Message of Joy

By Joy Heartsong
First published in Heartsong Healing Newsletter – Tiger Talk

If you had a choice, would you rather go upstream or downstream?  Think about it for a moment.  On the one hand, we may feel negative emotions, struggles and dissatisfaction with life.  With the downstream hand, there’s a sense of feeling lighter and being more positive, confident and trusting.

It’s amazing how hard we work to go upstream when what we really want is to take the path of least resistance.  Since you always have a choice, what’s it going to be?  No excuses or qualifiers, please. We don’t need to know your tale of woe or why you can’t do anything to change it.  It just is. We can’t always make it go away, but we can shift the way we feel about it, talk about it and think about it.

Most of us would prefer doing a 180 degree turn to go downstream if we truly believed we could. Instead we may feel lost about the “how”, paralyzed by the unknown or afraid of endangering life and limb, our own or someone else’s.  It’s time to muster up our courage. It’s time to let go of everything but the desire to be happy and have the kind of life you want.

Are you ready to take the plunge into the depths of happiness? If so, take a big breath and exhale slowly. Now let go of the oars and trust that the boat will turn effortlessly; soon you’ll find yourself flowing with the current.  “Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily…”

I love this quote by Abraham-Hicks excerpted from the book Money and the Law of Attraction, Learning to Attract Health, Wealth and Happiness,#463:

“Whenever you are feeling less than good, if you will stop and say, ‘Nothing is more important than that I feel good; I want to find a reason now to feel good,’ you will find an improved thought.”

If you find yourself going upstream again, even with all your good intentions, simply look for a happier thought.  When you have it, allow yourself to focus on it until you’re once again going gently down the stream.

As you continue going with the flow, you’ll have more energy to love the things you do and do the things you love.  Quiet contemplation, inner listening and a joyful spirit will become your trusted guides on your journey.

Love the things you do, and do the things you love!

Joy is a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner/Instructor and intuitive energy healer. In her private practice, she specialiizes in relieving your pain, stress and allergies. She is passionate about helping  claim your true power by connecting with the wisdom of the Tiger within.  She can be reached at www.heartsonghealing.com

by Sherry Dell, PhD, CN

Purple is my favorite color.  This predisposes me to love all things purple.  So when it comes to food, blueberries get my attention for several reasons.  Besides their luscious color and their delicious taste, they are one of the most therapeutic plants on the planet.

Purple and indigo colored food of all kinds is high in a flavonoid called anthocyanins.  Anthocyanins are very high in antioxidants.  Because oxidative stress and the free radicals that are produced by oxidation are linked with so many degenerative processes, not surprisingly, the fruit of the blueberry plant and its antioxidant capacity have been shown in research to reduce aging symptoms in general.

Oxidation essentially wears down the tissues of the body.  Just like your old car that had oxidized or rust spots on it, our bodies can also “rust out.”  Oxidation is caused by everything from just plain breathing to being exposed to toxins either by choice (processed foods, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, etc.) or by environmental features (smog, paint fumes, farm chemicals in food, etc.).

The natural design of our bodies allows these oxidative processes or “fires” to be quenched through the anti-oxidants in our foods.  Water, for example, has very high antioxidant capacity. Measurements vary but below is a list of the 20 highest antioxidant capacity foods as identified by a recent USDA study (1).  Eating from this list is a very good idea for most people.  Notice especially the rating of the blueberry.

1. Small red bean (dried), 1/2 cup
2. Wild blueberry, 1 cup
3. Red kidney bean (dried), 1/2 cup
4. Pinto bean, 1/2 cup
5. Blueberry (cultivated), 1 cup
6. Cranberry, 1 cup (whole)
7. Artichoke (cooked hearts), 1 cup
8. Blackberry, 1 cup
9. Prune, 1/2 cup
10. Raspberry, 1 cup
11. Strawberry, 1 cup
12. Red delicious apple, 1
13. Granny Smith apple, 1
14. Pecan, 1 ounce
15. Sweet cherry, 1 cup
16. Black plum, 1
17. Russet potato, 1 cooked
18. Black bean (dried), 1/2 cup
19. Plum, 1
20. Gala apple, 1

To  be more specific about blueberries (both the fruit and the leaves), research has shown their positive impact on:

A close European cousin of the American blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum and Vaccinium corymbosum)  is called bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus).  Bilberry leaf has been researched to show similar results to the blueberry.

A therapeutic dose of blueberry fruit is one cup per day.  Not a bad prescription, eh?

_{(1) American Chemical Society. “Largest USDA Study Of Food Antioxidants Reveals Best Sources.” ScienceDaily 17 June 2004.}

_{(2) “Anthocyanins and Blueberries,” Nutrition Week, October 3, 1997;27(38):7/Doctor’s Guide to Medical and Other News, September 25, 1997;3.}

_{(3) “Blueberry-induced changes in spatial working memory correlate with changes in hippocampal CREB phosphorylation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels,” Williams CM, El Mohsen MA, et al, Free Radical Biol Med, 2008 May 2.}

_{(4) “Cellular antioxidant activity of common fruits,” Wolfe KL, Kang X, et al, J Agric Food Chem, 2008; 24(56): 8418-26.} 

_{(5) “Blueberries May Reverse Some Aging,” Sison A, Medical Tribune, October, 1999;40(17):4.}

_{(6) “Antioxidant Activity of Berry Phenolics on Human Low-Density Lipoprotein and Liposome Oxidation,” Heinonen IM, et al, J Agric Food Chem, 1998;46(10):4107-4112.}

_{(7) “Blueberry fruit polyphenolics suppress oxidative stress-induced skeletal muscle cell damage in vitro,” Hurst RD, Wells RW, et al, Mol Nutr Food Res, 2010 March; 54(3): 353-63.}

_{(8) “Dietary flavanols and flavanol-rich foods intake and the risk of breast cancer,” Adebamowo CA, Cho E, et al, Int J Cancer., 2005; 114(4): 628-33.} 

By Joy Heartsong

 I’m all for making it easy. Can I count you in? Then let’s look at 7 simple steps for making our hours, days and lives easier and more fun.
1. Let go of acculturated beliefs that no longer serve us, but we still live by. For example: We’ve got to work long and hard for anything of value. Work isn’t supposed to be fun. First we work, and then we play (if there’s time). I’m sure you can add to this list. Are you still letting these beliefs influence your decisions and make your life harder?
2. Get rid of the idea that you must do it all by yourself.   Ever heard the saying, “Many hands make light work”? This was true long ago and is even more so today. With the multitude of tasks we’re faced with on a daily basis, it’s no wonder we sometimes feel overwhelmed, “edgy” or discouraged. Why do you feel you must do it all and do it well? It’s unreasonable to expect yourself to be an expert in an area you’ve never been trained in. For some of us that may include marketing, computer graphics and sales. For others, it may be trying to do all you used to do and a whole lot more. Do the math. It’s not possible. The bottom line is: Get some help!
3. Prioritize, delegate, barter and contract the help you desire. Look at what really needs to be done vs. habitual patterns. What can be delegated, dropped or done more creatively or efficiently? You may dearly love doing some of your tasks, projects or daily routines. Is it the best use of your time? If so, you may want to keep doing those. You may have expertise in areas that no one else can do to your satisfaction. Continue with those. Look for others who will barter or contract with you. Remember virtual service providers. Delegate responsibilities when possible. Expect others to follow through. Give them the authority to do so. Avoid jumping in to “fix it” any time someone doesn’t do his/her part, or you’ll find yourself back at square one.
4. Say “No” with grace, ease and aplomb. If you find yourself saying “Yes” to doing things you would rather not do, you may find this one very challenging. If you find yourself saying “Yes” because you want to do it but don’t have the time, you still have a problem. In this case, you’re either letting others down by not delivering as promised or you’re letting yourself down, or perhaps your family, by giving up your time for fun or relaxation.
5. Set boundaries. What feels good to you and what doesn’t? Go with what feels good. Let t

By Michelle Mukatis

2-3 servings

1 can water packed albacore tuna

2 T. mayonnaise

2 T. plain yogurt

••• c. finely chopped red bell pepper

••• c. finely chopped bokchoi stems

••• c. finely chopped green onion

••• t. each salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 t. toasted sesame oil, if desired

Drain tuna and place in a small bowl, breaking into small chunks.

Add mayonnaise, yogurt, bell pepper, bokchoi stems, green onion and salt and

pepper. Mix well to distribute

ingredients.

Stir in sesame oil, if

desired.

Serve on toasted whole grain

bread or a bed of mixed

greens lightly dressed with

lemon juice and light sesame oil.

Enjoy!

By Debra Frick

What is the world coming to when a Barbie Doll makes the news? With all the violence our children are subjected to each and every day on the tv and in movies and in video games it makes me a little sick to think that a Barbie has become a political statement. People are in a uproar but the latest voilence riddled video game gets a meer notice from the public.

That being said my opionion is so what…………..At least it was not a Jihad Jane Barbie. Put it on the national news and on the internet when someone makes a sucide bomber Barbie or Airline highjacker Barbie. That would truly be obsence.

Barbie has always represented what a little girls ideals should be. When Barbie first came out she was a homemaker and wife. She had a strong love for family which represented her time. As Barbie got older her ideals changed in that she got job worked out of the house and was a soccer Mom and then she was back home working in great jobs but which left her more time for the children. As our society has changed so has Barbie. Barbie also has represented our changing  lifestyles. Once you lived in a town house and then a mansion. She drove a bug and now a SUV.

Barbie represents a girl or boys and (yes there are boys that play with Barbies) innocent. It is a time when we fill our minds with fantasy. I feel that Barbies should represent ALL professions that are open to women and if that is an Episcopal Reverend so be it. Barbie dressed as a minister should represent that our faith is inportant and that women now days are taking a more inportant role in spirituality. Children should be taught right from wrong and should not be allowed to fill their minds with voilence and hate. I remember a time when playing with Barbies and my brothers GI Joe was a great way to act out the roles of being adults and dreaming of what the world could hold for me when I grew up. Many people think that Barbie with her outlandish body is an offence to women but if Barbie can still be used to teach the paramount ideals of a strong healthy and intelligent woman then I say long live Barbies. Hey if Barbie can become President then why can we all.

So bring it on……If we can have Barbies that do construction, Ride in the rodeo, go to the moon and win the Olympics why should we not have a Barbie of Faith.

This column is in honor of Erma Bombeck.  Erma was the first person to explain to me the subtle differences between men and women.  Growing up in the 60s and 70s, my concept of men was based on television dads like the kindly Hugh Beaumont (the Beaver’s dad), then like the unflappable Fred MacMurray in My Three Sons and finally like the opinionated Archie Bunker in All in the Family.  Those were my motley role models.

Add to it that my generation was being told “Men were from Mars, the Warrior Planet; and women, Venus, the world of love and romance.   No wonder, I was confused.

And then I discovered Erma Bombeck in the morning newspaper.  She was equally confused about the changing gender roles.  Sometimes, she was mystified about the how June Cleaver (the Beaver’s mom) found time to cleaned her house in white gloves and pearls -  while Erma hid things, so not to have to dust and sweep.  She wasn’t a gloves and pearls kind of lady nor a bra burning woman – uncomfortable in both worlds, striving to create her own – one that she fit in, one that made sense.

She used her column to work out some of the inconsistencies in life, especially the communication conflicts between men and women.  She tried to explain the subtle differences between the sexes, while making it ok for men to be warriors and women, lovers.  Even if I didn’t always understand the differences, she made me laugh.  Erma gave me hope that when I was her age (and as a teen, that seemed impossible) I would understand that there are differences between the sexes and I would laugh about them too.

One of my favorite columns talked about how couples get ready for bed.  In honor of Erma, I’ve up-dated the couples nightly ritual.

My husband rubbed his chin, looked at the cat sleeping peacefully under on his lap, under his lap top and said, “I think it’s time to go to bed.” to whomever was listening.

Agreeing, I started closing down programs on my computer, sending off last minute emails, checking the family’s schedule for tomorrow – our collegiate’s, our high schooler’s, our married daughter (quick check of her blog will tell me where she’ll be tomorrow), my husband (remember to remind about a hair cut) and mine (3 meetings – will need to get up early to prep).

Then it’s a quick trip to the laundry room to either put a load into the dryer or hang up a load to dry.  Before going upstairs, I pick up dirty dishes, clean clothes/towels and anything else that needs to go up.  After climbing the stairs, I put the dishes in the sink, clothes in the upstairs basket and towels in the linen closet.  Then, back to the kitchen to turn on the tea kettle, feed the puppies a quick snack and put them out.  While waiting on them, I remind our teen that it is time to turn off her computer and go to sleep.  I turn off extra lights, the dogs’ music and let the pets in, locking the door and, making sure they have fresh water.  The tea kettle boils just as I tuck the puppy into her kennel.  I make a quick hot drink for my husband and me and carry it downstairs.

After handing the cup to my husband, I feed and water the cats.  On finishing our drinks, I collect the mugs and put them out of the kitties reach.   I, then, turn the bed covers down and start getting ready for bed.

My husband slowly lifts the cat off his lap, puts his laptop aside, rubbing his chin again, he say, “I guess it’s time to go to bed” and I agree.

Presented by: Michele E. Mukatis

CultivateHealth@gmail.com

A pork tenderloin is the perfect size for two –
four people. Think Valentine’s Day or just to
chase away the winter blues.
1 T. unsalted butter
8 oz. dried apricots and plums
½ c. apricot nectar
¼ c. port wine
1 pork tenderloin (about 1 ½ lb.)
1 T. olive oil
1 T. unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
½ c. port wine
1 ½-2 c. beef or chicken stock
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
Heat the butter in a small, heavy saucepan. Add
dried fruit, orange juice and port. Cook over
medium-low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until fruit
is soft and liquid has thickened. Set aside.
Heat the oil and butter in a sauté pan or heavy
casserole large enough to hold the tenderloin.
Pat pork dry with paper towels. Season with salt
and pepper. Brown pork well on all sides over
medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes.
Add the macerated fruit with the liquid to pan.
Add the broth. Cover and cook over medium
heat until pork is tender, about 10 to 15
minutes. The temperature should reach 150
degrees on an instant-read meat thermometer.
Remove pork and fruit from the oven and let
rest about 10 minutes before carving.
To make the sauce: Add the port to the pan
and scrape up all the brown bits from the sides
and bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and
reduce the sauce, simmering uncovered until
thickened. If more sauce is desired, add another
cup or so of stock and simmer and reduce again.
Slice pork into ½- to ¾-inch-thick slices and
place on a serving platter. Arrange fruit around
pork and drizzle with
sauce. Serve immediately.

Also see article on Winter foods for Colorado

http://www.vitesis.com/?p=1044

Rachael Jayne Groover
The YIN Project
www.TheYinProject.com
 
Holidays can be one of the hardest times of the year if you are single. I know that first-hand. If you find yourself this year without a partner I urge you not to retreat on your own, but to look around you. How many couples do you see having a committed, sexy, fun, spiritually-enhancing relationship?  Not many? If you know some, carve out time to be around them this season.  Like just about anything else, the more knowledge and positive role models you have around you, the more chance of success you have. Take a moment, right now, and write their names down so you remember to connect with them. Ask them questions about their relationship.  The more you see positive, passionate, conscious couples, the more you will believe that you can be part of one too.
In the past, Datta and I both had our fair share of lonely holidays, confusion and heart-break. We had to overcome limiting beliefs that said, “The odds of finding a partner who fits with us in all areas of life are very low.” We are grateful to now be able to pin-point the specific things that shifted everything for us. Within months of these shifts occurring, we started dating each other. Our passion and love has been growing ever since.
If you long for an extraordinary love affair that will sweep you off your feet, we are here as an example that it is ABSOLUTELY POSSIBLE.  However, you must take an honest look at your readiness and what you are energetically communicating to others. Above all, you must understand what not only attracts, but feeds the opposite gender over the long haul. Couples who are in love and still have the passion flowing can help you with this.

This year we set time aside to share all we know about becoming ready for this type of relationship.
Rachael Jayne Groover is running a Home Study Program on www.MoreThanDating.com

Comments:
When I first read Rachel’s article I had to smiles.  Paul and I have been together close to twenty years.  A passionate holiday season – well there was the year we stayed up to put together something – a bike or something that the box said, even a kindergartener can do it – it did heat up when it was apparent that we would have to find a kindergartener to put it together.
I do agree – find a loving couple or family to enjoy the holidays with and emulate.  The love comes from preparing for the holidays together and instilling traditions.  Whether it’s the cooking and baking or the cleaning or decorating or singing – they all come together to create the memories filled with love.
If you are feeling lonely and unloved, then get up and do something about it.  You won’t meet your partner hiding inside your house or hanging out online.  You can connect online with someone, but they too are lonely and unhappy and they too are probably too afraid to leave their house. 
This Christmas, if you are feeling lonely, find out where all the Community Christmas events are being hosted and go volunteer.  Talk to people.  Laugh with them.  Sing with them.  It will help you feel apart of the holiday.

When you are feeling more relaxed, more joyous you will attract people into your life.  The more people you invite into  your life the greater the chance you will me the romance of your life.
Have a joyous holiday and a wondrous New Year.

By Yvonne Perry

I began writing The Sid Series when my grandson, Sidney, was very young. The stories were inspired by Sidney and things we did together. I typed the stories into a Word doc, and would later read the stories to him while he sat on my lap in front of the computer. He wanted pictures to go with his stories, so I attempted to illustrate them and bring them to life with colored backgrounds.

Everyone loves to hold a book in his hand; so, I formatted the first three stories and printed them in black and white since my printer was out of color ink (as usual). I didn’t have a stapler with an arm long enough to reach to the centerfold, so I stapled the left edges together to hold the pages tight. It looked like a kindergarten term paper! It just didn’t “feel” like a book. I wanted a better way to bind them, and the pages needed to be in color according to Sid.

I took the file to Kinko’s thinking I would have the stories printed in color on both sides. Shocker! It would cost a dollar per page to have them printed. With the illustrations, the stories were about 15 pages each.

I decided if I was going to go to the trouble of printing and binding the stories, I might as well go ahead and publish them. I found a commercial printer that offered to produce the books in color with a center staple for about $7 each. I printed about a dozen copies of each title thinking I would sell the ones I didn’t need. However, printing them at $7 each didn’t allow any room for profit because folks weren’t willing to pay more than $7 for a 15-page book. Since it cost me another $2 to ship them, I would actually be paying people to buy them.

But none of that mattered. I didn’t write or publish them with the intention of getting rich! I was happy that we could hold and read the books together when it was time for bed. Sidney was so proud of our books that he took them to school for his teacher to read to his kindergarten class.

As time passed, Sid and I added more stories to the collection. He would dictate a story while I typed it. Sid became interested in the computer and was able to play games and get around quite well on the Internet. Once he learned to read, I formatted some new stories into e-books that he could read to himself any time he wanted. I still offer the e-books on my Web site for $3 each.

Still, I wanted the new stories in printed format. That’s when I decided to put all twelve stories in one book and publish them as The Sid Series ~ A Collection of Holistic Stories for Children. I’m glad I did. Now I have a lasting and tangible reminder of the times Sid and I spent together and we have a way to share them with other children and adults. See http://TheSidSeries.com

Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer and editor, award-winning Amazon.com bestselling author, podcast host, blogger extraordinaire, newsletter publisher, Internet marketing guru, and an outstanding keynote speaker. She is a graduate of American Institute of Holistic Theology where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Metaphysics. Perry is the author of The Sid Series ~ A Collection of Holistic Stories for Children.

By Patricia Currin

This evening was laundry night, the most dreaded night of the week in our household.  In our apartment complex, the laundry room is in the parking lot.  Since we have two children under four years old, this is quite a safety challenge.  So, we have a laundry night to get through the week, and laundry Sunday, just to get caught up, since that is the only day my husband and I see each other.
He arrives home around 6 pm most nights, and usually, sits right down to dinner and conversation with the kids and me. But, tonight, he surprised me. He knew that there was a “duty” to be performed when he got home.  So, after a quick hello, he ran the laundry downstairs to the laundry room (where – not clear) without a word, set the timer, then grabbed dinner and started talking.
He is one of many men who get ignored: Duo Dad.    He works a full shift at work, many times overtime; and then, he comes home and gets right in to his other “job.”  In this day and age, it is not just the mom who takes on more responsibilities of the family life anymore. Yes, there have always been the “little league” dads, who coach little league and take part outside of the house; but now that the mother role has been commanded outside of the house, there are more and more men who actually do step up to the plate and help in all the roles of the household.  Just as we aren’t your 50s moms anymore, they aren’t your 50s dads anymore.
They have stepped out of the den, put down the smoking pipe, and rolled up their sleeves.  Yes, ladies, they even do windows. In my instance, the four nights a week that I work, it is entirely my husband’s show.  He cooks dinner, feeds the kids, reads, bathes and does nighttime prayers. And although they might not ever be able to meet our expectations (is that spot on the counter a juice stain?), the most important thing is: THEY ARE THERE.
Society has put a bad taste in our mouths:
• Non committal dad
• Dead beat dad
• Abusive dad
It’s time to celebrate who is out there, and what they are teaching our children:
It is okay for dads to help out, and take responsibility for the life you made
For every dad that does not give a damn, there are a hundred who do.  For every dead beat who doesn’t pay child support, there are men who work two plus jobs to make ends meet.
Remember that if you have a “Duo Dad” in your house, you are truly blessed.  Cherish him for all he’s worth.