Onegai Shimasu

I like blogs with pictures... this has nothing to do with my post, but is of one of my siblings and I - Halloween 1984

In a self defense class I am taking, before and after working with an opponent we bow and say "Onegai Shimasu" or if we can't remember it "oh my gosh, a mouse" which means "I place myself under your teaching" or "Please assist me"... then I can get thrown on a mat, or throw them down:) 

I have pondered this phrase often. Anytime we interact with anyone or anything, in a sense we could be saying this, as it is a teaching moment. A time to stop and observe what it is that will guide us on our pathways, and help us to become better. Here are some things I have been "learning" or pondering about for the past 6 months:

Yoga and Tai Chi really do have amazing healing powers. I am understanding more as to why this is. How it can help calm the nervous system, help wake up different areas of the body, and help us to become more aware and accepting of the body is just a small part of it. 

How much propaganda is given to us DAILY!!! and how easy it is to believe that it is truth.

Doctor's are not the final authority, and do not have all the answers. It is good to ask questions, and to seek answers, and to not take any medication blindly without understanding what you are putting in your body.

Western medicine is not bad or evil. But it is not the only way, or only answer.

Foods will have an impact on your physical, mental and emotional well being. It is good to be aware of it and how it affects you. How food is cooked or not cooked will also impact these areas. The different ways the food can be prepared (microwave, oven, stove top, solar, BBQ, etc) will determine the different enzymes, energetic of food, and different nutrients you will or will not receive.

Laughter is a great medicine!

As a society, we tend to place way to much trust in the "government" on what they have decided to be "the way" to eat and live. A lot of the RDA (recommended daily allowances) are set very low - to prevent lawsuits. The food pyramid had a lot of influence from those who produced the food. It doesn't make sense how everyone needs to consume the same amount of things when we are all different shapes, sizes, and deficiencies. 

Blood work is not the final say on how we are doing. You can get different results based on which lab you go to, what you had eaten that day, or done, and the advancement techniques of the machinery the lab has. In addition, the government has set very odd ranges of what "normal" is supposed to me for all of us. Many times what is in the "normal" bracket of blood work is actually not normal, and indicates that something is not right and needs to be addressed before it goes out of the normal range. That being said, blood work is still good to get, as we gain a better idea as to what is going on and where to start. 

That as an aunt, sister, friend, I should not give or buy things that I wouldn't give myself (when I can eat it) or my own kids (when I have them)... sorry nephews and nieces, but no more processes store bought treats from me. 

The Vagus nerve is fascinating to study. It affects the internal organs (heart, intestines, digestion, lungs). This nerve assists as an anti-inflammatory. Stimulating it will help calm these organs down (which will calm you down). You can do this through deep belly breathing, cold showers, or placing ice (in bag) on top of your forehead - nose- mouth. 

Wheat promotes inflammation. Sugar is like throwing gasoline on a fire. 

My dog LOVES the horse next door. 

If we have a strong digestive systems, the other areas of our bodies will be healthier. 

Qi runs through the nervous system. 

Our personalities contribute largely from Qi - deficiencies, excess, balanced :) 

Qi is fun to study :)

The power of thoughts! Change your life - change your mind - As a man thinketh, so he shall become.

The scriptures and personal revelation is what will help us find true answers as to how to live. 

Don't be afraid of sensations or pain. They are a way to communicate. These things are a way to assist us with learning, understanding and seeing.

Inflammation is what will bring on "predisposed" conditions (or genetic) to occur. 

The power of definitions. At one time, I had thought that a feeling I was experiencing was "pain" than someone showed me that it was my body trying to get it working again. All of a sudden it was not pain anymore for me, but a welcome sensation.

There is great power in unity. 

There is great power in prayer. 

You shouldn't drink soda - it will leach calcium from your bones... plus a lot of other things.

There is great power when you can be present. 

There is great power when you forgive.

There is great power in a calm mind.

There is great power in touch. 

Music is literally all around us. Whether or not we can hear the tones is a different thing. 

Vitamin D is more powerful, and effective than the flu vaccine. - it is also a great anti-inflammatory.

Cold foods are not the best for digestion.

Drinking too much liquid at a meal is not good for digestion (impairs digestive enzymes). 

That if we understand the covenants and principles the Lord teaches us through many means (nature, families, interacting with others), and when we work to live them, we would live a better life. 

How powerful traditions are.

The power of "names" and "labels". 

That words can literally hurt us (once again music is all around us... or you could say vibrations...)

Anger (or any emotion) is not bad if it is used wisely, and not to excess. Anger helps push us to do things we need to do, or to get out of a situation. 

Emotions are a way to communicate to us what is going on. 

There is more to families than all that we can understand. I believe that our minds can't even fathom it at this point. 

Life is a journey, be kind to yourself, trust the process the Lord takes you through, and enjoy the adventure!

That we need to take what I say, and others with a grain of salt. Ponder it, perhaps experiment upon it, seek for witnesses, and pray about it, seek truth through scriptures and revelation. The Lord will help you see and understand the truth. 

You Are What You Eat?

On the radio this morning, they talked about how researchers have come out with a way to figure out your personality based on what Girl Scout Cookie you prefer. This interested me. I started to do some research on the internet. I remembered when I used to LOVE Girl Scout Cookies, that I liked the thin mint. But as I was reading the other cookie descriptions, I realized that thin mints were the only cookies I have ever had. So I don't know how accurate this would be for me, since I've never tried any of the other ones. But here is the Girl Scout Cookie personality descriptions. Which one are you?

Trefoils: You thrive under pressure. Shortbread lovers are self-confident, organized go-getters who are energized by stress; the no-frills crunch of Trefoils appeal to your assertive nature. Loyal, True-blue, Honest

Thin Mints: You’re easygoing. Those who favor bold flavors like mint are easygoing types. You’re the one at home who doesn’t feel the need to make waves, and the one your co-workers find the most agreeable. Popular, Strong, Confident

Samoas: You’re brainy. Fond of this comparatively “complex” cookie with its many textures and flavors? You’re smart and focused. And since you set high standards for yourself, people are impressed by whatever you do! Brainy, Complex, Mysterious

Do-Si-Dos: You’re a kid at heart. Can’t stop at just one of these wholesome oatmeal-and-peanut-butter combos? You’re a little old-fashioned, with a big appreciation for life’s simpler pleasures. Your home is a place where others always feel welcome. Easy-going, Trustworthy, Friendly

Tagalongs: You have artistic flair. No matter what project your tackling, your creative streak always shines through. And you don’t like to be distracted---lovers of this cookie can seem shy, but often, you’re just deep in thought! Artistic, Creative, Dramatic

All Abouts: Considerate, Polite, Caring