Another blog...

almost a year?

2007-01-15T16:52:00.000-06:00

wow! almost a year since I've written anything over here. I spend all my time over at MySpace. Come on over and visit me over there, http://www.myspace.com/autumn_oak

Church sign generator

2006-01-23T14:23:00.000-06:00

Catholicchurch Sign Generator

http://www.customsigngenerator.com/

There are some cool generators on this page. The link for it was posted by WHAK'd in an earlier post here. I hope my pic above shows up. It's a sign in front of a Catholic church and I made the sign say, Our church evolved from torture and murder.

LOL!

Yahoo schmahoo!

2005-12-05T13:42:00.000-06:00

Well, I thought I had it figured it out to have this blog feed to my Yahoo360 page. But it's been stuck on the same post for a while. Nothing new is feeding over. :-(
There was an email posted to the 360 group that if you move the positions of all your feeds every so often they continue to show the new posts. But all I have is this blog, how am I supposed to switch place with another feed if all I have is one? I really don't want to get another one just to keep switching them. Unless I can find some kind of weird news feed to put on there. I guess for now I'll just leave it be. I'm not in the mood to piss around with it right now. Or maybe I'll surf around a while and see if I can find some kind of weird news RSS feed. I'm just really exhausted, haven't slept much for quite a few nights. And I just spent the last hour on the phone talking to the Xbox people about my broken Xbox360. I have to send it back to be repaired already.

Libra Daily Horoscope

2005-12-04T14:04:00.000-06:00

December 4, 2005
Let Yourself Be Lucky
Libra Daily Horoscope

Your fiscal situation and home life may be poised for big changes today, as your budget is under a cycle of luck and protection. Discussions about money regarding your family or your home may flow smoothly. If you usually feel uncomfortable talking about your finances or negotiating prices, today can be a good day to think about investing, finding a new home, or remodeling your current home. If you've been considering looking for a new home or buying a piece of real estate, you may want to try researching prices in your area, speaking with local brokers, or making an offer. Today can be a great time to begin planning a large home-based project or event with your family.

Thinking of yourself as lucky can help you consciously or unconsciously create opportunities for creating your best life. People who truly consider themselves lucky and believe that good things are coming their way tend to be more cheerful, more optimistic, and more likely to notice opportunities when they arise. When you perceive yourself as having good luck, you can see blessings in every situation. Because you expect yourself to be lucky in all situations you can be brave when it comes to taking chances. Your ensuing good luck is not just a chance happening but a result of your willingness to be lucky. Let yourself be lucky today, and you could make lucrative decisions that will benefit you, your home, or your family.

New Cafe Shop

2005-12-01T23:18:00.000-06:00

Check it out

Hey!

2005-12-01T10:35:00.000-06:00

I finally figured out how to get this blog to feed to my Yahoo!360 page :-D

My poor hubby! He's trying to get some sleep and the crazy snowplows are out making all kinds of noise plowing the snow we got last night. Our kids were hoping school would be either delayed or canceled today. No such luck, they didn't do either. Ah well, they'd probably have more fun at school than at home anyway. If you had the choice of hanging out with friends all day or hanging out with your mom all day, which would you choose?? LOL! I shouldn't say that, my kids and I get along great, I hardly ever need to discipline them anymore. I did when they were little and set the ground rules and boundaries, they obeyed the rules and earned our trust. Now they have quite a bit more freedom than most kids around here have because they've earned it, but they also know that if they misbehave or get themselves into any trouble, the trust is gone and they'll need to earn it back again. My oldest son actually thanked me for spanking him when he was little after we spent the day with unruly, undisciplined kids ranging in ages of 6 to 16 years. The teenager was the worst and my son just couldn't believe how this boy was treating his parents or that they even allowed him to treat them that way. My kids have alot of respect for their elders and for authority. And in return they have also earned respect back from them. I am so proud of my boys, the only problem is they are getting too old too fast on me and soon my babies will be off on their own. :-( That's really sad to think about and it's going to ruin my day if I think about it anymore, on to more fun stuff......

My hubby was so happy to see our kitty's when he got up yesterday. He really missed them. Even though he is always calling them little terrorists and trouble makers, we all know he really loves them and you could really see it in his face yesterday when he saw his little P2 (he calls Boris P2 because of something Boris did one day that another cat we used to have always did).

I was able to get one last taste of Halloween the other day. We were out finishing up our Ax-mas shopping and I was kinda bummed out that it was the Holly Jolly, full of good cheer and commercialism up the rear Season. We got up to the checkout and hubby says "hey hon check it out!" and I look to where he was pointing. Up at the front of the store they had a display of candy corn on sale. mmmmm candy corn!! I got two big bags of the chocolate candy corn and have it in a Halloween container with a flip-top lid sitting on the computer desk next to me. I'm hoping to make it last through the Holly Jolly, full of good cheer and commercialism up the rear Season. :-)

I chopped off my hair again today. I know, I know... I always say I'm going to grow it out long again and I'm not going to chop it off, but it gets to a certain length and starts getting all icky frizzy at the ends and it just doesn't look right anymore. I guess I'm just not destined to have my long thick hair back again. I should have never got it all cut off that first time years ago and I wouldn't be having these hair problems. Ah well, it's just hair. It'll keep growing and getting grayer by the day. That's another thing, I said after my last hair dye-job that I wasn't going to color my hair anymore I'll just let the gray fill in all it wants. And ya know what, even though you can very clearly see the gray now, I have no desire to color it. The last coloring has finally grown out and I pretty much cut off all that remained of it this morning, so it's just my natural light brown hair shining with glimmers of silver- sounds pretty cool when you say it that way doesn't it?

OK, I gotta get off this thing and get to my work. First I gotta check on my babies and see how their little feets are doing. Boris hops around like he didn't even have anything done to him, but Lars, he looks like he's feeling it. My poor babies!! But it had to be done, I'm very allergic to cats when they scratch me, I instantly puff up and I get just downright miserable. You'd think I wouldn't even want cats around me, but I love them so much. They are such an amazing animal.

OK Spooky, stop typing and get to work!!! LOL! I am so bored!! That's another reason I have cats, I can talk to them instead of myself and nobody will think I'm crazy. heeheehee!

Yahoo!360 & What's goin' on now

2005-11-17T09:06:00.000-06:00

I've been hanging out at my 360 page trying to get it just right. So far with all the blogs I've tried, Blogger has been the best one. I find you are able to do so much more with the Blogger blog than you can do with the others. I just wish I knew more about website/computer stuff. Do they make a "How to Do Just About Everything on the Web For Dummy's" book?? LOL! I would like to just have my own website to put whatever I want on it. Guess I should take some sort of class or something. :-)

But anyhoo..... I'll be back to post on here regularly again soon. I don't know if anyone reads my blog here, but I still enjoy doing it.

I'm just having an extremely rough day. It started last night with a big arguement with my hubby. I wish the stupid religious zealots in this town would just leave me alone. That's what the arguement was about, I got another stupid "You're a sinner doing the work of the devil" letter about my Halloween decorations. I really don't know why these idiots think they are doing a good thing when they send stupid letters like that. All it does is cause stress, anger, and hurt feelings. And causes friendships to be lost. This letter I got was from someone I've been friends with for about 20 years. Never once over the years has she ever said anything to me about it and now all of a sudden she's terribly offended by what I do and I'm an awful sinnful person doing the work of the devil. She even said to not send them a xmas card anymore. What a friggin' fruitloop!!

Ah well, I'll still be doin' my decorating come next Fall!!!

Daily OM- Beyond Words

2005-11-11T09:45:00.000-06:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Beyond Words
Body Language

So much can be revealed to us when we listen to the language of our bodies. Our bodies are always speaking, sending us messages through the way we move, the sensations that arise from within, and the gestures and expressions that we make when we are communicating with others. Tuning in to the language of our bodies can be very enlightening, especially as most communication is believed to take place nonverbally. It is also believed that the body never lies, and that if we want to know the truth about ourselves and others, then we should listen to what our bodies have to say. Anyone who has ever flirted with someone they are attracted to has probably, at one point in time or another, brushed their hands through their hair or found themselves leaning forward to get closer to that person. Someone feeling defensive will tend to cross their arms over their chest, while a person who wants to withhold something may look away when speaking.

If you want to know how you truly feel about a person or a situation, then it is a good idea to tune in to what you are feeling inside. Excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and fear are just some of the messages that your body wants you to hear. Your body can also be a very reliable compass. Anyone who has ever been somewhere they don't want to be has probably experienced their bodies trying to move them away from that particular circumstance. And while it can be very easy to talk ourselves into and out of choices we may make with our minds, it isn't so easy to change the truth of our hearts that reside within our bodies.

To begin tuning in to this subtle form of communication, start taking the time to notice what your body is telling you. Greet each feeling or sensation as a message carrying wisdom from your body. Tune in to what your body is telling you about the situations and people you encounter and listen to what others are communicating to you through their bodies. We already are subconsciously receptive to the language of our bodies, but when we choose to consciously pay attention, we hear and understand so much more about ourselves and the people around us.

http://www.dailyom.com/

PROTECT END-OF-LIFE CHOICE

2005-11-05T11:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends,
I have just read and signed the petition:
PROTECT END-OF-LIFE CHOICE
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/528861113

Please help us protect choice for the terminally ill by signing this petition. It takes 30 seconds, and will help send the message to Bush that he shouldn't interfere with state's rights. Please follow this link:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/528861113

The system centralizes signature collection to provide consolidated, useful reports for petition authors and targets.
To view additional petitions, please click here:
http://www.thePetitionSite.com

Thank you

Daily OM- Getting On Track

2005-11-05T10:37:00.000-06:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Getting On Track
Trains Are Like People

The rails that crisscross the countryside and cut through cities have long captured people's imaginations. Just the idea of taking a ride on a luxury train, an express commuter line, or a cargo train can evoke a sense of freedom, adventure, or romance. Trains are like people in that they must inevitably arrive at their destinations. They make scheduled and unscheduled stops along the way and move at their different speeds. Some trains can travel for hours and are mindful of only a single destination; other trains meander from busy stop to busy stop. The route and purpose of any train may change as the years go by.

Our lives stretch out in front and behind us like train tracks, and we are the train, its passengers, and the engineer. The way you choose to live your life and the goals you are working toward are the route and destinations you have chosen. Like a passenger riding a train, you have the choice to get on and off, find new routes, pick new places to visit, or just stop and enjoy the view for awhile. Perhaps you like to move quickly through life as if you were an express train. Or maybe, like a commuter passenger, you like taking the same routes over and over again. You may even want to stop just riding along and choose a different direction you'd like your life to take.

If you have examined the tracks of your life and are feeling unsatisfied, you may want to explore the changes you can make to find a more fulfilling path to follow. Perhaps you'd like to slow down a little bit more and take a windier path rather than just traveling down the straight and narrow. Or maybe, you'd like to experience your life more as an adventure rather than just a ride that gets you where you need to go. Changing your route can sometimes give you a chance to "get on the right track." You may even discover that the something new you've been waiting for is just around the bend.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Daily OM- Checking Your Emotions

2005-10-25T08:30:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Checking Your Emotions
Why We Lash Out

Each one of us has experienced situations where we've found ourselves lashing out at someone without meaning to. We later berate ourselves for losing control and feel guilty for treating the other person badly. And while it is human nature that our emotions and moods will get the better of us from time to time, we can learn to navigate our feelings and negotiate difficult situations without losing our center.

Often, when we lash out, it is because we are having a difficult time containing the emotions that are coming up inside of us. We may be feeling overwhelmed, afraid, frustrated, stressed out, or angry. Having these feelings boiling up inside of us can be very uncomfortable, and it is natural to want to release them. But when we release our feelings from our body by directing them outward and toward someone else, they inevitably impact the "innocent bystander" to whom we are directing this energy. They not only get the brunt of our anger, frustration, or stress, but also they can actually experience this energy as a physical force hitting their bodies.

When you find yourself in a situation where you are about to lash out at the person in front of you, try to center yourself by breathing slowly and deeply. A few slow inhales and exhales can help dissipate the intensity of your feelings before they escape you. Later, when you find yourself in a more reflective state, sit down for a moment; recall the feelings in your body just before and during your outburst; note where you feel sensations coming up in your body; and ask yourself if they are connected to any core issue or experience from your life. If nothing comes to mind, then revisit the situation again, exaggerating the details of what happened by indulging in outlandish "what if" fantasies. Exaggerating events after the fact can help expose the unconscious subtext behind your heated response. Understanding the motivation behind your reactions can help you avoid lashing out again when a similar situation comes up. In learning to navigate around your emotions, you are giving yourself the tools to feel better the next time your emotions start to boil. In doing so, you will be taking care of yourself by alleviating your own uncomfortable feelings while respecting and protecting those around you.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Tell Congress to protect your access to birth control!

2005-10-25T08:22:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,
I have just read and signed the petition: "Tell Congress to protect your access to birth control!"

Please take a moment to read about this important issue, and join me in signing the petition. It takes just 30 seconds, but can truly make a difference. We are trying to reach 20,000 signatures - please sign here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/557320029

Once you have signed, you can help even more by asking your friends and family to sign as well.

Thank you!

2005-10-19T21:56:00.000-05:00

Here's Lars.... the eye mangler! LOL! Poor Lars, he didn't mean to hurt his brother!!

2005-10-19T21:50:00.000-05:00

Here's my Baby Boris with his eye all stitched shut. My poor baby!!

2005-10-19T09:37:00.000-05:00

eewww!

2005-10-19T09:35:00.000-05:00

heeheeheeheehee!

2005-10-19T09:10:00.000-05:00

mmmmm.....baby ......the other, other white meat!!

Daily OM- Emptiness Becomes Openness

2005-10-19T08:50:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Emptiness Becomes Openness
Sometimes A Loss Can Be A Gain

When we lose anything that we cherish, the sense of emptiness we are left behind with can be overwhelming. A space that was filled, whether in our lives or our hearts, is now a void, and the feelings of pain, loss, and separation can sometimes be difficult to bear. While it is always important to honor what we've lost, sometimes a loss can also represent a chance for a new beginning. When we are ready, the void left by a relationship, a job, or a dream can then be viewed as open space that can be filled with something new: new experiences, new knowledge, new job opportunities, new dreams, new people, and new ways to grow.

There are many ways to weave the threads of loss into a blessing. If you've lost a job or ended a relationship, your first thoughts may revolve around filling the void with a similar job or the same kind of relationship. Try not to rush into anything just to fill up the emptiness. The loss of a job can free you up to explore new opportunities, especially if you've outgrown the old one. Likewise, the loss of a relationship can give you a chance to rediscover your own interests, explore new passions, and meet different people.

If seeking the good in what seems like a bad situation makes you feel uncomfortable, then try to remember that you are not devaluing what you've lost or replacing it cold-heartedly. You are surrendering to the fact that, in life, we sometimes have to let go and allow for what is new to enter into the open spaces created by our losses. In doing so, you are honoring what has left you and welcoming the new into your life with open space, an open mind, and an open heart.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Climate Mash

2005-10-19T00:14:00.000-05:00

http://www.climatemash.org/

The "Climate Mash", performed by songwriter and singer of "Monster Mash", Bobby "Boris" Pickett, is a song about global warming and the polluting of our environment by the big oil companies. It's a campain to voice your opinions to your local Represenatives about doing something to stop the pollution and start promoting renewable energy sources.

We have the resources and the knowledge to cut our dependence on oil in half within 10 years! By the time our children grow up, they could be breathing cleaner, healthier air if we start now!

Please watch the Climate Mash and then tell Congress and the President to take action on global warming.

http://www.climatemash.org/

Daily OM- Avoiding Negative Vibrations

2005-10-18T09:21:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Avoiding Negative Vibrations
Taking On The Energy Of Others

There are times when you may find that being around certain individuals or groups of people leaves you with feelings of discomfort. It may be that spending time with a particular friend feels draining or that dealing with a specific coworker exhausts you. Being around toxic or angry people is also draining. And you may even find that being surrounded by a crowd of people lowers your energy levels rather than perks you up. This is not that unusual. Each of us radiates energy and is capable of being influenced by the energy of other people. It is important to learn how to shield yourself, so you don't unknowingly take on someone else's energy. While some people know how to instinctively protect themselves from being adversely affected by energy, most of us need to discover and practice the technique that works best.

There are a number of ways to avoid being affected by people's energy. Shielding is one preventative technique you can use. Center yourself and envision being enveloped in a cocoon of loving and protective light. This protective layer should allow you to consciously regulate the energy around you. The intent to shield oneself is all you need for this technique to work. You can even create a trigger word to assist you in quickly creating a shield. Say this word each time you create a new shield, until the word and the shield become automatically associated in your mind. If you run into a person whose energy you find draining, you may want to cleanse your own energy field after your encounter. Sage, cold showers, singing, mineral water baths, spending time in nature, and a simple break to recharge are all ways to accomplish this.

While it is important to know how to shield yourself from energy, there are those energies that you may not want to shut out. The energy of laughter from a newborn baby, the feeling of joy radiating from someone in love, and the frequency of calm emanating from an enlightened teacher are just some of the energies coming from others that you may want to have around you.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Boris is home!

2005-10-17T09:16:00.000-05:00

We picked up Boris yesterday afternoon. He's doing great! I was expecting to see him with a bandage over his eye and one of those big plastic funnels around his neck. He didn't have either. The vet sent a funnel home in case he starts rubbing at his stitches. So far his been pretty good about not rubbing them. I imagine it will start to get itchy soon though. He's doing really good, and looks like he's not in pain. He started running around and playing when we got him home. We are trying to keep him and his brother separated for a while so the eye has time to heal. It's hard to do though because they love being with each other. I let them spend some time together until they start playing too rough. Then I separate them for a while again. Everything seems to be ok, and the vet said she may have saved some of the vision but won't know for sure until the stitches come out in a few weeks. He is his usual happy and purring self. When we got to the vet to pick him up we took him out of the cage and he started purring and rubbing all over us. The vet said "Oh look at the spoiled kitty! He knows who is parents are!" He was so happy to see us. And I'm so happy he's home and ok!!

Daily OM- Resisting Control

2005-10-17T08:53:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Resisting Control
Imposing Your Will On Others

The right to make your own choices is a precious one. We grow when we have the freedom to decide our own paths and determine what makes us happy. Yet there are those who are inclined to try and control others. They may be driven by insecurity, envy, fear, or the need for power. These people are deeply critical of themselves in their own minds, and underlying that critical nature is unhappiness. Their need to feel sure-footed and secure is quenched by controlling those around them, whether they are friends, colleagues, or even pets. However, nearly everyone has found themselves imposing their will upon others at one time or another.

Trying to impose your will on others can be tempting for many reasons. You may feel that your way is the best way or that you have a keener insight into the direction their life should be taking. But, in imposing your will, you are indirectly saying, "I want to control you." Even when you have the best of intentions, others may end up resenting you for your actions. It is always helpful to remember that it is possible to influence people and change their behavior through education or example without imposing your will on them.

If you've caught yourself being a bit bossy on a regular basis, make a note of it. Write down what the situation was and why you acted the way you did. You may have pushed a friend to try something new, because deep inside you wanted to try it yourself but were feeling hesitant. Or you may be unjustly interfering with work teammates, because you aren't sure of their abilities. Next, make an effort to understand and accept their preferences and ways of doing things. It can feel natural to impose your will when you feel that you "know best." But there is a freedom to trusting others to find their own methods and joys, even when they might differ from yours. Sometimes the best course of action is to step back and relinquish control. You may, in doing so, see everything from a different point of view.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Emergency trip to the Vet

2005-10-16T00:44:00.000-05:00

This is Boris laying on top of his favorite chair.

Here he is playing with his blankey-rug.

And here he is with his daddy. It was the cutest thing, every time someone would go to take him, he'd press himself even tighter against his daddy. He has definately chosen who his human is.

Today Boris & his brother Lars were playing. Boris ended up getting his eye ruptured. He really screamed when it happened and I was very scared. His eye started bleeding and he wouldn't come near me. I called the vet and told her what was going on and she told me to get him right in. I woke up my hubby and told him what was going on, he came into the room and Boris started purring and relaxed enough for me to get him in his carrier. By the time I got him to the vet, the insides of his little eye was oozing out if his eyeball. The vet said she won't be able to save the vision but hopefully she can save the eyeball itself.

My poor baby! I bet he is so scared! His brother is looking all over for him. They are practically inseperable at home, they are always together. If one has to eat, the other one does too. If one wants to sit on someone, the other one does too. If one has to go potty, the other one does too. It's that way with everything these two kitty's do.

I hope he's ok.

Hemp

2005-10-14T22:47:00.000-05:00

Check out the links below.....

Hemp- Could Save America

Jack Herer

Hemp Facts

Pot shrinks tumors

Amazing Facts About An Amazing Plant

2005-10-14T11:41:00.000-05:00

Creepy Monkey! He goes in the yard haunt every year. I don't know what it is about him but he just creeps people out. The way he's made, when the wind blows he moves from side to side...adds a nice touch!

2005-10-14T11:38:00.000-05:00

If you are offended by what you see, close your eyes and count to three. Then turn around and walk away, because this years props are gonna STAY!

2005-10-14T11:31:00.000-05:00

Yard Haunt '05

2005-10-14T11:27:00.000-05:00

Yard Haunt '05

2005-10-14T11:21:00.000-05:00

Yard Haunt '05

2005-10-14T11:19:00.000-05:00

Yard Haunt '05

2005-10-14T11:16:00.000-05:00

Yard Haunt '05

2005-10-14T11:13:00.000-05:00

Yard Haunt '05

2005-10-14T11:10:00.000-05:00

Yard Haunt '05

2005-10-14T11:06:00.000-05:00

Yard Haunt '05

2005-10-14T11:03:00.000-05:00

Yard Haunt '05

2005-10-14T11:00:00.000-05:00

Yard Haunt '05

2005-10-14T10:58:00.000-05:00

zombie

Temple of Nostragoth

2005-10-14T10:22:00.000-05:00

This is a fun website! Check it out.

Daily OM- Small Wonders

2005-10-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Small Wonders
Little Things That Make You Happy

Life is full of little wonders that can make us happy. The sound of a baby's laughter, a good book, the comforting smell of a favorite old sweatshirt, and the warmth from a cup of hot tea are simple pleasures that can easily put smiles on our faces. These "little things" are easily accessible to us and can be sources for finding happiness. A key to doing so is taking the time to put those rose colored glasses from childhood back on so you can easily find the joy in all the "little things" that life has to offer.

Finding a puppy rummaging through the laundry basket, trying on that perfect shade of lipstick, or discovering the extra change you left in your back pocket can turn into moments of delight. Like kids digging in the sandbox for buried trinkets, we may even begin to experience happiness when we engage in the seemingly mundane. Figuring out a software program can feel like deciphering a treasure map, and that first sip of tea in the morning can taste like a forbidden delicacy. Swaying to music playing on the radio can turn into an interpretive jig, riding a bike can seem like flying to the moon, and getting a phone call from that special someone can feel like winning the lottery. A pickup game of basketball becomes an exciting match among champions, and observing an elderly couple walking hand in hand can turn into a meditation on peace and contentment.

When we begin rediscovering that the little things in life can make us happy, we naturally want to share this joy with others. We may gush over a friend when we run into them unexpectedly, praise a street musician for their talents, or blow bubbles for the neighborhood kids to chase. We may even start to think of the little things we can do to make other people happy, which in turn makes us happy all over again. There is an endless supply of little things and little moments that can make us happy. All we have to do is look for them, and they'll magically start to appear.

http://www.dailyom.com/

I WON!!

2005-10-13T22:58:00.000-05:00

WOOHOO!! I won an XBOX 360!! WOOHOO!! I entered codes off the caps of Mountain Dew and Pepsi bottles at http://www.every10minutes.com and won!!

They sent me an email saying please visit your account history to view updated account information and thank you for participating in our promotion. I just thought the contest was over so I went to check to see if it was over because I still had a couple codes to enter. When I got there it said Congratulations! You won an XBOX 360!! I screamed when I read it!!
:-O AAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! I WON!!!!! I'm surprised I didn't wake up my hubby.

Vampire Bat

2005-10-13T08:34:00.000-05:00

A vampire bat came flapping in from the night, face all covered in fresh blood and parked himself on the roof of the cave to get some sleep.

Pretty soon all the other bats smelt the blood and began hassling him about where he got it. He told them to sod off and let him get some sleep, but they persisted until he finally gave in.

OK, follow me, he said and flew out of the cave with hundreds of bats behind him. Down through a valley they went, across a river and into a huge forest of trees. Finally he slowed down and all the other bats excitedly milled around him tongues hanging out for blood.

"Do you see that large oak tree over there?" he asked. "YES, YES,YES!!!!" the bats all screamed in a frenzy. "Good!" said the first bat,"Because I blooming didn't."

Daily OM- Unhindered Movement

2005-10-13T08:02:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Unhindered Movement
Getting Out Of Your Own Way

When you find yourself facing obstacles that appear to be blocking you from your goals, it is important to try not to get discouraged. It can be easy to feel "stuck" or that "life" is creating circumstances preventing you from getting what you want. And while it is easy to look at everyone and everything outside of ourselves for the problem, perhaps even wanting to "get rid" of the person, object, or circumstance we may feel is blocking us, sometimes the best course of action to take may be to look inside ourselves first.

It is amazing how often we can get in our own way without even being aware that we are doing so. Even though we truly want to succeed, there are many reasons why we may sometimes block our own efforts. It may be that we are afraid to succeed, so we subconsciously create circumstances to keep ourselves stuck. Or it may even be that we are afraid that we will succeed, so we block ourselves by making the achievement of our goals more difficult than they really are. We may even approach our goals in a way that keeps creating the same unsuccessful results.

If you believe that you've been standing in your own way, you may want to take a piece of paper and record how you've done so. Write down the choices you've made that have hindered your efforts and the fears which may have prompted you to make these decisions. Take note of any thoughts and feelings that arise. It is important to be gentle and compassionate during this process. Try not to blame yourself for getting in your own way. Remember the choices we make always are there to serve us, until it is time to let them go. When you are finished, throw the paper away while setting an intention that you are getting rid of any obstacles you've created to block yourself. You can then let yourself start again with a clean slate. Doubts and fears are going to be natural, but with this new awareness, you should be able to prevent yourself from subconsciously creating obstacles. Besides, now that you've decided to get out of your own way, the part of you that has always wanted to succeed can now do so.

http://www.dailyom.com/

ANWR

2005-10-12T19:19:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend,
No one voted on Election Day to destroy the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

But President Bush is now claiming a mandate to do exactly that.

Congress will soon cast a decisive vote that could turn America's greatest sanctuary for Arctic wildlife into a vast, polluted oil field.

Even worse, they are evading public debate on this devastating measure by hiding it in the "budget reconciliation" bill.

Please go to http://www.nrdcactionfund.org/arcticphotos/photos.asp right now and send a message telling your U.S. senators and representative to reject this sneak attack on the Arctic Refuge.

Don't believe for a second that the president is targeting the Arctic Refuge for the sake of America's energy security or to lower gas prices at the pump.

President Bush knows full well that oil drilled in the Arctic Refuge would take ten years to get to market and would never equal more than a paltry one or two percent of our nation's daily consumption. Simply put, sacrificing the crown jewel of our wildlife heritage would do nothing to reduce gas prices or break our addiction to Persian Gulf oil.

But if the raid on the Arctic Refuge isn't really about gas prices or energy security, then what is it about?

It's the symbolism.

The Arctic Refuge represents everything spectacular and everything endangered about America's natural heritage. It embodies a million years of ecological serenity . . . a vast stretch of pristine wilderness . . . an irreplaceable birthing ground for polar bears, caribou and white wolves.

It is the greatest living reminder that conserving nature in its wild state is a core American value. It stands for every remnant of wilderness that we, as a people, have wisely chosen to protect from the relentless march of bulldozers, chain saws and oil rigs.

And that's why the Bush administration is dead set on destroying it.

By unlocking the Arctic Refuge, they hope to open the door for oil, gas and coal giants to invade our last and best wild places: our western canyonlands, our ancient forests, our coastal waters, even our national monuments.

This is the real agenda behind the raid on the Arctic Refuge and the entire Bush-Cheney energy plan: to transfer our public estate into corporate hands so it can be liquidated for a quick buck.

Tom DeLay (R-TX) admitted as much when he said this battle over the Arctic Refuge is really a fight over whether energy exploration will be allowed in similarly sensitive areas in the future.

"It's about precedent," Rep. DeLay said.

I take him at his word. If we let the president and Congress plunder the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for the sake of oil company profits, then no piece of our natural heritage will be safe from wholesale destruction.

Please go to http://www.nrdcactionfund.org/arcticphotos/photos.asp and tell your senators and representative to vote against any budget bill that would destroy the Arctic Refuge.

And thank you for speaking out at this critical time.

Sincerely,
Robert Redford

Daily OM- Burnt Offerings

2005-10-12T08:10:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Burnt Offerings
Incense

It could not have been long after humanity learned to have power over fire that they discovered that simple fragrant wood, resin, herbs, or roots can do more than produce pleasing aromas. The first forms of incense were simply fragrant plants tossed into fire, and it was only later that pastes, oils, powders, joss sticks, and cones were created. Incense has soothed, excited, aroused, and centered us for thousands of years. The people of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, Greece, and Rome all consumed great quantities of incense, using it for rituals in their temples and homes. Even today, incense is used for a number of spiritual and practical reasons.

Fragrances can affect us in many ways, and each aromatic has its own unique qualities. Lavender holds the power to quiet the soul, while sandalwood can ease feelings of anxiety. Patchouli is helpful for grounding and centering yourself. A single stick of incense can convey up to a symphony of fragrances. When burned prior to or during meditation, the fragrant smoke can direct the course of your thoughts and influence the rhythms of your body. The time it takes to burn the entire stick of incense can even act as a natural timer. You can also offer burning incense as a gift to the divine while performing a ritual.

There are no right reasons or wrong ways for you to use incense. In the Chinese tradition, burning three upright sticks of incense can give you insight into what the future holds. Enjoying a cone of smoking incense also can simply add sweet fragrance to a room. And should you choose to light a cone of lavender incense after a long day of work, you may find yourself effortlessly relaxing into the quiet arms of the night.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Wild Berry Incense

2005-10-12T08:05:00.000-05:00

To go along with todays Daily OM I thought I'd tell you about my favorite incense. It's a bit more expensive than the kinds you get at Kmart or Walmart, but it's well worth the extra cost. It's called Wild Berry Incense and they have a variety of delightful fragrances. My favorites to burn are patchouli, sandalwood, Peace of Mind, cloves, cinnamon, Carmen Miranda's Hat, and Fantasia.

They have incense sticks, shorties, cones, oils & oil warmers, and a large variety of incense burners and smoking bottles. (I prefer to use the smoking bottles rather than a burner)

I wish someone here in town would sell it so I wouldn't have to travel out of town for it. It is a very good quality incense and when you burn it, you actully smell the fragrance and not just a burning stick smell that you get so often with the cheaper brands of incense.

I should just get my wholesaler's application filled out and sent in, then I can open up my own little incense shop.

You can take a look at the Wild Berry Incense here.

I thought this was funny

2005-10-11T21:01:00.000-05:00

Actually it's both funny and sad. It's sad that the Fundies are trying to put religious teachings in public schools. I guess I shouldn't say trying, there are already schools that are being forced to teach "Intelligent Design". If it is forced to be taught here in our public school, I'll make sure to schedule my kids for a dental check-up that day during science class....LOL!

Here is an interesting article to read about ID.

Intelligent Design 101: Short on science, long on snake oil

Finally accomplished something

2005-10-11T20:10:00.000-05:00

Well I finally got a little done outside today with the yard haunt. Not much, but it's a start. I have a few pics here of the display in front of the house. I also have some tombstones set up but it was too dark along the side of the house for the pictures to turn out.

This is in the front yard. That's Otis in a coffin my hubby made last year. The white cross behind him has written in red paint to look like blood, THE HORROR RETURNS. It was a prop from last year, there's another one that goes with it that says IN 2005. It was part of my House of 1000 Corpses 2 The Devil's Rejects display.

Here is a close-up of Otis.

And this I put right in the front yard for all the goodie-goodie fundies to read.

Teach Science- Not "Intelligent Design"

2005-10-10T23:59:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,
I have just read and signed the petition:
Teach Science, Not "Intelligent Design"
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/919965448

Studies show that American children are falling behind children in other nations in their knowledge and understanding of science. But instead of improving the quality of science education, movements across the country are trying to substitute ideology for fact in our classrooms.

The freedom of religion and the quality of public education are being put to the test in Dover, Pennsylvania, where a landmark court case is shaping up, as schoolteachers rebel against being forced to teach creationism in their biology classrooms along with evolution.

At issue in Dover, PA, is a new policy requiring all ninth-grade biology teachers to read a statement on "Intelligent Design" before teaching evolution lessons. The district is believed to be the first in the country to require such a disclaimer.

But the problem with this policy is that science is based on facts and testable predictions; religion is based on faith. And unfortunately, "intelligent design" is no more than religious creationism dressed up with a new name. A quality science education teaches children to weigh evidence, think critically, and apply the scientific method to test theories. A study of "Intelligent design" does none of these things.

For the sake of our children and the competitiveness of our country, urge your state governor to defend the integrity of science education in our schools!

Please take a moment to sign this petition. You may remain anonymous to the public. We must keep church and state separate. Religion does not belong in science class!! Keep it in church where it belongs!!
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/919965448

Smart Paper Use

2005-10-10T08:04:00.000-05:00

Printed from www.care2.com

Smart Paper Use
Adapted from The Smart Office, by A.K.Townsend.

Whatever happened to the paperless office? That's a good question. With the wonder of today's technology, we have the capacity to contain whole filing cabinets of information on just one CD-ROM.

Look at what the following can hold:

1. One floppy disk: 750 sheets, about a five-inch stack of typed pages;

2. 100Mb hard disk: contents of a four-drawer filing cabinet, and

3. CD-ROM: entire roomful of paper.

Saving paper can mean fewer file cabinets, which can reduce your office space needs dramatically. It's estimated to cost over $2,000 each year to maintain a filing cabinet and about $25,000 to fill it. These costs include the labor and paper costs. One estimate even states that about 3 percent of your filing cabinet documents will become misplaced, and it will cost about $120 in labor to find each one. On the other hand, storing files on disk or CD-ROM is much less expensive in human time and in storage space.

While relying less on paper has many advantages, be aware of possible disadvantages:

* Your office may use more energy if computers, faxes, or other equipment are left on longer with higher demand.

* Increased health risks can arise due to eye strain, low-frequency radiation, carpal tunnel syndrome, nonergonomic workstations, etc.

Helpful Hints
Agri-pulp

Agri-pulp, made by Arbokem, is one of the smartest papers available. Not only is agri-pulp made of 45 percent agricultural waste, 43 percent post-consumer waste paper, and 12 percent calcium-carbonate filler, but it is acid-free, totally chlorine-free processing, totally effluent-free agri-pulp manufacturing. Considering the terrible pollution created at most pulp and paper mills, agri-pulp is impressive.

Price-wise, agri-pulp is competitive. Although it is more expensive to process it using the effluent-free and chlorine-free technologies, the agricultural waste used in manufacture costs about one-third that of wood chips. Contact Arbokem at: 604-322-1317. Agri-Pulp

Shop for Supplies
The Smart Office
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0965708101/

Spoiled again!

2005-10-07T19:52:00.000-05:00

My guys gave me all kinds of cool stuff for my b-day today. I got a big witch doll, a set of Halloween dishes and mugs, a vampire doll with moveable arms and fingers, a black & orange bead necklace and bracelet set, a couple tin Halloween buckets, a hanging pumpkin guy, glow-in-the-dark halloween gloves, a set of mini mugs one is a pumpkin and one is a ghost, a witch frog ornament- hubby was walking past a store this afternoon and saw it so he ran in quick to get it for me (I'm a witch & I love frogs... LOL!), a set of nice pot holders with oak, maple & birch leaves on them- I love trees, these are so nice I think I'll hang then up for a while and use them when I absolutely need to, and I got a creepy, ceramic, green cat bucket. And the other day I had to make a mad dash to a store with hubby- he had been in there doing some b-day shopping and they've had a 6' tall skull man prop for sale. It was pretty expensive so we didn't get it earlier when they had put it out. Well, someone had knocked it over and ripped the cloth and did very minor damage to the stand (which you can't even see because of the cloth haning on the prop). They know I am the Halloween Lady around here so they offered it to my hubby at cost. He wanted me to check it out to make sure it was worth it. It was very worth it!! It's the exact same skull man you can get here for $69.00 but we only had to pay $15.00!!! I told hubby he could give that to me for my b-day. I am soooooooo spoiled!!!!! Hubby always makes me a b-day dinner, but he's working nights again and he had to work tonight so he's going to make me my dinner tomorrow.

I'll try to gather everything together tomorrow and take a pic to post. No time tonight, it's Homecoming tonight so I gotta get down to the game.

Beauty Chant

2005-10-06T10:06:00.000-05:00

Printed from www.care2.com

Beauty Chant
Adapted from Teen Psychic, by Julie Tallard Johnson (Inner Traditions, 2003).

Chanting and breathing were commonly used by the ancients to stimulate their well-being and awaken their spiritual natures. While this chant is borrowed from the Navajo tradition, similar chants and prayers are found in many other indigenous cultures. The Beauty Chant can be a lovely daily morning prayer: its simple yet powerful words will help you become stronger and more present in your body. It can also be sung or stated any time of the day as a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us all and is within each of us, all the time.

You may use this chant when you are feeling negative--or when you are brimming over with the beauty of the world! It will help to lift you up and bring you back to a more positive and strong place, or help you to express your appreciation of beauty. It is also a powerful reminder that you can be beautiful just as you are. Say the chant here:

Beauty before me.
Beauty behind me.
Beauty below me.
Beauty above me.
Beauty beside me.
Beauty within me.
I see beauty all around.
In beauty may I walk.
In beauty may I see.
In beauty may we all be.

Shop for Supplies
Teen Psychic
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0892810947/

Daily OM- The Power Within

2005-10-05T12:38:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

The Power Within
Energy 101

There is an undercurrent of energy thrumming through the Universe. Like the wind or a whisper, we can sometimes hear it and often feel it. Most of the time, we sense this energy unconsciously without any tangible proof it is really there. Thoughts, emotions, and the life force in all living things are forms of this kind of energy. So are creativity, growth, and change. The impressions, images, and vague premonitions we get about people and situations are other examples of formless energy. When you enter a space and feel an "intangible tension" in the air that gives you a sense of foreboding in your gut, what you are likely experiencing is energy.

Energy cannot be destroyed, but it can be transformed or transferred from one person, thing, or source to another. Though energy is formless, it does take form and shape in the way it flows and resides within all things: a grain of sand, a bird, a stone, and an ocean wave. Living things radiate complex vibrations while nonliving things' vibrations are simpler. Energy is a magnifier that can attract like energies while repelling disparate ones. Many of our reactions to people and circumstances are based on unconscious reactions to their energies. We may even intuitively tune into the energy of a situation we are facing when making a decision about how to proceed. With careful practice and meditation, we can learn to sense the energy within other living things and ourselves. We can also become more attuned to how we are impacted by different kinds of energy. For instance, being around too many energies can leave one person feeling edgy or excited, while another person will feel tired and drained.

While some people feel that energy can be controlled, others see it is as the unknowable force that moves through all things. The combined energy in all things plays a hand in birth, death, growth, movement, and stillness. Practitioners of Aikido believe that all living beings share a common energy source that is our life force. Whatever your beliefs, it is worthwhile to explore the roles energy plays in your life so you can understand it more fully.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Daily Om- Stillness In Motion

2005-10-04T17:58:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Stillness In Motion
Doing Things Slowly

Life can often feel like it's zipping by in fast forward. We feel obliged to accelerate our own speed along with it, until our productivity turns into frenzied accomplishment. We find ourselves cramming as much activity as possible into the shortest periods of time. We disregard our natural rhythms because it seems we have to just keep up. In truth, rushing never gets you anywhere but on to the next activity or goal.

Slowing down allows you to not only savor your experiences, but also it allows you to fully focus your attention and energy on the task at hand. Moving at a slower place lets you get things done more efficiently, while rushing diminishes the quality of your work and your relationships. Slowing down also lets you be more mindful, deliberate, and fully present. When we slow down, we are giving ourselves the opportunity to reacquaint ourselves to our natural rhythms. We let go of the "fast forward" stress, and allow our bodies to remain centered and grounded. Slowing down is inherent to fully savoring anything in life. Rushing to take a bath can feel like an uncomfortable dunk in hot water, while taking a slow hot bath can be luxuriant and relaxing. A student cramming for a test will often feel tired and unsure, whereas someone who really absorbs the information will be more confident and relaxed. Cooking, eating, reading, and writing can become pleasurable when done slowly. Slowing down lets you become more absorbed in whatever it is you are doing. The food you eat tastes better, and the stories you read become more alive.

Slowing down allows you to disconnect from the frenzied pace buzzing around you so you can begin moving at your own pace. The moments we choose to live in fast forward motion then become a conscious choice rather than an involuntary action. Learning to slow down in our fast-moving world can take practice, but if you slow down long enough to try it, you may surprise yourself with how natural and organic living at this pace can be.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Lumpy tree on the OLA hiking trail

2005-10-04T11:01:00.000-05:00

hmmm..... I wonder what's living in it??

The poor tree :-(

Injury day

2005-10-04T10:03:00.000-05:00

This is Homecoming week at school. Today is fake an injury day. My boys and I all got a good burn for the day. I forgot to take pictures of theirs before they left this morning. I doubt the burns will survive the day for me to take a pic of them after school. They turned out really cool, my oldest has the burn across the top of his hand and up the outside of his arm. My youngest just wanted it along the top of his hand. Me, I just did a small area to kinda practice and to show the guys what it would look like. I took my SpecialFX make-up and fake blood to school and walked around giving students black eyes and bloody cuts and bruises. I gave one teacher a bloody bandaged arm and another teacher slashed wrists. It was a very fun morning, just what I needed to help get back into the Halloween mood!!!

Here are a few pics of my little burn....

This pic is without using the flash. The red around the gooey burn shows up.

This one I used the flash, it takes away the red around the burn but you can see the gooey stuff better. :-) That's my baby Lars on the floor, he had to flop in and get his pic taken too!

Now this one here, doesn't that look like George Washington in it????

LOL!!!

6 Mystic Symbols for the Home

2005-10-03T16:01:00.000-05:00

Printed from www.care2.com
Six Mystic Symbols for the Home
Inspired by Sacred Space, by Denise Linn (Ballentine Wellspring, 1995).

Simple Solution
The symbols in your home have a life and spirit of their own, and they are constantly affecting the energy of your home, believes author Denise Linn, a leading expert on clearing the energy of a home.

She thinks we can literally change our life by harnessing the power of the symbols around us.

Linn writes: “A symbol can act in two ways. First, it can be used to focus and project your energy through it. Second, a symbol can function as a magnifier and transmitter of energy, even if you are not focusing attention on the symbol.”

Here are six mystic symbols for the home, and what they can do for you:

Circle: The circle is one of the most potent symbols. It represents eternity, completion, unity, the universe, wholeness, perfection and the Great Mystery.

Triangle: The triangle embodies the power of the pyramids. It relates to the combined power of body, mind and spirit, of mother, father and child, of past, present and future, of the Holy Trinity.

Square: The square symbolizes the four elements: air, water, fire and earth, and the four directions. It represents stability and strength, the four seasons. It represents the material world.

Cross: The symbol of the cross pre-dates Christianity and is perhaps the oldest talismanic symbol in the world. The cross symbolizes eternal life, resurrection and divine protection from evil. It also represents Jesus Christ.

Pentagram: The pentagram symbolizes the human body with each point representing one part of the body’s extremities—the head, hands and feet comprising each point of the star. It is used for protection.

Infinity: The symbol for infinity looks like the number eight laid on its side. This is a very powerful and cosmic symbol to use in your home.

Daily Om- Emotional Freedom

2005-10-03T08:18:00.000-05:00

It's amazing how often these Daily OM's are exactly what I need some days. :-)

http://www.dailyom.com/

Emotional Freedom
Denying Your Feelings

Dealing with powerful emotions can be challenging, especially when we are going through chaotic, sad, or cruel experiences in our lives. Often, it can seem like we have only two options for dealing with our feelings so they don't become too overwhelming. We may let our feelings out in an immediate and visceral way, or we may bottle them up by suppressing our emotions inside our bodies. Most people make the second choice, repressing their feelings in an attempt to deny them. The truth is that there are many positive ways to deal with emotions, and experiencing your negative feelings doesn't have to constitute a negative experience. Denying your feelings is not only unhealthy for the mind and the body, but it may also rob you of valuable information you could be learning about yourself and your life. Suppressing your emotions can even impede your short-term memory. Acknowledging your feelings can help you better understand them and help you recover naturally from change, stress, and grief.

If you find that facing your feelings head on is proving too difficult during times of emotional distress, you may want to explore alternative ways of expressing them. Otherwise, the emotions you deny could morph into unconscious anger or self-hatred. Expressing your thoughts to friends or family can be helpful. If you don't feel ready to share them, try giving them words by writing down what you are feeling. Give whatever you are feeling simple words like "livid" or "angry" or "excited". You can also funnel your feelings into a creative outlet, physical exercise, or chores. Even just accepting and speaking your feelings out loud to yourself can be a healing release. In releasing intense emotions, it is most beneficial to acknowledge the feelings, allow yourself to feel them, and let the feelings go. Those who are willing to experience and release their feelings without judgment also find that their lives become less stressful. Breathing deeply, going for a long walk, or doing a constructive task can help you respond to your feelings in a healthy way.

While burying negative or uncomfortable feelings can numb the pain, it also may inevitably dull your ability to experience your more positive and pleasurable feelings. You may find yourself afraid to open up in the future for fear of getting hurt. The feelings we deny aren't limited to anger and sadness. Suppressing our happiness or excitement can be just as unhealthy. In learning how to express your intense emotions in a healthy way, you are giving yourself the freedom to fully experience the more joyful emotions that come with being alive.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Daily OM- Averting Conflict

2005-09-30T11:02:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Averting Conflict
Dealing With Difficult People

We encounter a wide variety of people throughout our lives. Many of them touch us in some positive way. Occasionally, however, we encounter those individuals who, for whatever reason, can be difficult to deal with. Perhaps this person is a colleague or close friend that you feel is deliberately being obtuse, inviting in trouble, or doing foolish things that you find annoying. Sometimes, it may be possible to appease or avoid those people short term. Dealing with them in the long term, however, can be exhausting. The behavior of difficult people can even make you feel like losing your temper, but keep your cool. Staying calm is the first step, especially when you are ready to confront them.

Avoiding a difficult person can prove impossible and not in your best interest, especially if you live or work together. Likewise, attempts to steer clear of them can become a source of stress and anxiety when they are a part of your social circle. When this is the case, it is best to kindly address the problem. Try not to let their actions or mood affect you. You also may want to try expressing your feelings directly. Tell the person how their actions make you feel, and encourage them toward a more positive course of action. Speak assertively, but respectfully, and don't portray yourself as a victim. Another approach for dealing with a difficult individual is to gain a deeper understanding of who that person is. Ask them why they do or say certain things. If you disagree with their motives, question them further so you can try and discover the root of their behavior. In doing so, you may be able to gently shift their perceptions, or at least help them understand your point of view.

You may want to think about what you want to say to a difficult person before you actually talk to them. If you can, avoid being judgmental or defensive, and try to approach the conversation objectively. If the person is open to the idea, try coming to an agreement. If approaching them fails, let it go and move on. There is no reason to let a difficult person or situation have power over your state of being. Remember that a lot can be accomplished when you take the time to listen and offer up alternative perspectives.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Daily OM- Harmony With Nature

2005-09-29T11:05:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Harmony With Nature
Organic Earth

The earth is our nurturer, giving us life, land, and sustenance. Because of population growth, the demand for her gifts is ever increasing and simply living from day to day can now have a negative impact on the balance of nature. The byproduct of many needs is the release of toxic substances into the water, air, and soil. One way to minimize your impact on the earth is to try and use organic products as much as possible and to garden organically yourself if you have space. Though organic fruits and vegetables have become popular, the term "organic" can apply to any product produced from natural substances, including cloth and beauty items. Organic farming promotes a healthy earth, clean water, and healthy people.

Organic products are created using natural ingredients that were grown without chemical pesticides and fertilizers; haven't been treated with preservatives, hormones, or medicines; and don't contain artificial additives. Using organic products whenever possible not only helps lessen your exposure to harmful chemicals but also helps the health of mother earth as well. Organic farming uses helpful insects to combat pests and natural fertilizers like compost and manure, or crop rotation, to keep vital nutrients in the soil. Healthy soil contains microbes beneficial to plants and thick earthy hummus that retains water, reducing the need for artificial irrigation and the rate of top soil erosion. The benefits of using organic products go far beyond health concerns. Organic farming promotes necessary biodiversity through seed collecting and by encouraging wildlife to thrive alongside humans.

We have only just recently begun to understand the effects of chemical-intensive growing on the environment. Organic farming of vegetables, cotton, or any other crop, is a gentle way to reap the earth's bounty and is conducive to a healthy ecosystem. Sometimes the results are slightly more expensive, but the environmental and health costs can be much higher and increased demand for such products can help to lower prices. Your use of organic products encourages a world where birds and insects help control pests, wildlife is an essential part of farming, and nutrition takes precedence over mass production.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Daily OM- Giving To Receive

2005-09-28T07:08:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Giving To Receive
Generosity

The most difficult time to be generous is when we ourselves are feeling poor. While some of us have experienced actually being in the red financially, there are those of us who would feel broke even if we had a million dollars in the bank. Either way, as the old adage goes, it is always in giving that we receive. Meaning that when we are living in a state of lack, the very gesture we may least want to give is the very act that could help us create the abundance that we seek. One way to practice generosity is to give energy where it is needed. Giving money to a cause or person in need is one way to give energy. Giving attention, love, or a smile to another person are other acts of giving that we can offer. After all, there are people all over the world that are hungry for love.

Sometimes when we practice generosity, we practice it conditionally. We might be expecting to "receive back" from the person to whom we gave. We might even become angry or resentful if that person doesn't reciprocate. However, trust in the natural flow of energy, and you will find yourself practicing generosity with no strings attached. This is the purest form of giving. Remember that what you send out will always come back you. Selflessly help a friend in need without expecting them to return the same favor in the same way, and know that you, too, will receive that support from the universe when you need it. Besides, while giving conditionally creates stress (because we are waiting with an invisible balance sheet to receive our due), giving unconditionally creates and generates abundance. We give freely, because we trust that there is always an unlimited supply.

Being aware of how much we are always supported by the universe is one of the keys to abundance and generosity. Consciously remember the times you've received support from expected and unexpected sources. Remember anyone who has helped you when you've needed it most, and bless all situations that come into your life for the lessons and gifts they bring you. Remember that all things given and received emanate from generosity. Giving is an act of gratitude. Plant the seeds of generosity through your acts of giving, and you will grow the fruits of abundance for yourself and those around you.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Daily OM- Walking Your Path

2005-09-27T10:19:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Walking Your Path
Living A Spiritual Life

Throughout the journey from birth to death, many people choose to question life, strive for improvement, seek out knowledge, and search for the divine. Simply put, this is the essence of spirituality. One's spiritual practice can take on many forms, because embracing the spiritual is a very personal pursuit. While many people do relate their spirituality to a God or Goddess, this quest for the divine, or oneness with the universe, always springs from within. It doesn't matter where you find your spiritual path. We are all fundamentally spiritual beings and the essence of that lies in knowing one's true self and finding a peace that comes from within rather than the outside world. It is in remembering this that we awaken to our personal path.

The spiritual path springs forth from a daily routine that reaffirms our personal connection with a purpose or a way of life. Practicing compassion, gratitude, appreciation, forgiveness, generosity, meditation, and taking care of one's wellbeing can all be a part of one's spiritual life. If you are new to exploring your personal spirituality, remember that this is a process. You may want to spend a few moments each day giving yourself a spiritual gift. Try a new form of meditation, visit a sanctuary, or explore a specific deity.

Accepting the importance of spirituality can be a healthy decision, because a spiritual practice tends to include habits that promote healthy living. Take the time to carefully determine the action, thought, and ritual that most speaks to your soul. Remember that your most profound spiritual experiences may also come from the simple intricacies that make up your life. See the interconnectedness of all things. As you explore your "inner work," you will be walking your spiritual path and feeling your oneness with the universe.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Conscious Vibrations

2005-09-26T22:13:00.000-05:00

While working at the Kindred Spirit Fair on Saturday, they had a Crystal Bowl Healing concert. It was beautiful!! Each bowl works with a different Chakra and helps to balance them. The woman doing the show was Roberta (Rahbi) Crawford. This was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen and felt. It was a healing meditation using her voice, quartz crystal bowls, wooden flutes, gong, singing bowl, rainsticks, drums..... there were all kinds of cool instruments she was playing, sorry, I don't know all of their names.

She had short sticks with a rubber tip on it that she used around the outside of the bowls to make the music with them. There was one bowl that made everyone feel an extreme pressure in the Third Eye Chakra.

In the picture on the right you can see some of the flutes she used, rainsticks, and also the sticks used on the crystal bowls. The small metal bowl between the bottom crystal bowls is the singing bowl. That was really neat, she used a metal stick to go around the outside edge of it to make it sing. I wish I would have taken a picture of the Ocean Harp. That thing was very cool. It made a really creepy sound like something you would hear in a horror movie. I really liked that one.

On Saturday we forgot to turn the lights off while she performed. I enjoyed the concert so much that on Sunday I took my son up there to watch it. We remembered to turn off the lights on Sunday and wow! it was even better than Saturdays concert!! She had candles in the crystal bowls surrounding her with a flickering glow. My son really enjoyed it. He said it made him feel very relaxed and yet energized at the same time. He was very glad he went to see it.

If you ever get the chance to see this concert, go see it. Even if you aren't the meditating/ chakra centering type, this is a beautiful thing to see.

You can check out Rahbi's website here. She also sells CD's of her concerts. She has a studio version and a live version. I bought the studio version at the concert and it's great!! I've listened to it many times already.

Daily OM- Hidden Treasure

2005-09-23T08:28:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Hidden Treasure
Finding Another Vantage Point

The ocean can look very different, depending on whether you are standing at the shore, soaring above in a plane, or swimming beneath its waves. Likewise, a mountain can look very different relative to where you are standing. Each living thing sees the world from its unique vantage point. While from your window you may be seeing what looks like a huge shrub, a bird in its nest is getting an intimate view of that tree's leafy interior. Meanwhile, a beetle sees only a massive and never-ending tree trunk. Yet all three of you are looking at the same tree.

Just as a shadow that is concealed from one point of view is easily seen from another, it is possible to miss a fantastic view. That is, unless you are willing to see what's in front of you through different eyes. Seeing the world from another perspective, whether spatially or mentally, can introduce you to all sorts of hidden treasures. The root of the discovery process often lies in finding another way of looking at the world. The common human reaction to insects is one example. Spinning its web in a dark corner, a spider may seem drab, frightening, and mysterious. But seen up close weaving silver snowflakes between the branches of a tree, they can look like colored jewels.

Sometimes, there are experiences in life that from your vantage point may seem confusing, alarming, or worrisome. Or there may be events that look insignificant from where you are standing right now. Try seeing them from another point of view. Bury your face in the grass and look at the world from a bug's vantage point. Explore your home as if you were a small child. Take a ride in a small aircraft and experience the world from a bird's eye view. Just as kneeling down sometimes helps you see you more closely when you are looking for lost treasure, so can standing back help you appreciate the broader picture of what you are looking at. In doing so, you'll experience very different worlds.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Daily OM- Awakening The Serpent

2005-09-21T07:27:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Awakening The Serpent
Kundalini Energy

In the classic Hatha yoga and Tantra traditions, each person is believed to possess a great reservoir of dormant feminine energy. This raw creative energy lies tightly coiled at the base of the spine. It is often associated with the serpent. Kundalini energy is part of the life force, so there is always a minute amount flowing through your subtle body. Only when properly understood and awakened can it express its full potential, rising through you and energizing your senses. It is possible to awaken your Kundalini through different forms of meditation or yoga, though the process should be undertaken slowly. A hasty opening of the Kundalini center can cause headaches and other physical symptoms. Raised properly, Kundalini energy has the potential to spring forth as active kinetic energy that may result in altered states of consciousness.

Once you have tapped into your Kundalini, what you experience will be unique. Some people experience the rising of the Kundalini upward through the chakras as spreading warmth and a feeling of extreme well being. Others find they have more energy and libido and are consistently happier. If you awaken your Kundalini, you may find yourself getting sick less often. The results vary from person to person, but the benefits are generally positive. You may be thinking about raising your Kundalini on your own. One way to do this is to draw the Kundalini up through the Shushumna, the passageway that travels through the center of your body toward the head, by visualizing the energy as a serpent traveling upward. But only bring it up a little at a time and use caution. If you experience headaches or a burning sensation, you may be going too fast and should consult a teacher.

Though awakening the Kundalini can be a difficult experience, it can also be a rewarding and exciting one. As the raw energy of the Kundalini is transformed into a potent storehouse of refined energy waiting to be utilized, you will be tapping into a rich source of creativity and awareness.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge!!

2005-09-20T20:20:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

I have just read and signed the petition: "Tell Congress: Protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge"

We are trying to reach 50000 signatures, and we needYOUR HELP!

Please help by signing this petition. It takes 30 seconds and will reallyhelp.
Please follow this link:http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/297924977

Once you have signed, help even more, by telling your friendsand family to sign as well!

Thank you!

Daily OM- Goddess Of Infinite Compassion

2005-09-20T07:13:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Goddess Of Infinite Compassion
Kwan Yin

Long ago, according to legend, Kwan Yin earned the right to enter Nirvana after her death. But when she stood before the gates of paradise, she heard the anguished voices of those left on earth and, turning away from bliss, vowed to remain in the world, gently leading others until all living things reached enlightenment. Kwan Yin, a bodhisattva, became the goddess of compassion, or 'she who hears the cries of the world,' and her message spread beyond the Chinese Buddhist community. Today she is known by many names in many countries. Because of her popularity, she is depicted in hundreds of ways. Most often shown as a slim and graceful barefoot woman dressed in flowing white robes, she is the embodiment of empathy, unconditional love, and perfect compassion. Sometimes she transforms herself - into a child, a man, or even a king - to better guide and teach the path to Nirvana.

Kwan Yin's goal is to liberate all beings from suffering, no matter who or what they are, and thus building a relationship with her involves little. There is no required ritual or dogma. Rather, her devotees strive to emulate her compassion and caring in their own lives by attempting to adhere to the standards of the goddess and by serving others. Kwan Yin's unselfish devotion to all living beings is key. She is free from pride and vengefulness, and passes no judgment. She is reluctant, grants great comfort to the lost, the sick, the senile, the troubled, and the unfortunate. In the tales surrounding Kwan Yin, the dejected need only cry out to her for help to be freed from fear and danger.

Embracing the way of Kwan Yin is as easy as cultivating her virtues, which are said to exist deep within all beings, in your own life. You may want to meditate on her sacrifice and ask yourself what selfless actions you could take to better the world. She provides us with an example of how to better relate to the world and each other, asking us simply to treat all living things as we ourselves would be treated.

http://www.dailyom.com/

I need more green

2005-09-19T11:33:00.000-05:00

Isn't he cute!!

I walked by our local florist shop today and decided to stop in to see what kind of houseplants they had. I have a hard time growing plants in the house because we have a very dimly lit house, even on a sunny day. I just don't get much light in here. It's nice around Halloween time to have very little light in the house, but for the rest of the year I'd really like to have more sunshine to brighten up the house. I hope this little spider plant grows nice. It came in a big mug so whether the plant outgrows the mug or croaks, either way it works out cuz I'll have a nice big mug for my tea...LOL!

I have only one other houseplant. Here he is, he didn't come with a tag so I have no idea what he even is.

Outdoor Learning Area

2005-09-19T09:20:00.000-05:00

The OLA
Our high school has a place called the Outdoor Learning Area (OLA) where students learn about the outdoors and taking care of the environment. It's a very beautiful area and they are really making it look nice out there. My son and I walked down the hiking trail last night. It was a very peaceful walk and I will be hiking on it alot more. I told him that students these days just don't know how good they have it. I would have loved to be able to do something like this way back in my high school days.

Here is the lake (swamp?) down at the OLA. There are places where a pipe has been placed so you can see the water coming out of the natural spring. One pipe is set up to be used like a drinking fountain.

This is a cool looking tree on the hiking trail. I'll have to take my camera with me on a sunny day hike and find more cool trees to take pictures of. I love trees!! I went to my mom's and gathered up a bunch of acorns, nuts and seeds from oak, black walnut, hickory, and mountain ash trees to try and get some started growing. I won't have the room here to plant too many of them but if I do get some good trees growing, maybe Mr. R~ the Bird Geek will let me plant them out at the OLA. That would be so cool if I could do that!!

Daily OM- Centered Silliness

2005-09-19T07:03:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Centered Silliness
Laughing Meditation

Many people might be surprised to think of laughter as a form of meditation. Yet not only is laughing meditation one of the simplest forms of meditation, but also it is a very powerful one. The physical act of laughing is one of the few actions involving the body, emotions, and the soul. When we laugh, we give ourselves over to the immediacy of the present moment. We also are able to momentarily transcend minor physical and mental stresses. Practiced in the morning, laughing meditation can lend a joyful quality to the entire day. Practiced in the evening, laughing meditation is a potent relaxant that has been known to inspire pleasant dreams. Laughter also can help open our eyes to previously unnoticed absurdities that can make life seem less serious.

There are three stages to mindful laughter. Each stage can last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. The first stage involves stretching your body like a cat and breathing deeply. Your stretch should start at the hands and feet before you move through the rest of your body. Stretch out the muscles in your face by yawning and making silly faces. The second stage of the meditation is pure laughter. Imagine a humorous situation, remember funny jokes, or think about how odd it is to be laughing by yourself. When the giggles start to rise, let them. Let the laughter ripple through your belly and down into the soles of your feet. Let the laughter lead to physical movement. Roll on the floor, if you have to, and keep on laughing until you stop. The final stage of the meditation is one of silence. Sit with your eyes closed and focus on your breath.

Laughter brings with it a host of positive effects that operate on both the physical and mental levels. It is also fun, expressive, and a way to release tension. Learn to laugh in the present moment, and you'll find that joy is always there.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Save the BioGems

2005-09-17T07:54:00.000-05:00

Let your voice be their voice.

Environmental News Network

2005-09-17T00:12:00.000-05:00

http://enn.com/index.html

Environmental News Network

Stay informed about what's going on with our environment.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Leave the world better than you found it

(sometimes you gotta pick up somebody else's trash)

~Bill Nye, The Science Guy~

Awesome environmental t-shirts

2005-09-16T18:57:00.000-05:00

I really like this one.

You can check out all their t-shirts here.

Vinegar of the Four Theives

2005-09-16T13:39:00.000-05:00

Printed from www.care2.com
The (Antibacterial) Vinegar of the Four Thieves
Inspired by Better Basics for the Home, by Annie B. Bond (Three Rivers Press, 1999).

During the time of the Black Plague a family of perfumers robbed the dead. As perfumers they knew well the antiseptic essential oils, and they infused them in vinegar and rubbed them on their bodies; by doing so they protected themselves from certain death. The doctors of the time used the same herbs and essential oils to to protect themselves while tending so many who were contagious. They wore big cloaks over their heads that reached down well below their shoulders. Attached to the cloak over the nose and mouth was a 10” long canoe-like shaped beak full of antiseptic herbs and essential oils.

You can make natural antibacterial products like those that they used at home instead of buying commercial disinfectants that we are now finding out may cause drug resistance. Here is the famous Vinegar of The Four Thieves recipe; it is sometimes called Grave Robber’s Blend. Use it wherever you would normally use disinfectants.

Place a small handful each of dried lavender, rosemary, sage, rue and mint in a large jar, and cover completely with organic apple cider vinegar. Cover tightly and set for six weeks. Strain into a spray bottle. Whereas no home can be made to be sterile, spray the powerfully antiseptic Vinegar of Four Thieves recipe in areas of concern, such as on cutting boards and door knobs, always making sure to avoid your eyes.

Helpful Hints
This recipe is not technically a disinfectant (disinfectants have to be registered with the EPA as pesticides), but a spray with anti-bacterial properties.

Shop for SuppliesBetter Basics for the Homehttp://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0609803255/

Freecycle

2005-09-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Freecycle is a great way to recycle things you no longer use and keep it out of a landfill. You join a group in your area and if you have something you don't need anymore, post it in the group. You never know, someone might be looking for just the thing you're trying to get rid of. You also have the opportunity to find things you would like to have. Everything is free, you just need to pick it up if you claim something someone has offered.

You can sign up here.

HEY TREE HUGGER......

2005-09-16T07:26:00.000-05:00

Congratulations on getting your bus license!!

When's the first field trip???

Daily OM- Let It Begin With You

2005-09-16T07:16:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Let It Begin With You
Being The Change At Your Workplace

No matter where you work, chances are there's room for improvement. Let change begin with you. No matter what your position is, you can be the catalyst for positive change in your workplace.

Let your employer or supervisor know that you'd be interested in organizing teams to enhance the work environment. Most employers will be open to this because it doesn't cost them anything. Talk about what changes you feel would benefit the company. Have a plan of action to present how positive changes such as fund raising, neighborhood clean up, or group yoga, could easily be instituted.

Going "green" is easier than most people think. Advocate for the use of natural cleaning products and the use of recycled materials at your workplace. Many places already have recycling programs, but if yours doesn't, it's easy to start one. Volunteer to be in charge of arranging for the pick up of paper, cardboard, cans, and bottles. Then set out marked containers for each item. This is all that most people need to cooperate in a recycling program. Also, look into programs that recycle computers and printer cartridges.

Encourage community involvement by starting food, clothing, and toy drives. Get walk teams together to fund raise for the many charity walks that happen several times a year. Enjoy fresh air and get some exercise during lunch by gardening and picking up trash around the neighborhood. You might even get together a group of volunteers to tutor children or start a mentor program at your work. Not only will you and your co-workers be giving back to your community, but you'll be building team spirit for a better work environment.

Working conditions are enhanced by creating a family atmosphere. Organize monthly potluck lunches or if your work place has a kitchen, take turns cooking. Encourage "veggie" lunches once a week. Instead of coffee breaks, lead your co-workers in yoga breaks, group walks, or a ten minute meditation.

Even if you can't implement big changes, you can be the positive change in your work place with your attitude of peace and cooperation. Start with small improvements and watch the joy spread. Be the change.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Speaking of Science.......

2005-09-15T13:36:00.000-05:00

This is one guy I'd love to meet in person......

Bill Nye, The Science Guy!!

He's AWESOME!!

Check out his website

Protest Bush Administration's Misuse of Science

2005-09-15T12:32:00.000-05:00

What do 60 of the world's most influential scientists* have in common?

They all agree that the Bush administration has systematically distorted scientific fact to meet its political goals on issues ranging from military intelligence to health to the environment and more.
* Including 20 Nobel laureates, 19 recipients of the National Medal of Science and two former Republican presidential advisors.

According to these scientists, President Bush and his administration have:

-deliberately stacked advisory panels with political appointees
-censored and disregarded government scientists and reports when they conflict with the administration's political goals
-disbanded scientific panels whose advice conflicted with Bush administration policies.

Even worse, a recent Pentagon report leaked to the British press predicts that abrupt climate change could bring the planet to the edge of anarchy as countries develop a nuclear threat to defend and secure dwindling food, water and energy supplies. Thus far, the President has skirted all global attempts to curb the phenomenon and until recently denied that global warming was real.

Help maintain public trust in sound science and its implementation in public policy. Urge your representatives to insist that congressional science committees investigate.

Please help by signing this petition. It takes 30 seconds and will really help.
Please follow this link:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/442788860

To read more about the Bush Administration's misuse of Science please visit this website:
http://webexhibits.org/bush/index.html

Daily OM- Conscious Idle

2005-09-15T07:51:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Conscious Idle
The Art of Inactivity

Our world is one of cycles. Tides ebb and flow, one season gives way to the next, night follows day. In our own lives, we have periods of great activity and periods of rest. Just as high tide is no better than low tide and summer no better than spring, activity is not, in itself, better than inactivity. If fact, these times of rest and rejuvenation, idleness and dreaming, help us connect to ourselves and to our divine source.

Our culture tends to applaud action and achievement. We are often most comfortable with ourselves when we are clearly traveling toward a goal. During these times of striving, we direct our energy outward. We take action on our vision and follow the steps that lead us to our goal. But there are moments in this process when the urge comes to take a break, retreat, or just lay low. The tendency may be to judge ourselves negatively as we may be less comfortable with these moments of down time which is a great time to check in with our intention.

By being aware of your intention behind the action of laying low you can gain a higher perspective on it. Ask yourself if your intention is to honor an essential part of your being or to hide from it. Is your intent one that is ultimately kind to yourself - empowering rather than diminishing? Perhaps you sense it is simply time to pause and allow the universe to work its magic on your behalf.

When you feel the urge to have down time, trust that this is a natural part of the process of achieving your goals. Know that what may appear to be a deviation from your path can actually prove to be a shortcut and give yourself permission to do exactly as you are moved to do. Curl up under the covers with a favorite book or catch an old movie on TV. Soak up some sun or daydream the day away. Better yet, do nothing at all. Allow yourself to simply be - alive and at ease.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Daily OM- Patient Perseverance

2005-09-14T21:50:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Patient Perseverance
Drawing Strength From Plants

Each season, grasses, flowers, shrubs, and trees let a part of themselves go in the form of seeds. Every one of those seeds is a point of life, containing the full potential of the parent. In the quest to find a rooting spot, they are buffeted by winds, parched by sun, and soaked by rain. And, as likely as not, they find cement or stone rather than fertile soil. Yet each season, the seeds find what purchase they can and put forth their roots, slowly creating more space for themselves and pushing ever upward, even when the new world they discover is harsh and unpredictable. Seedlings are small, but a single plant can widen a crack in a sidewalk or turn a rock to dust through nothing more than patient perseverance.

In our lives, it is not uncommon to find ourselves cast into the wind, through our own choices or through fate. We are blown hither and thither by fear, uncertainty, and the influence of others. If we do find purchase, the obstacles we face may seem insurmountable and the challenges too much to bear. When this happens, look around you and note the seemingly desolate and inhospitable places in which plants have thrived. Given little choice, they set down their roots and hold on tightly, making the best of their situation. Then look at your own circumstances. Ask yourself if there is an unimagined source of strength that you can tap into. Look toward the future. Imagine a time in which you have widened a place for yourself and have flourished through your difficulties.

The smallest things in life, like the tiny sprouts, given time and the will to forge on, can overcome any circumstance and break down huge barriers. It can be tempting, however, when faced with rough or uncertain odds, to give up, to change direction, or to choose the easiest path. But within you, there exists the same resolve and fortitude as displayed in these courageous plants. You, too, in finding yourself in a tight spot, can look ever upward, grabbing hold where you can, using your determination to reach toward new heights.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Exxpose Exxon

2005-09-14T10:07:00.000-05:00

Do you remember the Exxon Valdez tragedy?

Exxon's tanker killed hundreds of thousands of seals, otters, birds, fish and whales when it spilled 11 million gallons of thick, deadly crude oil into the waters of Alaska's pristine Prince William Sound in 1989.

Amazingly, despite making a record profit of $25 billion last year, ExxonMobil is still trying to get out of paying the full amount it owes fishermen and natives hurt by the spill 16 yearsago!

Click below to join me in emailing ExxonMobil's CEO to protest this and other harmful policies now.
http://ga3.org/campaign/ExxposeExxon?source=200507_adv_exxontaf

Worse still, ExxonMobil's dirty deeds go way beyond the ugly legacy of the deadly oil spill.

* ExxonMobil is the only major oil company remaining in ArcticPower, the single issue lobbying group working to open theArctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling.

* ExxonMobil has given $15 million since 1998 to organizations that deny the existence of global warming, paying for junkscience to cloud the debate.

* ExxonMobil is making record profits but still won't invest significant amounts in cleaner, healthier energy or support greater fuel economy. (The company's pledge to research advanced energy technology is the equivalent of just TWO days' worth of its 2004 profits!)

I just sent a letter asking ExxonMobil's CEO to change the company's policies.

Will you join me? Click the link below to help Exxpose Exxon by sending your email to CEO Lee Raymond now.
http://ga3.org/campaign/ExxposeExxon?source=200507_adv_exxontaf

Thanks to our country's over-dependence on oil, gas prices are reaching record highs, global temperatures are climbing, the polar ice caps are melting, sea levels are rising, and the U.S. is forced to import millions of barrels of foreign oil everyday. Yet ExxonMobil is doing almost nothing to reduce our oil dependence while spending millions to block environmental protections and sabotage efforts to slow global warming.

We can't afford to pay the price for ExxonMobil's dangerous policies any longer!

Join the country's biggest environmental groups in their campaign to Exxpose Exxon and to pressure the company to change its policies that threaten the future of our planet.

Click below to join us by emailing CEO Lee Raymond now to let him know that you won't buy ExxonMobil's gas, buy the company's stock, or work for the company.
http://ga3.org/campaign/ExxposeExxon?source=200507_adv_exxontaf

Thanks for your help!
http://ga3.org/campaign/ExxposeExxon?rk=W1_8Ef919XelW

Chemicals of Mass Destruction

2005-09-13T22:45:00.000-05:00

Imagine 100,000 people killed or injured in 30 minutes. It’s a terrible thought. But everyday, the Bush administration is risking lives for the benefit of the chemical industry. Tons of deadly chemicals are speeding toward densely populated cities day in and day out on our nation’s railways. In the event of a terrorist attack, just one of these trains could kill or injure as many as 100,000 people within 30 minutes. The impact of a coordinated, multi-city attack? Unimaginable.

London and Madrid have already been targeted, and it is only a matter of time before similar attacks are launched within the United States. In fact, the FBI discovered Al Qaeda photographs of U.S. railroads, engines, and cars in 2002.

Toxic chemicals are truly weapons of mass destruction – and Bush need only look in his own backyard to find them.

That’s why Greenpeace did show up in Bush’s backyard, to demonstrate the risk of a toxic terrorist attack. This morning, dozens of people collapsed in front of the U.S. Capitol – to represent the 100 people per SECOND that scientists estimate would be impacted in the case of a chemical attack. We joined forces with families of the victims of 9/11, and survivors of hurricane Katrina, to honor lives already lost, and to call on the government to prevent further tragedy.

Take Action >> Tell Congress to clean up Bush's mess - before thousands of people lose their lives: http://usactions.greenpeace.org/action/start.php?action_id=63

Daily OM- Gathering Support

2005-09-13T11:10:00.000-05:00

*I got behind on my emails a while back and I had some Daily Om's that I hadn't read yet. I decided to go through them today and this was the first one I looked at. It seems to be what I need right now so I'll be using it here today. The Powers of the Universe are an amazing thing, aren't they?*

http://www.dailyom.com/

Gathering Support
Rallying The Troops

When a crisis strikes, we often feel compelled to go it alone. It may be that we view seeking out others in times of trouble as a weakness or believe that it is our duty to handle problems alone. But dealing with extremely stressful situations single-handedly can create a sense of isolation leading to even more stress, which in turn can lead to depression and anxiety. Utilizing your personal support network, or rallying your troops, helps you maintain a sense of belonging, determination, and self-esteem in times of crisis. Your friends, family, and your spiritual guardians can be a source of comfort, guidance, and simple practical help. Calling on not one friend, but all those who care for you, can help you persevere through innumerable trying situations.

You may or may not want advice, but simply letting your support network know what you are going through and knowing that they are there to support you will make a positive difference. In doing so, you will have an entire team bolstering your spirit. Your troops may be just a passive source of positive energy or they may be more active helpers, offering solutions to your problem, commenting on your choices, or sharing their own experiences in a similar situation. They can also be an impartial sounding board from which you can bounce ideas before coming to a conclusion. You can rally your spirit guide, favorite angel, or other ethereal troops by contacting them in your customary way and asking for help. Support will come from all sides when you rally your troops, giving you great strength, encouragement, and the will to move forward, even when the necessary action is a difficult one.

You can rally your troops during all manner of tough times big or small. When you feel the need to do so, e-mail or call everyone in your support network and ask for help in the spiritual realm. Having your team behind you can make such a difference because the feeling that others are with you is a poweful one.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Daily OM- Ascending Upwards

2005-09-12T14:02:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Ascending Upwards
Life's Stepping Stones

All of nature is in a continual state of growth and evolution. We are no different. Each stage in our personal evolution paves the way for the next. Each stage prepares us for the next challenge, the next opportunity, the next expression of our being. Whether or not you are enjoying your current situation, know that you are just passing through on your way to the next level - the next stepping stone - on the journey of your life.

Stepping stones are found in all areas of endeavor - our careers, our relationships, our emotional and spiritual development. It's often difficult to see our direction in the midst of the journey, but if we could look back on our lives and watch them unfold from a higher vantage point, the direction of our growth and the connection between one experience and the next would be clear.

Perhaps you had a relationship or series of relationships in your twenties that gave you the wisdom to recognize the right person when he or she came along a decade later. Perhaps you acquired a skill at a casual job or through a hobby that later allowed you to pursue a meaningful career. Perhaps a difficult event such as a serious illness or the death of a loved one propelled you to search for deeper meaning and understanding. These are examples of life's stepping stones.

As we follow our path, we often revisit the same issues, but from a higher, wiser place each time. We can track growth by identifying situations we've faced more than once and noting that each time we handled them a bit better. Whether or not you can see how your present situation is serving you or where it may lead, know that you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Trust that your soul knows where you're headed even if you don't. And trust that your stepping stones are leading you exactly where you need to go.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Click2Donate

2005-09-11T12:35:00.000-05:00

http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

Race to help: Rain Forest, Seals, Oceans, Big Cats, Primates, Children, Pets, Stop Violence, End Breast Cancer.

Daily clicks generate donations from sponsers. It's free, you don't need to sign up for anything. All you do is click on the cause you want to have donations go to and with each click the sponsers donate money. They have their website advertised for you to visit, but again, this is completely free to you and you do not need to sign up for any mailing lists or complete any offers. You don't even have to visit their website if you don't want to, but if you are the type that cares for the environment and about Earth, our Home, then chances are you will enjoy visiting their websites. :-)

Please visit and click as often as you can :-)
http://www.care2.com/click2donate/

Protect Ocean Wildlife & Keep Tuna Dolphin Safe!

2005-09-10T09:28:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,
I have just read and signed the petition:
Protect Ocean Wildlife and Keep Tuna Dolphin-Safe!http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/604955702

I just learned about the Defender of Wildlife's efforts
to help save millions of dolphins from being killed!
You can help: http://www.care2.com/go/z/12381

Did you know that ocean wildlife is in jeopardy?

Scientists worldwide recognize that large-scale industrial fishing techniques --
such as purse-seining, longlining, and drift-netting -- are devastating our oceans and the countless wildlife species that live within them. In the Pacific, many species of dolphins, endangered sea turtles, sharks, sea birds and other marine wildlife are all falling victim to the nets and lines of tuna fishermen.

Dolphin-Safe Tuna Program Under Attack: Three dolphin populations in the Eastern Pacific -- the northeastern offshore spotted, the eastern spinner, and the coastal spotted -- have fallen below their "optimum sustainable populations" as a result of dolphin unfriendly fishing practices. Despite this, the Bush Administration is trying to weaken the definition of the dolphin-safe label on tuna cans. Their proposed change would allow the harmful practice of chasing and setting nets on dolphins to be labeled "dolphin-safe."

Sea Turtles in Trouble: Sea turtles, abundant throughout the world's oceans for millennia, are being killed when they become entangled in fishing gear or caught as bycatch in fishing nets. All eight of the world's sea turtle species are now listed as threatened with extinction. Within the last decade, the Eastern Pacific populations of the critically endangered leatherback turtle have declined by 78%.

Sharks in Danger: Due to their low birth rate, slow maturation and growth patterns, and naturally small populations, shark populations are vulnerable to pressures from fisheries and human exploitation. Populations of Pacific Angel Sharks, Lemon Sharks, and Blue Sharks, to name a few, are all being adversely affected.

We need your help in convincing the Bush Administration to finally demonstrate leadership position on these issues at the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission and elsewhere, rather than passively waiting while our ocean resources are destroyed. Sign Now! Once you have signed, tell your friends about this imminent threat to these magnificent marine mammals!
http://www.care2.com/go/z/12381

Thank you!

Petition

2005-09-10T09:09:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,
I have just read and signed the petition:

Help Stop Bush's Anti-Choice Supreme Court Nominee – John Roberts http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/507595787

Please take a moment to sign this petition.
It takes just 30 seconds and will really help.
To view additional petitions, please click here:
http://www.thePetitionSite.com
Thank you

Daily OM- Taking Time

2005-09-09T08:13:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Taking Time
Remembering To Live

Many present-day cultures are busy ones. Wanting it all, we look always forward, striving to live optimally and successfully, improving ourselves, and immersing ourselves in the hustle and bustle of great achievements. In doing so, however, it is easy focus our attention on tomorrow while letting today slip by unsavored. It becomes difficult to stop, to soften our focus, to look around, and to consider the here and now. We forget how important it is to just take pleasure in the simple joys of existence, like clear blue skies, birds singing, sunsets, the laughter of a loved one, or the rich taste of a favorite dish. You may feel you are too busy to revel in the small stuff, but your future will wait for you and there will always be another responsibility on the horizon. Each moment of your life, however, has the potential to bring happiness, satisfaction, and growth.

There is a saying: Life is what happens while you are busy making plans. While not entirely true, there are real benefits to taking the time to experience life's positive aspects. Many of us, if we try, will find we are able to make time for living. If you are truly scheduled down to the minute, shake off some unimportant commitments so you can focus on what is vital. Give up control for a few minutes or an hour, and watch the world go by, take a walk in an unfamiliar place, bask in the sunshine, look at the clouds, or play in the snow. There are other delights that come from doing that which we enjoy, but which may not fit into our grand plans or seem like a waste of time, such as treasured hobbies or practicing recreational skills. These are vital, too.

Remembering to live expresses that you value the whole of your life, rather than just the past or the future. It reminds you why you do what you do and helps you appreciate who you are, instead of only who you will become. The path you will walk is hidden from you, but the path you are walking can be enjoyed from moment to moment, if you take the time to be a part of the goodness around you. Next time you find yourself overwhelmed with goals, healing, and becoming conscious, don't forget to just live.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Foggy trail this morning

2005-09-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

Oh I wish I would have remembered to take my camera with me this morning!! It was so beautiful out there on the bike trail. It was very foggy, couldn't see very far ahead of you. All the trees and bushes were so wet it sounded like it was raining from the water dripping off them. And the spider webs were amazing!! Hubby found a giant one that I missed as I went walking by. He goes for an early morning run and I walk, when he gets back to where I am we walk home together. This giant web was about 3 feet tall and a couple feet wide with a huge garden spider in the center of it. It was a perfect spider web and I really wish I had my camera to try to get a picture of it. The webs were all covered in misty water drops from the fog so you could see each strand of web, it was just beautiful. Then as we were walking farther I started laughing at my hubby because he looked just like the webs did. His hair and eyebrows were covered in misty water drops just like the spider webs!! He has his head shaved quite short so you could really see all the water drops on each hair, it was cool!

I just love mornings like this. I have always loved the fog. I remember when I was young the fog would get so thick in the mornings at this time of year that we couldn't see more than just a few feet from our house when we looked out the window. It was like the whole world had just disappeared. I would go out and just run and run and run around in it. It's one of the happy childhood memories I will cherish for the rest of my life and now I remember back to the joyful, carefree feelings of being a kid every time I go out into the thick fog.

Mornings like this really make me yearn to be living in the country again. I live in town and have a very small yard. When we moved here the only trees in the yard were a butternut tree and some kind of flowering tree that the village planted at the curb. Now we have oaks, maples and pines growing out there. We also put in some bushy hedges and more lilacs. There was one bush of lilacs when we moved in but they don't have any smell to them at all. They're a really pretty dark purple but have no lilac smell when they bloom. By the time I get done here, I'll have my own small woodland forest to be one with nature in.

Daily OM- A Meaningful Gaze

2005-09-08T08:01:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

A Meaningful Gaze
Darshan Blessings

To see and to be seen can represent powerful experiences in one's existence. There is meaning in the loving gaze of a mother or a teacher's stern expression and, in looking upon one who looks upon you, there is a sense of sharing. In Hinduism, there is a blessing that one can attain through shared vision. Darshan is both a glimpse of the divine and the grace-bestowing view of divinity. As a form of worship, it requires seeing with reverence, devotion, and purpose. Darshan is often described as concentrated energy that passes between a devotee and the physical representation of a deity, or a student and enlightened master. The exchange, which takes place through eye contact and a hug, can inspire feelings that vary between euphoria, peacefulness, and other emotions. It brings a lasting sense of bliss.

In India, some people travel long distances to be looked upon by a holy man or woman who can bestow blessings with their view. Others make pilgrimages to certain temples to see and receive the Darshan of spiritual idols. But Darshan can also refer to a personal spiritual vision in which you have seen and communed with, if only for a short time, a deity or spiritual presence. It is more than a momentary experience, however. Darshan is something that can be assimilated into your life. The blessing is meant to stay with you because its imprint is forever etched upon your soul. The ultimate aim of the blessing is to be able to see grace wherever you look by helping you purge your subconscious of negative or unhealthy habits. The meaning of Darshan can also be expanded to include seeing everyday images that lift your consciousness.

Understanding Darshan on an intellectual level does not always prepare one for the experience. If you do choose or even unconsciously experience Darshan, you may not feel anything at first because the blessing is so overwhelming, but the rewards will eventually come. Simply delve into the experience and tune out the world as much as possible, to bask in the blessing.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Toxic Swirl Through New Orleans

2005-09-07T09:59:00.000-05:00

Maybe this will be a wake-up call and the government will finally start to do something to clean up the environment.

Toxic Cocktail in floodwaters.

Coming clean.

Daily OM- Health Through Balance

2005-09-07T08:26:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Health Through Balance
Everything In Moderation

Because life is short, the temptation to overindulge is ever-present. We want to glean as much pleasure as possible from everything such as what we eat or what we do. Or, conversely, we are so driven to stay healthy or be successful that we throw ourselves into exercise or work with abandon. But the true means of achieving what you want lies not in overdoing it, but in moderation. A balanced life does not lean in one direction, but contains a measure of each element: work and play; friends, family, and solitude; pleasure and abstinence; and necessities and indulgences. The ancient Greeks practiced moderation in all things, believing that in excess, virtues became vices. And so it is. Things that benefit your body and soul in one amount, whether it is medication, nutrients, forethought, or introspection, can be harmful in higher amounts.

The concept of moderation is embodied in the middle ground between all extremes and is thus a source of steadiness. It is simply the capacity to exercise self-control. Living moderately often means forgoing short-term pleasures in favor of deeper, long lasting happiness and considering all aspects of your actions. It also means never categorizing anything in terms of 'always good' or 'always bad.' Sleeping in for hours may seem a wonderful idea until you consider the daytime lost and the difficulty you may have sleeping later. Avoiding all sweets feels like the healthiest choice, but may not be if it's making you feel deprived. A strong sense of thrift can become stinginess just as a strong sense of generosity can become a tendency to spend beyond your means. The benefits of moderation are said to be a healthy body, a clear mind, increased vigor, and a welling up of positive emotions.

Moderation eschews rigid control in favor of allowing you just enough of any one thing for it to be satisfying, but not enough for it to be detrimental. Thus, it unlocks a healthy lifestyle without denying any pleasures, any ambitions, or your changing will, through equilibrium and equanimity in all things. Living a balanced life leads to rewarding experiences that not only heal and nurture, but can also fulfill you to a fantastic degree.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Daily OM- Opportunities To Grow

2005-09-06T18:35:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/
Opportunities to Grow
Life Lessons

While we may not recognize it at the time, every challenge we face is ultimately an opportunity to bring more love and higher consciousness into our lives. The obstacles we encounter every day - whether great trials or minor bumps in the road - provide us an opportunity to learn and to grow. By placing obstacles in our path, the universe focuses our attention on life lessons that, on a deeper level, we wish to comprehend more fully. If we choose to, we can view any disharmony in our daily lives as an invitation to shed an old belief or behavior pattern in favor of a more enlightened one.

The challenge is to recognize the lesson being offered by a given situation. Often we learn about a positive quality by experiencing its opposite. An impulse toward anger may teach us about love or acceptance. A sense of constraint may teach us about freedom. A situation that appears beyond our control may prompt us to discover our own role in its creation. The lessons presented to us may encourage us to develop soul qualities such as humility, patience, or forgiveness.

Sometimes we are too involved in our present difficulty to find that higher perspective is more easily recognized in hindsight. Yet this doesn't mean we are without the tools to deal with it. Regardless of the size and nature of your difficulty, an attitude of love and gratitude will move you through it more easily and bring resolution more quickly. When difficulties arise, hold a loving thought for yourself and for whoever else is involved. Challenge yourself to find something in the situation to be grateful for, no matter how small, and thank the universe for it. This shift in attitude will shift the situation and your perspective, and it will bring you closer to that deeper understanding your soul is seeking on your behalf. Life lessons don't always come packaged the way we expect them to, and it is sometimes these lessons that ultimately bring us the greatest joy.
http://www.dailyom.com/

Daily OM- A Balanced Stone

2005-09-05T17:32:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/
A Balanced Stone
Turquoise

Whether seen as a bridge between water and sky, or a piece of the sky itself, turquoise has captured the imagination of generations. Revered by cultures from across the globe, this smooth, blue gem remains a talisman of health, wealth, good luck, and protection from sickness. In the ancient Middle East, turquoise was believed to change color when its wearer was ill and the stone was considered sacred and powerful by the Egyptians, the Aztecs, and Native Americans. Traditionally, the stone, either set into jewelry or loose, was carried as protection to ward away the evil eye. Today, turquoise is still considered an effective means of healing the body and soul. Its presence is said to benefit the entire body and to deflect negative energy that might be harmful. The stone can also have a positive affect on your mind, increasing your creativity, empathy, wisdom, and serenity.

Turquoise, which simply means Turkish stone, comes in many colors, ranging from intense sky blue to greenish to almost white. You may feel drawn to a particular hue, but the shade of the stone will not increase or decrease its latent powers. Some crystal healers also use it as a detoxification aide. When you have obtained your stone, wash it in pure water and bless it. Afterwards, you may simply want to hold it and focus on its energy in order to draw positive vibrations from it. Laying or rubbing the stone on the part of your body, such as a muscle or the chest, in need of healing can also be effective. Or, if you prefer, have the stone set in a piece of jewelry so you can keep it close to you throughout the day.

Many people believe turquoise to be associated with cleansing, protection, and spiritual balance. The stone is also said to have the ability to simultaneously open and stimulate the chakras, letting beneficial energy flood the body. In healing, it bridges the gap between the physical, spiritual, and emotional parts of us, lending strength and healing to those parts of us that need it most.
http://www.dailyom.com/

Daily OM- Giving of Herself

2005-09-02T08:32:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/
Giving Of Herself
Mother

Mothers throughout history have been worshipped, revered, analyzed and even criticized. Every one of us was created through the wondrous workings of a woman's body; each of us has a mother. But being a mother is more than a biological concept. In India, women who are profoundly nurturing, compassionate, and wise are publicly acknowledged by the title "Holy Mother." Those who have never met their biological mothers often have mothers nonetheless in adoptive parents, relations, and friends. There are human mothers and spiritual mothers, Mother Earth, and mother goddesses. The role of a mother is infinitely complex and one of pure tenderness, compassion, and unflagging loyalty. The mother represents fertility, stability, creation, and sacrifice.

Our mothers determine who we become because they are not only the life givers, but the most influential person in our young lives. Before we are old enough to understand that influence, mothers give us the beginnings of our spirituality and value systems. A mother lauds accomplishment and ignores minor faults, she both teaches and shields her children from misfortune, and hides her own tears, preferring to laugh so her children can laugh with her. She is both a sharer of grief and a healer of many pains. And every mother gives of herself knowing that someday her progeny will leave her. For these reasons and more, motherhood is a sacred institution, not limited by narrow constraints. It is also not unusual to seek the guidance of a mother in a wise woman or a grandmother because each woman is taught to be a mother by her own mother, whether she chooses to have children or not. Other ways to see Mother is to find a source of motherly nurturing in the earth, which gives us so ! much and demands little in return. Earth mother continually blesses us with her bounty and we are even born and eventually go back to the universal mother

The definition is necessarily broad because mothers of all types exist in part to put a smooth veneer on the rough edges of life for those they love. A mother never stops growing, never stops becoming more motherly. Though some may argue that a mother is a woman who gives life with her womb and nourishment with her breast, it is important to remember that a mother, any mother, is also one who gives life with her tenderness and nourishment with her love.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Daily OM- Sounds of Health

2005-09-01T10:36:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Sounds Of Health
Sounding

It is known that sound has the power to change us. It is used in meditation, ritual, prayer, and as a natural healing technique. Sound itself encompasses most auditory phenomenon and sound healers may practice their craft with recorded classical music, drumming, chanting, instruments, or electronically synthesized sounds. Sounding, however, is unique in that the practitioner uses only his or her voice projected onto the body through loosely cupped hands or a cone of wood. The resonance of the voice permeates tissue and bone, positively impacting physical and spiritual health by causing unbalanced areas to begin once again resonating at their natural frequencies.

The human voice has the natural ability to affect both the body and mind. Just as a beautiful melody or powerful drum beat can inspire and energize you, a sound healer's voice stimulates your systems' natural integrity, helping you to achieve deep relaxation and well-being. A sounding session most often starts with the healer directing sounds toward various parts of the body to determine what areas require stabilization and strengthening. This technique is called 'overtoning.' He or she may sigh, sing, or vocalize in various frequencies while listening for a change in the tone that indicates the sound interfacing with the body's energy field. As each area of the body vibrates at its own unique frequency, this helps the healer identify the precise systems where the sounding needs to be directed. The healer will then cup his or her hands over the area in need of treatment and vocalizes in specific frequencies. The pure harmonic vibrations emitted by the healer ripple and echo through the body, correcting the out-of-sync rhythms and resonance, relieving tension, and creating energy impulses that help the body heal itself without medication.

In sounding, the healer's voice becomes a winding river upon which healing energy is conveyed into the body. Plato called music the "essence of order," and when, through the miraculous abilities of the human voice, the body, spirit, and emotions are vibrating at their intended frequencies and in perfect harmony with one another, the result is perfect health.

http://www.dailyom.com/

First day of school!!

2005-09-01T09:21:00.000-05:00

Aaaahhhh... the kids are in school, hubby's at work,

a nice and quiet day to myself!!!!

Yogi Tea

2005-08-31T08:39:00.000-05:00

Yogi Tea makes the best teas I've ever tasted. I drink it every day. Every box has a Yoga exercise that goes along with the theme of the tea it's on. The Breathe Deep tea has an exercise for opening the lungs, DeTox has one for Purification, Black Chai has one to relax the muscles, Immune Support has one to strengthen your Electro-Magnetic Field. A new Yoga exercise for every day. :-)

The tags on the tea bags have quotes and words of wisdom wrote on them. Today mine says, "Meditate by emptying yourself and letting the universe fill you".

Visit the website to read about all of their teas, get health tips, yoga and meditation exercises, and request a free sample of their tea.
http://www.yogitea.com/index.asp

Daily OM- Unexpected Fear

2005-08-31T08:12:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Unexpected Fear
Panic Attacks

The symptoms of panic attacks can vary from person to person and chances are you know somebody that has them, or maybe that somebody is you. Symptoms can be a feeling of impending doom or terror, loss of control, heart attack-like symptoms, and some peole hyperventilate or feel they're choking or are going to pass out.. Many of these symptoms are those of the instinctual "fight or flight" response that arises when the mind perceives a dangerous situation. But during a panic attack, there is often no danger at all. Panic attacks may come unexpectedly or during predictable situations such as driving, being in crowds or riding in an elevator. Many people hide the fact that they suffer from panic attacks, but it is important to remember that they are common, survivable and treatable.

Though panic attacks can be terrifying, they are not deadly and can be controlled with practice. Any strong or suppressed emotion can trigger a panic attack, so one way to combat them is to deal with fears and feelings as they arise, rather than holding them in. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help eliminate the source of panic attacks by changing the way the brain responds through various calming techniques. When a panic attack comes, accept that it is happening but will pass, and ease yourself through it while remaining as relaxed as possible. If necessary, try to focus on the fact that nothing bad is going to happen to you and that you are not crazy or about to die.

If you suffer from panic attacks, these are some tools that can help you. As an example, this is a situation involving driving:

1. Before you get into your car, take time to write about what you are scared of, it is important to reach to root of what is causing your attacks.

2. If you have a cell phone, prepare it with a headset and dial a friend and tell them they don't need to speak to you but you just want them on the line while you are driving, just to know they are there.

3. If you start to panic, take a moment to realize what is happening - you aren't going to die. Breathe deep and take a drink of water. Ground yourself by seeing yourself connected to Mother Earth by a cord coming down through your tailbone into the earth. Have your friend speak to you in a calm manner. Keep an object with you that is grounding such as a rock, crystal, or something else from nature that you can hold or keep in your lap.

4. When you get to your destination, reward yourself. You worked very hard and deserve recognition for stepping into your fear.

It can be helpful to view panic attacks as a cue that your body or mind is trying to tell you something about the way you experience stress or negative emotions. Panic attacks can be traumatizing, but they can also be shortened or eliminated over time. The key is controlling your fear rather than letting it control you.

http://www.dailyom.com/

Daily OM- Peeling The Onion, Breaking Through Barriers

2005-08-30T07:49:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyom.com/

Peeling The Onion
Breaking Through Barriers

The human psyche is almost infinitely complex, made up of layers upon layers of thoughts, experiences, emotions, fears, loves, and goals. Those who seek to find the true essence of being or to move past a fear find that there are many intermediate steps along the way. When we first look inward, we look at ourselves as a whole, when in fact we are only seeing the surface. Like an onion, if we move past the surface, we will find another layer. Moving past that, we find yet another layer. These layers are barriers and everyone has them. You may work past one fear only to be confronted with a deeper, underlying fear. Or you may fully assimilate a revelation only to find other aspects of that revelation that you had not discovered. How many layers you will confront before finding a resolution is unknown. This is the journey, this is life.

But the journey to the center of the onion - what they called sunyata in Sanskrit or mu in Chinese - can be an enlightening experience in and of itself. As you break through each barrier, you gain a more profound understanding of your own mind and come to learn the unique facets that make up who you are. You will become intimately acquainted with your needs and wants, reactions, aversions, pleasures, and pains. You will discover qualities within yourself that have been buried by the years or by old hurts. This knowledge is cumulative. As you break through one barrier and confront the next, oftentimes more powerful, barrier, you will be equipped with the knowledge of self that you have gained during your searching.

During the "peeling of the onion," you may feel frustrated because it can seem like progress is slow or nonexistent. But don't let the multitude of layers bother you. Many of the qualities that make us who we are may be hidden at first. The process can continue indefinitely, for with self-discovery comes growth and thus further discovery. The more you learn, the more you will inevitably find, as you travel deeper and deeper within your soul.

http://www.dailyom.com/