Posts by integrationshealth

Take The First Step – Don’t Put It Off!

By on May 19, 2014

TAKE THE FIRST STEP - NO MATTER HOW SMALLThe First Step…Towards any Change is Always the Hardest!

WE KNOW THIS ALREADY!

It does not matter how small the step may be….and making the decision may be the first step, but making that decision is important!

In the Abraham Hicks teachings, they encourage people to “make more decisions in every day…because a decision is a summoning of LIFE” – they also remind us that “we’ll never get it done, and we can never get it wrong”. What a wonderful thought! It speaks to the truth that we are eternal, consistently learning, and that the choices made in one experience will then lead us to other choices – often different and clearer choices as we move along.

We often hold back from making choices for change because we sense a fear of what that change may require from us…and we wonder if we really have the “WILL” to follow through. We question if we can really get to the other side? No one likes to fail, and yet it is a natural part of life. If we could remember back to when we were first learning to walk, that desire within us pushed us to keep trying until we got it. We did NOT just stand up and walk, but with a little encouragement from our parents, we kept making the effort. That’s the Key! And this is a REMINDER…. Make the Effort:  Find the people that will support you, dream the dream, open your heart, take the risk, keep faith, expect the best, and take the step – no matter how small! 

For me, it seems these days all my steps are small. Smaller than I would like them to be, however I will never relinquish the intent to move forward, and WILL always do my best to keep going even when it feels like the change isn’t happening at the rate that I would like it to occur. I encourage all to do the same.  

May these words from Bette Midlers song “THE ROSE” serve as a reminder and springboard towards any step….they’ve always inspire me!

It’s the heart afraid of breaking
That never learns to dance.
It’s the dream afraid of waking
That never takes the chance.
It’s the one who won’t be taken,
Who cannot seem to give,
And the soul afraid of dyin’
That never learns to live.  

Tiptoe if you must, BUT take the STEP…

LOCAL RESOURCES:

  • The Courage that Resides in Your Own Being

FUN LINKS TO EXPLORE:

RECOMMENDED READING:

  • “THE COURAGE TO FALL INTO LIFE: THE TAO OF PURPOSEFUL EXISTENCE” by Mirella De Civita and John Scita

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Detoxifying

By on May 19, 2014

DETOXIFYING What do you think of when you see or hear DETOX? Your Colon, Liver, All Of The Body, Heavy Metals, Waste Products, Drugs/Medications, Alcohol, Processed Foods?

All of these items play a part in detoxification. Personally, I think of the Liver, because aside from being the second largest organ in the body (our skin being first) and capable of 500 functions or more, it filters the blood that goes to our heart , and therefore determines the quality of our Blood Stream, the quality of our heart, and most importantly the quality of our LIFE!

Over taxing this function of our livers for prolonged periods of abuse with non organic and toxic substances can have its toll on our bodies. Fortunately for us, though, the liver is the one organ that can best generate itself. Helping the liver to stay healthy is immeasurable…and one way to do so is detoxification.

Over taxing this function of our livers for prolonged periods of abuse with non organic and toxic substances can have its toll on our bodies. Fortunately for us, though, the liver is the one organ that can best generate itself. Helping the liver to stay healthy is immeasurable…and one way to do so is detoxification.

In Alternative Medicine detoxification is about getting rid of toxic substances by using one or more of a variety of methods ranging from eating certain foods or drinking specific juices all the way to fasting (abstinence of food, liquids, or both) combined with baths and enemas, The absolutel objective is to eliminate impurities from the major digestive systems: Liver, Pancreas,  Stomach, Colon (large and small – plus the Kidneys of the circulatory system), cleanse the blood, and most basically restore energy while strengthening the immune system…thereby allowing our health to flourish!

Some General Benefits Are:

  • Aids in the Body’s Natural Cleansing Process
  • Supports in Eliminating “Excess” Wastes from the Body
  • Improves Skin
  • Boosts Energy
  • Retards Aging
  • Provides an Ethereal Feeling
  • Helps in Weight Loss

Best time for detoxifying:

  • Cleanses Are Good To Do 4 Times A Year –When the Change of Seasons Occur
  • When There is a Specific Problem i.e. Bloating
  • When There’s a Sluggish Feeling That Won’t Go Away. 

Future posts on this page will examine the numerous types of detox programs, various recipes, and the particular type or types that might be right for you.  Ideally, detoxing is already a part of your life…if not, CONSIDER IT!

There are many types of detoxification cleanses and many can be intimidating. However, what you want to consider before employing any type detox protocol is to cleanse the kidneys and colons first. These organs are “elimination” organs. Their primary functions are to carry harmful wastes OUT of the body. So it is essential to have them cleansed to do their work properly and prevent any type of blockage or backlash of toxic waste back into our system!

LOCAL RESOURCES:

FUN LINKS TO EXPLORE:

RECOMMENDED READING:

  • “THE DETOX BOOK: HOW TO DETOXIFY YOUR BODY TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH, STOP DISEASE, AND REVERSE AGING” by Bruce Fife

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Good Sense Of Humor – Has Value

By on May 19, 2014

GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR

CAR, HOME, BOAT, GOLD, LAND, BANK ACCOUNTS…ALL tangible assets we can accrue in the physical world of finance and accounting.

Intangible assets…a patent, trademark, brand/company name recognition……

HOWEVER. if you wish to venture out of the marketplace and into the business of human relationships and social interaction, “HUMOR” is one of the most valuable intangible assets you could ever posses! 

Developing a sense of humor or amusement about the absurdities of life helps us to “lighten up” and not take it so seriously – thereby generating laughter, gaiety, and joy. Maintaining a sense of humor helps to reduce stress and consequently instills better health. In addition, it’s a wonderful coping mechanism that aids in diffusing difficult or unwanted situations.

There is so much WEALTH to be gained in adhering to the old adage “Laughter is the Best Medicine”! The health benefits of laughter are stupendous: relieves pain, aids sleep, brings greater happiness, strengthens the immune system,  assists in the prevention heart disease, relaxes muscles, and more. The social benefits are equally remarkable.  In an article written by E. E. Kane it states that laughter is a way to communicate approval, understanding, and agreement. Not to mention, it’s contagious…AND connects us to others! It also states that the most satisfying laughter…is laughter that is shared with others!!!  

Recently I was reunited with six high school friends for a week’s vacation. In that first night, I laughed so hard and so much that my stomach ached and I couldn’t talk. It felt amazingly wonderful and the aftereffect seemed to last for weeks – even upon my return home.

You don’t have t be “funny” to have a sense of humor! Most of the authorities say…”just start with a smile”…………………….

LOCAL RESOURCES:

FUN LINKS TO EXPLORE:

RECOMMENDED READING:

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Initiating And Maintaining “Ideal” Weight

By on May 19, 2014

INITIATING AND MAINTAINING "IDEAL" WEIGHT

IDEAL WEIGHT…What does this mean? 

 For one thing, it does not necessarily mean THIN in a society that is hypnotized by Skinny, Slender, Slight, Slim, Lean, or just plain Thinness!

Thin again……Opps, I meant…Then again, as a nation we are equally faced with the opposite – a growing problem of overweight and obesity in both adults and children.  “IDEAL” weight…if it doesn’t entail the concept of “HEALTHY”…and it ought to, we are in big trouble and need to reexamine and reevaluate our concept of “ideal”. So, what is a healthy weight?

 In the medical realm, they often determine an ideal weight based on what is known as the BMI (Body Mass Index). This is a designated number that is set by our weight in pounds, divided by our height in inches. Furthermore, included in their calculations of “ideal weight”, is the measurement of our waists. So get out the tape measure…But weight!  Opps again, I meant – But wait!

 Although these objective tools are helpful in determining an ideal weight, I would add that a subjective perspective “weighs” a bit more heavily in the final outcome. Our personal preference on how WE feel…in our overall appearance: in clothes, a swim suit, at intimate moments, all plays an integral part of the BIGGER picture of what is ideal for each individual. Sometimes we actually carry extra fat tissue that gets hidden by our clothes and then unconsciously often feel unattractive about our weight.  The image we entertain of ourselves and our bodies can be the greatest factor to deducing our ideal weight. If we hold dissatisfaction around our body image, either as to fat or to thin, this may be an indicator that we are not at “our” ideal weight. There is caution here, however, because many inappropriate body images have been the core of eating disorders! So BEWARE!! It may not be the weight, but instead the body image, that needs to be adjusted.

Healthy weight is not about starving or gorging! It’s about eating wisely, exercising, MODERATION, and feeling GOOD about our weight AND how we look. We know inside ourselves when we feel really good. That is the best way to determine what is IDEAL!

LOCAL RESOURCES:

FUN LINKS TO EXPLORE:

RECOMMENDED READING:

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Faith…In New Beginnings

By on May 19, 2014

FAITH...IN NEW BEGGININGS

FAITH

Can’t Touch It,

Can’t Taste It,

Can’t Hear It,

Can’t See It……

Sooooooooooooo,

What Exactly is it?

It is an absolute KNOWING, without doubt, BEFORE things become apparent to the physical senses. It does not need testing or proof. And every time we place and keep our consciousness upon FAITH – it is a new beginning.

Faith is a corner stone for making changes in our lives, for shifting the patterns that no longer serve our highest good towards something that soars into the heights of our being – which often seems impossible when we continually make efforts and results don’t follow in the timing “we” would like. Consequently, doubt enters. This juncture is also the significant difference between Faith and Hope. Sometimes people confuse the two. Faith KNOWS – it is the substance, the certain forerunner of victory.  Hope on the other hand has doubt in it. It has wishing and wanting as part of its nature.  When you remove your consent from doubts – they lose all power. This might be easier said than done – but as Emmet Fox said “The Will to Faith in itself constitutes Faith”.  Find the WILL and strengthen the FAITH.

On that note, I will sum this up with two of my favorite quotes. The first is a verse that comes from Napoleon Hill’s “THINK AND GROW RICH” and the second is a poem from Dr. James E. Melton’s book “YOUR RIGHT TO FLY” written by Martha Belknap:

                             If you think you are beaten, you are,                                                                                                        If you think you dare not, you don’t                                                                                                          If you like to win, but you think you can’t,                                                                                                It is almost certain you won’t 
                             If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost,                                                                                                          For out of the world we find,                                                                                                                    Success begins with a person’s WILL –                                                                                                  It’s all in the state of mind.
                             If you think you are outclassed, you are,                                                                                                  You’ve got to think high to rise.                                                                                                              You’ve got to be sure of yourself before,                                                                                                  You can ever win a prize.
                             Life’s battles don’t always go                                                                                                                  To the stronger or faster man                                                                                                                  But soon or late the one who wins                                                                                                             Is the one WHO THINKS HE CAN!

YOUR RIGHT TO FLY

………consider Doubts as Gravity

Isaac Newton sat one day
And pondered by a tree
And as he watched an apple fall
He thought of gravity–
What keeps us all upon this earth?
What pulls us toward the ground?
Why don’t we float or fly away?
An answer must be found!
The energy which holds us here
Defines this time and place
It focuses our bodies
On a present point in space–
But thoughts transcend
the world we know   

………and Thoughts as Wings

And curiosity 
Can soar beyond the farthest star     
Unlimited and free–
Our spirit brings our minds in tune
With energies on high
No gravity can hold us back
We have the right to fly!

 Have FAITH…And FLY!

LOCAL RESOURCES:

  • You, Mind, and Will

FUN LINKS TO EXPLORE:

RECOMMENDED READING:

  • “POWER THROUGH CONSTRUCTIVE THINKING” by Emmet Fox
  • “JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL” by Richard Bach
  • “THINK AND GROW RICH by Napoleon Hill

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Playing And Making Time To Socialize

By on May 19, 2014

PLAYING AND MAKING TIME TO SOCIALIZE

Spontaneous playing like children and socializing with others is… MARVELOUS, MAGNIFICENT, MAGICAL, and absolutely MIRACULOUS!!!

How So?

I think Barbara Striesand said it best in FUNNY GIRL with the song “People Who Need People are the Luckiest People in the World”. Have you ever considered what a life with no friends, no play, and no interaction would look and feel like? More than boring, more than lonely….It would be without a doubt – Deleterious!   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwppplxq0yo

Unequivocally, we NEED other people – for numerous reasons: love, support, play, community, caring, help, belonging, AND…as reflections. Without other people to bounce off of, we wouldn’t be able to truly know who “we” are as a unique individual. Socializing and play gives meaning to our lives. On top of that, it also offers the probability of a healthier, longer, fulfilling life. Studies have shown that people who engage in these behaviors on a routinely basis show fewer colds and flu, lower blood pressure, reduced stress, lower heart rates,  greater mental acuity, increase ability of reaching goals, plus more!

Here is an interesting extract from “VALUEOPTIONS” published in April 2006 – written by Ellen Gold. It illustrates evidence of benefits of social interaction through a collection of studies:

Another study reported that elderly people who like to eat out, go to movies and take part in other social activities live an average of two and a half years longer than people who spend most of their time alone. The physical health benefits of socializing were equal to physical exercise, even though the social activities involved almost no physical exertion. It wasn’t physical activity or physical health but feeling worthwhile that led to longer life. Good health and eating counted, but it was social interaction that was responsible for the results.

So kick your shoes off or your heels up, join your friends and Have Some Fun! 

LOCAL RESOURCES:

  • Your Family
  • Your Friends
  • Your Colleagues

FUN LINKS TO EXPLORE:

RECOMMENDED READING:

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Healthy Relationships

By on May 19, 2014

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
 
YOU WILL NEVER FIND YOURSELF WITHOUT A RELATIONSHIP…   
 IT’S IMPOSSIBLE!!!
 

For you have a relationship to everything…to your physical body, to your Self and others, to the service you give your community, world, even the universe, to Mother Earth and all the elements – including fire, water, earth and air, to all matter for that matter….“Without relationship you could not exist at all”.* 

And then, of course, there are the “intimate” relationships we have with…husband, wife, partner, lover, family, close friends. All the aforementioned relationships declared in the first paragraph are keenly important. However, to me, these “intimate” relationships are the most compelling ones we engage in – for they tend to play upon our Well Being more directly.

What do I mean when I say this? Human Relationships must be established in a certain positive way in order for our consciousness to grow and evolve. A Healthy relationship requires us to first KNOW who we are (the old adage KNOW THYSELF), and next to relate to others in a clear, honest fashion so that one is truthful about ones needs and desires, and is COMMUNICATING these things freely! Without this communication, to Self and others, one unconsciously begins to “tolerate” unwanted situations and behaviors.

In the Abraham Hicks teachings they discuss the premise between tolerating and allowing. Tolerating means putting your attention on another’s unwanted behavior, and the result not only causes you negative emotion but also serves as an indicator of your not being in alignment with the Higher part of you.  On the other hand when you are in the Art of Allowing as they call it, you are deliberately choosing to place YOUR attention upon what is going to make YOU feel good…therefore aligning with your Higher Self. However, conscious, deliberate choosing of your focus and attention does not imply that you never communicate to another – especially in an honest, loving, and open way. In fact, in their teachings, they equally emphasize the distinction between having the power to influence rather than to control others. Influence comes when we are “clearly” in touch with who WE truly are. Then we not only find communication easy, and expressed in a loving manner, but also often without ever saying a word! Consequently, we end up with the power to inspire, and influence, through our example – and then no need to control in order to feel good.

These premises apply to ALL relationships. The amazing and wonderful thing about relationships, though, is that they allow us to have a POWERFUL mirror that reflects back to us our own unresolved places. Many of us KNOW this and it is only a reminder. Nonetheless, when we choose to interact with others and we do so with honesty and a clear awareness – then those places in ourselves that are not loving, not compassionate, another words not in alignment with our High Self and in the Art of Allowing – will come more clearly into our awareness through our feelings of being “rubbed the wrong way”…thereupon creating not only friction and uncomfortableness, but also potential pain in the physical body. 

So let’s cherish our relationships, use them as the tools they are, make them as healthy as possible through our own Self awareness, conscious choices, and honest, loving, communication. 

* From the book “THE VORTEX – WHERE THE LAW OF ATTRACTION ASSEMBLES ALL COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIPS” (See Below)

LOCAL RESOURCES:

  • Every Person And Think You Interact With

FUN LINKS TO EXPLORE:

RECOMMENDED READING:

  • “THE VOREX – WHERE THE LAW OF ATTRACTION ASSEMBLES ALL COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIPS” by Ester and Jerry Hicks
  • “YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE” by Louise Hay
  • “SUPREME INFLUENCE” by Niurka

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Drinking Lots Of Water

By on May 19, 2014

DRINKING LOTS OF WATER


WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE, BUT NOT A DROP TO DRINK…


This may have been true for the ancient mariner a couple of centuries ago, but there is NO excuse today!

 


Over 20 years ago, I was telling my clients…Drink More Water. At the time it was more of an anomaly than I realized. Now, you hear and see it on every corner you turn. The authorities espousing all the Good reasons for doing so, and most all these reason are good and generally true.

Now I’d like to tell you why I was telling my clients to do so – sooooo many years ago. Most of it is now generally recognize, although back then it was not!

#1. Water (that is tap and mineral water) tend serve as a conductor of electricity – therefore assisting the CNS (Central Nervous System) in its “functions” and aiding to keep the spine flexible.

#2. In Chinese medicine the organ “system” (including the meridian associated with the organ), that governs the overall quality of the back and the back muscles…is the Bladder – which by the way runs along both sides of the spine – and works with its Yin counterpart Kidney. And…an excellent source for re-balancing, as well as maintaining the integrity of the Bladder/Kidney meridians is………Drinking lots of Water…again, assisting to keep the Spine Flexible!

#3. The general rule, it helps to clear out toxins that have just been stirred up as a result of the massage or bodywork.

At the bottom of the “Lifestyle’s” page, I mention an idea that went like this Good>>Better>>Best. If Good is all you can get – Go for it. But, always shoot for Better and aim for the Best! This is one of those areas where this truly applies:

If you haven’t already, form the habit……………. AND DRINK, DRINK, DRINK

  • GOOD:  It is good to drink tap water than No water at all.
  • BETTER:  It is better to drink bottled or filtered water 
  • BEST:  It is best to drink Natural Spring Water!
Tip* Drinking water can be insipid. So for me, it became a conviction. I vowed to drink, at minimum, an 8 ounce glass of water, every two hours, every day. In order to do this, I made certain to keep a resource nearby. Systematically, I would set the alarm on my cell to remind me. When the alarm sounded, I did not sip my water! I drank it completely, and reset the alarm.This was how I established a water habit. Try it!

LOCAL RESOURCES:

  • Everywhere You Go

FUN LINKS TO EXPLORE:

RECOMMENDED READING:

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Tai Chi/Qigong

By on May 19, 2014

TAI CHI

 
Circulating, Flowing, Blending, Chi*…
…Posture, Movement, Breath, creating beauty in the human body/mind.
All components of Tai Chi and Qigong
 *Life Force Energy
 
In very simple terms, both have their roots in Chinese Martial Arts. Both cultivate and balance the Chi. Both have elements of healing and defense. Tai Chi is a form of internal (spiritual/mental) martial arts derived from the old Taoist qigong tradition. Qigong is more a practice of moving meditation that is typically associated with medicine and healing.
The benefits of both abound: relaxation, increased energy, nourishment of the joints, gracefulness, longevity, strengthening of internal organs, flexibility, balance… In China qigong is used therapeutically to treat a wide variety of conditions including hypertension, obesity, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, peptic ulcers, tumors, cancer and more.

LOCAL RESOURCES:

  • CR                                                                                                            

FUN LINKS TO EXPLORE:

RECOMMENDED READING:

  • “THE WAY OF QIGONG – THE ART AND SCIENCE OF CHINESE ENERGY HEALING” by Kenneth S. Cohen

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Getting Out Into Nature

By on May 19, 2014

GETTING OUT INTO NATURE

Get Out Into Nature …Let the Trees Whisper in your ears. Let the wind caress your cheek. Have the sun dance upon your skin. Smell the fragrance of the flowers.  See the magnificent and varied colors they express. Allow the grass or sand to wriggle around your toes, or the ocean waves to rinse your mind in rhythmic waves. Feel the rain brush lightly on your lashes.


Being in nature is an excellent way not only to “ground’ yourself from life’s overload, but did you know that the sound, sight, and scents of nature create hemispheric balance between the Right and Left sides of the brain. This allows you to tune into whatever is occurring in your life with greater precision and clarity. WOW!

Not only that, our bodies, like plants, thrive on sunlight. It needs it to make Vitamin D – which awakens our cells to ENHANCE the body! WOW again!!!

I highly recommend discarding any and all images and beliefs that the sun and nature are threatening. (Remember that our thoughts and beliefs create our world). Find the Joy in nature…enable it to re-calibrate your vibration back towards harmony with all!

LOCAL RESOURCES:

This comes from WWW.RAWFORBEAUTY.COM

  •  All Of Mother Earth
  • All Of Father Sky

FUN LINKS TO EXPLORE:

RECOMMENDED READING:

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