Perspective

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As each of us come to terms with our own reality, we can often become swept away in delusion and face heartbreak and sorrow when life unfolds in ways that are not anticipated. Looking beyond clouded vision and putting things into proper perspective will help to uncover truth and facilitate change.  Freeing our heart and mind from the pain of a past situation will help unlock the door to possibility and change.

Pain and suffering can help build strength of character and shedding some tears can be good for the soul, but finding clarity, realizing the truth and cultivating inner peace will help to quickly mend the broken pieces that prevent us from being whole.  Looking on the bright side and putting things in a positive light can illuminate self inflicted darkness and help diffuse an ongoing cycle of pain and suffering that can result from dwelling on the negative and in the past.  When putting things into proper perspective, it’s easier to see beyond the thoughts and emotions that cloud our judgment and can positively influence the action we take in resolving a situation that has profoundly affected our life.

As our life experience unfolds we begin to realize that everything in life has a purpose and that life will unfold for better or worse with its own perfection.  The deeper the pain, the deeper the lesson learned as we move forward on a path that will ultimately lead us to spiritual abundance and inner peace. Becoming aware of the cyclical nature of life and recognizing life’s natural ebb and flow brings us to a place of understanding, and a knowing that everything will be alright and things happen for the best.  Out of darkness comes light and out of sorrow, joy is born.  Through understanding, we come to realize the truth that joy is within each of our hearts and can only unfold if we allow it to.  Discovering that joy lies within us is a key component to realizing contentment, abundance and joy. Grasping and searching for something that comes attached to expectation will quite often bring pain, disappointment and sorrow.  

Putting things into proper perspective and learning to live with an open heart and without expectation will lead you down the road to finding inner peace and harmony will help to resolve turmoil and inner conflict that can arise from false hope and disillusionment.

A Means to an End

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The practice of becoming mindful,open and receptive to change is only the beginning of the path that leads us to fulfilling, personal growth.  Connecting to your inner self and maintaining positive balance is a key component of developing awareness and getting in touch with your authentic self.  Learning to stand as a silent witness in our own lives enables us the opportunity to have a broad an objective prospective and helps to steer us in a direction that will be most suitable for our personal joy and happiness. 

Sharpening our intuitive senses allows us to develop clear insight to better co- create our reality and manifest the dreams that are in our hearts.  Finding joy and contentment in the stillness of the present moment can be mentally transforming and allows us to move past obstacles as well as self limiting beliefs and behaviors.  Confidence, determination and achievement will become apparent as we move past fear and allow our lives the freedom to flow in the direction of positive growth and change.

Living in the moment can sometimes be perceived as living on the edge with careless abandon.  But,when mindfulness is incorporated into the way we perceive our lives, uncertainty and fear are able to subside and courage and action take precedence.  Surrendering to the vulnerability of what’s in our heart takes courage.   We can ponder and analyze, dwell in the past or project into the future but surrendering to the present moment and becoming inspired into taking action will become the means to the end that will bring our dreams and wishes to fruition.   

Awareness

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As we cultivate awareness, the path that we’re on seems to broaden and become more expansive.  Hope and possibility become more apparent as we gain insight into our life purpose.  Awakening to our life purpose is a rewarding aspect of opening our heart and letting the universe gently guide us in the right direction through our intuition. 

Increasing our awareness or expanding our consciousness allows us to see with clarity.  We learn to become a silent witness to our thoughts and behavior.  We begin to realize that we can transcend our thoughts and behavior and become an instrument of change in our own lives. 

As we become more aware, we can become more adept at transforming negative thought and readily dismiss fear and doubt .  Moving forward on the path of enlightenment is not without obstacles.  It takes mindfulness, dedication and patience to continually nurture our spiritual path. It requires a lot of self-examination and transformation.  Letting go of past pain and negative conditioning and beliefs can take time to fully release.  However, the reward of becoming free of the emotional barriers and allowing abundance to flow freely in your life is worth the effort and perseverance.

Allow Yourself to Dream

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Allow yourself to dream. Let go of practical thought and get in touch with your creativity and imagination.  Connect with your heart.  Envision the life you desire.  Picture moments that brings you joy and lightens your heart.  Encourage your imagination to take flight.  Nurture your dreams, allow them to flow,grow and inspire you.

Examine yourself without judgment and appreciate who you are and cherish the dreams you hold in your heart.  Work on engaging your vision, turning your wishes into plans and begin living the reality of your choosing. Go wholeheartedly on your journey and don’t allow resistance to stand in your way.  The path ahead of you may seem unclear but it will unfold before you and lead the way to your destiny.   With purity of heart, the right direction will become apparent and the choices you make will support your growth. 

Embrace the challenge of making small changes and realize how well they will fit into the bigger picture.  Set small goals and execute them without haste and excuses. Larger goals can at times be overwhelming.  Celebrate each day and embrace the milestones that you’ve accomplished and allow your daily accomplishments to leadyou to your next set of goals.  Keep your vision intact and allow for human error.  If your dream is clear you will mange to stay on track and continue to move forward. Clarity of vision will turn you into a force to be reckoned with.  It will reflect in your personality, your ability to be driven, motivated and accomplished. Take the time to dream and realize your potential, and stop at nothing to become the essence of who you are.

Don’t settle for less. Forge fearlessly into the future with confidence, strength, power and knowing.  Have faith in the unknown.  Exercise patience and free your mind of worry.  Allow the seeds of your wishes to grow and thrive.  Don’t allow fear and worry to lead you down the wrong path and allow you to deviate from your true calling.  Trust in your insights and allow yourself to become passionate and genuine in your motivation.  Challenge yourself to grow and create happiness in your life.  Allow the abundance of non material rewards to satisfy your soul and become your inspiration.  Keep your dreams alive and always remember that dreams can come true.

Letting Go

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There are times when life seems to move along briskly and others times when we feel that our lives are kind of stuck in a holding pattern.  It very well may be that negative thoughts, feelings and self-defeating patterns of behavior are standing in the way of our happiness and success.  It could just be the perfect time to lighten up and let go of extra emotional baggage that could be weighing you down.

One of the most common places to start is to evaluate what pain or grudges you may be carrying around from the past. After careful thought and consideration, it’s hard to rationalize any explanation for carrying around a burden that  should no longer be on our shoulders. While there are valuable lessons to be learned and wisdom to be gained from where we’ve been; holding onto negative feelings, thoughts and emotions can only serve to be detrimental, and a stumbling block to freeing ourselves and moving forward. It’s important that we work through our life experiences with resolve and process them as efficiently as possible as we live and learn.  However, it’s just not healthy to allow it to take up space and stand in the way of our happiness and abundance.

  As every season changes we need to till our own gardens, renew our faith and establish a new perception and perspective as we heal our wounds and grow inherently wiser over time and through our experiences. The validity of what once happened and how it affected our life is important and it enhances our strength of character and can also provide conviction and momentum to make a fresh start as long as we process the emotions and let it go.

Becoming mindful, and learning to witness our thoughts and behaviors can be beneficial in identifying which of our behavior patterns are working against us. This glimpse of awareness helps us identify, with clarity, the areas in our lives where we can benefit from making a conscious effort in order to initiate change.  Changing our way of thinking and establishing a new perspective can alleviate the weight from unnecessary burdens that we may have subconsciously carried with us for way too long.  Sooner or later, it’s critical that we realize the importance of letting go, and as we let go we create space in our hearts and our lives for new experiences.

Allow yourself to blaze a new trail, and follow your heart where it takes you.  Lead yourself down a new road and little by little begin to shape your destiny to reflect the life that you want to live. Self-realization and awareness will provide you with strength of character, and power to make the right choices and rise above negative thoughts and limiting behavior patterns.

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The Realm of Possibility

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Deep in the heart of everyone, there’s a dream.  It may sometimes be difficult to see our dreams clearly.  And for most of us, it takes time to recognize just what is that you would like to achieve in  life.  It might simply be about finding serenity and unfolding a path to bring you there; or it could be a grand aspiration.  Getting in touch with our passion and our purpose can inspire us to create change and reveal a new way of life.  Getting to the point of knowing what it is that you want from life can be difficult to ascertain.  Breaking through and identifying life goals is a powerful way of cultivating positive change.

Engaging in a quest for truth and enlightenment can be overwhelming in and of itself.  The practice of meditation can help to alleviate the complexity of life’s mysteries by quieting the mind and enabling the intuitive self to guide us in the right direction.  Finding the right direction in life may require time and patience as we gradually uncover the truth within our heart and discover our calling in life.

As we all know, one thing always leads to another and when one door shuts another opens.  As you are able to find clarity and can focus specifically on what is in your realm of possibility, circumstance begins to align with the energy of your wishes and aspirations.  The right people can appear and the right doors seem to swing open when you become aligned with your higher purpose.

Wherever you are on the path of self-realization, you can set goals and begin to take action as you move forward on your journey.  Taking time out of your daily routine to reflect on your personal goals is a good strategy to gain clarity and momentum in making an unwavering decision to move forward in your life with dedication and determination.

Journaling can be a good form of self-expression and can help in the process of achieving clarity.  Writing things down seems to help turn our thoughts into a reality. Once we see our thoughts on paper, it somehow becomes real.  Once we make the decision to accept our goals as our reality, we gain energy and momentum that can propel us to accomplish what we set out to achieve.

What truly lies in our realm of possibility remains to be seen. Our determination, persistence, and ability to overcome obstacles with perseverance will accelerate our ability to manifest our hopes and dreams.  Making it to our final destination of realizing our highest hopes and dreams may be not be instantly attainable.  Life usually unfolds gradually, exposing bits and pieces to the puzzle that will fit perfectly into our lives in the present moment.  But perseverance is about keeping your dream alive and making course corrections when necessary and getting back on track.  Finding gratitude for what is, at this very moment, can create a nurturing inner environment of peace, harmony and abundance that can illuminate your life, fill your heart and inspire you to shine!

Spring Transformation

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Spring is in the air!  The warm spring breeze seems to whisper the secrets for transforming our lives and realizing our full potential. The expansive nature of spring is conducive to connecting with our heart’s desire and inspiring our creative potential.

  

When we look out into the spring garden we can envision potential beauty.  A barren landscape can be transformed into an awe-inspiring garden. Clearing the garden of old growth and preparing the soil for new life will contribute to a thriving garden. Trees can be pruned to promote strong new growth by removing limbs that will impede the health and beauty of the tree.  Similarly, it’s important for us to clear out the past, and create space for new life experiences. 

Spring Cleaning of our homes; spring cleansing of our bodies, and clearing mental clutter will help contribute to clarity and enhanced vital energy.  It’s a good time to reflect on negative patterns of behavior with a new perspective and make a plan to renew our commitment to positive change and self-improvement.  Let the energy of spring lend its qualities of enthusiasm and inspiration; let it penetrate your heart and mind and allow your heart’s desire to surface and become apparent. 

Let go of negative self-talk, take responsibility and embrace  self-created challenges with determination and persistence.  Nourish and nurture your mind and body so that you can become resilient and can better persevere on your journey of connecting with your authentic self and realizing your dreams.

Spring Into Action

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There’s no time that reminds us more of the cyclical nature of life than springtime.  As the natural world begins to show signs of new life, we can also experience renewal within our own life.  Spring is great time to spring into action, turn over a new leaf, strengthen our convictions, let go of fear and move forward. 

As we shed the layers of winter clothing, we should also let go of the weight of the should have’s and could have’s, and go for it.  Let go of the perfect plan, the perfect time and place and just own the moment of a new beginning.  Taking the first step is sometimes the hardest step to take but it is an important one.  Taking that first step requires finding courage, and putting aside fear in an attempt to do what’s right on your journey of growth and self-fulfillment.

We are the Master of our own destiny and captain of our own ship. We are in charge of navigating through to our desired destination.  There’s only so much that we can plan, prepare and anticipate.  At some point we need to take the leap into the unknown.  Taking a leap of faith is essentially courage and determination that is used to overcome obstacles and breakthrough to finding success through accomplishment and achievement that may ultimately reflect as joy in our lives. 

Goals and aspirations are different for everyone.  What’s important to one person may not be as important to someone else.  If we look into our hearts and give our true creative nature the chance for self-expression and the opportunity to find joy in the simple things, it will help support us in our personal quest of being true to ourselves and being the best we can be.

The Spiritual Side of Success

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It's not uncommon that so many of us find ourselves struggling to obtain success.  For some, it seems to come effortlessly and abundantly.  Chances are, it's not a magic bullet but a shift in consciousness that paves the way for success. 

Freeing your mind and opening your heart is a powerful combination that bridges the gap of separation and brings wholeness, clarity and connection to spirit.   It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind we know as life, and find oursleves continually stuck in between a rock and a hard place.  But we fight the good fight, pick ourselves up again and again and we try our best to overcome difficulty and rise above seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Could it be our perspective?  Can the way we view life change everything?  Achieving success requires a lot more than just viewing life through rose colored glasses.  Finding success stems from a belief and knowing in your heart.  A knowledge that has faith in the unknown and unspoken and a reverence for true beauty in silence and the power of spiritual connection and wisdom.

Holistic Health: The Body-Mind-Spirit Connection

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While modern medicine continues to make great strides with scientific and technological breakthroughs, many of us are left wondering how a holistic perspective is still not used in a typical health evaluation. Despite the amazing scientific advancements in Western medicine there appears to be an overall disconnect concerning the multifaceted parts of the whole; neglecting to consider the mental, emotional and spiritual components that contribute to vitality and health in balance.

Conversely, Eastern beliefs and philosophies are hinged on the importance of the whole person, as well as their connection to the universe. The ancient wisdom of India and China reflect the importance of achieving harmony with nature through the philosophies and practices of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Both Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine have emerged from books of ancient wisdom that date back at least five thousand years and both belief systems have similarities in the shared view of the holistic nature of good health, well being and longevity.

Many people have found themselves dealing with chronic illness and struggling with subtle imbalances in their health that affect their overall quality of life. More and more health conscious individuals have turned to alternative healing modalities as a vehicle for self-healing while striving to find vitality and wellness. Innovate approaches to health and healing and the blending of alternative therapies combined with conventional Western medicine is an emerging trend known as Integrative Medicine. Integrative Medicine enlists the use of alternative or complementary approaches to healthcare under the supervision of a physician and is considered to be a partnership in healing between the patient and the physician. Integrative medicine supports the holistic health paradigm, recognizing the interactive influence of the body-mind and spirit connection, making relevant assessments and mapping out a plan to help achieve optimal health.

A holistic view of health and healing can be traced back through the ages. Hippocrates, a Greek physician that was born in 460BC, was known as the father of modern medicine and was regarded as the greatest physician of his time. Hippocrates, an herbalist, held the belief that the body must be treated as a whole. He is credited with having written” Let foods be your medicines, and your medicines your food.” Herbalism and medicine were essentially the same practice. The ancient Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Babylonians and Native Americans were all herbalists. The use of herbs is still a dominant part of the healing strategy used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine today. All over the world, as far back as the history of mankind, plants have been a primary source for healing and nourishment. Herbal remedies can play an important part in supporting good health. Herbal remedies have been used throughout time and is slowly but surely gaining credibility for their curative properties. Herbal constituents are used as a base for many pharmaceutical drugs and scientific evidence has increased to back the validity of the use of herbs in healing. The use of herbs in cooking, beauty care and healthcare can be an asset to a holistic health regimen. The use of herbs can be dangerous if not used appropriately and should be taken under expert supervision.

Abundant research supports the view that the human body works as an integrated system rather than individual systems. Therefore, it makes good sense to view our health from a holistic perspective and take into consideration how our lifestyle choices can influence our overall state of health.

Holistic Health Links

American Holistic Health Assoication
http://www.ahha.org/

Natural Center for Complimentary & Alternative Medicine
http://nccam.nig.gov/

American Association of Integrative Medicine
http://www.aaimedicine.com/

Office of Dietary Supplements-National Institutes of Health
http://ods.od.nih.gov/healthinformation/

Ayurvedic Medical Association
http://ayurveda-nama.org/

American Herbalists Guild
http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/

Alternative Medicine Foundation
http://www.amfoundation.org/about.htm

Transitioning into the Fall Season

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The autumn equinox marks the transition into the fall season. An equinox occurs twice a year, the vernal equinox in spring, and the autumnal equinox in fall. The characteristics of an equinox include equal periods of light and dark at all latitudes with 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. This is an optimal time for reflection and creating balance in our lives.

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Fall is a time of year that is undoubtedly about change. As the days grow shorter, the nights grow longer, and the winds blow colder, our perspective seems to change as well.  Fall is a good time to re-assess our situation, let go of what no longer works in our lives and move past limitations toward year-end success. Going with the flow and deviating from an original plan shouldn’t be interpreted as failure. It’s more about coming to terms with the reality of a situation an intuitively getting back on the right track. The outcome of assessment may mean reaffirming your commitments or changing gears and direction. In the midst of change we’re able to fine-tune our lifestyle and make necessary adjustments on the path to being the best we  can be on our quest for self-fulfillment and contentment.

When transitioning into the fall season with a holistic point of view, it’s important to take into consideration our emotional, mental, spiritual and physical well-being. Clarifying our emotions and letting go of fear and anger will help to create balance and replenish physical and creative energy. Identify the personal lifestyle habits that may undermine your health. Replace bad habits with healthy alternatives and be conscious of portion control and modifying consumption of unhealthy foods such as processed foods, chemical additives, stimulants and sugar. As the season transitions it’s a good time to establish a new cooking routine based on the available seasonal produce.

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Spending time in nature enhances our connection not only to the rhythms and cycles of nature but also to our spirit or intuitive self. Walking or taking time for self-reflection can be conducive to letting go of everyday stress and moving forward with clarity. Along with a healthy, nutritious diet, stretching, deep breathing and exercise will help detoxify the body, clear the mind, improve circulation, metabolism and immune function.

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As the cooling weather starts to settle in, we need to shift to foods that create warmth and and establish a warming physical environment to counteract the effects of the elements as the cold, dry, windy fall season begins to take hold. Living in harmony with the season will help maintain a strong and balanced state of health. It’s so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of everyday life and forget to take time for reflection. Connect with your inner wisdom and move toward positive change. Take the time to fill your home with the aroma of the comfort foods of the season, as it’s sure to inspire and warm the heart of all those that enter.

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Summer’s End

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Ah September! It’s a beautiful time of year. The cool crisp air on a September day can rejuvenate, revive and replenish the spirit. While the lazy days of summer are quickly giving way to the fast pace of autumn, there is still some time left to linger in the final moments of the season.  In anticipation of summer’s departure, the urge to submerge ourselves in the fast pace of an autumn routine prevails. The fall season, naturally leads us down a path of productivity and has long been established as time designated to getting down to business. As the light and breezy days of summer are dwindling, we strive to become more productive as we set forth on a journey toward achieving new goals.

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 The change of seasons seems to bring with it the opportunity for changing directions and establishing new ones. Starting new projects and developing new routines are synonymous with fall. It’s the perfect time to set in motion the steps necessary to implement a new plan and move closer toward achieving your dreams.

Getting organized and rekindling passion and determination is fueled by the energy of the summer sun. It may seem hard to regain momentum after a long summer but taking the time to clear your mind and recharge your battery will only lead to more focus and productivity for future endeavors.  So if you haven’t already taken the time to recharge your battery this summer, there is still time left to spare. Find the time to enjoy, reflect and embrace the simple pleasure and gentle beauty of summers end as the season quietly comes to close.

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The Food Movement

It’s fair to say, that in recent years, there has been a decline of the quality of the food system in America. There are major concerns centered around poor agricultural and farming practices and what can be interpreted as a highly flawed food system. It’s seems that we’ve all gotten caught up, to some extent, in processed and convenience foods.  With the rising cost of food, however, it has become more and more difficult for the average family to afford to withhold the highest standards in food quality. 

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There are many food movements that have recently taken hold that can help us to raise our voice and increase awareness to help protect the quality of food in our country as well as maintain sustainability and environmental protection.  Beyond the impact of factory farming and industrial agriculture, processed and convenience foods have sadly become a staple in the vast majority of American diets.  The Standard American Diet has been directly linked with chronic diseases.  Food issues have finally hit home with the high prevalence of diet related health issues in this country.  Thanks to First Lady, Michelle Obama, the concerns of Childhood Obesity and our cultural eating habits are now in the spotlight of the mainstream and it is beginning to garner the attention that it deserves.  You can even follow the Obama food initiatives on the Obama Foodorama Blog at : http://obamafoodorama.blogspot.com/  In addition to Michelle Obama, there are other pioneers that have dedicated themselves to leading the way our children eat at school.

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Alice Waters, Founder of the Chez Panisse Foundation established the http://www.theedibleschoolyard.com/

where educators integrate food system concepts into the core curriculum and students participate in all aspects of growing, harvesting preparing nutritious, seasonal produce.

Also Chef Ann Cooper, who is the self described as the’ Renegade Lunch Lady” is helping provide schools across the country with tools to transform school cafeterias into of source of healthy and delicious food for our children. with her program http://www.thelunchbox.org/.

There is a rise in organizations that support the Food Movement. There are organizations that prioritize the environmental and conservation concerns and others that recognize the importance of the health, nutrition and cultural aspect of food as well. It’s so refreshing to see this shift in thinking, and that there are so many passionate groups of people that are leading the way back a more natural lifestyle that is centered around good quality food and sustainable lifestyle choices.

Organizations like Slow Food USA, is leading the way in inspiring change and transformation in our food system while reinforcing the simple pleasures of good food.

http://www.slowfoodusa.org/

Food Movement Links

Environmental Working Group                         

http://www.ewg.org/

Center for Food Safety

http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/

Organic Consumers Assn.

http://www.organicconsumers.org/

Eat Well Guide

http://www.eatwellguide.org/i.php?pd=Home

Eat Wild

http://www.eatwild.com/

Sustainable Table

http://www.sustainabletable.org/home.php

Farm to Table

http://www.farmtotableonline.org/

Sustainable Living

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When we think of the word,sustainability, a global picture comes to mind. Global warming and serious environmental concerns seem to overwhelm our thinking as we look at the well being of the planet from a broad perspective. The idea of taking on massive global issues seems to reach way beyond our personal scope of influence.  Sustainability creates a global challenge that ultimately requires addressing economic, social and environmental concerns.

When we think of sustainability in terms of sustainable living, the problem seems less and the solution seems more individualized. The term sustainable living seems to create a clear path to a healthy lifestyle and a healthier planet.  It seems to break the problem down into smaller pieces.  It also brings to mind the collective impact that we can make as individuals as we make wiser lifestyle choices that gives birth to solutions that create positive change.

Getting back to nature and living simply, brings us closer to the Earth. Through our actions, we define respect and support the symbiotic relationship we have with the Earth through making a positive impact.  It’s not only the health of the planet that has precipitated concern.  It’s our personal health that has declined as a result of misguided attempts to improve our food system.  The health affects that may have resulted from industrial farming and mass production have yet to be fully realized.  The inclusion of chemical additives, pesticides, antibiotics, artificial hormones and genetic engineering may very well be undermining our health, having both short and long term ramifications.

So, when we think in terms of sustainability, the relationship between our own health and the health of the planet seems to be very closely related. Lifestyle and behavior can have a huge impact on our capacity as a society to preserve or exploit the precious natural resources that are available to us and future generations.  Our impact on the ecological systems is critical not only to the general health of the planet but also to our own well being.  If our land, air and water becomes polluted our ability to obtain optimal health becomes diminished.  In addition to the chemicals that we’re affected by through our food system ,we are also at risk of toxins that we’re continually being bombarded by in our environment. Chemicals in household cleaners and body care products can  have serious health implications. Our home environments also contain chemical contaminants that are often introduced through building materials as well as home furnishings.  It’s up to us, to self correct along the way and choose replacement materials wisely. 

Through lifestyle choices, conservation efforts and encouraging corporate social responsibility, sustainable living is within our reach. We can no longer be content with the status quo and allow big business to perpetuate the environmental problems that have come to the surface.  It’s up to us as individuals to make small steps toward big change.

Resources for Sustainable Living:

Center for a New American Dream

http://www.newdream.org

Co-op America

http://www.greenamerica.org/

Sustainable Communities

http://www.sustainable.org/

World Wildlife Federation

http://wwf.panda.org/

Rainforest Action Network

http://ran.org/

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The Farmers Market



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Summer is finally here! The sun is shining, the bees buzzing and gardens are growing.  In a perfect world we could step into our back yards and be able to pick the best produce the season has to offer,but most of us are not so fortunate.  The next best thing to being there is only steps away at your local farmers market. The sights, sounds, taste and smell of the farmers market evokes a feeling of excitement that is synonymous celebrating the bounty of summer season. 

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Fresh local food brimming with vitality and nutrients can be found at farmers markets across the country.  Not only does the farmers market provide access to fresh, quality food, it also provides an opportunity to connect the farmer with the consumer and helps to establish a link from the farm to the plate.  It provides an opportunity to take pleasure in the process of shopping for food while simultaneously supporting the local farmer and economy while reducing your carbon footprint.  According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the numbers of farmers markets have more than tripled in the past fifteen years.  There are now more than 6,100 farmers markets around the country.

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Consumers today, have a growing interest in supporting the local farmer.  There is increasing interest not only in obtaining quality produce that is preferably local and sustainable but also that meat and fish are also sourced locally with socially responsible practices.  According to the National Restaurant Associations Top Trends survey, locally sourced produce, meats and fish topped the list of hot trends for 2011.

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Visiting your local farmers market is a great way to meet local farmers and discover local food.  For most of us, living off the land, is only just a dream.  Thanks to the hard work and dedication of local farmers, that dream can be woven into reality. Celebrate the abundance of the season and support your local farmers market.

To find locations of farmers markets across the country or find out which local foods are in season  visit the Nation Resource Defense Council’s website at: http://www.simplesteps.org/eat-local

                                                  

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Getting Diagnosed with Celiac Disease

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It’s estimated that approximately 1% of the population in the United States are affected with Celiac Disease.  That equates to about 1 in every 133 people.   Many go on suffering for years without being diagnosed.  Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition and multi-system disorder which affects genetically predisposed individuals. Celiac disease predominantly affects the small intestine, although it can present with a wide variety of symptoms.  The small intestine is lined with millions of villi whose main function is to absorb nutrients from food. When a gluten intolerant individual with Celiac disease ingests gluten there is an inflammatory response which causes changes in the cells and damages the lining of the small intestines which can result in malabsorption and the inability to digest and transfer nutrients efficiently.

Many people that do not have Celiac disease can also suffer from gluten intolerance.  It is estimated that up to 15% of the population may have an intolerance to gluten.  While these people do not show evidence of intestinal damage they share many of the same symptoms as those affected with Celiac disease.  Hyper permeability of the intestinal lumen or leaky gut syndrome is a shared immune response.  This condition of hyper permeability will allow gluten to cross the blood brain- barrier and can provoke an immune response in any system of the body including cognitive and behavioral disturbances.

Recognizing Celiac Disease : by Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN., is an excellent book that illustrates the complex nature of Celiac disease. This book is a comprehensive manual based on the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference.  It goes into great detail about the complexity of the disease and numerous health manifestations associated with it.  The vast and varied symptoms associated with Celiac disease and gluten intolerance make diagnosis difficult and very often overlooked.   To learn more visit the author’s website at http://www.glutenfreeworks.com/.

Early diagnosis of Celiac disease is important.  The longer an individual goes undiagnosed and untreated the greater the risk for developing substantial damage to the lining of the small intestine as well as other health complications.  The only known treatment for Celiac disease at this time is a gluten free diet.   Although many people respond very well to removing gluten from the diet, others do not make a fast and full recovery and can spend years managing their condition and healing their body from the ravaging effects of the disease.  Early diagnosis has the best prognosis for a full recovery.  In addition, maintaining strict gluten free diet can be challenging especially if the affected individuals unknowingly ingests gluten.  While it seems rather simple to avoid, wheat, barley and rye, there are many other products that contain gluten that may be more difficult to identify. Commercially prepared foods often contain gluten.  Other products that may contain gluten can come in the form of modified food starch, food additives and binding agents. Medications and vitamins may also use gluten as a binding agent.

 Staying informed and up to date on new research, labeling laws and product information is an important aspect of keeping the disease well managed.  The Gluten Intolerance Group of North America’s website has a large learning section with PDF downloads that will help to get you started on learning  further about Celiac disease and gluten intolerance and provides a complete list of foods which are safe as well as those foods and products which should be avoided.  You can find the list of downloadable documents at:  http://gluten.net/learn/downloads.aspx.

Being tested and diagnosed with Celiac disease can be complex.  In addition to blood tests, having an endoscopy and small bowel biopsy will usually confirm signs of abnormalities in the small intestine as a result of the disease.  Obtaining a definitive diagnosis as soon as possible is highly recommended.  All of these tests require that there is gluten exposure in order to render positive results.  A definitive diagnosis is confirmed when symptoms resolve on a gluten free diet.  Removing gluten from the diet and reintroducing it can be very difficult and may cause adverse side affects for those suffering from Celiac disease or gluten intolerance. 

 In most cases adhering to a strict gluten free diet has shown to reverse symptoms of the disease fully restoring the health of the individual, but the time it takes to heal may vary greatly from person to person.  In addition to removing gluten from the diet, establishing a healthy and nutritious can play a critical role in healing bringing about positive and lasting results.  Additional nutritional supplementation can be helpful in supporting the healing process as well.

Being diagnosed with Celiac disease can be overwhelming and difficult for most to quickly adapt to immediate and permanent change. Becoming involved with a support group can help to alleviate the anxiety of facing the challenges of maintaining a gluten free lifestyle.  For additional information and to find a local branch and partner office of the Gluten Intolerance Group visit:  http://gluten.net/local-branches.aspx

Celiac Awareness Month

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The month of May has been designated as National Celiac Awareness month.  According to Beth Hillson, President of the American Celiac Disease Alliance, the majority of Celiac research centers and organizations in the United States support and recognize this observance.  The month of May was chosen in the United States to coincide with The Association of Coeliac Societies which represents 26 European countries which has also designated May as a month to raise awareness about Celiac disease.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that is triggered in response to ingesting gluten.  It is the protein found in gluten that triggers an immune response and a multitude of health problems can ensue. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats.  Wheat flour, starch and other forms of derived gluten are commonly used in commercially prepared products. Even ingesting very small amounts of gluten can have very serious implications for someone suffering from Celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Celiac disease is usually characterized by damage to the small intestine that progresses over time.  The resulting damage can cause malabsorption issues and gut permeability which can lead to further health implications that can cause a wide range of manifestations and complications that can vary greatly from one person to the next. Celiac Disease can be triggered at any point in a person’s life but there is a genetic predisposition to the disease that is evident and relevant to a person developing the disease. 

Gluten Intolerance is intrinsically associated with Celiac disease, however, there are many people that suffer from gluten intolerance and related diseases and may not be suffering from Celiac disease.  The symptoms of gluten intolerance and Celiac disease can be very similar and both conditions can be treated by adhering to a gluten free diet.

Diagnosing Celiac disease and gluten intolerance can sometimes be difficult.  The tests that are currently used for diagnosis have proven not to be 100% conclusive and there is a high rate of false negatives reported in test result findings.  The good news is removing gluten from the diet can have a positive result in restoring digestive function and reversing related health problems.

Recognizing Celiac disease and gluten intolerance is becoming more prevalent thanks to numerous research groups and Celiac disease and gluten intolerance support groups.  The Gluten Intolerance Group of North America is a non profit organization whose mission is to support not only those suffering with Celiac disease but also provide support to those who suffer from other gluten intolerance and related diseases as well.

Through educational programs, events and alliances with research institutions, support organizations and industry representatives, GIG has become a leader in the Gluten Intolerance Community.    By providing support nationally and locally through its growing number of branches across the United States, GIG offers a wealth of tools and information for living a healthy, gluten-free lifestyle.  For more information visit the Gluten Intolerance Group website:  www.Gluten.net.