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 newsletter, please forward it to them.
April has been an interesting month. Weather wise Denver has had temperatures near the 90s and back to the 30s (in just two days). I went to Orlando, FL on business in mid April and it was cool and windy there while Denver had heat and snow in the same week. I downloaded and listened to Oprah Eckert Tolle's discussion of his book A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose. A true world wide event that has shaken the
consciousness
of our planet. I am one of millions who listened and am grateful for the experience. I recommend this book and the free download at iTunes or Oprah.com.
I am training for the Avon Breast Cancer Walk in the Rocky Mountains over the weekend of June 28th and 29th. It is a marathon over the course of two days at an altitude over 9,000 feet above sea level. You can make a donation for this event on line until July 25th. Your support is greatly appreciated.
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 and peace. Please let us know what would be most helpful to you and your family.
Summer can be a real health challenge. Our ambitious travel plans leave us vulnerable to new influences from the new environments we so eagerly embrace. Here are some practical tips on how to stay balanced, energetic and well.
Dehydration
You needn’t cross the desert to suffer from dehydration. Many of us suffer chronic dehydration simply because we don’t drink as much water as we should. Our bodies are 65-80% of water, depending on our age. To keep them in balance, it’s no surprise - we need lots of water! And many people just don’t drink enough of it. Sodas, juices, coffee and teas do not answer the same need, with the result that the flow in our body systems is disturbed. Our arteries become polluted and our organ function is compromised. People with cardiac disease, and kidney and gallbladder stones often don’t drink 6-8 glasses of water a day and are chronically dehydrated.
Drinking only sodas, coffee, alcohol and the like also depletes our minerals and vitamins, harming us even more. To counteract this depletion we need a quality multivitamin. How to know what constitutes good quality? Put your multivitamin in a glass of water. If it hasn’t dissolved in ½ hour it will probably not be absorbed in your body, but will simply be eliminated. Be sure, too, that it is as natural as possible. For example, Vitamin E called tocopheryl is obtained naturally. If this is not stated on the bottle, it is probably an artificially derived version that is inferior.
Stress and Depression
Stressed out? Use Vitamin C daily. If you want to detoxify as well, take at least 2000 mg. per day. Depressed? Send me an email. I am working on two articles full of practical suggestions that will make a difference.
Get a good massage: Your friend doesn’t have to be an expert to rub some Oil of Oregano into your muscles with love and goodwill. You will feel your muscles relaxing as oxygen penetrates deep into the tissue. Don’t forget your shoulders and neck, the places we most often tend to tense up. Where to obtain Oil of Oregano?
Eat fruits and vegetables in abundance and avoid sugars. Did you know that every bacteria and virus loves to grow on sugar? Avoid polyunsaturated fats, use unheated cold-pressed olive oil as much as possible, and use flaxseed to get your omega 3.
Summer flu
Stomach flu (or gastroenteritis) is often caused by a virus or food poisoning. Avoid solids for the first day. Drink water, broth (?Pieternel?) and some apple juice to maintain your electrolyte levels. A tablespoon of acidophilus every hour can be beneficial. When you can tolerate solids, start with grated apple and cinnamon, mashed bananas and rice water (water and rice has been cooked). Aloe Vera juice is also a good option, or kefir in its natural form. If this goes well, expand your variety of foods slowly.
Sunburn
Aloe Vera is excellent for sunburn, whether in juice form or straight from the plant. See www.pieternel.com
It’s best to avoid extended exposure to sunshine as much as possible. It can dry out the mucus in your nose, eyes and ears. To cleanse and make these parts succulent again, use a solution of salt water. Warm up one cup of water with a pinch of salt – about as salty as your tears. Let it cool, then put it into a dropper bottle. Use it to clean out your nose, eyes and ears, where it can accelerate the hygienic discharge of mucus.
Swimmer’s Ear (and Earaches generally)
Is anything more relaxing than getting away from it all with a good swim? For some though, this means “swimmer’s ear” and earaches. But these need not discourage you. For problems with swimmer’s ear use Earacheaway. The name says it all. This is a remedy with a base of olive leave extract and vinegar that will relieve your infected ears. For more information see
Be sure to enjoy your life and radiate love, so love finds its way back to you.
Mother's Day, Not Nearly Enough Time, Just One Day for Mothers
By James Zeller
Many take both Mother, and Mother’s Day for granted. We all have, as children growing up. Mother’s Day is more than just a Sunday to send flowers to Mom. Mother’s Day is a memorial that serves as just a fleeting moment of the year to show honor and due reverence to one we love so dear. It’s only one day, and not nearly enough.
Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love. -- Mildred B. Vermont
Eight of her twelve children had been baptized in tears of grief. For Ana Maria Jarvis the Civil War was far from civil. It didn’t seem fair that a mother should outlive so many children, yet she did. In doing so, Ana left a legacy that was adopted and championed by an unmarried daughter who shared her mother’s name.
In 1905, the younger Ana would baptize her mother’s grave in her own tears and begin a quest to bring attention to the incredible gift of mothering.
Two years later, Ana Jarvis sought to have Mother’s Day recognized on a national level. The second Sunday in May was the second anniversary of the death of Ana’s mother so this was a logical choice for Jarvis. Ana lobbied politicians to accept the notion of a day set aside to honor mothers. By 1911 the day was celebrated in almost every state in the union.
The tradition did not stop in America either. This special holiday is now recognized in many countries around the world.
More than a century has passed since the mother of inspiration passed away, and yet it is her legacy that is reflected in the admiration of multiple generations for the tradition of motherhood.
The choice of a Mother’s Day gift is a common celebration of that tradition. Special care should be exercised when seeking out a gift that proclaims a willingness to attempt to pay a debt that can never fully be repaid.
A gourmet gift such as an Oil and Vinegar Set can pay homage to the grand tradition of Mother’s Day in a way that brings a stroke of brilliant elegance and style to the occasion.
Gifts for the kitchen or that will ultimately tempt the palate are perfect for Mother’s Day gift giving primarily because moms spend so much time in the kitchen. Gifts that aid in meal preparations or pamper the taste buds are a welcome departure from more familiar gifts.
A kitchen gift may even indicate a willingness to return for a well anticipated meal with mom. Spending time with our mothers is important in maintaining closeness throughout the years. A Mother’s Day kitchen gift speaks volumes in regards to individual thoughtfulness, creativity and degree of kindness.
It’s possible to become so caught up in our own worlds that we forget the moments in childhood when our jelly-stained hands would reach for mom’s and we’d gaze into her eyes wondering why we couldn’t marry her or how much we wanted to be like her when we grew up.
Should you be able to take the second Sunday in May to personally express your appreciation for your Mother, be sure to take along a special gift that says you care. Then, consider investing some of your time with your mom. Grab her hand and look into her eyes and allow yourself to recapture the wonder of childhood. You’re in the midst of greatness.
We owe a debt of gratitude to Ana Jarvis for her persistent call for a day to honor the esteemed calling of motherhood. I think Ana would agree that, when it comes to motherhood, a lifetime is not nearly enough time to say thanks.
There’s an idea about Father’s Day that still gets an airing every so often but really needs to be stamped out once and for all. What is this dated, negative notion? It’s the idea that Father’s Day is a commercial enterprise invented by card shops, gift shops, whiskey distillers and slipper tycoons in a dubious secret conspiracy and that it has no real historical foundation. The kind of person who puts this idea forward will traditionally have no problem at all with Mother’s Day (which is a bit weird). So do they therefore buy mothers, grannies and daughters birthday gifts but not fathers day gifts, granddads and sons? Of course not! Already their argument is beginning to lose strength.
Granted, Father’s Day is not as old as Mothering Sunday or even the “Mother’s Day” that has effectively replaced it. But Father’s Day isn’t as baseless as some think it is, and people are surprised to learn that it actually dates back to early twentieth century America and an enlightened soul called Sonora Smart Dodd (yes, a woman). She reasoned that fathers deserved the same recognition as mothers do and that a day in the church calendar should be set aside for it. But her story was a sad one.
Sonora’s mother died during the birth of her sixth child and so her father William had to raise the girl and her five siblings without any maternal assistance. It was after a Mothering Sunday service that Sonora approached the local ministry to suggest the new celebration, even going so far as to name a date – 5 June, her father’s birthday. The ministry liked the idea, but wanted the celebration to always fall on a Sunday, choosing the third Sunday of June. On 19 June 1910, fathers were finally given their very own day for the first time. Before long, the concept had spread over the whole state and nation, and eventually the world. Now the day is highlighted in every diary, calendar and gift shop window so we have no excuses to miss it!
So after such an auspicious and emotive start, why has it come to represent socks, a four-pack of beer and lingerie-print barbecue aprons? Because that’s what we think dads like, that’s why! While there’s a large number of dads who do appreciate such gifts, it’s certainly not all of them – we should never forget that nude print aprons are preferred by some.
There’s no doubt that Father’s Day gifts will always be part of the celebrations and that the day is no longer seen in a religious context by the majority of people. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t aim to trivialise the occasion. We should always remember that dad is a unique person with his own loves, interests and sense of humour, and aim to buy him a Father’s Day gift that is tuned in to his wavelength and reminds him of the original meaning of the day: letting him know he’s the best and taking the opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you for being such a faultless specimen.
Exercise Your Willpower Support Group Mailing List
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
There are two very indispensable essential oils in aromatherapy that should ideally be present in almost every household - Lavender and Tea Tree. These oils have innumerable uses and can be used with any kind of dilution.
Lavender – This oil calms, soothes the skin, balances oil production, helps to heal blemishes, stimulates circulation to skin, reduces inflammation of acne and soothes nervous system.
Tea Tree - Has antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and antiviral properties. Heals blemishes without any side effects such as dryness, itching, stinging, burning or redness. Restores energy depleted by everyday stress, reduce or alleviate mental fatigue and exhaustion. Irritating to highly sensitive skin.
Everyday uses of these two essential oils -
- Add few drops of lavender essential oil in your hot bath to calm and soothe the skin.
- A drop or two of lavender oil massaged on pressure points below ears relieves tension.
- Apply few drops of lavender oil diluted with any base oil to damp skin for best absorption.
- Dab a drop of tea tree oil, 2 or 3 times a day at the first sign of a blemish or cold sores.
- Few drops of lavender essential oil mixed with a tbsp of honey makes a lovely facial mask.
- Dilute few drops of lavender oil with olive oil and massage into damp clean skin.
- Few drops of tea tree oil in a cup of water makes a good antibacterial mouth rinse.
- A drop of tea tree oil around the gum line may help prevent or reverse gum problem.
- Baby shampoo mixed with few drops of tea tree and lavender oil makes a nice wipe solution
- Few drops of tea tree and lavender essential oils with olive oil can be apply to the diaper area.
- To massage the baby, mix few drops of lavender oil in a base of sweet almond or olive oil.
- For healthy fingernails and toenails, massage a drop of tea tree oil on the nail bed and drop under the nail too.
- Lavender oil will stop the itching and soothe insect & mosquitoes bits, stings.
- Apply few drops of diluted tea tree oil to small scratches, scraps and minor skin irritations.
This group is for individuals who want to learn more about the health benefits of incorporating 100% therapeutic grade Young Living Essential Oils into their life.
Seems there's always another holiday gathering or family reunion right around the corner. But do you ever leave wondering why you went? Are some of your in-laws and extended family members a little hard to deal with? It can be different. How would you like to walk in feeling excited about being there, knowing that you'll leave happy about your whole experience? It's your choice. Discover five tips that will show you how to plan your next family reunion experience just like you've always wanted.
Are you wondering how your next family gathering will turn out? Is it tough to relate to some of your family, in-laws, and extended family members? Do you sometimes leave feeling drained and wondering why you went at all?
It can be different this year. Imagine walking into your next family reunion feeling excited about being there and knowing that you'll leave feeling happy about your whole experience.
It's your choice. You can use these five tips to make your next family gathering the experience you've always wanted.
Tip #1 - Decide What You Want to Experience
We call this creating an intention. If you aren't very clear about what you do want to experience, then it will be difficult to make that happen. And it may be hard for you to even notice it when it is happening. How do you get clear about your intention? Ask yourself these questions:
"How could my family and I benefit from this?"
You might choose fun, caring and harmony. Or peacefulness: "If my experience today could only be peaceful I would walk out happy and wanting to return next time." Take some time to imagine all the qualities that would make your next family gathering a wonderful experience for you.
"How could you and your family benefit from this quality of experience?"
Perhaps you could gain a greater sense of connection. You and your family might really look forward to seeing each other again. Or you might be more playful with one another. The time you spend identifying these benefits will help you remember your intention if things start to get challenging at the gathering.
Tip #2 - Know That People Are Doing the Best They Can
You might ask: "When Aunt Sue complains about everything under the sun, is she doing the best she can? When Dad criticizes me about every part of my life, is he doing the best he can?"
Yes. They're doing the best they can.
Stop and think about it. Do they look like they're having fun at these times? Are they being effective at getting what they really want? If they knew a way to take care of themselves that was more fun and that worked better at getting what they really wanted, don't you think they would do it?
So if you get upset seeing people act the way they do, remind yourself: They're doing the best they can. Then get back to creating what you want to experience as fast as you can.
How do you do that?
Tip #3 - Don't Take Things Personally
"Don't take it personally if someone says that what I'm doing is stupid?"
You can avoid taking things personally if you start with this understanding: Everything people do or say starts with a desire to support something they value.
And what could that be? Guess.
Your father says to you: "How can you possibly think that starting your own business is a smart thing to do?" He might value security, or predictability. He might be worried about how you'll continue to pay your bills. Believe it or not, this might be his attempt to contribute to you. And, he is Doing The Best He Can.
So the next time you hear something you don't enjoy, the next time you want to defend yourself and justify your position, STOP and remember: It's about them. Don't take it personally.
Instead, try to be curious. "Wow, I wonder what's going on with them?" Imagine yourself in the other person's shoes: "If I said or did that, what might be going on with me?" See if you can guess.
Tip #4 - Clarify Your Understanding About What Others Want
One big cause of upset between people is not being sure about what they want from each other.
Have you ever heard people express concerns or complaints like: "I just don't know how I'm going to pay my rent this month?" Or: "I hate it when we start eating without giving thanks first." Or maybe a family member starts talking to you about how your favorite cousin is making a mess of her life.
What happens then? Do you feel confused or uncomfortable? Do you try to justify yourself, explain the situation, or give advice?
Whenever you feel uncomfortable hearing people's concerns or complaints, we believe this is partly caused by your not understanding what they want from you.
We suggest you start asking for clarity. Say or guess out loud what you think the other person might want from you.
Before you start, remember tips 1, 2, and 3.
Get present to the intention you created for the gathering.
Remember people are doing the best they can.
Don't take things personally.
Suppose cousin Jim says: "I just don't know how I'm going to pay my rent this month." What does he want? Ask him: "Do you want to brainstorm some ideas about how you might get your rent this month?"
Or when your grandmother says: "I hate it when we start eating without giving thanks first." What does she want? Ask her: "Would you like to see if somebody is willing to give thanks before we eat this year?
If your guesses aren't accurate, they'll let you know by saying something else that gets closer to what they do want. Your guess will open the way for a conversation that can lead to more understanding and less stress for both of you.
Tip #5 - Develop Your Ability to Be Grateful
What you focus your attention on grows.
If you constantly notice things that cause you pain, then you will continue to suffer. "How inconsiderate he is." "She doesn't care about me." "He's the most selfish person I've ever known."
Try focusing your attention on what you do enjoy.
It may sound simple. But ask yourself: "What would it be like if I spent my day simply noticing everything that I enjoy about being with my family?"
Imagine looking for all the things that you do enjoy, and being thankful for them. "It smells so good in here; I can't wait to eat." "I'm so grateful that everyone cares enough to spend time together." "It's nice that my mom enjoys having these gatherings at her house."
How would you feel if you only focused your attention on the things you do enjoy?
So here's the plan for a family reunion experience just like you've always wanted
1. Decide what you really do want to experience
2. Know that people are doing the best they can
3. Don't take things personally
4. Clarify your understanding about what others want
and
5. Focus on what you enjoy
Following this plan is the fastest, easiest way to enjoy any family experience.
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