Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Forgiveness

THE WONDER AND POWER OF FORGIVENESS


One  of the most difficult actions to accomplish yet the most beneficial for our health; body, soul and spirit, is the act of forgiving.  There is a wonder and power here that too few individuals experience to its fullest extent.  The tendency among us is to harbor offenses, mull them over, stew about them...but we are stewing a pot of bitterness that we ourselves drink daily and it poisons our entire life. Offenses, heartbreak, disappointments come into every one's lives...it is part of the journey of life. We cannot keep it from coming, but we can control our response and therefore the outcome of these disappointments.  Our attitude is not just important.. it is EVERYTHING when it comes to the issues of life. Being one who desires to live in optimal health and enjoy this life God has given us, I have learned to harbor no unforgiveness or bitterness in my heart!!


THE PROBLEM OF UNFORGIVENESS

When we harbor ill will, bitterness, anger or hatred toward another soul, we often do not realize that it is our own selves that are experiencing the result of our attitudes.  Often the object of our anger is oblivious to the fact or totally disinterested in our feelings. I like the way Joan Hunter phrased it: "unforgiveness is a poison pill we take hoping the other person will get sick". Unfortunately, that is not the case! Rather "he who angers you...conquers you" says Elizbeth Kenny.  They are actually controlling your future with an action perpetrated, often in the distant past. We may be seeking revenge, but they may have totally forgotten that you even exist!

Unforgiveness damages our life in three main ways. First of all, unforgiveness has a detrimental effect on your physical health. Many studies done recently by those in the medical community confirm the effect these negative emotions related to unforgiveness have on the health of our bodies: Some suggest it alters the pattern of chemicals and electricity in your body. Others that it disrupts the harmony of the brain wave - affects thinking and decision making processes. Still others suggest it stresses your skeletal muscular system producing muscle tension, headaches, stomach aches, neck and back aches, tiredness or dizziness. Anger triggers the bodies fight or flight system bringing stress to your entire body.  Some have suggested a tendency to restrict blood for to the heart, digestive problems, cellular stress...the list goes on and on!!  In fact prolonged anger and unforgiveness is estimated to hasten your chance of death before fifty by 500%!! In Philadelphia they are seeing great improvement in cancer patients that have been encouraged to practice the virtue of forgiveness! 

"Vengeance is having a videotape planted in your soul that cannot be turned off. It plays the painful scene over and over again inside your mind...And each time it plays you feel the clap of pain again." Lewis Smedes 

And each time it plays the same toxic poison is released into your body, soul and spirit. Unforgiveness may not be the sole cause of these illnesses, but it opens the door by suppressing the immune system functions that keep you in optimal health.

Secondly, unforgiveness can have detrimental effects on our current relationships!! Often those who have not learned to forgive offenses have a difficult time in trusting and entering into meaningful relationships because of the previous disappointments.  One of the reasons second marriages fail at a higher rate than first marriages is because of this distrust factor. Commitment to another is difficult. The tendency is to see the faults rather than the virtues of others. Often those who harbor unforgiveness also share their feeling with friends or family, to find support for their attitudes. This colors their attitudes as well and spreads the poison pill around.  Families begin to feud, churches and organizations are split, business partnerships fail, marriages fail all because we cannot forgive! Many times something that was a misunderstanding or unintended act at first, becomes a larger and larger problem if unresolved. Rather than forgive we allow pain and resentment to grow. Some may be satisfied to go on resenting those who have wronged them, stewing in their inner poisons, spreading it to others around, but I choose to forgive for my own future.  Forgiveness is a selfish action that you take to save yourself!! "There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness"  states Josh Billings

Thirdly, unforgiveness hinders our relationship with our creator and our ability to receive forgiveness ourselves!! "He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man has need to be forgiven" according to Thomas Fuller. The most famous prayer in the world we call The Lord's Prayer contains these words "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us" . Notice the linkage between our giving and then receiving forgiveness.  We do not have the capacity to receive forgiveness if we are unwilling to forgive others. Also, when instructions are given to pray in scripture, there is often this caveat, when you stand praying....forgive!! "and when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Mark 11:25  We were created to live in harmony with one another and where the harmony is broken it is difficult to make contact with our creator. The offending party should not even bring a gift of worship to God if he remembers that another has something against him!! He is instructed to "leave his gift at the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift"

If you have read my previous posts about "Three Essentials to Live In Health" you understand why learning to forgive is of utmost importance!! I talk of a three legged stool that supports optimal health, and when you harbor unforgiveness...you are trying to sit on this stool with 2 broken legs...only one remains! There is no support and you cannot balance on one leg for long without crashing and falling into "dis ease"!!Some individuals do not want to forgive because they see it as letting the person off the hook when they actually want revenge, want they to pay for it, to make it up to them. All the years spent and energy wasted in this pursuit generally results in absolutely no change!! You cannot change the past, you cannot change another person, but you certainly can change yourself and you can change your future!!!

HOW CAN WE FORGIVE?

We can forgive first of all because we have several amazing examples in the Judeo-Christian faith! In the book of Genesis the story of Joseph takes up a large portion of the book, and the example is unmistakable!! After being nearly killed by his brothers, sold as a slave, he maintained a heart of forgiveness. When his master's wife lied and accused him of rape, had him put in prison, he kept a forgiving attitude, and even later when his brothers we at his mercy and feared for their lives, he loved and forgave!  One of the most powerful statements I have ever read is found in Genesis 50:20 when Joseph's brothers feared his wrath and Joseph answered "you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good"!! Even the hurts caused by others can become avenues of blessing in our lives if we keep a forgiving attitude of faith.  Of course the greatest example of all is found in Luke 23:34 when Christ is dying on the cross.  His statement is "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing". Yet as a result of his unjust death, millions of lives have been transformed through the power of His love and forgiveness. He set the pattern for forgiveness and each time we push our way through to the miraculous benefits of forgiveness, we are imitating our creator. We were created in His image...and we can heal the wrongs done to us by being the first to forgive.

We can forgive because it is the only way to break the vicious cycle of pain, blame and shame in any relationship.  Forgiving does not settle the issue of whose at fault...who wronged who...the punishment deserved.  Always remember, "judge not, that you be not judged" and let God decide, because he is the only one that knows every ones hearts and attitudes.  The law of reciprocity does work and what we sow...we will surely reap! So make certain the seeds you sow are ones of love, understanding and forgiveness.  You can only find inner peace when you release the hurt and pain and exchange it for love and forgiveness.  As you change yourself....for you alone...for the peace of mind, understanding, physical, emotional and spiritual healing...you will find joy, laughter and a better future awaits!! We can start new relationships and many times heal old wounds that have separated us from those we love.

"IF YOU WISH TO TRAVEL FAR AND FAST, TRAVEL LIGHT.
TAKE OFF ALL YOUR ENVIES, JEALOUSIES, UNFORGIVENESS,
SELFISHNESS AND FEARS."  - Glenn Clark

The word "forgive" means to wipe the slate clean, to pardon, to cancel a debt. It is time that we cancelled the debt and walked away from the hurts and pain and blame and allowed the healing power of forgiveness to operate in our lives! You will find healing for your body, healing for your emotions, healing for relationships and a new fellowship and faith when you worship and pray!! Why? Because we are doing what our creator has taught us "forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us?.








 

Saturday, July 2, 2011

AN INSIDIOUS THREAT!!


There is an insidious threat to our bodies, present in this world that is unique! No generation before us has faced this challenge to our health. The presence of this threat has brought many great benefits into our lives and at the same time great dangers!! This power and presence has been sought, developed, created and harnessed in many ways for the betterment of mankind! Unfortunately, the dangers are  many and when disregarded or unknown can be devastating in their effect! My goal in this article is to alert you to a threat that I describe as insidious which by definition is: "Acting or proceeding unobserved or in a seemingly harmless manner, but slowly or eventually doing great damage!"

We live in an electric world!

Going back to 600 BC we find the first record of electricity when Thales of Miletus wrote about charging amber while rubbing it, what we now call static electricity.  In the 1600's the Greek word for "amber" was translated  into English as "electricity" and the attraction and repulsion properties were discovered. Also, Otto Von Guericke invented a machine that produced static electricity in 1660.  Over the next century it was discovered how to produce, harness and conduct electricity. Eventually, Ben Franklin's theory on electricity and later Thomas Edison's light bulb, along with many other inventions have made our would and exciting and illuminated place!! So much of our daily lives is impacted by it's presence: computers, PDA's, cell phones, WiFi, microwaves, refrigerators, stoves, the machines of industry and offices...even the energy that lights and heats our homes!

While the benefits of electricity in our environment are unquestionable and so necessary now to our daily pursuits, few realize how much our environment itself has been charged with the effects of these electrical currents and the possible dangers they present. Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of varying strength and frequency permeate our environment! They are produced by the creation, transmission and use of electricity by any device! Electrical energy travels from the production plants, along power lines, through transformers and into our homes and offices! Electric and magnetic fields surround every aspect of this energy transmission. Electric fields and magnetic fields may occur together, but they are distinct invisible lines of force surrounding anything that uses or conducts electricity. While electric fields are not able to pass through objects and can be shielded by anything able to be a conductor, magnetic fields are able to pass through objects and may have far greater effects on our bodies.

A body of evidence is growing about the health hazards of EMF radiation.  According to Dr. Andrew Weil, Author of Spontaneous Healing and 8 Weeks to Optimum Health "EMF may be the most significant form of pollution human activity has produced in this century, all the more dangerous because it is invisible and insensible". Also, Professor Leif G Salford, Chairman, Dept of Neurosurgery, Lund University, Sweden, "Voluntary exposure of the brain to microwaves from handheld mobile phones....(is) the largest human biological experiment ever"!! It is estimated that we live in a world with 100 to 200 million times the radiation than what our grandparents lived in.  The EMFs radiate from cell phones, WiFi, DVDs, iPods, iPads, home appliances, hair dryers, etc. "Prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiation in humans may result in such conditions as headaches, confusion, sleeping problems, depression and mood swings." according to Karolinska Institute, Uppsala University, Wayne State University, 2008.  Laboratory studies documented in The Invisible Threat by Dr Howard W Fisher, suggest that "EMFs may change the following: function of cells and tissues, cellular membrane function, secretion of the hormone melatonin, depression of immune system, accelerated tumor growth, biorhythms, human brain activity, heart rate, heart rhythm and blood pressure!

Even the EPA in a draft report issued March 1990, recommended that EMFs be classified as a Class B carcinogen - a "probable" human carcinogen and joined the ranks of formaldehyde, DDT, dioxins and PCBs. Later, after major lobbying by the utility, military and computer lobbyists, the revision did NOT classify EMFs as a Class B carcinogen with this explanation: "At this time such a characterization regarding the link between cancer and exposure to EMFs is not appropriate because the basic nature of the interaction between EMFs and biological processes leading to cancer is not understood."  However, they followed up by saying "In conclusion, several studies showing leukemia, lymphoma and cancer of the nervous system in children exposed to EMFs, supported by similar findings in adults in several occupational studies also involving electrical power frequency exposures, show a consistent pattern of response that suggest a causal link." To quote Paul Brodeur, author of The Great Power-line Cover-Up "What industry spokespeople conveniently overlooked, of course, was that thirty years after definitive epidemiology had been conducted to show that asbestos was a potent cancer-producing agent, scientists still do not know the mechanism by which and inhaled asbestos fiber reacts in lung tissue to cause cancer. Nor do they understand the mechanism by which cigarette smoke reacts in lung tissue to cause lung cancer or how DDT operates in breast tissue to cause breast cancer. Suffice it to say, if public health authorities had been required to wait for the cancer-producing mechanisms of these agents to be fully understood, regulations governing asbestos exposure would not have been implemented; warnings on cigarette smoking would not have been issued; and the twenty-year ban on DDT would not have been imposed."

Electricity and the human body

Long before mankind "discovered" electricity, then learned to generate, harness and use it so effectively/ our bodies, uniquely and wonderfully made, were generating low level electric impulses to communicate between cells and to send messages through our nervous system.  Luigi Galvani, an Italian physician and physicist in 1791, discovered that the muscles of dead frogs twitched when struck by a spark.  This was one of the first forays into the study of bioelectricity, a field that still today studies the electrical patterns and signals of the nervous system.  According to Wikipedia; "Bioelectromagnetism (sometimes equated with bioelectricity) refers to the electrical, magnetic or electromagnetic fields produced by living cell, tissue or organisms. Examples include the cell membrane potential and the electric currents that flow in the nerves and muscles as a result of action potentials."   We are electrical beings.  Our bodily functions cease when the electric current stops.  When a person's heart stops and they attempt to revive them, paddles are used sending a jolt of electrical current to jump start the heart muscle again! Recently a family member with an irregular heartbeat had his heart "shocked" with electrical current to try to normalize the heart rhythm.

Some of the most damaging EMFs to the bodies systems seem to be the ones emitted from cell phones, WiFi hot spots, cell towers, etc. that are covering our landscape more and more.These particular kind of information carrying radio waves  (ICRW's) are highly disruptive to our bodies.  Sherrill Sellman, ND,is a naturopathic doctor, psychotherapist, international lecturer, radio host, writer and author of the best-selling book Hormone Heresy: What Women Must Know About Their Hormones wrote this in Nexus Magazine Aug/Sept 2007 "Although the wireless technology industry and some governmental agencies continue to assure the public of the safety of cell phones (which is very reminiscent of the tobacco industry), the truth is that recent scientific evidence has revealed an emerging pattern of severe health problems caused from exposure to near-field radiation. Cell phones are anything but safe and harmless. Some of the specific biological problems include disruption to the blood-brain barrier, genetic damage, breakdown in cell-to-cell communication and increase in the risk of cancers."

Because our bodies communicate through low level electric impulses, the human body, it stands to reason is affected by electricity.  It seems only natural and reasonable to assume that in a world with 100 to 200 millions times more radiation in our environment than our grand-parents lived in, that our bodies would experience some definite effects!! A variety of articles with detailed information from leaders in the field have been posted on another website liveinhealth.inspiredwellness.411.com for your further review and education. At your convenience you may view published articles,  audios and videos free for your information.

Health Issues linked to EMR exposure

There are many different diseases that seem to be linked to constant EMF exposure.  One of grave concern is outlined by Sherrill Sellman, ND in her article entitled Electropollution, Hormones and Cancer . She shares much about how the suppression of the endocrine glands by EMFs can result in cancer and many other health problems. The melatonin suppression that is evident from numerous studies gives a clear indication of problems ahead. Sellman also describes how the stress hormones and the adrenal gland function is compromised leading to abnormally increased levels of adrenalin and cortisol. Women especially, should consider the evidence presented relating to EMFs and breast cancer.

In his book entitled The Invisible Threat, Dr. Fisher documents the studies and data regarding EMFs effect on Childhood Cancer, Heart Disease, Immune Function, Cortisol and Hormone Secretion, and states "The evidence is absolutely overwhelming that the EMFs affect serum melatonin and pineal gland function"!

What is the correct response to these concerns?

First, we need to encourage continuing research on the subject, especially beginning with children who use the technology so much in their generation.  The studies should run over at least a 10 year period.  We need to see the long term effects of EMFs on human health.  Many countries are conducting studies, and health agencies in six countries (UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Finland and Israel) have recommended reducing children's exposure to cell phone radiation! Here in the US we need to stop being so trusting of the cell phone industry and do the proper long term research!! We must become more serious and aware of the issues involved!!

Secondly, recognition of the concerns regarding EMFs needs to be publicized much more to the general public.  One of the main reasons for this article on my blog is to generate awareness!! Please share the article and links with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc.  Follow the links and educate yourself more fully regarding these concerns.

Thirdly, each individual must be responsible for taking precautionary actions. We know that it is not wise to stand next to a microwave when it is operating, and those who administer x-rays in a doctor or dentists office know to protect themselves by stepping out of the room when the machine is on! You will notice how the assistant who takes the x-ray in a dentists office will also cover the areas of your body near the machine to protect it from the rays effects! We all know that x-rays have a cumulative affect on the body and they should be limited as much as possible.  In the same way, we need to limit the use of cell phones, especially by the very young or at least find some products that can assist in protecting us from the stressors of EMF radiation!

I have followed the problem for many years and have found products that personally work for our household.  For several years now I have used the products I recommend to assist your bodies in dealing with the stress of EMFs. I and my family members have experienced many benefits from these products.  They harmonize your body and help protect it from these stressors.  One is designed to be attached to your Cell Phone, and others used on computers and appliances within the home that emit EMRs.  There are products that harmonize the environment of an entire room or vehicle you drive.  I religiously wear a pendant every day that harmonizes the environment around my body at all times whether at home or traveling! A room harmonizer is plugged in to every hotel room when I arrive! Knowing what I now do, the potential danger is too great for me to ignore for myself and I would be remiss in not sharing the products with you also!  In every area of life, I have found the best response is an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!! Protect and prevent, rather than repair and repent!! Remember, an earlier post on this blog MAINTENANCE OR MAJOR REPAIR is my motto!!

NOTE:  As I have said many times in this blog. What we share is our own personal journey of optimal health and is not to be considered medical advice or to replace the counsel or advice of your physician.





                    
  

















  






inspiredwellness411.com

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Maintenance or Major Repair

When it comes to maintaining your physical body, most individuals take less thought than we do in maintaining our autos or homes. Yet, no vehicle or possession in life is even close to the importance of a healthy body. We can buy a new car, truck or home; but we only receive one body to transport us through this life.



Often we have checklists for vehicle maintenance and reminders to change the oil, replace the oil, air and fuel filters, rotate the tires, lubricate the chassis, etc. We clean, wax, polish and baby this important means of transportation. Many wise individuals have checklists for home maintenance. They remind us to change heat and a/c filters, clean gutters, seal windows, spring cleaning and fall winterizing. I also have a checklist for my RV to check each time we prepare it for a trip and then again to prepare it for months of storage.

DO YOU HAVE A CHECKLIST FOR YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH MAINTENANCE?

Many take little thought for regular maintenance of our bodies. We drive them, push them, punish them, taking little thought of the magnificent vehicle we have been given to transport us through this life. Many abuse their bodies with drugs, alcohol, huge amounts of refined sugars, processed and packaged foods. It's like putting mud and dirt in your gas tanks!!

Many overload our bodies with excess weight, huge amounts of fat that our bodies were never designed to carry! There are weigh stations for trucks on our roadways because over-loading our vehicles causes tires to blow, an inability to brake in a reasonable distance causing accidents, etc. As vehicles have weight restrictions to function successfully, so our bodies have weight restrictions to function successfully. The number one preventable cause of death in America to day is obesity! It contributes to heart disease, cancer and diabetes; the top three killers of americans today.

Have you considered lately how you are maintaining your physical health? A regular check up with a physician can tell you if you have any disease present, much like diagnostics on a vehicle will tell you if the systems are functioning correctly. Many never even consider their health until a major breakdown occurs!! Would you drive your vehicle all year and never change the oil, replace air, oil and fuel filters, etc.? You will first have a sluggish or poor performing vehicle, then total breakdown. The large repair bill, if it is even possible to repair, will be far greater than the time and investment would have been had you practiced proper maintenance! MAJOR REPAIRS!!

There are so many intricate systems in the human body that must function correctly for us to maintain optimal health, but there are a few simple, regular maintenance steps that can be followed and are invaluable to optimal health!

It is interesting to note that sometimes we become so focused on the outward appearance that we neglect the inner support system that is so necessary, much like washing, waxing and polishing while never changing the oil!! Many of us workout to develop our muscles, sculpt and tone our bodies. Many go further and focus on clean, healthy eating and fueling our bodies correctly. Beyond that some focus on removing the excess load of fat and maintaining a proper weight. All of this is so important for optimal health! We also cleanse, nourish and hydrate our skin and keep the exterior layer looking very appealing

FUEL AND FILTER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

The critical area of maintenance for our autos is the fuel and filtering system. By changing oil and keeping the air, fuel and oil clean with new filters, we protect the engine and moving parts that power and drive our vehicles. In our bodies, the fuel and filtering systems are critical to a smoothly functioning machine. The fuel and filter system in the body that supports everything else is the digestive system from mouth to colon and the liver and kidneys.

According to Dr. Bruce West "most disease is linked to a toxic liver or poorly functioning digestive tract". The liver does hundreds of functions in our body to remove toxins and keep our systems operating at optimal levels. Dr. West in Health Alerts, says "the liver is designed to detoxify and cleanse itself, but i can be overwhelmed and kept from performing its own self-detoxifying procedures. Additionally, your liver needs certain foods to perform this minor miracle. These foods are not the ones most people eat".

Periodic fasting, practiced since ancient times, and eating cleansing foods like; onions, garlic, beets, red peppers, asparagus and cruciferous veggies like cabbage, broccoli, brussel spouts and kale help support the livers function and detoxifying work. Eat as much raw or lightly cooked veggies. Waterless at very low heat is best for cooking veggies and maintaining the nutrition. Living foods, not cooked, processed and packaged foods that destroy nutrition. Enjoy couple of servings of fish (salmon, tuna, etc.) per week and minimal animal protein, avoiding as much as possible foods and meats that are not organic. According to The China Study, by T Colin Campbell, the most comprehensive study ever conducted on nutrition, a diet emphasizing this type of diet is best for long term optimal health and gives the best chance of protection from heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

We personally follow Dr. Bruce West's protocol outlined in his Health Alerts periodical on the subject of "Indigestion - The Secret Link to Disease". We have found it to be very cleansing and healing. Regular fasting is also an important cleansing practice for long term maintenance of your bodies fuel and filtering system. There are many types and durations of fasts. We will share more with you in upcoming blog posts! Take time today to schedule your next oil, filter and lube job for your body. As I have said many times in this blog. What we share is our own personal journey of optimal health and is not to be considered medical advice or to replace the counsel or advice of your physician.