6 Tips On Making Your Dreams A Reality

A wonderful article by Chloe Park that I wanted to share:)

 Are you seeking meaning, purpose or significance in your life, career, or both?

Or maybe looking to make a change and find something that brings you closer to your true self?

Here are six tips to get you started:

1. Ask yourself, what do you LOVE? 

What do you love doing? What comes naturally and easy for you? What traits do people compliment you on? What did you love doing when you were a child? When are you the happiest?

2. Get ready to say goodbye to a lot of people and a lot of things.

When you start living in alignment with your heart, in the beginning there will be an initial “falling away” of all those that are not in harmony with your heart’s resonance. It’s like this — if for 21 years you lived without an epicenter and one day you realized your heart is now that — imagine what that (at)tracts and (de)tracts.

3. Make space for yourself.

Make space to explore what it is you truly love and want to do. Whether that be in relationships, a profession, any aspect of life — start with YOU and everything else will fall into place.

4. Nurture your heart’s desires.

Make time throughout your day to do something nice for yourself, to feel good, do something pleasurable, eat something nurturing, take a bath. Do something at least once a day that makes your heart feel happy. The more you tend to your heart, the louder and more vibrant it will be.

5. Know the difference between your heart and your mind.

These are two completely different centers within the body that with practice — will become one as a harmonious voice. In Sanskrit, heart and mind are one in the same — the word for it is manas. With the evolution of Western culture, we have now formed it into two separate words. Get to know yourself in the mind and in the heart. You’ll be surprised at what each is saying with each other and against each other.

6. And most importantly, throughout this process — DON’T JUDGE YOURSELF!

That’s the #1 rule underlying all of this. Be honest with yourself of where you are at, without judgment, without criticism, without ignorance and without arrogance. Good for you for acknowledging the existence of your heart — now it’s time to listen to it. Don’t be sad that you’ve been setting your heart to the side, be happy that you’ve remembered and awoken to this pulse! Have fun exploring your heart — it’s an infinite abyss, I’ll tell you that much.

Chloe Park is an artist, holistic healing practitioner and yoga and meditation instructor. She is currently traveling the world to share her message: unconditional love and self-healing. Connect with Chloe Park, and look for her articles on Organic Soul.

 

Arthritis/Fibromyalgia home remedies

Eliminate gout, arthritis and fibromyalgia pain FAST with 3 natural home remedies

These remodies are great for heartburn relief.  I personally have used lemon water and apple cider vinegar as a morning cleanse drink for overall health as well...and highly recommend it to get your digestive system optimal during its morning cleaning phase.    

Anyone experiencing the pain of an acute gout or rheumatoid arthritis attack would sell their soul to get fast relief from the agony. Most drugs take time to build up in the system before relief occurs; and, many of those same drugs cause unacceptable side effects. What if you could make a drink, that in the matter of just a few minutes, would help the pain subside to tolerable levels or relieve it entirely? Sounds too good to be true? Well, it's not.

The underlying cause of arthritis, gout and fibromyalgia is an imbalance in the system causing acidosis, which is the basis of most physical disease. In simple terms, this means your pH is out of balance and your body is trying to get back into balance in any way it can. Even in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, imbalance is at the root of its cause. The body's attempt to regain stasis is what causes arthritis, high uric acid, muscle spasms and a host of other problems. The solution is to help the body's pH return to normal by consuming alkalizing foods.

Here are three potent home remedies that can help relieve inflammatory arthritis and rheumatism pains, gout attacks and debilitating fibromyalgia episodes in a very short time. No one remedy works for everyone; so it's important to use them all, one at a time, and find what works best in each circumstance.

Baking soda

Baking soda mixed in water can relieve gout joint pain almost instantly and reduce high uric acid. In some cases it may take up to two days to experience relief; however, if taken regularly, it will prevent attacks before they occur. Mix 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 8 oz. of water and drink it all at once. The maximum recommended dose is 4 teaspoons divided up throughout the day during an acute attack. Then reduce the dose as the pain subsides. Baking soda can raise the blood pressure. Persons taking medication for hypertension should consult a health practitioner before using baking soda in this manner.

 


Apple cider vinegar
Anecdotal evidence and clinical reports indicate that apple cider vinegar relieves joint pain, acid stomach, headaches, gout, muscle spasms and arthritis. ACV acts to help create an alkaline-forming state in the body by stimulating digestive juices, including bicarbonate, that's released by the pancreas. This highly alkaline substance neutralizes the acidic vinegar and stomach acids, helping to balance the pH. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of vinegar with 8 oz. of water and drink all at once. Some people prefer to sip on it; however, it seems to be more effective when consumed at one time. If it's too strong use less vinegar and work up to a full dose. Apple cider vinegar is known to be especially helpful in relieving acute gout attacks. Always use organic vinegar with the mother intact.

Lemon juice and baking soda

Another alkalizing drink that works miracles for some people is a lemon juice and baking soda cocktail. Mixing the highly acidic lemon juice with the highly alkaline baking soda creates a perfectly balanced pH that matches the body's natural healthy pH, which helps to restore balance almost instantaneously. Pour the juice of one lemon - about 2 oz. - into a tall glass. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and allow it to fizz and bubble until it is completely flat -- about two minutes. It can also be stirred. Add 8 oz. of water and drink immediately. It should taste like flat water.

Garden Update & Harvest 8/28

 8/27/2012 -

 8/27/2012 -Not so happy about this blossom end rot that my peppers experienced

 8/27/2012 - My tomatillo plant however is doing great

 8/27/2012 - And this chocolate cherry tomato plant is going wild...needs a taller, wider, stronger tomato cage to keep it contained!

 8/27/2012 - The Torro di Rosso peppers that are still doing well are so beautiful at this stage! Stripped so perfectly before they turn all red

The amazing 1lb tomato I cut up...the first big tomato from my garden...sweet and juicy as can be!

 8/27/2012 - I'm looking forward to this one being ready to eat

 8/27/2012 - If I were to pick a favorite in my garden...this watermelon would be it ^_^

 8/27/2012 - However the curly kale has been so amazing to me...feeding me all summer long! Almost a daily meal

 8/27/2012 - Along with the dino kale...

 8/27/2012 - I'm super excited for the new lettuce to start growing...the heat hasn't been too nice to the second wave of lettuce

Your Right to Know

 

Listen to internet radio with Know Your Rights Hour on Blog Talk Radio

You can skip to 4:30 minutes for the beginning of the discussion

Dr. Mayer Eisenstein and Attorney Alan Phillips discuss your questions and concerns about health freedom, your rights, and corruption in the healthcare industry.

Additives to Avoid

10 Harmful Food Additives to Avoid 

High-Fructose Corn Syrup

Found in almost all processed foods, this ingredient has become the number one source of calories in America. But beware! High-fructose corn syrup, which provides zero nutritional benefit, is found in the healthy foods we eat as well. Be sure to check the labels of your yogurts, cereals, and granola bars for this harmful additive.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Commonly found in Chinese food, MSG is used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips and frozen foods. In people who are senstive to the compound, MSG can overexcite cells, producing uncomfortable symptoms for your body. Research has shown a correlation between the overconsumption of foods containing MSG and medical conditions such as depression, disorientation, eye damage, fatigue, headaches, and obesity.

Potassium Bromate

Used to increase the volume of bread products, this additive has been proven to cause cancer in animals. There have been studies assessing its carcinogenicity. It is banned as a additive in the EU, Canada and Brazil, but not in the United States. California is the only state that requires labels for products with potassium bromate.

Sodium Nitrate/Nitrite

Sodium Nitrate (a naturally occurring compound) and Sodium nitrite (a synthetically created compound) are both commonly used to preserve meat products in place of common salt. Both are nitrosamines, which studies have shown when consumed in large amounts over time damage DNA, potentially resulting in cancers, and the development of pulmonary diseases.

Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame/Saccharine/Mannitol)

Although these artificial sweeteners will allow you to indulge in a tasty drink without the extra calories, they are also packed with chemicals that can be harmful to your body in the long run. Almost all of these sweeteners contain the chemical Aspartame. Studies have suggested the consumption of Aspartame can be linked to a wide spectrum of health problems like brain tumors, diabetes, lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and emotional disorders like depression and anxiety. It has also been linked to symptoms including dizziness, headaches, nausea, mental confusion, seizures, and affect short-term memory and intelligence. The FDA's official position? The stuff is safe. 

BHA and BHT

Although these additives may prevent your food from changing color, losing flavor, or becoming rancid, it has been suggested they can increase your chances of getting cancer. However, FDA states that BHA and BHT are safe to consume, and another study published by the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) compared them with Vitamin E. Not certain? You'll find them in everything from gum to cereals -- just check the label and opt out.

Trans Fat

Trans fat, which is found in many processed foods, can be one of the most dangerous substances to consume. While it occurs naturally in some animal products, it's also synthetically created by adding hydrogen to vegetable oils. Used to extend the shelf life of many food products, the consumption of trans fats, according to the FDA, raises LDL (bad cholesterol). Elevated levels of LDL increase the risk of high blood pressure, potentially resulting in heart attack, stroke, diabetes and heart disease.

Artificial Food Coloring

That pink-and-red-flowered cupcake you just ate may have looked pretty, but the artificial coloring used to make it can have a very negative effect on your health. FDA studies exploring the effect of dyes on childrens behavior were inconclusive, prompting more studies to be undertaken.  Some have suggested food dye may cause thyroid cancer, kidney and adrenal tumors, and chromosome deterioration.

Sodium Sulfite

Sodium sulfite is frequently used during wine production and can be found in dried fruit. It can cause dangerous reactions in people sensitive or allergic to it. One study found it  induced cell degranulation and oxidant stress. It has been linked by some to asthma, rashes, headaches, and breathing problems – but that might just be the wine.

Sulfur Dioxide

This toxic additive, commonly found in beer, dried fruits such as apricots, chips and soft drinks. While no definitive study has linked their inclusion in food to negative health effects it is feared in foods because as a gas, inhaling too much can cause conjuctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, and potentially cardiovascular disease.

 

Garden Harvest 8/26

 8/25/2012 - Harvest - Collard greens, Red Russian kale, Curled Scotch kale, 5 Marketmore cucumbers (total 70 harvested this season), chocolate cherry tomatoes, 4 Cherokee Purple tomatoes, 1 over sized Black beauty zucchini (hasn't visited my garden in a few days because of rain...guess it's baking time), purple beans.  

 8/25/2012 - Cherokee purple tomato was huge and very juicy! On the left is a chocolate cherry tomato...the coloring is identical...dark top light bottom.

 8/25/2012 - it weighed in at 1 lb exactly! Don't worry I sanitized the scale and placed it on a piece of paper towel:p It was my most accurate scale.

  8/25/2012 - The under side is a light pinkish red color

 8/25/2012 - And the top part is a greenish star-like glow down the tomato...much like the chocolate cherry tomatoes, which look identical...apart from size lol. 

  8/25/2012 - Kohlrabi...it started to grow long instead of rounder so I figured I better harvest it!  I hope it isn't too woodie.

  8/25/2012 - Not visiting my garden in several days this black beauty zucchini got alittle too massive for cooking...but will make amazing zucchini bread or cupcakes ^_^

8/25/2012 -my tomato harvest:)

Natural Health Tips

Fluoride videos

Fluoride: The Bizarre History - Full Documentary

Best Fluoride Documentary! The Truth About Fluoride final cut with Dr Paul Connett MR NEWS 

 If you thought that Fluoride was safe and effective, then you've no doubt been following the mainline medicine and government line. Unfortunately the truth is that they lied, committed fraud and covered up evidence in order to facilitate water fluoridation. The following is an in depth presentation by Dr. Paul Connett, the world's leading authority on fluoride toxicity at the UNCENSORED conference in the grey lynn community hall in New Zealand.

Melt Belly Fat

Melt away health harming belly fat with a nutrient-rich diet

 I will always love you dark chocolate!

Extra weight around the midsection is not only burdensome, it also sets the stage for serious health issues. From type 2 diabetes to cancer, belly fat contributes to a wide range of disease. Fortunately, certain foods have been found to specifically target abdominal fat. By integrating these foods into a balanced diet, a leaner and more healthful body is possible.

To comprehend the health risks of midsection fat, it is important to understand the different varieties. Subcutaneous fat is found just under the skin of the hips, buttocks, thighs and abdomen; whereas visceral fat is deep inside, surrounding the vital organs in the pelvis, abdomen and chest. This second type of fat can be extremely harmful to health. According to Kristen Hairston, MD, "We know that a higher rate of visceral fat is associated with high blood pressure, diabetes and fatty liver disease."

Belly fat burning foods

Monounsaturated oils are especially effective in diminishing abdominal fat. A study at the Reina Sofia University Hospital in Spain observed a group of overweight individuals who were put on four different diets for a month. All ate the same amount of calories per day, but had varying ratios of carbohydrates and fat. The researchers found that the group who consumed monounsaturated fats had the best results in losing extra weight around the midsection - even without exercise. Good sources of monounsaturated fat include avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil.

Dark chocolate is also rich in this slimming fat. Research has shown that when men consumed 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate two hours before a meal, they ate 17 percent fewer calories compared with those who consumed milk chocolate. Organic, raw chocolate that contains at least 70 percent cacao is optimal.

Soluble fiber found in vegetables, fruit and beans target abdominal fat as well. According to a study at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, fiber intake directly affects midsection fat. Participants reduced visceral fat 3.7 percent over a five year span simply by consuming an additional 10 grams of soluble fiber per day. Those who also included moderate exercise had a total fat loss of 7.4 percent.

Another belly fat blasting food is coconut. A study in the journal Lipids found that coconut oil reduced abdominal obesity. The double-blind clinical trial involved 40 women between the ages of 20 and 40. Each group received either soy bean or coconut oil dietary supplements during the 12-week period. All participants adhered to a balanced diet and walked 50 minutes each day. At the end of the study, a decrease in total body mass was seen in both groups, but only the women who consumed coconut oil saw a reduction in waistline circumference.

Daniel Vitalis - Sun

Daniel Vitalis - Sungazing, Sunlight & Cancer Risk (Vitamin-D) 

 

Deadly Teflon chemical

Decades of cover-ups

 It's in your cookware, your clothing, furniture, carpets, popcorn bags and even in your food! It's perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and it remains indefinitely in the environment and even gets stuck in your body. PFOA is a toxicant and known carcinogen that has been detected in the blood of more than 98% of the US population. Exposure to this chemical has been associated with increased cholesterol, uric acid levels, preeclampsia, heart disease, liver damage, thyroid trouble, neurological disorders, chronic kidney disease and kidney cancer.

High levels of exposure to the Teflon (a DuPont registered trademark) chemical PFOA causes the risk of testicular cancer to skyrocket by 170 percent.

DuPont's plant on the Ohio River has used PFOA since the 1950s to make chemicals used in the production of nonstick products, oil-resistant paper packaging like hamburger wrappers, and stain-resistant textiles. PFOA is pretty much in anything wrinkle-free, heat-proof, stain-resistant, and more.

Children downstream from a DuPont chemical plant on the Ohio River carry PFOA in their blood prompting one of the first studies of its effects on kids. Out of more than 10,000 kids ages 1 to 17, those with the highest levels were more likely to have thyroid disease. Of course, these results only support previous findings from studies with adults.

Thyroid hormones play critical roles in metabolism, growth and brain development. These hormones are especially important during fetal development and early childhood with small changes in thyroid hormone levels during these developmental periods affecting IQ and motor skill development in children.

DuPont fined for Teflon cover-up

In June 2005 there was a $5 billion class-action lawsuit filed against Dupont for failing to alert the public about over 20 years of known health problems associated with PFOAs. The Environmental Protection Agency later announced it would slap the $25 billion Teflon maker with a mere $16.5 million for two decades' worth of covering up studies that showed it was polluting drinking water and harming newborn babies with an indestructible chemical. The fine was the largest administrative fine the EPA had ever levied under a flimsy toxic chemical law and the fine was less than half of one percent of DuPont's profits from Teflon at the time and a mere fraction of the $313 million the agency could have imposed.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG.org), said the penalty highlighted the federal government's weak hand in dealing with industrial polluters. "What's the appropriate fine for a $25 billion company that for decades hid vital health information about a toxic chemical that now contaminates every man, woman and child in the United States?" Group president and co-founder Ken Cook said. "We're pretty sure it's not $16 million, even if that is a record amount under a federal law that everyone acknowledges is extremely weak."

Of course DuPont acknowledges no liability for failure to report its 1981 discovery that a compound used to make Teflon had contaminated the placenta and bloodstream of a West Virginia worker's unborn child. Other complaints allege that DuPont withheld information for years about unexpected contamination in the blood of workers, and pollution releases that eventually contaminated water supplies serving thousands in West Virginia and Ohio. DuPont's official position is that they believe there are no human health effects associated with their Teflon product.

Cash is king

DuPont is one of the largest chemical companies in the world. Between 2008 and 2010, it reported over $2 billion in profits, paid no federal income taxes, increased its executive compensations by a whopping 188% and spent almost $14 million on lobbying for more corporate friendly laws. DuPont is the nation's only manufacturer of PFOA. So why is it so difficult to stop this madness? Because Americans still buy their products and cash is king.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036887_Teflon_PFOA_non-stick_cookware.html#ixzz24ClqVAmY

Digestive System

 The digestive system 101: Here's how it really works (and how to keep it healthy) 

 

A great article by natural news about digestion, worth sharing. 

Health begins in the gut has been a central theme of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic health principles. This includes the complete digestive system, with special emphasis on the spleen and liver in both ancient traditions.

The whole cycle of digestion and nutrient absorption, from chewing to bowel elimination, should take 24 hours more or less depending on what's been eaten.

More time indicates a sluggish metabolism with foods, especially meats, putrefying in the gut and/or constipation; while less time indicates not enough nutrients are being absorbed.

 

A simple test with beets can reveal how long your digestive cycle is. Eliminating beets' creates a red stool. Eat beets and see how long it takes for you to produce a red stool.

Of course, there are other phases and contributing organs involved with digestion.

From mouth to stomach

As you become aware of the food visually or by smell, the brain signals glands to begin secreting juices into saliva. The saliva and juices are intensified as you chew, and the saliva contains enzymes that begin working on removing nutrients from the food.

This is why many recommend chewing slowly and more often than usual.

As the saliva moistened food slides down the throat, it comes to a fork in the road. One fork is the trachea, which connects to the bronchial and lung area. The other is the esophagus leading into the stomach.

The act of swallowing closes a flap over the trachea and opens the upper esophageal sphincter allowing the food to bypass the airway and enter the esophagus to the stomach.

The esophagus undergoes contractions to push food down to the lower esophageal sphincter, which opens to let the food into the stomach and shuts to prevent stomach acids from coming up that creates acid reflux (heartburn).

The stomach secrets acid enzymes while mucous protects the inner walls. The walls churn to mix the acid and food, creating a liquid or pasty solution, depending on the food type, which the small intestine can handle.

Through the small intestine and beyond

The small intestine is small in circumference only. It's estimated that the surface area of the small intestine could cover a tennis court. It fits in the body because there are many folds containing villi.

Villi are tiny projections containing smaller micro-villi that pull nutrients into our blood streams with the help of liver and spleen activity.

The liver and gall bladder contribute fat emulsifying bile into the small intestines and the spleen contributes more enzymes to support the absence of food enzymes. Enzymes are active proteins that break down food into absorbable nutrients.

The first part of the small intestine, the duodenum, receives the enzyme and bile mixture. Intestinal contractions ensure this mix is exposed to the various villi to absorb the nutrients. The remaining mixture arrives into the large intestine, which is shorter with more circumference.

The large intestine has three phases for creating waste, which arrives into the colon where a bacteria colony awaits to finalize fermentation and fiber extraction.

Mucous is created within this process to help slide the stuff along, then the waste is ready for eliminating with a bowel movement.

Keeping your digestive system working well

Consume fermented foods or beverages or add probioitic supplements. (http://www.naturalnews.com/036419_probiotics_immunity_bacteria.html)

Avoid pasteurized foods and beverages that destroy enzymes. Eat raw veggies and fruits or juice often to take in more digestive enzymes. Add full spectrum enzyme supplements to your diet.

Focus on the middle section of this lengthy article: (http://www.naturalnews.com/022715.html)

Avoid processed and junk foods, especially HFCS spiked foods and beverages and processed cooking or salad oils. Consume organic whole foods. (http://www.naturalnews.com/Index-SpecialReports.html)

Garden update & harvest 8/6-8/15

 8/6/2012 - harvest - Swiss chard, purple beans and 3 more cucumbers

8/6/2012 -  my first purple bean harvest:) They turn green when you cook them!

8/7/2012 - A watermelon growing in my front fence...took about 10 minutes to un-weave it safely onto the ground! Along with another one you can see below it next to a bloomed chamomile flower

8/7/2012 -  and here they are safe and sound growing on the ground:)

 8/7/2012 -some thyme growing

8/7/2012 - more watermelon

8/7/2012 -  the king of my garden ^_^ Soo excited about this giant watermelon! Still growing

8/7/2012 -  a rescued watermelon that is doing well "off" the fence

8/7/2012 -  Tomatillo pods growing well

8/7/2012 -  I didn't know if these would bloom! But the Calendula finally bloomed

 8/7/2012 - I think I had planted different varieties...the ones that were slow to bloom are a lot bigger!

8/7/2012 -these marigolds look quite similar to the calendula but are very different

8/7/2012 -  Out of all the rows of lettuce in the sun only one grew! in spite of planting several seeds per spot (so I started them indoors)

8/7/2012 -  harvest - collard greens, cherry tomato, cucumber and some chamomile for tea (because i had to take out 2 plants to make room for my wandering watermelon

8/7/2012 -  Sad Sad...my 3rd casualty due to my fence...this time the wind bend my fence over backwards ripping the watermelon off its vine

8/7/2012 -  Unfortunately watermelon don't ripen off the vine...so I decided to take it home and use what I could as a water base for a smoothie...not super sweet but still nutritious liquid!

 8/7/2012 - It weighed 14.2 lbs

8/7/2012 - Harvest - cherry tomatoes, cucumber, zucchini, purple beans, dino kale, red russian kale, cucumbers and the watermelon

8/11/2012 - As i watered my garden early this day I got a glimpse of my zucchini flowers bloomed and a busy bee inside it

8/11/2012 -  Peppers getting larger

8/11/2012 - And some developing on the other plant too

8/11/2012 - Harvest - just a few tomatoes, cucumber, collard greens and Red Russian kale

8/15/2012 -  This tomato is getting huge

8/15/2012 - harvest - cherry tomatoes (so sweet!) collard greens, dino kale (with some baby dino kale from a plant to removed), zucchini, cucumber, purple beans and Red Russian kale. 

8/15/2012 - This chocolate cherry tomato plant is huge...I need a bigger and taller cage!

8/15/2012 - In just a few days the peppers got a lot bigger and slightly starting to lighten up:)

8/15/2012 - can't wait for them:) They should turn red

8/15/2012 - Found this tomatillo on the ground...so decided to open it up to see how it grows...I guess it develops an airy pod where the fruit starts to grow:)