zenator

As your gratitude grows deeper and more all-encompassing, life's abundance shines more brilliantly for you. Be truly, constantly thankful, and there is no end to the level of abundance that you will experience.

Go organic without going broke with these tips from green guru Danny Seo. Save money with coupons from organic brands, bulk and store-brand organics, and our how-to video on growing organically at home.

That’s right. Water and two regular old towels are the most effective and greenest way to remove stains. I know it’s a big claim to make, but trust me, I’ve put it to the test. I have ruined plenty of shirts with stains that conventional stain removers left completely intact. As long as you can act fast and exercise a little Zen-like patience, cold water and towels can remove just about any stain you’ve got. Most laundry stain removers on the market are petroleum-based and contain many of the same toxic chemicals as detergents. What’s more, in their attempt to be the jack of all stains, these products are often ineffective in treating some of the most common stains. When it comes to green stain removal, there are all sorts of techniques you can try that involve various common household items such as white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, cornstarch and eye droppers. But the first rule in stain removal is to start mild and progress from there. Luckily the mildest, easiest stain treatment method is also extremely effective on most stains — if you get to them quickly enough. Here’s what to do: 1. Okay, you spilled. Drop everything and get thee to the bathroom. If you only find disposable paper towels there, you might want to have a talk with whoever is in charge. Not only are paper towels wasteful, they aren’t nearly as effective in getting out stains.  But the talk can wait. Now you need to focus on the stain at hand. 2. Scrape or absorb by dabbing (not rubbing) any part of the stain that hasn’t yet penetrated the fabric. A knife or cloth works well, depending on the substance. For greasy stains try cornstarch, if you can find some, to absorb the oil. 3. Grab two towels. Hold one behind the stain to absorb it and use the other to dab cold water on the front of the stain. Give this a good try. Press hard with both towels and if you see improvement stick with it. This is where the Zen-like patience comes in. Wet the towel. Press. Wet the towel. Press. Breathe deeply and just keep at it. 4. If some of the stain stubbornly remains, continue to hold the towel behind the stain and apply an ice cube to the front of the stain. Press. Breathe. Press. 5. When the stain is gone, you can let the shirt air dry or use the hand dryer in the bathroom for the ultimate in stealth — no one will ever know you spilled! It’s so simple, but it works amazingly well. Although I’m all for preventative measures when it comes to cleaning, this is a lot more discreet than wearing a bib.

How yoga helps you gracefully thrive emotional and physical challenges, choosing the best online eco-footprint calculator, and more in this week's Living Roundup.

This is your moment to live with all the purpose and richness you can imagine. Realize that nothing is really holding you back, and make this the best day ever.

I learned something interesting today, something that I'm pretty sure that a lot of people aren't aware of. You know that package of "hormone-free" chicken that you make a point of buying? Well, that claim to fame is one that any chicken or poultry product could make, because poultry by law cannot be given hormones. Packages that make the hormone-free claim are required to also have a statement on their packaging saying that federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones, although this statement might be easily overlooked if it's in fine print. Pork, too, cannot be raised with hormones. It's yet another example of how the claims on packaging labels are often misleading or even meaningless. In a time where consumers are more and more concerned about what they eat both from a health and an environmental standpoint, manufacturers are eager to capitalize on this interest with products that are purportedly better in some way. Next time you go grocery shopping, be wise to some of the terms on the packages... they might not be as beneficial for you (or the earth) as you think they are.   Natural: The USDA has started cracking down on the use of this term, and now says that it must not contain artificial ingredients or colors and must be minimally processed. But, it's still a nebulous term open to interpretation. The important thing to remember is that "natural" does not mean "organic." Free Range: There are regulations as to who can use the term "free-range," but again, they're open to interpretation. Chickens labeled "free range" must have demonstrable access to the outdoors. But the truth is, just because they have access to the great outdoors, doesn't mean they take advantage of it. And since they're flock animals, chances are, they're staying right where they are... inside a crowded, dank chicken coop. Hormone-Free: As earlier mentioned, poultry and pork are legally required to be raised without hormones. If a pork or poultry product is labeled "hormone-free," there must also be a statement on the label noting that federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones. Multi-Grain: It sounds like it'll be wholesome and chock full of fiber and nutrients, but the term "multi-grain" only means that the product was made with more than one type of grain, whole or refined. A better term to look for is "whole grain" or "100 percent whole wheat," or, better yet, look for the Whole Grains Stamp for assurance that the product contains at least 16 grams of whole grains per serving. Organic Fish: Because it's practically impossible to control what a fish ingests into its digestive system, a fish can't be labeled organic. And in the case of farmed fish, which are raised under more controlled circumstances, the pollution often caused by the farming seems to negate the environmental benefits of being organic. The USDA is working to determine how to apply the organic label to fish, so stay tuned.

Matthew Modine promotes bike riding at the DNC, Brad Pitt and George Clooney party for charity, and more Hollywood green gossip in this week's Celebrity Planet.

I’m back from a vacation in Egypt — with new energy and inspiration. Now that I’m back at the gym, thinking about the challenges workers faced to build those magnificent monuments brings to mind one of my favorite mantras, “I can” … and how this simple statement can motivate you to try new things, like [...]

Speak clearly, truthfully, with respect and humility. From the truth of who you are, comes the best of what you say.

The sun is just now rising on the bright golden possibilities of this day. Life's great and beautiful promise is now.

Stop worrying and fighting so much, and start enjoying a little more. Give joy some breathing room and it will flourish in your life.

You have within you the potential for excellence. That excellence will be realized in your work when you truly care about each thing you do.

You are destined to achieve. Get your excuses, fears and doubts out of the way and allow that destiny to fully unfold.

Each challenge has within it great strength. Go out to meet the challenge, work your way steadily through it, and that strength becomes yours.

“All the genuine, deep delight of life is in showing people the mud pies you have made; and life is at its best when we confidingly recommend our mud pies to each other's sympathetic consideration.” —J.M. Thorburn, Art and the Unconscious For months and months Georgia has been planning to have a Mud Party for her fifth birthday. I can’t quite remember how it came about, I think we were just joking about playing in the mud and somehow the idea of mud + birthday = fun came about. There would be “mud cake with gummy worms (but with yellow frosting and sugar roses), and real mud to squish around in, and a hose to squirt off the mud.” While the idea was greeted with enthusiasm by the three choice friends Georgia decided to share her birthday with, grown-ups couldn’t quite wrap their heads around the idea. “What do you mean, mud party?” “Well, I guess we’ll just have a lot of mud and the kids will play in it…” I’d say vaguely. It didn’t seem that difficult. Cake, kids, mud... right? More than once I got the question, “Where are you going to get the mud?” And at first I couldn’t imagine where I’d find some good, clean dirt. For some reason the idea of going into the back yard and digging dirt, putting it in a kiddie pool and adding water seemed – what? Too difficult? Too visceral? Too dirty? Hova’s mom suggested we buy play sand and add water to it. But finally we realized that we would just unpack some of that backyard earth and muddy it up. Hova dug and hauled, and Georgia went on a worm rescue mission while breaking up clumps of packed dirt and picking out bits of bark and magnolia pods. By the time they were finished, there was nice, smooth dirt in the green mini blow-up pool. The weather wasn’t obliging us the sunny skies we’d hoped for, so we filled the pool with warm water, and added some warm water to the dirt. We had cake, a piñata, presents, and then it was time for mud! “Is that all the mud there is?” said Baxter, unimpressed at the size of the pool. Zola plunged her feet in, Torie followed, and then Georgia. Baxter stuck his hands in, and promptly washed them off in the clean water pool. One by one the girls got dirtier and dirtier, squelching in the mud and running to wash off in the rapidly muddying clean pool. Baxter got mud up to his wrists, and then promptly washed it off. Mud was everywhere, and it was all I could do to stop myself from wading in, but I had worn a fancy dress, at Georgia’s request, and I didn’t want to worry about dry cleaning it. Or maybe that’s just an excuse. At the end of the party all the kids, even Baxter, were sitting in and “drinking” hot chocolate from the now-cocoa looking, formerly clean pool, with some strange kitty cat trick-or-treat game thrown in to keep the adults completely flummoxed. At 2:55 they all got cold and called for towels. We dried them off, no hosing required, though evening baths were certain. They’d had a great time, and got small bouquets of flowers (“Because flowers grow in mud!”) for parting gifts. Mud play isn’t a part of Georgia’s regular repertoire, and the mud party left me wondering why. When I was a kid there was no shortage of muddy spots to excavate, but now, even though my yard is hard packed dirt with tufts of volunteer grass and invasive weeds, and I am indulgent of most of her mess making, there’s not much mud time. I guess now we worry about wasting water or exposure to pesticides, and she has no hours outside left to her solitary muddy imagination. But I think we’ll be making more mud pies, and getting our hands, and feet, and knees dirty. It feels like a necessary connection to the earth, and an acknowledgement that we live on earth, not just lawn or concrete. Plus, I need an excuse to ooze my toes before the summer fades away!

The Nintendo Wii Fit unlocks the last four yoga poses in the fourth and fifth hours of gameplay. These yoga poses do not rely on the Balance Board or the Wii Remote.

Renowned Iyengar Yoga teacher Mary Dunn died peacefully in her sleep on September 4 at her daughter's home in Scarsdale, New York. She was battling cancer. To read her blog, click here. Specifics about the memorial service are yet to be determined and will be announced at a later date. A celebration of her life is being planned for early 2009 at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York. At her request, donations may be sent in lieu of flowers to: IYAGNY, 150 West 22nd Street 11 Floor, New York, NY 10011.

Often, your yoga teacher is also playing dj. Some students think music in yoga classes is distracting, while others find the rhythms help them with breathing and clearing the mind...

Yoga classes give individuals the capability to find themselves on emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual levels as do a variety of vedic books on the subject of yoga.

Clarification, modifications and safety concerns about seven of the yoga asanas presented by the Wii Fit video game.

CNN has done an interesting piece on how yoga is helping inmates in a Mexico City prison. To watch the video, click here. One inmate says he is learning things, like yoga, that he would never have learned on the street. Prison officials agree: "If we just keep them here, just punishing them, they won’t leave here with a different spirit, another mentality. That would be a disservice to society." I believe the inmates are singing a song that is typically sung at the end of a Kundalini class: "May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you. And the pure light within you, guide your way home." In the U.S., the SYDA Foundation, among others, has a prison project. Have you heard of or participated in others? Are the results positive and long-lasting?

The Yoga Health Foundation has declared September to be Yoga Month. They are sponsoring Yoga Health Festivals in 10 major cities; those remaining include New York, Chicago, Austin, Los Angeles,...

Students who study yoga are much more capable to survive physical and mental hardships and do give up as easily as those who do not.

Using the Nintendo Wii Balance Board and a Yoga Mat, the Wii Fit brings yoga into the living rooms of hundreds. Important modifications and safety notes are missing!

It sounds fun, but I'm not sure I could stay awake for midnight yoga. Nevertheless, quite a few studios are offering it, and usually it's candlelit. In Los Angeles, Bryan Kest's studio in Santa Monica offers class from 10:45-midnight Monday-Thursday. Bloom Yoga in Chicago has midnight yoga once a month with live music, wine, and cheese. The next one is Sept 5. Laughing Lotus Yoga Center in New York holds midnight yoga every Friday night. Has anyone done midnight yoga? What is the benefit?

REMINDER: OUR 4 HOUR MONTHLY ZAZENKAI IS TOMORROW, SATURDAY, FROM 9PM JAPAN TIME ... BE THERE OR JUST BE..An alternative wording of the Four Noble Truths is [emphasis added] ...1. Suffering exists 2. Suffering arises from attachment to desires 3. Suffering ceases when attachment to desires ceases 4. Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Eightfold Path Quiz: The 'self' strongly desires X, but the world gives Y instead (e.g., a 'failure' when 'success' was desired). Great dissatisfaction, disappointment, fear, grief and/or frustration are the result. In such cases, which of the following are an effective 'medicine' to desire and suffering, and a fruit of our 'Just Sitting' Zazen Practice? (Note: several answers will overlap):A. For the 'self' to learn to redirect its desire from X toward Y or Q (a third, available object).B. For the 'self' to soften or drop its attachment toward X. C. For the 'self' to develop equanimity and acceptance toward any and all outcomes.D. For the inner desires, drives and cravings to be calmed and, thus, to lose their force.E. For the inner desires, drives and cravings to be, when needed, forcibly restrained by willpower.F. For the 'self' to drop all thought of both 'X' and 'Y' from mind.G. For the sense of 'self' to soften, or fully drop away.H. All of the above -- simultaneously or in various combinations at different times.ANSWER: H.My point: Practice provides a whole bag of available tricks.PRESS ON PICTURE TO PLAY

Acknowledge Your Creativity and GeniusThe qualities of creativity and genius are within you, awaiting your decision to match up with the power of intention. Genius is a characteristic of the creative force that allows all of material creation to come into form. It is an expression of the divine.Dr Wayne Dyer

On April 21st, 2008 my partner gave birth to our son. As you might imagine, the experience was profound in many ways - some expected ways, and some not. Prior to the big day, we felt that we had prepared as much as one can prepare for such an experience: we took childbirth prep classes, we read book after book about the possibility of this or that happening, we watched movies on birth, and we educated ourselves in whatever other ways we could. One of the movies that we watched was the newly released 'The Business of Being Born'. In it, the trend of commercializing the birth process is looked at closely and critically. If you do ever intend to have a child, I highly recommend watching this film. In addition to this movie's supportive information, our plans from the beginning of pregnancy were to have a natural, unmedicated birth experience. In our efforts to have a natural childbirth, we selected a hospital setting that supported the model of midwifery - a hospital that recognizes the value of having a highly educated attendant, and if all things run smoothly, also recognizes that a 'medical doctor' is not necessary to the birth experience itself. It seemed immediately as if all of our best intentions were met with resistance and fear, both of which were apparently being disguised as 'safety and care'. Who would argue with 'safety and care'? We did, and we're so very glad we did. Let me explain further. We arrived at Labor and Delivery and were admitted to our room. Part of what makes a childbirth 'natural' is that there are minimal interventions; that is, the birth process is honored as a sacred and natural process, and that unless there are unexpected complications, it is allowed to proceed on its own schedule, to its own natural rhythm. Our initial examination was anything but natural. We expected the nurse to give my partner an examination that determined how dilated her cervix was, as the contractions were coming quite rapidly. Instead what happened was the nurse reached so far into my partner that the baby's bag of waters ruptured. Whether or not rupturing the bag of waters was intended by the 'caregiver' is truly beside the point - this act was executed with little communication, and poorly done to say the least.Yes, the bag of waters does need to rupture eventually, but nature knows this and it happens in its own time. This first experience was in some ways the 'signal marker' of things to come, a signal that speaks to the mind's desire to 'control' experiences it fears. At nearly every turn in our process of birth, we felt as if we were fending off the fear of the hospital staff.     One would think that they were the ones who knew how things went, that they would know how to remain patient and calm based on their extensive experience with birth. They were not experienced in the natural process of birth, but instead they were experienced and educated in the 'systems' of surgery, fear, control, and intervention.Is there a time to intervene? Of course there is: when the mother or child's well-being is truly in danger. Our staff seemed to think that pregnancy and birth were inherently dangerous - they are not; they are natural.Labor progressed somewhat slowly for my partner, and as this hospital was also a 'birthing center', we requested that she be able to soak in a birthing tub to help her relax. After repeated requests for 'the tub', three hours later it was brought. It was no more than the size of a garbage can and we didn't end up using it - but what took three hours? An hour maybe. We weren't asking them to build a swimming pool. Early on in our visit to Labor and Delivery we were asked to sign a release form. Normal, right? But on the form it said 'vaginal birth, possible cesarian'. What? We've nearly just arrived and they were already 'making space' for a cesarian - 'just in case' they said. We refused to sign the release and had them rewrite it to say 'vaginal birth' only. Truly, it felt like once we held our ground in this way, the staff backed off quite a bit. But who knows to call off the hounds in this way - we did, because we did our homework ahead of time.Once we truly established our firm commitment to letting nature takes it course, the staff changed completely; they relaxed a bit, but more importantly they gave us the space we needed to give birth. Why would the staff not give someone the space to give birth in the first place? Good question. Perhaps for efficiency's sake, or for economic reasons. Again, I highly recommend the 'The Business of Being Born' as a starting place to begin educating yourself about birth in hospitals, but to also learn about what is viewed as 'health' in the westernized world. What is health? Health is our natural state. Yes, imbalances do occur, but our body's wisdom acts naturally to bring us back into balance. This view of health is not widely recognized in western culture, as in western culture there is a model of pathology, one of 'treating disease' rather than promoting and supporting each being's natural health. Ask yourself: do you believe that you have all of the necessary tools to live a fully realized and healthy life? Or, do you think that somewhere there are people called 'experts' that are necessary to your happiness? Yes, people who are skilled in certain things are needed when complications arise - but not unless they do actually arise. If complications do not arise, then why intervene? Women - do you believe that you can have a natural, unmedicated childbirth? Or has western culture convinced women that the pain of labor is 'too much' for them to handle, or that their bodies can't do it for some reason? Women - ask yourself honestly, 'Can I give birth?'. And if for some reason you doubt that you can, ask yourself where you think that doubt came from. In conclusion: Overall our birth experience was incredible and joyous, and truly every staff member was kind and loving beyond belief (it was the automated system that seemed unkind). We thank gratefully our doctor and nurses, and all of the after-care staff for supporting us to have the birth that we wanted. We have a beautiful, healthy son. In some ways the discussion I've proposed is one of 'ends and means'. Most people might say that as long as the baby is born, who really cares how it happens. But the process does matter: a baby that goes through the vaginal canal is 'squeezed' (literally and figuratively) into this world - it is a right of passage; the mother's body during natural childbirth is lucid, responsive, awake - and this is what facilitates the post-birth bonding that seems to be 'mysteriously' disappearing in the western world. Perhaps nothing is more controversial nor more natural than birth; all the more reason to look deeply within yourself to discover the real truth. Please watch 'The Business of Being Born'. I welcome your comments on this topic. Thank you.

.In life, there's sickness, old age, death and loss ... other very hard times ...But that's not why 'Life is Suffering'. Not at all, said the Buddha.Instead, it's sickness, but only when we refuse the condition ......old age, if we long for youth ...... death, because we cling to life ... ... loss , when we cannot let go ... ... violated expectations, because we wished otherwise ... Our 'dissatisfaction', 'disappointment', 'unease' and 'frustration' ... Dukkha ... arises as a state of mind, as our demands and wishes for how things 'should be' or 'if only would be for life to be happy' differ from 'the way things are'. The gap is the source of Dukkha. Our Practice closes the gapWhat's more, even happiness can be a source of Dukkha if we cling to the happy state, demand that it stay, are attached to good news, material successes, pleasures and the like ... refusing the way life may otherwise go.PRESS ON PICTURE TO PLAY

Yoga is passe. Its mindfulness meditation now. Based on the Buddhas teachings, mindfulness meditation is fast gaining ground with therapists. The patient sat with his eyes closed, submerged in the rhythm of his own breathing, and after a while noticed that he was thinking about his troubled relationship with his father."I was able to be there, present for the pain," he said, when the meditation session ended. "To just let it be what it was, without thinking it through."The therapist nodded. "Acceptance is what it was," he continued. "Just letting it be. Not trying to change anything.""That's it," the therapist said. "That's it, and that's big." (More) Source: Deccan Hearld

This article is about a recent occurrence in my life and culture that bewilders me. For a couple of years now my partner and I have been leaving birdseed in a flower box outside of our apartment's backside windows. From time to time we have had anywhere from a few visiting birds to what I would consider as many as 10+ resident ones. Mostly doves and smaller chickadee type birds, but recently we have had the occasional pigeon. Well, last night I received a phone call from my landlord saying that he had received a complaint from the neighbor, and that our beloved birds have been leaving droppings on the neighbor's deck; I can understand (sort of) the neighbor's concern. After telling me of the neighbor's complaint, and then asking me if I in fact was feeding the birds out of the window box, there was then a long pause on the other end of the phone... I said 'yes, and is there anything else?' The landlord then went on to say that 'feeding wild birds is illegal' and he made it seem as if this was a clear matter of fact that I should know fully about, and that my feeding the birds could only be occurring 'under cover', as if such a thing were something someone should be hiding. What? So, my partner and I decided to do some research on our own to see what foolishness our society was up to now. We did discover that feeding wild birds in public areas in San Francisco is technically against the law, but from what we found there was no compelling statements about the illegality of feeding birds in one's own back yard. The landlord intends to come over today with the 'proof' of his statements. Truly, for me the issue at hand is indeed both the birds, but is also not. All of nature is on trial, and the disconnection that westerners feel with regards to it is blatantly evident and out of balance. Regardless of the droppings on the deck (perhaps one could be grateful to have a deck that might have the occasional droppings?), what has our culture come to that feeding birds is even potentially considered illegal? In any setting? And, whose time is so very wrought with confusion that this sort of 'stand' seems like a good use of one's life and time? Yes, I am sad for the suffering that our neighbor's ignorance has brought them, and that this issue seems important enough to them to say something - but much of the world is at war, and bird poop is the call to action?For me feeding the birds and other simple pleasures are the things that make life truly worth living. These things are even more central to cultivating freedom than all of the various mindfulness practices I've learned, than my life's closest friends, and even more central to life than my home. For without nature and its care and nourishment, these other various things cease to exist - nature is essence, it is essential; and this is exactly what our culture seems to be blind to. I can live without practices, friends, even a home - albeit a sad life indeed, but the one thing that I cannot live without is life - nature herself. This seems so very obvious to me; am I the one confused? In San Francisco, the 'champion' of mindfulness in the United States, I find this most disturbing. It's not as if there were five hundred birds clawing at the neighbors window. Perhaps he or she might even consider the birds a welcome guest, seeing the benefits of their occasional company largely outweighing any cleaning inconvenience that may arise?I welcome your comments on this post, as I am at a bit of a loss with our culture (What defines our culture, what characteristics does it have?) - will it take away even the most basic of our innate qualities and caring? In the past I've chosen to be less of an activist and more of a teacher/practitioner, but what now to do? What would you do?

The next words of the Heart Sutra are shorthand for The Four Noble Truths ...No/ suf/fer/ing/, nor/ cause/ or/ end/ to/ suf/fer/ing/... So, let's take a few days to talk about those Truths ......at the very heart of the Buddha's Teachings.So elegant and direct, thus the very simplicity of the teaching can be lost ...Life is Dukkha, there is a cause for Dukkha,there is a way to the cessation of Dukkha,that way is the Noble Eightfold PathSo, what is 'Dukkha'?No one English word captures the full depth and range of the Pali term Dukkha. It is sometimes rendered as 'suffering', as in 'life is suffering'. But perhaps it's better expressed as 'dissatisfaction', 'anxiety', 'disappointment' 'unease at imperfection' or 'frustration', terms that wonderfully convey a subtlety of meaning.Your 'self' wishes this world to be X, yet this world is not X. The mental state that may result to the 'self' from this disparity is Dukkha.Shakyamuni Buddha gave many examples ... sickness (when we do not wish to be sick), old age (when we long for youth), death (if we cling to life), loss of a loved one (as we cannot let go), violated expectations, the failure of happy moments to last (though we wish them to last). Even joyous moments ... such as happiness and good news, treasure or pleasant times ... can be a source of suffering if we cling to them, are attached to those things.In ancient stories, Dukkha is often compared to a chariot's or potter's wheel that will not turn smoothly as it revolves. The opposite, Sukkha, is a wheel that spins smoothly and noiselessly, without resistance as it goes.(THE FOLLOWING IS PART OF A SERIES OF TALKS & SITTINGS FROM LAST YEAR)PRESS ON PICTURE TO PLAY

A little foolishess, enough to enjoy lifeand a little wisdom to avoid the errors,that will do.Osho

     Taking tea, and being with tea and people, has been a practice in the culture of humanity for much of recorded history.  My personal love of tea has been a great way to transition from the often introspective practices of seated meditation and yoga asana to a more social mindful life.  However, not until more recently has the art of tea revealed itself as a true method and expression of residing in sustained satsang, or community of truth - with other people, but also with nature, art, and beauty of all kinds.Why is this?  In any experience there is an opportunity for appreciation.  I've heard it said, "Where the subject meets the object, be the most mindful."  For myself, this is exactly what the act of taking tea offers; it offers the opportunity to awaken not only to the experience of enjoyment, but to also awaken to the experience of the experience itself.  When an experience is subtle like taking tea can be, then it teases the taster to raise their level of not only knowing, but also asks of them to look at how they come to know what they do in fact know; and how do they know what they know?  How do you know what you know about all of your experiences?  What is the measure that you actually do know what you know?  In the subtle, we are all faced with the opportunity to mature our humility, our relationship to uncertainty, our love of mystery, and the joy of discovery.      My own 'tea practice' began as a very informal daily ritual of drinking tea.  Part of me intuitively knew that tea meant more to me than taste, warmth, and routine, but I was also more than happy to engage with tea in this way.  Only until recently has my relationship with tea taken a turn towards more directed practice - my first 'steps' towards directed practice were to begin relating to tea in a refined tasters way, similar to how one may approach wine, cheese, and the like.     Tea as meditation has recently unfolded for me as I've begun to study chado or chanyou, the art of making tea from Japan's, or Zen Buddhism's, perspective.  There are four major schools of this Japanese tea ceremony - I am studying omotesenke, which I've heard roughly translates as 'front of the house'; from what I've gathered, the other schools refer to other parts of the house as well.  The practice is detailed, beautiful, and specific, yet freeing in the way of the Tibetan saying, "Outer discipline, inner spaciousness."  I've just begun this practice, but I've already begun to have 'rumblings' of its far reaching applications, both inwardly and outwardly.I've also begun to engage in the practice of Gongfu Cha, or the Chinese art of making tea.  This ceremony is more about the art of tasting and socialization than the beauty and refinement of the Japanese ceremony.  Chinese tea is also very much grounded in 'origin', the natural setting and cultivation of the tea bush itself.  This fact is very much reflected in the way Gongfu Tea is offered and conducted.      Of course anything can be a part of your personal practice, and truly all that it takes to make this so is to focus long enough to deepen.  Long ago I attend a gathering on Sufism, or mystical Islam.  At this time in my 'practice life' I was doing a lot of sampling of various paths of practice.  I arrived at the gathering quite early and there was one other person there, an old man of about seventy.  I told him of my 'sampling method' and he said, "If you want to dig a well to get water you don't dig several two-foot deep holes, but rather you need to dig one really deep one."  I took this to heart and I left before the gathering even began, as I had decided that yoga and seated meditation had already become my focus.     Focusing is so very important, but it does not imply 'closing off' to new experiences in any way.  This in itself is a practice, as often when we find what works for us, our mind makes a leap that we are unconscious of - 'if this works, then everything else must not work'.  To find what works for us - in that it helps us live in ease and freedom - is a gift of unmeasurable beauty; and I look forward to how taking tea can support and serve my established practices of yoga and meditation in a way that allows me to reside in a life consciously lived.  Live well.

I'm late, I'm late ... for a very important date (and sitting) ...But can we truly be "late" for anything?Press on arrow for 'play'NOTE: IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE TO SEE THE SCREEN OR START BUTTON,PLEASE UPDATE FLASH. SEE HERE

Manual lymph drainage (MLD) refers to a very gentle kind of massage therapy used to get rid of excess fluid from the body and improve the overall role of the lymphatic system. This particular method of massage therapy is used to treat lymphedema, which is the blocking of lymph nodes in the upper and lower extremities. MLD dates back to the early 1930's when it was first used on patients as a useful way to detoxify the body.

We’ve all heard the news that running can be bad for your joint and can over-stress your cardiovascular system beyond it’s capacity. There are other rumors about running but frankly this vigorous exercise has gotten a bad rap. Every person who takes up running has been confronted by a “helpful” critic who is [...]

Can't Afford A Trip To Spa? Give Yourself a Relaxing Face Massage and Get Younger Looking Skin. I'll show you how.

Do you need to take calcium AND magnesium? How much copper is too much copper? And which omega oil should I ge more of, omega-6 or omega-3? Well, Dr. Oz and oncologist Dr. Dwight McKee, via Oprah’s site have all of these answers in a recent post. Check it out below: Calcium [...]

Aromatherapy was used by ancient cultures to enhance mood and promote healing. Ancient Egyptians used essential oils to embalm the dead and the ancient Greeks thought that certain essential oils could make them smarter.

Here is an alarming video of a sure epidemic of the times we live in. Check it out: Here’s the link to the video in case you can’t view it below: Cell phone dangers video Source: Mercola.com cancer, energy, healthy, neurology, poison

Have you been looking for a bed that does the work of a chiropractor and will help you sleep better each and every night? Do you want to get rid of lower back pain, sore shoulders, a stiff neck, or tired feet? Do you want to knead out all your built up tension and pain and relieve your body from stress and anxiety? Do you want to realign the body to a more healthy and balanced chemistry and posture?

Migraine sufferers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that there is some help for their pain in the form of nutrition and supplements. Drugs don’t have to be the only answer, which is great considering the number of side effects that usually come with them. Neurologist Dr. Allen S. Josephs, Co-Founder & Chairman of [...]

Massage is a special technique that is applied on various parts of the body and this has a relaxing effect on the body as well as mind. Now this is a common fact known to all of us that the human touch often has a reenergizing effect on the body. Now this same theory is incorporated in the techniques of massaging.

According to recent guidelines outlined by the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society, doctors should not routinely order imaging or other diagnostic tests such as MRIs, CAT scans, or X-rays for patients with nonspecific low back pain. This is good news for those who have nonspecific low back pain and may be [...]

In contrast to the popular belief that fruits enhance blood sugar levels and aggravate problems among diabetics, a team of scientists from the UK have now proven that consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables will, in fact, decrease the risk of Type 2 diabetes. A study conducted by the UK research team showed that higher levels [...]

This moisturizing hair cream combines soft, creamy Shealoe Butter with Amla Oil and Mahabhringraj Oil, two Ayurvedic Oils that are especially beneficial to hair care treatments.  Amla Oil can help to strengthen hair at the root, improve scalp condition, and encourage the growth of healthier hair.  Mahabhringraj Oil can help to inhibit the frequency of gray hair, and help prevent hair loss.  This mixture has a very soft, creamy texture, and can be used to help condition and style the hair.  Intensely moisturizing, this formula would probably not be helpful to those with oily or fine hair.  I should also note that this formula has a very strong, herbal aroma, which may not be everyone's cup of tea.  You may want to add a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil, or Jasmine Absolute to give this hair cream a more pleasant aroma. Ayurvedic Hair CreamMakes about 4 ounces. Ingredients 1 ounce Amla Oil*1 ounces Mahabhringraj Oil*2 ounces Shealoe Butter DirectionsGently melt the Shealoe Butter over medium heat in a double boiler.  As soon as the Shealoe Butter has softened into a liquid, remove it from the heat and add the two Ayurvedic Oils.  Whip the mixture until it cools. The cream should thicken slightly as it cools down, but will not become firm.  If desired, add a few drops of your favorite Absolute, Attar, or Essential Oil.  Jasmine Absolute would be a great choice.  Transfer the mixture to a clean jar and allow it to cool completely. Usage and PackagingThis intensely moisturizing hair cream can be used in very small quantities to add targeted moisture, or to help a hair style hold its texture.  Ayurvedic Hair Cream may be especially effective when applied to the ends of the hair, or when it is rubbed into the scalp as an overnight treatment.  Please note that this formula may be too intense for some hair types.  Experiment with a small amount before using a lot of product.  Ayurvedic Hair Cream can be packaged in any 4 ounce jar.  I particularly like using Flat White Cream Jars for this formula. *For a limited time, FromNatureWithLove.com is offering a 30% discount off of their online selection of Ayurvedic Herbs and Oils. Check out the Sales & Specials page for details!

Want another way to beat your risk of developing cancer? Eat those veggies! Sure they get a bad wrap for maybe not being the sexiest food, but when...

As a follow-up to my previous popular post about Why all natural health care practitioners should have a blog, I thought I would put forward a list of the benefits I have noticed so far in having my blog about Chinese medicine.  I want to create this list because I feel that there could be [...]

Beeswax is a foundation ingredient for a wide range of formulations including, lip and body balms, stick deodorants, medicinal salves, and natural creams and lotions.  Unfortunately, the selection of Organic Waxes on the market right now is limited.  Organic Vegetable Waxes are rare at best, and Organic Beeswax can be difficult to procure due to the nature of the product itself.  To create an Organic Beeswax, the bees that it is harvested from must only be allowed to feed on Certified Organic botanicals.  This is accomplished by placing the apiaries on Organic land, surrounded by several miles of either Organic or uncultivated botanicals. In addition to the setting of the colonies, beekeepers must use alternative methods for caring and cultivating their hives.  Antibiotics, and chemical pesticides cannot be used to maintain them. Organic Beekeeping is a challenging, but rewarding industry.  When the USDA Organic requirements are met, the result is a pure, natural beeswax, free of chemical and pesticide residue. Besides helping to support an organic lifestyle by creating Organic Honey and Beeswax, Organic Beekeeping may have additional benefits.  Though the correlation between conventional beekeeping methods and Colony Collapse Disorder is unproven, many Organic Beekeepers claim that this disorder has not affected their hives.  Organic Beekeepers have found ways to tackle common hive problems such as mites and disease without the use of chemical pesticides and antibiotics.  These methods often involve allowing the bees to live in a more natural state than they do in conventional beekeeping.  Some Organic Beekeepers theorize that bees that are allowed to live closer to their natural state are less likely to fall victim to Colony Collapse Disorder.  Perhaps, like people, honeybees respond well to a low stress, healthy lifestyle. FromNatureWithLove.com is pleased to announce the addition of a high quality, Organic Beeswax to our ever growing line of Certified Organic Products.  This Certified Organic Beeswax has been formed into easy to use pastilles and is available in a wide range of sizes.  Since this Organic Beeswax has not been overly processed, it retains a subtle aroma of natural honey, and an earthy golden color which can range from yellow to brown.  Organic Beeswax is ideal for use in skin care and aromatherapy products.  It can be used to create balms, salves, butters, and all natural candles. Photo by Mateusz Atroszko

It is just amazing to note the immense health benefits derived on regular consumption of fish. The fact that fish has high medicinal value is now being proven through numerous studies. Fish for healthy heart: A study published in the Aug.5th issue of Journal of American College of Cardiology, confirms that a lifetime of eating Sardines, [...]

It seems that with each day, a new carcinogenic, or cancer causer, is brought to our collective attentions. If we are not told to stay away from microwaves, be...

Sorry to get this podcast out so late, folks.  There’s been a heat wave in Oregon, and I’ve just been worthless for work.  Things are still moving and changing here at Deepesthealth and you can keep looking forward to more great content.  :) This week’s podcast is a fairly quick one where I talk more about [...]

As many of you know, Donna Maria, of The Indie Beauty Network, has been making a huge effort on the behalf of hundreds of indie business owners in opposition of The FDA Globalization Act of 2008.  In it's current draft form, this legislation could negatively affect small businesses across the nation, and even cause countless businesses to close their doors forever.  While this prospect is indeed frightening, Donna Maria has continued to encourage indie business owners, and choice conscious consumers to band together against this unfair legislation.  Working together, our voices can become loud and clear.  What can you do to help oppose the FDA Globalization Act of 2008? Help Donna Maria reach her goal of collecting 100,000 signatures by signing her online petition. Speak out by writing a letter to Congress. Donna Maria has thoughtfully put together some sample letters on her blog to help inspire us. Spread the word by contacting your local media including newspapers, television stations, and radio stations.  Check out Donna Maria's sample letter to the media to help you get started. Pass it on by getting your family, friends, and customers involved in the movement.  Remember, this legislation has the potential to affect more than business owners.  Many consumers prefer buying handmade skin and hair care products to buying from big box companies.  You may be surprised to find that many consumers are more than willing to fight on behalf of their favorite product.  After all, to many people skin care takes an important role in their lifestyle.  Use your blog, newsletters, and word of mouth to spread the word.  Keep in touch by following Donna Maria's progress on The Indie Business Blog.

Although all of us are well aware of all the medicinal values and beauty care that honey bestows for human body, it has been recently learnt that honey works magic for eyes, by protecting eyes and improving eyesight. Although the easiest manner to take advantage of honey is to include it as part of one’s regular [...]

The theory of five feng shui elements might be hard to grasp right away. However, if you spend some time with it and try to understand how the five feng...

posted by jpearceDork alert!Yeah I know I was thinking of this post in the past and commented on a marketing article today that explained the importance of color and marketing. (When I find the post I'll link to it!)This is just a silly post so why feng shui your blog? No reason.I'm not going to get into the details in this post and if you are familiar with feng shui then you will recognize some of the 'cures'. If you need an explanation on anything leave me a comment and I'll do my best to help you.Feng shui feeds my superstitious side without going over the top like astrology. I'm not into astrology especially since I used to have a room mate years ago who would advise me not to plan anything or call anyone or GO TO WORK if Mercury was in retrograde...The best picture I have of astrology is from Pee Wee's Big Adventure and he is standing on the astrology scale in the magic shop. The dial spins to Picses (yay! Picses!) and he gets an astrological fortune: Don't leave the house today.Brilliant.For my blogs I think of it as feng shui furniture placement, ads should be in specific area or 'bagua' of the blog, my friends list and information or 'resources and knowledge' should go in another. The point of feng shui is the flow of energy to simplify and improve the quality of your life. Here I improve the quality of my blog.What have I done to feng shui my blog?1. Dump past post that don't make any sense.Everyone here reading with a blog has very well thought out blog posts I'm sure. This does not apply to you.If a post has or had low traffic and no longer holds any intrinsic value for your blog ditch it.I had a lot of crappy posts in the beginning of some of my blogs. Those posts were almost like a pile of shoes I never wear in the back of the closet. Either re-sole them, or re-write in this case, or off they go!Clutter is bad chi don't you know.2. Color scheme.That's right! One blog I have is schemed in red and it notes attention. The topics are rather spicy and I don't hold back or worry who I offend. So there. It's feng shui.Here we have green...yes the color of money, also the color of abundance and wisdom. I have some other money blogs that are blazen in gold and yellow-the color combination of wealth.Purple is bad for design in any case and is probably a good accent color.Orange is good for grabbing attention but too much yellow is harsh and you'll get nothing but complaints from fellow computer users.Check out this feng shui color chart and you will also learn what baguas are which leads us too...3. Proper bagua and placement.There are 'auspicious' locations in a room when using feng shui so you treat your blog as if it were a map and you plan out what goes where.I have all the ads in my 'prosperity' or wealth corner, my blog roll and people lists go in the 'helpful people' area of my blog, my email subscription in the 'fame' portion etc...Is it silly? Yes. Does it work? I don't know. I'm no practicioner and don't live by it but its fun to tinker with the idea.My blog looks cleaner and is easy to navigate with useful blogging tips scattered around so...If you ever thought of feng shui'ing your blog, it's true, some people really do it. :)

We're all familiar with the typical feng shui buzz nowadays: wealth corner here, relationship corner there, water fountain, crystals, north, south, east, etc. But there is a much more natural level of feng shui energy flow that meanders through our environments, and the more in tune with it we get, the more easily things will open up and successfully flow in all areas of our lives. Our homes are truly a mirror reflection of what is going on in our lives and the way you interact with your space is also an indication of how the rest of ...

We found this in the news this week: Prince’s plans for Feng Shui Chinatown 10:48 | 01.08.08 By David Doyle Prince Charles has proposed using Feng Shui to make London’s Chinatown more... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

posted by aikihealing When we have a greater muscle mass, our bodies burn calories more efficiently even when resting. Qi gong and tai chi allow you to build muscle naturally while increasing energy and the health of the internal organs. How does qi gong and tai chi build muscle mass? (1) Isometric Movements. Qi gong and tai chi movements are isometric in nature. This means that qi gong and tai chi movements  slowly contract muscles to increase tension, while length of the muscle remains constant. Unlike working with free weights,  isometric movements create flexible muscles. Of course, the more flexible muscles are, the stronger they are, and the less prone to injury. Also, researchers have discovered that isometric hand grip exercises lower resting blood pressure in individuals who are medicated for hypertension (Blood Pressure Monitor. 2007 Oct;12(5):307-14). Many of the warm-ups for the Wu Tai Chi form involve these types of focused contractions of the hands. A qi gong or tai chi teacher trained in teaching nuances of movements will teach students how to increase the isometric qualities of specific movements to optimize building muscle. (2) Internal Strength. Qi gong movements strengthen the organ of the spleen, said to rule the muscles in Chinese medicine. From an internal organ perspective,  qi gong and tai chi empower your body to develop muscles by influencing the energy of the spleen in a way that traditional western isometric or weight training cannot do. (3) Stronger Core Muscles. Many qi gong and tai chi movements improve balance by strengthening core muscles. The beauty is that one does not have to learn complicated or difficult routines to increase muscle mass. The simple movements of the 8 Pieces Brocade and Taoist Five can be performed with attention to toning the core strength and all major muscles of the body. Call Aiki Healing today to schedule your private instruction with qi gong and learn how this natural form of movement can help you achieve beautifully toned and strong muscles. 512.468.6588

The feng shui forum has several discussions on numbers - from house numbers to numbers derived from a car compass reading. Check them out for some interesting feng shui info....

Find the "lucky" corner of your office, home or bedroom. Learn how to arrange your space so that synchronicity flows in your life. Always be in the right place, at the right time and meeting the right people.

Here is a very interesting article from Shanghaidaily.com about doors and windows… Doors of yore, windows on China MANY people believe that qi or cosmic energy enters our houses through doors... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

posted by hmcsA relationship needs to be nurtured with love and romance. However, in today’s stressful times, these have been relegated to the background with hardly any time and energy left after coping with the daily requirements of routine life. The persistent care required and demands made by children add to the neglect of relationships.Feng Shui for love and romance comes as a much-needed boost required to spur our love lives.Feng Shui:This, literally meaning ‘wind and water’, is a Chinese practice of harmonizing the different aspects of an individual’s life with his environment. This is done through colours and placement. Positioning and placing plants, water and other elements of the earth in a particular manner at the home or workplace aligns a person with his environment so that whatever the universe has to offer will flow naturally into his life.So, if you believe in the natural alignment and dynamics of everything in the universe, then Feng Shui for love and romance can reinvigorate this vital aspect of your life.Orderliness:A number of components work together to produce harmony in the romantic are of your house. The bedroom must look attractive and welcoming. So, there should be no clutter either under the bed or elsewhere. Clothes should be kept at their proper place. Dust and cobwebs should not be seen anywhere. There should be a vibrant feel to the bedroom reflected in the growth of any plants kept in the room.Colour:Feng Shui for love and romance advocates pink as the preferred colour for romance. Other powerful colours for love are red and white. These colours could be used in bed linen, clothing, flowers etc.Any showpiece not nice to look at should be avoided as well as those with sharp points. So, pink roses when used for romantic effects in the bedroom should have no thorns.Symmetry:This is an important component of Feng Shui. So, for love and romance to blossom, place everything in pairs. While using pink candles, make sure you light two of them to rekindle the love and romance in your life.For more such articles visit Romance-Dating-TipsRavi Agarwal is publisher of dating-tips website Romance-Dating-Tips. He has written several informative articles on romance dating tips topics.Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Many businesses use Feng Shui techniques to help improve the chances of financial success. These same techniques can be used on a micro-environmental level by improving individual workspaces. If implemented properly, the workspace will become more vibrant, creative, fulfilling and potentially more lucrative for the occupant.

Chicken and Peaches Platter

  The Globemallow (Sphaeralcea coccinea and allied spp.) is a riotous splash across the mesa, all scarlet and orange and pink amongst the native grasses and blue flowered Sages. Unlike the common mallows, our spp. is so hairy as to sometimes be known as Sore Eye Poppy, and if you ever drive down a dry dirt [...]

It's harvest time in the desert! The prickly pear fruits are ruby wine color and beaconing from their spiky perches, the mesquite pods are golden and dry, hanging from the trees and falling to the ground.I made my way up into the high mountains for the first time since moving back to Arizona, to scope out a trail for my herb walk next weekend. It's harvest time up there too! The late summer and fall flowers are in full bloom, fruits are ripening, and I came home with bagfuls of medicinal and edible plants today!Look what I found first off this morning!My first delight of the day, when I stopped to harvest the blooming Evening Primroses and more grape leaves for brining, was an amazing find of a lone Peach tree! I have been to this very spot at least 5 or 6 times this season, and many countless times in years past, and have never once noticed this tree. It never ceases to delight me how the plants choose when, where and to whom to reveal themselves...I could hardly believe my eyes, as I was wandering amongst the primroses, the flowering Monarda Pectinata, grape leaves, walnut trees and the creek full of water, "Is that a peach tree? It can't be, but.." I wandered over and crushed a handful of leaves to my nose. Sure nough! It's a peachy tree! There were no fruits to be had, but plenty of fragrant leaves!This must have sprouted from a picnicker's peach pit tossed out years ago...I can't imagine how else it might have arrived at this unlikely place. But truly an exciting moment, as I'm coming to love the peach leaf medicine quite a lot these days.The grapes are starting to ripen on the vines too, and in a few weeks I'll be back there for the grapes, and the flowering Lemmon's Marigold , which is just starting to bud out.Further up the mountain, I visited a favorite trail where I've spent many a summer afternoon, napping underneath the ponderosa pines, grieving, celebrating, loving and being. I know the trail well, and was pleased to find all of the plant friends I expected, including raspberry, strawberry, goldenrod, yarrow, violets and valerian (among MANY others). Even the elder trees have proliferated since I had last visited and I saw several new baby elders downhill from the larger ones. I got quite a lot of elderberries too, perfectly ripe, which I've turned into Elderberry Elixir.I went specifically looking for the yarrow, as I've totally run out of dried yarrow, though I'm well stocked on tincture and oil. The goldenrod was in full bloom interspersed with the yarrow, and I got some of that as well to make infused goldenrod oil for sore muscles and sprains. Shortly after the above picture was taken, I packed up my things, sang a song of gratitude to the plants and the earth, and was promptly gifted with a downpour. I had noticed a grey cloud sort of hanging over the mountain tops, but didn't think much of it. Until it started to rain on me, in my skimpy cotton tank top. I should have known better, in early September we are still under the influence of the monsoon rains, and I hardly ever go out in the summer without a raincoat, or something. There I was, huddling under the driest spot under a pine tree I could find, watching as the rain came down in torrents, followed by small hail. Silly me! I waited awhile thinking, it can't rain for too long, these monsoons come and go quickly, but after 30 min of waiting, with the rain only getting worse, I decided I was better off walking back up the trail, and getting wet, yet staying warm, than staying put and shivering under the tree. I was maybe a mile and half away from the trailhead, and didn't feel in real danger of hypothermia, as long as I was moving and getting closer to the car, but I was cold, and wet. After a while the rain let up a bit, and dallied to pick some violets and raspberry leaf, but when a very LOUD crack of thunder reverberated around the mountains, I picked up the pace again, and none to soon as the rain began to fall harder.But alas, as our storms do, it petered out just about the time I got back to the car, and I passed three or four people just venturing out after the rainstorm, my pack full of plant goodness to last the whole year through!

Have you ever thought about getting some of your holistic related writing published in a magazine? If you have then read on!!!Not that long ago I was at the library when I ran across the book Query Letters That Rock by Linda Formichelli and Diana Burrell. This book seemed like my style, I kinda like doing things my own way. After a quick skim through, I checked out the book.Well, it does rock! It's an easy read, the authors are funny and down to earth. It gives you information you can use- not the same old info that you see in other books.From the Renegade writer blog: " We talked to dozens of editors from magazines ranging from Smithsonian and Parenting, to Fitness and the L.A. Times magazine, and asked them, “What makes you buy a story?” We not only will share what the editors said, we include the actual query letter that sold, along with the writers’ comments. Seriously, this book is going to change your life — or at least, make you change your underwear."In fact Query Letters that Rock ROCKS so hard I got a response from an editor on the very first query I ever sent! I am working on writing my article this week:)Those of you that read my blog have probably figured out I don't just promote products or sites on my blog willy nilly, something has to really impress me. If you want to publish your writing in magazines, you should buy this book. I am taking my library book back and buying a copy of my own, I am sure the pages will be highlighted and dog-eared because I will use it again and again.Guess what? Linda also teaches a class about breaking into the magazine market- the info is below- I will be there! You should take the class with me!Linda’s 8-Week E-course on Breaking into Magazines - Next Session Starts Monday, September 22, 2008Subscribe in a reader

Food of the Week: Tomatoes

My last vacation was a series of fantasy like images of crystal waters and white sand beaches, straight from a magazine. This perfect vacation included a happy bonding family enjoying some well deserved time together. Part of the 3.9 vacation and holiday days set aside for typical Americans. Unfortunately my vacation existed more in my [...]

A simple equation, but not always a simple act. A friend of mine recently joined a gym and met with a personal trainer. During the first session the trainer explained that in order to lose weight she needed to do cardiovascular activity for 90 minutes on most days if not all days. My [...]