- Plan in Advance: Have a strategy planned for your holiday well in advance of the actual day. We are all busy and letting things go until the last minute adds to the anxiety.
a. Ask for help in planning from your family or friends. Who do you want to attend? How many can you fit in your home or other location? How much effort can you afford to expend considering your other obligations?
b. Have someone else clean or prepare your home or location for the dinner or event. You do not have to do everything alone! Ask your partner, mother, sister, best friends or pay a service to clean before or after the event (particularly if you work full-time or are a full-time mother). Don’t underestimate the time involved.
c. Budget time and money for shopping. Even if the dinner is potluck or others are bringing food, you will need to shop for basics. This is time-consuming and must be considered in your holiday budgeting.
d. Have someone send out the invitations-whether the invitations go out by email, text, snail mail, phone tree, Facebook or whatever your preferred method. Either share the task or designate another to send the invites. There are useful apps for that make lovely invitations and track RSVPs.
e. If the meal or event requires extensive preparation and work throughout the day like cooking, carving, serving, cleanup or other assistance ask for help in advance. If it’s a bring-a-friend or open house, ask for people to sign up for duties. 
- Plan Fun Activities to Keep People Engaged: I have found that people tend to argue, gossip, drink too much, fall asleep or generally get into trouble when they are bored or annoyed at dinner parties or hours-long events when there is nothing to do.
a. Have someone keep the children engaged in activities. I love children at the holidays. However, they can be noisy and underfoot when you are trying to get food on the table or share intimate moments with another adult. Have a special grandmother or adult prepare an arts or craft project for the kids to do while the food preparation is happening. If the weather is fine, have an outdoor space they can run and yell to work off that excess energy.
b. Request a male adult take the teenagers in hand for a game of touch football or Nintendo or other engagement. Teenagers of both sexes tend to find their own entertainment and we would like to divert them from unproductive activities.
c. Be sure to include your Elders in the Holiday Event. We often think Granny or Grandpa should sit in a chair and supervise or rest. Grandma or Grandpa may be the best cook around. Ask them to share how it was done “in their day.” They can be very helpful. They may also be great resources with family history, recipes, stories for the grandkids or with those who have social difficulties.
d. Set aside a quiet corner for those who need to rest for a few moments. If you have space, set up a card table with a puzzle people can work on; or an easy chair with a newspaper, book of holiday poems, jokes or short stories.
3. Set Your Own Rules: It doesn’t matter what Mom and Pop did in their house. If it’s your party, decide how you would like your event to proceed.
a. Politics and Religion to Discuss or Not? Some families love to engage, discuss and argue about current events, the political scene, religious differences, and any and all present controversies. They enjoy the debate and the give and take. Others find such discussions difficult, anxiety-provoking, stomach wrenching and disturbing. What is your style? Set your own rules for your comfort level and let folks know in advance so there are no surprises.
b. Chemical Sensitivity Awareness: In these days of chemical sensitivities, do you want to set any standards for substances in your home? Some folks are sensitive to: perfumes, cigarette smoke, marijuana (remember it is legal is several states now), candle scents, essential oils, cooking odors of certain types, etc. You may want to ask guests in advance if they are sensitive, then notify others of your policy regarding these matters.
c. Food Sensitivities: If you are having a dinner event, in light of the myriad food sensitivities again, you may want to inform people to bring a list of ingredients in dishes if you are having a potluck and list them yourself. Folks can be allergic or sensitive to a variety of foods including but not limited to: nuts (most especially peanuts), dairy, gluten, sugar, aspartame, food coloring, GMO products, wines, nightshades (tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, onions…), wheat (beer), etc. You may also need to inquire if your guests are vegan, vegetarian, on specialized diets such as paleo, raw food, diabetic, low sodium, organic or other restricted diets. (Whew, it is complicated these days.)
d. Dress Code: Advise guests if the party is casual dress, holiday dress, cocktail dress, formal dress, or business wear (for after work parties). It is embarrassing to show up in your holiday best when everyone else is in jeans and a sweater and visa versa.
e. RSVPs: Do you want folks to reply in advance or does it matter? If so, give them a firm deadline. If it’s a potluck, it may not matter. If it is a sit- down dinner and you are providing the food or the main course, this information is essential. Such invitation apps like Evite and others make replying easy. Just know that many people forget or reply at the last minute and always expect a few more than planned.
If you are a guest, just consider how easy your life is when you show up at the Holiday Event! Considering the above, you might ask your host if you can assist in any way. If you are concerned about any of the issues listed above such as foo
d or chemical sensitivities, simply advise them in advance so you can plan to take care of your needs. Reduce your social anxiety by asking about the dress code, bringing a friend, engaging with a child in a favorite game, talking to an Elder about the family history or doing something you enjoy.
Enjoy the Holiday Season by creating happy memories with family and friends to cherish throughout the year.
Blessings for Health, Happiness, Peace, Prosperity, and Love,
Ariann
Fall and Challenges
Fall is here in the Northern hemisphere and the bright colors, cooler days, and abundant harvest bring joy to our hearts and spirits. In the Southern hemisphere spring is approaching with warmer days and buds emerging from their winter sleep. Sink into the beauty around you as the seasons change
Many of us feel the distress of the chaos still taking place in the world. From the devastation of the hurricanes in the US, the divisiveness of the political campaigns, and the escalating conflict in the Middle East, sometimes it can feel as if turmoil is the norm. It is difficult to focus on the beauty around us, the love and support in our lives, and the strength and resilience we each hold within while such pain exists in the world.
Embrace the Change of Spring and Transform
Spring continues to flow in the Northern hemisphere while the Southern moves into autumn. With every change of season, Mother Nature shifts her energy, and our bodies respond.
Every season gradually changes from one to the next. So too, do we experience physical, emotional, and mental change as the seasons shift.
Emerging from Winter Blues into Spring Sunshine
‘Winter blues’ is a common expression because of the depression sometimes associated with reduced light known as Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD). The lower level of natural sunlight can cause the reduction in serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood; changes in melatonin, a hormone associated with both mood and sleep; and disruptions in the body’s circadian rhythms which regulate sleep-wake cycles.
Other losses often occur in winter. The holidays create stress sometimes causing couples to decide to part at the end of the year. Job cuts frequently are made at year’s end because businesses look to improve their bottom line. Grief is part of these losses too. These changes disrupt the status quo and force us to adapt to a new reality.
However, grief and pain pass too. Spring is the time to embrace the renewal and hope this season brings. With each new day, we have the opportunity to savor the moments of emergence and look forward to a brighter tomorrow.
Trust
The true basis for trust lies in the Divine (Creator, Source, Spirit, God, All That Is). Often, we were told or shown the world is dangerous, insecure, and hostile. Western culture adopted the 19th-century Darwinian notion of survival of the fittest based on the theory that everything in nature is in competition for resources and only the strongest and most adaptable prevail.
The Darwinian approach led to the idea that humans are inherently bad. “Human beings, we’re taught, are by nature selfish and governed primarily by self-interest. From Machiavelli to Hobbes, Freud to Pinker, the roots of this belief have sunk deep into Western thought.” Humankind: A Hopeful History, by Rutger Bregman and Erica Moore (2020). This theory is challenged by archeological, anthropological, and social science. Humankind proves that we are hardwired for kindness, geared toward cooperation rather than competition, and more inclined to trust rather than distrust one another. This instinct has a firm evolutionary basis going back to the beginning of Homo sapiens according to Bregman. This recent development is further supported in Nurturing Our Humanity, by Riane Eisler and Douglas P. Fry (2019) where their research discovered that partnership-based societies thrive and are less damaging than the domination model in which we now live. If we believe we can trust in the inherent nature of humans to be trustworthy and supportive, we can relax and look for the good surrounding us.
Spring into Action
Easter, Earth Day, and the Equinox have passed. Spring has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere and Autumn is on its way in the Southern. The change of seasons indicates the next chapter in the year’s movement around the sun. In other eras, the new year began with the...
Emerge and Grow Into You
We have all yearned for expansion in the last year of restriction. Now is the time to step into the expansion and growth.
1. Identify your soul calling or life purpose and begin to walk the path to its fulfillment. Recognize the vocation, career, business, life direction, or mission that ignites your passion and move into a blissful and satisfying life.
2. Even if you still are working at a job to earn a living and pay for daily expenses, commit to follow the path that satisfies your heart and spirit. This commitment will attract joy and love no matter where you are or what other work you need to do. Commitment to learning and attention to following through on becoming the person designed to be, serving those needing your gifts, and being the Best you, are essential to fulfillment.
The Energy of Transformation
You haven’t heard from me for a while. This has been a busy late winter/early spring. I moved into my new home and am settling into a new city and community. I am loving my new place and Gigi is adapting well too. In January, I contracted Covid for the second time....
When Holiday Plans Go Awry
Have you ever noticed that with the carefullest of preparation and attention, things don’t go quite as planned? The dinner isn’t done on time, guests fail to appear (for the best of reasons, of course), the presents don’t arrive in the mail, the weather turns bad, or the children get sick. Isn’t this a continuation of what has happened this year? You probably are familiar with the Yiddish proverb, “Make plans. God Laughs.”
If you have been having a challenging season, you are not alone. Most of the people I know have been having difficulties completing projects, scheduling events, getting over illnesses, or in general been stymied in having things flowing easily.
Calling in Your Ancestors
October is the month we honor our ancestors.
Our ancestors still exist and care about us after they have crossed over to the other side. With my work over the last 20+ years, I know our ancestors love us and want us to be happy, healthy, and abundant. Ancestors delight in connecting to their descendants and passing on the wisdom of their extended lives on earth and the perspective they have gained from the other side. The only block to getting love and support from all your ancestors is the belief that they aren’t available to you.
Harvesting Radical Change
August’s Full Moon is the Harvest Moon. The end of summer is in sight with the ripening of the spring planting. What are you harvesting as summer ends?
This is the time of radical change in the world. The past two years saw a withdrawal from everyday life with the shutdowns and isolation of the Covid pandemic. Although not totally over and with the spread of the monkey flu, life began to return to normal. Now the world is once again in flux with economic shifts, the conflict in Ukraine, continuing global warming, and looming energy shortages.
Now the transformation is illuminating and creating new outcomes. …
- Plan in Advance: Have a strategy planned for your holiday well in advance of the actual day. We are all busy and letting things go until the last minute adds to the anxiety.
a. Ask for help in planning from your family or friends. Who do you want to attend? How many can you fit in your home or other location? How much effort can you afford to expend considering your other obligations?
b. Have someone else clean or prepare your home or location for the dinner or event. You do not have to do everything alone! Ask your partner, mother, sister, best friends or pay a service to clean before or after the event (particularly if you work full-time or are a full-time mother). Don’t underestimate the time involved.
c. Budget time and money for shopping. Even if the dinner is potluck or others are bringing food, you will need to shop for basics. This is time-consuming and must be considered in your holiday budgeting.
d. Have someone send out the invitations-whether the invitations go out by email, text, snail mail, phone tree, Facebook or whatever your preferred method. Either share the task or designate another to send the invites. There are useful apps for that make lovely invitations and track RSVPs.
e. If the meal or event requires extensive preparation and work throughout the day like cooking, carving, serving, cleanup or other assistance ask for help in advance. If it’s a bring-a-friend or open house, ask for people to sign up for duties.
- Plan Fun Activities to Keep People Engaged: I have found that people tend to argue, gossip, drink too much, fall asleep or generally get into trouble when they are bored or annoyed at dinner parties or hours-long events when there is nothing to do.
a. Have someone keep the children engaged in activities. I love children at the holidays. However, they can be noisy and underfoot when you are trying to get food on the table or share intimate moments with another adult. Have a special grandmother or adult prepare an arts or craft project for the kids to do while the food preparation is happening. If the weather is fine, have an outdoor space they can run and yell to work off that excess energy.
b. Request a male adult take the teenagers in hand for a game of touch football or Nintendo or other engagement. Teenagers of both sexes tend to find their own entertainment and we would like to divert them from unproductive activities.
c. Be sure to include your Elders in the Holiday Event. We often think Granny or Grandpa should sit in a chair and supervise or rest. Grandma or Grandpa may be the best cook around. Ask them to share how it was done “in their day.” They can be very helpful. They may also be great resources with family history, recipes, stories for the grandkids or with those who have social difficulties.
d. Set aside a quiet corner for those who need to rest for a few moments. If you have space, set up a card table with a puzzle people can work on; or an easy chair with a newspaper, book of holiday poems, jokes or short stories.
3. Set Your Own Rules: It doesn’t matter what Mom and Pop did in their house. If it’s your party, decide how you would like your event to proceed.
a. Politics and Religion to Discuss or Not? Some families love to engage, discuss and argue about current events, the political scene, religious differences, and any and all present controversies. They enjoy the debate and the give and take. Others find such discussions difficult, anxiety-provoking, stomach wrenching and disturbing. What is your style? Set your own rules for your comfort level and let folks know in advance so there are no surprises.
b. Chemical Sensitivity Awareness: In these days of chemical sensitivities, do you want to set any standards for substances in your home? Some folks are sensitive to: perfumes, cigarette smoke, marijuana (remember it is legal is several states now), candle scents, essential oils, cooking odors of certain types, etc. You may want to ask guests in advance if they are sensitive, then notify others of your policy regarding these matters.
c. Food Sensitivities: If you are having a dinner event, in light of the myriad food sensitivities again, you may want to inform people to bring a list of ingredients in dishes if you are having a potluck and list them yourself. Folks can be allergic or sensitive to a variety of foods including but not limited to: nuts (most especially peanuts), dairy, gluten, sugar, aspartame, food coloring, GMO products, wines, nightshades (tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, onions…), wheat (beer), etc. You may also need to inquire if your guests are vegan, vegetarian, on specialized diets such as paleo, raw food, diabetic, low sodium, organic or other restricted diets. (Whew, it is complicated these days.)
d. Dress Code: Advise guests if the party is casual dress, holiday dress, cocktail dress, formal dress, or business wear (for after work parties). It is embarrassing to show up in your holiday best when everyone else is in jeans and a sweater and visa versa.
e. RSVPs: Do you want folks to reply in advance or does it matter? If so, give them a firm deadline. If it’s a potluck, it may not matter. If it is a sit- down dinner and you are providing the food or the main course, this information is essential. Such invitation apps like Evite and others make replying easy. Just know that many people forget or reply at the last minute and always expect a few more than planned.
If you are a guest, just consider how easy your life is when you show up at the Holiday Event! Considering the above, you might ask your host if you can assist in any way. If you are concerned about any of the issues listed above such as food or chemical sensitivities, simply advise them in advance so you can plan to take care of your needs. Reduce your social anxiety by asking about the dress code, bringing a friend, engaging with a child in a favorite game, talking to an Elder about the family history or doing something you enjoy.
Enjoy the Holiday Season by creating happy memories with family and friends to cherish throughout the year.
Blessings for Health, Happiness, Peace, Prosperity, and Love,
Ariann
The Winter Solstice arrives on December 21st; the day when the earth begins its return to the sun in the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere swings in the opposite direction.
In ancient times, tribes gathered and held ceremonies to ensure that the light would return to the earth. Our ancestors were afraid the darkness would overwhelm the daylight and the earth would be plunged into everlasting night.
Now, we celebrate the Solstice knowing it is a natural phenomenon of the cycle of the earth moving around the sun in a regular progression.
When we approach the Solstice, the time has come to review the year and see what 2018 has held for us—its gifts and challenges. According to numerology, 2018 is an 11 year (2+0+1+8=11). 11 is a master number and the most intuitive of all numbers. It is instinctual, charismatic, dynamic and capable. When focus is not applied toward a goal, 11 can be extremely self-defeating. I always say about the number 11: “When it’s good, it’s very good. When it’s bad, it’s awful.”
Has your year been very good or awful, or as always, a healthy mix of both?
Every year carries its own energy. At this end of year celebration time, we need to assess how our plans, dreams, and accomplishments flowed.
Acknowledge the Achievements:
Often, we forget to stop to look back and recognize those dreams we have fulfilled. We have made plans, set goals, readjusted our strategies when needed, and completed what we set out to do. Many times we keep charging ahead without taking the time to bask in the energy of the positive conclusion of the action. Even if others acknowledge us, we need to take time to approve of all the work, energy and dedication we put into the achievements we made this last year.
If we don’t take credit for our work internally, we will feel constantly unfulfilled, anxious, and dissatisfied. When we know we have done a good job, and take the time to breathe in and celebrate the success, we are ready for the next project with new vigor. We increase our confidence, self-esteem and self-worth. We learn to value ourselves.
Reflect on the Shortcomings:
No one’s year is ever perfect. The first four months of the year, I was feeling stuck with my health, my writing, and in my personal life. My eldest sister died around Thanksgiving in 2017. My beloved 18-year old cat, Puck then crossed over before Christmas. I was feeling their losses profoundly.
I had the outline for my new book done and my publisher had kindly given me an extension on the deadline to submit it. Somehow, I just couldn’t get motivated to write. I was feeling pretty helpless.
So, the beginning of the year felt like a wasteland for me. I kept meditating and holding myself in love and compassion, knowing that this situation would end eventually, even though some days it felt like forever. I called on friends, family, and healers for support.
Then, my life turned around. I started a new food plan of no sugar, no flour, and no eating between meals. I physically felt better and began losing weight.
I adopted a new rescue cat, my Gigi. She has been a blessing in my life. She is five years old. Apparently, she was lost but had a family before since she is well trained and loves people.
I began to write and finished the book that I have been discussing in this newsletter for the last several months. It made the Amazon best-seller list on its launch date.
I have a appeared on several podcasts—of which you will hear more about in the future—and I am feeling confident about my future.
Clearly, the first part of the year was challenging. I took action when the time came and turned around my life. The two elements necessary for the change were 1. Right timing and 2. Support. I had to wait until I had healed my grief to have enough energy to put into my work and life. I asked for help and support from the people I loved when I needed it.
When life is not on track for you, reach out. Those who love you, want you to do well and will gladly assist you.
Then, let go and release the old energy that no longer serves you. Move into the new energy that is propelling you forward to fulfill your dreams and plans. Today is always a new beginning.
2018 Ends.
As we reach the end of this solar year, look back with clear eyes and a happy heart. Be proud of your achievements. Let go of the less-than-perfect times. Look forward to the new year with new eyes, an open mind, and a happy heart. Dreams can come true. The Divine loves you.
Blessings for Health, Prosperity, Peace, Love, and Happiness,
Ariann
If you have read the previous articles, you can skip this introduction or read it for a refresher. Otherwise, here is a short explanation of epigenetics to get you started.
We inherit one strand of DNA from each side of our family. DNA is the basic building block of our human body and mind. It is the internal micro-cellular structure from which we develop. We used to think that DNA controlled many of our traits that could not be changed. 
Science then delved deeper into cellular structure and discovered epigenetics. Epigenetics revealed that DNA is our basic hardware and epigenetics is the software program the operator chooses to run our daily lives. We can turn off and on whatever genes we want. The complexities of the genetic traits have just begun being explored since we have trillions of cells with epigenetic switches that turn off and on in sequences and create cascades of effects.
Our DNA strands live in the nucleus of our cells, primarily in the mitochondria (the fuel center). All input in our bodies is translated into chemical reactions used as fuel to build cellular material for our organs and energy systems including our emotions. By keeping our bodies, minds, emotions, and spirits healthy we keep our DNA in prime shape for ourselves, our families and our descendants. In this series of articles, I will address some simple ways we can k eep the triggers of genetic expression in the ‘positive’ mode. When we use these positive epigenetic features we heal the negative DNA we inherited from our ancestors and we transform the likelihood that our children will by-pass the ‘negative’ DNA.
EXTERNAL ACTIONS TO CLEAR GENETIC TRIGGERS
Meditation, Music, and Beauty
Mental chaos and stress are major triggers to the expression of negative genetic traits linked to harmful aspects of our lives, in addition to our physical health. Avoid the major triggers of ill health, financial disaster, bad relationships and poor decision making in life. Some of these emotional factors are fear, guilt, worry, chronic stress, pessimism, mental and physical abuse, depression, anxiety and other chronic negative attitudes. Article: 3 Powerful Practices for Accessing the Healing Power of Your Mind.
Again, beginning in 2003, research in clinical and non-clinical studies verified regular practice of meditation, Thai Chi and Qigong showed a range of genetic and molecular differences, including altered levels of gene-regulating machinery and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory genes, which in turn is associated with faster physical recovery from stressful situations. 
Meditation has a positive effect on your body as well as calming your mind and spirit, letting you get in touch with your inner self. This reduces your physiological reaction to the emotional factors stated above. It allows you to cope with the emotional stresses and alter your perspective on life and solve problems. Article: Long term yoga, Thai Chi, meditation and mindfulness practices repair damaged DNA.
Article: A 2017 study suggests meditation and yoga can ‘reverse’ DNA reactions which cause stress.
I began meditating in 1978 when I was taking daily medication for severe migraine. Luckily, I found a progressive MD who recommended meditation when I asked what I could do to get off the drugs. I have been meditating ever since. When I had a critical health crisis in the 1990s, I was disabled and virtually house-bound for about 15 years. Meditation was a live-saver. I got in touch with my healing energy and my ability to tap into my own inner resources. Without meditation and my inner knowing, my life would not be as healthy and happy as it is today.
Music resonates with the waves of our brain and can calm stress, soothe nerves and may be helpful in slowing cognitive degeneration in the brain according to some recent Italian researchers. Article: Music therapy is a potential intervention for cognition of Alzheimer’s Disease. Article: Music therapy enhances behavioral and cognitive function in elderly dementia patients..
If we take the time to release our past stories and pain and avoid living in the future “what ifs” concentrating our energy in the present makes our lives open to opportunities and experiences that will enrich us daily. We will see the beauty of the people, places and things around us, our perceptions will shift and positive enzymes and hormones will flood our body to boost our immune system. These chemical reactions will positively affect the gene expressions of our bodies.
Sleep is an Essential Component of a Healthy Life.
Another significant element in supporting long life, good health and a strong brain and positive outlook is adequate sleep on a regular basis. Numerous reports reliably show sleep is necessary to repair and replace damaged cells. In 1900, Americans averaged nine hours of sleep a night. In 2000, we averaged six hours a night. Magnificent Mind at Any Age: Treating Anxiety, Depression, Memory Problems, ADD, and Insomnia, Daniel G. Amen (2008). Lack of sleep can cause psychotic episodes, depression, car accidents, unclear thinking, irritability and other difficulties. The average adult should get six to nine hours of good sleep a night. Children and teenagers need more to sustain growth. 
Stress is a common interrupter of sleep. Reduce your stress level through meditation, music, exercise, sex and contact with nature. Keep your bedroom free of toxins, cell phones, TVs and their distractions. Dream of a happy and prosperous life. And have a good night.
Look for the remaining tips in the upcoming articles.
Blessings for peace, prosperity, joy and love,
Ariann
If you have read the previous articles, you can skip this introduction or read it for a refresher. Otherwise, here is a short explanation of epigenetics to get you started.
We inherit one strand of DNA from each side of our family. DNA is the basic building block of our human body and mind. It is the internal micro-cellular structure from which we develop. We used to think that DNA controlled many of our traits that could not be changed.
Science then delved deeper into cellular structure and discovered epigenetics. Epigenetics revealed that DNA is our basic hardware and epigenetics is the software program the operator chooses to run our daily lives. We can turn off and on whatever genes we want. The complexities of the genetic traits have just begun being explored since we have trillions of cells with epigenetic switches that turn off and on in sequences and create cascades of effects.
Our DNA strands live in the nucleus of our cells, primarily in the mitochondria (the fuel center). All input in our bodies is translated into chemical reactions used as fuel to build cellular material for our organs and energy systems including our emotions. By keeping our bodies, minds, emotions, and spirits healthy we keep our DNA in prime shape for ourselves, our families and our descendants. In this series of articles, I will address some simple ways we can k eep the triggers of genetic expression in the ‘positive’ mode. When we use these positive epigenetic features we heal the negative DNA we inherited from our ancestors and we transform the likelihood that our children will by-pass the ‘negative’ DNA.
EXTERNAL ACTIONS TO CLEAR GENETIC TRIGGERS
Meditation, Music, and Beauty
Mental chaos and stress are major triggers to the expression of negative genetic traits linked to harmful aspects of our lives, in addition to our physical health. Avoid the major triggers of ill health, financial disaster, bad relationships and poor decision making in life. Some of these emotional factors are fear, guilt, worry, chronic stress, pessimism, mental and physical abuse, depression, anxiety and other chronic negative attitudes. Article: 3 Powerful Practices for Accessing the Healing Power of Your Mind.
Again, beginning in 2003, research in clinical and non-clinical studies verified regular practice of meditation, Thai Chi and Qigong showed a range of genetic and molecular differences, including altered levels of gene-regulating machinery and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory genes, which in turn is associated with faster physical recovery from stressful situations. Meditation has a positive effect on your body as well as calming your mind and spirit, letting you get in touch with your inner self. This reduces your physiological reaction to the emotional factors stated above. It allows you to cope with the emotional stresses and alter your perspective on life and solve problems. Article: Long term yoga, Thai Chi, meditation and mindfulness practices repair damaged DNA.
Article: A 2017 study suggests meditation and yoga can ‘reverse’ DNA reactions which cause stress.
I began meditating in 1978 when I was taking daily medication for severe migraine. Luckily, I found a progressive MD who recommended meditation when I asked what I could do to get off the drugs. I have been meditating ever since. When I had a critical health crisis in the 1990s, I was disabled and virtually house-bound for about 15 years. Meditation was a live-saver. I got in touch with my healing energy and my ability to tap into my own inner resources. Without meditation and my inner knowing, my life would not be as healthy and happy as it is today.
Music resonates with the waves of our brain and can calm stress, soothe nerves and may be helpful in slowing cognitive degeneration in the brain according to some recent Italian researchers. Article: Music therapy is a potential intervention for cognition of Alzheimer’s Disease. Article: Music therapy enhances behavioral and cognitive function in elderly dementia patients..
If we take the time to release our past stories and pain and avoid living in the future “what ifs” concentrating our energy in the present makes our lives open to opportunities and experiences that will enrich us daily. We will see the beauty of the people, places and things around us, our perceptions will shift and positive enzymes and hormones will flood our body to boost our immune system. These chemical reactions will positively affect the gene expressions of our bodies.
Sleep is an Essential Component of a Healthy Life.
Another significant element in supporting long life, good health and a strong brain and positive outlook is adequate sleep on a regular basis. Numerous reports reliably show sleep is necessary to repair and replace damaged cells. In 1900, Americans averaged nine hours of sleep a night. In 2000, we averaged six hours a night. Magnificent Mind at Any Age: Treating Anxiety, Depression, Memory Problems, ADD, and Insomnia, Daniel G. Amen (2008). Lack of sleep can cause psychotic episodes, depression, car accidents, unclear thinking, irritability and other difficulties. The average adult should get six to nine hours of good sleep a night. Children and teenagers need more to sustain growth.
Stress is a common interrupter of sleep. Reduce your stress level through meditation, music, exercise, sex and contact with nature. Keep your bedroom free of toxins, cell phones, TVs and their distractions. Dream of a happy and prosperous life. And have a good night.
Look for the remaining tips in the upcoming articles.
Blessings for peace, prosperity, joy and love,
Ariann
