It’s not often that we get an opportunity to celebrate a moment in history—a women’s right to vote and man’s first step on the moon. But a couple of days ago, change occurred in America. Whether or not your personal favorite candidate won the 2008 Presidential Election, Barack Hussein Obama by sixty-five million Americans is our nations 44th President Elect. Not bad for a black man raised by single women once on welfare. As predicted by the late great Sam Cook in 1964 in the lyrics of his song, “A Change Gonna Come”, if you’ve have not heard this song; I highly recommend you do so. Because, ‘change’ is here and emotions ran high with this worldwide announcement of the United States electing the first Black President. For some individuals came tears of joy, some fell to their knees in thanksgiving, some speechless and for some people they became fearful of the future sending “them into mourning” as quoted by Family Activist James Dobson.
But for one individual when asked what he experience having the first African-American elected for the highest seat in U.S. history he stated, “As I walked on campus today, for the first in my entire life I felt that people looked at me differently”. Imagine, enduring a lifetime of being made to feel like a second class citizen, being made to feel not quite equal to others. This was a thirty-five year old black man holding back tears from a silent emotion never before having had the chance to share this hidden sentiment. The sentiment unknown to others is that many African-Americans continently endue a sense of racial differential as far back as slavery that has unfortunately been carried into 2008.
Martin Luther King’s dream came true November 4th, 2008. People of all races, creeds and colors voted for a man because his values, intelligence, dedication and love for the American Dream was chosen to lead change. Not since the horrific tragedy of “9-11” has United States come together in emotional solidarity in “The Audacity as Hope” coined in the title of the book written by Barack Obama. After being called a nigger, a Chicago thug, a terrorist, a Muslim and a man not ready to command has been chosen by the people and for the people of American. All races of people have experienced ethic harassment that we’ve had to overcome, I know I have. Once being told that I’d never be accepted in the business world because after all, “you’re black and you’re woman”. Something that I’ll always remember—however, perhaps it’s what has helped me fight for women’s issue still today?
It has to be said, racism its subliminal messages have existed for far too long! We must learn to celebrate victory and come together as one nation, under God. Remember that freedom is never free, the cost of freedom is begins in the value of a persons life. Countless individuals have died for a cause to unite a nation that we call a United States of America that includes a diverse melting pot of survivors of battle into a ‘new world’. We are America. We are one nation. We are a place where we embrace hope of the human spirit.
Take a moment to reflect on the words of a portion hope as described in Dr. King declaration of hope…
“This is our hope. This is the faith that I will go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. And this will be the day; this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning, "My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring!" And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true…
…And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last." http://www.freemaninstitute.com/Dream.htm
Mans division and discourse kills and stills hopes, faith and dreams. As both parties elected there candidates: one Democrat and one Republican our civil liberties were allowed to be activated. As a nation, each of us were given a right to vote our hearts, our conscious and our convictions—either candidate confirmed to be up for the task via their credentials and near impeccable public service throughout their lifetime. However, one of the biggest misconceptions is that individuals makes kings and kingdoms; a verse in the bible confirms, “He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning”. Daniel 2:21
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Vote! Politics and Society: A History Lesson by Sue Grace
Let’s play a game of Historical Anachronism. Pretend, for a moment, that we don’t have a Presidential/VP ticket. Pretend, instead, that all the candidates run for President and that the top voter-getter wins the top office, the one with the second-highest number of votes wins the Vice Presidency. The combinations are interesting to consider: President Sarah Palin and Vice President Barack Obama. President Joe Biden and Vice President John McCain. Or how about a tie between John McCain and Sarah Palin that is decided by a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives?
These various scenarios entered my head while reading the book “Adams versus Jefferson: The Tumultuous Election of 1800”, by John Ferling. The resulting election crisis led a few years later to passage and ratification of the 12th Amendment, requiring that presidential electors vote separately for president and vice president.
In the election of 1800, Vice President Thomas Jefferson ran against President John Adams. Jefferson teamed up with Aaron Burr, a former New York Attorney General, State Senator and Republican organizer. The Republicans identified Jefferson as their pick for president and Burr for Vice President. Four years before, Jefferson ran for president, placed second and served as Adam’s Vice President, though they came from two different parties.
Voting was an arduous process in the early days of the Republic. Election polls were few in number, requiring in some cases, two-day trips to vote. The country had a patch work quilt of different election laws, some of which didn’t call for secret ballots. In some parts, voting was done orally. And voting was prohibited, not just for women and blacks but, in some areas, Catholics, Jews and Indians. State legislators voted for presidential electors in nine states. In the others, they were chosen by popular vote.
Adams campaigned more successfully than other members of his party. But when the electoral votes were counted, he came in third in a field of five, with 65 votes. Jefferson and Burr were tied at 73 a piece. Because there was no clear winner, the Constitution required the House of Representatives to make the choice.
For four months, despite several roll call votes, the House remained deadlocked. Republicans feared Federalists would simply refuse to allow the transfer of the presidency to the other party. As March 4 approached (the original Inauguration date), threats of mob violence, and even Civil War, began to spread. Governor James Monroe of Virginia ordered the state militia to guard the arsenal so that the weapons stored there wouldn’t fall into Federalist hands.
Finally, Federalist Congressman James Bayard of Delaware offered to abstain from voting. Suspicions immediately emerged, that he had made a deal with Jefferson to soften the Republican agenda. Historians have given credence to these arguments based on Jefferson’s policies and decisions while in office.
So with the vote of one congressman, crisis was avoided and peaceful transfer of governance was made possible, a rare accomplishment at that time in history.
These various scenarios entered my head while reading the book “Adams versus Jefferson: The Tumultuous Election of 1800”, by John Ferling. The resulting election crisis led a few years later to passage and ratification of the 12th Amendment, requiring that presidential electors vote separately for president and vice president.
In the election of 1800, Vice President Thomas Jefferson ran against President John Adams. Jefferson teamed up with Aaron Burr, a former New York Attorney General, State Senator and Republican organizer. The Republicans identified Jefferson as their pick for president and Burr for Vice President. Four years before, Jefferson ran for president, placed second and served as Adam’s Vice President, though they came from two different parties.
Voting was an arduous process in the early days of the Republic. Election polls were few in number, requiring in some cases, two-day trips to vote. The country had a patch work quilt of different election laws, some of which didn’t call for secret ballots. In some parts, voting was done orally. And voting was prohibited, not just for women and blacks but, in some areas, Catholics, Jews and Indians. State legislators voted for presidential electors in nine states. In the others, they were chosen by popular vote.
Adams campaigned more successfully than other members of his party. But when the electoral votes were counted, he came in third in a field of five, with 65 votes. Jefferson and Burr were tied at 73 a piece. Because there was no clear winner, the Constitution required the House of Representatives to make the choice.
For four months, despite several roll call votes, the House remained deadlocked. Republicans feared Federalists would simply refuse to allow the transfer of the presidency to the other party. As March 4 approached (the original Inauguration date), threats of mob violence, and even Civil War, began to spread. Governor James Monroe of Virginia ordered the state militia to guard the arsenal so that the weapons stored there wouldn’t fall into Federalist hands.
Finally, Federalist Congressman James Bayard of Delaware offered to abstain from voting. Suspicions immediately emerged, that he had made a deal with Jefferson to soften the Republican agenda. Historians have given credence to these arguments based on Jefferson’s policies and decisions while in office.
So with the vote of one congressman, crisis was avoided and peaceful transfer of governance was made possible, a rare accomplishment at that time in history.
Health & Wellness: Retreat & Rejuvenate by Sue Grace
If I could pack a bag, throw it in the back of my car and head down the road for my ideal vacation, I would probably end up on an isolated Pacific Coast shoreline where I could hear sea lions barking and waves crashing and where the scenery is like something out of a sports car advertisement.
Instead, this summer I ended up in a less exotic, but beautiful, vacation spot along the shoreline of Lake Michigan in my hometown, Milwaukee. I found it restful and renewing; my husband, however, dragged his working world with him, complete with laptop and cell phone, mentally staying in his office-away-from-his-office for much of our trip.
His experience of our “vacation” is truly American. As a nation, we take less time off than workers in most other industrialized countries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 25 percent of American workers don’t receive paid vacation. And many who do skip the time off and bankroll the extra pay. Others skip it to avoid dealing with the piles of paperwork and backlog of emails they would face upon their return. Or, like my husband, they take “pseudo vacations.”
The devaluation of leisure has led to higher levels of stress among workers, and subsequently, cardiovascular problems. A Farmington Health Study, which examined women’s responses to questionnaires over a 20-year period, found that those who vacationed once every six years were eight times more likely to develop coronary heart disease or have a heart attack than women who vacationed at least twice per year. Another nine-year study of 12,000 men at high risk for coronary heart disease found that those who didn’t take a vacation at least once a year increased their risk of death from heart attack by 32 percent.
Vacation offers what is called “a respite effect.” Try out some of these ideas to provide a respite from the grind of daily living.
Electronics-free zones
· Pick a location that makes it easy to tune out. The Sheraton Hotel in Chicago has developed the “BlackBerry Check-In Program.” Guests who turn-over their PDAs are rewarded with various freebees such as complimentary dinners and free or upgraded accommodations.
· Find isolated, scenic destinations that make it easy to disconnect. One of my personal favorites is Chiricahua National Monument. Located in southeastern Arizona, the natural beauty of its rocky spires is greatly enhanced by its peace and quiet. Only dedicated nature lovers will travel to this remote location.
Retreat & Rejuvenate
· Try a retreat. Retreats provide the perfect environment for reflection and meditation. “Retreats are a means to look within ourselves in stillness and silence, to locate what may be missing in our lives…”, writes Lani Luciano in “Where the Spirit Moves You.”. Whether for spiritual renewal or for personal growth, retreat opportunities are abundantly available and very popular with Americans. The website Findthedevine.com is a good source of information on the subject.
· Add physical activity to your vacation. How about bicycling through Sonoma’s wine country? Or white water rafting on the Colorado River? Adding a physical element adds to your ability to truly relax and unwind. Once you get your heart working in the fresh air and sunshine, it is hard not to let go of one’s troubles, if only for a few days!
Instead, this summer I ended up in a less exotic, but beautiful, vacation spot along the shoreline of Lake Michigan in my hometown, Milwaukee. I found it restful and renewing; my husband, however, dragged his working world with him, complete with laptop and cell phone, mentally staying in his office-away-from-his-office for much of our trip.
His experience of our “vacation” is truly American. As a nation, we take less time off than workers in most other industrialized countries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 25 percent of American workers don’t receive paid vacation. And many who do skip the time off and bankroll the extra pay. Others skip it to avoid dealing with the piles of paperwork and backlog of emails they would face upon their return. Or, like my husband, they take “pseudo vacations.”
The devaluation of leisure has led to higher levels of stress among workers, and subsequently, cardiovascular problems. A Farmington Health Study, which examined women’s responses to questionnaires over a 20-year period, found that those who vacationed once every six years were eight times more likely to develop coronary heart disease or have a heart attack than women who vacationed at least twice per year. Another nine-year study of 12,000 men at high risk for coronary heart disease found that those who didn’t take a vacation at least once a year increased their risk of death from heart attack by 32 percent.
Vacation offers what is called “a respite effect.” Try out some of these ideas to provide a respite from the grind of daily living.
Electronics-free zones
· Pick a location that makes it easy to tune out. The Sheraton Hotel in Chicago has developed the “BlackBerry Check-In Program.” Guests who turn-over their PDAs are rewarded with various freebees such as complimentary dinners and free or upgraded accommodations.
· Find isolated, scenic destinations that make it easy to disconnect. One of my personal favorites is Chiricahua National Monument. Located in southeastern Arizona, the natural beauty of its rocky spires is greatly enhanced by its peace and quiet. Only dedicated nature lovers will travel to this remote location.
Retreat & Rejuvenate
· Try a retreat. Retreats provide the perfect environment for reflection and meditation. “Retreats are a means to look within ourselves in stillness and silence, to locate what may be missing in our lives…”, writes Lani Luciano in “Where the Spirit Moves You.”. Whether for spiritual renewal or for personal growth, retreat opportunities are abundantly available and very popular with Americans. The website Findthedevine.com is a good source of information on the subject.
· Add physical activity to your vacation. How about bicycling through Sonoma’s wine country? Or white water rafting on the Colorado River? Adding a physical element adds to your ability to truly relax and unwind. Once you get your heart working in the fresh air and sunshine, it is hard not to let go of one’s troubles, if only for a few days!
Inspiration: Walking Meditation by Shavawn M. Berry
I first experienced the meditative peace of walking during the eighteen months I lived with my mother after my father’s death. My friend Cathleen and I walked the wooded pathways of a nearby park three times a week. We did it for exercise, but also saw it as a chance to talk freely about our lives. It deepened our connection, got our hearts pumping, and cleared our minds; however, it is the solace that came from those walks that has stayed with me ever since.
Whatcom Falls Park, where we took our walks, is full of ancient evergreen trees. Its woods are home to ravens, spotted owl, deer, squirrels, and a plethora of wild birds. We usually took the same route each day, crossing down to the entrance of the park, and then heading for the duck pond. Once in a while I brought bread to feed the ducks, and a large scramble of mallards and their ducklings immediately surrounded the waters in front of me, begging and squawking as bread sailed through the air. Occasionally, even a seagull who had flown up from Bellingham Bay several miles away, joined in the fun. After we fed the birds, we’d head down a pathway that led deep into the park, crossing a small bridge over Whatcom Creek to get into a large cathedral of trees that felt like sacred ground to me.
Crossing under that thicket of trees, sunlight spattering the ground, birds calling in the distance — there was nothing that could have offered me more in terms of assuaging my grief over my father’s death, and the other losses that coincided with it, including the break-up of a long term relationship with my boyfriend. It was almost as though the trees knew me, knew my sorrows, and offered themselves as living examples of how to endure. That’s why I love trees — everything from mesquite to saguaro to willow to redwood. They endure. Barring interference from human beings, most trees will outlive us. They were here before we were born, and they will likely be standing with their branches touching the sky on the day each one of us dies. The act of walking in any natural setting — whether a state park, a mountain trail, or through someplace urban and lovely like the Desert Botanical Gardens here in Phoenix — allows us to reconnect with silence, with God, with the sound of our footsteps and heartbeat, with spirituality, and with the slow grace that accompanies peace.
Walking in nature is a meditative act. Nature can truly be a balm for whatever ails us.
I remember walking through grief. I remember the way the sky looked through an umbrella of tangled branches. I remember the sound of the river and coming face-to-face with my ability to continue living, even in the face of a very real death.
In our society’s quick worship of the automobile, some people have never had the very real pleasure of taking a walk. Try it. Go down to the promenade at Tempe Town Lake or to Papago State Park. Walk at dawn or by moonlight. Reconnect with your inner life and find out how healing a walk in nature can be.
Whatcom Falls Park, where we took our walks, is full of ancient evergreen trees. Its woods are home to ravens, spotted owl, deer, squirrels, and a plethora of wild birds. We usually took the same route each day, crossing down to the entrance of the park, and then heading for the duck pond. Once in a while I brought bread to feed the ducks, and a large scramble of mallards and their ducklings immediately surrounded the waters in front of me, begging and squawking as bread sailed through the air. Occasionally, even a seagull who had flown up from Bellingham Bay several miles away, joined in the fun. After we fed the birds, we’d head down a pathway that led deep into the park, crossing a small bridge over Whatcom Creek to get into a large cathedral of trees that felt like sacred ground to me.
Crossing under that thicket of trees, sunlight spattering the ground, birds calling in the distance — there was nothing that could have offered me more in terms of assuaging my grief over my father’s death, and the other losses that coincided with it, including the break-up of a long term relationship with my boyfriend. It was almost as though the trees knew me, knew my sorrows, and offered themselves as living examples of how to endure. That’s why I love trees — everything from mesquite to saguaro to willow to redwood. They endure. Barring interference from human beings, most trees will outlive us. They were here before we were born, and they will likely be standing with their branches touching the sky on the day each one of us dies. The act of walking in any natural setting — whether a state park, a mountain trail, or through someplace urban and lovely like the Desert Botanical Gardens here in Phoenix — allows us to reconnect with silence, with God, with the sound of our footsteps and heartbeat, with spirituality, and with the slow grace that accompanies peace.
Walking in nature is a meditative act. Nature can truly be a balm for whatever ails us.
I remember walking through grief. I remember the way the sky looked through an umbrella of tangled branches. I remember the sound of the river and coming face-to-face with my ability to continue living, even in the face of a very real death.
In our society’s quick worship of the automobile, some people have never had the very real pleasure of taking a walk. Try it. Go down to the promenade at Tempe Town Lake or to Papago State Park. Walk at dawn or by moonlight. Reconnect with your inner life and find out how healing a walk in nature can be.
Mind & Soul: Spiritual Rejuvenation Through Prayer by Elaine Yoshikawa
The benefits of prayer are numerous. The act of prayer lifts us up, enriches our souls, opens our hearts, and brings us back to a conscious relationship with God (whatever you conceive God to be). In her autobiography, The Story of a Soul, St. Therese of Lisieux says: “prayer is an upward leap of the heart, an untroubled glance towards heaven, a cry of gratitude and love which I utter from the depths of sorrow as well as from the heights of joy. It has a supernatural grandeur which expands the soul and unites it with God.” When prayer originates from the depths of our hearts, it is an act of love, and all acts of authentic love rejuvenate the spirit.
This is why prayer is so important. It reminds us that we are part of something universal and that we are more than what external circumstances may indicate. In the depths of our inner being, we can encounter God who infuses us with life, breath and spirit, who renews us with His eternal presence. We can experience His divine love by accessing the deep stillness within our own being for “prayer is essentially standing face to face with God, consciously striving to remain collected and absolutely still and attentive in his presence, which means standing with an undivided mind, an undivided heart and an undivided will in the presence of the Lord...” (Living Prayer by Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh)
There are as many types of prayers as ways to pray. St. Climacus suggests that we choose any prayer, long or short, and that we repeat the prayer slowly and deliberately, with full attention on every word. As is often the case, when the mind wanders, gently redirect the attention back to the prayer. If the words you are presenting to God are not fully attended, they are not fully possessed by you, and thus, they are not yours to give as a true offering to God. You should offer to God in prayer, only what is genuinely yours.
Thomas Keating in Open Mind Open Heart writes: “prayer is not only the offering of interior acts to God: it is the offering of ourselves, of who and what we are.” In other words, in prayer we offer all that we are to God. We pray not with words alone, but with our entire being. In contemplative prayer, in which “the Spirit prays in us and we consent,” we can experience the essence of all prayers—union with God. At this level of prayer, there is no intermediary, there is no separate will – there is only God or Spirit. The individual in prayer disappears, and it is God praying through us. In this way, God gives to us, transforms us, and deepens our relationship with Him.
In the end, when we pray, we are giving and receiving through an act of pure love. As a result, the mind, soul and spirit are refreshed, renewed, and rejuvenated.
Elaine Yoshikawa, Ph.D., is a Lecturer in Philosophy at ASU, Polytechnic Campus. Her current research interests are: Virtue Ethics, Christian Ethics, Buddhist Ethics, and Happiness.
This is why prayer is so important. It reminds us that we are part of something universal and that we are more than what external circumstances may indicate. In the depths of our inner being, we can encounter God who infuses us with life, breath and spirit, who renews us with His eternal presence. We can experience His divine love by accessing the deep stillness within our own being for “prayer is essentially standing face to face with God, consciously striving to remain collected and absolutely still and attentive in his presence, which means standing with an undivided mind, an undivided heart and an undivided will in the presence of the Lord...” (Living Prayer by Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh)
There are as many types of prayers as ways to pray. St. Climacus suggests that we choose any prayer, long or short, and that we repeat the prayer slowly and deliberately, with full attention on every word. As is often the case, when the mind wanders, gently redirect the attention back to the prayer. If the words you are presenting to God are not fully attended, they are not fully possessed by you, and thus, they are not yours to give as a true offering to God. You should offer to God in prayer, only what is genuinely yours.
Thomas Keating in Open Mind Open Heart writes: “prayer is not only the offering of interior acts to God: it is the offering of ourselves, of who and what we are.” In other words, in prayer we offer all that we are to God. We pray not with words alone, but with our entire being. In contemplative prayer, in which “the Spirit prays in us and we consent,” we can experience the essence of all prayers—union with God. At this level of prayer, there is no intermediary, there is no separate will – there is only God or Spirit. The individual in prayer disappears, and it is God praying through us. In this way, God gives to us, transforms us, and deepens our relationship with Him.
In the end, when we pray, we are giving and receiving through an act of pure love. As a result, the mind, soul and spirit are refreshed, renewed, and rejuvenated.
Elaine Yoshikawa, Ph.D., is a Lecturer in Philosophy at ASU, Polytechnic Campus. Her current research interests are: Virtue Ethics, Christian Ethics, Buddhist Ethics, and Happiness.
Scribbling Down Your Trials and Tribulations by Mary Powell
When most people think of relaxation, they envision themselves sitting next to a pool with a cool Pina Colada in one hand and a Danielle Steele novel in the other. But, what most people don’t envision is sitting and typing at one’s computer; however, this can be quite therapeutic and rewarding.
Journaling can be used as a means of relaxation and therapy. Recording stressful encounters and pent up emotions helps a person clarify and alleviate feelings that would typically stress them out. For example, recording a stressful occurrence regarding a family member or work situation can help you reassess the situation and place it into perspective. I find that while I journal, my emotions feel expurgated, as if a weight of burden has been lifted off of me. I try to envision my stress being physically transferred from my thoughts onto a sheet of paper or into the computer so that the burden is literally released.
Journaling to soothing music, or describing a peaceful photograph or painting also serves as a relaxing activity. Describing the peaceful imagery of trees, plants and other rejuvenating scenes allows you to feel transported into a stress free plane. Writing about interesting quotes also helps to serve as a therapeutic journaling exercise. Choosing a quote on a theme that may be a source of stress, such as friendship or family can allow for you to think about that experience, and release pent up emotions. Quotes of empowerment can also provide you with an encouraging writing topic.
Research shows that journaling has several health benefits, including decreased symptoms of asthma and arthritis. It also improves cognitive functioning and strengthens the immune system. One word of caution, if you are using journaling as a means of relaxation do not be too concerned about writing a perfect piece of prose or perfect penmanship as journaling can then become a means of stress. Also, when recording negative feelings it is important to add thoughts of encouragement to yourself, as well as the positive aspects of the situation so that the writing experience is not a negative, stressful one (Scott about.com).
Many women like knitting, sewing or scrap- booking as stress alleviating hobbies. But next time, try journaling instead. In the fast paced world of instant messaging, texting, My Space and blogging, you just may be surprised at how relaxing it feels to scribble down your day’s trials and tribulations.
Journaling can be used as a means of relaxation and therapy. Recording stressful encounters and pent up emotions helps a person clarify and alleviate feelings that would typically stress them out. For example, recording a stressful occurrence regarding a family member or work situation can help you reassess the situation and place it into perspective. I find that while I journal, my emotions feel expurgated, as if a weight of burden has been lifted off of me. I try to envision my stress being physically transferred from my thoughts onto a sheet of paper or into the computer so that the burden is literally released.
Journaling to soothing music, or describing a peaceful photograph or painting also serves as a relaxing activity. Describing the peaceful imagery of trees, plants and other rejuvenating scenes allows you to feel transported into a stress free plane. Writing about interesting quotes also helps to serve as a therapeutic journaling exercise. Choosing a quote on a theme that may be a source of stress, such as friendship or family can allow for you to think about that experience, and release pent up emotions. Quotes of empowerment can also provide you with an encouraging writing topic.
Research shows that journaling has several health benefits, including decreased symptoms of asthma and arthritis. It also improves cognitive functioning and strengthens the immune system. One word of caution, if you are using journaling as a means of relaxation do not be too concerned about writing a perfect piece of prose or perfect penmanship as journaling can then become a means of stress. Also, when recording negative feelings it is important to add thoughts of encouragement to yourself, as well as the positive aspects of the situation so that the writing experience is not a negative, stressful one (Scott about.com).
Many women like knitting, sewing or scrap- booking as stress alleviating hobbies. But next time, try journaling instead. In the fast paced world of instant messaging, texting, My Space and blogging, you just may be surprised at how relaxing it feels to scribble down your day’s trials and tribulations.
STUDENT INTERNS SOUGHT...
STUDENT INTERNS SOUGHT...
To work on Global Thinking Women’s Newsletter or on creating other exciting opportunities for thinking women in our area. Do you love to write, have an aptitude for editing or proofing, or enjoy graphic design? Do you love to plan events?
Do you want to gain valuable experience?
If so, we would love to hear from you!
Contact Kim Eagles at kim_eagles@msn.com
or Shavawn Berry at shavawn.berry@asu.edu
for more information
To work on Global Thinking Women’s Newsletter or on creating other exciting opportunities for thinking women in our area. Do you love to write, have an aptitude for editing or proofing, or enjoy graphic design? Do you love to plan events?
Do you want to gain valuable experience?
If so, we would love to hear from you!
Contact Kim Eagles at kim_eagles@msn.com
or Shavawn Berry at shavawn.berry@asu.edu
for more information
Travel: How to Find a Charming, Beautiful Hotel by Marcela Marenco
A trip starts with the place you choose to stay at. The view of the city will definitely be marked by this decision, so invest the time to choose right.
Many people believe that a good hotel has to belong to one of the big chains, but that is not always the case. A good hotel choice is based upon two important characteristics: service and location.
First up: Service.
A hotel can be gorgeous inside and out, but if your stay starts with a bumpy arrival, or you find yourself in a battle to get decent service, or if your checkout from said hotel was a complete fiasco — those are going to be the things you will remember about your trip. You have to feel a sense of joy when your day is over and you think of going back to your hotel. If you dread returning to your “home away from home,” the hotel is not worth what you have paid for it, no matter how many stars it may have garnered.
The other crucial element: Location
Location is a key ingredient to an enjoyable trip. The area should be safe and central. You don’t want to be taking taxis in a city you are not familiar with (for obvious reasons), so minimize your exposure to the need for an excessive amount of transportation by choosing wisely. Here in the States it might be a little more difficult to avoid taxi rides, but in Europe, for example, where everything is generally close by, there is no reason to choose a place far from town. Plus, the pleasure of leaving the hotel and being in the middle of all the wonderful movement and action of a strange city can be quite exciting!
So, how do you find a wonderful hotel?
Besides using travel books and relying on the personal recommendations of friends, you can use the Internet! We have such a wonderful cyber-tool at our fingertips, that it would be a waste not to use it! It takes time to search out the real gems, of course, but traveling is usually an investment, so do your homework.
Read about the city, and then find the hotels that are consistently recommended. Read all the reviews people post online about each place. Pay attention to where the reviewers are from. For an American, the room might have been “too small” because everything here is so big, while for others room size might have not been an issue. Every detail counts. And most importantly? Have fun with exploring your options in discovering that “charming hideaway” you have always wanted to visit! You won’t regret it!
Many people believe that a good hotel has to belong to one of the big chains, but that is not always the case. A good hotel choice is based upon two important characteristics: service and location.
First up: Service.
A hotel can be gorgeous inside and out, but if your stay starts with a bumpy arrival, or you find yourself in a battle to get decent service, or if your checkout from said hotel was a complete fiasco — those are going to be the things you will remember about your trip. You have to feel a sense of joy when your day is over and you think of going back to your hotel. If you dread returning to your “home away from home,” the hotel is not worth what you have paid for it, no matter how many stars it may have garnered.
The other crucial element: Location
Location is a key ingredient to an enjoyable trip. The area should be safe and central. You don’t want to be taking taxis in a city you are not familiar with (for obvious reasons), so minimize your exposure to the need for an excessive amount of transportation by choosing wisely. Here in the States it might be a little more difficult to avoid taxi rides, but in Europe, for example, where everything is generally close by, there is no reason to choose a place far from town. Plus, the pleasure of leaving the hotel and being in the middle of all the wonderful movement and action of a strange city can be quite exciting!
So, how do you find a wonderful hotel?
Besides using travel books and relying on the personal recommendations of friends, you can use the Internet! We have such a wonderful cyber-tool at our fingertips, that it would be a waste not to use it! It takes time to search out the real gems, of course, but traveling is usually an investment, so do your homework.
Read about the city, and then find the hotels that are consistently recommended. Read all the reviews people post online about each place. Pay attention to where the reviewers are from. For an American, the room might have been “too small” because everything here is so big, while for others room size might have not been an issue. Every detail counts. And most importantly? Have fun with exploring your options in discovering that “charming hideaway” you have always wanted to visit! You won’t regret it!
Film & Television: Confessions of a Soap Opera Addict by Julianne White
“You sound like my father.”
That was enough to shut him up. My husband hates being compared to my father. But really, he sounded just like him. Dad’s favorite thing to say to me when I sit down to watch my soaps is, “How can an educated, intelligent woman sit still for such tripe?” Shawn had just said much the same thing to me. My usual response is, “Because I like them.”
I’ve tried explaining that they are like novels that never end and that continually introduce new characters. I’ve tried explaining that they make me laugh with their ridiculousness at times. I’ve tried explaining that they are my “down time” during the day, when I can just be mindless and I don’t have to be smart or “on” (that one never works; I have a reputation for expending a great deal of mental energy analyzing the storylines and character development of soaps, sometimes publishing some of my findings in academic journals, so that argument doesn’t usually go over very well.) After nearly 40 years of watching these perpetual novels, though, I have given up trying to explain it to those around me who do not understand. I now simply say, “I’m watching. Deal with it.”
I know all the marks against them. I know that their storylines can be downright ridiculous. I know that the characters are often baffling, and that the acting is sometimes really bad. I once made a list of those things that drive the “uninitiated” away:
· Convenient attacks of amnesia, and recoveries timed to coincide with ratings “sweeps” periods;
· Melodramatic death scenes, often that are over-the-top; also, many (some would say too many) instances of characters who disappear after an accident, are declared dead, and return later (usually after Pilot Season in Los Angeles is over);
· Convenient moments of eavesdropping, hearing the absolute wrong thing, and then acting on misinformation that often leads to misunderstandings (at best) or tragedy (at worst);
· Dramatic pauses, timed for commercial breaks or weekends;
· Weddings interrupted at the altar with last-minute confessions;
· Constant paternity questions; often, on a single soap, there might be no child ever conceived of two parents who loved each other and were in an exclusive, loving, supportive relationship;
· Constant near-confessions, followed by , first, a commercial break, then an interruption (phone, doorbell, whatever), then, a change of heart and lame-sounding (to everyone except the person on the screen listening) excuse to cover up and mislead;
· Lies, lies, and more lies (no one in Soap Opera Land every tells the truth the first time);
· Character who “die,” only to return later (no one ever really dies in Soap Opera Land). This is separate from the annoyance described above about unrecovered bodies because when the story was actually written, the character really dies; following many years and, perhaps, the change of the head writer, though, the character is mysteriously brought back to life;
· And time that stretches and changes to accommodate a storyline; for example, a pregnancy that lasts for 12 months, or a school year that begins in October (this one was famously spoofed by that wonderful satire from the late 70s/early 80s, Soap).
My friend Robin and I began calling it Soap Opera Land to distinguish it from reality. Things happen there that are not possible in Real Life. Soap Opera Land is a place where the Physical Properties of the Universe Hold No Sway. (We did the same thing for watching “Star Trek,” only we called it “Definitions,” such as, a “Class M planet” means: “Looks like California.”) In order to watch and actually enjoy soap operas, therefore, one must have no qualms or hesitations about indulging in a healthy dose of what Coleridge called a “willing suspension of disbelief.” Men in general (who are represented here by my husband and my father) and all those other non-believers out there are missing this key ingredient, without which it is impossible to enjoy the genre. Next time: Why suspending disbelief is fun!
That was enough to shut him up. My husband hates being compared to my father. But really, he sounded just like him. Dad’s favorite thing to say to me when I sit down to watch my soaps is, “How can an educated, intelligent woman sit still for such tripe?” Shawn had just said much the same thing to me. My usual response is, “Because I like them.”
I’ve tried explaining that they are like novels that never end and that continually introduce new characters. I’ve tried explaining that they make me laugh with their ridiculousness at times. I’ve tried explaining that they are my “down time” during the day, when I can just be mindless and I don’t have to be smart or “on” (that one never works; I have a reputation for expending a great deal of mental energy analyzing the storylines and character development of soaps, sometimes publishing some of my findings in academic journals, so that argument doesn’t usually go over very well.) After nearly 40 years of watching these perpetual novels, though, I have given up trying to explain it to those around me who do not understand. I now simply say, “I’m watching. Deal with it.”
I know all the marks against them. I know that their storylines can be downright ridiculous. I know that the characters are often baffling, and that the acting is sometimes really bad. I once made a list of those things that drive the “uninitiated” away:
· Convenient attacks of amnesia, and recoveries timed to coincide with ratings “sweeps” periods;
· Melodramatic death scenes, often that are over-the-top; also, many (some would say too many) instances of characters who disappear after an accident, are declared dead, and return later (usually after Pilot Season in Los Angeles is over);
· Convenient moments of eavesdropping, hearing the absolute wrong thing, and then acting on misinformation that often leads to misunderstandings (at best) or tragedy (at worst);
· Dramatic pauses, timed for commercial breaks or weekends;
· Weddings interrupted at the altar with last-minute confessions;
· Constant paternity questions; often, on a single soap, there might be no child ever conceived of two parents who loved each other and were in an exclusive, loving, supportive relationship;
· Constant near-confessions, followed by , first, a commercial break, then an interruption (phone, doorbell, whatever), then, a change of heart and lame-sounding (to everyone except the person on the screen listening) excuse to cover up and mislead;
· Lies, lies, and more lies (no one in Soap Opera Land every tells the truth the first time);
· Character who “die,” only to return later (no one ever really dies in Soap Opera Land). This is separate from the annoyance described above about unrecovered bodies because when the story was actually written, the character really dies; following many years and, perhaps, the change of the head writer, though, the character is mysteriously brought back to life;
· And time that stretches and changes to accommodate a storyline; for example, a pregnancy that lasts for 12 months, or a school year that begins in October (this one was famously spoofed by that wonderful satire from the late 70s/early 80s, Soap).
My friend Robin and I began calling it Soap Opera Land to distinguish it from reality. Things happen there that are not possible in Real Life. Soap Opera Land is a place where the Physical Properties of the Universe Hold No Sway. (We did the same thing for watching “Star Trek,” only we called it “Definitions,” such as, a “Class M planet” means: “Looks like California.”) In order to watch and actually enjoy soap operas, therefore, one must have no qualms or hesitations about indulging in a healthy dose of what Coleridge called a “willing suspension of disbelief.” Men in general (who are represented here by my husband and my father) and all those other non-believers out there are missing this key ingredient, without which it is impossible to enjoy the genre. Next time: Why suspending disbelief is fun!
GLOBAL THINKING WOMEN.
ARIZONA THINKING WOMEN have become GLOBAL THINKING WOMEN.
You may have noticed that our name has changed. At a meeting at the end of August it was decided to make our name more inclusive, so we chose “Global Thinking Women.” We considered just plain, “Thinking Women” but others had beaten us to the punch on that one! We are in the midst of writing up our goals and objectives, and will share them once they are solidified. In the meantime, we hope you appreciate our new moniker as a sign of our deep desire to reach out to thinking women everywhere!
You may have noticed that our name has changed. At a meeting at the end of August it was decided to make our name more inclusive, so we chose “Global Thinking Women.” We considered just plain, “Thinking Women” but others had beaten us to the punch on that one! We are in the midst of writing up our goals and objectives, and will share them once they are solidified. In the meantime, we hope you appreciate our new moniker as a sign of our deep desire to reach out to thinking women everywhere!
Foods To Help You Catch Enough Z’s...by Mary Powell
Ben Franklin once said “Fatigue is the best pillow.” But what if you are fatigued and still can’t get to sleep? There are a few healthy snacks that can help you overcome this dilemma.
According to the Sleep Aid Center, there are ten foods that aid in obtaining a healthy night’s rest. Warm milk contains tryptophan - an amino acid that acts as a sedative, as well as calcium, which helps the brain use the tryptophan. Turkey also has tryptophan, which triggers that sleepy feeling after a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Honey allows the brain to stop producing Orexin, a neurotransmitter that makes our brains alert. Try mixing some honey in a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime and you should feel sleepy. Other sleep aid foods are bananas, which contain serotonin, melatonin and magnesium; magnesium aids in muscle relaxation. Whole wheat bread, flaxseed, almonds and potatoes also aid in a good night’s rest. If you are watching your diet; however, you will not want to eat carbohydrates within three hours before bedtime as it is more difficult to burn these off while you are inactive.
The Sleep Aid Center states that spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol should all be avoided near bedtime. Although alcohol can make a person feel drowsy, it can cause sleepers to reawaken several times during the night.
There are people who brag that they don’t need much sleep; however, lack of sleep can cause devastating health consequences. Researchers, at the University of Chicago, have found a connection between deep sleep deprivation and Type 2 diabetes. As well, people gain weight from lack of sleep as Leptin and Grehlin are hormones that help the body maintain a stable body weight. When a person does not obtain enough sleep, levels of Grehlin increase, causing a greater appetite, while levels of Leptin, an appetite suppressant, decrease. This can actually lead to obesity over time (Sleep Aid Center).
So despite forewarnings about eating before bed time, do not hesitate to feast on a small piece of turkey, sip a cup of chamomile with honey, or have a handful of nuts before bedtime. Those snacks may aid in eradicating insomnia, along with type 2 diabetes and weight gain.
Sleep that knits up the ravelled sleave of careThe death of each day's life, sore labour's bathBalm of hurt minds, great nature's second course,Chief nourisher in life's feast.
William Shakespeare, Macbeth
According to the Sleep Aid Center, there are ten foods that aid in obtaining a healthy night’s rest. Warm milk contains tryptophan - an amino acid that acts as a sedative, as well as calcium, which helps the brain use the tryptophan. Turkey also has tryptophan, which triggers that sleepy feeling after a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Honey allows the brain to stop producing Orexin, a neurotransmitter that makes our brains alert. Try mixing some honey in a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime and you should feel sleepy. Other sleep aid foods are bananas, which contain serotonin, melatonin and magnesium; magnesium aids in muscle relaxation. Whole wheat bread, flaxseed, almonds and potatoes also aid in a good night’s rest. If you are watching your diet; however, you will not want to eat carbohydrates within three hours before bedtime as it is more difficult to burn these off while you are inactive.
The Sleep Aid Center states that spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol should all be avoided near bedtime. Although alcohol can make a person feel drowsy, it can cause sleepers to reawaken several times during the night.
There are people who brag that they don’t need much sleep; however, lack of sleep can cause devastating health consequences. Researchers, at the University of Chicago, have found a connection between deep sleep deprivation and Type 2 diabetes. As well, people gain weight from lack of sleep as Leptin and Grehlin are hormones that help the body maintain a stable body weight. When a person does not obtain enough sleep, levels of Grehlin increase, causing a greater appetite, while levels of Leptin, an appetite suppressant, decrease. This can actually lead to obesity over time (Sleep Aid Center).
So despite forewarnings about eating before bed time, do not hesitate to feast on a small piece of turkey, sip a cup of chamomile with honey, or have a handful of nuts before bedtime. Those snacks may aid in eradicating insomnia, along with type 2 diabetes and weight gain.
Sleep that knits up the ravelled sleave of careThe death of each day's life, sore labour's bathBalm of hurt minds, great nature's second course,Chief nourisher in life's feast.
William Shakespeare, Macbeth
Just Breathe by Kim Eagles
Breathing correctly affects our ability to maintain good health. Who knew that every breath we take impacts our brain, acts as a stress reducer, prevents mental sluggishness, and assists in good digestion and physical endurance?
Interestingly, during the recent 2008 Olympics in Beijing China announcers would elaborate and give specific details about the athlete’s performance, technique, conditioning and mastery of their individual sport. More importantly, they talked extensively about how controlling the breath was just as essential to their performance as perfecting their sporting abilities was. For some of those champions, effective breathing made the difference between winning a medal or not placing in the top three in their event. Proper breathing is also extremely important to those of us who, perhaps, are not so Olympian in our physical abilities! According to Yoga experts, breathing is important for several reasons. It is the only means to give our bodies and our various organs the supply of oxygen vital to our survival, as well as get rid of waste products and toxins. Oxygen is the most vital nutrient our bodies need. It is essential for the integrity of the brain and our nervous system. If our brain doesn't get enough good oxygen, the results are mental sluggishness, negative thoughts and depression. If our deprivation continues, eventually vision and hearing may decline. Older individuals and those whose arteries are clogged often suffer from senility as a result of oxygen deprivation to the brain. Poor oxygen supply affects all parts of the body. We feel tired, nervous, and irritable. Generally, in this state we are not very productive. It may also cause us to sleep badly at night; in addition, it lowers functioning of the immune system, making us susceptible to catching colds, flu, and other bugs.
In an article called “Keep Breathing” posted on a Respiratory Therapy blog, the author explains a bit more about the effect of breathing on our well-being: “… The truth is that breathing goes further beyond other body functions in that we can voluntarily control it. Most body functions are essential, but it’s very difficult to control the rate or speed at which blood is filtered through for good digestion. But breathing! It’s a simple matter of brain power to inhale deeply, hold your breath for a moment, and let it go. The ability to control your breathing (to an extent) gives you a lot of power over yourself. Next time you’re stressed out, stop yourself and take in a very deep breath. Fill your lungs until they feel like they’re going to explode. Close your eyes, hold it for a moment, and slowly let it out through pursed lips. Repeat this exercises a few times, making sure to breathe deeply and slowly. I can’t make you any promises, but I bet you feel a little more relaxed” (http://keepbreathing.wordpress.com). Obviously, the positive affects of breathing are far reaching. This essential, natural, bodily function is expressed deeply throughout our lifetime. We may hear the power of our breath in love songs to denote emotional affection; in tests of physical endurance; in our anticipation of a baby’s first breath; or in saying goodbye to a loved one as she expels one final breath at the end of her life. We’d be wise to remember that our next breath is not promised to us. So, let’s breathe in life as a gift, and consider our breath for its therapeutic and healing attributes every single day.
Interestingly, during the recent 2008 Olympics in Beijing China announcers would elaborate and give specific details about the athlete’s performance, technique, conditioning and mastery of their individual sport. More importantly, they talked extensively about how controlling the breath was just as essential to their performance as perfecting their sporting abilities was. For some of those champions, effective breathing made the difference between winning a medal or not placing in the top three in their event. Proper breathing is also extremely important to those of us who, perhaps, are not so Olympian in our physical abilities! According to Yoga experts, breathing is important for several reasons. It is the only means to give our bodies and our various organs the supply of oxygen vital to our survival, as well as get rid of waste products and toxins. Oxygen is the most vital nutrient our bodies need. It is essential for the integrity of the brain and our nervous system. If our brain doesn't get enough good oxygen, the results are mental sluggishness, negative thoughts and depression. If our deprivation continues, eventually vision and hearing may decline. Older individuals and those whose arteries are clogged often suffer from senility as a result of oxygen deprivation to the brain. Poor oxygen supply affects all parts of the body. We feel tired, nervous, and irritable. Generally, in this state we are not very productive. It may also cause us to sleep badly at night; in addition, it lowers functioning of the immune system, making us susceptible to catching colds, flu, and other bugs.
In an article called “Keep Breathing” posted on a Respiratory Therapy blog, the author explains a bit more about the effect of breathing on our well-being: “… The truth is that breathing goes further beyond other body functions in that we can voluntarily control it. Most body functions are essential, but it’s very difficult to control the rate or speed at which blood is filtered through for good digestion. But breathing! It’s a simple matter of brain power to inhale deeply, hold your breath for a moment, and let it go. The ability to control your breathing (to an extent) gives you a lot of power over yourself. Next time you’re stressed out, stop yourself and take in a very deep breath. Fill your lungs until they feel like they’re going to explode. Close your eyes, hold it for a moment, and slowly let it out through pursed lips. Repeat this exercises a few times, making sure to breathe deeply and slowly. I can’t make you any promises, but I bet you feel a little more relaxed” (http://keepbreathing.wordpress.com). Obviously, the positive affects of breathing are far reaching. This essential, natural, bodily function is expressed deeply throughout our lifetime. We may hear the power of our breath in love songs to denote emotional affection; in tests of physical endurance; in our anticipation of a baby’s first breath; or in saying goodbye to a loved one as she expels one final breath at the end of her life. We’d be wise to remember that our next breath is not promised to us. So, let’s breathe in life as a gift, and consider our breath for its therapeutic and healing attributes every single day.
September, for me, is a time of new beginnings. From the Editor
As a kid I loved September because the days started to cool, leaves on maple and oak trees began to change color, the air took on a moist earthy tang, and a new school year began.
This month Global Thinking Women are reflecting on the subject of rest and rejuvenation. Knowing that my tendency is to overfill my cup in terms of commitments and responsibilities, it seems to appropriate to consider the real need to remind myself that just as the ocean ebbs and flows, so should my life. As human beings, we need rest. We need down time to care for our weary bodies and minds. We need peace and quiet to contemplate our spirituality and our place in the world. We cannot always be crashing like waves onto the shore; we also need to pull back, re-group, and reassess, prior to rushing forward again.
Now that I teach college, September is typically the beginning of a new academic year with all of its attendant flurry and frenzy. I always have more to do that there are hours in the day; however, a part of me enjoys the frantic aspect of the preparations, the excitement of meeting new students, and the freshness of the young minds I encounter as another year begins. The trick is to remember to incorporate time for rest into this new and exciting time. Even if it is just planning a lunch with a friend allowing yourself time to sit and talk about the detritus of life, or making time to lay in bed with a good book, doing so allows your mind to wander to new places and find sustenance in the process. We must remember that in order to be able to work and play at our optimum energy and capability, rest and renewal are crucial. Our bodies need time to dream and time to rest.
This month, let’s take time to breathe in the beauty of life. Slow down. Take a nap. Sit with a cup of green tea and read from a book of poems by Rilke or Langston Hughes or Theodore Roethke. Sleep on the couch, snuggled up with the love of your life. Admire the lovely fluff of your cat’s tail.
Slow down and savor your life.
This month Global Thinking Women are reflecting on the subject of rest and rejuvenation. Knowing that my tendency is to overfill my cup in terms of commitments and responsibilities, it seems to appropriate to consider the real need to remind myself that just as the ocean ebbs and flows, so should my life. As human beings, we need rest. We need down time to care for our weary bodies and minds. We need peace and quiet to contemplate our spirituality and our place in the world. We cannot always be crashing like waves onto the shore; we also need to pull back, re-group, and reassess, prior to rushing forward again.
Now that I teach college, September is typically the beginning of a new academic year with all of its attendant flurry and frenzy. I always have more to do that there are hours in the day; however, a part of me enjoys the frantic aspect of the preparations, the excitement of meeting new students, and the freshness of the young minds I encounter as another year begins. The trick is to remember to incorporate time for rest into this new and exciting time. Even if it is just planning a lunch with a friend allowing yourself time to sit and talk about the detritus of life, or making time to lay in bed with a good book, doing so allows your mind to wander to new places and find sustenance in the process. We must remember that in order to be able to work and play at our optimum energy and capability, rest and renewal are crucial. Our bodies need time to dream and time to rest.
This month, let’s take time to breathe in the beauty of life. Slow down. Take a nap. Sit with a cup of green tea and read from a book of poems by Rilke or Langston Hughes or Theodore Roethke. Sleep on the couch, snuggled up with the love of your life. Admire the lovely fluff of your cat’s tail.
Slow down and savor your life.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Inspiration: Gratitude Journals
Inspiration: Gratitude Journals
by Shavawn M. Berry
There is something very cathartic about acknowledging the blessings we have. Writing about what we truly appreciate about our circumstances, even when they are challenging, is the first step to finding a calm, centered place of peace inside ourselves. It allows us to truly see our fortune as human beings. Focusing on developing and maintaining an “attitude of gratitude,” does wonders for our ability to see how truly wonderful (full of wonder) our lives are.
Starting a gratitude journal is simple. Get yourself a pretty notebook and cover it with pictures of things you love. Buy a series of colorful pens to write with. If you are like me and you prefer to type your journal entries rather than write longhand, you can create a word document that you add to each day, or use journaling software (like Life Journal, www.lifejournal.com ) that is available for purchase. Once you have your journal, choose a time of day (evening often works well in terms of reflection) in which to write about what you are grateful for. Each day try to list a minimum of five things that make you glad you are alive. On some days discovering what you are thankful for will be easy.
On more difficult days, you may simply write things like, “I am thankful for the challenge of my illness, my anger, or my grief.”
It is relatively easy to be grateful for the victories in our lives, but there are gifts inside our sorrows and losses as well.
Whether we’ve won the lottery or not, we have reason to be thankful. And when we offer up our grateful hearts, we make room for more abundance, love, and sustenance to come our way. Gratitude is absolutely crucial. Why should Spirit shower us with more if we cannot even see what we already have? Each one of us has a plethora of reasons to give thanks. That is why keeping a gratitude journal can be a life-altering experience. Writing down all the ways in which you are truly blessed will transform your life. Try it.
You will be amazed.
by Shavawn M. Berry
There is something very cathartic about acknowledging the blessings we have. Writing about what we truly appreciate about our circumstances, even when they are challenging, is the first step to finding a calm, centered place of peace inside ourselves. It allows us to truly see our fortune as human beings. Focusing on developing and maintaining an “attitude of gratitude,” does wonders for our ability to see how truly wonderful (full of wonder) our lives are.
Starting a gratitude journal is simple. Get yourself a pretty notebook and cover it with pictures of things you love. Buy a series of colorful pens to write with. If you are like me and you prefer to type your journal entries rather than write longhand, you can create a word document that you add to each day, or use journaling software (like Life Journal, www.lifejournal.com ) that is available for purchase. Once you have your journal, choose a time of day (evening often works well in terms of reflection) in which to write about what you are grateful for. Each day try to list a minimum of five things that make you glad you are alive. On some days discovering what you are thankful for will be easy.
On more difficult days, you may simply write things like, “I am thankful for the challenge of my illness, my anger, or my grief.”
It is relatively easy to be grateful for the victories in our lives, but there are gifts inside our sorrows and losses as well.
Whether we’ve won the lottery or not, we have reason to be thankful. And when we offer up our grateful hearts, we make room for more abundance, love, and sustenance to come our way. Gratitude is absolutely crucial. Why should Spirit shower us with more if we cannot even see what we already have? Each one of us has a plethora of reasons to give thanks. That is why keeping a gratitude journal can be a life-altering experience. Writing down all the ways in which you are truly blessed will transform your life. Try it.
You will be amazed.
The Importance of Nurturing Ourselves by Shavawn M. Berry
The Importance of Nurturing Ourselves
This month’s issue of Arizona Thinking Women focuses on the very important issue of self care. It is difficult, if not impossible to continually care for others, if we do not care for ourselves. As women, we are often taught to give everything away – our tenderness, ideas, hard work, passion, love, and our ability to nurture others. We sometimes do this at the expense of our own health. We must learn to strike a balance between caring for our own lives, and caring for our children, husbands, partners, parents and friends in order to have the energy needed to care for others.
Self care comes in a myriad of forms. For some of us (ok, me) this takes the form of solitude and down time. For others a trip to see a matinee, a half hour work out, or the ability to get out of the house to sit in Starbucks and have a cup of coffee and write in one’s journal might do the trick. We may need a trip to our church, mosque or synagogue. A yoga or spin class might offer relief. There are as many different ways to relax, unwind, and lay down our burdens as there are people on the planet. Meditation, prayer, talking with close friends, sharing a bottle of wine…the possibilities are limitless as long as we do not limit them by thinking that taking any time for ourselves is selfish.
To help us to assess if we have over-extended ourselves and need to take a step back, visit http://www.myselfcare.org/self.htm (www.myselfcare.org). Perhaps there are clues in the assessment that will allow us to see the areas where we may need to increase our efforts at self care, so that we can continue to deftly handle our personal, emotional, physical, and vocational responsibilities.
In this issue we have addressed nutrition, skin care, travel, meditation, self knowledge, and the value of developing and maintaining an “attitude of gratitude.”
Every day I wake up and consider how lucky I am as a woman living in the luminous state of Arizona, one of the most beautiful, energetically vibrant places on the planet.
Let’s take care of ourselves this month! We deserve it.
This month’s issue of Arizona Thinking Women focuses on the very important issue of self care. It is difficult, if not impossible to continually care for others, if we do not care for ourselves. As women, we are often taught to give everything away – our tenderness, ideas, hard work, passion, love, and our ability to nurture others. We sometimes do this at the expense of our own health. We must learn to strike a balance between caring for our own lives, and caring for our children, husbands, partners, parents and friends in order to have the energy needed to care for others.
Self care comes in a myriad of forms. For some of us (ok, me) this takes the form of solitude and down time. For others a trip to see a matinee, a half hour work out, or the ability to get out of the house to sit in Starbucks and have a cup of coffee and write in one’s journal might do the trick. We may need a trip to our church, mosque or synagogue. A yoga or spin class might offer relief. There are as many different ways to relax, unwind, and lay down our burdens as there are people on the planet. Meditation, prayer, talking with close friends, sharing a bottle of wine…the possibilities are limitless as long as we do not limit them by thinking that taking any time for ourselves is selfish.
To help us to assess if we have over-extended ourselves and need to take a step back, visit http://www.myselfcare.org/self.htm (www.myselfcare.org). Perhaps there are clues in the assessment that will allow us to see the areas where we may need to increase our efforts at self care, so that we can continue to deftly handle our personal, emotional, physical, and vocational responsibilities.
In this issue we have addressed nutrition, skin care, travel, meditation, self knowledge, and the value of developing and maintaining an “attitude of gratitude.”
Every day I wake up and consider how lucky I am as a woman living in the luminous state of Arizona, one of the most beautiful, energetically vibrant places on the planet.
Let’s take care of ourselves this month! We deserve it.
About Mary Powell
Mary Powell lives in Phoenix, Arizona. She has taught English at North High school for nine years. She is currently earning her Ph.D. in English Education at Arizona State University, and hopes to teach new English teachers at the collegiate level. She is working on two research studies at Arizona State University; one involves interviewing English teachers who work in urban districts, who are in their first five years of service. The other involves using student book choice in her Language Arts classroom in order to promote student literacy. Mary has written an autobiography entitled A Taste of Memories. She hopes to work on a book this summer on the results from her book choice program.
Stevia: A Healthy Sugar Substitute by Mary Powell
Stevia: A Healthy Sugar Substitute
by Mary Powell
With millions of Americans struggling with Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease affecting an estimated 80,700,000 Americans in 2005, it is no wonder everyone is watching his/her sugar intake (American Heart Association). There are many products out there on the market-from Nutra Sweet and Splenda to Equal, so it can be difficult to make a healthful choice when selecting a sugar substitute. One sugar substitute I have used for the past few years is Stevia.
The Guaranà tribes of Paraguay and Brazil have used Stevia for treating heartburn and other afflictions for centuries (Wikipedia.com). It comes from the Paraguayan bush, which is in the chrysanthemum family (msn.com). Stevia is an all natural herbal sweetener that is calorie-free and proven to not elevate glucose levels. In fact, it may even enhance glucose tolerance in diabetic individuals. It is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar so a minute amount (a scoop the size of the tip of one’s pinky finger) is enough to sweeten a cup of coffee (msn.com). It can be purchased at health foods stores and some produce chains (Sprouts carries a bottle that runs a little over twenty dollars; it lasts a long time). Many people prefer Stevia because it is chemical free and does not have any type of after taste like some sweeteners on the market Stevia comes in the form of individualized packets (good for travel), powder, and liquid form. “Pure Stevia extract” is far more potent than Stevia mixed with fiber or other additives, and thus, may give you more “bang for your buck.” If the powder is too strong, you can turn it into a “working solution” by diluting one teaspoon of the powder into three tablespoons of water. This can be added to foods using a dropper. Make sure to refrigerate this liquid after preparing it (stevia.net).
Stevia has proven to be a controversial product. In the early 1990s the United States banned it as a food, allowing it to be sold as a supplement only. This was due to a 1985 study which reported that some lab rats, pre-treated with Stevia had mutagens in their liver extract. A mutagen is a substance that has changed its DNA, and after many alterations, can prove to be cancerous. Since the ban on Stevia imports in 1991, Stevia advocates have shared a belief that the FDA responded to industry pressure and that it is not a health issue. In 2006, the World Health Organization performed an intensive study of Stevia and found it to be harmless (wikipedia.com). Japan has used Stevia since the early 1970’s, consuming it in Coca Cola, as a table sweetener and in other foods. It accounts for 40 percent of their sweetener consumption. Today, Stevia is cultivated and used in foods in east Asia, including China, Korea, Malaysia and Tawain. It can also be found in parts of South America including Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Columbia and in Israel (wikipedia.com).
I use Stevia on a daily basis, mixing it with non-sweetened baking cocoa for a healthful cup of hot cocoa which is rich in antioxidants; at 5 calories per cup, I am willing to indulge. I also use it to sweeten plain yogurt, hot tea, cereals and even baked goods.
Stevia has its controversy, with its opponents and propenents. Yet, excess sugar has proven to be unsafe, taking millions of lives with it in the United States alone. Ultimately, you must decide what is safe for yourself and your family by remaining educated about what you put into your body.
by Mary Powell
With millions of Americans struggling with Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease affecting an estimated 80,700,000 Americans in 2005, it is no wonder everyone is watching his/her sugar intake (American Heart Association). There are many products out there on the market-from Nutra Sweet and Splenda to Equal, so it can be difficult to make a healthful choice when selecting a sugar substitute. One sugar substitute I have used for the past few years is Stevia.
The Guaranà tribes of Paraguay and Brazil have used Stevia for treating heartburn and other afflictions for centuries (Wikipedia.com). It comes from the Paraguayan bush, which is in the chrysanthemum family (msn.com). Stevia is an all natural herbal sweetener that is calorie-free and proven to not elevate glucose levels. In fact, it may even enhance glucose tolerance in diabetic individuals. It is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar so a minute amount (a scoop the size of the tip of one’s pinky finger) is enough to sweeten a cup of coffee (msn.com). It can be purchased at health foods stores and some produce chains (Sprouts carries a bottle that runs a little over twenty dollars; it lasts a long time). Many people prefer Stevia because it is chemical free and does not have any type of after taste like some sweeteners on the market Stevia comes in the form of individualized packets (good for travel), powder, and liquid form. “Pure Stevia extract” is far more potent than Stevia mixed with fiber or other additives, and thus, may give you more “bang for your buck.” If the powder is too strong, you can turn it into a “working solution” by diluting one teaspoon of the powder into three tablespoons of water. This can be added to foods using a dropper. Make sure to refrigerate this liquid after preparing it (stevia.net).
Stevia has proven to be a controversial product. In the early 1990s the United States banned it as a food, allowing it to be sold as a supplement only. This was due to a 1985 study which reported that some lab rats, pre-treated with Stevia had mutagens in their liver extract. A mutagen is a substance that has changed its DNA, and after many alterations, can prove to be cancerous. Since the ban on Stevia imports in 1991, Stevia advocates have shared a belief that the FDA responded to industry pressure and that it is not a health issue. In 2006, the World Health Organization performed an intensive study of Stevia and found it to be harmless (wikipedia.com). Japan has used Stevia since the early 1970’s, consuming it in Coca Cola, as a table sweetener and in other foods. It accounts for 40 percent of their sweetener consumption. Today, Stevia is cultivated and used in foods in east Asia, including China, Korea, Malaysia and Tawain. It can also be found in parts of South America including Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Columbia and in Israel (wikipedia.com).
I use Stevia on a daily basis, mixing it with non-sweetened baking cocoa for a healthful cup of hot cocoa which is rich in antioxidants; at 5 calories per cup, I am willing to indulge. I also use it to sweeten plain yogurt, hot tea, cereals and even baked goods.
Stevia has its controversy, with its opponents and propenents. Yet, excess sugar has proven to be unsafe, taking millions of lives with it in the United States alone. Ultimately, you must decide what is safe for yourself and your family by remaining educated about what you put into your body.
Travel: Israel — Spirituality, Adventure, and Relaxation.
Travel: Israel — Spirituality, Adventure, and Relaxation.
by Marcela Marenco
First of all, if you want to take care of your spiritual needs, what better place? Jerusalem is home to three main religions, and its buildings are proof of it. The Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Dome of the Rock, and the al-Aqsa mosque, are a few examples that will, without a doubt, solidify the stories that until now are only part of a Holy Book for most people. If you feel these places are too busy for meditation, walk up to the Mount of Olives just outside the old city, where you will find peace by admiring the sacred sites that surround you. Religion and culture and are tightly entwined, so even though you might not be a follower of any particular faith, it is truly amazing to stand on soil that has provided so much history and guidance to the world.
If your trip must involve adventure and relaxation, you can drive to Eilat, passing through the Negev, a marvelous rocky desert filled with canyons and extraordinary views. Eilat, at the beginning of the Sinai Peninsula and on the Gulf of Aqaba, is a resort area where tourists enjoy water sports, hiking, wild jeep tours, and exciting camel treks. If we talk about relaxation, we cannot forget the Dead Sea. The lowest place on earth and the saltiest body of water, it is famous for its healing, rehabilitation, and beauty treatments. One option to enjoy this area is to book a Dead-Sea Spa package, and if you want to add more excitement, a hike at the Qumran, about a mile from the northwestern shore, will be an unforgettable experience. One caveat: follow the safety procedures that might be applicable during your stay. Places I suggest:
The American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem (www.americancolony.com). You will love the location, the history of the place, and the service. Just a tip: Do not tell “friendly” vendors you are staying there since prices will hike in a second!
If you are looking for something more affordable, a new boutique hotel called Harmony, in the heart of Jerusalem, has wonderful reviews on service and location. Tel: 972-2-6219999.
There are very few hotels that have direct access to the Dead Sea, and from them, the Hod Hotel (www.hodhotel.co.il/english/index.html) and the Lot Spa Hotel (www.lothotel.co.il) prove to be, according to the reviews, above the big-chain resorts that are far from the beach and do not provide the expected service for the price.
In Eilat, on the beach, the Rimonim Eilat (www.rimonim.com) offers guests a beautiful view, good service, and recently remodeled accommodations that beat prices of nearby resorts.
If you do not mind being far from the beach, Cactus B&B (www.cactuseilat.com) is a good option that will offer the comfort and relaxation you want.
by Marcela Marenco
First of all, if you want to take care of your spiritual needs, what better place? Jerusalem is home to three main religions, and its buildings are proof of it. The Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Dome of the Rock, and the al-Aqsa mosque, are a few examples that will, without a doubt, solidify the stories that until now are only part of a Holy Book for most people. If you feel these places are too busy for meditation, walk up to the Mount of Olives just outside the old city, where you will find peace by admiring the sacred sites that surround you. Religion and culture and are tightly entwined, so even though you might not be a follower of any particular faith, it is truly amazing to stand on soil that has provided so much history and guidance to the world.
If your trip must involve adventure and relaxation, you can drive to Eilat, passing through the Negev, a marvelous rocky desert filled with canyons and extraordinary views. Eilat, at the beginning of the Sinai Peninsula and on the Gulf of Aqaba, is a resort area where tourists enjoy water sports, hiking, wild jeep tours, and exciting camel treks. If we talk about relaxation, we cannot forget the Dead Sea. The lowest place on earth and the saltiest body of water, it is famous for its healing, rehabilitation, and beauty treatments. One option to enjoy this area is to book a Dead-Sea Spa package, and if you want to add more excitement, a hike at the Qumran, about a mile from the northwestern shore, will be an unforgettable experience. One caveat: follow the safety procedures that might be applicable during your stay. Places I suggest:
The American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem (www.americancolony.com). You will love the location, the history of the place, and the service. Just a tip: Do not tell “friendly” vendors you are staying there since prices will hike in a second!
If you are looking for something more affordable, a new boutique hotel called Harmony, in the heart of Jerusalem, has wonderful reviews on service and location. Tel: 972-2-6219999.
There are very few hotels that have direct access to the Dead Sea, and from them, the Hod Hotel (www.hodhotel.co.il/english/index.html) and the Lot Spa Hotel (www.lothotel.co.il) prove to be, according to the reviews, above the big-chain resorts that are far from the beach and do not provide the expected service for the price.
In Eilat, on the beach, the Rimonim Eilat (www.rimonim.com) offers guests a beautiful view, good service, and recently remodeled accommodations that beat prices of nearby resorts.
If you do not mind being far from the beach, Cactus B&B (www.cactuseilat.com) is a good option that will offer the comfort and relaxation you want.
Health & Wellness—Protection From Over Exposure To Sun
Health & Wellness—Protection From Over Exposure To Sun
by Sue Grace
The sun we Arizonans love so much does most of its damage to our skin before we reach the age of 18, hiding in our skin cells for years until it emerges in the form of wrinkles, age spots, or leathery skin. The most serious damage, however, isn’t cosmetic. Sun exposure poses serious risks to our health, and can lead to vision problems and skin cancer, which, in some instances can be fatal. The use of tanning beds is equally hazardous as direct sun exposure, though many individuals think it is a safer way to obtain that golden glow.
Sun Exposure Facts
1. There are two types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. UVA rays responsible for deep tanning and age the skin prematurely. UVB rays cause burning and are primarily responsible for skin cancer.
2. It is estimated that most of our lifetime sun exposure has occurred before we turn 18. Children should therefore be taught sun safe behaviors at an early age. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona ranks number 2 in the world for incidences of skin cancer. Australia ranks number 1.
3. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It makes up 4 percent of all skin cancer cases, but results in 79 percent of all skin cancer deaths. If detected early, melanoma can be treated successfully.
4. The organization “Prevent Blindness America” warns that damage from UV exposure can cause cataracts or be a factor in macular degeneration. People who have had cataract surgery or other retinal disorders, and people who take certain medicines, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers, are also at special risk for eye damage. Sun exposure can also suppress the immune system.
Preventative Measures
· Wear sun screen, making sure you apply the recommended amount. Many people fail to following directions on the labels and don’t receive the full protection the product offers. Wear lip balm.
· Wear specially designed clothing that guards against UV rays.
· Wear darker colored clothing and hats with a tight weave.
· Eyes also need to be properly protected so wear sunglasses with UV protection.
· Never expose an infant to intense sunlight.
· Avoid sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. when rays are strongest. For further information about sun safety, visit the AZ Department of Health Services website, www.azdhs.gov.
by Sue Grace
The sun we Arizonans love so much does most of its damage to our skin before we reach the age of 18, hiding in our skin cells for years until it emerges in the form of wrinkles, age spots, or leathery skin. The most serious damage, however, isn’t cosmetic. Sun exposure poses serious risks to our health, and can lead to vision problems and skin cancer, which, in some instances can be fatal. The use of tanning beds is equally hazardous as direct sun exposure, though many individuals think it is a safer way to obtain that golden glow.
Sun Exposure Facts
1. There are two types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. UVA rays responsible for deep tanning and age the skin prematurely. UVB rays cause burning and are primarily responsible for skin cancer.
2. It is estimated that most of our lifetime sun exposure has occurred before we turn 18. Children should therefore be taught sun safe behaviors at an early age. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona ranks number 2 in the world for incidences of skin cancer. Australia ranks number 1.
3. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It makes up 4 percent of all skin cancer cases, but results in 79 percent of all skin cancer deaths. If detected early, melanoma can be treated successfully.
4. The organization “Prevent Blindness America” warns that damage from UV exposure can cause cataracts or be a factor in macular degeneration. People who have had cataract surgery or other retinal disorders, and people who take certain medicines, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers, are also at special risk for eye damage. Sun exposure can also suppress the immune system.
Preventative Measures
· Wear sun screen, making sure you apply the recommended amount. Many people fail to following directions on the labels and don’t receive the full protection the product offers. Wear lip balm.
· Wear specially designed clothing that guards against UV rays.
· Wear darker colored clothing and hats with a tight weave.
· Eyes also need to be properly protected so wear sunglasses with UV protection.
· Never expose an infant to intense sunlight.
· Avoid sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. when rays are strongest. For further information about sun safety, visit the AZ Department of Health Services website, www.azdhs.gov.
Becoming The Real You
Becoming The Real You
by Kim Eagles
Coming to grips to who you truly are within your place in life takes almost a lifetime to accept and/or discover. More importantly it takes courage to be real and transparent. As individuals we shape ourselves into beings of complexity and resolution. Our unique exclusivity, rareness and distinctiveness as individuals is as original as our fingerprints. We think and examine possibilities that perplex and bewilder those around us. If fortunate we act on our gut and gifts—basing our choices on what we intuitively “know,” not what society offers us as answers.
Your individuality and unique development mark you as a limited edition. You are unwilling to tolerate what Cosmopolitan, Vogue and Vanity Fair dictates you become. The real you is too keen on the idea of true adaption to your life as an organic being, too powerful to submit to ordinary pressures, still you often allow fears to contain your possibilities.
The authentic you questions and challenges media and mere sensationalism that baffles the copycat mentality in advertisement and consumerism by standing tall in the belief in being who you were created to be and shining as that special person of destiny.
Have you found the real you yet? If so, stand up and be counted.
“This process of finding one’s self can be painful,” according to an article by Karen Wright in the latest issue of Psychology Today. Many people try to mask their in authenticity with “cosmetic surgery, psycho pharmaceuticals, and perpetual makeovers.” According to Stephen Cope, author of Yoga and the Quest for the True Self, “People feel profoundly like they're not living from who they really are, their authentic self, their deepest possibility in the world. The result is a sense of near-desperation.”
Although it can be hard work, there are real psychological benefits to self-recognition. Wright reports, authenticity is correlated with many aspects of psychological well-being, including vitality, self-esteem, and coping skills.” A life that remains unexamined often leads to anxiety or depression.
It’s like the old joke: “You can never hide from yourself, because no matter where you go, there you are.” http://www.utne.com/2008-05-21/Science-Technology/Finding-the-Real-You.aspx?blogid=36
When you were a child, you thought like a child. As an adult the goal is to live life as who you really are. Unfortunately, our circumstances sometimes deter us from our individual path. Circumstance — no matter how difficult — can no longer be an excuse. As hard as it may sound—our evolution and development as human beings must be nurtured consistently. Why? Because someone other than you may need to know the real you. Your transformation impacts those around you, causing them to self-reflect and, perhaps, even change. Authenticity breeds authenticity.
by Kim Eagles
Coming to grips to who you truly are within your place in life takes almost a lifetime to accept and/or discover. More importantly it takes courage to be real and transparent. As individuals we shape ourselves into beings of complexity and resolution. Our unique exclusivity, rareness and distinctiveness as individuals is as original as our fingerprints. We think and examine possibilities that perplex and bewilder those around us. If fortunate we act on our gut and gifts—basing our choices on what we intuitively “know,” not what society offers us as answers.
Your individuality and unique development mark you as a limited edition. You are unwilling to tolerate what Cosmopolitan, Vogue and Vanity Fair dictates you become. The real you is too keen on the idea of true adaption to your life as an organic being, too powerful to submit to ordinary pressures, still you often allow fears to contain your possibilities.
The authentic you questions and challenges media and mere sensationalism that baffles the copycat mentality in advertisement and consumerism by standing tall in the belief in being who you were created to be and shining as that special person of destiny.
Have you found the real you yet? If so, stand up and be counted.
“This process of finding one’s self can be painful,” according to an article by Karen Wright in the latest issue of Psychology Today. Many people try to mask their in authenticity with “cosmetic surgery, psycho pharmaceuticals, and perpetual makeovers.” According to Stephen Cope, author of Yoga and the Quest for the True Self, “People feel profoundly like they're not living from who they really are, their authentic self, their deepest possibility in the world. The result is a sense of near-desperation.”
Although it can be hard work, there are real psychological benefits to self-recognition. Wright reports, authenticity is correlated with many aspects of psychological well-being, including vitality, self-esteem, and coping skills.” A life that remains unexamined often leads to anxiety or depression.
It’s like the old joke: “You can never hide from yourself, because no matter where you go, there you are.” http://www.utne.com/2008-05-21/Science-Technology/Finding-the-Real-You.aspx?blogid=36
When you were a child, you thought like a child. As an adult the goal is to live life as who you really are. Unfortunately, our circumstances sometimes deter us from our individual path. Circumstance — no matter how difficult — can no longer be an excuse. As hard as it may sound—our evolution and development as human beings must be nurtured consistently. Why? Because someone other than you may need to know the real you. Your transformation impacts those around you, causing them to self-reflect and, perhaps, even change. Authenticity breeds authenticity.
Mind & Soul: Meditation and Peace of Mind
Mind & Soul: Meditation and Peace of Mind
by Elaine Yoshikawa
For many of us, everyday life is fraught with conflicts, distractions, and stress. We are conflicted by the many roles we play in our personal and professional lives. We are also conflicted by our inner divisive desires and thoughts. We often feel scattered and fragmented as we perform task after task. Fortunately there are many ways to alleviate the negative symptoms of a fast-paced life. For instance, meditation is an ancient practice that can reduce stress and reconcile the psychological fragmentation that many of us experience. We can sit quietly, breathe, and be.
The beneficial psychological and physiological effects of meditation are well documented. For example, neuroscientists have discovered that experienced practitioners of meditation have more activity in the left frontal lobe of the brain than non-practitioners. This part of the brain is associated with feelings of happiness and contentment. According to the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and political leader of Tibet, we can discipline our minds to cultivate states of happiness and peace. We can learn how to gather ourselves, calm down, and experience psychological harmony.
Here is a basic exercise. For a few minutes each day, give yourself time to breathe. Sit in a comfortable position with a straight back and breathe slowly and deeply. With your full attention, follow your breath, in and out. Typically someone who is new to meditation will find that the mind and attention tend to wander. This is natural. Do not judge, do not evaluate—just detach. As thoughts arise, merely observe the thoughts, and allow them to fade away as you refocus your attention on inhaling and exhaling. With practice, you may lose the sense of having a separate self and merge with the act of breathing. As you allow the natural rhythm of life to breathe through you, there is only breathing, stillness, and silence.
There are numerous types, theories, and formal systems of meditation, especially within the eastern religious traditions. However, an essential objective of most meditative practices is to stop the flow of thoughts in the mind. When we stop the thoughts, we can experience the deeper aspects of our inner self, a self that is undivided, harmonious, and tranquil. At the highest levels of meditation, we encounter what is holy and sacred within us. In the Wholeness of Life, J. Krishnamurti writes: “Out of that immense silence there is that which is sacred; then only is there a possibility of coming upon that which is the eternal...”
Life is rife with potential sacred experiences. The sacred aspects within us are like precious gems that we can excavate from deep within our being. Meditation alleviates stress and disciplines the mind, but more importantly, the diligent practice of meditation can lead to a more comprehensive and profound understanding of our deeper nature.
by Elaine Yoshikawa
For many of us, everyday life is fraught with conflicts, distractions, and stress. We are conflicted by the many roles we play in our personal and professional lives. We are also conflicted by our inner divisive desires and thoughts. We often feel scattered and fragmented as we perform task after task. Fortunately there are many ways to alleviate the negative symptoms of a fast-paced life. For instance, meditation is an ancient practice that can reduce stress and reconcile the psychological fragmentation that many of us experience. We can sit quietly, breathe, and be.
The beneficial psychological and physiological effects of meditation are well documented. For example, neuroscientists have discovered that experienced practitioners of meditation have more activity in the left frontal lobe of the brain than non-practitioners. This part of the brain is associated with feelings of happiness and contentment. According to the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and political leader of Tibet, we can discipline our minds to cultivate states of happiness and peace. We can learn how to gather ourselves, calm down, and experience psychological harmony.
Here is a basic exercise. For a few minutes each day, give yourself time to breathe. Sit in a comfortable position with a straight back and breathe slowly and deeply. With your full attention, follow your breath, in and out. Typically someone who is new to meditation will find that the mind and attention tend to wander. This is natural. Do not judge, do not evaluate—just detach. As thoughts arise, merely observe the thoughts, and allow them to fade away as you refocus your attention on inhaling and exhaling. With practice, you may lose the sense of having a separate self and merge with the act of breathing. As you allow the natural rhythm of life to breathe through you, there is only breathing, stillness, and silence.
There are numerous types, theories, and formal systems of meditation, especially within the eastern religious traditions. However, an essential objective of most meditative practices is to stop the flow of thoughts in the mind. When we stop the thoughts, we can experience the deeper aspects of our inner self, a self that is undivided, harmonious, and tranquil. At the highest levels of meditation, we encounter what is holy and sacred within us. In the Wholeness of Life, J. Krishnamurti writes: “Out of that immense silence there is that which is sacred; then only is there a possibility of coming upon that which is the eternal...”
Life is rife with potential sacred experiences. The sacred aspects within us are like precious gems that we can excavate from deep within our being. Meditation alleviates stress and disciplines the mind, but more importantly, the diligent practice of meditation can lead to a more comprehensive and profound understanding of our deeper nature.
Politics and Society
Politics and Society
by Jocie Fong
“Civil Rights Initiative” threatens beneficial state programs...
The words “civil rights” are almost always associated in our public discourse with one of this nation’s proudest accomplishments: the legislative victories of the 1950s and 60s, which committed the United States to equality under the law for all people. Affirmative action and integration programs were and are a large part of this effort, recognized as necessary steps beyond the civil rights legislation to actively address centuries of extreme inequality between the races and genders.
By divorcing the term “civil rights” from its context in this nation’s history, an organization called the American Civil Rights Institute, headed by Republican activist Ward Connerly, purports to fight for civil rights by working to eliminate affirmative action, one state at a time. Connerly has helped secure affirmative action bans in California, Washington and Michigan and now has his sights set on Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Arizona for 2008.
The Arizona measure, locally sponsored by Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas and equivocally titled the “Arizona Civil Rights Initiative” (ACRI), is slated to appear on the November ballot. But a Michigan-based organization called the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration, and Immigrant Rights And Fight for Equality by Any Means Necessary (BAMN) filed a lawsuit on June 30 that could derail the proposition. BAMN maintains that the signatures collected to qualify the measure for the ballot were obtained illegally and may not be valid. Similar legal battles have challenged Connerly’s efforts in other states; and in Missouri and Oklahoma, his measures were denied because of underhanded signature-gathering methods.
If approved, the ACRI will strip Arizona’s public institutions of the freedom to promote diversity and ensure equal-opportunity within their ranks and operations. The vague language of the measure to “prohibit preferential treatment or discrimination by the state government,” doesn’t begin to hint at what is really at stake. Not only will all public colleges and universities in Arizona be prohibited from actively recruiting and providing tailored assistance and scholarships to minority and women students, but the ACRI will also cripple state programs like the Minority and Women-Owned Business Certification Program and the Office of Indian Education. ASU’s Bridges to Biomedical Careers Program, NAU’s Multicultural Student Center, and Uof A’s Arizona Hispanic Center of Excellence are also at stake in this fight, not to mention the weighty prospect of taking another step backward in the struggle for a society truly suited for “colorblind” policy.
by Jocie Fong
“Civil Rights Initiative” threatens beneficial state programs...
The words “civil rights” are almost always associated in our public discourse with one of this nation’s proudest accomplishments: the legislative victories of the 1950s and 60s, which committed the United States to equality under the law for all people. Affirmative action and integration programs were and are a large part of this effort, recognized as necessary steps beyond the civil rights legislation to actively address centuries of extreme inequality between the races and genders.
By divorcing the term “civil rights” from its context in this nation’s history, an organization called the American Civil Rights Institute, headed by Republican activist Ward Connerly, purports to fight for civil rights by working to eliminate affirmative action, one state at a time. Connerly has helped secure affirmative action bans in California, Washington and Michigan and now has his sights set on Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Arizona for 2008.
The Arizona measure, locally sponsored by Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas and equivocally titled the “Arizona Civil Rights Initiative” (ACRI), is slated to appear on the November ballot. But a Michigan-based organization called the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration, and Immigrant Rights And Fight for Equality by Any Means Necessary (BAMN) filed a lawsuit on June 30 that could derail the proposition. BAMN maintains that the signatures collected to qualify the measure for the ballot were obtained illegally and may not be valid. Similar legal battles have challenged Connerly’s efforts in other states; and in Missouri and Oklahoma, his measures were denied because of underhanded signature-gathering methods.
If approved, the ACRI will strip Arizona’s public institutions of the freedom to promote diversity and ensure equal-opportunity within their ranks and operations. The vague language of the measure to “prohibit preferential treatment or discrimination by the state government,” doesn’t begin to hint at what is really at stake. Not only will all public colleges and universities in Arizona be prohibited from actively recruiting and providing tailored assistance and scholarships to minority and women students, but the ACRI will also cripple state programs like the Minority and Women-Owned Business Certification Program and the Office of Indian Education. ASU’s Bridges to Biomedical Careers Program, NAU’s Multicultural Student Center, and Uof A’s Arizona Hispanic Center of Excellence are also at stake in this fight, not to mention the weighty prospect of taking another step backward in the struggle for a society truly suited for “colorblind” policy.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Global Sustainability
Paige Eagles—a junior at Arizona State University will cover issues of importance regarding Global Sustainability within our environment, population, conflict, poverty, consumption, health, and climate change.
Film & TV...
Julianne White received her Ph.D. in English literature from the University of New Mexico in 2002. She wrote her dissertation on the poetry of the great Irish poet, William Butler Yeats, and her three areas of specialty were Rhetoric-Composition and Victorian and Modern British Literatures. She is now a Writing Programs Instructor at Arizona State University in the English Department, where she teaches composition, business writing, and sophomore level English survey classes. She also teaches part-time for ASU-Polytechnic during the summer, where she enjoys teaching film, literature, grammar, and writing classes at all levels. She teaches at least one class online every semester.
Originally from Houston, Texas, Dr. White taught high school there for 12 years before making the leap to the Ph.D. program in New Mexico. She graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, with a B.A. in English in 1981, and from the University of St. Thomas in Houston with a Master of Education, Secondary English, in 1993. Her family all live in the Houston area, and her parents have retired and now live in a beach house in Galveston, where she makes a pilgrimage every summer. Two weeks of warm Gulf waters, fresh crab, shrimp and Gulf redfish, and the smell of Coppertone are enough to refresh her soul and allow her to return to the desert Southwest, a climate which is more kind to her arthritic joints.
Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1993 at the tender age of 37, she has been forced to make adjustments in her life and acknowledge her physical limitations. Thank goodness, rheumatoid arthritis does not cripple the brain—although her husband would swear that it does effect her memory, which is nearly gone. Luckily, she can still type at the keyboard, operate the TV remote, and turn the pages of a book. That’s all she needs. She and her husband Shawn, a professional chef, live in Coolidge, AZ (which is about 25 miles south of Chandler) with their 7 cats: Bean, Sheba, L’il Sam, Gigi, Maximus, Tink, and Indy.
Originally from Houston, Texas, Dr. White taught high school there for 12 years before making the leap to the Ph.D. program in New Mexico. She graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, with a B.A. in English in 1981, and from the University of St. Thomas in Houston with a Master of Education, Secondary English, in 1993. Her family all live in the Houston area, and her parents have retired and now live in a beach house in Galveston, where she makes a pilgrimage every summer. Two weeks of warm Gulf waters, fresh crab, shrimp and Gulf redfish, and the smell of Coppertone are enough to refresh her soul and allow her to return to the desert Southwest, a climate which is more kind to her arthritic joints.
Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1993 at the tender age of 37, she has been forced to make adjustments in her life and acknowledge her physical limitations. Thank goodness, rheumatoid arthritis does not cripple the brain—although her husband would swear that it does effect her memory, which is nearly gone. Luckily, she can still type at the keyboard, operate the TV remote, and turn the pages of a book. That’s all she needs. She and her husband Shawn, a professional chef, live in Coolidge, AZ (which is about 25 miles south of Chandler) with their 7 cats: Bean, Sheba, L’il Sam, Gigi, Maximus, Tink, and Indy.
Health & Wellness
Sue Grace has spent the last 18 years working and advocating for Arizona’s behavioral health system. From 1991 to 1996 she served in the Arizona House of Representatives and served as a State Senator from 1997 to 2000. She focused much of her attention on improving the level of behavioral health care for Arizona’s citizens and spearheaded funding for construction of the new Civil Unit at the Arizona State Hospital, and, in her last year, successfully sponsored funding for Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams across Arizona. Sue served for several years as a board member and President of MIKID (Mentally Ill Kids in Distress) and also was an Ex-Officio Member of the AZ State Hospital Advisory Board.
Sue worked from 2005 to 2007 as Family Involvement Specialist for ValueOptions, where she provided technical support to family mentors, served as primary trainer for Family Essentials Trainings, researched and developed recommendations for family support programs, analyzed demographic trends and developed reports that helped identify service recipient and family member needs in our service system.
Currently, Sue works as the Peer Specialist Training and Evaluation Coordinator for Magellan Health Services, where she partners with community members and providers and other department members to develop peer specialist programs aimed at promoting recovery and resiliency.
Sue earned a BA in Journalism from Marquette University and a Masters in Public Administration from ASU. She has lived in Arizona since 1983, and has been married to Vic for 28 years. She has 2 daughters, Elizabeth and Irene. Sue’s first grandchild, Valencia Grace Bergeron, was born in May.
Sue worked from 2005 to 2007 as Family Involvement Specialist for ValueOptions, where she provided technical support to family mentors, served as primary trainer for Family Essentials Trainings, researched and developed recommendations for family support programs, analyzed demographic trends and developed reports that helped identify service recipient and family member needs in our service system.
Currently, Sue works as the Peer Specialist Training and Evaluation Coordinator for Magellan Health Services, where she partners with community members and providers and other department members to develop peer specialist programs aimed at promoting recovery and resiliency.
Sue earned a BA in Journalism from Marquette University and a Masters in Public Administration from ASU. She has lived in Arizona since 1983, and has been married to Vic for 28 years. She has 2 daughters, Elizabeth and Irene. Sue’s first grandchild, Valencia Grace Bergeron, was born in May.
About Mind & Soul…
Elaine Yoshikawa received her B.A. in Philosophy from University of California, Berkeley and later received an M.A. and Ph.D. from Arizona State University. Her area of specialization is Ethics, specifically Virtue Ethics and moral psychology. While a graduate student she was the Editorial Assistant for the journal Philosophical Studies as well as the Undergraduate Academic Advisor for the Philosophy Department in Tempe. She is currently a Lecturer in Philosophy at ASU’s Polytechnic Campus. She has been teaching philosophy for 12 years and over the past five years has given presentations and talks in the community on various topics such as: Virtue Ethics, Happiness, and Business Ethics. She is presently writing a book entitled: Virtue, Happiness, and Self-Transformation and is developing a new university course on happiness. In addition she has been a computer programmer, a piano performance major at the Eastman School of Music, and a doctoral student in spiritual psychology. She also has a keen interest in Christian Ethics, Buddhist Ethics and Eastern Philosophy.
About Finance & Business
Cindy Wilson has been married to the same man for 35 years and has 4 children and 1 adorable granddaughter. She and her husband John are credentialed licensed ministers with Foursquare Church International and are currently planning a church in the east Mesa area. Cindy is also a certified Pathway to Purpose Life Purpose Coach, Facilitator and Instructor for women, couples and young adults. As a coach she helps her clients determine their individual purpose and personal goals. As a business woman she has owned and operated a number of businesses including Agape Graduations and Alphagraphics Print shop franchises. For the last 6 years Cindy has been a Franchise Consultant with Franchoice where she had the opportunity to profile individuals and guide them in successfully selecting franchise businesses. Cindy’s passion for seeing women realize their God-given design has been the driving force behind her involvement in women’s ministries, tiaraladies.com, and small group development.
About Travel
Marcela Marenco graduated from Arizona State University with a BS in Psychology in 2005. She has traveled extensively, and has lived in South America, Asia, the United States, and Europe. This multi-cultural exposure gives her an understanding of people from different ethnicities and backgrounds. She thrives on assisting others, and working to bring about meaningful and lasting changes. Marcela is married and has three children. She is also fluent in Spanish and English, with intermediate knowledge of Japanese, Dutch, and French.
About Politics & Society
Jocelyn Fong is an Arizona native and recent graduate of Goshen College with a Bachelor’s degree in Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies. While in school, Jocie worked as a student researcher, assisted an international relations course, and studied and volunteered abroad in both Costa Rica and Guatemala. After graduation, she served a 10-month Americorps term as a Public Ally in Phoenix. Placed at Anytown Arizona, a local nonprofit dedicated to prejudice reduction education for youth, Jocie supported the organization in many capacities, including program coordination, web design, curriculum development, proposal writing, and large group facilitation. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in Public Policy and spend her career researching, writing and learning.
About the editor...
Shavawn M. Berry received her Master of Professional Writing (MPW) degree specializing in Creative Nonfiction and Memoir at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles in 1998. She currently teaches writing fulltime at Arizona State University including composition, business writing, and creative writing courses and workshops. She specializes in spiritual and healing writing as well as writing aimed at changing/creating discourse. Ms. Berry’s prose, essays, articles, and poetry have been published in Poet Lore, California Quarterly, Westview - A Journal of Western Oklahoma, Meridian Anthology of Contemporary Poetry, Concho River Review, North Atlantic Review, Synapse, Blue Mountain Arts/SPS, Living Buddhism, addictionsolutions.com, and buddhajones.com, among others. She is currently working on a spiritual memoir, a collection of poetry, a novel, and a collection of essays.
You can read samples of her work or peruse her blog by visiting her website at http://www.shavawnmberry.com
You can read samples of her work or peruse her blog by visiting her website at http://www.shavawnmberry.com
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Whole Life Living...
Lifestyle: Whole Life Living
Lifestyle encompasses a way of life and the characteristic include a wide variety of behavioral choices—a manner of living combining life and style within our society. If we are fortunate, the yield produced offers certain gifts of love, delight, tranquility, fortitude, and charity. Often times ‘choice’ is key in defining the type of life and style of life we live.
Daily talks show, media, peers and culture tend to suggest trends; concepts and ideas as ‘how to live just like the rich and famous’ to entice our human senses toward the ‘glamorous life’. However, the goal is seeking to attain a healthy, fit and well balanced life enjoying and participating in the fruits of the spirit. Everyone desire the components of the secret of youth and antidotal remedies that are proven to work in order to effectively for a quick nip and tuck here and there, or to lose weight, take a little pill to have more energy, purchase a cream to get rid of those unwanted wrinkles. In fact, many do pay whatever the costs to attain the fool proof prescription for certain imagine of life.
The good news is that there is hope for those not willing to ‘buy’ whole life living. Here’s an exclusive, from a personal interview conducted with a friend that we all love and admire that quotes: “Lifestyle for a complete and whole life living experience begins with; love tender affection for somebody such as a close relative or friend, or for something such as a place, an ideal, or even a pet or animal. Secondly, seed joy; feelings of great happiness or pleasure, especially of an elevated or spiritual kind, to delight in something you enjoy. Thirdly, hunt for peace; tranquility a calm and quiet state, free from disturbances or noise, mental calm, a state of mental calm and serenity, with no anxiety, it bring harmony to life.
Fourthly, patience; the ability to endure waiting, delay, or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset, or to persevere calmly when faced with difficulties, its sure to relieve tension and stress. Fifth, kindness: the ability to behave kindly, the practice of being or the tendency to be sympathetic and compassionate. Remember to throw in a couple of compassionate acts of showing consideration and caring—the rewards of fabulous.
Sixth, is goodness; a quality of good, virtuousness, the nutrition or other benefit to be derived from something, this is more difficulty but produces strength when needed. Seventh is faithfulness; unwavering in belief, believing firmly in something or somebody, especially God or a sound theological doctrine—and consistently loyal, trustworthy and loyal, especially to a person, promise, or duty. Here’s an additional tip, fellowship with trustworthy friends to build you up as well.
Eight is gentleness; kindness, being moderate in force or degree so that the effects are not severe but mild, using little force. Take is easy on yourself remember to forgive you and others, that’s really was essential in my case. Ninth is self-control: restraint with the ability to control your own behavior, especially in terms of reactions and impulses”.
Lifestyle encompasses a way of life and the characteristic include a wide variety of behavioral choices—a manner of living combining life and style within our society. If we are fortunate, the yield produced offers certain gifts of love, delight, tranquility, fortitude, and charity. Often times ‘choice’ is key in defining the type of life and style of life we live.
Daily talks show, media, peers and culture tend to suggest trends; concepts and ideas as ‘how to live just like the rich and famous’ to entice our human senses toward the ‘glamorous life’. However, the goal is seeking to attain a healthy, fit and well balanced life enjoying and participating in the fruits of the spirit. Everyone desire the components of the secret of youth and antidotal remedies that are proven to work in order to effectively for a quick nip and tuck here and there, or to lose weight, take a little pill to have more energy, purchase a cream to get rid of those unwanted wrinkles. In fact, many do pay whatever the costs to attain the fool proof prescription for certain imagine of life.
The good news is that there is hope for those not willing to ‘buy’ whole life living. Here’s an exclusive, from a personal interview conducted with a friend that we all love and admire that quotes: “Lifestyle for a complete and whole life living experience begins with; love tender affection for somebody such as a close relative or friend, or for something such as a place, an ideal, or even a pet or animal. Secondly, seed joy; feelings of great happiness or pleasure, especially of an elevated or spiritual kind, to delight in something you enjoy. Thirdly, hunt for peace; tranquility a calm and quiet state, free from disturbances or noise, mental calm, a state of mental calm and serenity, with no anxiety, it bring harmony to life.
Fourthly, patience; the ability to endure waiting, delay, or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset, or to persevere calmly when faced with difficulties, its sure to relieve tension and stress. Fifth, kindness: the ability to behave kindly, the practice of being or the tendency to be sympathetic and compassionate. Remember to throw in a couple of compassionate acts of showing consideration and caring—the rewards of fabulous.
Sixth, is goodness; a quality of good, virtuousness, the nutrition or other benefit to be derived from something, this is more difficulty but produces strength when needed. Seventh is faithfulness; unwavering in belief, believing firmly in something or somebody, especially God or a sound theological doctrine—and consistently loyal, trustworthy and loyal, especially to a person, promise, or duty. Here’s an additional tip, fellowship with trustworthy friends to build you up as well.
Eight is gentleness; kindness, being moderate in force or degree so that the effects are not severe but mild, using little force. Take is easy on yourself remember to forgive you and others, that’s really was essential in my case. Ninth is self-control: restraint with the ability to control your own behavior, especially in terms of reactions and impulses”.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Arizona Community of Thinking Women
NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Kim Eagles – Founder
kim_eagles@msn.com
Wanted! Summer of 2008
Arizona Community of Thinking Women is looking for volunteers for board member over the following categories:
Social Action
Events
Research
Community Leadership
Writers
Educators
Research
Student’s Life
Community Outreach
Professional Life
Politics
Finance
Spiritually
Diversity
Film and Media
Book Club
Your task will include forming a staff of associates (your peers) to produce a social network virtual article column to express the views of generation to work in conjunction with a global project:
The “Global Social-Research Labs without Walls” project will use the social representation discourse approach to study network to network social on-line research effectiveness. As young women of Arizona let your voice be heard!
According to Luc K. Audebrand he describes how the social representation of a social object of 'fair trade' has particular meaning in the specific community of 'students'.
http://atlas-conferences.com/c/a/m/k/93.htm
What is social representation?
“In order for people in groups to talk with one another, they need a system of common understanding, in particular of concepts and ideas that are outside of 'common' understanding or which have particular meaning for that group. Words thus become imbued with special meaning within particular social groups.
Moscovici described social representation as:
“systems of values, ideas and practices with a two-fold function; first, to establish an order which will enable individuals to orientate themselves in their material and social world and to master it; secondly, to enable communication to take place amongst members of a community by providing them with a code for social exchange and a code for naming and classifying unambiguously the various aspects of their world and their individual and group history” (Moscovici, 1973)
The virtual community is a tool of empowerment, speed and convenience. By using social participatory ‘network to network’ research this project monitors the relationship of mutual exchange and sharing in the ‘knowledge of mobilization’ and promoting social values:
Building Leaders
Building Community and Resources
Collaborative Opportunities
Universal Vision-mindful of Global Community Issues
Develop the Spirit of Volunteerism
The goal will be to establish quarterly events, conference and seminars for future female professionals, academic undergrads and graduate student with like minded vision and goals to build support and advancement in their field on expertise and knowledge.
NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Kim Eagles – Founder
kim_eagles@msn.com
Wanted! Summer of 2008
Arizona Community of Thinking Women is looking for volunteers for board member over the following categories:
Social Action
Events
Research
Community Leadership
Writers
Educators
Research
Student’s Life
Community Outreach
Professional Life
Politics
Finance
Spiritually
Diversity
Film and Media
Book Club
Your task will include forming a staff of associates (your peers) to produce a social network virtual article column to express the views of generation to work in conjunction with a global project:
The “Global Social-Research Labs without Walls” project will use the social representation discourse approach to study network to network social on-line research effectiveness. As young women of Arizona let your voice be heard!
According to Luc K. Audebrand he describes how the social representation of a social object of 'fair trade' has particular meaning in the specific community of 'students'.
http://atlas-conferences.com/c/a/m/k/93.htm
What is social representation?
“In order for people in groups to talk with one another, they need a system of common understanding, in particular of concepts and ideas that are outside of 'common' understanding or which have particular meaning for that group. Words thus become imbued with special meaning within particular social groups.
Moscovici described social representation as:
“systems of values, ideas and practices with a two-fold function; first, to establish an order which will enable individuals to orientate themselves in their material and social world and to master it; secondly, to enable communication to take place amongst members of a community by providing them with a code for social exchange and a code for naming and classifying unambiguously the various aspects of their world and their individual and group history” (Moscovici, 1973)
The virtual community is a tool of empowerment, speed and convenience. By using social participatory ‘network to network’ research this project monitors the relationship of mutual exchange and sharing in the ‘knowledge of mobilization’ and promoting social values:
Building Leaders
Building Community and Resources
Collaborative Opportunities
Universal Vision-mindful of Global Community Issues
Develop the Spirit of Volunteerism
The goal will be to establish quarterly events, conference and seminars for future female professionals, academic undergrads and graduate student with like minded vision and goals to build support and advancement in their field on expertise and knowledge.
The theory of perception..
The theory of perception becomes the process of using the senses to acquire information about the surrounding environment or situation that is apt to change at varying levels in each individual. Achieving mutual perception is a wise and a thought provoking method of conveying artful communication—and art is of course, in beauty is in the eye of the beholder or audience.
Currently, completing the final stages of a first publication it was imperative to find the appropriate voice and tone that would transmit truest intention of the journey of the manuscript. The intention is for the author and reader is to have a common relationship of ‘give and take’. Within the first few lines the voice of the printed words gained rhythm and flowed as the text began to take shape just as a stream of water gathers space and momentum in the sand—it formed a silhouette of its own.
Although this piece is based on scripture it offers practical guidelines as an invitation to gain wisdom from the truest form which is the book of Proverbs. Proverbs has an intentional purpose of living a changed life from a useful perceptive of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. With momentum in place, the read is careful to use spiritual truth to illuminate the traveler of literature to new heights of self awareness for themselves to cause a pleasing accomplishment of self discovery.
Currently, completing the final stages of a first publication it was imperative to find the appropriate voice and tone that would transmit truest intention of the journey of the manuscript. The intention is for the author and reader is to have a common relationship of ‘give and take’. Within the first few lines the voice of the printed words gained rhythm and flowed as the text began to take shape just as a stream of water gathers space and momentum in the sand—it formed a silhouette of its own.
Although this piece is based on scripture it offers practical guidelines as an invitation to gain wisdom from the truest form which is the book of Proverbs. Proverbs has an intentional purpose of living a changed life from a useful perceptive of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. With momentum in place, the read is careful to use spiritual truth to illuminate the traveler of literature to new heights of self awareness for themselves to cause a pleasing accomplishment of self discovery.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Friendships are tricky...
Friendships are tricky just as any relationship goes; it has its ups and downs that can jar our emotions if we let it. The popular sitcom ‘Friends’ become extremely indicative of situations comedy that portrays various incidents that occur within comradeships. Not all friends and friendship are ideal to say the least. We waiver in and out of these relationships depending on the need that is being fulfilled or not, and this requires work and commitment...any thoughts?
Friday, June 6, 2008
Global Research and the Collaboration
Here's news from MIT...
"Collective efforts lift us all to the starry heights by Charles Vest President Vest was recently asked to write an opinion piece for the first-ever "world university rankings" issue of the Times (UK) Higher Education Supplement.
The focus of the piece was on how higher education is likely to evolve, on a global level, in the future. MIT was ranked third in the survey, out of 200 universities around the world, behind Harvard and Berkeley.
Collective efforts lift us all to the starry heightsEveryone everywhere gains by combining competition with collaboration in higher education, argues Charles Vest.
In its new ranking of the world's 200 best universities, The Times Higher found the top three to be US institutions - Harvard University, the University of California, Berkeley and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. There are good reasons why US universities fare well in competitive rankings, and other nations could profitably consider the structural and policy factors that help them achieve such heights.
But collaboration may be even more profoundly important than competition in determining the future of higher education. Indeed, informal global cooperation is already beginning to create the meta-university that will see the best scholarship and teaching shared worldwide.
The factors I believe contribute the most to the excellence and competitive success of US higher education include:
The diversity of institutions - from small liberal arts colleges to large public and private universities - allows students to select the school that best matches their needs New assistant professors have freedom to choose what they teach as well as research Our research universities weave together teaching and research in ways that bring freshness, intensity and renewal to both activities We welcome students, scholars and faculty from abroad. Their intellectual and cultural richness help define our institutions Support of frontier research in our universities has long been an important responsibility of the federal government, which awards grants to researchers on the basis of their merit in a competitive marketplace of ideas A tradition of philanthropy, fostered by US tax law, encourages alumni and others to support our colleges and universities. Scholarship funds they provide allow talented students from families of modest means to attend even the most costly schools Open competition for faculty and students drives excellence"
"Collective efforts lift us all to the starry heights by Charles Vest President Vest was recently asked to write an opinion piece for the first-ever "world university rankings" issue of the Times (UK) Higher Education Supplement.
The focus of the piece was on how higher education is likely to evolve, on a global level, in the future. MIT was ranked third in the survey, out of 200 universities around the world, behind Harvard and Berkeley.
Collective efforts lift us all to the starry heightsEveryone everywhere gains by combining competition with collaboration in higher education, argues Charles Vest.
In its new ranking of the world's 200 best universities, The Times Higher found the top three to be US institutions - Harvard University, the University of California, Berkeley and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. There are good reasons why US universities fare well in competitive rankings, and other nations could profitably consider the structural and policy factors that help them achieve such heights.
But collaboration may be even more profoundly important than competition in determining the future of higher education. Indeed, informal global cooperation is already beginning to create the meta-university that will see the best scholarship and teaching shared worldwide.
The factors I believe contribute the most to the excellence and competitive success of US higher education include:
The diversity of institutions - from small liberal arts colleges to large public and private universities - allows students to select the school that best matches their needs New assistant professors have freedom to choose what they teach as well as research Our research universities weave together teaching and research in ways that bring freshness, intensity and renewal to both activities We welcome students, scholars and faculty from abroad. Their intellectual and cultural richness help define our institutions Support of frontier research in our universities has long been an important responsibility of the federal government, which awards grants to researchers on the basis of their merit in a competitive marketplace of ideas A tradition of philanthropy, fostered by US tax law, encourages alumni and others to support our colleges and universities. Scholarship funds they provide allow talented students from families of modest means to attend even the most costly schools Open competition for faculty and students drives excellence"
what about social networking, do you have concerns?
Thought's on social networking and your opinion? A social network is a social structure made of nodes (which are generally individuals or organizations) that are tied by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as values, visions, idea, financial exchange, friends, kinship, dislike, conflict, trade, web links, sexual relations, disease transmission (epidemiology), or airline routes. The resulting structures are often very complex.
Social network analysis views social relationships in terms of nodes and ties. Nodes are the individual actors within the networks, and ties are the relationships between the actors. There can be many kinds of ties between the nodes. Research in a number of academic fields has shown that social networks operate on many levels, from families up to the level of nations, and play a critical role in determining the way problems are solved, organizations are run, and the degree to which individuals succeed in achieving their goals.
In its simplest form, a social network is a map of all of the relevant ties between the nodes being studied. The network can also be used to determine the social capital of individual actors. These concepts are often displayed in a social network diagram, where nodes are the points and ties are the lines.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_network
Social network analysis views social relationships in terms of nodes and ties. Nodes are the individual actors within the networks, and ties are the relationships between the actors. There can be many kinds of ties between the nodes. Research in a number of academic fields has shown that social networks operate on many levels, from families up to the level of nations, and play a critical role in determining the way problems are solved, organizations are run, and the degree to which individuals succeed in achieving their goals.
In its simplest form, a social network is a map of all of the relevant ties between the nodes being studied. The network can also be used to determine the social capital of individual actors. These concepts are often displayed in a social network diagram, where nodes are the points and ties are the lines.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_network
What is a women's perceptive?
So, what's a women's perceptive? According to Why Women Are More Perceptive The Definitive Book of Body Language by Barbara Pease, Allan Pease, "Overall, women are far more perceptive than men, and this has given rise to what is commonly referred to as "women's intuition." Women have an innate ability to pick up and decipher nonverbal signals, as well as having an accurate eye for small details. This is why few husbands can lie to their wives and get away with it and why, conversely, most women can pull the wool over a man's eyes without his realizing it.
Research by psychologists at Harvard University showed how women are far more alert to body language than men. They showed short films, with the sound turned off, of a man and woman communicating, and the participants were asked to decode what was happening by reading the couple's expressions. The research showed that women read the situation accurately 87 percent of the time, while the men scored only 42 percent accuracy. Men in "nurturing" occupations, such as artistic types, acting, and nursing, did nearly as well as the women; gay men also scored well. Female intuition is particularly evident in women who have raised children. For the first few years, the mother relies almost solely on the nonverbal channel to communicate with the child and this is why women are often more perceptive negotiators than men, because they practice reading signals early." Any thoughts?
Research by psychologists at Harvard University showed how women are far more alert to body language than men. They showed short films, with the sound turned off, of a man and woman communicating, and the participants were asked to decode what was happening by reading the couple's expressions. The research showed that women read the situation accurately 87 percent of the time, while the men scored only 42 percent accuracy. Men in "nurturing" occupations, such as artistic types, acting, and nursing, did nearly as well as the women; gay men also scored well. Female intuition is particularly evident in women who have raised children. For the first few years, the mother relies almost solely on the nonverbal channel to communicate with the child and this is why women are often more perceptive negotiators than men, because they practice reading signals early." Any thoughts?
What is Self-expression?
Self-expression is about being able to say what you mean or want to say. ... What is so special about self-expression?
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