Blossoming You
When we tend to our gardens we give our flowers and plants water, the adequate amount of sunlight and possibly fertilizer when needed. Our attention is given with an intention of nourishment and trust that if we do that their own internal mechanisms will do the rest. These plants will in turn blossom and thrive, growing strong and beautiful.
When we neglect our gardens we forget to give them water, we plant them in a place where the amount of sunlight isn't adequate, never fertilize and have very little interest in whether they are being nourished properly. We give very little thought to the importance of all these steps. These gardens may live, but the plants will not thrive. They will not be strong and their true potential beauty will not be revealed.
In the same way, our bodies need the same treatment. What makes us think that we would need any less? The variant is that in addition to all the physical elements, we have cognitive abilities, and to thrive we need to have positive, loving thoughts and actions to fully fulfill what we need, to be all that we can be physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally. We need to make sure that all the elements are harmonious in order to thrive. We are no different from our gardens.
Be Your Own BFF
There is a mental chatter that happens throughout our days in our lives. Unfortunately for many of us, that chatter can be self depracating. It can be filled with self criticism, self doubt or self hatred at any given point in time. "We're not smart enough", "we're not good enough", "we're not pretty enough", "we're not skinny enough", and the list goes on and on. We are constantly measuring ourselves against an impossible PERFECT measuring stick that is unattainable. It is an exercise in frustration and unhappiness. If we can step back and realize that we are perfectly imperfect in every way. That the most important love in our lives is our own love for ourselves. If we can be truthful with ourselves and accept every aspect of ourselves without judgement, but instead nurture that being inside us, and the perfect imperfections we have been blessed with and make us the being we are, we can start enjoying our own company. We can enjoy those mental conversations and that chatter in such a way that lifts us. Become aware of the chatter in your brain. Make the choice to be your best friend. That is part of being aware. Compassion starts with ourselves.
Ashwagandha: The Queen of Ayurveda
Ashwagandha is an herb which is sometimes called Indian "ginseng" and is used to treat a wide variety of diseases. In Ayurveda it is used to increase longevity and health; considered the "Queen of Ayurveda." It is one of the best supplements to take for overall balance and health in the body. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb. This means that it balances the body as a whole. It addresses imbalances in the body. The following is a list to give you an idea of what it has been found to help.
- It has anti-cancer properties.
- It protects against neurological diseases such as Parkinsons and Alzheimers.
- It fights infection.
- It reduces anxiety and relieves stress.
- It is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.
- It enhances brain function.
- It regulates the immune system and reduces autoimmune diseases.
- It improves fertility in men.
- It strengthens the heart and controls cholesterol.
- It balances insulin.
- It regulates the thyroid hormone.
Although it has many benefits, as with anything, you must be aware of the contraindications as well. It must not be taken during pregnancy because it may cause miscarriage. Ashwagandha can affect the effects of regular medications. Taken in large amounts it can cause diarrhea and nausea. Checking with your doctor before taking it is always a good idea. I encourage you to look further into the benefits of Ashwagandha. See for yourself what it can do for you.
We Are Limitless
While writing "Transcending MS", I had to go back in time in a way I had never gone before. I had always focused on moving forward; focusing on health and not on the disease. I was in total denial about there being anything wrong with my body. I insisted on thinking I was healthy, with days where my body was just a little "off." Ultimately it worked for me and brought me to health. But at the time of writing and trying to recollect how I felt physically when I was diagnosed and prior, I began to feel those same symptoms while writing. I was physically reliving what I had gone through all those years ago and the same symptoms began manifesting in my body. As it was happening, fear settled in my body and mind and I began asking myself if I was kidding myself; and maybe I was not as healthy as I was writing I was. It was time to put into practice what I believed so strongly. I sat on the floor, closed my eyes, stepped back mentally and focused on how my body was really feeling. At that moment the symptoms which had manifested from my memories gently evaporated. No more dizziness or instability. In the moments that followed, I sat in silence and scanned my body slowly. I was in a place of total relaxation and in awe of how powerful my mind was. What was created emotionally through my memories and fears, was very real to my body. Only when I brought down the stress that was being created, was I able to let the body know that there was nothing wrong with it and nothing to fear. Our minds are very powerful and will create disturbances in the body. Stress has a way of sneaking up on us. The effects of unmanaged stress can have devastating effects on us. Tuning into the body and giving it the space for relaxation and healing is key to bringing back balance and health. There is no limit to what we can do with self-love and compassion.