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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