Light & Shade

Breaking up is hard to do...

2010-05-12T15:53:00.005+10:00

This article has been sourced from Homeopathy Plus! and edited slightly.

Almost everyone is affected by a relationship ending at some time or another. When we are, it is normal to experience a rollercoaster of emotions such as weeping and sobbing, hysteria, irritability, anger or violence, seeking revenge, loss of confidence, feeling humilitated, needy or dependent, blame, wanting to be alone or experiencing the feeling of loneliness, sadness or depression...

Most of these emotions arise from feelings of grief, loss and disappointment. Some are less healthy than others but homeopathy can help bring perspective, enabling negative emotions to be processed in a healthier manner. The right homeopathic remedy will lead to faster recovery and reduce the risk of emotional trauma turning into a physical problem.

The following five are frequently used by homeopaths for numerous physical and mental-emotional symptoms, including those arising from a relationship breakup – and you can use them too. Just choose the one that best matches your symptoms. A link to instructions on how homeopathic remedies should be used for acute problems, including emotional distress, can be found at the end of the list.

Ignatia amara (Ign.) for Recent Breakups

Ignatia is the main remedy for acute grief or disappointment. Those who need Ignatia are emotionally sensitive, romantic, and idealistic. Grief or disappointment occurs when there is a mismatch between these idealistic expectations and reality. As a result, it is frequently needed by teenagers, especially girls, but it works equally well for males and those older when its symptoms are present. Behaviour can be hysterical or changeable. There may be indignation, anger, outbursts and recriminations. Crying in public will be avoided, preferring to wait until alone. Weeping can involve convulsive sobbing. There will be brooding and sighing and a lump may be felt in the throat. The heartbroken person may refuse to eat or threaten suicide if the relationship cannot be continued. Consider Ignation when there is indignation, anger, sighing, sobbing, wanting to be alone.

Natrum muriaticum (Nat-m.) for Old Breakups

Nat-mur is the main remedy for the chronic effects of old and hidden grief. It is for relationship breakups from which the person has never recovered. This type of person keeps the pain to themselves, preferring to build an emotional wall around their heart to stop it being hurt again. They easily feel rejected and humiliated, want to be alone and have the reputation of being a loner. As a result, they seem closed or unfriendly though in reality they are very sensitive to the suffering of others. When they cry they cry alone because they hate being comforted or consoled – it will even make them angry. Crying may lead to deep sobs. Cold sores can be a common physical complaint and there may be either a strong craving or dislike for salt. Consider Nat mur when the person is reserved or depressed, suffers in silence, wants to be alone, craves or dislikes salt.

Phosphoric Acid (Ph-ac.) for Weakness and Lethargy

Those who need Phos-ac. become indifferent, apathetic or physically weak following a relationship breakdown. They want to be alone, their emotions become ‘frozen’ and they suffer in silence. They also lack energy, feel exhausted, and are prone to physical problems triggered by their grief. Refreshing things such as juices and fruit may be craved. Considering Phos-ac when the person becomes physically and emotionally feeble, not wanting to talk or be with company.

Pulsatilla pratensis (Puls.) for Feeling Unloved and Abandoned

Those who need Pulsatilla following a breakup feel abandoned and forsaken. They crave love and sympathy and are much better for having a shoulder to cry on. They love being comforted or consoled and will cry openly, gently and sweetly. Hugs and cuddles are appreciated and they don’t mind being dependent in their time of need – they just want to be looked after. Moods may be changeable and they are prone to jealousy or irritability if they don’t get the comfort they crave. Consider Pulsatilla when the person cries openly, craves and feels better for sympathy and physical affection, and is dependent and needy.

Staphysagria (Staph.) for Suppressed Anger

Staphysagria can be used for a breakup when the relationship involved physical or mental-emotional abuse. The person is often gentle, selfless and romantic but overly compliant and yielding. As a result, feelings of humiliation, mortification, and indignation are likely. Anger is suppressed though there may be the occasional explosive outburst during which the person may throw things. Stammering or shaking with emotion (especially anger) is common and physical problems may include styes and urinary tract infections. Consider Staphysagria when the relationship has been abusive and humiliating, the person is gentle and yielding, and anger is suppressed.

Fish on the Menu?

2010-01-11T22:45:00.002+10:00

Some "vegetarians" still occasionally eat fish. It is important to realise that fish do feel pain. Increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, adrenaline rush, writhing and gasping are all clear indications that they are under stress. They display similar signs to how a human would feel when threatened in a dangerous situation.

Fish feel pain out of a biological necessity. They have a brain, central nervous system and pain receptors all over their bodies. The ability to feel pain is a survival mechanism. They produce endorphins and enkephalins, which are known to counter pain in humans.

Scientific reports substantiate this information and underscore the cruelty and suffering related to catching and killing fish.

Ref. The Fish Business, Animal Aid UK

Hunger and Vegetarianism

2010-01-11T22:38:00.001+10:00

It takes 7.27kg of grain to produce 454g of edible beef. Cattle in feedlots consume an amt of food equivalent to the calorie requirements of 8.7 billion ppl...

Ref. New Vegetarian and Natural Health mag, Winter 2005, pg. 43

Stopping Whaling and Environmental Hypocrisy

2009-11-25T21:11:00.006+10:00

The meat industry is one of the most ecologically destructive industries on the planet. The raising and slaughtering of pigs, cows, sheep, turkeys, chickens and other animals not only ties up vast areas of land and uses vast quantities of water but is a greater contributor to greenhouse gas emissions than the automobile industry.

In a world that is fast losing resources of fresh water, it is sheer lunacy to have hundreds of millions of cows consuming over 3780 litres of water for every 0.45kg of beef produced.

Most people don't want to see where their meat comes from. They also don't want to know what impact their meat has on the ecology. They would rather just deny the whole thing and pretend that meat is something that comes in packages from the supermarket. But because there is this underlying guilt always present, it manifests as anger and ridicule towards people who live the most environmentally positive lifestyles on the planet, vegetarian lifestyles.

The truth is, you can't practise solid and constructive conservation work without promoting vegetarianism as something that is important in conserving resources.

For any human to describe themselves as a 'carnivore' is just plain ridiculous. Humans are not and never have been carnivores. A lion is a carnivore, as is a wolf, a tiger and a shark. Carnivores eat live animals. They stalk them, they run them down, they pounce, they kill, and they eat - blood dripping - meat at body temperature. Nature in the raw. I've never met a human who can do that. Yes, we've found ways to run down animals and kill them. In fact we've become quite efficient at it. But we can't eat it until we've cut it up and cooked it. A true carnivore does not thrive on cooked meat.

What is the point of taking shorter showers or not hosing the garden when you consume thousands of litres of water everytime you sit down to a steak? We see our contradictions only when it is convenient to do so, continuing to eat meat because it tastes good.

To be a conservationist and an environmentalist you must practice and promote vegetarianism or veganism. It is the lifestyle that leaves the shallowest ecological footprint - it uses fewer resources and produces less greenhouse gas emissions, is healthier and it means you're not a hypocrite. In fact a vegan person driving a hummer would be contributing less greenhouse gas carbon emissions than a meat-eating person riding a bicycle.

Extracts by Paul Watson, pg. 56-57, Natural Health and Vegetarian Life magazine, Summer 2007/08. Paul Watson is founder and President of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His ships are all run as vegan vessels so not be hypocritical.

Caffeine

2009-11-24T21:22:00.003+10:00

According to the Stash Tea Company, comparisons of caffeine containing products are as follow:

Ordinary coffee - 40 to 170mg in a small 150ml cup
A can of cola - 30 to 60mg
Black tea, one tea bag - 25 to 110mg
Green tea, one tea bag - 8 to 30mg
White tea, one tea bag - 6 to 25mg
Herbal tea - none

Studies show that tea's antioxidant benefits are only benefical when the tea is served milk free.

Benefits of Seeds

2009-11-24T13:25:00.004+10:00

Flax seeds - contains high amounts of alpha-linolenic acid and benefits include lowering of total cholesterol, blood triglyceride and blood pressure. The seed is rich in lignan, one of the major classes of antioxidant phytoestrogens. Research suggests that lignan may play a role in cancer prevention, esp breast cancer. Studies show positive benefits of flax seed oil in irritable bowel disease and to help heal the inner lining of the inflammed intestines.

Pumpkin seeds - a good source of iron, zinc, essential fatty acids, potassium and magnesium. They may help promote good prostate health. Pumpkin seeds are also excellent for treating parasites.

Sesame seeds - are very good sources of manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc and fibre. They also contain lignans, sesamin and sesamolin. Sesamin has been found to protect the liver from oxidative damage.

Sunflower seeds - are an excellent source of vitamin E and are rich in linoleic acid (an omega-6 fat).

By Mark Berriman, pg. 45, Natural Health and Vegetarian Life magazine, Spring 2007

Benefits of Nuts - part two

2009-11-24T12:52:00.005+10:00

Almonds - approx 30g of almonds provide 85% of the recommended daily amt of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant.

Brazil nuts - rich in selenium, a vital antioxidant mineral which works well with vitamin E in helping to prevent heart disease. Two nuts per day provide most of your selenium needs. They also provide vitamin E and B.

Cashews - a source of magnesium needed for strong boness and 15 a day is adequate (if you can restrict yourself to only that many of this yummy nut!)

Chestnuts - contain about 50% water, are high in complex carbohydrates and contain high quality protein. Once cooked their creamy-white flesh is similar in texture to roast potate with a delicate sweet flavour.

Hazelnuts - contain significant amounts of B vitamins including folic acid and B6, and are the highest in fibre of all nuts. The average daily handful recommended is 20 hazelnuts.

Macadamia - contains a large amount of healthy monounsaturated fats. Do not feed them to dogs due to the risk of muscle weakness.

Pecans - contain a number of essential nutrients and a good number is 15.

Pine nuts - are edible seeds of the pine tree and are removed from the pine cones. They contain zinc, niacin (vitamin B3), manganese and arginine. An average serve is two tablespoons.

Pistachios - with their recognisable green colour the pistachio is the only edible nut that doesn't need to be shelled before roasting. Related to the almond, peach and nectarine family, pistachios are split down the middle. They are rich in protein and contain good levels of vitamin E. A good daily serve is 30g.

Walnuts - contain the most alpha-linolenic acid (a short chain omega-3 fat) of the nuts, vitamin E, potassium, iron and manganese. Walnuts are great for your heart and 10 whole walnuts is a good daily serve.

by Mark Berriman, pg. 45, Natural Health and Vegetarian Life magazine, Spring 2007

Benefits of Nuts - part one

2009-11-24T12:17:00.007+10:00

Healthy fats - nuts are a great source of healthy fats including monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats, which play an important role in blood vessel health. Nuts high in monounsaturated fats include macadamias, cashews, almonds, pistachios and pecans. Nuts high in polyunsaturated fats include walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts and Brazil nuts. Eating a variety of nuts will help provide the right balance of healthy fats in the diet. Nuts are a good source of protein and they are not fattening.

Plant sterols - tree nuts such as pistachios, cashews, almonds and pecans contain plant sterols, which can reduce cholesterol absorption from the gut.

Antioxidants - nuts contain a variety of antioxidants including flavonoids, vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, other carotenoids and luteolin. These antioxidants have benefits for the health of blood vessels and for reducing the risk of clogged arteries and cancer.

Arginine - nuts contain arginine, an amino acid that helps keep blood flowing smoothly through the blood vessels. It can slow the formation of blood clots and reduce clogging of arteries.

Folic acid - is a B vitamin that helps reduce high levels of a potentially dangerous amino acid called homocysteine, which is a strong risk factor for heart disease. Cashews, chestnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts provide useful amounts of folic acid.

Fibre - all nuts contribute fibre to the diet, esp soluble fibre, which helps to reduce excessive levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream and prevents constipation.

By Mark Berriman, pg. 44, Natural Health and Vegetarian Life magazine, Spring 2007

The Seven Stages of Disease - warning signs

2009-11-23T16:17:00.005+10:00

1. Enervation

Enervation is a condition when the body is not producing enough energy for the tasks it must perform. This lack of energy impairs all systems of the body. The major symptoms are fatigue, loss of appetite and disturbed sleep patterns. This is the first sign that all is not well!

2. Toxaemia

This occurs when the body can't eliminate toxins faster than they are produced, causing them to build up. The toxins accumulate in the cells, blood, lymph nodes, tissues and organs. Toxaemia is the root cause of all dis-ease. The most noticeable warning sign is fever. Common, and harmful, sources of toxins are animal products, alcohol, tobacco, sugar, artifical sweeteners, chemicals, medications, personal body care products and more.

3. Irritation

This stage of disease is designed to make you aware of rising toxin levels in the body. Irritation is a signal from the nervous system telling us our cells are starting to be damages. Symptoms include itchy skin, queasiness, unease, emotional and mental irritations, anxiety, headaches, body odours, dark circles under the eyes, and so on. If these symptoms are suppressed or ignored the next stage is inevitable.

4. Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's most intense effort to cleanse and restore itself. Pain is usually felt and this warning sign can't be ignored. This pain has a purpose. It is the body's way of saying, Stop. Listen. Understand why this pain is present. What destructive behaviour is happening to the body? Take action to correct, not suppress, the underlying cause to bring about recovery and health. Otherwise the body will fall deeper into the dis-ease state.

5. Ulceration

This stage means the body has been under assault for a long time, so much that cells and tissues are being destroyed. This stage is often immensely painful because there may be exposed nerves. The body uses ulcers as an outlet for relieving extraordinary toxin buildup.

6. Induration

This is the encapsulation of toxins (e.g. benign tumours, cysts, etc.) that threaten the body's natural equilibrium (health). It is an intelligent way for the body to quarantine dangerous poisons in one place so they can't spread freely around the body and risk doing more harm. If this began to happen cells would start to go 'crazy' and wild and disorganised - they would become cancerous.

7. Cancer

By paying close attention to and correctly treating the stages leading up to this point, cancer can hopefully be avoided. The body is an amazing self-healing, self-repairing organism and if we can remember to listen to it and apply health knowledge, wholesome foods, and exercise we can choose health.

by Gary Samer, pg. 14-15, Natural Health and Vegetarian Life magazine, Summer 2006/07

Chai

2009-11-20T23:40:00.005+10:00

Traditional chai is made by brewing black tea leaves with at least four spices and served with warm milk (soy) and honey (optional). The most common spices and their beneficial properties are:

* Cardamom - has many digestive properties. When added to chai, cardamom helps inhibit the mucous forming properties of milk. This sweet seed also produces sweet breath and clears the airways. Taken with ginger, cardamom stimulates the appetite and reduces nausea. It is also known to strengthen the respiratory system and helps to eliminate coughs.

* Cinnamon - can lower blood sugar so it may be useful for diabetics. Due to its warming properties, cinnamon is good for colds, arthritis and rheumatism, easing menstrual cramps and as a general bone tonic.

* Cloves - excellent for lethargy and depression and for those overweight. It's a mild, warming digestive aid and used to treat neuromuscular degenerative disorders. Cloves are thought to keep sore throats away.

* Nutmeg - helps to stave off nausea and vomiting, and diarrhoea assoc with food poisoning. It can be used as a digestive aid and helps to relax, esp when having trouble sleeping. Nutmeg has been used successfully in clinical trials with sufferers of Crohn's disease.

* Pepper - primarily beneficial for its warming properties. Black pepper is heating and pungent, and therefore good for the lungs, heart, digestion, pain, stomach pains, diarrhoea and hoarse voice. Its benefits are enhanced depending on what it is mixed with. Mix with honey for lungs and yoghurt for digestion.

* Ginger - has long been used as a calming agent for upset stomachs and vomiting. Ginger is an effective remedy for poor circulation, coughs, colds, flu, cramps, poor digestion and nausea. It helps to promote healthy sweating, relaxes blood vessels and acts as an antiseptic. Ginger and boiling water is great for digestion, and anyone suffering from abdominal bloating, flatulence or car or motion sickness. A warming herb, it also helps sufferers during the onset of a migraine headache.

* Licorice root - is often added to chai blends to give a sweet bite to the tea. It can have a mild laxative effect and as a tonic licorice root is excellent for glandular and adrenal disorders. It is often recommended for coughs, bronchitis and rejuvenating the reproductive system, esp in men. It is also known to improve eye sight, strength and hair.

by Leisal Shepherd, pg. 42 Natural Health and Vegetarian Life magazine, Autumn 2007

Avoid the Hype

2009-11-19T21:14:00.003+10:00

It should be common sense that if your body's immunity is where it is naturally supposed to be there is no need to worry about flu vaccinations every year. In fact, if your immune system is strong and healthy there is little reason to worry about chronic health conditions either. When you are feeding your body healthful and nutritious foods and drinks you can protect your body from bugs and other 'bad' things.

One of the single most important things to do to avoid getting the flu is to avoid sugars and heavily processed foods.

Ref. Dr. Mercola, pg. 32-33, New Vegetarian and Natural Health magazine, Autumn 2004

Quote

2009-11-19T20:34:00.003+10:00

"You are today where your thoughts have brought you;
you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you."
- James Allen

Ginger

2009-11-19T19:37:00.003+10:00

Ginger has excellent medicinal properties, and can be used to treat digestive and respiratory diseases, as a tonic for the heart, and to ease inflammation and pain assoc with arthritis.

The herb has proven itself to be safe, effective and non-toxic in numerous clinical studies involving hundreds of thousands of people.

Ginger improves:
* digestion
* nausea
* colds and flu
* cardiovascular health
* arthritis

It is also extremely flavoursome in tea and cooking.

Aromatic Blend - a great addition to almost any stir fry

1 tsp of minced fresh ginger
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 tsp of sesame oil

Mix together. Add to pan with your stir-fry.

by Rosemary Ann Ogilvie, pg 36-38, New Vegetarian and Natural Health, Spring 2003

Cortisol

2009-11-19T17:53:00.003+10:00

Cortisol (also know as cortisone) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands when the body is under stress. The main role of cortisol in the body is to ensure that the blood is signalling glucose, amino acids and fatty acids to flow out of the tissues and into circulation. A small amount of cortisol for a short period of time is a normal way for the body to deal with stressful situations - the heart rate increases, energy levels rise and blood pressure is maintained, but long term if too much cortisol is produced much more serious health problems can develop.

Effective nutritional cortisol controllers include:

* Theanine, a natural substance extracted from green tea
* Magnolia bark (Magnolia officinalis) herbal extract
* Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid which is a basic structural component of human cell membranes, and plays a role in muscle metabolism, immune system function and brain activity. It has been shown to effectively modulate levels of cortisol secretion.
* Relaxants including valerian, melatonin and tyrosine.

by Dr. Shawn Talbott, pg. 18-20 New Vegetarian and Natural Health Mag, Spring 2003

Cancer and Drinking Milk

2009-11-19T16:07:00.005+10:00

Hundreds of scientific studies have identifed IGF-I (human insulin-like growth factor) as the key factor in the growth of every human cancer.

Human IGF-I and bovine IGF-I are exactly the same. They both contain 70 amino acids in the identical sequence. Milk is a hormonal delivery system so by the act of drinking cow's milk IGF-I is delivered in a bio-active form to the body's cells. When IGF-I from cow's milk alights upon an existing human cancer, it sends a signal for the tumour to grow.

Scientists have confirmed that when IGF-I was removed from cultures of breast cancer cells, the cellular growth was significantly decreased.

It would therefore be responsible to suggest that humans with cancers should avoid drinking cow's milk and eating other dairy products...

For more information, http://www.notmilk.com/

Amazing Animals

2009-11-19T15:57:00.004+10:00

Half-Blind Kangaroo Saves Life Of Unconscious Man
(ABC News 29/09/2003)

A farmer who suffered serious head injuries after being struck by a falling tree branch was rescued by a partially blind kangaroo who is being hailed as a hero.

Lulu the kangaroo banged on the door of the family's home in Morwell, Gippsland in southeast Australia after discovering the farmer lying unconscious in a field.

According to Rural Ambulance Victoria paramedic Eddie Wright, the man had been checking his property for damage following a severe storm when he was struck by the branch.

Wright said that if Len Richards' family had not found him so quickly, he might have died.

"The kangaroo alerted them to where he was and she went and sat down next to him, and that's how they found him," he said.

Richards was taken to hospital.

Richards' daughter Celeste said, "Lulu and Dad are very close and she follows him around, but we all just love her so much."

About ten years ago, the family found Lulu in the pouch of her mother who had been killed by a car. The authorities allowed them to care for Lulu and adopt her because she is missing one eye.

The Australian Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has urged the family to nominate Lulu for its National Bravery Award.

The Path

2009-11-18T23:10:00.004+10:00

"Do not follow where the path may lead.
Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Quote

2009-11-18T21:51:00.010+10:00

"My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best in this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." - Oprah Winfrey

White Sheets

2009-10-11T11:09:00.008+10:00

She never expected life to turn out this way.

There was always something new amongst the mundane routine of the hospital ward. Like today for instance. Her right leg back in traction, the left lying aimlessly on the crisp white sheet. The sheet, the room, they made her feel dirty despite the sterility of it all. She wiggled her toes and watched them move.

' Well at least that's something' she thought.

It was an improvement on the day before. The small, unpainted toes on her right foot had remained motionless the morning before, her leg twisted and lying flat against the bed. No matter of promptng from doctors, nurses and physios with torturous purpose could convince the limb to do other than lazily sprawl in still defiance. She had sighed in resigned frustration at the time but now as she stared at her foot held in structured, purposeful place, hot tears welled in her brown, tired, and slightly drugged eyes.

"Hello, you're awake," said the nurse as she approached from the other side of the recovery room, "we'll get you back to your ward in no time."

Aimee nodded quietly, her tears contained and hidden from the nurse. She had become good at that.

Author - E. McLean

Drummer

2008-06-16T15:31:00.005+10:00

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”

- Henry David Thoreau

Starfish

2007-12-07T14:12:00.002+10:00

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance through the day, and so he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean. He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man. To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die.

"Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."

So, take the time to do something that will make a difference to someone... it doesn't have to be much and they don't need to know. Just take a moment, do something special... the universe will know and that's enough.”

"They are able who think they are able" - Virgil, Roman Poet 70 - 19 BC

You Can Heal Your Life

2007-09-13T12:24:00.003+10:00

Deep at the centre of my being there is an infinite well of love. I now allow this love to flow to the surface – it fills my heart, my body, my mind, my consciousness, my very being, and radiates out from me in all directions and returns to me multiplied. The more love I use and give, the more I have to give – the supply is endless. The use of love makes me feel good.
It is an expression of my inner joy.

I love myself; therefore, I take loving care of my body. I lovingly feed it nourishing foods and beverages. I lovingly groom it and dress it, and my body lovingly responds to me with vibrant health and energy.

I love myself; therefore, I provide for myself a comfortable home, one that fills all my needs and is a pleasure to be in. I fill the rooms with the vibration of love so that all who enter, myself included, will feel this love and be nourished by it.

I love myself; therefore I work at a job that I truly enjoy doing, one that uses my creative talents and abilities, working with and for people whom I love and who love me, and earning a good income.

I love myself; therefore, I behave and think in a loving way to all people – for I know that that which I give out returns to me multiplied. I only attract loving people in my world, for they are a mirror of what I am.

I love myself; therefore, I forgive and totally release the past and all past experiences and I am free.

I love myself; therefore, I love totally in the now, experiencing each moment as good and knowing that my future is bright and joyous and secure – for I am a beloved child of the Universe, and the Universe lovingly takes care of me now and forever more.

And so it is.

Author - Louise L. Hay

Your All...

2007-09-11T19:11:00.004+10:00

All you can do is all you can do and all you can do is enough...

Brisbane - I love it!

2007-07-05T22:07:00.000+10:00

Animals of the World

2007-06-21T14:00:00.002+10:00

"The animals of the world exist for their own reasons. They were not made for humans any more than black people were made for whites or women for men" - Alice Walker

Best Friends

2007-05-15T18:10:00.002+10:00

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble.

At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight. When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like Mother of Pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold.

He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.

When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, where are we?"

"This is Heaven, sir," the man answered.

"Wow! Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked.

"Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up."

The man gestured, and the gate began to open.

"Can my friend," gesturing toward his dog, "come in, too?" the traveler asked.

"I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."

The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.

After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road which led through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

"Excuse me!" he called to the reader. "Do you have any water?"

"Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there". The man pointed to a place that couldn't be seen from outside the gate. "Come on in."

"How about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to the dog.

"There should be a bowl by the pump."

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.

The traveler filled the bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree waiting for them.

"What do you call this place?" the traveler asked.

"This is Heaven," was the answer.

"Well, that's confusing," the traveler said. "The man down the road said that was Heaven, too."

"Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's Hell."

"Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?"

"No. I can see how you might think so, but we're just happy that they screen out the folks who'll leave their best friends behind."

Justice

2007-04-17T12:38:00.003+10:00

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

- Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr

Charlotte's Sight

2007-04-04T10:56:00.004+10:00

She stops, breathing heavily, trying to decide in which direction to go.

A noise behind her makes up her mind and she spins in her black high heels and long, glittering evening gown. She is running through a long alley, constantly glancing behind her.

Fear grips her entire being and distorts her beautiful face.

She trips and falls.

Her left heel breaks and her purse spills its contents to the ground.

She lifts herself up and hobbles another metre or two down the badly lit alley until a hand grabs her from behind, twisting her body and throwing it against a wall.

Her scream echoes through the darkness but is heard by no one, no one mortal that is, for the Grim Reaper raises his head at the sound.

The woman is alone with a madman. She screams again, and then frantically gasps for air as a hand closes in around her throat, producing a blue tinge upon her lips; lips that were the colour of cherries, so tantalising that no man could resist them, let alone this one.

She stops struggling as her eyes glaze over and she falls; falls to the hard, cold concrete. She falls with such force that the impact causes Charlotte Price, half way across the city, to wake with a start.

Charlotte clutches at her sweat soaked bed sheets and gasps for air. Her eyes dart around the room for a second, before a feeling of relief rushes through her.

It was a dream!

Yet, the realisation does not ease her for long. Instead it chills her to the bone, and she pleads to the dawn, as its light slowly filters through her curtains.

"Oh no, not again! Don't let it be happening again".

Author - E. McLean

Success

2007-03-27T14:04:00.002+10:00

What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?

Aura

2007-03-14T13:56:00.001+10:00

I want to live my life in a way that when my soul leaves my body my aura will be shining bright.

Names

2007-03-05T17:07:00.001+10:00

“The name we give to something shapes our attitude to it.”

"Eileen means light. Light hearted and fun loving with a great sense of humour. Loves to make people happy and she is popular with everyone. She makes friends easily."

I connect comfortably to the description of my name...

I was nursing a seriously ill kitten. His pulse was weak, his body cold, his gums pale. I embraced him in love and let him know that it was okay to let go. As I held him the name "Dustin" came to mind.

He fought for two long days and a night before finally giving in and leaving his fragile body.

A few days later I looked up the meaning of "Dustin". It means "Valiant Fighter!" - agreed.

Grateful

2007-02-20T11:40:00.001+10:00

A friend asked me - "what 5 things are you grateful for?"

Animals

I am grateful for all animals. My cats are special companions. They play with such passion - reminding me to play too, they show love and affection unconditionally - reminding me to do the same and they laze with the expertise that only cats have - reminding me to relax! Through my work with animals, and sharing life with them, I have realised that animals have far greater knowledge than man is yet to comprehend.

My boyfriend

My partner brings love, laughter, music and a whole new way of looking at things to me everyday. He has an amazing calmness about him, which can sometimes drive me crazy but at the same time I appreciate it. He is an amazing musician and through our friendship I have had the privilage of learning so much. I have had the chance to meet other talented people through him because they too are drawn to his gentle energy.

Insight

I am grateful for my spiritual, emotional, mental and physical connections to spirit. I love the healing energy of Reiki and my ability to receive messages. I can dream, I can see, I can feel. I trust in my angels. I believe that every thing happens for a reason.

The world around us

There is such abundance of amazing things in our world. The people, the traditions, the trees, the rainforests, the flowers, the water, the animals, the architecture. I love experiencing stories about different countries and cultures. When we open our minds we open our hearts.

Health

I am grateful for good health. The road has been a rocky one with many obstacles to overcome but when I look back I do feel happy to have experienced so much. I may have felt shocked and overwhelmed by some of the challenges I have faced but I also appreciate them. They have made me the person I am. I am grateful for medical technology. Because of advances in medicine I can see… I can walk… and I can live… I am grateful for my passion for answers and holistic care - and for having the drive not to just give up.

Friends & Family have to get a mention too. It is important to have loved ones and strong friendships.

"A Friend is someone who knows all about you and loves you anyway!"

Jealousy

2007-02-02T15:51:00.001+10:00

Michaelangelo once said, "Art is a jealous thing; it requires the whole and entire man."

... I believe this must be true of music too.