Thought of the Day...

I just happened across this brief quote from RALPH WALDO EMERSON...

"CONCENTRATION IS THE SECRET OF STRENGTH"

Think about this, next time you meditate...

HEADACHES? Try this...

Here is another great tidbit of information from YOGA JOURNAL magazine's e-mail messages.

The postural root of many headaches is the forward head position. In this position, the shoulders are rounded, the upper back is curved, and the muscles in the back and neck are tense. The first sign of a headache is often a tightening of the shoulders and neck. This contraction causes a reduction of blood flow to the vessels of the head, resulting in a headache.

If you're experiencing a headache, try stretching your shoulders and neck. Interlace your fingers behind your back, pull your arms up to the ceiling, and relax your head down to the floor. Or hang forward from the waist with bent knees and hold opposite elbows.

Above all, be aware of your posture in daily activities. Move your head back, roll your shoulders down, and stand tall and proud. Not only will your headaches melt away, but you'll feel more confident, alert, and proud.

WATER: The facts...and the fiction.

I want to thank my lovely wife Tiffany for sending this link to me. She is a subscriber to Yoga Journal's online e-mail list, where she receives a plethora of informative e-mails. One of her e-mails, which she received today, has really interested me.

For years, I have been told that it is important to drink 8 cups of water, each day. Not 8 cups of liquid, but 8 cups of WATER. Not 8 cups of Gator-Ade, but 8 cups of WATER. I think you get the point.

For the past few years, I have donated blood plasma, on a regular basis. I won't lie... I like the extra money that it brings in... but the main reason why I started doing it, is because I do volunteer work for the Utah Hemophilia Foundation, and my plasma helps my friends with bleeding disorders.

As part of the plasma process, you are encouraged to drink a lot of water both BEFORE and AFTER donation. You are encouraged to drink enough water, so that your urine is clear. You are told that caffeinated beverages will dehydrate you, so you are encouraged to stay away from them. Well... this article that Tiffany sent to me has some DIFFERENT things to say.

The following is a link to the YOGA JOURNAL article, entitled: LIQUID ASSETS, by Catherine Guthrie.

http://www.yogajournal.com/health/1736

Now, I understand that when it comes to the world of medicine (and the many things surrounding one's health and well-being) that it is a world in motion. I liken it to the continually changing theories about the way babies should sleep. When Tiffany and I had babies, we were told to lay the babies on their stomachs. Periodically this changes, and you will hear that it is best to lay a baby on it's back. Like the ebbing tides, so are the principles taught in the world of medicine. I'm sure these "facts" may be looked at differently, some years down the road... but for now, it gives an interesting approach to things that we have been taught over the years.

Cucumbers: One of my least favorite foods... one of the best for you!

Let me preface this by saying that I am NOT a big fan of cucumbers. I enjoy pickles, which is ironic, considering I don't usually enjoy anything with a vinegar base. BUT, maybe it's time for me to start giving them a little more attention.

Not only are cucumbers a high in fiber, but unlike most foods that are rich in fiber, cucumbers come with their own supply of liquid. This makes the cucumber one of your best friends, if you are in need of getting your digestive system moving. High fiber + liquid = exactly what you want it to... if you are constipated!

Also, cucumbers are great, if you've had diarrhea, as the amount of liquid helps to rehydrate your body, in addition to giving it some much needed nutrients. So there. Even if it isn't your favorite tasting vegetable, give them a shot. They'll do a body good.

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Now playing: ABBA - Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)
via FoxyTunes

THE WISDOM OF FORSIGHT

"TAKE CONTROL OF EVENTS WHILE THEY ARE PEACEFUL. PREVENT DIFFICULTIES BEFORE THEY ARISE. PREPARE FOR ROUGH SPOTS WHILE THE GOING IS STILL SMOOTH. DEAL WITH THE SITUATION BEFORE IT DESCENDS INTO CHAOS"

Lao Tsu (c. 604- c531BCE) China

ONE WORLD...

"The world will be balanced, when WE are balanced"

Tarthang Tulku (b. 1935/Tibet)

Nourish Yourself First...

This past week, I read another passage that was very thought provoking to me. It deals with the act of "nourishing ourselves". Allow me to quote from the passage...

'By bringing your own mind, body and emotions into a state of harmony, you become better able to nurture others'.

This really rang true to me. I have recently had surgery on my foot, and have been spending way too much time lying on my bed, and not nearly enough time focusing on my "inner nourishment".

In this same passage, it mentions five pillars of yoga that we can practice, to better nourish our inner beings.

1. Right exercise.
2. Right breathing.
3. Right thinking.
4. Right nutrition.
5. Right relaxation.

Although I have had plenty of relaxation, I may not have had the PROPER relaxation. Exercise? Not much, while recovering from the surgery. Right thinking? Possibly, but there is always room for improvement. Right nutrition? When my wonderful wife prepares the meal, yes... when I am left to my own devices, probably not.

As you ponder these five things, take a mental note of what YOU can improve on. Make it a point to change just one or two things in your daily life, that will help nourish your inner spirit. By doing so, it will better prepare you for your dealings with others. And if we all did that, well... the world would be a much better place.