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.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
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 Guaraní 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 Guaraní 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.
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