Sunshine in a Box: Natural Seasonal Affective Disorder Relief. Beat Winter Depression and Winter Blues Naturally

Does Winter have you feeling SAD and blue?

Get help naturally with Sunshine in a Box.
If you can't go to the warm, sunny beach...bring the sun and beach to you with a 30 day supply of Sunshine in a Box.


Natural Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Relief kit
Get a 30 day supply for just $1.25 a day

Sunshine in a Box Contains:
30 tab Vitamin D3 (400 IU)
30 tab 5-HTP (50 mg)
Liquid sublingual B Total Complex



Vitamin D is what the body makes from sunlight. Improves sleep and lifts depression.
5-HTP increases serotonin levels, promotes happy feeling. Reduces carb cravings.
B Complex increases energy levels.

Order your Box today!

Visit www.healthybeingproducts.com

Or Call 727-954-8968

Learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

With the End of Day Light Savings Time Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD

WIth seasonal changes and the clock being set back for the end of day light savings time it is natural for individuals in the northern hemisphere to feel the change in your mood.

As days get shorter and darkness more plentiful, do you feel slowed down or unmotivated to wake up? Quite possibly, you just feel down in the dumps. What you may be experiencing is seasonal changes in mood and behavior, also known as seasonality.

Affecting an estimated 6% of the U.S. population, seasonality can actually cause a great deal of distress and difficulties in functioning, both at work and in one's personal life. An individual suffering from such a change is said to be suffering from seasonal affective disorder or SAD-a condition now widely accepted by the medical community and public at large. Not to be confused with a full depression diagnosis, SAD is a mood disorder associated with depressive episodes and related to seasonal variations of light.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
include:
· Depression
· Fatigue or loss of energy
· Overeating
· Lack of sex drive
· Anxiety and irritability
· Difficulty concentrating or processing information
· A craving for sugary/starchy foods

These symptoms must be regularly occurring during the fall and winter months, and must also be present for two years prior to diagnosis.

Do you notice subtle changes in your mood, but maybe not drastic enough to seek professional help? You may be experiencing a lesser form of SAD, known as the "winter blues." This condition can make you feel less cheerful, energetic, creative, and productive during the dark winter days than at other times of the year.

Why do you get SAD?

As the season changes, there is a shift in our "biological clocks" partly in response to the changes in sunlight patterns. The shift can cause our biological clocks to fall out of step with our daily schedules. Individuals experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder have a difficult time adjusting to the shortage of sunlight in the winter months. SAD symptoms are most pronounced in January and February when the days are shortest.

Melatonin (a sleep-related hormone) sometimes referred to as the "master biological clock," has been linked to SAD. It is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. This hormone is believed to cause symptoms of depression and is produced at increased levels in the dark. So, when the days are shorter and darker, the production of this hormone increases.

Those at risk:
Young people and women are at the highest risk for the disorder, but it can affect anyone. They do not feel bad enough to seek medical attention, but they feel less cheerful in the fall and winter. SAD typically begins around the age of 20 and decreases around the age of 50.

College freshmen with a history of problematic seasonal changes are also at a higher risk for developing SAD. The first year of college is full of changes that may contribute to developing SAD.

There are other factors that are believed to increase your risk of developing SAD. Three key factors that may lead to the onset of SAD are identified below:
1. Inherent vulnerability studies - show that SAD runs in families with a history of different types of depression including SAD.
2. Light deprivation - changes in latitude and season resulting in decreased exposure to light can negatively affect mood.
3. Stress - an increased level of stress is associated with the onset of SAD.

Coping with the winter blues.

Change the environment:
· "Light up your life"- remove drapes from windows, paint walls brighter colors, or install full spectrum lamps.
· Keep warm - turn up the heat, use electric blankets, or enjoy a warm drink such as hot chocolate.

Exercise:
· Regular aerobic activity such as running or walking.
· Make sure the activity is something you'll enjoy so you're more likely to stick to it.
· Find a friend to exercise with you for support and added motivation.
Diet:
· Fight bad foods with good foods.
· Eat more complex carbohydrates (cereal, pasta, nuts) rather than simple carbs (candy or cookies).
· Snacks are okay-as many as three times per day-but make them low calorie (apples, celery, carrots, dried fruits, or popcorn).

Top ten ways to avoid the winter blues:
1. Pay attention to your moods and energy levels. If you realize that your spirits begin to sink at the end of summer, take pre-emptive action. A good offense is better than after-the-fact defense.
2. Try to establish a mental set that will help you to enjoy the wintertime. It is going to happen, so focus on enjoying it.
3. Plan active events for yourself in advance of the fall.
4. Expose yourself to as much bright light as you can. Walk outdoors on sunny days, even during the winter months. If it is gray and overcast, use as much light indoors as you can.
5. Increase the amount of light in your home, apartment, or room. Position furniture so the windows are not blocked, open blinds and/or curtains. Places that are heavily shaded by trees block sunlight.
6. Stay physically active and begin your physical activity before the winter blues begin to set in. Physical exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety which can accentuate SAD. Being more fit can make you feel better about yourself.
7. If possible, take a winter vacation or spring break in a sunny, warm location.
8. Learn more effective ways to manage stress.
9. Do something nice for yourself every day.
10. If you feel yourself sinking and realize you are losing control, don't feel ashamed or try to hide it. Remember that many people feel this way. Seek competent professional help. What you learn from this season, you can probably do for yourself in all the falls and winters to come.

Psychotherapy helps you identify and modify negative thoughts and behaviors that may play a role in bringing about symptoms of SAD. You and your counselor may also talk about ways to reduce stress in your life.

If you think you may have SAD, discuss your symptoms with a doctor or mental health professional.

Click To Purchase a 30 day Natural Seasonal Affective Disorder Relief Kit.

Sign up for daily health and wellness messages.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

10 Ways to Beat Cold and Flu Season Naturally

With no cure in sight for the cold or the flu, current cold and flu treatments can at best bring symptom relief or shorten the duration of those symptoms. You can take one of a variety of medications that may help relieve your symptoms. Or you can take the natural approach. According to Charles B. Inlander, president of The People's Medical Society, for some home remedies that may help you feel better along the way.

No. 1: Blow Your Nose Often -- and the Right Way
It's important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold rather than sniffling mucus back into your head. But when you blow hard, pressure can cause an earache. The best way to blow your nose: Press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other. Wash your hands after blowing your nose.

No. 2: Stay Rested
Resting when you first come down with a cold or the flu helps your body direct its energy toward the immune battle. This battle taxes the body. So give it a little help by lying down under a blanket.

No. 3: Gargle
Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. Try a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, four times daily. To reduce the tickle in your throat, try an astringent gargle -- such as tea that contains tannin -- to tighten the membranes. Or use a thick, viscous gargle made with honey, popular in folk medicine. Steep one tablespoon of raspberry leaves or lemon juice in two cups of hot water; mix with one teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before gargling. Honey should never be given to children less than 1 year old.

No. 4: Drink Hot Liquids
Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, help prevent dehydration, and can soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat.

No. 5: Take a Steamy Shower
Steamy showers moisturize your nasal passages and relax you. If you're dizzy from the flu, run a steamy shower while you sit on a chair nearby and take a sponge bath.

No. 6: Use a Salve Under Your Nose
A small dab of mentholated salve under your nose can open breathing passages and help soothe the irritated skin at the base of the nose. Menthol, eucalyptus and camphor all have mild numbing ingredients that may help relieve the pain of a nose rubbed raw.

No. 7: Apply Hot or Cold Packs Around Your Congested Sinuses
Either temperature may help you feel more comfortable. You can buy reusable hot or cold packs at a drugstore. Or make your own. Take a damp washcloth and heat it for 55 seconds in a microwave (test the temperature first to make sure it's right for you.) Or take a small bag of frozen peas to use as a cold pack.

No. 8: Sleep With an Extra Pillow Under Your Head
This will help with the drainage of nasal passages. If the angle is too awkward, try placing the pillows between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope.

No. 9: Don't Fly Unless Necessary
There's no point adding stress to your already stressed-out upper respiratory system, and that's what the change in air pressure will do. Flying with cold or flu congestion can hurt your eardrums as a result of pressure changes during takeoff and landing. If you must fly, use a decongestant and carry a nasal spray with you to use just before takeoff and landing. Chewing gum and swallowing frequently can also help relieve pressure.

Remember, serious conditions can masquerade as the common cold and a mild infection can evolve into something more serious. If you have severe symptoms or are feeling sicker with each passing day, see a doctor.

10 Tips to Get your Daily Fiber

There are many great benefits of getting fiber in your daily diet. Most individuals need at least 30-35 grams of fiber in their diet a day. This is often a daunting task; but a few items on this top 10 list can help you get there faster. Eating this much fiber will keep you feeling fuller longer, increase your energy level, keep you regular and reduce your cholesterol levels and will even help you shed a few pounds.

1. Scan for Bran: Look for "bran," "whole grain," and "whole wheat" on product packages and ingredient labels. These ingredients can help boost fiber intake.

2. Grab the Whole Food: Munch on a whole piece of fruit, in place of drinking a glass of juice. You'll get the nutrients and the fiber too.

3. Savor the Skins: Eat fruit and vegetables with the skin on. Eating the skin helps to bump up the fiber, plus it provides texture and a bonus of other nutrients.

4. Screen for Beans: Replace your typical side dishes with high-fiber dried peas and beans, such as kidney, pinto, lentils or black-eyed peas. These fiver legumes make it easier to meet daily fiver goals.

5. Go Nuts: Jazz up salads, vegetables, snacks and deserts with almonds, sunflower seeds or soy nuts. Nuts and seeds add fiber and fun-to-chew crunch to foods.

6. Be Berry Wild: Choose raspberries, blackberries and boysenberries to add variety to you cereals. These berries have twice the fiber of many other fruit selections.

7. Bring on the Brown: Use brown rice instead of white. Switch to whole-wheat pasta, whole-wheat flout, whole-wheat breads and whole-grain rackers instead of regular white versions.

8. Skip the Chips: Select snacks that are a good source of fiber. Instead of potato chips, go for low-fat popcorn, whole-grain pretzels or oven-crisped whole-wheat pita triangles.

9: Drink up: Water is a healthy beverage choice-especially as you up the fiber. Your body needs more water to help process the added fiber you eat.

10: Reach for the Bar: Fiber bars and flax seed added to your snacks or smoothies will get you to your daily goal. My favorite fiber bar contains 14 grams of fiber through raw sources like dates, nuts and other fruits.

Getting the fiber is key but slowly work up to the 30-35 grams needed to maintain proper health. Your body needs to adjust and adapt the the high level of fiber and always keep your body refreshed with liquids.

Healthy Low Fat Halloween Party Appetizer

Halloween - Booo - tatoes
Contributed by Horizon Organic

Super for a lowfat Halloween side dish. Makes about 10 ghosts. 

Ingredients:
2 cups chopped white potatoes, peeled

1/8 cup Horizon Organic(tm) 2% Reduced Fat milk

1/2 garlic clove, crushed

1 Tbs. Horizon Organic(tm) cream cheese 

1 Tbs. Horizon Organic(tm) shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 tsp. sal
t
1/8 tsp pepper

1/2 19oz. can black beans, drained


Directions:
Place potatoes in large sauce pan, cover with water, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes or until soft. Drain water and add milk, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salt and pepper. Mash with a potato masher or beat with an electric mixer until creamy. 

Scoop potatoes into a pastry bag without a decorator's tip. Squeeze the ghosts onto a lightly buttered cookie sheet so they stand upright about 3 to 4 inches high. Press two similar sized black beans into each ghost's head to create eyes. 

Just before serving, warm the ghosts in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for about 5 min. 
Nutrition Information per serving:

Calories 62; Protein 3 g; Fat 1 g; Saturated Fat 0.5 g; Cholesterol 3 mg; Sodium 23 mg; Calcium 17 mg (2% DV)

Natural Fall Beauty Treatments: Using Fall Fruit to Combat Seasonal Changes to Skin and Beauty Care

Fall is a season of change for not only the plants around us; but also a time to update and adjust our daily and weekly beauty regimen to adapt to the changes in climate. Coming from the warm, sunny summer season- our skin, hair and nails may have some challenges with the changes fall brings.

I would like to offer a few simple beauty treatments to ease the transition for your skin, hair and nails that uses organic products in your daily beauty routine.

Hazelnut Cleansing Scrub
*Rich in natural oils that will keep your skin soft and radient.
1 tbsp finely ground hazelnuts (filberts)
1 tbsp cleansing lotion or cold cream
1 tsp honey

Mix all ingredients together. Store in a clear container.

For use: Massage into face and next. The scrub may feel rough because of the ground hazelnuts. Rinse well with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Apple Pectin Toner
*Rich in Vitamin A & C and potassium. Pectin as a toner is soothing and refreshing for all skin types.
1 apple, cut up with peels, seeds removed
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup witch hazel

Fig Facial Mask
*Figs contain special protein-tenderizing substanca that helps rid skin of surface impuraties and dead skin cells. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles, making skin look smoother.

1 fresh, ripe fig

Slice fig in half and turn each side inside out to reveal soft inside. Scrape the inside into a bowl and mash with the back of a fork until smoth. Spread the mixture onto clean skin and let sit for 5 mintues. Rinse with warm water followed by cool water and moistureize your skin.

Ginger Hair Oil
*Ginger stimulates hair growth and alleviates dandruff and boosts scalp's circulation.
1 tsp grated fresh gingerroot
1/4 cup light sesame oil

Place the grated ginger inside a piece of cheesecloth and gently squeeze 1/4 teaspoon of the juice into the sesame oil. Mix the oil and juice together with a fork or small whis until well blended.

To use: Massage the oil into your scalp and leave on for 10 minutes before shampooing.

Healthy Halloween: Organic Ideas for Trick or Treating Candy

Each year children look forward to October 31st with anticipation and excitement. The festivities of picking out the special costume and dreaming of the gobs of candy and sugar awaiting them at each door can be more than they can handle. For parents, the significant amount of high-fructose corn syrup in these halloween sweets is alarming.

Fortunately, a variety of organic and vegan hard-candy options make it easy to find candy free of sugar and full of healthier ingredients. However, when handing out hard candy, make sure you're only giving it to older kids who won't choke on small pieces. Try these:

Ginger People Candy's individually wrapped Original Ginger, Spicy Apple, Gin Gins and Peanut Ginger Chews ($10/2 lb. variety pack; www.gingerpeople.com).

Organic Candy Company's Sour Fruit hard candy in cherry, lemon, pineapple and orange ($1.95/3.5 oz. bag, www.veganessentials.com)

The Candy Tree's Organic Mixed Fruit Taffy in cherry, lemon, black currant, strawberry and orange ($2.79/2.6 oz bag);

Organic Orange Lollipops ($2.79/pack of 7); and Organic Lemon Lollipops ($2.59/pack of 7; all available through www.veganessentials.com)

College Farm Organic Naturepops in Citrus Blast, Tropical Treat, Cheery Cherry and Wild Berry ($4.79/18-pop variety pack; www.veganessentials.com)

Let's Do Organic! Classic, Jelly and Super Sour vegan gummy bears ($2.34/4-bag box, www.shopnatural.com)

Chocolate

Look for the "Fair Trade Certified" label, which ensures that chocolate farmers were paid a fair price for their crop. Global Exchange sells Fair Trade Certified Equal Exchange chocolates ($7.95/42-piece bag). Teach your little ghouls more about fair trade with their Trick Or Treat Kit, which includes the fair-trade chocolate, "Fair Trade is Boo-tiful!" poster and postcards and a recycled trick-or-treat bag decorated with the Fair Trade ghost ($15.00; www.gxonlinestore.org).

Endangered Species Chocolate Company's Belgian-chocolate Bug Bites in organic milk chocolate come with educational trading cards ($29.60/64 bites). These sell out quickly, so order early. The company also sells non-organic Dark and Milk

Chocolate Halloween Treats sourced from a co-op in Nigeria ($5.50/24 pieces; www.chocolatebar.com).

Betty Lou's Inc. makes organic Almond Patties, chocolate North Shore Patties and peanut butter Golden Smackers ($30.72/24-piece box; www.bettylousinc.com).

College Farm Organic's Chocolate Mint hard candies come in biodegradable corn-starch packaging ($2.69/24-piece bag; www.veganessentials.com).

Fruit Snacks

Sneak something fruity into trick-or-treat bags, like Kettle Valley's Organic Fruit Snacks in strawberry, blueberry, cherry, cranberry, peach and berry blend ($23.30/pack of 30; www.everydayfruit.com) or

Stretch Island's "Fruitabü" Organic Smooshed Fruit snacks in apple, apricot, grape, raspberry and strawberry ($14.00/30-piece box; www.stretch-island.com).

Earthbound Farm sells their organic Thompson Seedless Raisins in snack packs ($2.99/6-1.5 oz. boxes; www.ebfarmstore.com)

A Halloween party is a perfect occasion for serving high fructose corn syrup-free, organic apple cider from your local farmer's market. Learn more about buying cider from The Green Guide's Amy Topel: "Apple Cider—The Essence of Fall."

Amazing Healing Uses of Apples: Medicinal Miracle Fruit

Everyone has heard the old adage. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Indeed it proves to be true. In varying forms, either ingested or used externally, apples can help cure various ailments without having to use OTC drugs or even prescriptions.

Dating back to ancient times, Apples have been utilized as a medicinal health resource, cleaning agent and even a food preservative. You often hear from an older relative how they may have used an apple slice to keep cake fresh or used apple cider vinegar to treat a sore throat.

You can help promote your health and reduce your costs at the pharmacy or local drug store by keeping your kitchen stocked with fresh apples and medicine cabinet complete with apple cider vinegar. Use apple cider vinegar at the onset of a cold, sore throat, relieve asthma, control blood sugar, high cholesterol, flu, chronic fatigue, Candida, acid reflux, sore throat, arthritis, contact dermatitis, allergies(food,insect,and environmental), poor digestion(tt speeds up metabolism), ugly complexion, premature aging, nighttime leg cramps, decrease mild depression, stop hiccups, lowers high blood pressure, treat indigestion, address arthritis or use as a daily tonic.

Personally, I use organic apple cider vinegar for just about everything; especially as we approach the changing of the time and temperature that typically triggers the cold and flu season. I am a huge proponent of utilizing this form of apples since the fermented vinegar is rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements like potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, sulfur, phosphorus and healthy acids and enzymes. It is more concentrated and I prefer the brands that have a significant amount of sediment that rests at the bottom of the bottle…this is the good stuff.

It seems apple cider vinegar can address many of the reasons you would commonly make a run to your local CVS or Walgreens to buy a drug that may only just mask the symptoms and pain your feel. The benefit of apple cider vinegar is that you can treat the cause of your ailment thereby decreasing or completely eliminating your symptoms entirely.

How exactly does apple cider vinegar work? Or more importantly, why does apple cider vinegar work in remedying common ailments? In many cases, it’s status as a miracle natural remedy is due in part to the result of the fermentation process: healthy enzymes, amino acids and the ability to balance PH levels in the body.

Common Remedies using Apple Cider Vinegar:

For Sore Throat:

Apple cider vinegar has a very potent way of relieving soreness and killing germs associated with viral and bacterial infections. The most effective way to use the vinegar to treat sore throat is to begin gargling immediately when soreness arises. Gargle every hour with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water. Be sure to rinse only the mouth with water to reduce acidity and potential erosion of your tooth enamel.

Sunburn:

Apply apple cider vinegar to sites of sunburn; will relieve pain, prevent blistering and peeling.

Combat fatigue:

Individuals who work our frequently or suffer from chronic fatigue find this vinegar to help treat their fatigue. The amino acids in apple cider vinegar help release lactic acid build up in the blood stream. Similarly, potassium and enzymes also may increase energy levels. Consuming 3 teaspoons of vinegar to 1/8th a cup of honey at bed time will help you wake up refreshed and energized.

To Prevent Yeast Infections:

The powerful pH balancing abilities of the vinegar can literally stop a yeast infection right in its tracks. There are a few ways to treat this effectively; via a vinegar water douche or a sitz bath. Changing the pH of the vaginal environment is essential for a quick recovery. If you choose to douche; douche twice a day using two tablespoons of vinegar to one quart of water (room temperature). Repeat until symptoms disappear. To remedy via a sitz bath; fill a sitz tub or your own tub to hip height with warm adding ½ cup of apple cider vinegar and ½ cup salt. Sit in the bath for at least 20 minutes.

Cure cold/flu:

The acidity of vinegar helps align the alkalinity of the body. At the onset of a cold or flu; the body is more alkaline. By adjusting the pH levels; the body’s system can heal itself thereby kicking a cold. Take a teaspoon of vinegar in a cup of water three times a day.

Daily tonic -An apple a day super juice:

A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in water with a little honey functions as a daily multivitamin.

Treat Swimmer’s ear:

Filling an ear dropper with equal parts of vinegar and water or alcohol and dropping in about 3 or 4 drops of solution into the ear after swimming or showering will relieve the painful symptoms and can even prevent infection.


Internal Benefits & Treatments of Apple Cider Vinegar:

Reduces Lactic Acid buildup: muscle cramping,
Reduces inflammation of joints: arthritis
Maintains bone mass: osteoporosis and post-menopausal bone loss
Restores pH levels: colds, coughs, reduces headaches, indigestion, nasal congestion, ulcers, reduces yeast infections, promotes digestion and underweight conditions
Adds Fiber via Pectin to body: lowers cholesterol, treats constipation and diarrhea, controls blood sugar levels,
Cleanses and detoxifies liver: treats mild depression, helps with weight loss
Contains antioxidants: protects eyes from cataracts and slows aging process
Antiseptic and disinfectant properties: kills harmful bacteria in the digestive tract related to food poisoning


External Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar:

Promotes healing of skin: burns, cuts, rashes, sores from herpes, athlete’s foot,
Controls ear infections
Reduces foot odor
Controls itching of skin, scalp: insect bites, dandruff, ringworm, herpes/cold sores, poison ivy and poison oak,
Prevents acne and blemishes on the face
Decrease appearance of varicose veins (wrap legs in apple cider soaked cloth for 30 minutes twice a day—shrinks veins in 6 weeks)
Brightens blond and dark hair (vinegar and water rinse)

Once you start using apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy daily or just to address sore throat; you will find that your trips to the store and doctor will decrease and will be as big a fan as I of this amazing, natural remedy.

For More Great Daily Tips:

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Fundraising Goes Corporate with Ford and Energizer

October is a month of awareness for Breast Cancer; it allows us to reflect on all those impacted by this very personal disease. Breast cancer does not discriminate; women and men alike are equal victims.

The past 10 years have been successful in promoting the cause and foundations like the Susan G. Komen Foundation. This quickly growing foundation has created events like Race for the Cure and cancer walks across the country to raise funds to promote continued research and support for fighting breast cancer.

It appears as though these fundraising efforts have sparked the interest of various Fortune 100 companies like Ford and Energizer. Ford has created “Warriors in Pink” that highlights their commitment and desire to increase breast cancer awareness this month. The American car company created a limited addition Pink Mustang and proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Other companies like Energizer have also jumped into show their support. Energizer’s Power to Keep Going® campaign promotes awareness through cute down loadable desktop themes. More importantly, Energizer created ReTreat, a mobile mini spa designed to give breast cancer patients, survivors and caregivers the Power to Keep Going® with a chance to Relax, Recharge and Remain Strong. The companies pink batteries will be on shelves in Target stores the entire month of October.

As awareness continues and the funds from such corporate fundraising efforts increase, I hope we will see further strides in the research and fight against breast cancer.

Benefits of Yoga: Meditation, Relaxation and Reflection

The past two months have been extremely busy and filled with various stressors. In this short span of time; I left my very successful, high paying job and packed up my apartment and moved myself and two cats over 1400 miles from Boston, MA. Moving away from the familiar and easy path was no doubt difficult, but worth my peace, sanity and creating my life's mission: Natural Healing.

Getting adjusted to this major transition has been trying and I sought refuge in a local yoga class at the local adult center. What I did not expect was to walk away completely enriched, nourished and revitalized. My muscles were stretched; but so was my perspective. Typically known for being positive and super enthusiastic- I had lost that sparkle and needed something to set me on the right path.

There are many types of yoga: from the ever popular Bikram and Kundalini to styles like Hatha and Astanga. This class was a traditional Kundalini style and the breathwork and poses were key to opening up the chakras and energy flow of the body. Kundalini is rooted in untapping energy (prana) at the base of the spine that can be drawn up through the body awakening each of the seven chakras. Full enlightenment occurs when this energy reaches the Crown Chakra. Kundalini energy is often represented as a snake coiled at the base of the spine.

Our instructor had done a great job in created a setting of serenity and meditation through the sounds and dimly lit room. Although our poses were not difficult or extremely complicated; the combination of breath work and focus only on our body's alignment and breath helped shut out all external stresses and worries I had when I walked through the door.

Yoga has caught on here in the states over the past 15 years; but I was alarmed that few individuals under 50 were in my class. Granted, I'm in Florida- the retirement capital of the states- I thought there would be a much younger population.

Perhaps the benefits of yoga; reduced blood pressure, increased lubrication of joints, ligaments and tendons, the stimulation and massaging of all the internal organs, detoxification and increased flexibility and toning of the muscles are prescribed by doctors to the babyboomers as a way to combat the various ailments and diseases they now face.

Regardless of those involved in the session; Yoga had enriched my day and helped me release the toxins in my muscles and my mind.

I was quite moved by the poem our instructor read during the last 5 minutes of our meditation and wish to share with you today:

The Heart's Garden
by Katherine Merrill

The heart is a garden
Where thought flowers grow:
The thoughts that we think
Are seeds that we sow.

Every kind, loving thought
Bears a kind, loving deed;
While a thought that is selfish
Is just like a weed.

We must watch what we think,
Each minute, all day;
And pull out the weed thoughts
And throw them away;

And plant loving seed thoughts
So thick in a row
That there will not be room
For weed thoughts to grow.