Monday, December 31, 2012

The only New Years Resolution you will EVER need


by Louise Jensen

 
It's that crazy time of year again when lists are made with often unachievable, sometimes downright ridiculous goals.

Three people I know have already decided on theirs. One is currently eating through the Christmas food like there is a famine approaching so she can start a diet on January 1st, another has signed up to a gym but she doesn't want to actually start until New Year (although she has bought all the kit), and the third is "absolutely, definitely" going to give up smoking this year "for sure".

Sound familiar?

How often have you made a resolution only to break it and subsequently feel negatively about yourself? Why not try something different this year?

Although I don't really condone New Years Resolutions (why delay feeling happy until you are thinner/fitter/healthier etc?) if you want to make one, try this:
 
"Be Kind"

Yep, it really is that simple. Be kind to yourself. If you need to change your diet, improve your fitness, give up smoking etc by all means try. That's being kind to yourself. However, if it doesn't work out don't be hard on yourself. You are not a failure. Be Kind.

Someone treating you not in a way you would choose to be treated? Be Kind. You don't know what's going on with them, and you are not a mind reader so don't second guess. Everyone has their own story to tell and we all could benefit from some kindness, always.

You can Be Kind, to anyone, in any situation but most of all, remember to apply it to yourself. Kindness flows into gratitude which transmutes into love. What more do we actually need?

If everyone used this as their New Years Resolution how lovely the world would be.

Happy New Year.

Louise xx
 
Louise Jensen is an award winning Kinesiologist and is certified in many therapies, including the Mind Detox Method (as featured on Discovery Health) where she graduated from the Mind Detox Academy in record time. A regular writer for Holistic Therapist Magazine, Louise has overcome living with a disability and has 12 years experience in helping others to heal.  Visit The Happy Starfish.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

New Year’s Resolutions can really change things

by Craig Ruvere
 
As the holiday season comes to a close, the start of a new year is on the horizon.
 
For many of us December 31st is synonymous with gatherings in Time Square – where a star-studded ball makes its 70 foot decent before thousands of onlookers cheer “Happy New Year!” at the stroke of midnight.
 
But the start of a new year should mean more than just purchasing a new desk calendar. It should be a time to reflect on the previous year and re-evaluate where we’re going in the future.
 
The beginning of a new year has become one of the world’s oldest holidays. It all started with the Babylonians, who first celebrated the day some 4,000 years ago. And though the timing and practices have been altered some over the years, it’s still a cause for celebration to millions of people all over the globe.
 
The Babylonians are also credited with creating a tradition that’s still practiced today – the New Year’s resolution. A typical Babylonian resolution might consist of returning borrowed farm equipment to your neighbor, but times have changed and the resolutions have evolved to include more applicable staples such as losing weight or quitting smoking.
 
When trying to define the word “resolution” such statements include “a resolving to do something” or “a course of action determined or decided on.” But when you truly think about what the New Year’s resolution truly represents, it’s nothing more than an alteration of our habitual behaviors.
 
Take a minute then to reflect on the fact that we turn to one day of the year to alter the way in which we carry ourselves through this world. It begs the question why changing those nasty habits is not something that occurs all year long.
 
Survey’s have indicated that the most common New Years’ resolutions year after year are to get more physically fit, quit smoking or drinking, get out of debt or get more organized. Sound familiar? But the reality is that New Years’ resolutions have become trite and meaningless – typically expiring a few days after they’re pledged.
 
Society is just not willing to commit to resolutions that hold any real value for anyone – including ourselves it appears. But why do resolutions not consist of something more substantial – something more valuable to not only our life but the lives of those around us?
 
Why do you never hear people resolving to abolish prejudices against those different than us? Is that not as important as losing a few pounds? Why not resolve to respect our neighbors as we would ourselves? Certainly tolerance can’t be that hard to carry out through the year. And what about our children? Isn’t it about time we tried to reestablish the guidance that so many young people are missing today instead of allowing them to follow the cookie-cutter molds the media creates?
 
Aren’t these pledges worth raising a glass to at the beginning of a new year? Shouldn’t they hold greater validity than a string of broken promises that many of us forget we even made? Or is the New Year really just about changing the calendar?
 
The beginning of a new year brings to all of us the element of hope that anything is possible. In fact centuries ago it was believed the start of a new year should coincide with Spring – a rebirth of nature signaling a rebirth within ourselves. But even though our new year begins on the 1st of January, it’s still a time for a new beginning, a time of excitement when dreams and imaginations tend to dance around even the most cynical of hearts.
 
But what if we could truly change things? What if we used this time of reflection to make a difference in a world so reluctant to see beyond their own needs and desires? Maybe then peace would truly be something our children might see in their future; hatred would be limited to lima beans; and technology would be something benefiting our lives rather than running them.
 
There is undoubtedly a way to make things better in life – it just depends on how much of our own habitual behaviors we’re willing to compromise in order for everyone to prosper.
 
We’re only given one life on this earth, and I can’t imagine wasting our short time here not trying to make things better. So this year no matter where you might be when the clock strikes midnight, I ask you to make your resolutions wisely for just maybe, together, we can change things.
Happy New Year!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Finding your way home on Christmas Day

by Craig Ruvere
 
Throughout the month of December, constant reminders of the holidays captivate our senses.  We marvel at the sight of twinkling mini-lights intertwined on festive decorations, salivate from the scent of freshly baked gingerbread men lined like toy soldiers on cookie sheets, and hum along to the sound of holiday tunes joyfully playing in the background.
 
For me, the sounds of the season have always been my favorite.
 
As a young child, I remember listening to songs about a magical snowman with a corncob pipe and a button nose, and wondering if it really was fun to ride in a one horse open sleigh. But as an adult, I find myself drawn to musical themes which many times parallel the realities of life during this time of year.
 
One example came to me last December, while driving on a roadway lightly covered with the season’s first snowfall. The song was “Home On Christmas Day” – penned by talented songwriters Jay Landers and Walter Afanasieff and sung beautifully by Broadway and television star Kristin Chenoweth.
 
With a haunting orchestration and lyrics overflowing with poignancy, the song navigates you through the often painful reality of celebrating the holidays without someone irreplaceable who has since passed on from this life. From the song:
 
And now I promise you,
With all my heart this Christmas
That all the love we shared,
Will never go away
Your spirit’s everywhere,
And I hope you know
That you are always here,
Home on Christmas day
 
“Home” amplifies what this writer believes the true meaning of the holidays should be – a celebration of the lives we are so fortunate to be surrounded with not just on Christmas Day but each and every day.
 
An unfortunate reality of life is that no one is spared the grief and heartache of losing someone we care for deeply. The holiday season seems to exemplify that feeling of loss as we remember the traditions, the laughter and the love those cherished individuals once brought to our lives.
 
It’s a place in our hearts which can never be filled by material possessions eliciting a temporary feeling of happiness – regardless of how hard many of us continue to try.
 
For years I’ve protested the over-the-top gift giving our society has adopted and continues to support as a necessary part of the Christmas season. We assume that “gifts” are only comprised of tangible items one can hold in their hands and assign status and value to.
 
But for anyone whose heart aches over the noticeable absence of any one person during this time of year, they would probably relinquish all their worldly possessions just to spend one more day with someone who remains alive and well only in their hearts.
 
Think of the popular holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Suess.  I remember reading the book and watching the animated cartoon as a child, but my lack of experience in the world prevented me from seeing its essential theme.
 
Towards the end of the tale the narrator proclaims, “Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small, was singing! Without any presents at all! He HADN'T stopped Christmas from coming! IT CAME! Somehow or other, it came just the same!”
 
The holidays are a time for celebrating and remembering. As Dr. Suess’ story has been teaching children and adults alike for decades, the fanfare and the gifts are simply irrelevant; it’s the people you find yourself surrounded with who are the greatest blessings you will ever be bestowed.
 
Maybe one day we’ll all come to the realization that those cherished individuals whosepresence” we often take for granted are the only “presents” that truly matter during the holidays. Only then will the true meaning of the holidays find its way home on Christmas Day.

Friday, December 7, 2012

The Benefits of Shaolin Kung Fu

by Craig Ruvere

Today Shaolin Kung Fu has become a popular martial arts practice for both children and adults alike – especially for kids who became infatuated with it after the popular Kung Fu Panda series of movies and cartoons was released.

But did you know that Kung Fu combines more than 900 forms of northern and southern fighting techniques into one comprehensive system? That’s an astounding number no matter how you look at it – showing the level of detail encompassed in such a regiment.

It’s this vast grouping of forms and techniques which provides those who practice this ancient tradition with a constant stream of benefits, both mentally and physically.

Strength Training

This is probably the first benefit many people will notice after training for a short time, as our basic muscles are used in the fighting postures and forms: legs, arms, core. In addition to building strength, you will also notice increased flexibility. The frequent punches, kicks and hip pivoting motions for fighting an opponent, effectively stretch out your entire body. Practiced somewhat regularly, you’ll find your overall flexibility has greatly increased.

With many of us holding occupations which frequently tie us to our desks for hours at a time, such a martial arts routine is a great way to give your body the movement it craves and requires.

Discipline and Self-Confidence

If you fully dedicate yourself to regular Kung Fu training, you’ll begin to notice how your discipline and self-confidence will positively change in many other areas of your personal and professional life. These emotional and mental changes can help you as you journey towards a life of fulfillment, success and love.

Kung Fu classes are offered just about everywhere – all no doubt trying to take advantage of Kung Fu Panda’s popularity with the younger generation. But not all training facilities are highly qualified or knowledgeable in the revered art of Shaolin Kung Fu. Do a little research before committing to any program, so that you’ll gain the most comprehensive training for your dollar.


CGI Holistic Fitness offers both adult and children’s Shaolin Kung Fu.
Adults: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 6:00-7:00 PM – Cost $145 for 1 month
Children: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 4:00-5:00 PM – Cost $145 for 1 month

Visit CGI Holistic Fitness

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

True love is an acceptance

by Craig Ruvere

I am often bombarded with forwards in my email box – you know the kind that asks you to pass this along to 10 people for good luck, fortune, love, etc.

Normally I do pass them along – to my trash bin.

But this forward simply titled “The Rain” inspired me so much that I couldn’t help but pass it along. I have no idea where the email originated from, though it seems to be posted all over the internet on various inspirational sites – never credited however.

Having several family members who have been afflicted with Alzheimer's disease, it truly struck a chord in me and I hope its powerful message will do the same for you. Enjoy!

The Rain

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb.

He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him.

I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.

On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. 

He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's disease.

As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are? 

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, That is the kind of love I want in my life.

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there is one that comes along that has an important message. This one I thought I could share with you. The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did. Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.

We are all getting older…tomorrow may be our turn.