Lymphatic System Explained In Simple Words

Epigenetics

Allowing others to be

 This can be challenging for most of us...

DailyOm Allowing Others To Be

People that want to control others are, at the core, consumed with their own fears and projecting those fears onto others. We all know what it’s like to want to be in control. In some ways, exerting control is an important survival skill. For example, we have every right to be in control of our own bodies and our own lives. Taking control in these cases is empowering and necessary. Controlling behavior in the negative sense comes from a tendency to reach beyond our own boundaries and into the lives of others. Many people do this with the rationalization that they are helping. This can happen with parents who are still trying to force their grown children into behaving in ways that they find acceptable. It can also happen when people try to control their partners’ behavior. If you have control issues, you will see that in one or more areas of your life, you feel the need to interfere with what is happening rather than just allowing events to unfold. Almost everyone has at least one situation or relationship in which they try to exert control. This often happens because someone’s behavior makes us uncomfortable. We may feel it makes us look bad, or it embarrasses us. For example, if your best friend tends to drink too much, you might spend an entire party just trying to prevent her from doing so. This is different from directly confronting her about the problem and allowing her to decide what she should do. Controlling behavior generally goes hand in hand with an unwillingness to be direct about what you want, as well as an inability to let go and let people live their own lives. If you are the one that is controlling, it’s probably because you feel as if you are out of control and it scares you. Try to pick one thing you could just let unfold without any control on your part. Examine how it made you feel both before and after, and examine why you wanted to control the situation. It is hard sometimes to allow others to be who they are, especially if we feel we know what’s best for them and we see them making choices we wouldn’t make. However, if we are to be respectful and truly loving, we have to let people go, trusting that they will find their own way in their own time and understanding that it is their life to live. Just reminding yourself that the only life you have to live is your own is the first step to letting go.

What's with the energy?

 I'm not sure if I am alone in this but the energy feels crazy right now. There are days where I feel like I am losing my mind. Am I doing the right things? Why do I feel so Blah? Why am I struggling to stay motivated, focused and productive. 

Why do I feel so disconnected from my intuition and Source. This is such a rollercoaster. Finding a routine or practice that works and serves me seems to be so illusive. 

As you can see, I am all over the place and business seems to reflect this. It is always fascinating and amazing to me that I can truly see the reflection of my state of energy in how my business shifts and changes.

I am feeling somewhat lost, like walking through a thick mist without being able to see the way. Each step uncertain and clouded. It is easy for me to feel totally overwhelmed and frozen. This feeling is so foreign, especially after the certainty that I felt around Fall of last year.

I am undergoing a huge shift? OR am I??  The end off last year brought a whole lot of change and challenges and healing ceremonies. I was so sure that after all of that I would have a clearer direction and now, here I sit, wondering: What the F*$k? My schedule of working out and being outside was disrupted. I was allowed very little activity as my body healed and I had no idea how much this would affect everything. I watched as my diet changed and I started eating more sugar and missing meals, and I felt helpless in that too. I am not eating like I used to and I just feel off. 

Now many may say: "well, hell yeah, if your diet is off track then it is not surprising you feel off" and then throw in menopause...that's a whole minefield of it's own. Talk about your body and mind being hijacked!

I know that I should probably know better and have so many tools to help. I am not feeling up to a deep investigation of what to do and how to eat and what supplements to take. It all seems like too much. I am not feeling disciplined or motivated enough to go through a cleanse or a strict dietary schedule, and yet, is that exactly what I need? 

I am rambling and probably just going around in circles and confusing myself even more.

Like I said, what's with the energy? or is it just my energy? 

Taking my own advice, maybe I just need to put one foot in front of the other right now and focus on one thing at a time. Make sure I move my body in some way every day. Find time to meditate and hibernate a little? Find some joy in the moments, even if I feel like I'm a little crazy.

Boy, I appreciate those who read this whole lot of nothing.  Been a while since I just typed whatever was on my mind and I'm too afraid to even read through this as I am sure I Would not post it if I did.

Thank you!

 Medscape Medical News...

What's the Disease Burden From Plastic Exposure?

Liam Davenport | January 11, 2024

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) via daily use of plastics is a major contributor to the overall disease burden in the United States and the associated costs to society amount to more than 1% of the gross domestic product, revealed a large-scale analysis.

The research, published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society on January 11, 2024 indicated that taken together, the disease burden attributable to EDCs used in the manufacture of plastics added up to almost $250 billion in 2018 alone.

"The diseases due to plastics run the entire life course from preterm birth to obesity, heart disease, and cancers," commented lead author Leonardo Trasande, MD, MPP, Jim G. Hendrick, MD Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, in a release.

"Our study drives home the need to address chemicals used in plastic materials" through global treaties and other policy initiatives, he said, so as to "reduce these costs" in line with reductions in exposure to the chemicals.

Co-author Michael Belliveau, Executive Director at Defend Our Health in Portland, ME, agreed, saying: "We can reduce these health costs and the prevalence of chronic endocrine diseases such as diabetes and obesity if governments and companies enact policies that minimize exposure to EDCs to protect public health and the environment."

Plastics may contain any one of a number of EDCs, such as polybrominated diphenylethers in flame retardant additives, phthalates in food packaging, bisphenols in can linings, and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in nonstick cooking utensils.

These chemicals have been shown to leach and disturb the body's hormone systems, increasing the risk for cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, neurological impairments in developing fetuses and children, and even death.

In March 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly committed to a global plastics treaty to "end plastic pollution and forge an international legally binding agreement by 2024" that "addresses the full lifecycle of plastic, including its production, design and disposal."

Minimizing EDC Exposure

But what can doctors tell their patients today to help them reduce their exposure to EDCs?

"There are safe and simple steps that people can take to limit their exposure to the chemicals of greatest concern," Trasande told Medscape Medical News.

This can be partly achieved by reducing plastic use down to its essentials. "To use an example, when you are flying, fill up a stainless steel container after clearing security. At home, use glass or stainless steel" rather than plastic bottles or containers.

In particular, "avoiding microwaving plastic is important," Trasande said, "even if a container says it's microwave-safe."

He warned that "many chemicals used in plastic are not covalently bound, and heat facilitates leaching into food. Microscopic contaminants can also get into food when you microwave plastic."

Trasande also suggests limiting canned food consumption and avoiding cleaning plastic food containers in machine dishwashers.

Calculating the Disease Burden

To accurately assess the "the tradeoffs involved in the ongoing reliance on plastic production as a source of economic productivity," the current researchers calculated the attributable disease burden and cost related to EDCs used in plastic materials in the United States in 2018.

Building on previously published analyses, they used industry reports, publications by national and international governing bodies, and peer-reviewed publications to determine the usage of each type of EDC and its attributable disease and disability burden.

This plastic-related fraction (PRF) of disease burden was then used to calculate an updated cost estimate for each EDC, based on the assumption that the disease burden is directly proportional to its exposure.

They found that for bisphenol A, 97.5% of its use, and therefore its estimated PRF of disease burden, was related to the manufacture of plastics, while this figure was 98%-100% for phthalates. For PDBE, 98% of its use was in plastics vs 93% for PFAS.

The researchers then estimated that the total plastic-attributable disease burden in the United States in 2018 cost the nation $249 billion, or 1.22% of the gross domestic product. Of this, $159 billion was linked to PDBE exposure, which is associated with diseases such as cancer.

Moreover, $1.02 billion plastic-attributable disease burden was associated with bisphenol A exposure, which can have potentially harmful health effects on the immune system; followed by $66.7 billion due to phthalates, which are linked to preterm birth, reduced sperm count, and childhood obesity; and $22.4 billion due to PFAS, which are associated with kidney failure and gestational diabetes.

The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Passport Foundation.

Trasande declared relationships with Audible, Houghton Mifflin, Paidos, and Kobunsha, none of which relate to the present manuscript.

No other financial relationships were declared.

 

Having Plants Can Help Prevent Colds

Medscape Staff

May 04, 2023

0

42

Plants don't just clean air; they may protect us from colds, COVID, and other viral and bacterial diseases, according to researchers at the University of Victoria.

What to Know 

• There's evidence that filling a home or office with plants could help protect against a wide range of bacterial and viral infections, and they cleanse the air through a natural filtration system.

• Plants produce hydrogen peroxide during photosynthesis, which is released into the atmosphere and neutralizes viruses by safely disinfecting the air.

• Hydrogen peroxide is a caustic substance used for disinfecting surfaces and for bleaching hair. It is spontaneously formed by plants in microscopic droplets of water in tiny amounts that are harmless to humans.

• Hydrogen production produced by plants may have possibilities as a viable nature-based solution for air filtration systems to help cleanse air indoors, and it can also improve the quality of air in high-density cities or regions and rural regions affected by forest fires.

• The findings have potential major implications for the role of plant-mediated atmospheric cleansing, climate change, and urban and indoor air quality, in addition to reducing the damaging effects of planet-warming greenhouse gases, such as methane, carbon monoxide, and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere.

This is a summary of the article, "Spontaneous Generation of Exogenous Hydrogen Peroxide by Plants," which was published on March 20, 2023. The full study can be found on assets.researchgate.com.

Saying goodbye to the old and surrendering to the flow.

 The last few months of 2023 were intense to say the least. I experienced so many different emotions and had some interesting experiences. 

My body has been doing strange things. I have been told this happens during the menopausal transition and boy, did it kick my ass. I wondered whose body this is? What used to work and help with weight, stress and general health just doesn't seem to cut it anymore. Pushing too hard just isn't working and I am tired. 

I have had to surrender and trust more than I ever have before. The BIG lesson of trust has been a doozie to say the least.

How does one surrender after a lifetime of discipline and structure. I really felt like I was being tested. My body was asking for time to adjust, time to rest and time to heal. I had some trouble listening. I rely on exercise to help me feel better and relieve stress. I was not allowed to exercise for 6 weeks and it was tough. I had to create a new routine and I discovered that I was not very good or disciplined in doing so. I missed not exercising and at the same time felt relief that I did not have to take 2 hours out of every day to do so. I have to say goodbye to the idea of perfection.

I told you my emotions were mixed and all over the place. You would think that I would use that time constructively. In my opinion, I did not. (and now looking back, I still accomplished quite a bit) And I am reminded that I am really hard on myself and clarity of my achievements is not a strong suit. It comes from a history of always fighting and striving to be and do better and, I must admit, the belief that I am not enough. Those inner child wounds do seem to show themselves when we pay attention and we get to heal them and soothe our inner child. I did get to do some great work in this area in 2023. (grateful) ☺️ 

Now to get back on track...

I felt disconnected from source and my intuition (I wasn't really but it sure felt like it) I felt like my body had betrayed me and I discovered that I actually betrayed my body. It has been working so hard for me to keep me healthy and be the best that it can be regardless of my daily mental negative onslaughts. I was not kind to myself or my body and I know many of you can relate to that. Why do we do that?

Loving my body unconditionally is my new goal. I am waking up with more gratitude and in awe of the 100 trillion cells that work tirelessly and beautifully within this expression that is me.

It has dawned on me that I need to go with the flow of my body and nature. It is winter here now and thus hibernation is actually the natural status. I am sleeping a lot longer and needing more rest and this did cause me some stress initially. 

 I did a healing journey (mushrooms) and experienced major releases and clearings, which takes a lot of energy and time to integrate. I am constantly being shown that gentleness, surrender and trust is needed now more than ever. The world is in turmoil and I know that it is important for us as healers to be strong, clear and balanced. Taking the time to rest and restore is very important and necessary for the wellbeing of all. (yet another well learned lesson)

After Christmas an opportunistic virus surfaced and challenged my Immune system. I was like: "what the hell?"....I guess if we do not listen and slow down enough the Universe and our body will create a situation that forces us to do so. (I always tell my clients this)  I was obviously still in the old habit of pushing and expecting to be further along my healing and integration journey than I was.  Those old habits have a way of showing themselves and we get the opportunity to stare them in the face and choose to let them go or not. Time to say goodbye to you dear habit!

Fortunately the new year according to the Chinese calendar starts in February and it gives me the rest of this month to integrate and fully recover. I am listening and resting when my body calls for it. I am not judging myself for sleeping 9-10 hours a night. I know this too shall pass and the work will get done.

I am using this time to do some exercises in clearing out mental clutter and physical clutter. I do wish to enter this new year with more clarity and love.

I love reflecting on beliefs that no longer serve me and what I wish to focus on and bring into the new year. Who do I want to be and how do I wish to show up for myself and my community? How do I wish to show up in my business. What do I wish to accomplish with Spirit this year to help heal and bring more love and peace to humanity and earth?

This is going to be an amazing year and I am finally ready to see and be seen. I am willing and ready to share all my gifts with the world and to create the Love and wholeness I wish for all. I am practicing to stay in the NOW.  I am open to receive. I am curious and willing to learn. I know that I know nothing. I surrender to the flow. I surrender control! (this is huge for me)

What are you ready to create this year? What is your dream? What are you willing to give up to grow?