Welcome Spring!

Spring is one of the most transformational seasons of all. Its arrival is imminent and I welcome it. My daffodils have already sprung and are yielding to other blooms.

The clocks are moved forward, plans for the yard are in place, a few plants and flowers have been gotten, and the excitement of the season of re-birth is in the air.

Love, joy, and peace!

Enjoy Now

My joy, my challenge, my devotion is to live in the now. The brilliance of what is, is in the now.

Consider this - it is always "now."

Joyfully Holistic: Makingyour DayHow do youbegin your day? Do you ho...

Joyfully Holistic: Making your Day  How do you begin your day? Do you ho...: Making your Day How do you begin your day? Do you hop out of bed in a mad rush? Slowly drag out of bed with self talk of how horrible the...

Making   your  Day

How do you begin your day? Do you hop out of bed in a mad rush? Slowly drag out of bed with self talk of how horrible the day will be? Or, do you awake full of hope, expecting the very best?

Do you realize that if the unexpected does happen, you have it in you to handle most situations with grace?

Most of us know that the way we start our day affects the remainder of the day. It drives our attitude and behavior. Our mental attitude at day’s beginning affects our continued thoughts and behaviors   toward everyone we encounter, and each situation presented to us throughout the day.

I say to you – take charge! Make your day! Set the intention for your day. Here are a few tips that some have used that are effective for them. I invite you to consider them. Make the tips your own. It is possible that you will take some of the actions below as is, and others you will change to suit your life style and values.

ü  Prepare. Planning and preparation go a long way to ensure your day will go smoothly and be enjoyable. Check your schedule for the next day. Ensure that everything you need is in place. If not, take action. 

ü  Get enough sleep. Most of us need from seven to nine hours of sleep to regenerate our physical and mental self. 

ü  Perform a bedtime ritual that is relaxing and positive for you. Some people read. Some meditate. Some pray. Some write. Just ensure that your ritual leads you toward peace and restfulness. No TV! TV tends to be too intrusive.

ü  Set your clock to wake you up at least 15 minutes before you need to prepare to begin your day. In this 15 minutes stretch, breathe, affirm the day – make your day. Create constructive, positive, self-talk such as:

“Today is my day – it will be the best one yet –minute, by minute, hour by hour.”

 “Today’s schedule is busy and I will live in each moment to make that moment as vivid as possible. The next meeting, errand, task will be there and I will live in it when it comes.”  

“I have some uncertainties about today’s activities, but I will do my very best and will be OK with the outcome, whatever it is because I know that outcome will be for the greater good.”

 

ü  Exercise. Or, at least warm up your muscles for at least five minutes of stretching. Breathe deeply and begin your day!

Enjoy!

 

 Is your water bio-compatible?

 

 

It's more important for water to be bio-compatible than just purified. Water is probably valued more for what it removes from our bodies than what it adds. Water’s biggest function is that of flushing out toxins and waste.

A French professor by the name of Louis-Claude Vincent, who was also the Chief Hydrologist in his country during early 1900's, developed a measuring instrument called the B.E.V, or the Bio-Electronic Vincent. This device measures what is believed to be the three key components of the bio-compatibility of water for human consumption. The three components and their definitions follow:

·         pH: a measure of acidity or alkalinity, i.e. the hydrogen ion concentration; pH of bio-compatible water can range from 4.0 to 6.9. This range is allowed because in extremely pure water it is very easy to affect the pH value—there are no other dissolved substances to buffer the solution. (Source: http://www.purewatersystems.com/bev.php)

Pure Water Systems' site explains perfectly why the "alkaline water" fad might be a dangerous one to hang your health on: "Many visitors to our site wonder why BEV values call for slight acidity in drinking water, while many websites promote alkaline drinking water. We find it fascinating that the very idea of the internal environment (terrain) being too acid was developed long before the Japanese and Korean alkalizing machines came to market.

We have carefully reviewed every publication available describing the supposed benefits of alkaline water, and in every case we've found there are significant gaps in the research. Describing pH is only one of the critical parameters for measuring the bio-compatibility of drinking water, and is the value most easily influenced. For example, none of the literature accompanying alkaline water machines explains why you would need an alkalizing machine if your tap water is already alkaline (as it is for much of the western USA.)

Further, none of the literature discusses the concentration of the alkaline solution. Alkaline water from an ionizing machine will be significantly different if the source water comes from Seattle vs. Tulsa. These water supplies have vastly different levels of dissolved minerals, yet the literature never mentions how these differences will influence the strength of the alkaline solution. Omissions like these reflect poorly on the credibility of the promoters of alkaline water machines." (Source: http://www.purewatersystems.com/bev.php)

·         rH2: a value derived via the Nernst Equation and a linear function of pH provides an indication of oxidation/reduction potential (the amount of available electrons) that tells you the vitality or energy potential of the water. rH2 also has a scale similar to pH that measures from 0 to 42, with 28 representing the mid-point. Values above 28 are considered oxidizing, below 28 reducing. The best water for human consumption has an rH2 slightly on the reducing side of the scale originally 25 - 29, now more commonly accepted at 20 - 24 (Source: http://www.purewatersystems.com/bev.php)

 

·         Resistivity: the opposite of conductance is used to measure the amount of dissolved inorganic solids, or TDS. The resistivity value should be as high as possible, indicating an exceptionally low concentration of dissolved contaminates. The higher the resistivity value, the cleaner your water and the better it is for you. (Source: http://www.purewatersystems.com/bev.php)

Here is a link to a Comparison Chart for the most accepted water purification methods and how they rank amongst one another relative to the contaminants they remove: http://www.purewatersystems.com/comparison_chart.php

So as you can see, it's just as important, if not more so, that water filtration and purification systems provide water that is as humanly bio-compatible as it is clean, soft, and decontaminated.

(Source for ALL facts/quotes/etc.: http://www.purewatersystems.com/bev.php)

Guest author of this blog article is Indigo Liggins, who is an avid health, beauty, and fitness research consultant. She is my daughter!



 

Choosing a Water Filtration System

A high-quality water filtration system will filter out chlorine, which is the most abundant toxin in urban water supplies to date, and DBPs, which stands for: disinfection by-products (organic matter found in water). Filtration can be done by many methods: a charcoal filter, KDF - a copper-zinc oxidation medium, and even Vitamin C!

A high-quality water filtration system is also set apart by its certification process. Whatever brand of filtration system you use, make sure it is NSF Certified. Their website is: www.NSF.org. The NSF is an independent, third-party agency that tests and helps establish standards of health-related products.

The following are four water filtration systems that you may wish to consider. They are decently priced and are of high value:

•Mercola Pure&Clear Premium Whole House System for City Water: ($999.00); (Best for house use); (www.Mercola.com)

 

•Mercola Pure & Clear Shower Filter: ($84-$162 depending on quantity and type--with/without wand); Pure&Clear Counter Top ($149); and Under Counter Filters ($249) (Best for apartment use.); (www.Mercola.com)

 

•Aquasana Whole House: (starting at $736); Point of Use Filters: (starting at $68) (www.AquaSanaforLife.com)

 

•Culligan Hand Held Shower Filters: ($49.99) (www.Culligan.com)

 

Please remember that you will incur a cost for replacement cartridges, PEG-free water bottles, and even replacement or repair for units. However, these systems are well worth it as they pay back the money spent to purchase them MANY times over. They are also less expensive than paying for replacement cartridges and new or replacement units for classic water pitcher filtration. Moreover, the number one way these systems prove their worth is by protecting your health.

Remember, if you don't filter your water, YOUR body, hair, and skin become the filter.

 Stay tuned for more on water in the next article.

 Enjoy!

 Guest author of this blog article is Indigo Liggins, who is an avid health, beauty, and fitness research consultant. She is my daughter!

The Wonders of Coconut Oil

I absolutely love coconut oil. My daughter, who is a master researcher, discovered the many uses for us. My family and I use it in our hair, on our skin, to cook with, and for oil pulling.

We use virgin organic coconut oil. Amazingly affordable!

I would urge you to take a look at using coconut oil as your main cooking oil as opposed to vegetable oils.  Many find coconut oil to be highly superior to vegetable oils. Coconut oil sustains heat well, which makes it good for cooking.

Also, there are many other natural oils that are good to use, such as: red palm, avocado, almond, olive, and grape seed. Some of these are better used cold as in salads because they cannot sustain high heat well.

Take a look at the information available via your favorite search engine on the benefits of coconut oil. I have found so much information on this versatile oil – coconut oil. There is significant research around memory health. Also, it is high in antioxidant properties – a big plus.

A good article to start with is: Cutting Cholesterol with Coconut Oil on www.peoplespharmacy.com, which is The People’s Pharmacy website.

Enjoy!

Are you attracting what you want?

Are you attracting what you want more of? Or, are you attracting more of what you fear, hate, and don’t want?

We hear so much about the Law of Attraction. There are articles, seminars, and books about it. I don’t know about you, but for me, it seems that understanding what it all means and how to apply the Law can sometimes be just beyond my reach.

As I consider the Law of Attraction and write about it, I get a better grasp on how to apply it to my life. For example – the Law of Attraction states that whatever you think about or put energy into grows and expands. If you think constantly about what you don’t have – lack – you attract lack. The universe shifts to bring you lack. It brings you what you put thought and effort into.

If you think about what you want and what you want to have happen in your life, such as a new job, or maybe you want to go to school, or start a new business – things begin to happen to support those things. The universe shifts to support you. You begin to hear yourself saying: “Things are falling into place…” “Wow! How serendipitous is that!” And, you are correct. Things are going your way because you willed it so. You attracted it.

Don’t get me wrong – the unexpected will happen. When I speak with people who practice attracting what they want say that they are able to handle the hard times and the unexpected with more grace. It is easier to figure out solutions and to get back on track.

Now, if you a Murphy’s Law kind of person – Murphy’s Law will be in full effect for you. If you don’t know, Murphy’s Law states that if a thing can go wrong, it will. My advice to you would be to live your life differently. Expect the very best for yourself. Know that you deserve the very best.  

Live by Your Law of Attraction. Define what you want and concentrate on that. Think it. Act upon it. Work it. Be grateful for it. I plan to take my own advice!

Live your good life! Enjoy! ™

Letetia

Joyfully Holistic

23 August 2012

Earth & Oil Deodorant Recipe

I posted a recipe for homemade deodorant a couple of weeks ago. It was fantastic for eliminating odor, but it irritated my underarms. I think the baking soda was the culprit. So, daughter and I developed a new concoction that we think will work famously. If you so desire, try this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 5 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp emu oil
• 4 tsp bentonite clay
• 2 tsp arrowroot powder
• 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
• 30 drops various essential oils:
• 7 drops tea tree EO
• 4 drops eucalyptus EO
• 6 drops lavender EO
• 7 drops geranium EO
• 6 drop jasmine EO

How to mix:

• Use a ceramic or glass bowl
• Mix the coconut and emu oils together
• Add the bentonite clay and mix well
• Add the arrowroot powder and mix well
• Add the various essential oils and mix well
• Lastly, add the aloe vera gel and mix well
• Place the mixture in your container of choice. I prefer a small glass jar
• Place in the refrigerator and allow to set
• When ready to apply, use your fingers; rub gently into our underarms

Enjoy!

What's the Root Chakra About?

I attended a webinar a couple of weeks ago on the seven Chakras. Fascinating. I honestly believe that we can affect our selves and our energy.

Carol Tuttle's work with Chakras is enlightening and it is seemingly a passion of hers. I've 'liked' her on Facebook. Do the same if you so desire. You can also see her work at: www.chakrahealing.com.

Since the webinar, she has been sending email Chakra healing tips. The message I received today is for healing the Root Chakra.

Root Chakra Facts:

• The color associated with this Chakra is red
• The Chakra It is located in the groin area and the base of the spine
• This Chakra hold the energy associated with your birth, money, health and wellness, grounding, belonging, and more...

Enjoy!

Recipe for Coconut Oil & EO Deodorant

I recently discovered that the non-aluminum deodorant that I have been using for some time has derivatives of alum in it. Yikes! Is it possible to get away from toxins? What is hiding in our cosmetics and foods under deceptive names?

When we gave up anti-perspirant deodorants over a decade ago, we did so because of research that suggested that aluminum is linked to Alzheimer's. At that time, we checked to ensure that we chose no products with aluminum or alum in it.

Note to self and you: Check labels constantly. Companies change their recipes.

So, daughter and I went searching for a natural, home-made concoction for deodorant. Below is our recipe. I am using it for the first time today and am pleased!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup baking soda (aluminum free)


• 1/4 cup arrowroot powder


• 3 to 4 tablespoons coconut oil


• 5 to 10 drops teatree essential oil (optional)


• 5 to 10 drops lavendar essential oil (optional)


• 5 to 10 drops geranium essential oil (optional)


• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel

Instructions:

Use a wooden spoon. Use a medium to large glass or ceramic bowl. Mix baking soda and arrowroot powder together. Add the coconut oil and mix until the consistency is a paste. Add the essential oils. Use the ones listed above or ones that you like. Add the aloe vera gel and mix thoroughly.

Place mixture in a glass jar. Make a label - fancy or not.

To apply, use your fingers.

Enjoy!

Purpose

I really love this idea - the notion of purpose; finding your's and courageously engaging in it.

'What we really want to do is what we are really meant to do. When we do what we are meant to do, money comes to us, doors open for us; we feel useful and the work we do feels like play to us."

-Julia Cameron

The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen

Onions are at the top of the clean fifteen list. Apples are at the top of the dirty dozen list.

Eating more fruits and veggies is a goal for most of us. The key is to do it without ingesting toxic pesticides. If the fruits and veggies you eat are on EWG's dirty dozen list, buy these items organic.

The EWG - Environmental Working Group - is an action-oriented organization dedicated to providing the public with information that protects our health and our environment. Check out their mission and sign up to get their alerts and tips, if you so desire. Visit their web site for additional information. Click: www.ewg.org/foodnews/

I absolutely love their EWG's 2011 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce list. Get a copy for yourself from their web site.

Enjoy!

Quote of the Day

"Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning."

~Gloria Steinem

Photograph taken at MOMA - NYC

A Short History of Medicine

I found this accounting on a web site for quotations on medical subjects. The history seems about right. Enjoy!

A Short History of Medicine

2000 B.C. - "Here, eat this root."

1000 B.C. - "That root is heathen, say this prayer."

1850 A.D. - "That prayer is superstitious, drink this potion."

1940 A.D. - "That potion is snake oil, swallow this pill."

1985 A.D. - "That pill is ineffective, take this antibiotic."

2000 A.D. - "That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root."

~Author unknown

It appears we have come full circle.

Photograph taken by Teaka.

Talk & Taste Event

We invite you to join us at the Talk & Taste Networking and Fundraiser Event - the Art Edition.

Come to the Defoor Centre in Atlanta, GA. on Tuesday, June 14th from 6pm - 9pm.

Purchase your tickets now for only $5.00 at: www.talkandtaste.eventbrite.com.

My sister, Lucretia and I will spotlight Ganovia Coffee! To learn more about this amazingly delicious gourmet coffee, go to: www.CoffeeGanovia.biz. Click the Wellness tab, then Ganovia Coffee.

We will have the coffee available for purchase at the event. You may also order from the website.

Hope to see you there.

Enjoy!

This Side of the Rainbow

I am grateful for the hope, love, faith, charity, and possibilities that I see on this side of the rainbow.










Photograph by Teaka

Serendipity

I am grateful how serendipitous life can be. I am so pleased and happy that this is a good day in America.

Life is But a Dream

I am grateful for life. I am grateful for dreams.

This photograph is of a graphic on the side of a building in Ellensburg, Washington. I loved it when I saw it! It reminds me that we have the wherewith all to make our dreams our reality. We can discard old dreams and make new ones. Oh, yes we can!

I remind myself, daily to dream big. Dream true. Dream well.

Expressions of Creativity

I am grateful for the chance to express myself creatively. Though my arts and crafts art far from expert quality, I am pleased with them. Artistic expression is so fulfilling and beautiful to the soul.

I have painted with water color pictures on canvas and paper, sketched with pencil in black and white, fashioned pottery, made collages with pictures and varuious elements - even woven baskets. With every project, I have stepped back and said, "this is good!" I love that creative, articstic projects allow me to use the the right side of my brain, whereas most of my days' work relgates me to left-brain thinking.

Oh, the joys of whole-brain thinking!