In writing on this subject, I was reminded of a passage from the book, Eat, Pray, Love, written by Elizabeth Gilbert, in regards to the reference and metaphoric usage of the word Harbor in both its verb and noun context.
To summarize, she describes the process of controlling ones thoughts by dismissing self destructive idle chatter that we tend to “harbor”(v), in the subconscious, and then in turn, use it to pollute the“harbor”(n) and mental landscape of our mind. A behavior pattern that too often causes us to hold onto destructive patterns and old hurts from our past preventing us from moving forward.
After applying this analogy and exercise to my own situation, I was able to identify the negative players and patterns that I had allowed to slip in to my own harbor and drop anchor. Now, as soon I sense their presence I immediately refuse their right of entry. Leaving me to conquer the other toxic relationships I've acquired over the years:
After applying this analogy and exercise to my own situation, I was able to identify the negative players and patterns that I had allowed to slip in to my own harbor and drop anchor. Now, as soon I sense their presence I immediately refuse their right of entry. Leaving me to conquer the other toxic relationships I've acquired over the years:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Tobacco
My relationship with alcohol and caffeine was a lot easier to dismiss then cigarettes, although I still crave the warm soothing aroma and stimulating effects of a good strong cup of French Roast coffee in the morning. Now, instead of coffee, I enjoy a hot cup of cocoa made with Raw Cacao Powder packed with antioxidants providing a similar energizing lift and mood enhancer that coffee once produced without the side effects. But what I really struggled with, was cigarette addiction, and its counterpart, withdrawal. I took the advice of a friend, and wrote a Dear John letter as a medium to begin the process of quitting. I’ll share an excerpt from that letter:
To my long time companion:
You and I have been inseparable for nearly 35 years, but I feel the time has come to terminate our relationship with the finality that only divorce can bring.
You no longer possess the power to control me, and not even separation anxiety will lure me back to the smooth velvety draw of your embrace. I’m determined to break free from your bondage once and for all, and move on.
I bid you adieu, forever!
After writing this, I immediately bought Nicorette lozenges,and they have become my new best friend; at least for now. Hopefully the day will come when I can bid them a fond farewell. Till then, they are my constant companion...I take it one day at a time.
Regardless of you’re recovery,whether it's from surgery, drug or alcohol co-dependency or depression, your rate of recovery is based on how quickly you resume healthy activity while you restructure and replace unhealthy habits with healthy ones.If you've maintained a healthy and active lifestyle prior, then you will recover more quickly than someone who is sedentary. It’s never too late, and you’re never too old to adopt a health and wellness lifestyle, regardless of your fitness level
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Even if all you do is buddy up with a friend and take a walk after dinner,begin a Yoga class, or indulge in a day at the spa, what ever it is, take time out for yourself, some "ME" time if you will. You deserve it. Numerous studies have concluded the toxic and ravaging effects of stress and anxiety as it relates to the mind, body and spirit, as well as the contributing factor it places on cancer, heart disease and various other life threatening conditions. Just as you would flush toxins from your body, flush the toxic effects of stress and anxiety from your mind and spirit for a happier, healthier, new you.
Enjoy,
Sleep: Nature's Rejuvenator
Studies show, that the quality of your sleep dictates the quality of our lives. During sleep, the body repairs itself both physiologically and psychologically. Besides rejuvenating our body's, sleep deprivation is believed to be one of the primary causes of premature aging. Alcohol, caffeine, stress and anxiety all contribute as inhibitors that prevent us from reaching the proper sleep levels we need.
Studies show, that the quality of your sleep dictates the quality of our lives. During sleep, the body repairs itself both physiologically and psychologically. Besides rejuvenating our body's, sleep deprivation is believed to be one of the primary causes of premature aging. Alcohol, caffeine, stress and anxiety all contribute as inhibitors that prevent us from reaching the proper sleep levels we need.
Aromatherapy is the ancient practice of using natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant for the purpose of healing. The art of aromatherapy, can trace its roots back to China , Egypt and ancient Greece
Evening: prior to retiring, use the relaxing and calming effects of lavender essential oil. Massage a few drops into your hands while inhaling the aroma. Within a few minutes you'll be falling fast asleep.
Consuming plenty of nutrient rich hydrators, juices and spring water provides deep tissue flushing of toxins and poisons your body's been hosting all these years; a vital and a necessary step towards the healing and detoxification process. Since you’ll also be eliminating toxins through the largest organ of your body, your skin I highly recommend alternating between a body scrub and dry brushing in the morning before showering; it’s very important to remove the dead skin cells to stimulate blood flow for cellular turn over. Remember, as we age cellular turn over slows down. By the time we reach 40, cellular rejuvenation slows to every 12 weeks, rather than every 21 days the way we use to experience in our 20's.
For thousands of years and throughout history, people have benefited from the healing properties found in the Aloe Vera plant. Alexander the Great was reported to have used it for his injured warriors because of its wondrous healing power, and it has been heralded as a reputed beauty secret of Cleopatra.
Aloe Vera* is a succulent resembling a cactus plant, but is actually a member of the Lily family it prefers the dry arid climates of Africa, Asia, the Americas and parts of Europe. There are more than 250 different species but only the Aloe Barbadensis variety contains significant healing properties that are thought to be a very powerful cleanser, healer and all-around health giver.
Skin Renewal: Aging of the skin is characterized by thinning and wrinkling of the epidermis, combined with the appearance of lines, creases, age spots and furrows in the face. Components of Aloe Vera have been found to reverse and help to turn back the clock on the effects aging has on skin by stimulating collagen. Studies show that Aloe Vera improves the skin's ability to hydrate it self, and has an effective penetrating ability that helps transport healthy substances through the skin.
* It's best to use the fresh Aloe Vera gel straight from the plant. Depending on you location, you can either grow it, or purchase it from your local Asian market.
* It's best to use the fresh Aloe Vera gel straight from the plant. Depending on you location, you can either grow it, or purchase it from your local Asian market.
Moisturizer
I use fresh Aloe Vera as part of my beauty regimen, although, anyone who has used the fresh version will attest to its slippery, slickery consistency. First remove the thorns and thistles from the sides. Then pre cut the stalk, into 2” wide pieces and store in a plastic container in the fridge. This way you’re only handling one small piece at a time. The 2” wide piece is sufficient to cover the face and body. After applying leave on till dry do not rinse off. Finish by using your usual facial serum and body lotion. This process will lock the healing and moisturizing power of the Aloe Vera into your skin.
After a few applications, you’ll notice that your skin has a firmer, plumper appearance. Any moisturizer and body lotion you apply will absorb more rapidly.
Slice the 2” wide piece in half horizontally, the slide the gel side over your face and body. Using your fingernail, scrape the gel side to activate additional Aloe; you’ll notice that the Aloe will continue to emit gel.
Cellular Repair:
Aloe Vera promotes a variety of anti-inflammatory responses in the body. It reduces swelling from injuries and promotes recovery.
Digestion :
Digestion :
Aloe Vera has received enormous press for its benefits in helping IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). It is also useful with other digestive problems, including peptic ulcers and stomach inflammation.
