January
2009
New Year
The latest sunrise was Monday, January 5. Even though the days have been lengthening since the winter solstice around December 21, only now will sunrise come earlier each morning. After our hard spell of unusually wintry weather, it feels almost like spring with temperatures approaching a mild 50 degrees. While being snowbound, many of us had time to contemplate what is important - keeping warm, having enough food, having electricity and unfrozen pipes, spending quality time with loved ones (maybe too much?), and the freedom to get about as we would like. For many of us, the only exercise we got was shoveling snow, if we were lucky enough to have a snow shovel. Having cabin fever with Christmas cookies didn't do our waistlines much good.
Now we have a whole new year to begin anew, perhaps to resolve to do some things differently, hopefully to be consciously grateful for the wonderful blessings we already have in our lives. We are all aware of the significant changes which have occurred in the financial and political worlds and the hardships and opportunities which present themselves. Now is a natural time for us to reflect on how we'd like to approach our lives this year.
Perhaps you'd like to resolve to take better care of yourself. Here are a few suggestions:
You can eat 2-3 dried plums (prunes) per day for boron, which is good for your bones, and they're tasty, too.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) says that it's safe to take up to 2000 units per day of vitamin D, the "Sunshine Vitamin." Since sunshine is in short supply in this climate, it can help with winter blues and Seasonal Affective Depression (S.A.D.).
For a multitude of health benefits including joint health, prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease, new studies suggest that we exercise moderately for at least 2.5 hours per week, but 5 hours are better.
Moderate means you can carry on a conversation. Vigorous exercise requires fewer hours for similar health benefits. If it's been a while since you exercised regularly, it's best to start slowly and work up to it gradually, as feels appropriate for you. Don't forget to notice normal activities - shoveling snow definitely counts, as does going up and down stairs carrying laundry, and scrubbing the tub can be strenuous.
Healthy diet, moderate exercise, and regular massage are all part of a balanced lifestyle. Massage can relieve your aching muscles & joints, lower your blood pressure, boost your immune system, help with
insomnia, depression and anxiety.... Massage can remind your body and mind how to relax and feel good.
I hope you have a healthy and prosperous year!
Namaste,
Sue Redding
New year, new you!
Stressed?
Take time for yourself. Find respite from the hectic pace of life. Feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Rediscover your positive outlook Make your own health and well-being a priority for your life.
From "William Safire's Rules for Writers":
"Remember to never split an infinitive."
"The passive voice should never be used."
"Avoid clichés like the plague."
Musician Jokes
"Blessed are we who can laugh at ourselves, for we shall never cease to be amused."
Q: What's the similarity between a drummer and a philosopher?
A: They both perceive time as an abstract concept.
Q: What's the difference between a folk guitar player and a large pizza?
A: A large pizza can feed a family of four.
Q: How many vocalists does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A: None. They just hold the bulb over their head and the world revolves around them.
Q: What is another term for trombone?
A: A wind-driven, manually-operated, pitch approximator.
Q: How does a violist's brain cell die?
A: Alone.
Q: What will you never say about a banjo player?
A: "That's the banjo player's Porsche."
Q: Why are harps like elderly parents?
A: Both are unforgiving and hard to get into and out of cars.
