A lot can be said for honesty. We are constantly bombarded with persona’s, appearance’s, and mirage’s. In the quest to be the best we oftentimes give face to false bravado’s, lying even to ourselves. But you know the one who lets his tears fall is true.  An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips (Proverbs 24:26). Honesty, not only in relations with others but also our relationship with ourselves, with words and what we live.

            Is it useful to look in the mirror and not see yourself? And if you don’t see yourself, who do you see? We are all human with imperfections. It is wise to know who you are.

            Crying from your heart is like water to the soul. Telling your truth is like water to the soul. Not pretending is like water to the soul. Yes we have heard the adage, be true to yourself. But we are also constantly told through media and other streams to live a lie.

            How many times do we hide and pretend? The very things we try to hide and pretend are commonalities that millions of others have experienced. So why do we act like it hasn’t happened to us? Or that it hasn’t happened to someone we love? Or that it can’t happen to someone else?

The struggle of the human experience is deep and forever. You are not the first and you will not be the last. So why carry the burden on your own?

            Why is it so forbidden to say  “I am lost”, “I am afraid”, “I am lonely”, “I am without a map”? And why do we so harshly judge those who have the courage to express what they feel? And if we lie to others, are we not being untrue to ourselves, therefore doing ourselves an injustice? To keep an image of something unreal portraying it as real to the rest of the world and keeping it hidden deep within ourselves is lonely.

             I am not perfect, I will never be perfect. Therefore I am free. Say it with me, I am not perfect, I will never be perfect, therefore I am free.

            In keeping up with the Jones’s we set up a status that is not real and only promotes others to do the same which creates an atmosphere of deception.

            An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. God kissing your lips. Love kissing your lips. Truth kissing your lips.

            The reason we do not speak our truths or tell the truth or be truly honest is because of fear of judgment. Fear of judgement, and there is both fear and judgement, promotes the creating and living of fabrications. In this atmosphere of created mirages we imprison ourselves and we imprison others. Honesty would set us free. “As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Marianne Williamson

            It takes courage to be honest in response and deed. It also first requires that we are truthful with ourselves which many times is a process. Yet deceptions and lies leave the soul thirsty sometimes very dehydrated, where truth is water to the soul and healing to the heart. “Speak your truth quietly and clearly” Desiderata

            When you hear someone speak their truth, do not be so quick to judge. An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. There is nothing new under the sun, it has all been done before. If you live long enough and full enough you might see yourself there. No one is immune to what life has to offer. So be forgiving, be kind, be gentle. Let go of gossip and slander and back talk and let us support each other. There is no other way. We are here to speak our truth and to support each other on our journeys. That’s just the way it is and the way it should be. Anything else is coca-cola when what we need is water to the soul. Set your mind free. Open your heart. Be honest. God Bless!

Alternative Health Tip: Remember the 3 o’clock rule when taking vitamins and minerals. Vitamins are the body’s fuel where minerals facilitate the body’s repair system. Take your vitamins in the morning, before 3pm, for fuel. Take your minerals after 3pm, for repair.

From the creator comes creation, next to God, mother is the source. The birth pangs and hours of labor (for each child!) is just the beginning of her lifelong love and dedicated care.  A mother’s love will make you cry when you stop to think of it.

This once young and single woman turns into a mother and shows you what love is. A love so special, so divine, so sacred it is like nothing else.  When you fall she is there to pick you up. When you succeed, she is clapping (hard).  When you make mistakes, her patient love guides you and even when she is yelling at you, she is telling you something important. And always, always, there is love, a mother’s love.

Life cannot be created without a man, the father. His presence, involvement and love are important to each and every child.  We need our fathers. Fathers are our example. Fathers are our guides. Fathers are our anchors. Fathers are our base. To see your father love your mother is the greatest joy because you know the two people who came together to create you love you. Even still every father knows the extraordinary qualities of a mother’s love.

Mother’s are worthy to be praised. Do you remember the times you were sick, who was always there? The woman who prays for you and over you, the one who wants the best for you, the woman who cries when you cry and laughs when you laugh, your mother.

Each and every good, loving, and special thing she does is priceless.  Priceless. The memory of her acts will live forever because each act is an act of love that comes straight from the self-sacrificing heart. If she could protect you, she would. If she could stop you from feeling pain, she could.  The things she would do and things she does for you are immeasurable.  And when she cannot stop the pain, the heartache, the kids making fun of us at school, she is there to reassure us, consol us, encourage us and keep our spirit strong.

Her emotional support is just the beginning. She works hard. Whether she is at home or at work, she is giving her all. If she is single, she is working especially hard, taking the full load of raising children in this hectic world by herself. Our mothers are worthy of respect.

Sadly, we do not respect our mothers all of the time.  Sometimes we take for granted their God-sent presence in our lives.  And do you remember all the times you did not listen to your mother? The woman who has life experience, intuition and loves you? Her precious advice is beautiful and wise and seems all knowing.

Yes it is sad and unfortunate the times we do not honor or respect the woman we call moms: ADEYE. In the moment of clarity it is easy to see that mothers are to be respected all of the time; the woman through which the miracle of life was born.

It doesn’t matter what her personality is or the special ways that make your mother yours.  What matters is that no one loves you like she did and does. Do not wait until Mother’s Day to show your mother appreciation and love for all the things she did for you that you could never repay.  Do not wait until Mother’s Day to show your mother appreciation for what she does for you every day – child or adult. A mother’s love is a gift from God, be thankful. God Bless!

Monthly Alternative Health Tip: Drink a glass of warm water with the juice of fresh squeezed lemon (preferably organic) first thing in the morning. This cleanses the body, supports the liver and strengthens the immune system.

Please feel free to contact me with questions and comments at mgyesus@hotmail.com.

Most of us do not appreciate our health until we lose it. Modern medicine likes to look at the body as a machine – parts to be fixed. Nature tells us that the body is of extraordinary intelligence working as a cohesive whole, which heals itself, works for our production and the very reason we are able to live, move, breathe. The body is a miracle. Its cells, organs, systems work for our benefit without us having to do a thing. It also takes an onslaught of abuse, neglect and toxins and still keeps working.

Alternative medicine recognizes the body’s intelligence, respects it and works toward health and healing with the understanding the health is not only physical but mental and spiritual as well. Health is the body, mind and spirit working together in harmony. Alternative Medicine is preventative medicine. Western (allopathic medicine) treats the physical symptoms while alternative medicine treats the person considering the emotions, spirit, mental perceptions and lifestyle. Many may think that alternative medicine is new but it has been around for thousands of years preceding orthodox medicine. Its resurgence is due to the lack of effectiveness of modern medicine, lack of the patient’s feeling of control and the overburdened health care system. It arises again out of profound respect for nature and its functions.

Many of us that are dissatisfied with allopathic medicine turn to alternative health for answers. This does not mean that we do not need western medicine. It means there are options for living well.

Turning to alternative medicine requires a shift of thinking, attitude and behavior. Seeing an allopathic doctor for an ailment, one is usually at the mercy of the doctor, her diagnosis and prescription. One might feel out of control – a victim. Furthermore the prescription may at best only treat the symptoms while not considering the cause of the problem, often creating new problems. The medicine prescribed may have serious side effects. One wonders what other options they have. There are many.

Alternative medicine puts our health in our hands. It makes us responsible for our care and livelihood. We are in charge, as we should be, since this is our health. It views the human being as a whole – not separate parts. Alternative medicine challenges us to have self-awareness, self-education and a change of lifestyle. Therefore the doctor and her prognosis is not the final say but we can have another look at alternative methods for health and well-being.

An example of this is the common headache. A person who suffers from a constant or pounding headache may turn to aspirin for relief. The attitude may be that the pill will solve their problem. And it may - for a little while. What the aspirin does is suppress your symptoms – so you don’t feel the pain of the headache – but the pain is still there. Furthermore, the regular use of aspirin decreases your body’s natural ability to fight pain – creating more pain for your body (i.e.): an increase in headaches. As you keep turning to the aspirin for relief you create a vicious cycle of dependency. Alternative Medicine, on the other hand, would explore why you have the headache in the first place? Is it emotional stress, lack of sleep, something you ate? After exploring the cause and implementing necessary modifications, it looks to natural remedies for relief (i.e.): peppermint tea. Natural remedies have few if any side effects, are free of toxins and use nature for healing.

Alternative Medicine takes into account the whole person, stress level, lifestyle, exercise and nutrition. Some forms of Alternative Medicine are Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Homeopathy, Massage, Colour Therapy, Energy Healing, Prayer and Meditation. Let’s look at these.

Nutrition is the science of using nutrients for the body’s growth, metabolism and repair. It is maintaining and achieving health through the consumption of a nutritious diet rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and fiber. The food we eat may be the cause or cure to our ailments. Positive changes in the food we eat have been linked to healing of mental health issues, cancer, diabetes and treating weight problems. In this day and age most of the food we eat is over-processed, toxic, and junk. By consuming a healthy diet in fruits, vegetables and whole grains that contain protein, carbohydrates and fats (healthy carbs and healthy fats!) we are on our way to a healthier lifestyle. Please note that when treating ailments varying conditions require a specific adjustment in the foods consumed. Health conditions can be treated by food and supplements. Supplements such as Vitamin B Complex assists in fighting stress, improves mood, Oil of Oregano treats and prevents bacteria, virus, parasites and fungus.

Herbal Medicine is the use of herbs to treat and prevent medical conditions. Science has proven the effect of herbal remedies for the relief of PMS, indigestion, insomnia, and cancer among many other health conditions. Herbal remedies can be used in tea, capsules, poultice, tinctures and ointments. Example of herbal remedies includes Golden Rod for kidney problems and Chamomile as a sleep aid.

Aromatherapy uses the essential oils extracted from plants and herbs to treat a range of ailments including skin conditions, lung conditions, and stress. Essential oils may be taken externally, through inhalation (smell), and for specific conditions and remedies, internally. Peppermint uplifts, provides good breath, and eases digestive upsets. Rose is an anti-depressant, regulates menstrual cycle and helps to relax. Lavender can treat burns, insect bites, and small injuries and is an excellent sedative.

Reflexology is the science of treating reflexes in the head, hands and feet as they are connected to the body’s glands, organs and systems. Reflexology releases stress and tension, reduces pain, improves the body’s circulation and energy flow, increases the body’s natural defense mechanism and is relaxing. Studies on Reflexology have shown this modality to have a positive effect on a variety of health conditions including asthma, diabetes, constipation, sexual dysfunctions and headaches.

Homeopathy facilitates the body’s healing processes by using diluted remedies from plants, minerals and animals. Homeopathy treats ailments in small-diluted doses that would otherwise cause that same condition in large doses. Arnica is a first aid remedy for muscle and head injury, labor, emotional and physical shock. Aconite treats coughs, colds, fever and inflammation.

Massage uses the healing effect of the human touch to ease away stress, pain, cramps and more. Massage can reduce tension and facilitate body systems including the circulatory, digestive and nervous system.

Colour Therapy is the art of healing through the use of colour and light. Colour has been proven to affect us physically, mentally and emotionally. Red stimulates, yellow cleanses, green balances and blue calms. Colour therapy can assist in remedying a multitude of discomforts including allergies, emotional stress, and fatigue.

There exist modalities in Energy Healing such as Reiki and Chakra Balancing. Reiki is the passing of universal life force energy through the Reiki Practitioner to the client. Benefits of Reiki include healing, stress management, pain relief and energy balance. Chakra Balancing originates in Ancient India and is supported by physics, which states the human body, and everything existing is energy. The human body has 7 major energy centers called charkas that start from the base of the body and align upwards to the crown of the head. When these energy centers are closed they constrict the body’s energy flow, which cause specific diseases as they relate to each block. Opening and balancing the body’s energy flow create health, vitality, wellness and disease prevention.

Spiritual strength is necessary for life changes, physical and emotional health. Last month’s article discussed how prayer increases health, growth and productivity. Meditation is quiet time to free your mind of thoughts and connect to the Divine. Freeing the mind of thoughts takes constant and patient practice. Meditation is beneficial for one’s health, it has been proven to reduce stress (the major cause of disease), improve brainpower and provide physical healing.

This article is written to let you know that you have choices. However, Alternative Medicine is not for everybody and is a personal choice that you have to make. In conjunction with western medicine, holistic therapy is empowering, active and a life long pursuit of learning, being and thriving. We are to pay homage to Nature and its Creator for our beautiful, resilient, and intelligent bodies and nature’s ability to prevent and heal disease. If you feel compelled you may take charge of your health, learn more and be inspired to take care of your body, mind, spirit and soul. God Bless!

 July 2008

There is a song by Bob Marley where he keeps singing:  “So much trouble in the world, so much trouble in the world.” Yes, there is so much trouble in the world.  We witness violence, degradation, pain and exploitation. We see numbers of people beyond count dying, not due to natural causes but for inhumane reasons. We do not need to turn the television on to see a truth we feel deep within our hearts. The crimes against humanity are not only happening in far away places and distant lands but for those too that live in more fortunate places. It is my knowing that we all have to have better for everyone to feel better and that there is no other way. But this is not our reality. Our reality is the sick, the poor, the homeless, and the lost. It is not always someone else suffering. As stated above until we do better as a whole we each suffer in some way.

A chiropractor validated this truth when she told me that every human being on the planet with no one exempt, is suffering in one way or another be it physical, emotional, mental. The type of suffering varies but every human is faced with some kind of pain.

          We see that in all of human history, when humans did not know what to do or when they needed help, they prayed.  The act of prayer has passed the test of evolution where it has remained with us validating its use and benefit; otherwise it would have been forfeited a long time ago.

          Scientific studies on prayer have proven that prayers that come from love and compassion increase health to the sick as well as increase growth, length and quality of life from bacteria to humans. Intercessory prayer (praying on someone behalf) has proven as effective as praying for yourself. Prayers that are long distance are efficient as well as praying for those close by.  These studies confirmed that prayers from all religions and faiths are answered, what is important is that the prayer comes from love and compassion. It has further been demonstrated that lack of faith and hope increase the time and number of death’s for those that are ill and do not believe.

          These studies confirm that prayer produces answers and praying matters. When you see and feel hardships, injustices, and illness that is going on among and within you, pray for yourself and each other.  Do it from a place of love.  This is especially effective when you do not know what else to do.  For example, when you see the homeless woman on the street asking you for change and you do not have change to give, say a prayer on her behalf.  You have given something.

          We see that prayers are answered and hopelessness kills.  This is the difference between the one who believes and the one who gives up.  Prayer is a sacred act that unites you with your Higher Power and all of mankind. Prayer that comes from a believing and loving heart can create miraculous and mysterious outcomes.  Prayer is a humbling act that puts one at the mercy of benevolent forces: love, nature, and creation.  It is humbling because it affirms that we are not in control and never will be.

                   An interesting study on prayer showed that while prayer is often answered, prayers that end with “Thy will be done” (leaving the results to a Higher Power) have two to three times more of a result (quantifiably) than direct requests. This is because we do not have all the answers with our knowledge being limited and a greater wisdom has the best results.  Keep this in mind when you pray.

          When you do not know what to do about a situation, pray about it.  When you see someone suffering, pray for this person.  When you are in pain, go beyond yourself and connect with your God.  Prayer is healthy for the mind, body and spirit.  Humble yourself, connect and ask. And you shall receive an answered prayer. It might not be the way you expected it, but just in the way you need. God Bless!

May 2008

In Matthew 22:39 it states "Love your neighbour as yourself". Many of us know that this means to treat others, as we would like to be treated, to do unto other’s as we would like to have done to us. This means that we are to treat ourselves good in the first place. So, before we can love another we have to love ourselves first.

It is important to love yourself. That is what God wants for you because you are God’s creation and you are made in the image and likeness of God. And it is when you love yourself that you can truly love another. Let us first explore ways in which one does not love oneself.

Do you put yourself down? Are you hard on yourself? Are the ways in which you talk to yourself negative? Do you abuse yourself by working too hard, missing meals, over-exerting yourself? Do you ignore your feelings and intuition? Do you skip or not schedule doctor’s appointments? Do you consume drugs and high amounts of alcohol? Are you involved in activities that devalue the essence of who you are? Do you take dangerous risks? Have you given up on yourself?

These are some examples of behavior and thoughts that show that you are not loving yourself. Thoughts that you think that put yourself down (ie) "I am stupid", "My work was lousy", "I am not good enough" are thoughts in which you are not caring for yourself. Being hard on yourself is not being patient with yourself and is another form of self-abuse. Be gentle with yourself. If you work too hard or miss meals you are not respecting your body and its systems, its need for proper rest and nutrition. Listening to your body is most important and this includes its feelings and intuition. It is good to get regular medical check ups and to seek medical help and holistic advice if there is an illness that needs attention. Remember prevention is the best cure. Avoid drugs and alcohol; they are poisons to the body. Be apart of activities that nurture and elevate who you are instead of bring you down and create more mishaps. Finally, avoid dangerous activities and risks that may cause you harm.

We can only do for others what we do for ourselves. We can only give others what we have. After loving God, you must love yourself. After loving yourself, you can love another. Loving yourself means taking care of your body, spirit and mind. To take care of your body give it proper exercise and stretching, eat healthy foods rich in nutrients, and get adequate rest. To take care of your spirit be in constant commune with God, nature, self, and your fellow human beings and be prayful always. To take care of your mind regularly meditate, practice affirmations and think good healthy positive thoughts.

Love yourself! Love all your strengths and weakness combined. Celebrate who you are. There is only one you. It is when you love yourself that you can love another.

You can only give others what you have. It is those who are hard on themselves that are hard on others. It is those who can’t forgive themselves, that can’t forgive another. And the opposite is also true. Those who are gentle with themselves, are gentle with others. So start today by loving all of who you are. God Bless!

Every human being has to face obstacles; the young, old, foolish and wise each face hurdles. Each person from every creed, religion, social and economic status faces difficulty. Life is full of lessons, lessons that cannot be learned without making mistakes, trying and being human.

Obstacles that we face are spiritual, material, emotional, mental, political, cultural, familial and always personal. Here is some food for thought on how we can overcome obstacles with style, grace and success.

• Know that if you are an enemy to someone, you are an enemy to yourself. If someone is an enemy to you they are also an enemy to themself. We are all children of God. Love another and seek not to be your own enemy.

• Honesty is the best policy.

• Forgive. Don’t forget.

• When you change yourself for the better, you change the world for the better. This is the best personal gift you can give the world.

• Never give up: surrender (give in), accept, but never give up.

• Do your best all the time.

• Be true to yourself.

• Love yourself.

• Learn from your mistakes.

• Work together for the benefit of all.

• Know that you reap what you sow. Sow something good.

• Intention is everything. Have good honest intentions.

• Have Faith.

• Evil self-destructs. It seeks to take you down with it. Walk away.

No one said it would be easy, no one said it would be fair. Yet, you are here for a reason. Be counted. The answers you seek to your questions are within your own heart. Success is overcoming your obstacles with style, grace and integrity. I wish you well. There is always a chance. God bless!

 February1st, 2008

Happy New Year 2008! This time for many is not only a new year but also a new beginning. What does your new beginning entail? We have at some point in the past, or still do, make New Year Resolutions; a promise of change of some kind. Although we can make these changes any day, the New Year is a signal of a new beginning. Let us first define what the word ‘new’ means.

According to Webster’s dictionary: new: 1 appearing, thought of, developed, made, etc. for the first time 2 different from (the) one in the past 3 strange; unfamiliar 4 unused 5 modern; recent 6 starting as a repetition of a cycle, series, etc.

The New Year can be symbolic of a new life, new beginning; a changing of your ways. Again, your new year can happen any day. Sometimes, those of us who wait for the New Year to make a change somehow give up in mid-stride (or, in February!). It could be that we waited for something outside of our self to make a change, thinking "Ok, it is the New Year so I plan to (Fill in the blank)". This is OK, but more important than the date is your sincerity to change. There are some things we want to change like to quit smoking, or to lose weight for example. But the amounts of things we can change are really endless. We can change anything we set our mind to. First, you have to set your mind to it.

Setting your mind to make a change doesn’t mean temptations to quit or give up will not come. They will. So added to the courage you need to make the change, strength is also necessary. After strength, you need determination to go the final way.

When we would like to change something we are usually eager at first. Then good old time rolls by and somehow making that change doesn’t seem so appealing. It is like starting a race: at first you run fast and hard with the attitude that you will win, then by the middle to the end of the race you start to lose all that ‘gung-ho’ energy, slow down, get tired, and want to give up. Making a change with ourselves often produces the same effect. Excitement is not as necessary as pacing yourself and staying to the end of the goal.

It really takes courage to want to change something. We deserve applause for that. But if you really want to change that thing you want to change: don’t give up. No one said it would be easy.

Here is a list of a few questions I invite you to consider:

1) What are the things about yourself that you would like to change?

2) How does doing this particular action make you feel?

3) How does this action influence you or others around you?

4) What are the ways you will find ‘stick-to-it-ness" to make a lasting change?

A New Year, a new day gives you the opportunity to change things about yourself, your actions, or behavior that you know needs revision. It is not set in stone for you to keep doing, acting, behaving the way you have always been doing, acting, behaving. You have choices. You do not have to drive on automatic ESPECIALLY, if you keep getting into accidents! Make the change.

Just consider how you can be better, do better. A new day is a chance for you to look at things that are no longer good for your body, your mind and spirit and to make a change for the better. Not only do you need courage to make change you also need to believe that you can do something different.

In conclusion, I leave you with these words:

Do as much good as you can

In all the ways you can

To as many people as you can

For as long as you can

(Author Unknown)

Remember, one of those people is you!

Happy New Year and God Bless!