Is a Single Heart Rejoicing...

The most influential person in my life, my beloved Grandmother, Anne M. Regan , clipped this poem from her Senior Apartment Complex Newsletter, and mailed it to me in one of the many cards she sent when I was attending college  I am not sure who the author is, but it surely is a wonderful nugget of wisdom, worth passing on. Enjoy, and take heed.

Is anybody happier because you passed their way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to them today?
The day is almost over, and its toiling time is through,
Is there anyone that will utter a kind word about you?

Can you say tonight in parting, with the day that's slipping fast,
that you helped a single person of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said?
Does the one whose hopes were fading, now with courage look ahead?

Did you win the day or lose it?
Was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God will say,
"you have earned one more tomorrow by the good you did today?"


Thank you Grandma.  I love you, Tara

Enjoy Delicious and Nutritious Cranberries!

 

When is the last time you ate cranberries? Was it with a turkey dinner? With all the research pointing to the amazing health benefits of this simple berry, shouldn't cranberries be more than a once a year side dish?
How Cranberries Are Proving Their Strength:
The Cranberry Institute provides the results of studies and research that highlight the fantastic health benefits of the humble cranberry.Cranberries have been used for thousands of years by Native Americans as a source of food and to extend the shelf life of dried meats. Colonial sailors also made use of the natural preservatives in cranberries (from benzoic acid) which allowed them to last through long sea voyages, and the high Vitamin C content which prevented scurvy.
Perhaps they were on to something since new research suggests that cranberries may prevent the adhesion of the e.coli bacteria - a common cause of food poisoning from contaminated meat - to the urinary tract. This 'anti-adhesion' effect may also help in preventing bacteria from causing stomach ulcers and gum disease.

Vitamin C is also a known powerful antioxidant and is being widely accepted as a means of combating the effects of free radicals in the body which can cause cancer, heart disease and other health problems. Antioxidants from cranberries are being researched for prevention of kidney stones and lowering cholesterol.  Cranberry antioxidants is a subject that has become a hot topic the last few years - and for good reason. We face a daily assault against our immunity which affects our appearance as well as our internal body systems and organs.

While many fruits contain antioxidants, according to research cranberries have more antioxidants than 19 commonly eaten fruits. With this news it makes sense to include cranberries into a balanced diet throughout the year.  Nutrition experts have learned that cranberries are one of the richest sources of bioflavonoids, antioxidants proven to destroy tissue-damaging free radicals and reinforce the cells that make up blood vessel walls which results in significantly enhanced blood circulation.
Some beauty experts now tout cranberries and their juice and extract to be so powerful that just one eight ounce glass of pure cranberry juice (or the extract equivalent) daily will diminish cellulite dimples in as little as three weeks.
How Can You Include Cranberries Into Your Diet?The easiest way to add cranberries to your diet is to drink cranberry juice. While sweetened juices have less antioxidants than unsweetened, the benefits of adding cranberry to your diet are still there. If you add unsweetened juice to sparkling water you can enjoy a refreshing spritzer.
Fresh, frozen, cooked or dried, cranberries can be eaten anytime of the year.
Adding dried cranberries to baking (such as scones, breads and cookies) is an easy way to enjoy their tart sweetness. Adding frozen cranberries to smoothies or soups can lend a mild tang to your creations. Fresh cranberries make excellent garnishes and dressings.
There are so many ways to enjoy cranberries; here are some amazing recipes: www.uscranberries.com/recipes

While studies are still being conducted on the health benefits of cranberries there is no doubt that increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables in your diet will lead to a healthier body. Choosing to use a variety of berries, citrus and other fruits will ensure you are giving your body everything it needs for optimum health.

THE NEW AGE OF HEALTHCARE IS ANCIENT

1. 
   
   No Pills, No Doctors, Just You and Your Innate Ability to Heal Yourself
   More and more people are turning to alternative, and for the most part ancient forms of healing, as collectively we enter into a personal middle-age Age of Aquarius. Being globally connected through the internet to mass amounts of information has enabled us to take a more assertive stand for control and direction of our healthcare needs; literally designing our own healing. We have gained new understanding of the limitations of traditional western medicine and new insight into the viability of ancient practices. Onlineqigong.com was created to connect people with self-directed healing through what might be the simplest, easiest, most affordable, ancient method for self-healing the 18 movements of Tai Chi Qigong.
   
   Qigong is an ancient Chinese art 5000 years old some say. Like many ancient Asian art forms, its foundation lies in a belief in the connection between, or oneness of, nature, the universe and us. Qi is a term used to describe energy. Gong means work. Qigong is simply energy work. As we are now learning from science (mainly Quantum Physics), in our molecular essence all we are is energy. The gentle, Tai Chi movements of Qigong were specifically designed to move a persons personal energy that which we are made of and that which immediately surrounds us through meridians or channels within to promote healing and the maintenance of better health. Our energy field goes out ten feet from our bodied (AKA our personal space) and travels distinct paths mapped by the ancient Chinese. Using the bodys natural flow of energy and connecting that with the energy of the universe, Qigong was practiced to unblock body energy that resulted in illness, promote balance (emotional and physical) and help to breakdown false interpretations of separateness between ourselves and everything else. This resulted in a holistic encouragement of peace.
   Qigongs meditative quality of stilling the mind through focus on the movements and breathing means that those practicing, who have busy lives, can incorporate healthcare for both body and mind in one method. Meditation has been proven to promote creativity, lower stress levels, and create feelings of wellness and peace. The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) believes Today, many people use meditation outside of its traditional religious or cultural settings as a form of mind-body medicine. Many claims have been made about its value in promoting or improving health and wellness. Research on these claims, as well as on how meditation might work, is important for NCCAM and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). (NCCAM website, Oct. 13, 2008). As a natural component of Qigong, the benefits of meditation compliment the practice making the combination more balanced and effective.
   "It started slowly. At first I couldn't garden for very long anymore something I had always had passion for. Within a year I needed help standing up from the couch. It then progressed into needed help getting up the stairs and getting out of bed and, within four years I couldn't get to sleep without narcotics and a sleeping pill chaser. In the end, I would endure painful cramping from taking laxatives to counter act the narcotics, stay up for days when the effect of the sleeping pills wore off, and lived dependant on pain-relief medication during my waking hours. As an ugly side effect to the loss of mobility and quality of life, depression set in so, I added anti-anxiety drugs (benzodiazepines) to the long list of medications. I was forty four. The decline in the quality of my life due to a rapid onset of osteoarthritis was the catalyst into my practice of Qigong. I watched my husband teach many the 18 simple, gentle movements. I listened to them tell their stories of a life recovered from migraines, arthritis, joint pain, sudden injury, and I resented it all. I just could not believe that this waving of arms, this gentle bending and turning could possibly make that big a difference until, the final straw of depression fell on my now dry life and I gave in to trying it.
   After one month of practice I stopped taking the painkillers at night and during the day. The sleeping pills became redundant as my brain chemistry began to re-balance itself. Today, three months after seriously undertaking a daily practice, I take nothing for arthritis. I simply dont need it. My mobility has returned, my pain all but vanished, the depression gone."
   
   Most of the 1.3 billion plus people in China rely, in one way or another, on unconventional medicine (unconventional only by western standards) to prolong and in crease the quality of life. The following is taken from the online source, Qi: The Journal of Traditional Eastern Health and Fitness, a site dedicated to the open form discussion of Qi and Healthcare; It is difficult to estimate how many people in China regularly practice Qigong. Estimates from government health administrators, physicians, Qigong masters, and the directors of the Qigong institutes range from 80 million to 150 million people (accessed Oct. 13, 2008). It has only been recently (perhaps in the past 50 years) that the west is sitting up and taking note.
   The website also notes, In China, the true definition of health care is to care for one's health. The rationale for self-care is that if citizens can do self-applied health enhancement methods (SAHEM), in the comfort of their own home for no cost, then health care is free. An ancient Chinese tradition encourages citizens and physicians to take great pride in healthy longevity. One of the most ancient and revered codes of traditional medicine states; "The superior physician teaches people to sustain their health." . . . In China, this variety of free health care is being utilized by millions of people every day, and it is actively supported by the Chinese government. (accessed Oct. 13, 2008).
   Now more than ever, in particular because of peoples arising open-minded nature, ancient healthcare techniques are being employed and embraced with astounding results. Visit Onlineqigong.com to listen to testimonials. The goal of Onlineqigong is to raise awareness of the availability and simplicity of self-healing; to make learning easy, affordable and accessible, and to increase the participants effectiveness in self-directed healthcare through ongoing support updates and practice tips on technique.
   We can all agree that longevity is important, but the high quality of a prolonged existence is crucial. Without good health our own bodies can become prisons. The key to freedom may have been forged 5000 or so years ago but, tried, tested and true, millions in the ancient culture of China cant be wrong.

The Great Master of Yoga, BKS Iyengar, turned 93 Today!

BKS Iyengar has dedicated his life to the study, practice and teaching of yoga. He has made this amazing art, science and philosophy accessible to all people.  BKS Iyengar's Words of Wisdom:

“Yoga, an ancient but perfect science, deals with the evolution of humanity. This evolution includes all aspects of one’s being, from bodily health to self-realization. Yoga means union – the union of body with consciousness and consciousness with the soul. Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.”

“The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in.”

♥♥♥♥♥♥

“The beauty of a lake reflects the beauty around it. When the mind is still, the beauty of the Self is seen reflected in it.”

♥♥♥♥♥♥

“When you inhale, you are taking the strength from God. When you exhale, it represents the service you are giving to the world.”

♥♥♥♥♥♥

“The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind & the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.”

♥♥♥♥♥♥

“Illuminated emancipation, freedom, unalloyed and untainted bliss await you, but you have to choose to embark on the Inward Journey to discover it.”

♥♥♥♥♥♥

“Change leads to disappointment if it is not sustained. Transformation is sustained change, and it is achieved through practice.”

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“It is through your body that you realize you are a spark of divinity.”

♥♥♥♥♥♥

“Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.”

♥♥♥♥♥♥

Quotes from his autobiography, Light on Life:

“The practice of yogasana for the sake of health, to keep fit, or to maintain flexibility is the external practice of yoga. While this is a legitimate place to begin, it is not the end… Even in simple asanas, one is experiencing the three levels of quest: the external quest, which brings firmness of the body; the internal quest, which brings steadiness of intelligence; and the innermost quest, which brings benevolence of spirit.”

♥♥♥♥♥♥

www.bksiyengar.com

Ashtanga Yoga

The meaning of Ashtanga is "eight limbs" in Sanskrit, and refers back to the eight limbs of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Ashtanga Yoga was taken from a very ancient text known as the Yoga Korunta. The Yoga Korunta described an exclusive system of Hatha Yoga developed by Vamana Rishi.

With this type of Ashtanga Yoga, there are six different series through which a student progresses at their own pace. This kind of Yoga entails daily Vinyasa flow practice, using Ujjayi respiration, Mula Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha, and Drishti.

Ashtanga Yoga is thought to assist realign the spine, as well as detoxify the body, and also builds strength, flexibility and stamina. In addition, it will strengthen the nervous system.

With Ashtanga Yoga there are three completely different levels. The most series is the first and its goal is to align the body and facilitate get the toxins out. The second series is employed to clean and open the energy channels, which facilitate cleanse the nervous system. The last series is for those who are advanced and is used to live power and grace.

Ashtanga Yoga is an extremely common style of Yoga. It's an brisk, athletic methodology of follow, and is a kind of Yoga attractive to those who like a sense of order and who could conjointly like to do things independently.

Practicing Ashtanga Yoga has shown to supply several edges, as well as relieving the pain of stiff and sore muscles, plus joint pain. Your muscles become more versatile and toned that adds to the smart of your health.

The physical edges of Ashtanga Yoga are great, but there are mental and emotional advantages as well. When practicing this type of Yoga you engineered on your ability to focus mentally and release negative energy. The final result's that you're rid of bad tension, each physically and mentally.

If you've got been looking for the proper Yoga for you, Ashtanga Yoga may be specifically what you have been looking out for. This way of Yoga is therapeutic and rehabilitative and will be practiced at your own pace, at your own fitness level, so creating it good for each beginners and people who are advanced in alternative types of Yoga.

If you're unsure if Ashtanga Yoga is true for you, strive observing a category or renting an instructional video before committing to joining a class. It could additionally be advisable to speak with your healthcare supplier before starting any new exercise routine.

With the proper precautions, you may notice that Ashtanga Yoga is a fantastic approach to urge into shape and improve your health.

Yoga - Its True Meaning And Purpose

Though yoga is practiced within the U.S. by more folks than ever before, there is still a great deal of misinformation in the West regarding the true nature and purpose of this sacred science. Most folks associate yoga with the physical observe of postures, referred to as "asanas." But this is like saying that your hand is your thumb without any regard for the opposite four fingers. The physical follow of asanas is just one in all eight limbs that represent the complete apply of yoga, or, to be precise, Kriya Yoga.

So what's Kriya Yoga? It's tough to explain Kriya Yoga without initial defining Yoga.

Yoga is a state of consciousness in which all fluctuations of the mind have ceased. In alternative words, your mind is freed from thoughts and emotions. In this state, we perceive our true Self --the supply of all creation--the knower of the known. This supply of creation has different names relying upon the spiritual tradition. For example, among its names are: "God," "Reality," "Self," "Brahman," "the Hidden Essence," and the "Buddha nature."

Thus the ultimate goal of yoga is to attain a direct experience with the supply of creation. Of course, there are interim goals still, like more peace, balance, and contentment.

Kriya Yoga is the process--the action steps that you take to achieve yoga. The Sanskrit word "Kriya" comes from the root "kri" that means "to do." In Sanskrit grammar, verbs are referred to as "kriyas." Therefore Kriya Yoga is fundamentally an action; it's not a religion. Rather, it is a collection of techniques that are transmitted orally from teacher to student for thousands of years. The Indian sage, Patanjali, was the first to document this oral tradition. He organized the techniques of yoga in four short books, referred to as the Yoga Sutras.

Patanjali offers the subsequent definition of yoga: "Yoga is that the cessation or inhibition of the fluctuations and variations of the mind." The only type of yoga that's mentioned in the Sutras is Kriya Yoga. In Book II, Patanjali says: "Kriya Yoga is self-discipline, self-study and attunement to the indwelling Reality."

He describes yoga as an eight-step method, known as the eight limbs. In Sanskrit, the eight limbs are referred to as Ashtanga (ash=eight and anga=limbs). They involve disciplining the mind and body to interrupt one's identification with the false self (the egoic mind) so you'll be able to awaken to your true Self.

Though Kriya Yoga encompasses all eight limbs, its emphasis is on karma. Karma is outlined because the law of causation. Everything you expertise in your life is the results of something you have got thought, said, or done. So as to attune to "the indwelling Reality" we have a tendency to should 1st bring ourselves into balance. To bring ourselves into balance, we tend to observe the eight limbs of yoga and different kriyas (actions) to help us neutralize our karma and gain management over the artistic forces of our mind. This can be the apply of Kriya Yoga, that leads to Yoga.

The follow of Kriya Yoga is linked to an Indian philosophy of how the universe is wired, called "Shankya Yoga." Thus, Kriya Yoga is that the observe; Shankya Yoga is the theory. Though Kriya Yoga is linked to this philosophy, it is important to note that Kriya Yoga acknowledges that there's Truth in each religious tradition and that every soul is where it needs to be to evolve. Kriya Yoga, however, does not need submission to a group of doctrines or to a specific individual or temple. Instead, it strives to develop independence in the individual, rather than dependence upon something that is external. The only dependence should be to the Truth, that is within each and each individual. It's simply eclipsed by our thoughts and emotions. We have a tendency to would like to induce our selves out of the approach therefore we will see our true Self. And the strategy for doing therefore is Kriya Yoga!