tag:www.wordcures.com,2013:/HealthyLivingDIY//1 2013-01-12T19:17:05Z Tools & Tips For Your Healthy Lifestyle Movable Type 3.33 tag:www.wordcures.com,2013:/HealthyLivingDIY//1.274 2013-01-12T15:38:48Z 2013-01-12T19:17:05Z

There's a pervasive belief in our culture that it is a good idea to fight disease. It's part of a larger belief that it's a good idea to fight against things you don't like. To the greatest extent possible, I...

Elizabeth http://www.wordcures.com There's a pervasive belief in our culture that it is a good idea to fight disease. It's part of a larger belief that it's a good idea to fight against things you don't like. To the greatest extent possible, I endeavor to steer clear of this belief system, though I'll be the first to admit that it can be pretty easy to get sucked in. (Sometimes it can feel so "right" to fight against the bad guy.) Let's consider for a moment the energy of fighting disease. Just to recap, and for those who may not know my background, this conversation falls within the field known as Energy Medicine. Energy Medicine explores the relationship between the quality of one's life force energy and his or her state of health. It's a field which I have studied in some depth and earned an advanced degree. I have also put this principle into practice in my own life and can attest to its usefulness at a personal level. Who knows, I might not even be around right now had I not gotten this stuff sorted out a bit some years ago. So here we go... Fighting is one of the biggest energy drains we can ever take on. When all other options have fallen short, fighting may be necessary as a short-term last-resort intervention. As a lifestyle choice, it is a fast-track passport to exhaustion on a grand scale. > One incredible resource for exploring this difference very gently and graciously is Louise Hay's book You Can Heal Your Life 4CDs Set. I highly recommend the audio CD version, read by the author, linked here.]]> tag:www.wordcures.com,2012:/HealthyLivingDIY//1.273 2012-12-07T03:55:25Z 2012-12-09T16:05:38Z

Usually when we think of stress, we think of the big "stress bombs." Significant life events that throw us over the edge. These events, such as death of a close family member, moving, change of job, etc, are indeed part...

Elizabeth http://www.wordcures.com stress bombs." Significant life events that throw us over the edge. These events, such as death of a close family member, moving, change of job, etc, are indeed part of the picture. But what if we stretch and take a broader view of stress, like this one: "a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation." (Merriam-Webster dictionary) Stress can be more than an emotional roller coaster, then. It's also things like eating too many foods laced with chemical preservatives or the after-effects of an untreated whiplash injury. With that in mind, let's look to a few health effects of long-term chronic stress and how they play out in real life.]]>

I spent a year taking care of my mom at home and then she passed away.

We lost our house in the flood.

We were in a terrible car accident. My neck, shoulders, and back have hurt ever since.

I'm a grocery store checker, dental assistant, painter, mail carrier, hairdresser (and more) and do repetitive work in odd positions every day.

I just got out of an abusive relationship.

I have a high-needs child and an unsupportive spouse.

We went through a financial hard time and didn't have money for better quality food, so we did the best we could to keep our bellies full.

I'm a farmer and have handled a lot of chemicals.

I fell backward and cracked my skull against the pavement.

I just went through chemotherapy.

We understand what the big stressors are. Understand that they fall into multiple domains of life, including mental or emotional stress, physical or mechanical stress, nutritional or chemical stress, and more. Understand that they are harmful to our health. Should a major health event occur, such as a heart attack, cancer diagnosis, or a disc herniation, a perceptive medical doctor may ask if anything unusual has happened within the past year or so. They're most likely asking about major stressors of the type we've just mentioned. The reason for that is clear, even to those in the main stream of allopathic care. Unremitting stress impacts immune function, causes a person to neglect self-care, interferes with hormonal balance, increase muscular tension, and often leads to ill health. But there are other stressors that we miss. Low-level stressors. Things that go on over time. Things we become so accustomed to that we start to think of them as normal. Sometimes, they are even activity or food choices that we began intentionally, thinking that we were doing the right thing. Here are some of the things you may hear from a person who has adapted to low-level stressors, perhaps not realizing the potential health consequences: ---->(If you hear yourself saying these things, then your body may be under more stress than you realize!)

• I was a runner for 40 years.
• I only drink diet soda. No sugar!
• I always choose low-fat dairy products. We only use canola oil spray on our cooking pans. Most of the time we just grill out.
• I had a whiplash injury, but it was so long ago I'm sure it doesn't matter any more.
• Yeah, I've always had bad posture. It's just how I am.
• I don't cook.
• I used to be a professional fighter.
• I'm a night owl. It's ok, I really don't need that much sleep.
• I'm a vegetarian who doesn't like vegetables.
• My doctor says my cholestrol numbers are great! (As long as I stay on the statin drugs; ditto chemical management of elevated blood pressure, blood sugar, mood, or chronic pain.)
• I've never been very flexible.
• I swim in a public (heavily chlorinated) pool.
• If tap water (or conventionally raised / prepared foods from the supermarket), wasn't safe, then they wouldn't give it to us, right?

What's wrong here? Well, a few things. For one, look at what the person IS doing if they're NOT doing something else. A person who "doesn't cook" is most likely eating exclusively prepared foods (in or out of the home), which feature chemical preservatives, MSG, and genetically modified substances. A vegetarian who doesn't eat vegetables is most likely eating lots of starches and sugars. They're also missing out on some major nutrients. These things, in turn, contribute to inflammation, gut dysfunction, heart disease, problems with blood sugar regulation, and degeneration of the joints. (See reading list below.) An increase in consumption of vegetable oils / decrease in consumption of natural saturated fats has been linked with increased cancer rates, as well as other health issues including problems with blood sugar regulation and mental health issues. (See reading list below.) Long-term muscle tension, whether from an inadequately treated injury, excessive high-impact athletic practices, dysfunctional posture, or lack of exercise / stretching contributes to accelerated wear and tear of the joints. Most medications as described do not correct an underlying imbalance, but mask symptoms. Medications have many effects. Some are the effects we hope for in taking them (pain relief, lowered blood pressure) and others are not. Most main-stream medications are toxic at some level, even as they help at another. (Note that some of these medications may be absolutely necessary for certain individuals or conditions until or unless another solution is found, and that I am emphatically not suggesting that anyone stop taking prescribed medications without the agreement of their physician.) So why is it that many of us appear to get away with doing this stuff? Now if you ask me, that's a great question. A question that I cannot fully answer with any certainty, and that I will continue to consider over time. Most likely, I suspect, it comes from differences in our resilience. A person with a predisposition (genetic or otherwise) to a particular illness, condition or affliction may not be able to get away with practices that their more resilient counterparts can tolerate. That's my guess. What's a person to do? Awareness and action. Stay open to new sensations, new research, new ideas, new treatments. If you start to notice something bothering you, check it out. If you start to notice new thoughts popping up on a particular subject (processed vegetable oils vs. "lowfat lifestyle" vs. a balanced diet that includes natural saturated fats, for instance), then look into it rather than just rejecting it as a mismatch with something you thought you already had figured out. If you weren't able to find help for an old injury and it's been a while since you last looked, then look again. Ask around. There may be something new on the scene. Once you find a promising new angle, take action. Give it a chance to help, and then see you feel! Suggested reading: Deep Nutrition: Why Your Genes Need Traditional Food, Dr Catherine and Luke Shanahan Good Calories, Bad Calories: Fats, Carbs, and the Controversial Science of Diet and Health, Gary Taubes Know Your Fats : The Complete Primer for Understanding the Nutrition of Fats, Oils and Cholesterol, Mary Enig Addiction: The Hidden Epidemic: Common Sense Solutions for our #1 Health Problem, Pam Killeen (These are affiliate links. Thanks for your support.)]]> tag:www.wordcures.com,2012:/HealthyLivingDIY//1.271 2012-11-28T02:11:35Z 2012-11-29T03:25:28Z

Appreciating the moment when your best intended plans for creating new, healthier behaviors go bad. That was the topic of our previous post. Now let's identify that moment. The critical moment when your possibility for successful change begins to crash....

Elizabeth http://www.wordcures.com creating new, healthier behaviors go bad. That was the topic of our previous post. Now let's identify that moment. The critical moment when your possibility for successful change begins to crash. What if that key moment happens sooner than you think?]]> previous post, you agreed it would be a good plan to appreciate yourself the moment you notice things start to go bad. That said, wouldn't it be great to notice the very tip of a trend -- so you can get more and more appreciation? I think so!! Now the question is, "How am I going to notice a mis-step as soon as possible?" In the case of improving seated posture, a fairly common goal amongst my clients, here are a few ideas they have come up with for catching slips right away:

• Set an alarm for, say, once an hour. Check yourself when the alarm sounds.
• Add a small mirror to your work station. Periodically check your posture in the mirror.
• Enlist the help of a sympathetic friend or co-worker to gently tap you on the shoulder should they notice you're out of your desired configuration.
• Place a post-it reminder on your screen where you can see it easily.

And each time you see the mirror, shut off the alarm tone, or feel the tap from your friend, appreciate the awareness it brings. That example was kind of obvious. For the next one, we'll dig deeper. Let's say that, having mastered the art of sitting upright while working on the computer, you've now decided it's time to eliminate soda in favor of healthier beverages. "Drink only health-promoting beverages" is your goal. When you notice yourself slipping off your planned behavior, you'll pat yourself on the back for noticing, turn on a dime, and then get back on track. Since picking up a can of Mountain Dew or a Big Gulp is a conscious choice and not an unconsious habit, we'll have to handle this a little differently. Friends, this is where the rubber meets the road when it comes to creating new, healthier habits. Let's backtrack. There are certain obvious things to do. One part of your success strategy would be planning to have healthful beverages that you like on hand. (I'm on a kick with kombucha and water kefir right now. Yum!) The next thing, though, is to begin tracking back to find the moment when your plans went astray. When was it? Not at the moment you picked up the can. That's a choice, not an unconscious habit. It doesn't require any particular great awareness. Something was already off kilter by the time your hand reached the can. So we'll track back further. When did you decide it was ok to choose a Big Gulp, given that you'd clearly set a goal to only drink health promoting beverages? Why did you decide it was ok to do it? Here are some possible reasons:

• I didn't have anything else handy.
• I was in a mid-afternoon slump and wanted the caffeine buzz.
• I was really tired and wanted the caffeine buzz.
• Everyone else was doing it.
• I deserved it after the morning I just finished at work.

So what is it that you're really out to catch? The moment when your hand reaches out to pick up the can? The moment when you decide it's ok to not follow through on your promise to yourself, as we just described? Or possibly something even deeper. The reason behind that decision. Which might go something like this:

• I was out of kombucha.
• I ate too many carbs for lunch.
• I stayed up way too late last night.
• I'm afraid the others will judge me.
• My job and I are at odds right now.

We started with a simple plan to drink healthful beverages, but oh looky it might have gotten derailed by something entirely different! It would be valuable to learn what that was, right? Because if it's derailing your beverage choices, it's probably also impacting your life in other ways you don't like. So now you've got a really great reason to appreciate yourself!! You not only noticed when your intent had gotten derailed, but you also tracked back honestly to figure out what went wrong. You explored enough to find the hidden vulnerability that left you open to cheating yourself out of the success you want and deserve. Woo hoo! Yay you!! Of course the next step is to fix the leak in your vulnerability, right? You knew that, right? Make extra kombucha, minimize carbs at lunch, be diligent about getting enough sleep, and all that. Or at the very least, to recognize that under those conditions you are more likely to be tempted to veer from the path of integrity and prepare accordingly! The real trick is to back up a step and identify why you "really" picked up that can of soda. Pat yourself on the back for the newfound awareness and take a deep breath. Acknowledge the vulnerability. And get back on track! You can do anything you put your mind to, remember?]]> tag:www.wordcures.com,2012:/HealthyLivingDIY//1.270 2012-11-27T20:00:00Z 2012-11-28T04:12:21Z

Did you ever set out to make a healthy lifestyle change and then find yourself back in the same old rut? What if I share a little-known secret to getting yourself back on track? Appreciate the misstep. That moment when...

Elizabeth http://www.wordcures.com

Improve your posture at the computer

Eliminate grains from your meal planning

Be in bed with the lights out by 10 pm each night

Develop a consistent exercise program

Devote 10% of your weekly food budget for emergency storage items

Drink healthy beverages instead of pop

Yep! The appreciation trick will work for all of these changes and more. What's at the top of your personal list right now? Go ahead and pick ONE change to keep in mind as you read the rest of this article.]]>

Clearly state your desired outcome, preferably in the form of an affirmation.

Begin the new behavior

Notice when your ongoing behavior doesn't match the program

Communicate to yourself about what you've noticed

Get back on track

We've talked about some of these steps in the past. We'll talk about them more in the future. Today's post is about step #4. What do you say to yourself when you notice you've gotten off track? Let's say your goal is improving posture when you sit at the computer. Everything's moving along smoothly and then you notice you're hunched forward, typing feverishly, and your neck is starting to hurt. What's the first thing that pops into your head? No matter the goal, you will be most successful if your "little voice" says some version of the following: "This is great! Good for you, Charlie! You noticed you've gotten off track and THEREFORE you now have the opportunity to get back on." Does that sound like you? Or are you more typically in this camp: "Geez, Samantha, you're an idiot. You can't even do a simple thing like sitting up straight in a chair. You are such a loser!!" See, you won't get anywhere beating yourself up. All you'll do is get mad and frustrated and stop trying. Instead, work on increasing your awareness. The more frequently you notice when you've gotten off track, the more frequently you press that mental "reset" button, the more successful you will be. Better yet, each time you "reset," your success will last a little longer. Before you know it, you will have developed the very habit that once seemed out of reach. It will have become the new normal. And when that awareness strikes, you can REALLY hold a "yay me" party!!]]> tag:www.wordcures.com,2012:/HealthyLivingDIY//1.269 2012-11-27T02:37:34Z 2012-11-28T04:11:13Z

Hello! How's your gut treating you today? Pertinent question as since I've last posted, I've become much more involved in the Traditional Foods community. Specifically, insofar as today's post is concerned, with fermentation. A couple of things to know about...

Elizabeth http://www.wordcures.com Hello! How's your gut treating you today? Pertinent question as since I've last posted, I've become much more involved in the Traditional Foods community. Specifically, insofar as today's post is concerned, with fermentation. A couple of things to know about fermentation. First of all, properly fermented foods are essential to establishing that enviable balance of gut flora to which many of us aspire. (My dogs are pooping like rock stars these days, 'nuff said.) Second, either you've got to learn to do it yourself in your own kitchen or have the budget to hire someone to do it for you. It's that important. Buying prepared fermented foods from the store really does not cut the mustard. So there you have it. You want the result, it's one more thing you've got to learn to do for yourself. Like cooking dinner, exercising, sleeping, and taking the occasional shower. That said, one might think that the biggest obstacle in someone's path to success would be the time element. "Jeez, something else to do?" one might think. "But I'm overextended already!" Surprisingly, from what I have been able to observe by hanging out in the community, that is not the case. Word Cures, "no time" led the field when it came to people's reasons to stall out on health-promoting behavior. But interestingly, despite the time investment involved in creating a quality fermented product at home, that doesn't seem to factor very highly in the fermentation community today. The stop is money. We need a little more background. In order to prepare a properly fermented product, it has to be done in a certain way. Certain members of the lactobacillus family of bacteria, essential for optimum gut health, can only be produced in an environment that excludes oxygen. We call such an environment "anaerobic." That is a scientific fact. So what's the best way to exclude oxygen from a fermenting vessel? Great question, eh? Turns out this debate is all the rage right now. Fortunately for the non-scientists in our midst (me, for instance), some fantastic science-minded folks with a lot at stake have taken on this project. Read about the background story of one such mind in this article on lacto-fermentation originally published in the Weston A Price Foundation's journal. Yeah, so to do it right you need a special vessel. Moreover, you need to buy it. Open your wallet, let a few moths fly out, and shell out a small amount of cash. This is what puts people off. (By the way, there is another vessel that also works very effectively, but it's way more expensive and cumbersome. Better suited to large-volume applications like restaurants than to the average home kitchen.) But here's the rub. If you don't buy the special vessel to do your fermentation, you won't get the full spectrum of lactobacillus bacteria. Therefore you won't get the result. You may indeed produce an edible (if not consistent) food product that meets your taste requirements. But you will not re-populate your gut. At the very least, you'll end up buying probiotic supplements to take along with the foods you produce. The cost of those supplements, over just a few months' time, may very well exceed the modest price of the special equipment. Hey, I understand that times are tough and people are strapped. I've lived on the bologna and cheese diet myself. But let's think this through. We're not just talking about fermentation here. We're talking about how you as an individual approach any major health-promoting choice.

• Chiropractic is covered by your insurance, but massage therapy is not. Yet a soft tissue work is essential to your healing. Do you continue a treatment that isn't working simply because it's covered? I sure hope not.
• You are sensitive to gluten and get sick every time you eat a product that contains wheat, yet starches are easy to come by and cheap to buy. Do you still insist on donuts for breakfast? Hopefully not...

If the "bargain" solution is not producing the result you're looking for, then is it really a bargain? To me, this brings us to the essence of fiscal fitness. Using money wisely.

1. First get clear on the reason you're doing something; the outcome you desire.
2. Then do a little research. Ask around. Try a few things to see how they work for you.
3. And then, invest (at a level that fits your budget) into the strategy that's most likely to get you where you want to go!

You'll be fiscally fit!!]]> tag:www.wordcures.com,2010:/HealthyLivingDIY//1.268 2010-03-26T03:00:01Z 2010-03-27T02:51:46Z

Are you part of the generation whose parents are moving into a life stage that requires extra care? Or perhaps you've got a child heading off to school for the first time... a loved one who works far from home......

Elizabeth http://www.wordcures.com Are you part of the generation whose parents are moving into a life stage that requires extra care? Or perhaps you've got a child heading off to school for the first time... a loved one who works far from home... a teenager who just began dating... a friend or relative transitioning into another state, whether through birth or death... a close one whose relationship status is changing (perhaps your own ex- significant other)... or even a buddy heading out on a road trip? The key feature is this: your loved one is moving out of his or her familiar environment and into the vast unknown. While you have complete confidence in their ability to handle whatever might arise in the situation you're all used to, given these new circumstances, there's some cause for concern. How will they handle the changes? Will they be ok? Let's face it. You care. And yet... You are aware enough to realize that you're not privvy to the agreement between your loved one and his or her Creator. You are not in control of their journey. You are, however, responsible for your own well-being, and it could easily be compromised by excessive worry. Furthermore you may recognize that, worry being a form of prayer, continual fear-based thoughts directed toward your loved one could actually make things worse. Despite the challenging circumstances, you're motivated to maintain a peaceful and positive state of mind. But how? First: Keep your communication up to date, complete, and honest. Things happen. A person never really knows which conversation will be the last one in which both parties are fully present. Even if your loved one emerges well and healthy from a challenge, you don't want them squandering their precious life-force energy on doubt about the quality of your connection. It can be scary to take your communication to that next level. You make yourself vulnerable. You don't know how your loved one will respond. And yet I'll promise you this: sharing yourself with a loved one authentically and from an open heart will rarely backfire. Even if they bluster and 'humpf,' they will have heard you. They'll repeat your words in the privacy of their own mind, allowing the evidence of your care to filter in as they are able. You will have made a difference. A simple, "I love you, Mom" may do the trick. Or take the window of opportunity to recall a treasured memory, appreciate your loved one's best qualities, or apologize for any misunderstandings. Try these examples on for size: "Mom, do you remember when we went to the art show together when I was 4? You explained everything so well and even waited patiently while I drew my own picture for the kids' contest. I still appreciate that day so much!" "Mom, I'm so grateful that you understood it was an accident when I pitched that baseball through the patio door. I know you and dad gave up some things for yourselves to replace that door. I've tried to be just as compassionate with my own kids when they mess up." "Mom, I want to apologize for seeing you as a control freak when I was a young adult. At the time, I thought you were trying to run my life. Now I can see that you were trying to make sure I had the skills I needed to live well and be happy. That really is what you wanted for me, isn't it?" Second: Surrender your loved one's safe-keeping to a higher power. Having done everything in your own power to make sure that your loved one's needs are being met in the best way possible, recognize that the final outcome is not within your control. Surrender their safe-keeping to a higher power and you'll find that your own peace of mind will be restored. This will enable you to be more in touch with your own intuitive guidance and, ultimately, a more effective caretaker. Here are five simple steps you can use to surrender your loved one's safe-keeping today: 1. Create a short sentence or phrase you can remember and repeat easily in requesting your loved one's protection. It should convey simply the full emotion you feel in your heart for your loved one. Perhaps it will go something like this, "Please watch over my sweet mother, whom I love and cherish so much." Notice that an endearing word like "sweet" makes a big difference in the feel of this sentence. 2. Conduct this two-part test to see if you've created a phrase or sentence that expresses the feeling you're after. First, repeat the sentence either silently in your mind or out loud. Notice how you feel. If you get a sense of peace, relaxation, connection, a warm feeling in your chest, or any other signal of positive emotion, then you're on the right track. Next, picture your loved one in your mind's eye. Repeat the sentence again. Observe how your loved one's facial expression responds to your statement. If Mom looks peaceful, happy, and perhaps even glows a little, then you've got a good phrase. If not, then tweak it slightly until both you and your loved one respond pleasantly to the words. 3. Addressing the higher power to whom you most easily relate in this situation (for example God, Jesus, or protective Archangel Michael), make your request. "God, please watch over my sweet mother, whom I love and cherish so much. Thank you." 4. Notice how you feel. If you are still worried, repeat the sentence. Continue observing your feelings and repeating the sentence until you sense that your request has been heard. This will most likely occur for you as a sense of peace or calmness. Don't be concerned about how many repetitions it takes in order to bring yourself to a place of peace. It is only important that you continue making the request until you know it's been heard. 5. From your now calm perspective, you may be inspired to take further action on your loved one's behalf. Honor the inspiration and follow through. You may be called upon to serve as an earthly agent of the higher power to whom you just prayed. Once you've completed this simple process, relax in the knowledge that your loved one is well protected. You may be surprised by the duration of the peace that will come over you once you really know that all is well. Should you become concerned about your loved one again, there's no real need to worry. You know what to do!]]> tag:www.wordcures.com,2010:/HealthyLivingDIY//1.267 2010-01-13T04:30:14Z 2010-01-13T17:13:43Z

Average. I've been thinking about it a lot lately. How about you? Where in your life ARE you "set" on average (statistically speaking)? Where are you not? Where in your life would you LIKE to be average (statistically speaking)? Where...

Elizabeth http://www.wordcures.com Average. I've been thinking about it a lot lately. How about you? Where in your life ARE you "set" on average (statistically speaking)? Where are you not? Where in your life would you LIKE to be average (statistically speaking)? Where would you not? It's this last category that fascinates me the most. The parts of my life in which I would most definitely not prefer to be addicted to "average." For instance... * Average number of children per family. In North Dakota, where I live, the year 2000 US Census says that the "average" family has .92 children. Ok, it's interesting to look down the list of states and see that families are a little larger here compared with some other places. But who wants to look across the table and say "good morning" to .92 of a kid? Really, what important part do they leave off? * Fitness. Several years ago, I took a cardiac stress test (and passed, thank goodness). At the time, I was heavily involved in practicing karate -- ten to twelve hours a week. The stress test technician said my results were "above average." Well, I should hope so! * Health. Imagine that despite your best efforts, you develop a serious health condition. You look at the statistics and learn that the "average" person with your same condition has a 55.8% chance of not surviving the next 5 years. Do you want to be average? Of course not! You want to know who's in the 44.2% that thrives, find out what they do, and learn to do the same things yourself. (By the way, I have the pleasure of knowing a fantastic lady who, some 20 years ago, was told she had a 97% chance of not recovering from her condition. She's a solid 3-percenter, all right!) * Marital relationships. Let's say you live in a community of about 40,000, here in beautiful North Dakota. Well, chances are that 120 of your fellow community members are going to get divorced next year. It's a rather low statistic, but who wants to be one of the 120? And of course we're not going to mention people who are married, yet dissatisfied with the quality of their relationship. Why not, instead, seek out information about what makes relationships work well and focus on those factors? Why be average? * Dating. I recently read a statistic that says 85% of men are stonewallers (though it seems I cannot retrace my steps to find the source). Sorry, guys. A lot of women stonewall communication from time to time, too. Stonewalling is a term used by relationship expert Dr. John Gottman to describe a situation of deliberate refusal to communicate. Gottman considers it one of the 4 most destructive emotional patterns between intimate partners. So back to the date. Let's say the guy or gal across the table from you unexpectedly clams up. Remember, 85% of men are stonewallers. Would you rather throw up your hands and pitch an otherwise appealing companion back into the pool or work together to improve your communication skills? * Income. Enough said... * Procrastination. According to procrastination expert, Dr. Piers Steel, 95% of us are occasional procrastinators. Worse yet, 15 - 20% of us procrastinate consistently. Knowing that even occasional procrastination wastes vital energy and depletes a person of their confidence, wouldn't it make sense to get past it? This is one area of life in which I really do not want to be average! I've seen for myself the "miracles" that occur in my life when I take the one little step after another to remove obstacles to success. I've seen the same in the lives of my coaching clients. The results we've created go way beyond average. How about you? Are you average? Or are you ready to become spectacular?]]> tag:www.wordcures.com,2009:/HealthyLivingDIY//1.266 2009-12-24T21:00:56Z 2009-12-24T22:25:07Z

Imagine you are lost in the desert. I'm hopeful that you must imagine this, as I do, because I am hopeful that you have never actually been lost in the desert. Yet from time to time in life you may...

Elizabeth http://www.wordcures.com Let's get you out of the desert.]]> Here is your Christmas present. You do not live in the desert. Your aspirations are not set too high. Shift your vision. See abundance. Watch for evidence of the missing piece of your life showing up around you. But wait. You may be able to see it before you're able to access it. Perhaps it's as though you can see that spring from across a deep ravine. You can see it over there. You know it exists. Yet you can't quite drink from it. Take heart. Once you can see the state you desire, you're nearly there. This is where you apply the lesson of becoming "un-lost." Anytime you feel lost, you can take confidence in the fact that there surely is also a state of being "un-lost." After all, you lived there just a little bit ago! The only thing missing is the awareness of a clear path to get there. Here's what to do. Ask for guidance. Call upon every angel, saint, or higher power you can think of and ask them to guide you. If you're literally lost outdoors, ask the landscape itself to reveal your best pathway. Then simply have faith and follow the guidance. It will be revealed to you, just as that grove of pine trees showed me the route to their boundary on that cool rainy night. Within moments, I was safe and warm in my sleeping bag. You'll be safe, too. Merry Christmas! ]]> tag:www.wordcures.com,2009:/HealthyLivingDIY//1.265 2009-11-20T15:06:16Z 2009-11-20T21:58:31Z

Exhaustion, tiredness, fatigue, lethargy. Whatever name you give it in your own mind, a chronic lack of energy is way too common these days. In fact, as a holistic health practitioner, "Why am I so tired" is one of the...

Elizabeth http://www.wordcures.com Exhaustion, tiredness, fatigue, lethargy. Whatever name you give it in your own mind, a chronic lack of energy is way too common these days. In fact, as a holistic health practitioner, "Why am I so tired" is one of the most frequent questions people ask! With that in mind, let's explore some surprisingly obvious yet frequently overlooked reasons for that zapped-out feeling. We'll also consider some "natural cures" to get you back to feeling your best! Today, we'll start with awareness. How does a person recognize that their energy is low? Early signals that your life-force energy is becoming depleted: * You are less tolerant than usual when it comes to other peoples' quirks and mistakes. * You notice that your posture sags, you slouch, your upper back and neck feel tight. * You notice yourself yawning a lot in the afternoons. * You find yourself reaching for caffeine or sugar to get some energy; for alcohol or prescribed medications to "relax" or shut off your mind. * It feels harder than ever to get out of bed in the morning. * You dread going to work, hearing the phone ring, or even leaving the house. * You find yourself avoiding or dreading contact with certain people. They seem difficult to be around. * You, a person who normally takes pride in your appearance, find yourself out in public looking "rumpled." * You, a fastidious housekeeper, find yourself mired in clutter and dust. * Although you feel tired in the evenings, you delay going to bed because there is so much to do. Yet you are too tired to actually complete many of the activities you're staying up for. * You have a vague sense of being trapped by some condition in your life. * You notice you're not as happy or joyful as you used to be. Life may even seem like a burden. As you've read down this list, perhaps you'll think of some other signals of being ill at ease, whether they're examples from your own experience or things you've observed in others. Please add them in to the comments section below. Your thoughtfulness may help someone else. As you tune in to what's going on at the early stages of energy discord, you're able to take positive steps to bring balance and joy back into your life. When things are well, you will feel happy, enjoy your encounters with other people, feel pleasantly challenged and rewarded by your daily work or activities, and be comfortable in your body. As this article series continues, that's exactly where we're headed!]]> tag:www.wordcures.com,2009:/HealthyLivingDIY//1.264 2009-09-15T20:36:52Z 2009-09-16T00:58:29Z

"Why even offer Wellness Coaching? After all, isn't it less challenging work to simply treat people's symptoms?" Seriously, this is a question people ask. The answer is "yes." It's actually much less challenging work for me to simply treat a...

Elizabeth http://www.wordcures.com Wellness Coaching? After all, isn't it less challenging work to simply treat people's symptoms?" Seriously, this is a question people ask. The answer is "yes." It's actually much less challenging work for me to simply treat a symptom and send the person home. Yet treating and retreating symptoms that have the possibility of being resolved presents its own challenge -- to my value system. That is why, a number of years ago, I shifted gears in my personal study to gain a better understanding of how and why unconscious limiting beliefs affect body structure (and a whole lot of other health-related symptoms). Here is the story:]]> Wellness Coaching Program was born. It's premise is this. If there is something you keep saying you want in your life, yet you haven't managed to attract or create it, that discord is stressful to you. Stress, as you already know, creates pain and ill health. There is a reason you haven't managed to attract or create the thing you say you want. If there were no reason, you would have attracted or created it by now and there would be no discord in your life on that particular issue. The reason is most assuredly founded in some kind of limiting belief, most likely an unrecognized one. The limiting belief is nearly always false, so it gives you consistent yet incorrect information about how to make important choices in your life. When you go "down the path toward that thing you say you really want to create or attract," you will meet the limiting belief head-on. You may not recognize it directly. Often, it occurs as a sense of discomfort -- a sense that if you were to take that next necessary step, you would exceed your comfort zone. If that feeling stops you (and most likely it does), the predictable result is that the thing you so desperately want to attract or create will remain just out of reach. Setting out to achieve the desired goal on your own can be frustrating. You may find that you fall short of success without understanding why. It can become tiresome. On the other hand, when you approach the desired goal within the context of a Wellness Coaching Program, if you are really committed to your goal, we will gently work through the discomfort to find out what's going on behind the scenes. You'll have an opportunity to break through the limits that have held you back in the past. "Woo-hoo!" you'll most likely say, once you realize how great things feel on the other side of that roadblock. Depending on your intended goal, you might become a person who... * Has actually written and published your first book, rather than wishing you could get around to it * Has a satisfying relationship with your spouse, rather than secretly plotting out your exit strategy * Has the extra cash to give your youngest child a special and cool graduation party, rather than settling for Subway * Lives in a blissfully de-cluttered home rather than one in which you trip over stuff changing rooms * Weighs 35 pounds less than you used to rather than wondering how much bigger that waistband can stretch These are actual results from real coaching clients! What would you like to "bring home" next in your life? Perhaps this is the right time for Wellness Coaching. Sessions begin September 15, January 15, and May 15. You deserve the best life has to offer!]]> tag:www.wordcures.com,2009:/HealthyLivingDIY//1.263 2009-09-09T22:31:19Z 2009-09-10T05:40:32Z

Creative problem-solvers are rarely stressed for very long. What is their secret? It's simple. When something puzzling tugs their tail, creative problem-solvers are pretty well sure that they will be able to come up with a satisfactory solution. They don't...

Elizabeth http://www.wordcures.com Creative problem-solvers are rarely stressed for very long. What is their secret? It's simple. When something puzzling tugs their tail, creative problem-solvers are pretty well sure that they will be able to come up with a satisfactory solution. They don't waste a lot of energy worrying. Instead, they set out on a two-step process that virtually guarantees success and a good night's sleep. Not all "creative personalities" have the process worked out so smoothly, of course. Sometimes a great solution will "pop" into their head, yet on other occasions it eludes them. Like anything else, creative problem-solving works best when you engage it consciously and practice often. Want to give it a try? Here's how: Step 1: Clearly state your question. Your goal in step 1 is to identify a question that, when answered, will shed some light on your situation and move you forward to its next stage. For example: * If you are stressed out about your finances, perhaps you'll set up a question like "What kind of unique product or service can I easily deliver that will make life more pleasant for the good folks of my community?" * If you are at a crossroads in your life and looking for direction about what to do next, your question might sound like "What would I do tomorrow if I had the day off and no responsibilities to be concerned about? What if I had a whole month?" * If you're dealing with a health challenge, maybe you'll ask "What old ways of thinking and feeling can I let go of now in order to allow for more joy in my life?" (Those "feel-good" hormones enhance your energy and vitality.) Step 2: Put yourself in a situation in which creative insight is likely to occur. If you're thinking that this process is going to be a lot of hard work, I hate to disappoint you. But... "Thinking about" your question is unlikely to get you the answer you're looking for. Chances are you've done that already, and you already know what you think. Instead, break out your dancing shoes (or hiking boots, or opera glasses) and go out on the town! Step 2 can be a whole lot of fun! You see, creative insight is most likely to occur when you are relaxed. You'll be even more easily inspired when you get out of your normal day-to-day environment and put yourself into a safe yet slightly unfamiliar situation. Consider the possibilities: * Get moving -- take a walk in the park. * Browse at a shop you'd normally never stop in, preferably someplace slightly eccentric. * Go to a concert, the theater, or catch an opera! (If you're in Minot, ND this weekend, you're in luck. Check out "The Bartered Bride" at Minot State University's Nelson Hall on Friday or Saturday at 7:30 or Sunday at 3:00.) * Attend a worship service at a different church than you normally attend. * Visit the library or your favorite bookstore and pick up a couple of magazines on topics you know little about. Read them cover to cover, including the ads. * Go for a drive in the country. * Luxuriate in a bubble bath. Here's the thing. You get your question in mind, then distract yourself by doing something active or slightly off the wall. As you engage in the process, be aware for clues ... ideas ... hints. When you get back home, pick up your notebook and answer the question. It's a process I like to call "incubation." You might be surprised at what you come up with! ]]> tag:www.wordcures.com,2009:/HealthyLivingDIY//1.262 2009-09-01T21:31:44Z 2009-09-01T22:22:23Z

Avoiding Higher Guidance. I think that from time to time we must all do it. You know the drill: your plea goes out to those Higher Powered Beings who surely must be able, from their lofty and objective vantage points,...

Elizabeth http://www.wordcures.com Avoiding Higher Guidance. I think that from time to time we must all do it. You know the drill: your plea goes out to those Higher Powered Beings who surely must be able, from their lofty and objective vantage points, to see the solutions that elude you: * Should I move or stay put? * Is there a better job out there for me? * Am I headed in the right direction with my life? * I'm exhausted all the time. Where's all my energy going? * How can I get my health in order? * Where should I look to find that special someone? * What is the very next thing I should do to move forward with my life? You ask the question and then patiently wait for an answer. It comes, in the form of repeated thoughts, ideas, and conversations. But it wasn't what you wanted to hear. Perhaps the proposed next step is a bit intimidating. Maybe you don't see how the answer you got relates back to your initial question. So you avoid it. Simple enough. really sure. So you ask again. You get the same answer. You continue to avoid it. The more you ask, the more you hear the same thing: * There's a great opportunity for you in Seattle. Better move. * You're exhausted because you're spinning your wheels in a dead-end relationship. Get out. * This would be a good time to take up an exercise program and improve your diet. * It might be wise to go to the chiropractor. I got that last one once. Couldn't figure out why I was being guided to the chiropractor, because I really wasn't having any kind of pain problem that I thought he could help. It wasn't just any old chiropractor, but a specific doctor. In my mind's eye, I could see myself walking through the door of his office. So I went. Sometimes you've just gotta trust that the guidance is good and follow it. I phoned the chiropractor's office, made an appointment, and went in. Boy was I glad I had. He gave me a routine adjustment that I probably didn't need. But the conversation we had completely changed my perspective on a health problem that had hijacked my life experience at the time. What a well-timed insight! So why is that much-wanted guidance so tempting to avoid? Frequently it's because it pushes you beyond your comfort zone. You're guided to change an unhealthy, yet familiar, behavior. Or pursue an action that seems emotionally risky. Or do something odd -- like visit the chiropractor -- that seems unrelated to the situation at hand. Because you want to see the end of the story before you take that next brave step! But life doesn't always work that way. Sometimes it's truly a matter of setting your eyes on the prize (so to speak), and then following through step by tentative step until you reach your goal. What is your goal right now? * To identify the most opportune place to live? * To immerse yourself in a more fulfilling line of work? * To get your energy back? * To optimize your health? * To attract a loving relationship? * To become so in tune with your life purpose that you know you are living on purpose? * To pursue and finish a creative project? * To clean out the basement? If you're at a place where you're hearing that higher guidance yet putting it off, perhaps this is a good time to take it to heart. If you're the kind of person who finds a supportive environment and objective coaching helpful in these kinds of situations, then you're in luck. Enrollment for our fall 2009 group wellness coaching starts today. The session begins on September 15th and completes on December 15th, so you'll be finished up before the holidays. Is the time right to follow that Higher Guidance? Only you know. If your heart says "yes," then see if our wellness coaching program feels right to you.]]> tag:www.wordcures.com,2009:/HealthyLivingDIY//1.261 2009-08-04T15:13:59Z 2009-08-04T15:29:59Z

Fresh local produce in season. Don't you just love it? Mmmm. I don't know about you, but I just can hardly wait for that first tomato of the season! Fresh produce tastes great and it's good for you. In fact,...

Elizabeth http://www.wordcures.com tips for the farmer's market. Once you've done your shopping, if you're interested in some cool veggie information (this might even get the kids interested) and fresh serving suggestions, check out the Fresh Garden Energy website. Creative collaborator Judy and I are just tweaking the finishing touches...]]> tag:www.wordcures.com,2009:/HealthyLivingDIY//1.260 2009-07-29T15:30:33Z 2009-07-29T18:37:20Z

Commitment to healing (or its lack) is a perpetuating factor that sometimes trips people up. When I say "sometimes," what I really mean is that it's one of the most frequent conflicts I observe in people from day to day....

Elizabeth http://www.wordcures.com perpetuating factor that sometimes trips people up. When I say "sometimes," what I really mean is that it's one of the most frequent conflicts I observe in people from day to day. Of course that does not mean that people don't want to be healthy. Most people do! What it means is that there's something else that they also want, the two desires conflict, and the health-building process effectively "stalls in the water." Before we get into that list of possible conflicting desires (it's coming), let's look at this a little differently. What would it look like if someone with very few conflicting desires were to step through the door? How would the engagement go? What would be the results? I had the pleasure of meeting such a person about two weeks ago. He phoned on a Monday morning to inquire about an appointment. When I asked about his availability, he responded "I'm really tired of this pain." Already, I suspected that things were going to go well. He was focused and flexible!]]> my schedule! I suspect that some people, reading about this engagement, might think that the man was lucky. Leading a charmed life. Retired, perhaps, or independently wealthy. The answer is no. He is a businessman with a hefty responsibility load. Where he differs from most people is in his vision and commitment. "What do we need to do to make this work?" he seems to be asking himself continuously. And then he follows through. I get to meet the most interesting people! Everyone has their strengths, of course, and that means you. Yet perhaps you would like to increase your commitment to healing. Perhaps you're searching for more efficient or consistent results. Here are some things to watch for. Checklist of desires that may conflict with healing intent: * Desire to put other people's needs, wants, and projects before your own. * Desire to maintain an old disempowering story about your life. It might start out something like this, "Nothing I want ever comes through anyway. I guess I'm just not lucky like other people..." * Desire to follow the strategy that seems "easiest" or "hardest" (depending on your outlook) rather than the strategy that seems most likely to deliver your desired result. * Desire to continue doing things the way you've always done them rather than re-evaluating for changing conditions. And one more thing... * Willingness to accept what you think you can get rather than what you really want. Ok. You are ready to go! You are powerful, clear and focused. Watch for conflicting desires, resolve them, and live from your commitment to wholeness. Sometimes, of course, that goes more easily with support. That's why we offer wellness coaching. Think about it if you've been having difficulty getting this down on your own.]]> tag:www.wordcures.com,2009:/HealthyLivingDIY//1.259 2009-07-28T14:52:14Z 2009-07-28T20:48:08Z

In their landmark reference book on Trigger Points, Drs. Janet Travell and David Simons devote an entire chapter to perpetuating factors. (Volume one, chapter four). Why? Easy. Because without addressing the factors that perpetuate a health condition, the condition is...

Elizabeth http://www.wordcures.com In their landmark reference book on Trigger Points, Drs. Janet Travell and David Simons devote an entire chapter to perpetuating factors. (Volume one, chapter four). Why? Easy. Because without addressing the factors that perpetuate a health condition, the condition is sure to persist. They are really important! People sometimes are disappointed to hear this. "Poor nutrition didn't cause my neck pain," they'll say. "So what does it matter how I eat now? I just want to get rid of the pain. I'm just not ready for an entire healthy lifestyle makeover." However... Healthy living does. As a practitioner who works daily with people who desire healing in their lives, it's easy to recognize some of these perpetuating factors. It's also easy to see that making the transformation to healthy living usually goes better for people when they have support. And that's why we're here. To support your healthy lifestyle!]]>