sleep and the increasing existence of obesity in our society.
8.One of the most unfair symptoms of sleep debt is that inability to wind down come evening time. Of course it shouldn’t really be much of a surprise – not when you’ve spent the better part of the day jacked up on caffeine and sugar. And even if you haven’t, your nervous system is in overdrive which keeps you buzzing all night long but leaves you groggy and useless in the morning. There’s only one way out of this mess, and it’s not more coffee.
9.Back ache, neck ache, tummy ache, headache … when you’re tired it sometimes just seems as though everything hurts. According to Paul Chek, H.H.P, as stated in his book “How To Eat, Move And Be Healthy”, physical repair takes place while you’re sleeping, and it happens in the first half of the night – around 10pm-2am. If you skip those vital first few hours and hit the sack post-midnight with the alarm set for 6 or 7am, your body simply cannot rejuvenate your muscle cells, or indeed any of your cells. This leaves you physically weaker and with constant ailments.
10.Of course you could try going to bed on time and getting up super-early if you still can’t afford yourself a full 8 hours, but according to Paul you’d then you’d be skipping out on crucial psychological repair. This takes place approximately between 2am and 6am, and is directly linked to your mental focus, your moods, and your ability to maintain a positive mindset. Imagine the effects of a lack of sleep over time – small wonder so many people find themselves heading down the dark road of depression or anxiety.
11.It’s pretty hard to climb off the wheel of life when you barely have the energy to get through the day. Missing out on sleep could be costing you a lot more than you realize if it means you’re stuck in the rut of your day-to-day life and simply can’t even begin to contemplate what it would take to make some changes. Whether it’s testing the waters for a new career or a promotion, ending or beginning a relationship, or even just trying out that hobby you’ve been shelving for so long, chances are it’s not going to happen when you’re frazzled and burnt out.
Missing even half an hour of sleep every night adds up to an impressive sleep debt of 182.5 hours per year. There’s no short-cut to paying of this debt, nor can you outrun it’s constant and grueling effects on your health. Next time you tell yourself that you can get by, stop and consider just how big your sleep debt is right now. And consider that the nights are dark for a reason, that your body sends you physical and emotional responses to tiredness for a reason. Maybe it’s time to listen to those messages and see just what you’re missing out on.
The good news is that increasing your sleep by as little as half an hour, or even 15 minutes, every night can immediately and drastically improve the way you feel and function. For most of us it’s not possible to drop everything and implement drastic change, but the benefits of sleep don’t have to be a case of ‘all or nothing’. Why not treat yourself to an extra half hour shut eye tonight and start to soak up the health rewards right away?
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