Handbook for Life… 2010
Cross Posted (& Edited) from Linda’s Yoga Journey
HEALTH:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is
manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E’s — Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to meditate.
6. (Breathe)
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
PERSONALITY:
11. Comparing our lives to others is fruitless. We have no idea what their journey is about.
12. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones especially about things out of our control. Invest energy in the positive present moment.
13. Try not to over do. Understand limits.
14. Why take ourselves so seriously. No one else does.
15. Gossip drains precious energy.
16. Dream more while we are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. We already have all we need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Let go of our partners mistakes of the past. Focus on our present/future happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Make peace with our past so it won’t spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of our happiness except us.
22. Realize that life is a school and we are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons we learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. We don’t have to win arguments. It’s ok to agree to disagree.
SOCIETY:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is insignificant compared to what you think of yourself.
31. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends & family will. Stay in touch.
LIFE:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. (Higher powers) heal everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how we feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When we awake alive in the morning, be thankful.
39. Our Inner most is always happy. Release your “Inner Happy” on the world every day
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Yoga
Amidst a flood of menopause therapies sworn to cast off hot flashes, yoga appears to deliver. We don't often think of it for this purpose, but this Eastern-based meditative practice that focuses on using both physical and mental discipline to improve health, might play a role in lessening the intensity of menopause's most notorious symptom.
Even if the thought of trying it out hasn't yet crossed your mind, you might now be thinking, 'Well, if I'm going to get sweaty and red-faced anyway, I might as well do it in a yoga studio.'
One pose in particular, legs against the wall, promises to do this by calming the nerves and lessening stress and fatigue that are thought to worsen individual episodes. To assume the position, the yogin lies with her back on the floor and her legs fully extended up against a wall. Folded blankets or padding go underneath the hips and head, so that the shoulders and arms sink down, and are the only parts touching the ground. Three to five minutes of concentrated relaxation later and you're done with the pose.
And this isn't the only menopause-targeted move. Proponents of yoga as a therapy for menopause say there are a number of other positions thought to mitigate perimenopausal symptoms like hot flashes. As this trend continues, yoga studios all over the country are now even offering menopause specific sessions, where the entire purpose is to focus on a more natural remedy.
As with most forms of alternative therapies however, there are limitations of which to take note. To date, no well-designed scientific studies have documented a solid, reproducible connection between meditation and relief from menopausal hot flashes. Indeed, it would be difficult to do as hot flashes are a subjective experience and not every women feels them to the same degree.
A few studies seem to suggest a possible link between the two, and the Mayo Clinic lists yoga and meditation as a possible home remedy on their list of therapeutic options for hot flashes.
Even if the thought of trying it out hasn't yet crossed your mind, you might now be thinking, 'Well, if I'm going to get sweaty and red-faced anyway, I might as well do it in a yoga studio.'
One pose in particular, legs against the wall, promises to do this by calming the nerves and lessening stress and fatigue that are thought to worsen individual episodes. To assume the position, the yogin lies with her back on the floor and her legs fully extended up against a wall. Folded blankets or padding go underneath the hips and head, so that the shoulders and arms sink down, and are the only parts touching the ground. Three to five minutes of concentrated relaxation later and you're done with the pose.
And this isn't the only menopause-targeted move. Proponents of yoga as a therapy for menopause say there are a number of other positions thought to mitigate perimenopausal symptoms like hot flashes. As this trend continues, yoga studios all over the country are now even offering menopause specific sessions, where the entire purpose is to focus on a more natural remedy.
As with most forms of alternative therapies however, there are limitations of which to take note. To date, no well-designed scientific studies have documented a solid, reproducible connection between meditation and relief from menopausal hot flashes. Indeed, it would be difficult to do as hot flashes are a subjective experience and not every women feels them to the same degree.
A few studies seem to suggest a possible link between the two, and the Mayo Clinic lists yoga and meditation as a possible home remedy on their list of therapeutic options for hot flashes.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
reducing stress
Ever feel anxious when speaking in front of an audience? You are not alone. Social phobia or social anxiety - the fear of being criticized, embarrassed, or humiliated in public situations - affects millions of people. This fear may be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, or by factors such as low self-esteem, past rejection by peers, poor social skills, or a history of public embarrassment. Panic attacks are a common reaction among those with social anxiety, and can cause heart palpitations, trembling, blushing, nausea, lightheadedness, stomach discomfort, shortness of breath, and heavy sweating.
The good news is that there are natural ways to address social anxiety, and these simple tips are also effective against other forms of anxiety. Try the following:
1.Avoid coffee and other forms of caffeine; stimulants can heighten anxiety.
2.Do breathing exercises, an effective relaxation technique.
3.Take passion flower, a mild tranquilizer that's safer than pharmaceuticals. The recommended dosage is one dropperful of a tincture in a little warm water, or two capsules of the extract, up to four times a day as needed.
4.Take B vitamins and magnesium, which are sometimes helpful in dealing with the symptoms of anxiety.
5.Consider seeking therapy. Exposure therapy can slowly introduce you to the specific situations you fear, and hypnotherapy can give you a sense of what it feels like to be relaxed and open in those settings.
Feeling Anxious?
Relaxing herbs and supplements may help to quell anxiety. Visit Dr. Weil’s Vitamin Advisor to learn more, get your free, personalized supplement recommendation and discover other natural approaches that may help alleviate your anxiety
The good news is that there are natural ways to address social anxiety, and these simple tips are also effective against other forms of anxiety. Try the following:
1.Avoid coffee and other forms of caffeine; stimulants can heighten anxiety.
2.Do breathing exercises, an effective relaxation technique.
3.Take passion flower, a mild tranquilizer that's safer than pharmaceuticals. The recommended dosage is one dropperful of a tincture in a little warm water, or two capsules of the extract, up to four times a day as needed.
4.Take B vitamins and magnesium, which are sometimes helpful in dealing with the symptoms of anxiety.
5.Consider seeking therapy. Exposure therapy can slowly introduce you to the specific situations you fear, and hypnotherapy can give you a sense of what it feels like to be relaxed and open in those settings.
Feeling Anxious?
Relaxing herbs and supplements may help to quell anxiety. Visit Dr. Weil’s Vitamin Advisor to learn more, get your free, personalized supplement recommendation and discover other natural approaches that may help alleviate your anxiety
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
15 Life Lessons
15 Life Lessons
They Don't Teach You In School
There is the type of education we get in school and there are life lessons we learn along the way. Both are important.
The only problem is that life moves us far along before we figure out what's going on and the wisdom we hope to have gained is sometimes late in coming.
To spare you some of the hard knocks and trial and error, here are some life lessons to help you along.
1.As Richard Carlson says, 'don't sweat the small stuff', and most of it is small stuff. Much of the time we get stressed and worked up over "stuff" that in the grand scheme of things really doesn't matter. When we allow ourselves get too caught up in it we ruin our perspective and don't take time to enjoy the moment.
1.Life can be unpredictable and throw you some curves. Just say "never" and see what happens! To avoid the jolt when life's surprises come your way, be prepared by being open-minded and maintain the positive mindset that welcomes the life lessons offered.
1.The most boring word in any language is "I". It's wonderful to be self-confident and self-sufficient, however, it's not all about you. There is nothing more monotonous than hearing someone talk about themselves and their accomplishments endlessly. Being self-centered is not the same as having self-confidence.
1.People are more important than things. Relationships are more important than any material goods you may acquire on the road to success. Without the love and support of family and friends in life, material goods are not of much use. Setting your values and priorities can help you establish what's important.
1.Nobody else can make you happy. Your happiness and state of mind are your responsibility. It's up to each of us to know what it takes to be balanced and happy. Our relationships enhance our lives and make them richer, but they do not "make" us happy. We do.
1.Character and integrity count. It's important to be a person of honor. Your good word and deeds inspire trust and confidence from family, friends and employers. Be the kind of person others are proud to know.
1.Forgive yourself, your friends and your enemies. We are all only too human. All of us slip sometimes and make mistakes. Holding grudges and past hurts only serves to prevent us from enjoying life to the fullest.
1.A good joke can be better than any pill. Take time to laugh each day. Humor really is good medicine.
1.There are no substitutes for exercise, eating well, and fresh air and sunshine. Never take your health for granted or underestimate how much feeling good physically affects your moods.
1.Persistence will eventually get you almost anything. Never give up. Keep your goals and dreams alive.
1.Television probably ruins more minds than drugs. Get away from the TV and read, exercise, learn and stretch yourself.
1.It's okay to fail. Everyone has failed at one time or another. Failure is a great life teacher. It teaches us humility and how to correct our course of action. Thomas Edison had a great attitude towards failure. He said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
1.Learn from the mistakes of others. There's an old Zen proverb that states: "It takes a wise man to learn from his mistakes, but an even wiser man to learn from others."
1.Don't be afraid to show and tell others you love them. Life is short so learn to give and receive love. Love and be loved.
1.Live so that there is only standing room at your funeral. Be the best spouse, parent, friend, boss, worker that you can be and leave the world a better place than you found it.
"The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson." Tom Bodett
They Don't Teach You In School
There is the type of education we get in school and there are life lessons we learn along the way. Both are important.
The only problem is that life moves us far along before we figure out what's going on and the wisdom we hope to have gained is sometimes late in coming.
To spare you some of the hard knocks and trial and error, here are some life lessons to help you along.
1.As Richard Carlson says, 'don't sweat the small stuff', and most of it is small stuff. Much of the time we get stressed and worked up over "stuff" that in the grand scheme of things really doesn't matter. When we allow ourselves get too caught up in it we ruin our perspective and don't take time to enjoy the moment.
1.Life can be unpredictable and throw you some curves. Just say "never" and see what happens! To avoid the jolt when life's surprises come your way, be prepared by being open-minded and maintain the positive mindset that welcomes the life lessons offered.
1.The most boring word in any language is "I". It's wonderful to be self-confident and self-sufficient, however, it's not all about you. There is nothing more monotonous than hearing someone talk about themselves and their accomplishments endlessly. Being self-centered is not the same as having self-confidence.
1.People are more important than things. Relationships are more important than any material goods you may acquire on the road to success. Without the love and support of family and friends in life, material goods are not of much use. Setting your values and priorities can help you establish what's important.
1.Nobody else can make you happy. Your happiness and state of mind are your responsibility. It's up to each of us to know what it takes to be balanced and happy. Our relationships enhance our lives and make them richer, but they do not "make" us happy. We do.
1.Character and integrity count. It's important to be a person of honor. Your good word and deeds inspire trust and confidence from family, friends and employers. Be the kind of person others are proud to know.
1.Forgive yourself, your friends and your enemies. We are all only too human. All of us slip sometimes and make mistakes. Holding grudges and past hurts only serves to prevent us from enjoying life to the fullest.
1.A good joke can be better than any pill. Take time to laugh each day. Humor really is good medicine.
1.There are no substitutes for exercise, eating well, and fresh air and sunshine. Never take your health for granted or underestimate how much feeling good physically affects your moods.
1.Persistence will eventually get you almost anything. Never give up. Keep your goals and dreams alive.
1.Television probably ruins more minds than drugs. Get away from the TV and read, exercise, learn and stretch yourself.
1.It's okay to fail. Everyone has failed at one time or another. Failure is a great life teacher. It teaches us humility and how to correct our course of action. Thomas Edison had a great attitude towards failure. He said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
1.Learn from the mistakes of others. There's an old Zen proverb that states: "It takes a wise man to learn from his mistakes, but an even wiser man to learn from others."
1.Don't be afraid to show and tell others you love them. Life is short so learn to give and receive love. Love and be loved.
1.Live so that there is only standing room at your funeral. Be the best spouse, parent, friend, boss, worker that you can be and leave the world a better place than you found it.
"The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson." Tom Bodett
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