Tapping Into Possibilities

The Artist’s Way, Thank You

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7 composition books, 1200 pages, 365 days. Today is the one year anniversary of my first date with The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.

I had told myself so often that I’m left brained, that I don’t have a creative bone in my body that I had started to believe it. I began The Artist’s Way with the goal of completing the 12 week course in order to develop my right brain and to find something creative that I might enjoy and be good at.

Like many of us, I start things and don’t finish them. I give up too quickly. Even when you complete a goal, it’s all about the goal. You set it, start it, complete it, then what?

But I finished and after the 12 weeks I kept writing and writing.

The writing has become something I do, part of me and I am grateful for it.

The writing has brought excitement, creativity, this blog, a garden. It has carried me through joys and sorrows including a stressful senior year and a milestone birthday. It has helped me work thorough more problems than I care to count.

It has made me a better listener (to others and to myself). The ideas and inspiration for almost every blog I’ve written have come while writing these morning pages.  I’ve released a great deal of sorrow, anger and fear (still more to go) and there have been so many dots connected and “ah ha” moments.

The finest thing in the world is knowing how to belong to oneself Of Solitude,  Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592), French Renaissance essayist

7 compostition books, 1200 pages, 365 days, 525,600 minutes and still writing. If you haven’t listened to Seasons of Love from Rent for awhile, Enjoy.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8iTeDl_Wug

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. This life changing book is a 12 week self guided course on awakening or reawakening your creative self. Initially developed for “blocked” artists, this book is a must do for all us left brained folks. www.theartistsway.com

Hands Down, Best Hands in Town

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A good massage is easy to find. A great massage, not so, but if you’re ever in Rehoboth DE a visit to Konrad Noebel at Bodymind www.bodymindrehoboth.com is worth every minute, every dollar.

But don’t for a minute think getting a massage is a luxury. In my book, a massage is a necessity.

Hands are amazing.

We were raised hearing “Hands are for helping, not for hurting” but hands are made for so much more than helping.

Hands create, build, mend, lend, support, connect, relieve, relax, restore, renew.

Hands heal. Hands sense Hands know.

Hands give and receive, and not just things; they transmit energy; they transmit love and healing. The power of touch is well documented in premature infants and children failing to thrive.

Did you know that Americans are one of the “lowest contact cultures in the world” according to Dr. Matthew Hertenstein of Depaw University. Whether it’s our puritanical history or our litigious society, we are missing out on the power of touch. Could there be a connection to our high rate of chronic diseases?

Numerous studies have shown touch lowers stress and boosts the immune system, decreases glucose and decreases auto immune symptoms, decreases pain and anxiety and even improves wound healing.  Symptom benefits have been show for asthma, high blood pressure and migraines.

Wherever you find yourself this summer treat yourself to a massage, reflexology, reiki, a pedicure or just a hand, head or foot massage a loved one (that means you too) gives you. Remember, that hugs count too and every touch is magic.

There is no such thing as too much hug. Winnie the Pooh

A Little Gin and A Lot Less Pain

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For the past 6 weeks two family friends and I have been running our own “trial” on an alternative to OTC anti inflammatory pills which often do work on those aches and pains but come with their own risk of side effects.

Have you ever heard of gin soaked golden raisins for arthritis? This was a new one to me but I’m always open to trying the safe, no side effect route first.

This folk remedy was mentioned on the radio by Paul Harvey in the 1990’s and has been circulating the internet ever since. It was also highlighted on Dr. Oz in the fall of 2010 as a folk remedy that works.

Did they “cure” us? Of course not but they did help. Not for every ache but for a couple stiff shoulders, a painful hip, a head ache and stiff and aching hands, they made a difference. And they taste good.

It could be the gin. It could be the raisins. It could be the placebo effect (if you believe strongly in a treatment, endorphins, which are our natural pain mediators, kick in).

Why Gin? Gin is made from distilled rye and other grains (so if you’re celiac this remedy is not for you) and juniper berries which give gin its flavor and which are full of anti-inflammatory compounds (menthol, limonene and terpenes). Juniper berries are also high in Vitamin C. Juniper berries have been used since the Middle Ages for pain.

Why Raisins? Raisins are rich in anti-oxidants, B vitamins, minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium and are considered a natural pain killer. Perhaps it’s the sulphur used in producing the golden raisins. Sulphur has anti inflammatory as well as pain relieving chemicals including aspirin-like salicylic acids.

An elderly gentleman had such amazing results he started a company called www.drunkenraisins.com!

The recipe is listed above under Recipes.

The worst thing that can happen is they don’t help you but what if they do? Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Stuck in the Mud or Fly like an Eagle

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Are you stuck in the mud like our “leaders in Washington” (definitely an oxymoron in my book)?

In the 13 Moon calendar (that’s another story), the other day was a Blue Eagle day and shortly after, the classic Steve Miller Band song (1976) Fly Like an Eagle was on the radio. I don’t ignore synchronicity so here we are.

“The eyes experience less stress when they can look upon a wider horizon.” R. D. Chin, Feng Shui architect.

The higher we rise the wider is the horizon. We really can rise above our petty differences.

I believe the the wider our view the less isolated we are. The less the feelings of separateness. The less the feelings of us vs. them, you vs. me, right vs. left.

The words Fly Like an Eagle make me think of other words and phrases such as  Eagle eye, Bird’s eye perspective, See the forest through the trees, See the big picture, have a Broad objective view and See beyond our limited perceptions and perspectives.

And most importantly, to be balanced we need to see what’s both near and far.

Enlightened leadership is service, not selfishness. The leader grows more and lasts longer by placing the well being of ALL above the well being of self alone. John Heider, Tao of Leadership

Need I say more?

A Pain in My…….Neck

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I got a chuckle last week reading a Consumer Report article reprinted in The Washington Post entitled Pain: Relievers: Don’t overdo it. http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/consumer-reports-overuse-of-pain-relievers-can-be-hazardous/2011/05/18/gIQAiO2JMI_story.html

It went on and on about how non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs work and how they’re fine for occasional use (an acute problem like a sprain) but that there are risks with long term use (a chronic problem like arthritis) – as if you didn’t know this already. They described the risks i.e. side effects (bad effects) but then offered absolutely no suggestions of alternatives that work and which have no side effects. They did suggest that you contact your doctor who probably knows less than you do (about alternatives).

Through trial and error (error being they didn’t work but caused no harm) I’ve found a number of tools that have helped my aching/aging body including 3 herniated cervical discs.

Arthritis & Pain

Most pain comes from inflammation (tissues swell and amplify the signals from pain nerves). NSAID’s do block inflammation causing enzymes and do reduce pain but there are many side effects: risk of ulcers, bleeding in stomach, strokes, heart attacks and kidney damage because they interfere with hormone like compounds called prostaglandins.  Adverse effects can be seen even after only a few days or weeks so there is good reason to try some thing else. These are ones our family has found success with.

In addition to magnets, biofeedback, massage, acupuncture, cranial/sacral therapy, we’ve used a number of supplements and added a number of foods to our diet. Part II lists the supplements we’ve used and all can be purchased on line at www.iherb.net. If you’ve never used this site before enter coupon code BOT164 for $5 off your first order. Shipping is free for all orders over $40 and the prices are great and the inventory huge.

A Pain in My….Neck…..Part II

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Frankincense reduces inflammation, chronic and minor pain.

In a recent study patients with osteoarthritis of the knee had significantly less pain and better mobility after taking the Indian Frankincense-enriched supplement 5-Loxin. Patients who took the highest dose (250 milligrams) felt relief after only one week.  The supplement also slowed the activity of an enzyme that eats away at cartilage which could indicate the reduction of the progression of the damage. Hmmm…maybe the Wise Men knew something when this tree resin was one of their gifts.

Brands to try: Source Naturals Boweillia or Life Extension 5-Loxin

Arnica: Sesquiterpene lactones in the yellow arnica flower decrease inflammation and boost the immune system.  In a 2007 Swiss study of 200 patients, arnica gel eased pain and restored joint function just as well as ibuprofen. Great for acute injuries as well like sprains, bruises and post operative healing. Apply 3-4x day. Consider also taking homepathic arnica 3 pellets under tongue 3x day.

Boericke & Tafel Arniflora Arnica Gel

Omega 3 fatty acids – very important for long term pain reduction as they break down in the body in to anti-inflammatory compounds. For chronic pain, 2000-4000 mg day. We like Nordic Naturals or Carlson Labs Lemon Flavored Fish Oil in liquid form (1 tsp = 1000 mg) because in pill form you have to take quite a few to get 2000 mg of EFA.

Silica – Jarrow brand Jarrosil – great for bones and joints

Anti Inflammatory Foods

Pomegranates. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that can trigger inflammation.

Ginger & Tumeric rival aspirin and ibruprofen in clinical trials. Tumeric turns off the inflammatory protein NF-kkappaB in the joints.

Garlic – freshly crushed releases an enzyme called alicin which is anti bacterial and anti inflammatory. Tip: Let sit for 15 min before adding to your food so it reaches its full strength.

Green tea, cherries and rosemary are also anti inflammatory.

Beware of Bad Carbs. Research has shown high levels of insulin are linked to increased levels of inflammation. High glycemic white foods are the worst.

I’d love to know what works for you.

My Two Cents on Migraines Part II

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Magnesium is not just the anti stress mineral. It plays a vital role in the functioning of the nervous system and stabilizes blood vessel walls. Magnesium deficiency can be tested by the blood but since most of us are deficient, consider adding it to your regimen. A study using 600 mg of magnesium daily for 6 weeks showed a 41.6% reduction in headaches. See 2011 Articles above for more information on magnesium.

Food sensitivities are also a very common trigger. The most common are gluten, eggs, dairy, soy, corn and nuts. Sulphites from wine, food additives (msg and aspartame) and cheese (molds) are also common triggers. Eliminate the foods you suspect for two weeks then introduce one new food every three days to see which ones, if any, lead to a headache.

You can also get an IgG food sensitivity test and then depending on the results consider NAET to help eliminate the sensitivity (www.naet.com)

For hormonal imbalances,  lower your estrogen and increase your progesterone.  Eliminate soy products, take a B complex with at least 50 mg of B-6, calcium citrate (800-1000 mg), magnesium (400-600mg) and a good multi vitamin. A topical progesterone cream might help (it helped my adolescent son with his acne and interestingly enough he has only had 1 migraine in the year he used the progesterone cream).

Studies have shown that 400 mg daily of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) reduced the frequency and severity of migraines in 37-50% of those taking the vitamin over 3 months.

Feverfew is an herb which can interrupt inflammatory reactions in your head that irritate nerve endings which then cause blood vessels to expand. A 2005 study found that a combination of the herbs feverfew and ginger relieved migraines in 48% of the participants. Daily use can prevent migraines and reduce severity and duration. 250-300 mg of standardized feverfew in morning and evening on empty stomach for 4-6 weeks.

Other things in my tool box: accupuncture, biofeedback, 5-HTP which converts to serontonin (400-600 mg daily); GLA (an omega 6 fatty acid which is anti inflammatory). A Berlin study showed GLA reduced the severity, frequency and duration  of migraines in more than 80% of the participants. Try 1300-1600 mg of GLA from borage or evening primrose oil in divided doses 2x day (don’t take with anti seizure medication).

And yes, I confess, I do have a bottle of Excedrin just in case.

Pain, Pain, Go Away or My Two Cents on Migraines

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I could not help but write about migraines since everyone and their mother is talking about migraines this week.

Heads up, this will be a two parter, since my goal is 300 words or less so you don’t fall asleep.

I do not like man made toxins, whoops, I mean medications.

If you haven’t figured me out already, I do everything in my power to avoid prescription and OTC medications. In my book, a side effect is a bad effect.

My philosophy is to try the things that can’t hurt you first and  make educated decisions. For instance, I’d try Omega 3 fatty acids, niacin and vitamin D and lifestyle changes (eat real food, lose weight) before starting a statin drug.

But back to migraines…..I no longer take “medication”. Yes, I admit in my foolish youth I did what the doctor said.

All western medicine solutions like beta blockers, imitrex or nerve injections have side effects. Triptan prescriptions like Imitrex increase risk of heart attack and stroke. Beta blockers cause fatigue and weight gain and only mask the pain.

Whether I’ve learned to manage them or those tempermental hormones have balanced themselves, I’m one of the lucky ones.

But they didn’t just magically go away. I tried different things, lots of things. I educated myself.

I believe that if you can find the cause of your migraines (or anything), you can eliminate them. If you take drugs for the symptoms you will be on the drugs for the rest of your life.

The most common causes: magnesium deficiency, hormonal imbalances of estrogen and progesterone, food allergies or sensitivities and chemical sensitivities.

For me, eliminating caffeine was the first step plus improving my magnesium levels, reducing stress and using massage to reduce the stress and tension in my neck and shoulders.

Next post……

Firework

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This song gives me goose bumps. Not the Katy Perry verison which has 205,000,000+ hits on youtube but the PS22 version which only has 300,000.

PS22 is a public elementary school in Staten Island with a music teacher with a vision, with a faith in these kids that should be a lesson for all of us.

It’s not that I don’t like Katy Perry or her version (she did co write the song so she does deserve a lot of credit). But somehow her voice doesn’t ring true to me or give me goose bumps (maybe because it is a performance, maybe because she tried to outshine these kids on Oprah). Click on the link below and just listen to little Denise belt out

Just own the night like the 4th of July. Cause baby you’re a firework.  Come on show them what you’re worth.

and I hope you’ll know what I’m talking about. Watch the faces on these 5th graders and you can’t help but believe in them (and maybe even yourself) and feel something. Is that joy stirring in you? Is there a smile on your face?

Do you ever feel so paper thin, like a house of cards one blow from caving in? Do you know there’s still a chance for you  cause there’s a spark in you….Come on let your colors burst.

And if you have any doubt about your own gifts and talents, your own worth, doubt no more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGpdULugKo4

PS To help light that spark, find music that you don’t just like but music that gives you goose bumps.

Who is Weston A. Price and What does his research mean to you?

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Dr. Weston A. Price (1870-1948) was a dentist whose goal was to discover the factors responsible for good dental health. He was a nutrition pioneer. His worldwide research revealed a direct correlation between beautiful, straight teeth, free from decay (as well as good health and resistance to disease) and traditional diets rich in nutrient dense whole foods and fat-soluble vitamins.

The Weston A. Price Foundation headquartered in Washington D.C. was founded to disseminate Dr. Price’s research and is dedicated to restoring “nutrient dense foods to the American diet through education, research and activism” through accurate nutrition labeling and instruction, organic farming, pasture feeding of livestock, community supported farms, universal access to certified raw milk and the ban of soy-based infant formulas.

Check out their website: www.westonaprice.org and consider joining. Their quarterly magazine is a wealth of information about “real” food.  There are local chapters throughout the country that help you find locally grown meat, eggs, dairy and produce.