What Makes It ORGANIC?

by Daisy Villa

I remember when a friend came over a few years ago to borrow some ketchup. Of course the bottle I gave her was organic. A week later she came over to give me a bottle of ketchup to replace the bottle I had given to her. She was really sincere when she told me she was replacing my organic bottle of ketchup with a bottle of “natural ketchup.” I did not say anything to my friend, but I remember that day well. Since I am now an organic vegetarian I would like to clarify what is and what is not organic.

Knowing how to read labels and understanding terminology is extremely important.

As the demand for organic products increases, many companies are turning to foreign markets. So far the demand cannot be solely met by American farmers.

I would like to warn you that those foods that are marketed “imported organic” may fall short and pose hidden risks for the American consumer. Organic products from other countries do not necessarily follow the required American guidelines. Some countries have nonexistent environmental laws, virtually no organic definitions, and have substandard labor laws and practices.

Ultimately, the question of organic centers not only on pesticides, but also agricultural practices. Organic products are so vast that I am going to focus on organic foods.

Foods labeled “free range,” “cage free” or “all natural” do not necessarily meet the definition of organic. Products labeled organic and 100% organic must meet the following standards:

ORGANIC: These foods can display the USDA Organic seal. They exclude water and salt and at least 95% of content is organic by weight. The remaining ingredients must consist of National List-approved non-agricultural substances or non-organically produced agricultural produced products not commercially available in organic form.

100% ORGANIC: These foods can display the USDA Organic seal. They exclude salt and water. These products must contain only organically produced ingredients.

MADE WITH ORGANIC: These foods cannot display the USDA Organic seal. They should be at least 70 percent organic in content. The front of the product can display “Made with Organic.” This is followed by up to three specific organic ingredients.

CONTENT IS LESS THAN 70% ORGANIC: These foods cannot display the USDA Organic seal. They are only allowed to list the organic ingredients on the ingredient panel. They cannot mention the word organic on the main or front panel.

Fresh produce have labels with a five digit number. Numbers starting with “9” indicate organic and numbers starting with “4” indicate that standard farming practices were used to grow the produce. Standard farming practices include the use of pesticides. If there is no label, you could very well be looking at GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) which are so toxic and dangerous. My recommendation to avoid GMOs is not to buy fast food and processed food. I also avoid corn and soy unless indicated as organic.

For many people, buying organic is not a simple issue. Principles such as animal welfare, local economy, environmental issues, labor and social concerns reflect one’s purchases in food and other products. I include myself in this group of people.

Besides food, I like purchasing products with as much organic content as possible  including bedding, clothing, towels, home cleaning products and skin care. I am expanding to water not only purified but alkaline water which is a whole other article.
 
I am far from being the final word on the organic question. All I can do is my best, by continually reading, learning, researching and surrounding myself with like-minded people and supporting people and organizations that are concerned with health, wellness and the environment.

Doing your best, is all you can do. Are you doing your best?
            

           
               Non Organic Label                                 Organic Label

Essential Oils in The Bible

by Daisy Villa

As we all know, during ancient Biblical times, there were no antibiotics or other drugs. Essential oils were mankind’s first medicine. Written in Chinese manuscripts and Egyptian hieroglyphics, physicians have been using essential oils for thousands of years for embalming, cleansing of the body both physically and emotionally and for bathing purposes.

Essential oils are the volatile liquids distilled from plant parts such as bark, leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruit and seeds. Producing the purest of oils can be very costly. It may require several hundred pounds or even several thousand pounds of plant material to extract one pound of a pure essential oil.

Today the vast majority of oils are being purchased and used in the perfume industry. But essential oils in a pure and therapeutic grade have many benefits:

* Essential oils are anti-bacterial, anti-cancerous, ant-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-infectious, anti-viral, anti-parasitic and antiseptic.

* Essential oils help transport nutrients to starting human cells

* Essential oils may detoxify the cell and blood in the body

* Essential oils have a bio-electrical frequency that is several times greater than the frequency of food, herbs and even the human body.

* Essential oils are the oxygenating, immune defense, and have regenerating properties of plants.

* Some essential oils are so small in molecular size that they can quickly penetrate the tissue of the skin.

* Essential oils are very powerful antioxidants that create an unfriendly environment for free radicals.

* Essential oils contain sesquiterpenes which pass the blood brain barrier. This enables them to be effective in alzheimers disease.

* Essential oils are aromatic and when diffused, provide air purification of metallic particles, toxins and odors, and inhibit bacterial growth.

There are 188 references to essential oils in the Bible. The 14 principal oils of the Bible are listed below in the order of the most frequently mentioned: Myrrh, Frankincense, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Cassia, Calamus, Galbanum, Onycha, Spikenard (nard), Hyssop, Myrtle, Sandalwood (aloes), Cypress and Rose of Sharon.

Frankincense and Myrrh are the best known essential oils in the Bible because they were gifts for the Baby Jesus from two of the Three Kings or Wise Men.

Frankincense has a sweet, warm, balsamic aroma that is stimulating and elevating to the mind. Useful for visualizing, improving one’s spiritual connection and centering, it has comforting properties that help focus the mind and overcomes stress and despair.

Frankincense is considered the holy anointing oil in the Middle East, where it has been used in religious ceremonies for thousand of years More recently it has been used in European and American hospitals and is the subject of substantial research.

Frankincense is also a valuable ingredient in skin care products for aging and dry skin. The ancient Egyptians used it in rejuvenation face masks.

Myrrh has a rich, smoky, balsamic aroma that is purifying, restorative, revitalizing and uplifting. It is a helpful aid to meditation, having one of the highest levels of sesquiterpenes available. Sesquiterpenes are a class of compounds that have a direct effect on the hypothalamus, pituitary and amygdala, the seat of our emotions.

Myrrh is referenced throughout the Old and New Testaments. The Arabian people believed it helped wrinkled, chapped and cracked skin. Today Myrrh is widely used in oral hygiene products.


During Biblical times, essential oils were used for anointing. In Exodus, the Lord gave the following recipe to Moses for an anointing oil:

Myrrh: Approximately 1 gallon

Sweet Cinnamon: Approximately fi gallon

Sweet Calamus: Approximately fi gallon

Cassia: Approximately 1 gallon

Olive Oil: Approximately 1 1/3 gallons

Essential oils are the life-enhancing gifts from the plant kingdom revered for centuries for their restorative properties to mind, body and spirit. May we always be mindful of the treasure of knowledge found in the Bible.

Eating RAW

I remember years ago when I heard that there were people who ate a plant based diet but it was also totally raw. As someone who loves fruits and vegetables raw, I still thought that a totally raw diet was extreme and I could not imagine that it could be tasty and seemed dull and boring. Today as a vegetarian on the verge of being a vegan, I now realize that meat eaters look at me as extreme, somone out of the ordinary and of course I must be eating boring and unexciting food.

I thought it was time for me to know and understand eating raw. I called raw foodist and expert, Michele Marie Jeppson, the founder and editor of Super Raw Life Magazine. Michele is not some crazy extremist. She lives and works in Utah with her husband and children. Other than having a raw diet, she is just like many American women.

Michele had no intention to become a raw foodist. In 2009, she joined Strength From Within, a 21 day raw food healing and cleanse retreat. After the 21 days, she felt so good. She was able to lose a drastic amount of weight, the pounds literally dropped away. Since that time,Michele has maintained over 100 pound weight loss utilizing the raw vegan lifestyle.

 

Michele, Before and After …. WOW !!!

Benefits of Eating RAW

Weight Loss and Enzymes -Raw food is considered food that is eaten without being cooked or heated at temperatures over 116 degrees Fahrenheit. Raw foods contain enzymes which are destroyed when cooked at temperatures over 116 degrees Fahrenheit. Enzymes are crucial in the body and help with digestion. Enzymes help you body take the nutrients out of food before it passes out of your system. You can survive without enzymes but you won't get the maximum nutritional potential from your food. You will have to eat more food to get the same amount of nutrients with cooked food than eating it raw.

Focus - Eating raw helps focus on the things that are important and make you more emotionally in tune with yourself and others. You will feel like a wall of fog has been removed in your mind. It’s easier to think clearly and focus for longer periods of time

Eat All You Want -.You never get that uncomfortable full feeling eating raw. You can eat as much as you want. You will feel full but you don’t feel tired or weighed down.

Less Cleanup -There are few dishes, utensils and no pots and pans to wash when you eat fresh fruit and vegetables.

Less Trash - Eating raw means less packaging.This means less trash in landfills.

More Regularity -You should naturally have around two to three bowel movements a day. If you’re going less than that, it probably means your intestines are unhealthily clogged. A raw diet gives you enough fiber to keep you regular.

Connect with Nature - Eating fresh food just makes you feel different. You feel more connected to the earth and nature. Eating lots of processed foods — frozen, canned or from a box creates more of a gap and leaves you feeling disconnected from the earth that sustains you.

You don’t have to go 100% raw to see the benefits of eating this way. You can transition to a raw diet. Start eating vegetarian style and then eliminate dairy slowly.. Any increase in raw foods in your diet will give you noticeable and immediate results.

Like many people, Michele is an emotional eater.....food was and is an addiction. She said that eating raw one must be prepared. You must have the right equipment such as a good juicer and dehydrator do make preparing raw dishes easier, but they are not necessary to begin a raw lifestyle. Being prepared also means stocking your pantry and your refrigerator with foodsto create your raw meals and snacks.

Suggested Items To Have In Your Pantry
* Assortment of nuts and seeds, sunflower, pine nuts, pecans, walnuts,
macademia nuts, coconut flakes (large and small flakes)
* Nutritional Yeast Flakes (To give your recipes that Cheesy Flavor)
* Redmond Sea Salt
* Psyllium Husk
* Flax seeds (powdered and whole)
* Chia Seeds
* Raisins and dates
* Legumes for sprouting
* Cacao Powder and Cacao Paste
* Cacao Butter
* Coconut Oil (great for puddings, soups, to sprinkle over salads)
* Sun Dried Tomatoes and tomato powder
Suggested Items To Have In Your Refrigerator
* Miso
* Coconut aminos, Tamari(Wheat Free) or Namo Shoyu (Soy Sauce Taste)
* Assortment of fresh fruits and veggies (carrots, celery, peppers, items for juicing
cucumbers, lettuce, celery, ginger, lemons)
Michele loves mushrooms and when she finds a good deal, she will stock up and
dry them in her dehydrator.She stores the dehydrated mushroom in glass jars and uses the mushrooms in salads and other recipe5a4e6aeef7views. You can find many delicious nutrient packed recipes for free on:

http://mail.google.com/u/0/?ui=2&ik=c5a46aeef&view=pt&search=inbox&th=13d42b7e6d4ed236

Meal Examples

Breakfast

Make a living granola.The night before, soak sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds) 1 cup of each. Then in the morning blend them with 6-8dates and 1/2 cup of raisins, stir in 1-2 cups of
coconut flakes and fresh berries. Make your own fresh nut milk- 1 cup nuts to 4 cups water with vanilla and dates. Blend till smooth and strain.Reserve nut pulp for cookies and other recipes.Juice citrus and smoothies are great .Keep frozen fruit on hand. Green juice for breakfast is a great way to start the morning

Snacks

Fruit, Crackers and Dip, Trail Mix

Lunch and Dinner

Big Salads dressed with a peanut sauce, almond butter,lime juice, coconut oil, sea salt
and ginger. And the ever popular pizza using portobello mushrooms for base of quick pizzas.

Here is the link to Michele's favorite Raw Vegan Pizza recipe:
http://www.immerwachsen.com/2011/09/21/mozzarella-sun-dried-tomato-pizza

Raw foods opened Michele’s mind and really got her creative juices flowing. She made the choice to transition out of the mortgage industry; it was a natural transition to do the magazine and focus on her photography. November 2010 was the first issue of Super Raw Life Magazine. The magazine is also a writing platform for other to share their ideas related to this RAW lifestyle. You can get a FREE digital subsciption to the magazine. Many people like the print version which is also available. Tne Fall issue will be in stores across the country and venues are opening up in Canada, Australia, Singapore, Brazil and selected countries in Europe.

Connect to Super Raw Life
http://www.superrawlife.com/
Subscribe to Free Magazine Subscription
http://www.superrawlife.com/Free-Online-Edition-Subscription.php
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http://www.facebook.com/#!/SuperRawLifeand **"LIKE"
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"Raw food is not limited it is limitless"

Michele Marie Jeppson

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Reiki

Reiki—The Healing Touch of Universal Energy

By Daisy Villa

 

Reiki is a Japanese technique or system of healing that is administered by the “laying of hands” on the client. Reiki has been described as universal life energy. It is the fundamental energy that creates and sustains the universe. This energy is not electrical or chemical energy. Reiki energy exists on a higher dimension than the physical world. Reiki comes from a High Power and practitioners say it comes from God, the Creator, the Source.

Reiki Practitioners are conduits for this universal higher energy. These may seem like lofty words. Energy is within all of us. This healing energy comes from the transcendental part of all people and connected to an abundant and infinite supply. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words, Rei meaning Higher Power or God’s Wisdom and Ki meaning Life’s Energy Force. Reiki is spiritually guided Life Force Energy.

Many holistic and spiritual techniques and systems are often considered religions. Reiki is spiritual in nature but it is NOT a religion. Reiki practitioners come from all walks of life. They are free to make their own decisions regarding their religious practices. This is also true for Reiki clients. While Reiki is not a religion and has no dogma, it is important to live and act in such a way that promotes peace, harmony, and good ethics with others.

The most common reference to Reiki in today’s modern world originates from the Usui System of Healing. Its founder is Dr. Mikao Usui. Reiki practitioners of this lineage can trace their teachers back to Dr. Usui. Without learning the traditions, philosophies and techniques from a qualified Reiki teacher, you do not receive important benefits and safeguards. When a practitioner is part of the Reiki training tradition, he or she has the ability to regulate energy and is protected from clients’ issues and illnesses. The ability of Reiki is transferred to a student during an attunement given by a Reiki Master. Through this attunement, the student is able to tap into the infinite supply of the universal energy force. Reiki has been taught to thousands of people. Reiki attunement is available to everyone regardless of one’s background.

Reiki is for relaxation and stress reduction that promotes healing and self-improvement. Everyone can avail themselves to Reiki, which is natural and safe. It has shown beneficial effects on virtually every known illness and has been combined with traditional/conventional medicine as an effective healing tool.

A typical treatment is energy flowing from the practitioner’s hands to the client. The client is fully clothed and is usually lying on a Reiki/massage table. Reiki can also be administered seated or standing. The practitioner places his or her hands in several hand positions on the body starting from the head and down to the feet. Depending on the client’s needs, the hand positions are held 3 to 10 minutes. A standard session lasts from 45 minutes to even 90 minutes. Reiki can be experienced by anyone, including babies and animals and be sent to other at a distance.

During a session, experiences are different from person to person. Common experiences include:

* Drifting off to sleep

* Floating outside their bodies

* Experiencing visions

* Feeling a flowing radiance through or around the body

* Feeling deeply relaxed

* Feeling refreshed

* Having a positive outlook

Reiki is all about harmony, peace, balance and good ethics. Dr. Usui taught and offered these principles:

Just for today, I will be grateful. Just for today, I will not anger. Just for today I will not worry. Just for today, I will do my work honestly. Just for today, I will respect life.

“Just for today” is a great reminder to live for today, because you cannot control the past or the future. I encourage my readers to live a harmonious peaceful and balanced life and enjoy living “Just for today.”

Blessings and Namaste to you all.

_______________________________________________________________________

Daisy Villa is a Reiki Master Level 4

I have decided to add quick, healthy and delicious recipes. Hummus  is very popular. Instead of buying hummus, why not make your own with fresh and organic ingredients.
_____________________________________________________________

Make Your Own Fresh Hummus

2 cups of cooked organic chick peas either one 16 oz can (drained) or you can soak and cook your own
1/4 cup of water
3-5 tbsp fresh lemon juice ( use organic lemons )
1 1/2 tsp tahini
2 cloves crushed garlic
1/2 tsp salt....use Himalayn Salt ( only salt that lowers high blood pressure
2 tbsp olive oil (use a high quality)
 
Blend in a blender and serve! Yummus!

Happy Valentine's Day !!!

Chocolate - The Good and The Bad

by Daisy Villa


Valentine’s Day gives everyone the opportunity to lavish love on their favorite people through gifts like a romantic dinner, a romantic get-away, jewelry, perfume, flowers, wine, champagne and the ever-popular chocolates in the familiar heart-shaped box. Even people on diets enjoy receiving chocolates on special occasions. From the commercial chocolate bar to the expensive chocolate truffle. But how good is chocolate for your health?

The best chocolate to eat is organic dark chocolate. Small daily doses of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate eaten over a two-week period have been found to help the blood vessels to better dilate. Scientists targeted epicatechin, a flavonoid that was absorbed at high levels in the blood. This was particularly beneficial in blood vessel functions. Research has found that elevated levels of epicatechin trigger the release of active substances that increase blood flow through arteries and improve heart health.

Flavanoids, chemical compounds with antioxidant properties found in a variety of plants, have been shown to promote a number of cardiovascular benefits, including decreasing bad LDL cholesterol as well as the body’s inflammatory immune responses and inhibiting the accumulation of blood platelets which contribute to blood clots that produce heart attacks and strokes.

Even with this good news, chocolate lovers beware. Don’t go shoveling down Snickers and Hershey bars just yet. Chocolate is still a processed food and many chocolates are manufactured in such a way that much of the antioxidants are damaged during standard processing. Most consumers don’t understand that chocolate comes from the cocoa bean, which is a plant. Without adding lots of sugar, people would find the cocoa bean extremely bitter. Most chocolate manufacturers remove flavanoids from chocolate because of their natural bitter taste. This leaves only the sugar, fat and calories. Don’t forget that one ounce of dark chocolate still contains 9 grams of fat and 149 calories.

Many people call themselves chocoholics. Being a serious chocoholic is similar to other addicts. Chocoholics can feel guilt, frustration, depression, anxiety and restlessness when exposed to chocolate. All these feelings are felt by people addicted to drugs or alcohol. Of course, that is the extreme of loving chocolate. For many, chocolate has a more subtle meaning beyond the delicious taste of chocolate. It gives fleeting moments of decadent pleasure. Sometimes there is guilt, or eating chocolate can give that elusive bittersweet feeling like an unsuccessful love affair.

So is chocolate good or bad? Despite the benefits of flavanoids found in chocolate, there are healthier options like blueberries, apples, grapes, onions, greens and broccoli. According to the USDA, blueberries are the top-rated food as far as antioxidant capacity is concerned. They have anthocyanins that are more powerful than the flavanoids found in cocoa for protecting against free radical damage. Unfortunately, blueberries and other berries have a relatively short growing season. During those months when fresh berries are not available, you can purchase them frozen at your grocery store.

Chocolate is the perfect food treat for many special occasions. If you want to eat chocolate, here are three considerations: Use moderation when consuming chocolate. Instead of wolfing down chocolate, savor each bite. If you have constant cravings for sweets, you are likely not eating a correct and balanced diet. If you crave chocolate when you are upset, lonely or bored, you might find that there are underlying emotional issues which needto be resolved.

Do not eat chocolate if you have a disease and are struggling with serious health issues. Only eat chocolate if you are healthy. Dark chocolate still contains large quantities of sugar and fat.

Eat only organic (the more organic the better) dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has twice as much flavanoids as light or milk chocolate and white chocolate contains no nutrients.

I still believe in celebrating life, and chocolate can be the perfect food. Use common sense when eating chocolate. If you still feel that tinge of guilt, a good compromise would be to eat berries dipped in chocolate. Valentine’s Day comes only once a year, so go ahead and enjoy some organic dark chocolate.

Wishing you all a Healthy Happy Valentine’s Day!

Getting Started with Yoga

by Daisy Villa

Yoga has been around for over 5,000 years and is gaining worldwide popularity. People are seeking out yoga classes and buying DVDs and books about this ancient discipline and exercise. The translation of yoga is to “join,” “yoke” or “union” of mind, body and spirit. Yoga includes the postures or asanas, meditation, breathing techniques and philosophy.

What considerations should a person have when starting yoga?

It is interesting that before a person begins yoga, one thinks about physical goals, one’s physical condition and even how much time to allocate to practicing yoga. When I started yoga, I thought about these considerations. But as I began my practice, none of these things seemed important after a while because yoga became an important part of my lifestyle. I was dedicated to attend classes and before I knew it, I realized physical, emotional and spiritual benefits.

Should you have a physical exam before you start yoga?

A physical exam will give you useful information whether yoga is right for you. Once you have the peace of mind that yoga is a discipline in line with your physical condition, you can continue cultivating self-awareness and your inner self.

Make sure you make your yoga teacher aware of any physical limitations. A yoga teacher will be able to provide modifications to a student’s routine and practice. This medical information will help you to avoid any injuries.

Should you learn yoga at home or go to classes?

While DVDs and books abound about yoga, it is important to work with a good teacher. A good teacher will be able to refine postures or asanas, meditation and breathing techniques.

Nothing substitutes for human interaction. Research yoga classes that are available in your community before making a final decision.

Choosing the right yoga teacher is important. The right yoga teacher:

* Talks to you and other students with mutual respect.

* Allows students to feel at ease to ask questions.

* Does not show an air of superiority.

* Assists students with problems of alignment and posture form.

* Is able to give verbal cues during practice.

* Does not act dogmatic.

* Is not overly concerned with power, fame or money.

* Should have certified teacher training.

* Should embody qualities of compassion, peace, kindness, joy and equality. Even though we are all at various stages of our personal physical and spiritual journey, it helps to look at a teacher’s ethics and character.

* Beware of a teacher who watches the clock and just wants to get the practice done.

There are different styles and types of yoga. Hatha yoga is the most popular today. Some other types and styles that are gaining popularity are Ashtanga, Kundalini, Iyengar and Bikram. Try different classes before deciding on the style of yoga you feel matches your needs and wants.

When choosing a yoga teacher or class, it is important to pay attention to your good judgment and intuition. Not every class or teacher will meet your needs, even if others find a teacher or class just right for them. Some teachers are more nurturing than others. Some focus more on spiritual aspects of yoga. Some perform adjustments during a practice. And some are overly zealous. It is important to listen to your body and know that not all yoga training is equal. And not all teachers are equal in all areas.

As you continue yoga, you will probably find that you may want to take from different teachers or move from your first teacher to another.

Never feel that you are disloyal if you want to expand or move on. Remember, yoga is about your personal growth.
________________________________________________

Daisy Villa is a certified Yoga Teacher  by YogaSteps LLC

Yoga Aims For Balance

By Daisy Villa

As a yoga teacher, I think explaining the discipline and health modality of yoga is a good start. Like many, I started yoga for practical and physical reasons. From a regular medical checkup, I found that I had specific health problems that were not life threatening and could be resolved with medication. But this was a wake-up call for me and I changed my lifestyle through diet, exercise and yearned for more knowledge of how to improve my life.

While yoga was born in India, it is meant as a universal path, a way to all regardless of your background and birthplace. Yoga focuses on harmony between mind, body and spirit. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit language and means union or merger. The ultimate aim is to strike a balance between mind and body and to attain personal enlightenment. To achieve this, yoga uses movement, breath, posture, relaxation and meditation to establish a healthy, balanced approach to life.

Yoga is often mistaken to be a religion. Yoga is not bound by any religions and is happily practiced by Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews and many others. There is a place for everyone in yoga, no matter your age, gender or size. Though the exact origins of yoga are unknown, it is considered to be the oldest physical discipline in existence. In earlier times, the rationale of the yoga postures and breathing exercises was to bring stability and relaxation so practitioners could prepare for the rigors of meditation, sitting still and alert for long periods of time. In modern context, yoga can help maintain a fine balance between work and a healthy mind.

On the physical level, yoga increases flexibility; increases lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons; massages all organs; detoxifies the body; and is excellent for toning all muscles. It improves cardio, flexibility, balance, physical and mental strength and serves as a way for relaxation.
In my practice and teaching, I use a combination of yoga styles: hatha, ashtanga, kundalini and viniyoga. These classical styles provide a physical format that will challenge as it blends the old and the new for broader appeal.

Yoga has become part of my rule book in life. It can be tough and you need to train hard. It requires a willingness to think for yourself, to be observant, and overcome occasional setbacks. Yoga demands perseverance, continued application and correction of the postures and, above all, love in your heart.

Quoting the great yogi, B.K.S. Iyengar, who founded Iyengar yoga: “If you take up any noble line and stick to it, you can reach the ultimate. Be inspired but not proud. Do not aim low; you will miss the mark. Aim high; you will be on the threshold of bliss.”

I encourage and challenge you to think of your life as a noble goal. You are the architects of your life. Leading a healthy and fit life is not difficult to attain. You just have to make it happen.

Note: This is an edited version of my very first article when I had a healthy living column several years ago.  

Kindness and Paying It Forward

Sometimes one word can say it all. I remember challenging myself to think of just one word that I felt was the best trait in what I admired most in a person. I was surprised that it did not take that long to come up with the word, KIND. This simple four letter word covers so many situations. Kindness is always better in every situation! Being kind softens the blow in even difficult situations like saying, NO, firing a person from a job or turning down a request. And kindness makes good situations better. Kindness is doing good to others from the heart in thought, word, and deed. Kindness means you are concerned about other people. Kind people think about another person’s feelings and not just their own, They help someone who is in need and they are kind even when others are not. Kind people never expect anything in return. They just treat other people kindly because they want to help make someone’s life better. Kindness makes the world a nicer place because it makes people happier. Kindness is the virtue at the core of Pay It Forward Foundation and Pay It Forward Experience.

I had seen the movie Pay It Forward. The concept sounds simple but why are not more people showing kindness? I was able to talk to a person who has taken up the banner 100% to spread the word of kindness. I had the pleasure to talk with Charley Johnson, the public face and name for Pay It Forward (PIF), on the phone. As I talked with Charley, I could hear his passion, enthusiasm and sincerity about his mission.

Charley Johnson,

Charley first became a board member of Pay It Forward Foundation before his current positions as President of both Pay It Forward Foundation and Pay it Forward Experience. Because of his belief and conviction about Paying it Forward, he left his own company and career to change the world and how people view humanity. He is also the creator of the Pay It Forward bracelet, a physical reminder and a human connection, to do good. The way the bracelet works: once a person who is wearing the bracelet does a kind deed, that person gives his/her bracelet to the person who received the kindness. Now it is the responsibility of the new owner of the bracelet to do something kind. And the giving of that bracelet continues with each new person and each new act of kindness. These bracelets have been sent to over 1.3 million people in 117 countries (out of 196).

PIF Bracelets - physical reminder to be kind

As the new president, Charley launched the

“PIF Experience”,the website (www.pifexperience.org) responsible for collecting stories from all over the world of people Paying It Forward. It is updated several times daily with news of where Pay it Forward is headed and has also become the headquarters for all Pay it Forward bracelet requests from around the world. Charley also founded the “Pay it Forward Hall of Fame” in November of 2011. The First inductee was Catherine Ryan Hyde, author of the Pay it Forward novel that was turned into a major motion picture in 2000. Catherine, the founder of the Pay It Forward Foundation, is behind Charley 100% with his efforts to make sure all 7 billion people in the world know about Pay It Forward. With so many requests for the bracelet, sponsors are needed so that all these requests can be filled.

The world, in Charley’s words, is still a mess. Yes, there is a lot of goodness and kindness in the world, but not enough. If there were enough, then the world would be a much better place, free of wars, crime, cruelty, poverty and suffering. We’re all responsible for the state of  the world. The answer is simple: kindness. As Charley said, no one can argue that we shouldn’t at least give it a try! Little things become BIG things. Every act of kindness counts no matter how large or small.

PIF is based on reminding people what they already know and encouraging them to DO something – a random act of kindness – each and every day. The more people who do something new each day to make other lives a little bit better, the better the world becomes. It’s as simple as that.

As the guiding and driving force behind this “kindness movement”, Charley travels extensively to spread the word. He had just returned from trips to New York, Pittsburgh, and Ireland and was resting back home in Salt Lake City, Utah, when I spoke to him. His next stop is Brazil …..but really it is the  Whole World.

I don't have the bracelet to give it to you, instead I ask you, the readers, to use this article to pass on to some of your family and friends. By doing so, we are helping Charley spread the word of kindness.....and Paying It Forward

                                 Simplicity in a complex world”. - Charley Johnson

.     

The Question of Beauty

The Question of Beauty

When I was a little girl, I realized early on that I did not fit into the Western standard of beauty. I was an immigrant from the Philippines and definitely not the blonde blue-eye girl, the girl next door or the glamorous siren that so many admire. I remember, when I was in grade school I wanted to be a blonde like one of my classmates. Of course some things have changed over the years but I still know that I am not a stunning beauty. Is beauty really important? What is the definition of beauty?

Women who have been hailed as beauties include: Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Angelina Jolie, Beyonce, and Jennifer Aniston. They are all quite different in their beauty. As for me, the way to become beautiful is to enhance the way I look physically through the magic of make-up, clothing, and hair. Or go through cosmetic surgery which I choose NOT to do. Instead, I need to dig deeper and go beyond artifice.

Over the years, I collected great sayings, poems and quotes which inspire me. The touching poem, Time Tested Beauty Tips crosses all levels of beauty and certainly timesless. It is attributed one of the most famous actresses and iconic fashion legends, Audrey Hepburn. We remember her glamor, her fabulous style, her distinctive beauty which she established in movies such as Breakfast at Tiffany's, Roman Holiday, Sabrina, and My Fair Lady. When she left to play less glamorous roles, she won more professional recognition. In The Nun's Story, she played a nurse who was also a nun for which she was nominated for an Academy Award. In Wait Until Dark , she played a blind woman defending herself from a man trying to kill her. For this film she won an Academy Award. Ms. Hepburn claimed she wasn't a great actress yet she is one of the few people who has won the Academy Award, Emmy, Grammy and a Tony Award.

In her later years she appeared in fewer films and devoted much of her life to help children through UNICEF. Her war-time struggles inspired her passion for humanitarian work. She worked in some of the most profoundly disadvantaged communities of Asia, South America and Africa. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition for her work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Audrey Hepburn remains one of the world's most famous actresses and fashion icons of the twentieth century. Her humanitarian work revealed the beauty of her heart and spirit. She is a perfect example of the common belief that people are beautiful inside and outside.

Although the poem, Time Tested Beauty Tips is attributed to Audrey Hepburn, it was actually written by Sam Levenson, a Jewish immigrant known as an American humorist, writer, television host and journalist. He wrote this beautiful poem for his grandchild and Audrey Hepburn read it to her children. This poem is so deep and sensitive that it is easier to imagine a glamorous actress and humanitarian like Audrey Hepburn as the author instead of a short and somewhat portly Jewish humorist like Sam Levenson. When your read it loudly or in a whisper, it has a prayer-like quality. Many may be familiar with this poem. I have chosen this poem to define beauty.

Time Tested Beauty Tips

“For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Never throw out anybody.
Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the  figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!” 
 -Sam Levenson

Thank you Sam Levenson for having the insight and sensitivity to write this poem and to Audrey Hepburn to give it world -wide recognition.

Finally, is beauty important and does it matter? For better or worse, beauty matters. How important, is a test of our values and ethics. Hopefully, the more we live and embrace the diversity of our world, the more generous and kind our definition becomes.

Relax     Refresh     Recharge

We know that stress and in particular chronic stress is detrimental to our health. Stress weakens the immune system which makes you susceptible to illness and disease. Despite our best intentions, we often put off relaxation until “more important” obligations are completed. Unfortunately these so -called important obligations can take days, weeks, months. And these months can turn into years. Why do we not accept that taking care of ourselves is important? Taking care of your own needs is the best way to ensure your ability to be fully there for others.

"Take a rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop" - Ovid

Even though it seems impossible to take a break and pause from life’s many activities, that’s no excuse for giving stress the winning hand! The time to relax is when you don't think you have the time for it. The recommendations below are easy ways to handle immediate stress. Although, if done frequently, they can begin to help you handle stress better.

Ways to Relax, Refresh and Recharge

Stretch. - As a yoga teacher, I know how important stretch is to your body. Your body accumulates tension in areas like the neck and upper and lower back, which can turn into real and long-lasting pain. If you sit at a desk daily, you should stretch at least once every 45 minutes to an hour, That tension you carry will take much longer to soften and dissolve if you do not stretch.. Get up and take a short break, with a few easy stretches or take a brief walk outside. This seemingly simple act will increase circulation, decrease tension which promotes relaxation.

Just Breathe - Breathing techniques are an excellent way to increase energy and alertness which also soothes the nervous system. You can easily search breathing techniques that work for your life. I use yoga techniques for breath work. Two of the most popular breathing techniques are taught by Deepak Chopra and Dr. Andrew Weil. .

Drink a Cup of Tea - Drinking a warm cup tea just feels soothing. The Japanese have a very inspiring and entertaining tea ceremony devoted to tea! A warm and delicious cup of tea with its many health benefits is the perfect way to step back from a hectic day . Select your favorite tea (I recommend herbal, white, or green), With boiled water (filtered or better use alkaline water), brew the tea for a couple minutes. If you like, add a bit of lemon, honey, and a milk substitute like coconut, almond or rice milk. Sit back and close your eyes and enjoy this simple experience for a moment before continuing on with your busy day. A warm cup of tea is also great for winding down your evening at home.

Smile and Think Happy Thoughts-. I used to have a little sign that said, “Smile, it is a cheap face lift” . It could just as well said, : “Smile it is a life lift”. Do you notice how thinking about your last vacation or even the last time you stayed in and had a weekend just for yourself makes you feel instantly relaxed? That’s because smiling and visualizing happy thoughts cause a release of endorphins (neurotransmitters that produce a feeling of well-being). Endorphins are natural stress relievers. Whenever you feel tense, just close your eyes, think of a favorite place or a happy time and smile.

Aromatherapy with Essential Oils- have been used for a long time to improve mood and boost health. Essential oils come in small bottles which are easy to carry with you or leave in your workspace. Some of the best scents for stress-relief are basil, chamomile, tangerine, marjoram geranium lavender, and metalanguage. Take a long deep breath of the oil that most appeals to you, or dab a little on your temples for a longer-lasting sensation. When using essential oils it is recommended to dilute them. In a common carrier like grape-seed oil.

Another effective form of stress relief is through meditation. Meditation is a collection of skillful methods to work with the mind. If we understand and apply these methods, you can unfold or unlock if you will, the ability which we all have to experience inner peace, compassion and higher levels of wisdom. I will cover meditation in a later. It deserves its own post.

“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.” - Chinese Proverb

A Lesson From Nature

When I visited my sister, Helen, in the San Francisco Bay Area this past June, she had a Night Blooming Cereus plant on the landing of her stairs with one gorgeous bloom. I had never seen one before and she told me that the flower would be gone by the next morning. When I woke up the next morning, sure enough the bloom was there but wilted and dead.

The Night-blooming cereus is the common name referring to a large number of flowering cacti that bloom at night. The flowers are short lived, and some of these species bloom only once a year, for a single night..The night-blooming cereus is also referred to as princess of the night and queen of the night. The plant without the flowers is not that beautiful. Without the flower, you might not even notice it.

My sister felt that the flower with its short life is a way to tell us that we should live the best each day and appreciate each day. Live for the present or even live for the moment. Ironically, my visit coincided with the passing of our young nephew. The next day my sister and I were traveling to see our older sister, the mother of our precious nephew and attend the funeral. Our nephew had not feeling well so his parents took him to the hospital. Within three weeks he was gone. His passing was totally unexpected. Life is beautiful yet fragile like the night-blooming cereus flower..

My sister, Helen's night-blooming cereus in bloom.

Throughout history, philosophers, religions, religious leaders , great minds and authors, have written about the importance of living for each day. We never really know how long each of us will “bloom”.

“With the past I have nothing nor with the future. I live now.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

“ Forever is composed of nows.” - Emily Dickinson

Even Eckhart Tolle's book, The Power of Now, is all about becoming enlightened to live in the NOW

“ Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery. And today is a gift. That's why we call it the present.” -Alice More Earle

A New Beginning

A couple of years ago I had started writing a book. My life was in a major transition and had lots of emotions going on. As I was writing, my life went through many changes quickly and I had to stop because I lost focus about the purpose of my book. Because life changed and still continues to change, I decided that a blog was the best way to capture these changes as well as all I have experienced over my life's journey. Now what to name my blog. Daisyology was suggested by a friend. It may sound a bit self-centered...but the reality is that I can only write about what I know. Even if I research a subject which I have little or  no knowledge, it becomes something I know. To make my blog more expansive and interesting, I will be posting ideas of others giving them the due credit and I may even do a short interviews about these people.

My blog will inform or discuss on: healthy living, healthy eating, relationships, art, music, literature,metaphysical arts and philosophy, innovations,new inventions, the environment,.human rights, animal rights...some current events.....and will definitely do very little on politics and almost nothing on religion. Politics and religion become much too controversial and volatile. I prefer to stay more positive, fun and inspirational. I want my writing to bring me and others pleasure. If I get  comments on my blog, I may or may not reply. I have no desire to spend my time arguing with people.

Hopefully, you will see these types of improvements as I learn. I invite and welcome all of you to read my blog, Daisyology....A different point of view.