by admin | May 20, 2019 8:28 pm | Recipes
Alexander Espresso
Ingredients:
• 1 cup Cold water
• 2 tb Ground espresso coffee
• ½ Cinnamon stick (3″ long)
• 4 ts Crème de Cacao
• 2 ts Brandy
• 2 tb Whipping cream, chilled
• Grated semisweet chocolate to garnish
How To:
Break out your espresso machine for this one or just make really strong coffee with a small
amount of water. Break cinnamon stick into small pieces and add to hot espresso. Allow to
cool for 1 minute. Add crème de cacao and brandy, and stir gently. Pour into cute
demitasse cups. Whip the cream, and float some cream on top of each cup. For looks,
garnish with grated chocolate or fancy chocolate curls. Multiply proportions by six and it’s
perfect for a party. Serves 2
by admin | May 13, 2019 12:19 pm | Health
It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious or depressed occasionally, especially in response to life’s stressors. However, when these feelings become prolonged, disproportionate or apparent for no significant reason, they need to be addressed.
Thankfully diagnosis and treatment methods have come a long way, with many public health campaigns working towards bringing mental illness ‘out of the shadows’.
The co-occurrence of anxiety and depression is a noted feature of these disorders. While behavioral and emotional symptoms may differ within the two, the fact remains they are both an unnatural and unwelcome state of mental health.
Characterized by a constant overwhelming state of fear or worry, anxiety can be debilitating in its physical manifestations too. The symptoms of depression may be similar to unrelenting feelings of sadness or despair.
The exact cause is still unclear; however, changes in brain chemistry, genetic factors, and hormone function are all believed to play a role. Irrespective of the cause, mental illness requires and generally responds to professional treatment.
Best Methods of Treating Anxiety and Depression
Our understanding of mental illness has evolved over time, yet it still presents certain difficulties. Diagnostically speaking, depression and anxiety primarily affect the way an individual thinks and feels, and in most cases subsequently behaves; therefore we generally rely upon patients to identify these changes themselves and seek help.
In some case, family members or close friends may be able to identify vulnerable individuals and assist in requesting attention. Once diagnosed, however, treatment can be quite successful using a variety of approaches; the most common of which are psychological therapies or ‘talking therapies’.
Such therapies are generally administered by a qualified psychologist and involve either behavior modification (Cognitive Behavior Therapy or CBT) or examination of intrapersonal and interpersonal patterns and behaviors.
Generally, work will be done to identify and address key triggers and ways of managing future events. Such therapies are often combined with a focus on improving nutrition and encouraging regular exercise, which itself can actively promote a healthy mental state.
Indeed, a safe and effective first step towards self-empowerment is taking control over one’s diet. The benefits are both psychological and physiological. Reducing or eliminating spikes caused by sugar-laden foods and stimulants, such as excess coffee, cigarettes, etc., will help in reducing the debilitating feelings associated with general anxiety.
Children and Adults Can be Affected
Young people and children, unfortunately, are just as vulnerable to mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. While often harder to detect, once diagnosed, applied therapies specifically designed for children can usually assist the child in living a happier and more fulfilling childhood.
A happier childhood better prepares the child for dealing with the stresses of teen years and young adulthood. The healthy and safe transition of young adulthood enables the individual to prepare for and live a life feeling in control, empowered and able to deal with everyday challenges.
Finally, and hopefully, after exploring other options, the use of antidepressant medication may be required. This depends on the severity of the illness and is most often used in conjunction with psychotherapies. Antidepressants can be very effective in some situations. As in any medical case, treatment is ideally specifically tailored to suit the individual, based on a thorough study of the personal history of symptoms, responses, and environment.
by admin | May 6, 2019 2:00 pm | Health, Main, Meditation
Meditation has been practiced around the world for thousands of years. It is a technique used to quiet the mind and body, and release stress. It can also bring focus and clarity, and often, after meditating, problems that you have been struggling with, miraculously become solved. Meditation has also been known to inspire people to write, and to spur lucrative business ideas, as your subconscious comes to light.
One simple form of meditation requires you to sit in a quiet room, either on a pillow, or cross-legged on the floor, or in a comfortable chair, making sure your spine is straight. It is advised that you use the same place every day. It is also suggested that you personalize your spot, by beautifying it with candles, flowers, and pictures of the people that you love.
The idea is to sit quietly, with your eyes closed, and focus on a point inside of your forehead. Try not to think of anything in particular, but don’t try ‘not’ to think either, allowing your mind to become calm, and peaceful. If you find that your mind is ‘chattering’, don’t try to control it, just let it finish what it is that it is working on, it will eventually quiet down. It is also recommended for beginners to begin with ten to twenty-minute sessions, each day. After a while of doing this, you will start to feel deep relaxation and joy during these sessions.
The first step to this self-hypnosis is to sit in a quiet, comfortable spot, making sure you are facing a wall about eight feet away from you. Pick a spot or object on that wall, and make that spot or object your focal point. Looking at your focal point, begin counting backward from 100, one number for each breath you exhale. As you do this, imagine yourself floating, and feeling very relaxed. You will begin to feel your eyelids getting heavy, and may begin to blink. Let your eyes slowly close, and as you continue to count backward, imagine yourself as limp as a rag-doll, totally relaxed, and floating in a safe and comfortable place. Stop counting, and just float in your space. If any disturbing thoughts should come while in your space, just let them flow out again, and allow yourself to continue to feel safe and relaxed. This technique can help you to cope with stress, and discharge the tension that accumulates during stressful situations.
When you are ready to come out of this self-hypnosis, you can either let yourself drift off to sleep, or you can count from one to three and exit. First, count one, and get yourself ready to exit. At two, take a deep breath, and hold for a few seconds. At three, exhale and open your eyes slowly. As you open your eyes, continue to hold on to that relaxed and comfortable feeling.
You may then want to increase the length of your sessions to thirty minutes, or maybe even an hour. In our highly active lifestyles of today, it is imperative that we include a brief time for meditation in our daily schedule. For more self-help techniques and tips, please return to the main website.
by admin | April 29, 2019 3:22 pm | Main, Success
Or are other things just really important to you?
The Importance Of Your Mindset In Anything You Do In Life.
Generally speaking, there are two very different approaches to one’s mentality, and the results yielded from either one are usually going to be at opposite ends of the spectrum.
One way of approaching things is known as a “fixed mindset,” and the other is referred to as a “growth mindset,” and overwhelmingly, those with a growth mindset are often more successful in whatever venture in which they choose to participate.
Those with the “fixed mindset” frame of mind tend to feel that their skills, potential, and abilities are pre-determined and are not able to be improved upon, whereas those with the latter mentality are open to the idea that there is always room for improvement if they are willing to work enough at it.
Those in the “fixed” category tend to feel powerless over any ability to manipulate their pre-ordained, possibly genetic skills and talents while those in the growth category are far more optimistic about who is calling the shots concerning their aptitude and competence. There are a few other significant differences concerning these two attitudes toward the concept of mindset and how much control any given person has over their own lives.The primary one being how a person views mistakes or obstacles and the attitude that they foster when the inevitable hindrances arise…
For example, those with a fixed mindset are apt to become easily discouraged by impediments and are far more likely to “throw in the towel”. They panic at the first setback, whereas those with a growth mindset are far more optimistic in their outlook and adopt more of an opportunistic approach to problems, meaning that they “make the best of it” and try to turn negativity into a chance to learn and hopefully grow from whatever hindrance they might encounter.
Given what actually about the two opposite approaches to mindset, clearly the fixed mindset does not leave much room for growth, learning or personal prosperity, while the growth mindset is the healthier, more positive option that is most likely to maximize an individual’s success and subsequent overall happiness in life.
It is also important when discussing this particular topic to consider how our mindset can affect us other than in our ability to grow and prosper and be successful.
For one, there is the knowledge that our mindset can have a significant impact on our health and physical well-being. In that, a person who tends to be discouraged or depressed consistently is far more likely to have that morose mentality suppress their immune system, which in turn means that those with a fixed mindset are more prone to illnesses and tend to take longer to recover from whatever ailment to which their defeated attitude has subjected them.
People with a growth mindset tend to become sick less often and most certainly tend to be happier and healthier.
It is generally agreed upon among psychology and other professional experts on the subject that any person ultimately does have control over which mentality they choose to foster. Meaning that only because someone has been operating with the fixed mindset for any part or all of their lives, this in no way means that they can’t choose to make the transition far more positive growth mindset, no matter what phase of their life they are currently experiencing.
That means that there is hopeful news for those who find themselves stuck in the pessimistic fixed mindset in that their fatalistic attitude toward their accomplishments and success need not be permanent and can always be improved.
by admin | April 22, 2019 11:42 am | Health, Main, Meditation, Psychic, Well Being
A friend of mine sent me this, I think it is an incredible statement of our life’s facts…
On the surface of the Earth exactly now there is war and violence and everything looks horrible. But, simultaneously, something quiet, calm and hidden is happening and certain people are being called by a higher light. A quiet revolution is settling from the inside out. From bottom to top. It is a global operation. A spiritual conspiracy. There are cells from this operation in every nation on the planet.
You will not watch us on TV. Or read about us in newspapers. Or hear our words on radios. We do not seek glory. We do not use uniforms. We arrive in several different shapes and sizes. We have costumes and different colors. Most work anonymously. Silently we work out of the scene. In every culture in the world. In large and small cities, in the mountains and valleys. In the farms, villages, tribes and remote islands.
We might cross paths on the streets. And not realize … We follow in disguise. We are behind the scenes. And we do not care about who wins the gold of the result, and Yes, that the work gets performed. And once in a while, we will cross paths on the streets. We exchange looks of recognition and continue following our path. During the day many are disguised in their normal jobs. But at night behind the scenes, the real work begins.
Some call us an army of consciousness. Slowly we are building a new world. With the power of our hearts and minds. We follow with joy and passion. Our orders reach us from the Central Spiritual Intelligence. We’re throwing soft bombs of love without anyone noticing; poems, Hugs, songs, photos, movies, fond words, meditations and prayers, dances, social activism, websites, blogs, acts of kindness …
We express ourselves in a unique and personal way. With our talents and gifts. Being the change we want to see in the world. This is the force that moves our hearts. We know that this is the only way to accomplish the transformation. We know that with the silence and humbleness we have the power of all oceans together. Our work is slow and meticulous. As in the formation of mountains.
Love will be the religion of the 21st century. Without educational prerequisites. Without ordering an exceptional knowledge for your understanding. Because it is born of the intelligence of the heart. Hidden for eternity in the evolutionary pulse of every human being.
Be the change you want to see happen in the world. Nobody else can make this work for you. We’re recruiting. Perhaps you will join us, maybe you already have.
All are welcome. The door is open.
~ Author Unknown
by admin | April 15, 2019 11:59 am | Health, Love, Main, Success, Today's Thought
There are many ways to express love, and the least used way in today’s hectic lifestyle is by using poems.
Poems are a fun way to express love without being too pushy.
The Power Of Poems
Most often the female gender seems to find is very pleasing when love is expressed in poems. Escaping from reality gives these poem composers a chance to express themselves in a very “flowery” way. Tapping into this very old method of communicating love seems to appeal to the current generation, probably because of its novelty factor.
Using the internet as an ideal platform for expressing one’s self through love poems will allow the individual to create ways to impress the other party through these poems. For those who are rather shy in expressing themselves in other ways, poem writing can help them to express themselves without feeling any sort of inhibition. Poem writing is also another effective way of showing loved ones they are being thought of, and this, of course, is very ego inflating and rather warming. This is especially so for those who are using the online dating platform to show their feelings in a romantic way, as this will help to “sell” the individual in a better light overall.
Love poems can actually allow the creative side of an individual to be expressed. This is a great platform for the more artistic individual who is interested in wooing the other party, as in most cases it will be viewed in a better light and as well the individual penning the poems does not have to worry about facing any ridicule in person.
by admin | April 8, 2019 2:17 pm | Exercise, Health, Main, Well Being
Back pain plagues millions of US citizens throughout their lifetime. Back pain can be due to repetitive strain on the back, an acute injury to the back, bony wear and tear on the back or even from simple fatigue. Some experience back pain because they work in a sitting job and the back and abdominal area are weakened due to lack of exercise.
Many cases of back pain can be avoided by exercising your back in a healthy way that strengthens the muscles and ligaments so that back pain will not be a problem again.
Strengthen The Core
The back is not the only thing that keeps your body upright. Your abdomen, together with your back, represents the “core” of your body. Both parts need to be functioning in order for you to have the ability to stand, stretch, and bend appropriately.
Perhaps one of the best exercises for a healthy back includes abdominal exercises. A weak abdomen puts too much pressure on the back to take on functions the abdominal area needs to participate in.
Abdominal exercises strengthen the overall core and will help you have a strong and healthy back.
What abdominal exercises work best?
Something as simple as sit-ups can help strengthen the abdominal muscles so that the core is strengthened. The exercises can be done in several ways to enhance the upper, middle and body muscles. For example:
-
- Sit-ups with your legs straight—this strengthens the upper abdominal muscles
- Sit-ups with your legs bent—this strengthens the middle abdominal muscles
- Lying down and lifting your feet off the floor—this strengthens the lower abdominal muscles
Try to do these three kinds of sit-ups in different sets of ten at a time, and you will have a strong core that will help your back keep your body healthy and strong. As mentioned, you should do sets of ten of each of the three types of exercises and do about ten sets a day. This involves about three hundred different exercises that may make your abdomen sore for a day or so.
Pilates
Pilates is another core strengthening form of exercise. Pilates is best learned through a DVD lesson or personalized lessons from a Pilates instructor. It is a toning type of activity that strengthens the core, including the abdominal and back muscles. The training is easily learned and can be a part of your daily exercise routine.
Simple Back Exercises
You can strengthen the back alone although most exercises that strengthen the back also strengthen the abdominal muscles as well. Either way, you have a healthier back as a result.
Leg Lifts
One simple back strengthening exercise involves lying prone (on your stomach) and lifting your leg straight up a few inches off the ground. Do one leg at a time.
Ideally, you should do sets of ten backward leg lifts at a time before switching legs. Do several sets each day to strengthen the back.
Back Exercise Machines
There are machines you can use at the health club that isolate the back muscles. They involve sitting in a chair of sorts that bends backward when you straighten out your back so you are in a lying position.
Different weights can be added to the machine so that you can gradually increase your muscle strength with heavier and heavier weights. Do ten repetitions at a time and several sets of repetitions as part of an overall muscle strengthening routine.
Summary
A healthy back is all about core strength training. It includes not only exercises of the back but exercises of the stomach as well.
Flexibility exercises help your back as well and include things like bending from side to side to loosen the back stiffness and bending forward to touch your toes, which keeps your back from getting too tight.
by admin | April 1, 2019 2:12 pm | Babies & Children, By Doc Mueller, Health, Main
Hey, Summer is coming and your kids need to keep active during the summer. I just thought I’d throw out some ideas to help you get started.
- There is always the good old stand by “the classic water fight”, getting mom or dad into the action is always a family favorite that keeps everybody moving. Try adding water balloons to this classic game and you will have your kids running all afternoon.
- “Water Tag”: What I do is use just one smaller bucket and the hose. You play this just like regular tag but you throw the bucket of water at your victim (friend or family member) instead of touching them. The cold water not only keeps your kids cool but keeps them running to stay dry. You get the added benefit of watering the lawn.
Let’s look at a couple of drier games if you are not in the getting wet part of your summer (or day)
- “This Way and That”:
You can sing this to the tune of “Did you ever see a Lassie” or “The More We Get Together” you can look them up online if you don’t know the tune. Do all the actions as they are described in the Song. Falling down in this game may be the best part. The little kids just get the giggles every time they fall down so it starts a giggle fest.
Did you ever hop on one foot, on one foot, on one foot?
Did you ever hop on one foot, going this way and that?
Did you ever jump on two feet, …
Did you ever skip in circles, …
Did you ever lift your arms up,…
Did you ever walk on tiptoe, …
Did you ever crawl back and forth, …
Did you ever stand on one foot, …
Let your kids make up more actions as you go along, this can keep them busy all afternoon long. (OK, I’m not a poet what can I say!)
- The Classic “Rowing Song”:
Perform the actions described in each verse as you sing this song with your child. Add verses as you think of other ways to move.
Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Life is but a dream.
Drive, drive, drive your gar quickly down the street …
Ride, ride, ride your horse up and down the trail …
Pedal, pedal, pedal your bike all around the town …
Fly, fly, fly your plain way above the clouds …
With older children, you can get this going in a-round and it starts getting really funny and exciting as they compete with each other.
- “Hear My Fist”:
As you say the verses with your child, do the actions described. Begin this rhyme while standing up.
Hear my fist go thump, thump, thump
On my wide palm there.
Hear my hands go clap, clap, clap
High up in the air
Stretch my arms out to the side
As I spin around.
Now my hands reach down, down, down,
Till they touch the ground
Quickly now I sit right down;
Pull my legs up tight
Now I stretch them out so far,
Stretch with all my might
See my arms go up, up, up
Stretching up so high
See my hands come slowly down
In my lap to lie.
- “Nod Yor Head”:
As you say this with your child, perform the actions described.
Nod your head, bend your knees,
Grow as tall as big oak trees.
On your knees, slowly fall,
Curl yourself into a ball.
Raise your head, jump up high,
Wave your hands, and say, “Goodbye!”
Just like in the others use your imagination and your children’s imagination to take this to another level of fun!
- “My Shadow”:
A nighttime game with a flashlight or lamp. Dim the lights in the room and shine the flashlight or lamp on the wall. Say this rhyme and have your children perform the actions described in front of the light to cast a shadow on the wall. Have fun making up new verses and actions.
I nod my head; he nods his head.
I skip and he skips, too.
I clap my hands; he claps his hands.
he does just what I do.
I hop three times; he hops three times.
I jump and he jumps, too.
I climb upstairs; he climbs upstairs.
We blow a kiss to you.
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