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Welcome to all our new subscribers, and I extend my appreciation to everyone who forwards this newsletter to friends. One friend telling another is how we grow, and I deeply appreciate your support. If you know anyone who might enjoy reading this newletter, please forward it to them.

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I was delighted to hear from a woman earlier this month regarding an article she read in our first issue. She was motivated to start a gratitude journal after reading the article GRATITUDE: The ICE That Fills Your Half Empty Glass! by Lance Beggs. She said it was a wonderful practice and a real blessing.

During the aftermath of Katrina a friend of mine told me of her godson's family and how they were affected by the destruction of the hurricane. I recently received a letter from Mildred Taylor who went to New Orleans to assist family members with the clean up. You can read her moving and graphic letter here.

This month's newletter deadline came upon me quite unexpectantly, as did the snow we received this past Monday in Denver, Colorado. Yesterday, while speaking with a 74 year old gentleman at The Fisher House, where I work, the subject of time came up in our conversation. I mentioned that time seemed to go by so much faster for me while I was working full time and going to school three nights a week. He looked at me quite earnestly and said, "It gets even faster as you get older." I know that has been true for me. This keeps me coming back to how I spend the hours and days of my life. Without getting into a judgemental mode about wasted time and resources I resolve to do the best I can just for today. And truly, this day - this moment is all we have.

Today I resolve to be nonpartisian in my thoughts and discussions about the rising cost of fuel oil, natural gas and other issues that affect our nation and the world. I resolve to reduce judgemental thoughts of myself and others. And I reslove to expand my mind, stretch my body, and enjoy a walk at Bluff Lake Nature Center.

The Two Compassionate Hands Newsletter, like the website, is dedicated to healing the planet one person at a time. This and future issues will contain articles on physical, environmental, spiritual health, and more. We look forward to bringing you relevant information that will aid you on your path to optimal health. Please let us know what would be most helpful to you and your family.

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Have you been thinking about starting a graditude journal? Why not start with a beautiful handmade journal.

Exquisite handmade Journals, Stationery, Photo Albums, Wedding Invitations and

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I want to share with you today one of those great moments,when you suddenly experience a life changing burst of clarity. When suddenly the answer you're searching for becomes so obvious - it's right there in front of you, and all you can say is "Wow! Why didn't I realize that before?" This was the first of several moments of awakening for me, following my breakdown in early January 2005. It happened when I heard the following quote, by David Martyn Lloyd-Jones from his book "Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure": "Most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself rather than talking to yourself." Wow! I'm not sure what effect this just had on you? Perhaps you've heard this idea before. But for me this was life-changing. Although only a part of the puzzle, it was a major part, and it was an exciting moment. Let's look at what it means. The first part states, "Most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself". Would you let someone else tell you that you're no good, that you're not worthy? You're too fat! You can't do it. You always stuff up. You're too old. You're too young. Firstly, what right do they had to make your decisions for you, and secondly, do their comments empower or disempower you? You wouldn't listen to them, would you? So then why are you listening to your thoughts? Another person's thoughts do NOT define who you are. And similarly, your thoughts do NOT define who you are. They do NOT define reality. You are NOT your thoughts, and you do NOT have to agree with them. This is empowerment. If you have not heard this concept before, try listening to your thoughts for a couple of days. Write them down, and I think you'll be incredibly surprised at how negative they actually are. So what's the answer? Well it's quite simple. As the quote says, talk to yourself. When you find yourself with unwanted feelings, perhaps anxiety, fear, or jealousy, step back and observe your mind because you'll always find negative thoughts. Don't listen to them. Talk to yourself, and replace them with what you want to hear. Something that empowers you! There is only room for one thought at a time, so why don't you be the one to decide what that thought will be. So for example, if your mind is saying "She'll never go out with me. I'm a loser. She'll just laugh", why not replace that with "She'll be lucky to go out with me, because I'm a nice guy. And if she's not interested, at least I'll know, and my confidence will be boosted so much because this time I had the courage to ask." Next time your mind says, "I knew I couldn't stick to that diet. I'm going to be fat forever", why not replace it with "Well, I slipped up a little, but I'm making good progress on this diet. Let's keep going, because I'm looking better and better everyday." Try it. Yes, in the beginning it's harder than it sounds because you're dealing with a massive tide of negativity, but I promise it gets easier the more you do it. And in time, it will be automatic - your subconscious will be trained to give you positive thoughts rather than negative. If you catch a negative thought, replace it with a positive. This is your life! Make sure you're the one in control. Live life to its fullest. Love life, and BE HAPPY! Lance Beggs is the author of the "How to be Happy Now" newsletter. His life's mission is to help others live a life of meaning, love & happiness!

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Please help the Prison Dharma Project at the Zen Center of Denver.

You can make a 100% tax-deductible donation to assist in this effort to aid in Lupe's release.

Note cards, a set of five different "Wandering Monk images, designed by Lupe Rodriguez are available at the Zen Center of Denver for a minimum donation of $10.

Internet orders are available now by check or credit card.

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Keep Fit For Life At Any Age

by Danielle Sims

Scientists now know that it’s usually more dangerous to not stay active, no matter how old you are. And you don’t need to buy special clothes or belong to a gym to become more physical. Most people don’t get enough physical activity. Here are some reasons why they should: * Lack of physical activity and not eating the right foods, taken together, are the second greatest inherent cause of death in the United States. (Smoking is the number one cause.)

* Physical exercise can help people feel right and enjoy life more. * Regular exercise can halt or put off some diseases like cancer, heart disease, or diabetes. It can also perk up your mood can be a direct result along with helping depression.

* Being active can help people stay independent and able to keep doing things like getting around or dressing themselves as they get older. There are four types of physical activies you need to do to have the right assortment of physical activities. 1. Get at least 30 minutes of activity that makes you breathe harder on most or all days of the week. That’s called “endurance activity,” because it builds your energy or “staying power.” You don’t have to be active for 30 minutes all at once. Ten minutes of endurance activity at a time is fine. Just make sure those 10-minute sessions add up to a total of 30 minutes most days. How hard do you need to exercise? The right level of effort is described this way: If you can talk while exercising without any trouble at all, you’re not working hard enough. If you can’t talk at all, it’s way too hard.

2. Keep using your muscles. When muscles aren’t used, they waste away at any age. How important is it to have “enough” muscle? Very! Muscles step-up your metabolism, allowing you to burn off more calories during the day when your body is at rest. Using your muscles may also make your bones stronger, too.

3. Do things to help your balance. Every now and then walk heel-to-toe. When you walk this way, the toes of the foot in back should almost touch the heel of the foot in front.

4. Stretch. Stretching can help keep you flexible and will be able to move more freely. Stretch when your muscles have warmed up. Never stretch so far that it hurts.

So, make physical activity a part of your everyday life. Find things you enjoy. Go for brisk walks. Ride a bike. Dance. Work around the house and in the yard, take care of your garden, climb the stairs, or rake your leaves. Regular day to day chores around the hous can keep you moving and active.

Danielle Sims explored her library of alternative health, herbal books, and aromatherapy books and created a blueprint for making her own body wrap formulas at home. For more information visit Danielle's website http://www.wrapyourselfslim.com

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If you need more motivation and some group support, feel free to subscribe to the Exercise Your Willpower mailing list. There is a great group of people who help motivate each other. To get more information, visit the website at: http://www.exerciseyourwillpower.com

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How To Prepare For Cold And Flu Season With A Strong Immune System

Ah-choo! Oh, that awful achy feeling when every muscle and bone in your body just hurts. You can’t sleep, you have no appetite and you certainly can’t afford to be under the weather for even just a few days. Cold and flu season will be upon us again and there is no better time to protect yourself than right now with a strong immune system. What is the immune system? Very simply, our immune system is like a shield that protects our body from the germs, bacteria and viruses that can cause illness. The weaker the immune system, the more vulnerable we are to getting sick. The stronger the immune system, the more we protect ourselves from getting sick. This isn’t to say that we won’t ever catch a cold, but with a strong immune system, we will also be better able to fight off any illness faster. So, how do you build a strong immune system? There are several things we can do to make sure our immune system stays healthy and becomes strong. The first is nutrition. You know the saying, “garbage in, garbage out?” It’s the same thing with our bodies. Bad eating habits result in poor nutrition, which cannot give our bodies the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients it needs in order to stay strong. There’s nothing wrong with a cheeseburger or ice cream on occasion, but moderation is the key. Unfortunately, even the best nutritional habits are challenged to provide the body with all it needs to build a really strong immune system. Nutritional supplementation, such as vitamins, minerals and immune boosters are important to help fill in the blanks that even the best nutrition can’t. Exercise is another great way to help build a strong immune system. You don’t have to join a gym or hire a personal trainer to exercise. Ever notice how much better you feel after a nice long walk? Regular bike rides; walks, gardening, and yes-even housework are all great forms of exercise that will help contribute. There are also certain things to avoid. Excessive stress and smoking are just two things that can really compromise and weaken the immune system. I know from experience when I was in a high-stress work environment, I felt terrible and became sick more frequently. Building and maintaining a strong immune system is not something that happens overnight and that we can forget about in just a few short months. It is something that we must continue to strive for our entire lives. We will be less apt to get sick. We will be able to fight off illness better and we will be able to lead a much higher quality of life for the long term. Get started today and create real smart health for today and tomorrow. Patty Gale is a successful entrepreneur who specializes in personalization and customer care for all of her clients. She exchanged her suits, hose and heels to work from home in her "jammies" and is on a mission to empower others to do the same. She may be reached at: http://www.Immune-System-Boosters.com

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Fibromyalgia Facts For Females

Fibromyalgia is one of the most common diseases affecting the muscles, tendons, and joints in women. Many health care professionals still do not recognize the condition as a disorder, most likely, because x-rays, blood tests, and biopsies often show no prevalent evidence to support the patient’s complaints. However, in recent years, the use of thermographs, a device that tests and measures the heat produced by areas of the body, has helped diagnose the condition. Studies indicate that fibromyalgia patients have decreased blood flow and decreased skin temperatures in sites of tenderness. Symptoms include long-term muscle soreness, muscle stiffness, sleeplessness, fatigue, mood changes, anxiety and depression. Often times the condition is worsened by stress and weather changes. Unlike other rheumatic conditions that cause swelling and inflammation of the tissues in the body, fibromyalgia does not cause any type of joint deformity or does not damage any internal organs.

Many times, patients that suffer with fibromyalgia have other conditions or disorders that will occur. One of the most common disorders associated with fibromyalgia is TMJ, a disorder associated with the jaw. Many sufferers of fibromyalgia may be diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as well. Some patients complain of migraine or tension headaches, irritable bowel and bladder syndromes. Some women may develop a loss in memory and concentration. Fibrocystic Breast Disease and Endometriosis is often present in women that have fibromyalgia, although there has been no studies conducted regarding the correlation of the two.

Causes of this condition is still unknown, many experts are researching the relationship between menopause and fibromyalgia. Most women are diagnosed with this condition between the ages of 40 to 55 which is when menopause usually occurs, and approximately 85%-90% of all reported Fibromyalgia conditions are women. Hormonal changes, such as the decreased amounts of estrogen in the female body, may contribute to symptoms like anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness in fibromyalgia patients. Research shows, however, that estrogen and progesterone replacement therapy is not that beneficial to fibromyalgia sufferers. There are mild benefits reported when using the estrogen patches rather than the estrogen pills. Some studies indicate that the low thyroid function and decreased levels of thyroid hormones, as well as estrogen and progesterone hormones, may contribute to muscular pain, fatigue, mood changes, and anxiety. At the present time the correlation between menopause and fibromyalgia is uncertain, due to the lack of research on the subject. Fortunately, more tests are being conducted to find out how declining estrogen levels affect the onset of fibromyalgia. On-going research is being conducted that may suggest abnormally low levels of the hormone Cortisol, which is the hormone produced by the adrenal gland may also be a linked cause.

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent this disorder or completely cure it, either… Therefore, most treatment’s center on conquering the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Treatments for women suffering from fibromyalgia vary according to symptoms. In some cases, physical therapy or light exercise may be prescribed. Research has shown that the use of ice immediately following any exercise may decrease muscle and joint pain. The use of tricyclic anti-depressants usually used in treating depression; has also been shown to be an effective medication for treating firbromyalgia. These medications usually relieve depression, anxiety, reduce fatigue, and restores effective sleep patterns. Some physicians may prescribe local injections of analgesics to the sore or stiff areas. The use of pain-relievers and muscle relaxers has both been beneficial in reducing pain symptoms and improving sleep. Often times, doctors will discuss pain and stress management to their patients; which can eliminate some symptoms of the disorder.

Diet plays an important role in the prevention of symptoms concerning fibromyalgia. Eating organic foods, such as fruits and vegetables; increasing the intake of low-fat, high fiber foods; those high in Omega-3 Fatty acids, found in fish may benefit sufferers. Some physicians suggest lowering sodium rich foods or eliminating additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG’s) and artificial sweeteners, like Aspartame may relieve many symptoms of fibromyalgia. And recent studies indicate the use of a vegan diet may help alleviate symptoms. Alternative treatments, specifically in the field of homeopathic remedies, suggest taking magnesium, B-12 Vitamins, and Vitamin C.

Other non-medical treatments involve massage therapy, heat therapy and cold packs that may temporarily relieve symptoms. The use of Hydrotherapy or water therapy can increase circulation and decrease muscle aches. Currently, there are studies being conducted that may offer more treatments or one specific treatment for helping relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.

Women suffering with this disorder may find themselves withdrawing from society due to the pain and anxiety associated with fibromyalgia. Many times, women find themselves unable to work a physical or stressful job. The best advice is to seek treatment and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes light exercise, good eating habits, and staying active in both, work and life.

Dr. James Brann is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He is also the Editor of Women's Healthcare Topics an information source for all women. http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com At Women's Healthcare Topics website you will find valuable and up-to-date information on numerous topics related to women's health including Early Signs of Pregnancy, First Pelvic Exam, Genital Warts and more.

Articles and Web Sites Worth a Look

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October 2005

Volume 1, Issue 2

`Most of Your Unhappiness in Life is Due to...`

`Keep Fit For Life At Any Age`

`How To Prepare For Cold And Flu Season With A Strong Immune System`

Fibromyalgia Facts For Females

Articles and Web Sites Worth a Look

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