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Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water
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No Place Like Home Wellness Plan
September 23, 2015
— 2 Comments
pure intention
My recent odyssey was perfect for my taste as well as my health. Winding up the last three days and nights in Desert Hot Springs gave me every chance to relax, release and renew in the water. The drinking water there is also excellent, so I came home hydrated and healthy. Taking a mineral water cure is always my favorite way to retreat to center and focus. Leaving home is a great way to assess which best and healthy practices to nurture, and which habits to eliminate. I was very lenient with my diet on holiday but did not suffer ill effects from a few days of extra alcohol and taste treats. We did not go overboard very much on the trip, and a little splurge is good for the attitude.
The first day of fall beckons to holiday celebrants to begin planning, singing, and collecting recipes. The Pumpkin Spice lifestyle is propagated everywhere, and obligatory holiday consumerism is praised as virtue. I am not opposed to merriment, gifting, or parties, but think it can all be done with less waste, more true spirit of giving, and some refined restraint. I plan to use this season of harvest and thanksgiving to clean up my act, my house, and my lifestyle choices. I am the only one who can give myself these gifts.
Now that I am home I have the chance to create positive new change:
- This fall I will limit myself to 3 alcoholic drinks a week
- I will go through my books and office to reduce clutter/clear space
- I will try at least 3 classes a week at the Racquet Club
- I will have acupuncture or body work every week
- I will write poetry and mine my dreams for self-expression
When the winter solstice arrives in December I want to feel happier, lighter, and more free. Three months of concentration on my wellbeing is an investment that will pay big dividends long into the future. This holiday present I am giving to myself is more valuable than anything I could be given by another person.
shadow selfie
California Hot
September 15, 2015
— 2 Comments
Swami’s
Southern California is a wonderful place to visit. I am lucky enough to be on a road trip with a friend who is doing all the driving. We are exploring some places that are new to both of us, then going to a hot spring to spa down before returning to Tucson. I have some aversion to driving here, but since I have been freed from the task I am really enjoying the trip. There are still hippies here. It is much hotter than I have ever known it to be, so many of the Californians are freaking out. I am used to hot weather, but this is the strongest evidence I have experienced for global warming. The beach sand burns your feet, and the ocean is amazingly warm. The drought is obvious everywhere. If any group of smarties can solve the water problem with science and technology I suspect that group would be in California. I hope science will save the day so we can all continue to eat produce, drink wine and come out here to the beach.
sunset
woody
bird of paradise
Legos in the Garden
September 10, 2015
— 4 Comments
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- Lego dragonfly
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- Lego dragonfly
Tucson Botanical Gardens has been a favorite place close to home where I enjoy nature. A recent building project has enhanced the garden’s entrance and gift shop space significantly. Tomorrow a special exhibit will open called Nature Connects, Art with Lego Bricks. Sculptural designs made completely with Legos are on display in the gardens. The pieces came assembled and will stay in Tucson until Jan. 3. They depict animals and a flower.
Lego spider
To pay for the exhibit the plan is to charge all members $5 every time we visit during the nearly 4 months that the Legos are installed. We have maintained a couple’s membership for many years. If I decide to renew when my membership comes due in February I will only buy a single. I have in the past felt generous toward the gardens, but now that they are throwing the members out for almost a third of the year that feeling has passed. I have started to think about where I will go to take a walk in nature without any membership fees. I can think of plenty. Nature without Legos works best for me, so perhaps our taste in botany has simply diverged. In my opinion the plastic animals are tacky and belong elsewhere. Poetry in the Gardens has moved to the U of A arboretum this year, yet another reason to drop my membership. The garden is an asset to the neighborhood that I will miss…at least for the next four months. I think they could have thought of a more respectful way to treat loyal members.
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- Lego deer
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- Lego deer eye
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- Lego deer
plastic pansy
Lego peacock
Lego turtle
Diet of the Ancestors
September 7, 2015
— 4 Comments
The typical American diet is driving obesity, diabetes and heart disease to higher heights. Fad diets and processed shakes abound, but to heal the country of illness we need to return to whole foods. Factory farming and distribution call for processing, refrigeration or freezing. The end product often costs more to ship and preserve than it did to grow. The longer it is stored the more it costs to keep it frozen. The health of the nation would be better served by consuming food that has not been packaged or canned. I do, of course, eat some processed foods, but I am working to get back to basics. I want to improve my habits for the sake of the earth, and for the benefit of my health.
Coconut oil is now a daily part of my routine. I swish a tablespoon of oil in my mouth for 40 minutes each morning to kill cooties. The oil slides into all spaces and treats all surfaces in my mouth with anti-bacterial agents. I spit out the oil and rinse my super-clean feeling teeth to finish the process. On my last dental visit my dentist raved about the positive properties of coconut oil and extolled the virtues of eating it and using it topically. I let him know I was using it to kill bacteria since it seems to be working for me. My annual thermography report showed much less inflammation in my eye ear nose and throat than last year, and less in my digestive tract also. I am a fully committed oil puller. It takes some getting used to, but now I have the habit. It is one of the easiest things I can do to improve my health.
I think oral health has a big impact on the entire body. My dentist agrees. Today I learned about Dr Weston Price, a dentist with an interest in diet and anthropology. His popular ideas are still followed today. He determined that avoidance of artificial and refined sugars, fats, and flours that were not available before industrialization, could prevent disease. He recommended local nutrient dense foods that included a variety of natural fats. His view into the mouth of societies with ancestral diets showed him the wisdom of developing a palate for savory unprocessed foods. I am lucky to have time and circumstances that support home preparation of whole foods. I may not be able to give up sweet potato corn chips or my favorite jars of salsa, but at least I do eat them with home made guacamole.
Westin Price’s book
Fluidity and the Future
August 26, 2015
— 2 Comments
fountain of youth
When the worldwide economy takes center stage anything can happen. Some people are caught in a crunch without sufficient funds to cover their losses. Some investments are easily converted into cash. These are considered to be fluid investments. Anything that you own for which there is no instant market is not fluid. You must find a buyer in order to unload those items. Often the seller takes a serious loss when forced to raise funds to cover losses. Think of the recent real estate tragedies in the united States as an example. The underwater homes and mortgages were stuck in a stagnant market that favored buyers over sellers. The American dream of the 30 year mortgage in real estate as a fabulous investment has been revealed to be less than foolproof. Not all homes will retain value, and in some markets real estate is very difficult to move.
Fluidity is a factor in investing and planning for retirement, but it is also a major element in future flexibility in life. The body you create as well as inherit will serve you for better or for worse as time passes. You will be able to enjoy activities and stay involved in social and intellectual interests as long as your physical health allows. The precious resources of healthy mind and healthy body can’t be overprotected. The body is the permanent home we will occupy until we die. Keeping it in good working order is the most valuable gift we can give our future selves. Retaining good range of motion will pay excellent dividends in terms of comfort and ease. How can we contribute to our liquid physical assets?
- Immerse yourself in water- use the support of hydrostatic pressure to bring ease to your movement and enhancement to your natural flexibility
- Try new forms of artistic expression- the latest trend is all about adult coloring books as a meditative practice. Crafty or edible, use any new excuse to expand your artistic horizons.
- Plan free time to include more activities in nature. Picnics, hikes, and trips to the dog park all bring the healing power of nature into our daily experience.
- If you have any space (even a balcony) try growing some of the foods or herbs you eat. The satisfaction of gardening is a shortcut to both better nutrition and therapy.
- Start a regular stretching and strength routine. The methods you use are less important than making the practice a daily habit. Keeping range of motion all over the body, especially the spine, is an investment well worth your time.
fountain of youth
Blue Moon Opportunity
July 28, 2015
— 1 Comment
This July, 2015 is full of unusual astrological events. The most obvious is the blue moon in Aquarius on 31 July at the end of this week. This second full moon in a month is rare, and will not occur again until January, 2018. In astrology terms, the sky is full of aspects, squares and retrograde planets that do not bode well for relationships and power struggles.
Full moon is a time of plenty, a time to reap and be grateful. As tides swell and retreat, the moon (from our point of view) grows large until it is directly opposite the sun at full moon, and then it diminishes in size. Since ancient times farmers have followed the moon’s phases to find the right times to plant or harvest, feed, or weed the crops. The new moon begins a cycle which comes to fullness about 2 weeks later when it reaches fullness. Each new moon I make a mental and physical sweep of my space, clearing and cleaning. I have learned that for me this important step makes clear a new beginning. Projects that have been abandoned can be refreshed on the new moon. Obvious excess, including commitments that don’t benefit me, are examined for possible removal at the new moon. It reminds me of soil preparation and planting seeds. During the time between new and full your enthusiasm and efforts must continue to nurture the new project or you will arrive at the full moon with little to show. A continuum of careful execution must be carried out with mindful purpose in order to attain the goal, or the harvest we desire. Each new moon is a chance to start anew. Each full moon is a time to count our blessings and feel our successes.
This special blue moon seems to me an excellent time to examine life goals, large and small. Relationships from the past may be haunting the present. This week my meditation is about cleaning up and forgiving in order to move into the future with ease. This task is simple, but it always needs to be repeated, at least in my life. I wish all my gentle readers a joyous and adventurous blue moon.
Full Moon
Mango Madness
July 23, 2015
— 7 Comments
mango chutney
I grew up in Pennsylvania in the 1950’s. I ate iceberg lettuce from Kroger’s and frozen produce from my grandparents’ farm in Arkansas. I liked fruits and vegetables, but had only been exposed to a small range because in those times produce was not shipped around the world and stored. It was eaten close to the place where it was grown. When I was 13 my family moved to eastern Venezuela, where my yard contained around 30 super large mango trees. There were also tamarinds, limes, coconuts, a breadfruit, oranges, and papayas right outside the back door. There were so many mangos falling to the ground when they were ripe that a man came daily to our yard to fill a big trailer with ripe mangoes to feed to his pigs. Had he not gathered up the thick layer of ripe mangoes every day we might have drowned in compost. We did eat them and give them to everyone who wanted them, but we still had a huge excess.
I loved my new yard and the orchids my mom grew in the courtyard of our house. It was a big change from suburban Pittsburgh, and I approved. I learned to make jalea de mango with green mango, which was when I discovered my extreme skin allergy to green mangoes. If I handle them I break out I hives where they have touched my skin. Oddly enough, ripe ones don’t bother my skin at all, and I can consume both the green and ripe fruits once they are cooked without any problems. Another wonderful way to eat green mangoes is in a pie. You treat it just like an apple pie, and the flavor is slightly similar. The fruit is green and crisp when it is used it for pie.
orchids
This week I had a plethora of ripening mangoes which made me investigate different ways to preserve them. Yesterday I made chutney which turned out very well. I used a chile from our garden,one small lime, raisins, mustard seed, cinnamon stick, cloves, black pepper, lots of ginger, brown sugar and apple cider vinegar to season the ripe mangoes and create a savory and spicy condiment. This is a quick easy way to create a custom flavor burst with your own twist. I followed a recipe but cut the sugar in half to get the taste I was seeking. It is delicious with goat cheese. I think will make more chutney, with ingredients like tomato and onion, because they are simple and add a lot of bang for the buck to a meal. When my partner tasted the mango chutney he said “Get back, fancy restaurants! This is fantastic.” His enthusiasm has encouraged me to groove on down the chutney trail with new ingredients.
I still have a few ripe mangoes today, as well as some strawberries that need to be eaten. I am going to prepare a fruit compote with the two fruits plus a little orange juice, lime zest, and a touch of agave nectar. This creation will need to be consumed in the next day, but the chutney will keep for a month or so in the refrigerator, should it survive for that long. Do you have a favorite way to eat mangoes, gentle reader?
Magical Marjoram
July 16, 2015
— 3 Comments
marjoram plant
Marjoram has been used medicinally for centuries. The botanical name, Origanum majorana, is derived from Greek words meaning joy (oros) of the mountains (ganos). This culinary herb is commonly used in Mediterranean dishes to add a warm woody flavor. As an herbal remedy the tea made from dried leaves and flowers is used as a treatment for liver disease, vocal chord distress, insomnia, coughs, indigestion, headaches and migraines. The antispasmodic qualities of the herb are used topically in ointments and massage oils to relive muscle soreness.
The marjoram in my garden is highly productive, so I have looked into ways to use my large harvest. I do cook with it, but have not yet tried drinking the tea. On the new moon each month I do a clean sweep ritual. I clean and clear my home of stale energy, throw away or give away items no longer needed, then refresh the marjoram sachets in the 4 corners of my home. The bundles are symbolic as well as aromatic. I meditate on new beginnings and fresh projects while I dispose of the old herbs in the back yard and replace them with freshly harvested marjoram from my front yard. The process only takes about 5 minutes but it establishes a clean start attitude in my home. The fresh scent fades, but the mini ritual refreshes my creativity and wellness.
I have learned that the Egyptians dedicated this planet to the god Osiris, who ruled the afterlife. They used it on the graves of the dead as well as in medicinal preparations. In Greece both marjoram and oregano, cousins with different effects, were created by Aphrodite. Love potions were made with marjoram, and Greeks crowned the bridal couple with wreaths of marjoram at weddings to ensure happiness. Continuing the funeral custom, ancient Greeks believed that if marjoram grows on someone’s grave they are content in the afterlife.
I have been trying techniques to enhance my sleep lately. I developed a couple of small muscular strains yesterday, so I decided to try a marjoram bath in the evening. I have been using Epsom salts in my bath to put me to sleep soundly with great success. I have added ginger as a general tonic, so I thought I would compare that experience to marjoram bathing. I stayed in the first time for about 30 minutes, got out and sweated into my terry cloth robe for about 10 minutes, then soaked again for 20 minutes . The effect was very positive. Not only did I fall deeply and soundly to sleep, but this morning all the little aches had left my body. One of them had been hanging around for weeks, not too painful, just annoying. I have already brewed marjoram tea for my bath tonight, with plans to continue this simple and effective remedy from my garden. I have discovered my own version of the fountain of youth. All I need to do to erase minor pain and alter my level of stress is soak in my own tub. Tonight I may add a cup of tea internally to add to the sedative effects. Do remember that sedative and anti depressant are not the same. This herb, although mild, is used as a downer. If you want a lift try lemon balm in your bath.
marjoram plant
Urban Agriculture in Tucson
July 14, 2015
— 3 Comments
Ophelia Camera Shy
In Tucson we have a harsh climate and sparse rain, both of which make gardening a challenge. Arizona had thriving agricultural crops until the ground water became too scarce and too deep to pump to the surface for many growers. Around Phoenix one can find large citrus groves abandoned, full of dead mature trees. It is a sad sight. Our large pecan groves are starting to compete for water with the surrounding residential users. Since the water is finite this problem will only increase with time. Our state needs to be very conservative with water, finding solutions to feed the population without depleting the water table. We are lucky that Nogales, Arizona is the main port for Mexican produce into the states. Most of the year we are able to buy deeply discounted produce from Mexico which is brought to Tucson by the Santa Cruz County Food Bank to save it from the landfill.
In Tucson there is a thriving urban agriculture movement. Small growers and producers are encouraged to bring produce to market through some innovative programs operated by the Community Food Bank Southern Arizona . The Food Conspiracy and Native Seed Search are strong supporters of local gardens as well as purveyors of local products. This enriches our community by supporting options that decrease food waste and the costs of food storage and transport. What could be better than allowing fruits to ripen on the vine, then harvesting them for dinner in your own back yard? Not everyone can have a garden, but those who do add to the beauty and sustainability of the neighborhood.
I like to garden, but many folks around town enjoy keeping hens for eggs. My neighbor Heidi had 6 lovely chickens in her back yard for many years. Suddenly the city zoning department demanded that she remove the chickens and tear down their home. This was in response to some complaint which can’t be traced to any neighbor. There are laws on the books that are never enforced unless somebody complains. The chicken rules have been ignored, then randomly enforced when complaints are made. This has become some kind of political football. Finally after many years of working on a new proposal that is more friendly to small time egg farmers the issue will come to a vote by our city council. The final touches of the zoning committee will be presented to the mayor and council for review and decisions. The Tucson Clucks are organizing and hoping that all their illicit coops will be permitted to stay in place. I think it is not only reasonable, but good for the city to promote food growing that does not disturb neighbors. Roosters will still be outlawed because of the potential noise, but responsible chicken owners will no longer be outlaws.
Folk Medicine Friday-Ginger
July 10, 2015
— 2 Comments
Each week I will talk about some history of medicine and folklore. Today I am featuring ginger.
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