Aug 31, 2012
Harmful Effect of Soda on your Health
Harmful Soda
Sure, there’s nothing quite like soda to go along with that burger and fries you’ve decided to have for lunch. Not unless you care about what you put in your body and what long-term effects it is going to have on your well-being. If you do care about your health and your body, however, take a look at the harmful effects of soda consumption over time.
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Sure, there’s nothing quite like soda to go along with that burger and fries you’ve decided to have for lunch. Not unless you care about what you put in your body and what long-term effects it is going to have on your well-being. If you do care about your health and your body, however, take a look at the harmful effects of soda consumption over time.
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Aug 30, 2012
Morning Message #5
 | Message 5 Loving Teams We are suggesting that you stand in the hologame--in the comfortable and familiar physical reality-and allow your consciousness to expand and include the possibility that there is a doorway open to other realms, and you have a personal invitation to walk through.... There are loving teams of beings ever ready to support and guide you and all others into this new adventure. The important key to remember is the willingness and the asking. State your intentions clearly and then surrender. |
Daily practices that connect you with your most Divine aspect are
important.... You can give yourself this gift by sitting quietly-feeling the physical body, sensing the energy body, and, with your awareness in your heart, sending gratitude and appreciation on your breath to your Divine aspect. Allow and welcome the love and energy that flows back in return. This simple exercise will strengthen you on all levels of being ness. Remember that energy follows thought. Watch your thoughts. Stay very vigilant with your thoughts, your emotions, and your words. Each one carries a vibration. It is your responsibility to recognize and shift the energy signature you are offering to the collective. This is far more important than you realize.
important.... You can give yourself this gift by sitting quietly-feeling the physical body, sensing the energy body, and, with your awareness in your heart, sending gratitude and appreciation on your breath to your Divine aspect. Allow and welcome the love and energy that flows back in return. This simple exercise will strengthen you on all levels of being ness. Remember that energy follows thought. Watch your thoughts. Stay very vigilant with your thoughts, your emotions, and your words. Each one carries a vibration. It is your responsibility to recognize and shift the energy signature you are offering to the collective. This is far more important than you realize.Share with me your experiences and insights of how these Morning Messages have served you, email me at: joyandgratitude@aol.com Thank you.
To make an appointment for your personal reading/transmission please
phone my appointment line 831-335-3145 between 9:00-6:00 Pacific time.
You can also e-mail your phone number and time zone to: apersonalmessage@aol.com
Copyright © Peggy Black, Transducer, Scribe and Witness. All rights reserved.
Share freely, pass along, stay in your joy, gratitude and appreciation.
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and invite your friends to join and invite their friends to join.
Favorite Quotations
Favorite Quotations
Shelley's
- Iris Murdoch
“I don’t follow precedent, I establish it.”
- Fanny Ellen Holtzman
“ My breasts have a career of their own. Theirs is going better.”
- Jennifer Love Hewitt
“ When my enemies stop hissing, I shall know I am slipping.”
- Maria Callas
“ The Secret of living is to find people who will pay you money if you do what you pay to do if you had money.”
- Sarah Caldwell
“People thin that at the top there isn’t much room. They tend to think of it as an Everest. My message is that there is tons of room at the top.”
- Margaret Thatcher
“Humility is like underwear; essential but indecent if it shows.”
- Helen Nielson
“All my lovers have been geniuses; it’s the one thing on which I insist.”
- Isadora Duncan
Your Body is a temple...don't pollute it!
Recipe for a Good Life- Mohammed Ali
Take a few cups of kindness, One dash of humility, one sprinkle of laughter, One teaspoon of patience, one tablespoon of generosity, one pint of forgiveness, one quart of love ,and a gallon of faith. Mix in determination and add lots of courage. Mix it up well and serve it to each and every person you meet.
First Best is falling in love, least best is falling out of love. But any of it is better than never having been in love.
-Maya Angelou
Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born
-Dr. Dale Turner
It's not the length of life but the depth of life
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Aug 27, 2012
Which 'Natural' Food Companies Are Fighting the effort to Label GMO's
Which ‘Natural’ Food Companies Are Fighting the Effort to Label GMOs?
Huffington Post On Nov. 6, California voters will have the opportunity to vote on historic Proposition 37, which would mandate the labeling of genetically-engineered foods. At a time when it’s hard to get a large percentage of Americans to agree on almost anything, polls show that as many as 90 percent of us want genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) labeled. More than 40 other nations, including the entire European Union, already require disclosure. But Monsanto and its allies are dedicated to keeping consumers in the dark and are pouring tens of millions of dollars into a disinformation campaign intended to defeat Prop 37.You might expect the biotech industry to try to block a measure that would require foods that contain GMOs to say so on their packages. After all, a growing body of scientific research is indicating that GMOs might be far more dangerous than was previously imagined. But Monsanto’s allies in the effort to defeat Prop 37 include some unexpected culprits. It can be shocking to realize that some of the most trusted names in the natural food world are in bed with Monsanto.
Naked Juice is owned by PepsiCo, which has donated $1.7 million to Monsanto’s efforts. Honest Tea, Odwalla and Simply Orange are owned by Coca-Cola, which has donated another million dollars. Alexia and Lightlife are owned by ConAgra, which has put in more than $1 million.
You won’t find this mentioned anywhere on the Kashi product packaging, but Kashi, as well asGardenburger and Morningstar Farms, is owned by Kellogg, which has already coughed up more than $600,000 to defeat Prop 37.
Kashi has already been in plenty of trouble on the GMO front this year. A few months ago, a number of natural foods stores stopped carrying Kashi cereals when it came to their attention that the “soy used in most Kashi products is genetically modified, and that when the USDA tested the grains used there were found to be pesticides that are known carcinogens and hormone disruptors.”
In an attempt to defend itself, Kashi released a YouTube video that announced that:
“While it’s likely that some of our foods contain GMOs, the main reason for that is because in North America, well over 80 percent of many crops, including soybeans are grown using GMOs … Factors outside our control such as pollen drift from nearby crops … have led to an environment where GMOs are not sufficiently controlled.”
This seemingly reasonable defense — that the only reason GMOs are found in Kashi products is because GMOs are widespread in the environment — might be valid if the problem was only trace GMOs, which lead to a product being less than 1 percent genetically engineered. But when theCornucopia Institute tested Kashi’s Go Lean cereal, which gets its protein from soy, they found that the soy was 100 percent genetically engineered.
There are other natural foods heroes whose profits are being used to try to keep us in the dark. Silk soy milk carries the “Non-GMO Project Verified” seal on its package. But Silk is owned by Dean Foods, which has donated more than a quarter million dollars to Monsanto’s efforts to defeat Prop 37.
The list of sell-outs who masquerade as bastions of organics is disappointingly long. R. W. Knudsen and Santa Cruz Organics are owned by Smucker, which has donated $388,000 to killing Prop 37. Cascadian Farm, Larabar and Muir Glen are owned by General Mills, which has put more than half a million dollars into the effort.
The good news is that even with large agribusiness companies purchasing natural and organic brands and then betraying consumers by funding the attack on GMO labeling, Prop 37 still stands an excellent chance of passing.
And not everyone has sold out, not by a long shot. There are still some authentic heroes in the natural food industry. Nature’s Path, Dr. Bronner’s, Nutiva and Lundberg Rice stand out among the companies that are contributing to the effort to pass Prop 37 and ensure your right to know what’s in your food. Organic Valley, Amy’s and Eden Foods are also standing up for your right to know. And the owner of a natural health website, Joseph Mercola (mercola.com), has donated nearly a million dollars to the good fight.
If you want to know more, the Cornucopia Institute has released a shopper’s guide to the companies that are donating on both sides of Prop 37.
At present, it’s not easy to know whether there are GMOs in your food. The Non-GMO Shopping Guide put out by the Institute for Responsible Technology is a great support. But the most important thing you can do is to help pass Proposition 37.
If Californians pass Prop 37 in November, it will have enormous implications to the food system throughout North America.
Ignorance, in some cases, may be bliss. But in the case of GMOs, the ignorance of not knowing what is in your food is not bliss, it’s subservience to Monsanto and its allies. And it could mean a lifetime of devastating health problems for you and your children.
It’s going to be a battle. Let’s win this one for ourselves, for the earth, and for all future generations.
Aug 25, 2012
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Scalene muscles are three paired muscles of the neck, located in the front on either side of the throat, just lateral to the sternocleidomastoid. There is an anterior scalene (scalenus anterior), a medial scalene (scalenus medius), and a posterior scalene (scalenus posterior). They derive their name from the Greek word skalenos and the later Latin scalenus meaning "uneven", similar to the scalene
triangle in mathematics, which has all sides of unequal length. These muscles not only have different lengths but also considerable variety in their attachments and fiber arrangements. As you will see from the descriptions below, these muscles are in a very crowded place and are related to many important structures, namely nerves and arteries, that run through the neck.
The scalenes run deep to the sternocleidomastoid. They all start at the cervical vertebra and run to the first to second ribs. The anterior scalene runs almost vertically and its upper part is concealed by the SCM and the lower part is concealed by the clavicle. Along its medial border runs the carotid artery. The internal jugular vein, the intermediate tendon of the omohyoid, the phrenic nerve; and the transverse cervical and scapular arteries all lie between the anterior scalene and the sternocleidomastoid (in front of scalene behind the SCM) Between the muscle and the clavicle runs the subclavian vein. The rear of the muscle, its posterior border, makes contact with the brachial plexus nerve roots, which run between it and the medial scalene.
Together with the first rib these muscles form a triangle known as the scalene triangle or interscalene triangle1 through which the brachial plexus nerves and the subclavian artery pass.
Also behind the anterior scalene are the pleura of the lungs and the superior intercostal artery.
Just behind the anterior scalene is the scalenus medius, referring to the "middle" muscle. This muscle forms part of the floor of the posterior triangle of the neck2. The front of the muscle runs close the the brachial plexus and the upper two thoracic nerve roots run through it. It makes contact with the levator scapulae in the rear, and the dorsal scapular nerve and transverse cervical artery pass between the two. The upper two roots of the long thoracic nerve go through the muscle. Only the anterior and medial scalene can be palpated. The posterior scalene is much shorter than the other two, and only starts at the lower cervical vertebra, where it attaches via two three tendinous slips. Whereas the first two attach to the first rib, the medius attaches to the second rib. 1,2,3,4,5,6.7
Some texts refer to a fourth scalene muscle, the scalenus minor. This variant does not always occur on both sides of the neck, but may be present in up one-third of people. This normal variation may have implications in thoracic outlet syndromes as does the scalenus anterior, resulting in a syndrome known as Scalenus Anterior sydrome or Scalenus Anticus syndrome (another name for the anterior muscle). The brachial plexus and the subclavian artery, as mentioned above, pass between the anterior scalene and the middle scalene. When present, the minimus inserts between the scalenus anterior and medius, passing behind the subclavian artery while the scalene anterior passes over and in front of it.7,8
At the top of the lungs is a the suprapleural membrane, which is a dense fascial layer also called Sibson's fascia. This fascia is attached to the inner border of the first rib and the costal cartilage. The pleura of the lungs attach to this fascia underneath. The fascia attaches to the transverse process of the C7 vertebra and when muscle fibers are found in it, it is called the pleuralis muscle, which is another name for the scalenus minimus. So this suprapleural membrane could be regarded as a flattened out tendon of the scalenus minimus, meaning that the scalenus minimus is attached to the pleura of the lungs, or the pleural dome and then beyond to the first rib, lying behind the anterior scalene and the groove of the subclavian artery. The scalenus muscle is a reinforcement of Sibson's fascia, which serves to stiffen the thoracic inlet and the neck structures above it so that they are not "puffed" up and down during forced respiration.8
The scalenes are clearly individual muscles but the all work together as a functional unit. They are usually considered accessory muscles of inspirations, as they work to elevate and fix the first and second ribs, while serving to fix them during quiet breathing, becoming guy-wires from the neck. It was thought that they were only active during labored or forceful breathing. However, measurement of their activity with concentric needles electrodes have demonstrated their activity even during quiet, normal breathing, even when the intake of breath is quite small. This has caused some researchers to drop the "accessory" label and consider them primary muscles of inspiration.
During normal diaphragmatic breathing, the ribs are elevated by the intercostal muscles and the scalenes. The orientation of the ribs causes them, when elevated, to expand the chest to the sides and front which increases the thoracic volume available for the lungs to expand into, although a most of this expansion is into the abdominal space which is made available by the contraction of the diaphragm downward. Their exact role in breathing is difficult to resolve.
The actions of the scalene muscles as movers of the neck and head are variously reported. They stabilize the cervical spine against lateral movement. The most common moving action attributed to them unilaterally is contralateral rotation of the cervical spine (rotation of head to the opposite side of working muscle). They have also been reported to be ipsilateral rotators (rotation to same side as working muscle). Bilaterally they are reported to be flexors of the neck. Their action in this regard depends on whether the thorax is fixed or the neck is fixed.1,2,3,4,5,6.7
Whether they are always active during breathing or not, the scalenes may become overactive in quiet breathing in upper chest breathing patterns. Prolonged coughing can overuse these muscles as well, and they may be especially problematic to asthma sufferers. Pain can come from myofascial trigger points in the scalenes or from thoracic outlet entrapment syndromes associated with the muscles.7
Origins, Insertions, and Actions
Origins: The Anterior Scalene (front scalene) originates on the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third or fourth to the sixth cervical vertebrae.
The Scalenus Medius (middle scalene) originates on the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the first or second to seventh cervical vertebrae.
The Scalenus Posterior (rear scalene) attaches by two or three tendons from the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the the fifth or sixth to the seventh cervical vertebra (the last two or three).
Insertions: The scalenus anterior inserts onto the scalene tubercle and cranial crest of the firt rib, in front of the subclavian groove. The middle scalene inserts onto the cranial surface of the first rib, between the scalene tubercle and the subclavian groove. The posterior scalene inserts onto the outer surface of the second rib.
Actions: As above, the scalenes function as fixers and elevators of the first and second ribs during inspiration. The anterior and medial scalenes elevate the first rib and the posterior scalene elevates the second rib.
It is generally accepted that, acting unilaterally, they flex the head to the same side and acting bilaterally the flex the head forward (cervical flexion). Their roles as rotators of the neck given differently by different texts. Some report that all three scalenes rotate the head to the same side and some report that they all rotate it to the opposite side. Some report different functions for each scalene. According to Buford, et al., a multiple single-subject study on anesthetized macaques and human cadaver follow up revealed all three muscles as contralateral rotators of the cervical spine (rotating the head to the opposite side).4 The scalenes also help to laterally stabilize the neck, which is especially suited to the scalenus posterior.7
Sources of Scalene Trouble and Trigger Points
As stated above, breathing habits can be a cause of the scalenes being overworked. Here is a list of possible causes of scalene trouble which can lead to trigger points in the muscles or the neurovascular entrapment syndrome:
• labored breathing and/or habitual upper chest breathing (paradoxical), or chronic coughing, possibly associated with:
◦ nervous hyperventilation
◦ asthma
◦ emphysema
◦ pneumonia
◦ bronchitis
◦ allergies
◦ playing wind instruments
• work habits and activities such as:
◦ working for long periods with arms in front and possible slouched forward (as at a desk)
◦ working long periods with arms overhead
◦ work the requires repeatedly raising and lowering the arms
◦ carrying heavy loads at the sides
◦ pulling or lifting (especially with arms as waist)
◦ rowing
◦ swimming
◦ pulling ropes as in sailing
◦ wearing a heavy backpack
• poor posture with head-forward, kyphotic slouching and other problems such as:
◦ one short leg when standing
◦ small hemipelvis when sitting
◦ idopathic scoliosis
• sleeping with the head and neck low
• trauma from a hard fall or auto accident, whiplash (also affects sternocleidomastoid)7
Full article, with references & more great tips here: http://bit.ly/NOTfco
The scalenes run deep to the sternocleidomastoid. They all start at the cervical vertebra and run to the first to second ribs. The anterior scalene runs almost vertically and its upper part is concealed by the SCM and the lower part is concealed by the clavicle. Along its medial border runs the carotid artery. The internal jugular vein, the intermediate tendon of the omohyoid, the phrenic nerve; and the transverse cervical and scapular arteries all lie between the anterior scalene and the sternocleidomastoid (in front of scalene behind the SCM) Between the muscle and the clavicle runs the subclavian vein. The rear of the muscle, its posterior border, makes contact with the brachial plexus nerve roots, which run between it and the medial scalene.
Together with the first rib these muscles form a triangle known as the scalene triangle or interscalene triangle1 through which the brachial plexus nerves and the subclavian artery pass.
Also behind the anterior scalene are the pleura of the lungs and the superior intercostal artery.
Just behind the anterior scalene is the scalenus medius, referring to the "middle" muscle. This muscle forms part of the floor of the posterior triangle of the neck2. The front of the muscle runs close the the brachial plexus and the upper two thoracic nerve roots run through it. It makes contact with the levator scapulae in the rear, and the dorsal scapular nerve and transverse cervical artery pass between the two. The upper two roots of the long thoracic nerve go through the muscle. Only the anterior and medial scalene can be palpated. The posterior scalene is much shorter than the other two, and only starts at the lower cervical vertebra, where it attaches via two three tendinous slips. Whereas the first two attach to the first rib, the medius attaches to the second rib. 1,2,3,4,5,6.7
Some texts refer to a fourth scalene muscle, the scalenus minor. This variant does not always occur on both sides of the neck, but may be present in up one-third of people. This normal variation may have implications in thoracic outlet syndromes as does the scalenus anterior, resulting in a syndrome known as Scalenus Anterior sydrome or Scalenus Anticus syndrome (another name for the anterior muscle). The brachial plexus and the subclavian artery, as mentioned above, pass between the anterior scalene and the middle scalene. When present, the minimus inserts between the scalenus anterior and medius, passing behind the subclavian artery while the scalene anterior passes over and in front of it.7,8
At the top of the lungs is a the suprapleural membrane, which is a dense fascial layer also called Sibson's fascia. This fascia is attached to the inner border of the first rib and the costal cartilage. The pleura of the lungs attach to this fascia underneath. The fascia attaches to the transverse process of the C7 vertebra and when muscle fibers are found in it, it is called the pleuralis muscle, which is another name for the scalenus minimus. So this suprapleural membrane could be regarded as a flattened out tendon of the scalenus minimus, meaning that the scalenus minimus is attached to the pleura of the lungs, or the pleural dome and then beyond to the first rib, lying behind the anterior scalene and the groove of the subclavian artery. The scalenus muscle is a reinforcement of Sibson's fascia, which serves to stiffen the thoracic inlet and the neck structures above it so that they are not "puffed" up and down during forced respiration.8
The scalenes are clearly individual muscles but the all work together as a functional unit. They are usually considered accessory muscles of inspirations, as they work to elevate and fix the first and second ribs, while serving to fix them during quiet breathing, becoming guy-wires from the neck. It was thought that they were only active during labored or forceful breathing. However, measurement of their activity with concentric needles electrodes have demonstrated their activity even during quiet, normal breathing, even when the intake of breath is quite small. This has caused some researchers to drop the "accessory" label and consider them primary muscles of inspiration.
During normal diaphragmatic breathing, the ribs are elevated by the intercostal muscles and the scalenes. The orientation of the ribs causes them, when elevated, to expand the chest to the sides and front which increases the thoracic volume available for the lungs to expand into, although a most of this expansion is into the abdominal space which is made available by the contraction of the diaphragm downward. Their exact role in breathing is difficult to resolve.
The actions of the scalene muscles as movers of the neck and head are variously reported. They stabilize the cervical spine against lateral movement. The most common moving action attributed to them unilaterally is contralateral rotation of the cervical spine (rotation of head to the opposite side of working muscle). They have also been reported to be ipsilateral rotators (rotation to same side as working muscle). Bilaterally they are reported to be flexors of the neck. Their action in this regard depends on whether the thorax is fixed or the neck is fixed.1,2,3,4,5,6.7
Whether they are always active during breathing or not, the scalenes may become overactive in quiet breathing in upper chest breathing patterns. Prolonged coughing can overuse these muscles as well, and they may be especially problematic to asthma sufferers. Pain can come from myofascial trigger points in the scalenes or from thoracic outlet entrapment syndromes associated with the muscles.7
Origins, Insertions, and Actions
Origins: The Anterior Scalene (front scalene) originates on the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third or fourth to the sixth cervical vertebrae.
The Scalenus Medius (middle scalene) originates on the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the first or second to seventh cervical vertebrae.
The Scalenus Posterior (rear scalene) attaches by two or three tendons from the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the the fifth or sixth to the seventh cervical vertebra (the last two or three).
Insertions: The scalenus anterior inserts onto the scalene tubercle and cranial crest of the firt rib, in front of the subclavian groove. The middle scalene inserts onto the cranial surface of the first rib, between the scalene tubercle and the subclavian groove. The posterior scalene inserts onto the outer surface of the second rib.
Actions: As above, the scalenes function as fixers and elevators of the first and second ribs during inspiration. The anterior and medial scalenes elevate the first rib and the posterior scalene elevates the second rib.
It is generally accepted that, acting unilaterally, they flex the head to the same side and acting bilaterally the flex the head forward (cervical flexion). Their roles as rotators of the neck given differently by different texts. Some report that all three scalenes rotate the head to the same side and some report that they all rotate it to the opposite side. Some report different functions for each scalene. According to Buford, et al., a multiple single-subject study on anesthetized macaques and human cadaver follow up revealed all three muscles as contralateral rotators of the cervical spine (rotating the head to the opposite side).4 The scalenes also help to laterally stabilize the neck, which is especially suited to the scalenus posterior.7
Sources of Scalene Trouble and Trigger Points
As stated above, breathing habits can be a cause of the scalenes being overworked. Here is a list of possible causes of scalene trouble which can lead to trigger points in the muscles or the neurovascular entrapment syndrome:
• labored breathing and/or habitual upper chest breathing (paradoxical), or chronic coughing, possibly associated with:
◦ nervous hyperventilation
◦ asthma
◦ emphysema
◦ pneumonia
◦ bronchitis
◦ allergies
◦ playing wind instruments
• work habits and activities such as:
◦ working for long periods with arms in front and possible slouched forward (as at a desk)
◦ working long periods with arms overhead
◦ work the requires repeatedly raising and lowering the arms
◦ carrying heavy loads at the sides
◦ pulling or lifting (especially with arms as waist)
◦ rowing
◦ swimming
◦ pulling ropes as in sailing
◦ wearing a heavy backpack
• poor posture with head-forward, kyphotic slouching and other problems such as:
◦ one short leg when standing
◦ small hemipelvis when sitting
◦ idopathic scoliosis
• sleeping with the head and neck low
• trauma from a hard fall or auto accident, whiplash (also affects sternocleidomastoid)7
Full article, with references & more great tips here: http://bit.ly/NOTfco
5 Tips for Crazy, Sexy, Manifesting | Crazy Sexy Life
5 Tips for Crazy, Sexy, Manifesting | Crazy Sexy Life
You know those women who seem to get absolutely effing everything they want? Admit it. Even the most enlightened of us have moments when you see another chick’s success and think “Lucky blank!” Am I right?
Whether it’s the abundant lifestyle, glowing yoga body, hot boyfriend or just the shiny hair you covet, you have just as much chance as the next girl of getting “lucky” too.
Take it from someone who has manifested bank errors in my favor, unexpected scholarships and 6-months- all-expenses-paid travel around the world (after struggling and being generally unlucky for years). Manifesting is just a muscle, and anyone can learn to be lucky.
Here’s how you can experience even more of those “OMG; guess what I manifested?” success stories for yourself:
1. Keep shedding that baggage.
It’s easier to manifest when you’re convinced at a cellular level that you deserve it. The truth is – everyone’s good at manifesting (it’s not an arbitrary lottery system), but despite your best efforts, any lingering emotional baggage will muddle up your cosmic order.
Dig into dream boards, EFT, meditation, affirmations, afformations (not a typo), past-life regression, juice feasts, kinesiology, The Work, The Journey, Landmark, therapy, counseling, life coaching, energy healing, Reiki, forgiveness …What’s the best thing to do?
Everything. Try it all, and keep trying.Throw everything you’ve got at freeing yourself from your past. Some things will work for you better than others – we’ve all got our own complex set of insecurities and problems. One tool might loosen your heart; another might tug free a complex chain of memories, and each will help in its individual way to lighten you up and leave you free to consciously create a beautiful life.
By the way – forgiveness is non-negotiable. If you’re frustratingly repeating shitty patterns or relationships, forgiveness is the biggest gift you can give yourself. It will change your life, and your resulting manifesting ability will blow you away. Trust me.
2. Get ridiculously literal when you make requests to the Universe.
Sending out a vague and random request just leads to a random result. You’re not going to go to the juice bar and ask for a “nice juice” because everyone has a different interpretation of “nice”. You gotta be careful what you ask for!
Ditto if you’re merely asking for a “new job” or a “nice guy” to come along. Even just asking for “more money” might result in finding a few coins in the street which is probably not quite the flood of abundance you had in mind.
It’s OK to be specific.In fact, be like a spoiled little kid with an unlimited Santa wish list. If you want the new man, list out everything your heart desires in your soul mate. Spell out every perk you want in your new job (even down to the length of the commute or the relaxed dress code) — you might not manifest everything on your list, but you may as well ask, right?
3. There will always be someone who thinks you suck.
Seth Godin calls it “The mathematical impossibility of universal delight” – you can’t achieve any level of success while being 100-percent loved every second of the day. But it doesn’t mean we won’t try, right? Have you ever tried to convince some random person on the internet that you’re actually a really nice person? Frustrating, and it’s never going to happen. Some people won’t like you, and some people won’t be happy for your success.
Asking the Universe for the big dream but on the proviso that you never ruffle a single feather is not only unrealistic; it delays the manifestation of your real desires.
If a public criticism sends you into spirals of crippling self-doubt, do yourself a favor, and limit your exposure to it. Or celebrate your first hater as a sign that you’ve arrived! Send them a big thank you – it will confuse the hell out of them.
If it makes you feel like crap, don’t read it. Total denial? Not necessarily. It keeps you feeling fabulous about yourself, and when you feel good, you’ll manifest like a mo-fo.
4. Become a “reverse paranoid.”
Decide that the Universe is conspiring to create miracles for you. Every random coin in the street is proof of your incoming shower of cash; every positive blog comment is proof that your message is resonating with the right people; and every kind stranger is playing his cosmic part in the fulfillment of your dreams.
Even “bad” events can be interpreted as a sign that the Universe is looking out for you – money drama is a gentle nudge to sort out your taxes (so you can accept more), a minor car accident just a sign to slow down and a health hiccup a good excuse to get juicing again.
5. There’s no “lucky” time, so don’t wait.
Don’t wait for the full moon or a sign from the heavens, because the day you actually do it is your lucky day, and action is always rewarded by the Universe (especially when you have a big, clear intention behind it).
Empirical studies on the phenomenon of “luck” show that those who are self-identified as being lucky generally are luckier than others – it’s the self-fulfilling prophecy at work. So luck is so much more about attitude than timing (or the Universe “giving” you anything).
Lastly – it’s totally ok for you to be that extraordinarily lucky woman. When amazing things happen to you, share how you manifested it and shout it from the roof-tops. It gives everyone else permission to manifest even the craziest dreams too.
No lottery ticket required.
Denise Duffield-Thomas is a biz + life coach and author of ”Lucky Bitch.”
Photo credit: Chris Schoenbohm
5 Tips for Crazy Sexy Manifesting
You know those women who seem to get absolutely effing everything they want? Admit it. Even the most enlightened of us have moments when you see another chick’s success and think “Lucky blank!” Am I right?
Whether it’s the abundant lifestyle, glowing yoga body, hot boyfriend or just the shiny hair you covet, you have just as much chance as the next girl of getting “lucky” too.
Take it from someone who has manifested bank errors in my favor, unexpected scholarships and 6-months- all-expenses-paid travel around the world (after struggling and being generally unlucky for years). Manifesting is just a muscle, and anyone can learn to be lucky.
Here’s how you can experience even more of those “OMG; guess what I manifested?” success stories for yourself:
1. Keep shedding that baggage.
It’s easier to manifest when you’re convinced at a cellular level that you deserve it. The truth is – everyone’s good at manifesting (it’s not an arbitrary lottery system), but despite your best efforts, any lingering emotional baggage will muddle up your cosmic order.
Dig into dream boards, EFT, meditation, affirmations, afformations (not a typo), past-life regression, juice feasts, kinesiology, The Work, The Journey, Landmark, therapy, counseling, life coaching, energy healing, Reiki, forgiveness …What’s the best thing to do?
Everything. Try it all, and keep trying.Throw everything you’ve got at freeing yourself from your past. Some things will work for you better than others – we’ve all got our own complex set of insecurities and problems. One tool might loosen your heart; another might tug free a complex chain of memories, and each will help in its individual way to lighten you up and leave you free to consciously create a beautiful life.
By the way – forgiveness is non-negotiable. If you’re frustratingly repeating shitty patterns or relationships, forgiveness is the biggest gift you can give yourself. It will change your life, and your resulting manifesting ability will blow you away. Trust me.
2. Get ridiculously literal when you make requests to the Universe.
Sending out a vague and random request just leads to a random result. You’re not going to go to the juice bar and ask for a “nice juice” because everyone has a different interpretation of “nice”. You gotta be careful what you ask for!
Ditto if you’re merely asking for a “new job” or a “nice guy” to come along. Even just asking for “more money” might result in finding a few coins in the street which is probably not quite the flood of abundance you had in mind.
It’s OK to be specific.In fact, be like a spoiled little kid with an unlimited Santa wish list. If you want the new man, list out everything your heart desires in your soul mate. Spell out every perk you want in your new job (even down to the length of the commute or the relaxed dress code) — you might not manifest everything on your list, but you may as well ask, right?
3. There will always be someone who thinks you suck.
Seth Godin calls it “The mathematical impossibility of universal delight” – you can’t achieve any level of success while being 100-percent loved every second of the day. But it doesn’t mean we won’t try, right? Have you ever tried to convince some random person on the internet that you’re actually a really nice person? Frustrating, and it’s never going to happen. Some people won’t like you, and some people won’t be happy for your success.
Asking the Universe for the big dream but on the proviso that you never ruffle a single feather is not only unrealistic; it delays the manifestation of your real desires.
If a public criticism sends you into spirals of crippling self-doubt, do yourself a favor, and limit your exposure to it. Or celebrate your first hater as a sign that you’ve arrived! Send them a big thank you – it will confuse the hell out of them.
If it makes you feel like crap, don’t read it. Total denial? Not necessarily. It keeps you feeling fabulous about yourself, and when you feel good, you’ll manifest like a mo-fo.
4. Become a “reverse paranoid.”
Decide that the Universe is conspiring to create miracles for you. Every random coin in the street is proof of your incoming shower of cash; every positive blog comment is proof that your message is resonating with the right people; and every kind stranger is playing his cosmic part in the fulfillment of your dreams.
Even “bad” events can be interpreted as a sign that the Universe is looking out for you – money drama is a gentle nudge to sort out your taxes (so you can accept more), a minor car accident just a sign to slow down and a health hiccup a good excuse to get juicing again.
5. There’s no “lucky” time, so don’t wait.
Don’t wait for the full moon or a sign from the heavens, because the day you actually do it is your lucky day, and action is always rewarded by the Universe (especially when you have a big, clear intention behind it).
Empirical studies on the phenomenon of “luck” show that those who are self-identified as being lucky generally are luckier than others – it’s the self-fulfilling prophecy at work. So luck is so much more about attitude than timing (or the Universe “giving” you anything).
Lastly – it’s totally ok for you to be that extraordinarily lucky woman. When amazing things happen to you, share how you manifested it and shout it from the roof-tops. It gives everyone else permission to manifest even the craziest dreams too.
No lottery ticket required.
Denise Duffield-Thomas is a biz + life coach and author of ”Lucky Bitch.”
Photo credit: Chris Schoenbohm
Reiki
Reiki
There are two main branches of Reiki, commonly referred to as Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki. Though differences can be wide and varied between both branches and traditions, the primary difference is that Westernised forms use systematised hand-placements rather than relying on an intuitive sense of hand-positions (see below), which is commonly used by Japanese Reiki branches. Both branches commonly have a three-tiered hierarchy of degrees, usually referred to as the First, Second, and Master/Teacher level, all of which are associated with different skills and techniques.
The concept of ki underlying Reiki is speculative and there is no scientific evidence that it exists; a 2008 systematic review of randomised clinical trials concluded that "the evidence is insufficient to suggest that reiki is an effective treatment for any condition. Therefore the value of reiki remains unproven." The American Cancer Society and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine have also found that there is no clinical or scientific evidence supporting claims that Reiki is effective in the treatment of any illness.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Reiki (霊気, File:Loudspeaker.svg /ˈreɪkiː/) is a spiritual practice developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui, which since has been adapted by various teachers of varying traditions. It uses a technique commonly called palm healing or hands on healing as a form of complementary therapy and is sometimes classified as oriental medicine by some professional medical bodies. Through the use of this technique, practitioners believe that they are transferring universal energy (i.e., reiki) in the form of ki through the palms, which allows for self-healing and a state of equilibrium.There are two main branches of Reiki, commonly referred to as Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki. Though differences can be wide and varied between both branches and traditions, the primary difference is that Westernised forms use systematised hand-placements rather than relying on an intuitive sense of hand-positions (see below), which is commonly used by Japanese Reiki branches. Both branches commonly have a three-tiered hierarchy of degrees, usually referred to as the First, Second, and Master/Teacher level, all of which are associated with different skills and techniques.
The concept of ki underlying Reiki is speculative and there is no scientific evidence that it exists; a 2008 systematic review of randomised clinical trials concluded that "the evidence is insufficient to suggest that reiki is an effective treatment for any condition. Therefore the value of reiki remains unproven." The American Cancer Society and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine have also found that there is no clinical or scientific evidence supporting claims that Reiki is effective in the treatment of any illness.
Aug 24, 2012
The Rainbow Bridge Poem - A Pet Loss Poem
The Rainbow Bridge Poem - A Pet Loss Poem
| Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. | |
| All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown... | ||
Aug 22, 2012
Aug 21, 2012
What Every Woman Ought to Know about Trusting a Man | Attraction & Love for Women
What Every Woman Ought to Know about Trusting a Man | Attraction & Love for Women
What Every Woman Ought to Know about Trusting a Man
Let’s try a thought experiment: Think of someone you trust 100%, and still trust. If you don’t trust anyone 100% right now, think of a moment in your past (perhaps as long ago as your early childhood), when you trusted someone fully. It could have been a fleeting moment, it could have been for quite some time. You will most likely have trusted at least one parent 100%, when you were a small child.
Question: about this person whom you trust 100% (or perhaps 98%, if you feel you cannot trust anyone fully). What if another person you respect, love or trust came up to you and started telling you everything that the person you trust 100% had done wrong, and gave you numerous pieces of evidence to prove that you absolutely could not trust this person at all?
Would that make you less certain about that person you trust 100%?
Would you call up that person you trust 100% and start questioning them? Would you feel sick to the guts from what you had heard about them? Would you be afraid?
Back to the person you trust 100%. If you were honest with yourself, could you find a plethora of reasons why you could not trust him or her? Even without somebody else throwing reasons in your face? I bet that you could also find many references to back up the conclusion that they can be trusted, as well if you wanted to.
In a world where virtually everyone has felt as though their trust has been betrayed; it can be hard to find certainty or trust in anyone at all, especially when you focus hard and frequently on it. Everything from what is reported on the news, to people telling bad stories, can cause us to see that nobody can ever be truly trusted. A lot of women also refuse to get in to a new relationship after they have been ‘burnt’ or lied to in a past relationship. And even if they do, when they get in to a new relationship, their lack of trust in men in general cripples the current relationship.
Granted, there are some men (and women) who have hurt, disappointed or lied to their spouse or friend so much that the bad association becomes impossible to reverse; leaving little reason for the other person to ever want to trust again even though it may actually be very possible to trust that person again and rebuild the relationship.
The point is that whatever you focus on, you will find. Even if you feel you are with the most trustworthy man in the world, or best friends with the most trustworthy person on earth; I am certain that you could, if you wanted to, give me at least 5 reasons why you may not be able to trust them. It could be as simple as them forgetting to follow up on a trivial promise. It could be your husband forgetting to feed the dog. It could be your man repeatedly doing something small you keep asking him not to do. It could be your best girlfriend telling a white lie to protect you. It could even be that your man made a careless joke about you regarding something very personal to you – but he didn’t even think twice about it.
Do these things alone render somebody untrustworthy? Why then! No human being is trustworthy.
There are always millions of reasons why you should or should not trust anyone. Especially a man, because women and men are inherently different, and what you consider trustworthy behavior as a woman may not always be to him.
But here’s the truth: trusting is a choice. It’s something you have to commit to, even when you feel so uncertain that you feel crippled. Even when your current man does something that reminds you of your ‘crappy’ ex boyfriend. This is not to say that you should ignore obvious warning signals that something is not right, or put up with bad treatment. There has to be a balance.
Considering you can never ever truly control anybody, especially your man – the best you have is influence – you must ask yourself: do I value a beautiful and passionate relationship more than I do my own desperation for certainty?
Many of us also fear regret. ‘If I trust him and he lies to me….then….? Would I have wasted my time?’
One final question for you (yes you!): Do you think it’s better to die giving all you have; and to die risking opening yourself to the one you love; than to live your life in distrust? Which is worth more? You must choose one… 
Frozen Shoulder - OrthoInfo - AAOS
Frozen Shoulder - OrthoInfo - AAOS
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Over time, the shoulder becomes very hard to move.
Frozen shoulder occurs in about 2% of the general population. It most commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60, and occurs in women more often than men.
Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint made up of three bones: your upper arm bone (humerus), your shoulder blade (scapula), and your collarbone (clavicle).
The head of the upper arm bone fits into a shallow socket in your shoulder blade. Strong connective tissue, called the shoulder capsule, surrounds the joint.
To help your shoulder move more easily, synovial fluid lubricates the shoulder capsule and the joint.
In frozen shoulder, the shoulder capsule thickens and becomes tight. Stiff bands of tissue — called adhesions — develop. In many cases, there is less synovial fluid in the joint.
The hallmark sign of this condition is being unable to move your shoulder - either on your own or with the help of someone else. It develops in three stages:
The causes of frozen shoulder are not fully understood. There is no clear connection to arm dominance or occupation. A few factors may put you more at risk for developing frozen shoulder.
Diabetes. Frozen shoulder occurs much more often in people with diabetes, affecting 10% to 20% of these individuals. The reason for this is not known.
Other diseases. Some additional medical problems associated with frozen shoulder include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson's disease, and cardiac disease.
Immobilization. Frozen shoulder can develop after a shoulder has been immobilized for a period of time due to surgery, a fracture, or other injury. Having patients move their shoulders soon after injury or surgery is one measure prescribed to prevent frozen shoulder.
Pain from frozen shoulder is usually dull or aching. It is typically worse early in the course of the disease and when you move your arm. The pain is usually located over the outer shoulder area and sometimes the upper arm.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. These studies can create better images of problems with soft tissues, such as a torn rotator cuff.
Frozen shoulder generally gets better over time, although it may take up to 3 years.
The focus of treatment is to control pain and restore motion and strength through physical therapy.
Steroid injections. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medicine that is injected directly into your shoulder joint.
Physical therapy. Specific exercises will help restore motion. These may be under the supervision of a physical therapist or via a home program. Therapy includes stretching or range of motion exercises for the shoulder. Sometimes heat is used to help loosen the shoulder up before the stretching exercises.. Below are examples of some of the exercises that might be recommended.
Manipulation under anesthesia. During this procedure, you are put to sleep. Your doctor will force your shoulder to move which causes the capsule and scar tissue to stretch or tear. This releases the tightening and increases range of motion.
Shoulder arthroscopy. In this procedure, your doctor will cut through tight portions of the joint capsule. This is done using pencil-sized instruments inserted through small incisions around your shoulder.
In many cases, manipulation and arthroscopy are used in combination to obtain maximum results. Most patients have very good outcomes with these procedures.
Recovery. After surgery, physical therapy is necessary to maintain the motion that was achieved with surgery. Recovery times vary, from 6 weeks to three months. Although it is a slow process, your commitment to therapy is the most important factor in returning to all the activities you enjoy.
Long-term outcomes after surgery are generally good, with most patients having reduced or no pain and greatly improved range of motion. In some cases, however, even after several years, the motion does not return completely and a small amount of stiffness remains.
Although uncommon, frozen shoulder can recur, especially if a contributing factor like diabetes is still present.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder occurs in about 2% of the general population. It most commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60, and occurs in women more often than men.
Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint made up of three bones: your upper arm bone (humerus), your shoulder blade (scapula), and your collarbone (clavicle).
The head of the upper arm bone fits into a shallow socket in your shoulder blade. Strong connective tissue, called the shoulder capsule, surrounds the joint.
To help your shoulder move more easily, synovial fluid lubricates the shoulder capsule and the joint.
The shoulder capsule surrounds the shoulder joint and rotator cuff tendons.
Reproduced and modified from The Body Almanac. (c) American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2003.
The hallmark sign of this condition is being unable to move your shoulder - either on your own or with the help of someone else. It develops in three stages:
Freezing
In the"freezing" stage, you slowly have more and more pain. As the pain worsens, your shoulder loses range of motion. Freezing typically lasts from 6 weeks to 9 months.
Frozen
Painful symptoms may actually improve during this stage, but the stiffness remains. During the 4 to 6 months of the "frozen" stage, daily activities may be very difficult.
Thawing
Shoulder motion slowly improves during the "thawing" stage. Complete return to normal or close to normal strength and motion typically takes from 6 months to 2 years.
In frozen shoulder, the smooth tissues of the shoulder capsule become thick, stiff, and inflamed.
Diabetes. Frozen shoulder occurs much more often in people with diabetes, affecting 10% to 20% of these individuals. The reason for this is not known.
Other diseases. Some additional medical problems associated with frozen shoulder include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson's disease, and cardiac disease.
Immobilization. Frozen shoulder can develop after a shoulder has been immobilized for a period of time due to surgery, a fracture, or other injury. Having patients move their shoulders soon after injury or surgery is one measure prescribed to prevent frozen shoulder.
Pain from frozen shoulder is usually dull or aching. It is typically worse early in the course of the disease and when you move your arm. The pain is usually located over the outer shoulder area and sometimes the upper arm.
Physical Examination
Your doctor will test the range of motion in your shoulder.
Reproduced with permission from JF Sarwark, ed: Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, ed 4. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2010.
After discussing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will examine your shoulder. Your doctor will move your shoulder carefully in all directions to see if movement is limited and if pain occurs with the motion. The range of motion when someone else moves your shoulder is called "passive range of motion." Your doctor will compare this to the range of motion you display when you move your shoulder on your own ("active range of motion"). People with frozen shoulder have limited range of motion both actively and passively.
Imaging Tests
Other tests that may help your doctor rule out other causes of stiffness and pain include:
X-rays. Dense structures, such as bone, show up clearly on x-rays. X-rays may show other problems in your shoulder, such as arthritis.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. These studies can create better images of problems with soft tissues, such as a torn rotator cuff.
The focus of treatment is to control pain and restore motion and strength through physical therapy.
Nonsurgical Treatment
More than 90% of patients improve with relatively simple treatments to control pain and restore motion.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen reduce pain and swelling.Steroid injections. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medicine that is injected directly into your shoulder joint.
Physical therapy. Specific exercises will help restore motion. These may be under the supervision of a physical therapist or via a home program. Therapy includes stretching or range of motion exercises for the shoulder. Sometimes heat is used to help loosen the shoulder up before the stretching exercises.. Below are examples of some of the exercises that might be recommended.
- External rotation — passive stretch. Stand in a doorway and bend your affected arm 90 degrees to reach the doorjamb. Keep your hand in place and rotate your body as shown in the illustration. Hold for 30 seconds. Relax and repeat.
- Forward flexion — supine position. Lie on your back with your legs straight. Use your unaffected arm to lift your affected arm overhead until you feel a gentle stretch. Hold for 15 seconds and slowly lower to start position. Relax and repeat.
- Crossover arm stretch. Gently pull one arm across your chest just below your chin as far as possible without causing pain. Hold for 30 seconds. Relax and repeat.
External Rotation - Passive Stretch
Reproduced with permission from JF Sarwark, ed: Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, ed 4. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2010.
Forward Flexion - Supine Position
Reproduced with permission from JF Sarwark, ed: Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, ed 4. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2010.
Crossover Arm Stretch
Reproduced with permission from JF Sarwark, ed: Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, ed 4. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2010.
Surgical Treatment
If your symptoms are not relieved by therapy and anti-inflammatory medicines, you and your doctor may discuss surgery. It is important to talk with your doctor about your potential for recovery continuing with simple treatments, and the risks involved with surgery.
The goal of surgery for frozen shoulder is to stretch and release the stiffened joint capsule. The most common methods include manipulation under anesthesia and shoulder arthroscopy.Manipulation under anesthesia. During this procedure, you are put to sleep. Your doctor will force your shoulder to move which causes the capsule and scar tissue to stretch or tear. This releases the tightening and increases range of motion.
Shoulder arthroscopy. In this procedure, your doctor will cut through tight portions of the joint capsule. This is done using pencil-sized instruments inserted through small incisions around your shoulder.
In many cases, manipulation and arthroscopy are used in combination to obtain maximum results. Most patients have very good outcomes with these procedures.
These photos taken through an arthroscope show a normal shoulder joint lining (left) and an inflamed joint lining damaged by frozen shoulder.
Long-term outcomes after surgery are generally good, with most patients having reduced or no pain and greatly improved range of motion. In some cases, however, even after several years, the motion does not return completely and a small amount of stiffness remains.
Although uncommon, frozen shoulder can recur, especially if a contributing factor like diabetes is still present.
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