" Give Peace A Chance ... "

"Ev'rybody's talking about
Revolution, Evolution, Mastication, Flagelolation, Regulations.
Integrations, Meditations, United Nations, Congratulations
All we are saying is give peace a chance
All we are saying is give peace a chance"

~ John Lennon ~ Give Peace A Chance ~

***

In our city, on November 11, Rememberance Day, memorial ceremonies have been scheduled.  The community at large it requested to attend with their poppies vividly displayed on lapels.  Some ceremonies will be televised, others will be private.  And red poppies are a familiar sight in November on ordinary folk, veterans, businessman, school children and politicians.  Funds raised from these poppies are to support the veterans, those that survived and families of those that didn't.  The poppy is a symbol to aid the living and honour the dead.  The poppy promises an end to pain.  For many, this act of rememberance is a way of healing the trauma.  

What I didn't realize is that there is a White poppy as well.  White poppies use to offer an alternative way of remembering.  Remembering that the sufferings of war are not confined to soldiers but to thousands of children whom die of starvation and dis-ease as a direct results of war ~ worn to avoid the outbreak of another wear ~ worn for Peace ~ an end to war and giving peace a chance ... the pledge for Peace.  And really are we not looking for peace in our lives ... in our hearts and in our minds.  Peace in knowing that the choices we make or that are made for us are ultimately for a higher good.  Peace in any situation that we find ourselves facing ... and instead of criticizing the world that is, working towards making a world that could be more compassionate, more loving ... more peaceful.  

One with more life and less dis-ease.

So this year, alongside your red poppy, consider a white one as well.  Knowing that the white poppy symbolizes Peace, Morality and Decency ~ ask for a stronger statement, an admission that lasting peace can not be achieved by human conflict .... Knowing that reconciliation and tolerance could unite rather than divide nations and religions of the world, a call for peace with justice.  

Giving Peace A Chance

" Dream On ... "

" Every time I look in the mirror 
All these lines on my face getting clearer
The past is gone
It went by, like dusk to dawn
Isn't that the way
Everybody's got their dues in life to pay ... 

Dream On, Dream On, Dream On ... "

~ Aerosmith ~ Dream On ~

***

I, for one, use to underestimate the power of Sleep.  I use to be one of those that once again took pride in working lots and sleep less.  Like I was looking for a badge of honour or something.  I imagine some of those around me thought I was insane.  Asking themselves, how can you function with minimal sleep?  And it was also the quality of sleep.  Once I would get to bed, I would lie awake allowing my thoughts to review all the going ons in my life, eventually falling asleep ... then, I would wake in the middle of the night only to be irritated that I couldn't fall back to sleep ... finally getting a few zzz's in prior to the darn alarm clock waking us.  Overall, not well rested and just played frustrated.  Sound familiar?

Yet the importance of sleep, rest and dreams is critical for optimum health.  Getting less than 6 or 7 hours of sleep can increase our risk for developing dis-ease.  "Rest = Restoration" ... Sleep provides us an opportunity to cleanse, repair and rejuvenate on a deep cellular level and we can nourish our body within this natural cycles of rest ... this is when the healing work takes place.  Without the need to attend to all of the functions of daily life, our immune system and organs of detoxification can focus attention on cleansing and restoration.  This is the time when our bodies does major housecleaning, taking care of wastes that have accumulated during the day and repairing cellular damage.  So overriding this desire for sleep interferes with the natural rhythm of cleansing.  Also, according to some in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, as well as Western naturopathic healing philosophy, the most important hours for detoxification and rejuvenation are before midnight.  The earlier you go to bed, the better.  

For the most restful and restorative sleep make sure that your sleeping environment is as healthful as possible.  We have cotton bedding to allow the body to breathe.  As well we keep our window open a few inches year round for fresh air.  A few other things we do to prepare for a good night sleep is to avoid stressful mental activity right before bed, and listen to soothing music or meditate.  Sometimes a brisk 30 minute walk or a soothing hot bath can help.  Anything to get you to relax, unwind and prepare for your healing sleep.

This is all so timely as tonight, here in Calgary, we get to wind our clocks and "fall back" with the time change.  Very excited as another hour of rest is always welcome.  And a recent survey in our city asked "what will you do with that extra hour tonight?" ... and it I was happy to see that the majority will use it to benefit their health and ... Sleep.

♥ Sleep is the best meditation ♥ Dalai Lama

"Tea In The Sahara ..."

"My sisters and I
Have this wish before we die
And it may sound strange
As if our minds are deranged
Please don't ask us why
Beneath the sheltering sky
We have this strange obsession
You have the means in your possession

We want our tea in the Sahara with you
We want our tea in the Sahara with you"

~ Sting ~ Tea In The Sahara ~

***

Today I had the pleasure of sharing a cup of tea with a loving friend.  I love visits, they sure do make my day.  And it was not just an ordinary tea we shared, it was Tulsi tea.  I was fortunate to have my Mom give Russell and I this plant which we have growing in a pot near our kitchen window.  Growing up, I knew about the Tulsi plant, mainly because of references made in bollywood movies nicely wrapped with some religious connection.  And I would admire it from afar every time we visited my parent's home.  My Mom is very proud of her Tulsi plant and then one lucky day, she gave me one to grow and nuture.  Yaay me!

So what is Tulsi you may be wondering?  Well, Tulsi (Hindi: तुलसी ) is also known as the "Holy Basil".  It is an aromatic plant ... considered widespread as a cultivated plant and an escaped weed.  It grows tall with hairy stems and simple opposite green leaves that are strongly scented.  Tulsi is cultivated for religious and medicinal purposes, and for its essential oil.  It is widely used across South Asia as a medicinal plant and an herbal tea.  Commonly used in Ayurveda, it has an important role within the tradition of Hinduism, in which devotees perform worship involving Tulsi plants or leaves.  India recognizes this sacred herb because of its health benefits and healing properties.

So what's all the healing hubbub about?  ...  Well, Tulsi is known for its rich antioxidant properties that are known to promote wellness by building the body's immune system, reducing stress and promoting mental clarity.  By protecting cells from the damage caused by free radicals, Tulsi facilitates the cause and progression of various types of dis-eases; basically inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.  And on a daily basis, Tulsi can help with infections from viruses, bacteria and fungi.  Sounds pretty cool eh?

So why not give it a go?  Perhaps skip that coffee and try out some Tulsi tea.  Pop down to your local organic food store and explore the tea section.  There a loads of brands to choose from.  And remember, above all else, it tastes so SO good, especially on a gorgeous fall day with a loving friend ... ahh BLISS!

"Milk Thistle ..."

" Milk Thistle, milk Thistle
Let me down slow
Help me go slow
I've been carrying on ...

Don't be scared of nothing
You go pound for pound
You bring peace to midnight
like a spotted owl ..."

~Conor Oberst ~ Milk Thistle ~

***

One of the many Gerson supplements is Milk Thistle.  Currently, I take two tablets, three times a day with my vegan meals.  So why milk thistle and what are its benefits?  Well, as mentioned in one of my prior posts, most cancer patients have toxic livers.  Yet, there are many ways to assist in regenerating the liver.  Milk Thistle is a herb and could really be called the liver's BFF.  You see, milk thistle not only protects the liver from toxins, but it also plays an important healing role too.  It repairs liver cells and promotes the regeneration of new cells.  How cool is that??  It ensures that the daily tasks are carried out and that the liver has the ability to rejuvenate itself (visualize my happy dance here).

This herb has the presence of chemicals that can help to detoxify the liver, thereby saving it from the detrimental effects of toxins that are present in our bodies ... and actually reverses some damage that is caused to the liver through excesses in alcohol use, pesticides, and processed foods.  Additionally, it can help prevent some diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.  It is possible to repair this damage done to the liver through wear and tear through a regeneration process.  Worn out cells will grow back again during the process known as regeneration.  And in those cells where regeneration does not occur natural, it can cause the process to start up again.

So how does this all happen?   Well, an active ingredient called Silymarin, is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals that cause cellular damage.  And in some laboratory studies Silibinin, an active compound of Silymarin, is effective in fighting cancer cells found in prostate, cervical and breast cancers.  The use of Milk Thistle has helped to reduce the cancer cell growth and has improved the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs.  Therefore, regardless of your treatment of choice, milk thistle can be very beneficial to assist your liver to a healthier state.  

Of course first consult your health practitioner when considering any form of medication, synthetic or herbal.  I for one am not in favour of self-medicating, yet am in favour of understanding your treatment plan.  Always, always, always do your research and know what you are ingesting in your body ... and know the benefits and side effects to determine if it is right for you. 

♥ Love your Liver ♥