December 8, 2007
and sandwich bags take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade in a landfill. So wrap school lunches in aluminum foil (which is recyclable) and pack snacks in reusable containers.
Source: Woman’s Day, January 1, 2008
whole living
Archived Posts from this Category
September 22, 2007
Holding on is easy; we do it all the time. We cling to worries, regrets, and fears that no longer serve us. But it’s amazing what happens when you start to release your grip on the thoughts that haunt you. Suddenly, there’s more air. You can breathe deeper, walk taller. Life feeds effortless because you’ve stopped trying to control every last second of it. This month, practice letting go of the things that weigh you down — negative comments, old hurts, nagging concerns. You’ll soon discover that freedom doesn’t emerge from what you accumulate. It’s what happens when you finally let go.
By Terri Trespicio
Source: body+soul, October 2007
September 22, 2007
For all the bonuses autumn brings, the season also ushers in one seemingly interminable chore: raking. But where many see drudgery, Buddhism sees an opportunity for cultivating calm. “When we apply a ‘beginner’s mind’ to repetitive chores, we learn to avoid getting caught in distraction or constantly seeking new stimulation,” says Sharon Salzberg, cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts. Also known as “meditation in action,” the Zen approach helps you hone your attention on the present moment while you get a chore done–in this case, rounding up fallen leaves, As you make your piles, focus only on the action of raking; when you feel your mind wandering, says Salzberg, concentrate on your breath or the feel of the rake to recenter yourself.
Source: body+soul, October 2007
August 13, 2007
“Globally, we use more than 500 billion plastic bags per year. Many end up in landfills, while others pollute oceans and kill animals that mistake them for food. Tote a reusable bag when you shop and encourage others to do the same. Learn more about the growing worldwide movement to end plastic bag use at reusablebags.com.”
Source: body+soul, September 2007
August 13, 2007
“More than a quarter of Americans consider themselves chronic procrastinators, according to a study from the University of Calgary. Get things done on Fight Procrastination Day (September 6) by eliminating distractions. Best place to start? E-mail alerts and television.”
Source: body+soul, September 2007
Resources:
Holiday Insights : September 6 Holiday - Fight Procrastination Day
August 13, 2007
1. Applaud a great performance.
2. Become a Big Brother or Big Sister.
3. Buy a meal for someone who’s hungry.
4. Call a friend you haven’t heard from in a while.
5. Confront a friend who needs confronting.
6. Donate blood.
7. Elect to be an organ donor.
8. Extend a warm welcome to a newcomer.
9. Forgive yourself.
10. Give a compliment.
11. Give directions to someone who’s lost.
12. Give up your seat.
13. Give your full attention.
14. Help a fellow traveler with her luggage.
15. Help a younger person discover a hidden talent.
16. Hold the door.
17. Invite someone who’s not a part of your inner circle to a friendly gathering.
18. Kick bad habits, like smoking, that can harm others.
19. Laugh.
20. Lead by example.
21. Leave a big tip when you eat out.
22. Let go of an old grudge.
23. Let your spouse sleep late.
24. Look cashiers in the eye. Thank the bank teller.
25. Make a donation, however small, to your favorite charity.
26. Mentor a colleague who’s new to your field.
27. Next time you’re ready to honk at another car, don’t.
28. Offer a ride to somebody without a car.
29. Participate in a race that benefits a charity.
30. Pass on good news.
31. Pay the toll for the person behind you.
32. Plant a tree.
33. Praise someone who’s done well.
34. Put yourself in another person’s shoes.
35. Raise money for a cause you believe in.
36. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
37. Rescue an animal from a shelter.
38. Say a prayer for someone who’s hurting.
39. Send a thank-you card to someone who’s shown you kindness.
40. Smile at a stranger.
41. Spearhead a petition.
42. Spend time with an elderly person.
43. Stay calm during a stressful time.
44. Surprise someone.
45. Teach your children about giving.
46. Tell a joke.
47. Tell your mom you love her.
48. Throw a party for someone celebrating a milestone.
49. When you see trash, pick it up.
50. Write a letter to a person who’s made a difference in your life.
~ Deblina Chakraborty
Source: body+soul, September 2007
July 5, 2007
According to Ayurveda, each of us is a combination of three doshas, or energy archetypes, which determine both our physical and emotional health. Making lifestyle choices that help balance your dominant dosha or doshas (many people are a combination of two) will help boost your ojas. See below for some of the main principles of each dosha. For a thorough analysis, consult a trained Ayurvedic practitioner.
VATA
Associated with the air element, vata types are generally thin, very active, and talkative–and they get cold easily. When in balance, they’re creative, joyful, and open-minded.
Symptoms of imbalance Constipation, anxiety, insomnia, low-back pain
Aggravating influences Cold or raw food, cold weather, traveling
Balancing influences Warm weather and food, sticking to routines, warming spices
PITTA
Ruled by the fire principle, pitta types have a tendency to overheat. They’re often orderly and driven, with medium frames, strong digestion, bright eyes, and rosy skin.
Symptoms of imbalance Impatience, anger, inflammation, acid reflux/heartburn
Aggravating influences Hot weather, spicy and sour foods, excessive salt or oil
Balancing influences Cooling foods and drinks, mild or cool weather
KAPHA
Associated with water and earth, kaphas often have a large, sturdy build and smooth skin. Cautious and calm by nature, kaphas like routine and tend to be very loyal.
Symptoms of imbalance Fatigue, weight gain, depression, sinus problems, water retention, greed
Aggravating influences Heavy and sweet foods, wet weather, being sedentary
Balancing influences Exercise, dry climate, light/bitter food, spontaneity
Source: body+soul, July+August 2007
I think I’m mostly kapha, but perhaps a bit of pitta too. I don’t believe I have sinus problems or greed, but the rest apply greatly.
July 5, 2007
You know it when you feel it: the effervescent joy that makes you want to kiss strangers, sing an aria, dance in the crosswalk at rush hour. Sometimes these surges of energy are the direct result of external events–a big promotion, a great workout, a fabulous first date. More often, happiness floods in unexpectedly, and we chalk it up to that mysterious force known as a good mood.
But what if this bubbly, pure sensation isn’t completely random? What if you could tap into it, nurture it? India’s ancient health system, Ayurveda, says you can, and it has a name for the force that flows through us when all is well: ojas (OH-jas). “Ojas is your energy, your vitality, your immunity, your fertility, your longevity, and your joie de vivre,” says medical herbalist and Ayurvedic practitioner Anne McIntyre, author of over a dozen books on natural health. By cultivating ojas, experts say, you can experience deep, genuine joy more often and attain a new level of vibrant, “juicy” health.
…
OJAS ACCUMULATORS
Sound sleep
Gentle exercise
Room-temperature water
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Massage
Honesty
Being in nature
Forgiveness; releasing anger
Meditation
Connecting with a higher cause
Organic milk, ghee, almonds, and honey
OJAS DETRACTORS
Processed food
Anxiety and worry
Working too much
Too much TV
Overexercising
Lack of sleep
Leftover food
Alcohol
Smoking
Caffeine
Dishonesty
Too much sex
Source: body+soul, July+August 2007
July 4, 2007
Forget the extra shoes. If we all cut our air-travel weight by 10 pounds, says The Green Book, we’d save enough fuel in a year to keep a 747 in flight for a decade.
Source: body+soul, JULY/AUGUST 2007
July 4, 2007
Prepared to be awed. From late evening on august 12 until predawn the next day, The Perseid meteor shower peaks, coinciding with a new moon–so you could see 50-plus meteors an hour if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere. All you need is a clear sky about 40 miles from city lights and a blanket.
Source: body+soul, JULY/AUGUST 2007
I’m not driving 40 miles out of town with the high price of gas, but it does sound awesome!
