Dear Friends,
As the "death" of 2008 approaches, and the birth of 2009 is imminent---I could not think of a better way to welcome the reborn dawn than sharing with you the following Dec. 30, 2008 5:00 A.M. post by the renowned Deepak Chopra.
May its wisdom be a guide to your embracing the New Year with renewed hope, lofty aspirations, dynamic actions, optimistic outlooks and successful outcomes!
With Love from,
Jacques
------------------
Death isn’t about what I possess but about what I can become. Today I see myself as a child of time, but I may become a child of eternity. I see my place here on Earth, but I may be on a journey to the universe. Human beings have a deep intuition that our destiny is infinite, but we fear death because it tests our wishes and dreams.
We fear to be tested because if we turn out to be wrong, then all our aspirations feel empty. Dying isn’t more real than any other moment, but it is more definitive. No matter how rich and gifted you are, death is the great equalizer.
For the after life to have meaning, it has to be fully as satisfying as this life. Bringing money, power, sex, family, achievement, and physical pleasure to an end is not a trivial thing. Much that we love and depend on will be extinguished when this life comes to an end. And yet we can bring something to that moment.
Grace, calm, a patient acceptance of what’s to come: These are all qualities that can be cultivated, and when they are, death is a test we will not fail. Our fault is not that we fear death but that we don’t respect it as a miracle.
The most profound subjects–love, truth, compassion, birth and death–are equal. They belong to our destiny but also to our present life. Ultimately the goal here is to bring death into the present and thereby make it equal to love.
Adapted from Life After Death: The Burden of Proof, by Deepak Chopra (Harmony Books, 2006).
Courtesy: Care2: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/when-death-knocks.html
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
How I quit smoking three packs a day and dropped pounds!
(NOTE WELL: Yesterday, I posted and article from WebMD relating to "Why we gain weight"---and strongly emphasized that one of them is to quit smoking.)
As I do whenever I share with you articles and other news items of interest and hopefully also value: this contribution from the reputable WebMD Experts reminds me that ALL Expert advice and reports must be taken with a grain of salt.
The reason is simple: too many of their "written in granite" thoughts, purported findings and other inspired revelations end up being retracted, apologized for and, generally, forced to be reconsidered as erroneous. And make the headlines in the printed and electronic media before they are shoved under the old proverbial rug.
The problem is that countless human lives were ill-affected - too many terminally -by the red-faced "Oooops!--we goofed!!!" Titled Experts---leaving oodles of their trusting followers in the dust of their "slight miscalculations and mistakes"...
Apparently, this particular part of the article strongly "hit home" with me. And reawakened my dozing objective convinction that ALL "Expert Formulae" are a notch above grandma tales, superstitions and gossip-mongering---
What is my point? Simply this: after having been a three-pack-per-day cigarette smoker for several years (at a time when this was "fashionable")---on a hot day while I was motivating a roomfull of some thirty college students hired by a large marketing firm---one bright fellow spoke up.
He remarked, "Dr. Girard---O.K., you did a great job demonstrating that our subconscious brain is Way stronger, wiser, than most left brain conclusions---and Can perform virtual Miracles as compared to generally accepted logical and reasonable Scientific "facts".
It is about 101 degrees outside and, to prove that WE CAN control our environment and personal Universe by "resetting our mental thermostat" to a comfortable temperature by which WE decide to be affected---
A while ago, to "drive your point home", you turned Off the air conditioning---and it must be about 130 degrees in here by now---a virtual pizza oven!---(Incidentally, the boys had removed their shirts and T-shirts---were bare chested and the girls wished they could too---and I was wearing a wool business suit, shirt and tie---All my students were "sweating like pigs" and my forehead was merely a bit oily)---
"O.K." continued my heckler, "you got us convinced that you are in full control of the temperature inside and out of your body!---BUT, IF you are so good, How come you are behaving like a nervous wreck: there is a cigarette butt smoldering in your ashtray---and you just lit another one, choking us all to death?"
WOW! Talk about being hit smack in the face with this Brilliant and well deserved observation!---A perfect illustration of "DO as I SAY--but NOT as I DO!"---He caught me with my hand in the cookie jar! LOL
This is where I had a major decision to make. Weeks ago, I actually had decided that it was time for me to quit my filthy habit (that gave me so much pleasure, however).
Yes! HABIT!---for I realized that I was addicted to nicotine!!!
The revelation came one rainy day when I asked my secretary to go buy me a couple of cartons of Parliaments (in a box) across the street, at the local Italian delicatessen/ grocery store.
As it turned out, they were sold out, so she headed for the next supplier: a store five blocks away. By the time she came out with my bounty, it had started to rain. So she ran back to the office, arriving drenched. And all I could think of was "did my cigarettes get wet?" ---then feeling relieved to see them safely wrapped in a plastic bag. Never for a moment did I even notice or care about her discomfort: a classical selfish attitude common amongst addicts. No guilt. No shame. Nothing is as important as getting their next fix!
THIS is when I had decided "Enough!"---not to speak of the foul breath, the stench on my expensive clothes, the curtains, the couch at home---and the smell of unwiped butt on my right index and "up yours" fingers!!---
So, when my smart alecky apprentice publicly challenged me as he did, I was faced with choosing between "quitting tomorrow or some other time" and 'NOW"!---between my self-indulgence and risking the loss of faith, trust, respect and confidence which I had earned up 'till now from thirty young lives---risking to turn them all into skeptics who would never trust again, once I would allow myself to have clay feet!
I opted for sublimating the "moi" for "the many"---and take the responsibility we all owe to our fellow-humans. I decided to transcend momentary and ephemeral selfish pleasures for lasting altruistic multiple meaningful benefits.
So, seriously scared (as, professionally speaking, I had never had to do anything as Big, Drastic and Permanent as conquering this Monster up until now)---I made the following brazen COMMITMENT, as I extinguished the smoldering butt in the ashtray---put out the cigarette I had lit a little while ago---and lit a new one:
"My friends...you are seeing me light the last cigarette I'll ever smoke in my life---and I propose to have a long life!---
---Furthermore, to prove that gaining weight after you quit smoking, especially "cold turkey" as I am doing here today is just another grandma tale---
---and I firmly believe that I will Not gain any weight at all ---I have No intention of going on any kind of conscious diet incidentally, and I don't expect that my hand will be any less steady than it is now (and I stretched out my right arm, hand flat, all fingers extended straight out)---so, when we break for lunch, we'll go find a scale---have you all witness me weighing myself and, next week when we meet again, return to the same scale and see what I weigh then---fair enugh?". They cheerfully agreed.
And here comes the kicker---having never done anything like this before, I was both a bit nervous and had NO idea how to go about achieving what I promised them I would!
So, as I was slowly enjoying my last cigarette , I did a deep Self-hypnosis, Open Eyed Modulation (a term I coined after months of research, to best define my proprietary induction techniques). Once I reached a certain dimension of depth, I strongly mentally appealed for permanent smoke cessation without subsequent weight gain from my Divine Self, my Powerful Subconscious Mind...I invested all the Faith, Belief, Trust, Confidence and advance Gratitude that I could muster...focused on visualizing, feeling, enjoying the fresh, clean, agreeable smell of smoke-Free clothes...not craving a cigarette ever
again...being physically fit... and other most positive imageries which I get into in great detail during my "Smoke Cessation Without Weight Gain or Trading Off for Another Addiction" Seminars...
After I finished the morning session, the Company secretary (who had called several local drug and other stores, Doctors' offices, etc.) brought me the location of a scale I'd be allowed to use. And so, yours truly and "the gang" proceded to that location. I told the Pharmacist they were my body guards :o)--- I must have looked like the proverbial pied piper followed by all the little (b)rats! LOL
After lunch, having thrown away the rest of my box of cancer sticks, the new experience and the suddenness of the unexpected lifestyle change which I had just implemented began to gradually sink in.
This being an unprecedented, hard to believe "First" (for me and definitely for the skeptical others) I was mildly curious about whether or not I had indeed permanently kicked my habit, and mentally monitored my moment-to-moment self-talk and inner stability as I continued training my wards. I was sure that at least a few of them were equally watching for signs of discomfort, irritability, anxiety, automatically reaching out for another cigarette, and the like. None of the above occurred!
By the start of the following week's class, I still had not smoked nor thought nor dreamt of "needing or craving a smoke". The latter would have definitely been proof of longing for, missing and desiring my cigarettes. This was significant and amazed anyone with whom I shared "the latest"... pleased and made me feel proud to boot.
At lunchtime, as planned earlier, we all caravaned to the Drug store with the scale. The "OH!"s and the "WOW!"s of my students were the rewarding cherry on top of this exciting cake, as the scale revealed that, since last week, I now weighed exactly SIX and A HALF POUNDS LESS!---Without ANY form of restrictive diet or change in my eating habits!
THIS is but ONE example of the virtually limitless POWERS and CAPABILITIES of "The God Within" each and every one of us owns and operates: that awesome Subconscious brain!
Since then, I was privileged to return to this Magic Arena and effectuate amazing cures, including cancers (two of which on myself!), bleeding ulcers, and more.
I used one of my well-researched and tested methods of Autogenic (self-produced and controlled) Mind Mastery. Never any drugs or synthetics. Sadly enough, many scientific Experts issue statements and other die-hard claims that negate what "we" practice (and I teach) as being a bunch of hogwash and impotent baloney.
Conversely, the "Medical" statement made in yesterday's transcript (about smoking and the "fact" that quitting will invariably cause you to gain weight) apparently belongs more to generation to generation folkloric naive, superstitious, ignorant, uninformed fanatical beliefs.
Does my own "living proof" that smokers are NOT doomed to get fat by quitting belong in the annals of "Believe It Or Not" together with other recorded weird, unexplainable, controversial issues of major importance or interest?---entities that are diametrically opposed to what the dictates of the "Experts' who earn their keep by touting their "Absolute Truths"?
Fortunately, after several decades of frustrating and fruitless attempts to gain the recognition, the respect (due to fellow professionals who have achieved remarkable, verifiable positive results), the cooperation and the approval of the Medical profession--- in 2008, not one but THREE Physicians have shown to believe in the fact that our ethical practice and input can and does succesfully synergize with theirs!---one of whom recently confirmed this in a written statement on his letterhead, acknowledging the impressive therapeutic effects which my self-Hypnosis produced in the case of my colon cancer last year !!
I am scheduled to meet with the other two Physicians right after New Year. One of them actually addresses large live audiences and declares his own support of the alternative medical benefits of professional hypnosis.
I visualize a NEW year during which bridges can be built between our two Healing Arts: one, verifiable in Laboratories and under microscopes and ours which more mysteriously taps into the accumulated reservoirs of ageless pragmatic Knowledge and Wisdom which some call "The Ether".
In these times of great turmoil, economic and many other stressful dark clouds hovering menacingly over all of our heads---I look forward to a new dawn of close collaboration between the Medical Profession and Hypnotherapy, to benefit immensely the Health, Well-being and Save Lives of Millions of individuals around the Globe!
This fervent Wish and Goal transcends many other "New Year's Resolutions" which are important in their own right, nevertheless pale when compared to the far reaching impacts of my Reconstructive Vision!
Wishing all of you a HAPPY, HEALTHY,DAFE, PROSPEROUS and FULFILLED 2009!
Love and Peace from your Friend,
Jacques
As I do whenever I share with you articles and other news items of interest and hopefully also value: this contribution from the reputable WebMD Experts reminds me that ALL Expert advice and reports must be taken with a grain of salt.
The reason is simple: too many of their "written in granite" thoughts, purported findings and other inspired revelations end up being retracted, apologized for and, generally, forced to be reconsidered as erroneous. And make the headlines in the printed and electronic media before they are shoved under the old proverbial rug.
The problem is that countless human lives were ill-affected - too many terminally -by the red-faced "Oooops!--we goofed!!!" Titled Experts---leaving oodles of their trusting followers in the dust of their "slight miscalculations and mistakes"...
Apparently, this particular part of the article strongly "hit home" with me. And reawakened my dozing objective convinction that ALL "Expert Formulae" are a notch above grandma tales, superstitions and gossip-mongering---
What is my point? Simply this: after having been a three-pack-per-day cigarette smoker for several years (at a time when this was "fashionable")---on a hot day while I was motivating a roomfull of some thirty college students hired by a large marketing firm---one bright fellow spoke up.
He remarked, "Dr. Girard---O.K., you did a great job demonstrating that our subconscious brain is Way stronger, wiser, than most left brain conclusions---and Can perform virtual Miracles as compared to generally accepted logical and reasonable Scientific "facts".
It is about 101 degrees outside and, to prove that WE CAN control our environment and personal Universe by "resetting our mental thermostat" to a comfortable temperature by which WE decide to be affected---
A while ago, to "drive your point home", you turned Off the air conditioning---and it must be about 130 degrees in here by now---a virtual pizza oven!---(Incidentally, the boys had removed their shirts and T-shirts---were bare chested and the girls wished they could too---and I was wearing a wool business suit, shirt and tie---All my students were "sweating like pigs" and my forehead was merely a bit oily)---
"O.K." continued my heckler, "you got us convinced that you are in full control of the temperature inside and out of your body!---BUT, IF you are so good, How come you are behaving like a nervous wreck: there is a cigarette butt smoldering in your ashtray---and you just lit another one, choking us all to death?"
WOW! Talk about being hit smack in the face with this Brilliant and well deserved observation!---A perfect illustration of "DO as I SAY--but NOT as I DO!"---He caught me with my hand in the cookie jar! LOL
This is where I had a major decision to make. Weeks ago, I actually had decided that it was time for me to quit my filthy habit (that gave me so much pleasure, however).
Yes! HABIT!---for I realized that I was addicted to nicotine!!!
The revelation came one rainy day when I asked my secretary to go buy me a couple of cartons of Parliaments (in a box) across the street, at the local Italian delicatessen/ grocery store.
As it turned out, they were sold out, so she headed for the next supplier: a store five blocks away. By the time she came out with my bounty, it had started to rain. So she ran back to the office, arriving drenched. And all I could think of was "did my cigarettes get wet?" ---then feeling relieved to see them safely wrapped in a plastic bag. Never for a moment did I even notice or care about her discomfort: a classical selfish attitude common amongst addicts. No guilt. No shame. Nothing is as important as getting their next fix!
THIS is when I had decided "Enough!"---not to speak of the foul breath, the stench on my expensive clothes, the curtains, the couch at home---and the smell of unwiped butt on my right index and "up yours" fingers!!---
So, when my smart alecky apprentice publicly challenged me as he did, I was faced with choosing between "quitting tomorrow or some other time" and 'NOW"!---between my self-indulgence and risking the loss of faith, trust, respect and confidence which I had earned up 'till now from thirty young lives---risking to turn them all into skeptics who would never trust again, once I would allow myself to have clay feet!
I opted for sublimating the "moi" for "the many"---and take the responsibility we all owe to our fellow-humans. I decided to transcend momentary and ephemeral selfish pleasures for lasting altruistic multiple meaningful benefits.
So, seriously scared (as, professionally speaking, I had never had to do anything as Big, Drastic and Permanent as conquering this Monster up until now)---I made the following brazen COMMITMENT, as I extinguished the smoldering butt in the ashtray---put out the cigarette I had lit a little while ago---and lit a new one:
"My friends...you are seeing me light the last cigarette I'll ever smoke in my life---and I propose to have a long life!---
---Furthermore, to prove that gaining weight after you quit smoking, especially "cold turkey" as I am doing here today is just another grandma tale---
---and I firmly believe that I will Not gain any weight at all ---I have No intention of going on any kind of conscious diet incidentally, and I don't expect that my hand will be any less steady than it is now (and I stretched out my right arm, hand flat, all fingers extended straight out)---so, when we break for lunch, we'll go find a scale---have you all witness me weighing myself and, next week when we meet again, return to the same scale and see what I weigh then---fair enugh?". They cheerfully agreed.
And here comes the kicker---having never done anything like this before, I was both a bit nervous and had NO idea how to go about achieving what I promised them I would!
So, as I was slowly enjoying my last cigarette , I did a deep Self-hypnosis, Open Eyed Modulation (a term I coined after months of research, to best define my proprietary induction techniques). Once I reached a certain dimension of depth, I strongly mentally appealed for permanent smoke cessation without subsequent weight gain from my Divine Self, my Powerful Subconscious Mind...I invested all the Faith, Belief, Trust, Confidence and advance Gratitude that I could muster...focused on visualizing, feeling, enjoying the fresh, clean, agreeable smell of smoke-Free clothes...not craving a cigarette ever
again...being physically fit... and other most positive imageries which I get into in great detail during my "Smoke Cessation Without Weight Gain or Trading Off for Another Addiction" Seminars...
After I finished the morning session, the Company secretary (who had called several local drug and other stores, Doctors' offices, etc.) brought me the location of a scale I'd be allowed to use. And so, yours truly and "the gang" proceded to that location. I told the Pharmacist they were my body guards :o)--- I must have looked like the proverbial pied piper followed by all the little (b)rats! LOL
After lunch, having thrown away the rest of my box of cancer sticks, the new experience and the suddenness of the unexpected lifestyle change which I had just implemented began to gradually sink in.
This being an unprecedented, hard to believe "First" (for me and definitely for the skeptical others) I was mildly curious about whether or not I had indeed permanently kicked my habit, and mentally monitored my moment-to-moment self-talk and inner stability as I continued training my wards. I was sure that at least a few of them were equally watching for signs of discomfort, irritability, anxiety, automatically reaching out for another cigarette, and the like. None of the above occurred!
By the start of the following week's class, I still had not smoked nor thought nor dreamt of "needing or craving a smoke". The latter would have definitely been proof of longing for, missing and desiring my cigarettes. This was significant and amazed anyone with whom I shared "the latest"... pleased and made me feel proud to boot.
At lunchtime, as planned earlier, we all caravaned to the Drug store with the scale. The "OH!"s and the "WOW!"s of my students were the rewarding cherry on top of this exciting cake, as the scale revealed that, since last week, I now weighed exactly SIX and A HALF POUNDS LESS!---Without ANY form of restrictive diet or change in my eating habits!
THIS is but ONE example of the virtually limitless POWERS and CAPABILITIES of "The God Within" each and every one of us owns and operates: that awesome Subconscious brain!
Since then, I was privileged to return to this Magic Arena and effectuate amazing cures, including cancers (two of which on myself!), bleeding ulcers, and more.
I used one of my well-researched and tested methods of Autogenic (self-produced and controlled) Mind Mastery. Never any drugs or synthetics. Sadly enough, many scientific Experts issue statements and other die-hard claims that negate what "we" practice (and I teach) as being a bunch of hogwash and impotent baloney.
Conversely, the "Medical" statement made in yesterday's transcript (about smoking and the "fact" that quitting will invariably cause you to gain weight) apparently belongs more to generation to generation folkloric naive, superstitious, ignorant, uninformed fanatical beliefs.
Does my own "living proof" that smokers are NOT doomed to get fat by quitting belong in the annals of "Believe It Or Not" together with other recorded weird, unexplainable, controversial issues of major importance or interest?---entities that are diametrically opposed to what the dictates of the "Experts' who earn their keep by touting their "Absolute Truths"?
Fortunately, after several decades of frustrating and fruitless attempts to gain the recognition, the respect (due to fellow professionals who have achieved remarkable, verifiable positive results), the cooperation and the approval of the Medical profession--- in 2008, not one but THREE Physicians have shown to believe in the fact that our ethical practice and input can and does succesfully synergize with theirs!---one of whom recently confirmed this in a written statement on his letterhead, acknowledging the impressive therapeutic effects which my self-Hypnosis produced in the case of my colon cancer last year !!
I am scheduled to meet with the other two Physicians right after New Year. One of them actually addresses large live audiences and declares his own support of the alternative medical benefits of professional hypnosis.
I visualize a NEW year during which bridges can be built between our two Healing Arts: one, verifiable in Laboratories and under microscopes and ours which more mysteriously taps into the accumulated reservoirs of ageless pragmatic Knowledge and Wisdom which some call "The Ether".
In these times of great turmoil, economic and many other stressful dark clouds hovering menacingly over all of our heads---I look forward to a new dawn of close collaboration between the Medical Profession and Hypnotherapy, to benefit immensely the Health, Well-being and Save Lives of Millions of individuals around the Globe!
This fervent Wish and Goal transcends many other "New Year's Resolutions" which are important in their own right, nevertheless pale when compared to the far reaching impacts of my Reconstructive Vision!
Wishing all of you a HAPPY, HEALTHY,DAFE, PROSPEROUS and FULFILLED 2009!
Love and Peace from your Friend,
Jacques
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Ten Ways to Enjoy the Holidays, Guilt-Free!
by Jana (selected from Sprig.com Dec 24, 2008 11:00 am)
Don’t dread putting on a few extras pounds this holiday season and don’t deprive yourself of your favorite traditional treats. Sound like a complete contradiction? The holidays are a time to celebrate, indulge and enjoy—smartly and soundly.
The key to a healthful holiday is portion size. We’ve laid out a few of our favorite, environmentally friendly indulgences to help lighten the post-holiday guilt trip, while helping you enjoy the season to the fullest.
Calling All Chocoholics
For all you chocolate fiends out there, go ahead and live a little. Reach for a few squares of divine dark chocolate and get a boost of disease-fighting antioxidants. Research shows that dark chocolate (look for a cocoa content 70% or higher) may help lower blood pressure and benefit heart health. Throw in a few almonds or pecans and get an additional bonus of healthy, unsaturated fats. At 75 calories for four squares of dark chocolate and 150 calories for two truffles, you can treat yourself without feeling guilty.
There are a number of eco-conscious brands out there doing their job to green the world of chocolate. Try Endangered Species, whose organic chocolate bars aid animal-conservation efforts and come with intriguing ingredients like cacao nibs, pecans and antioxidant-rich goji berries. The company also supports economic development programs in Nigeria.
Alternatively, break off a square or two of an Equal Exchange chocolate bar in flavors like Organic Orange Dark or Organic Panama Extra Dark. Equal Exchange is committed to fair trade and gets its cocoa from worker cooperatives in Peru, the Dominican Republic and Panama. In a do-gooding mood? You can also try John and Kira’s chocolates, in exotic flavors like coffee whiskey and bergamot, which support urban school-garden programs in Philadelphia and Chicago.
Bottoms Up
The number of cocktail parties on your weekly social calendar can easily rack up during the holiday season, as can extra calories from alcohol and sugar-heavy drinks. Make a simple swap and save big on calories. One innocent cup of eggnog actually packs in 343 calories and 19 grams of fat! For a lighter switch, reach for some bubbly, instead. At 98 calories per glass, champagne is the perfect beverage to ring in the season. Try a pomegranate-champagne cocktail for a fun twist and a slight boost of antioxidants.
Red wine is also a heart-healthy pick at about 120 calories per glass. Studies show a glass per day may lower cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. Watch out for fruity, sweet drinks and punches that can be laden with empty calories.
You can even do a little “greening” while tipping back your glass by choosing wines and champagnes from local and/or organic vineyards
A Hot Cuppa
If you typically run to the nearest cafe for an afternoon recharge after a long day of holiday shopping, you may want to rethink what you’re ordering. Certain drinks can easily break the bank, calorically speaking. A medium hot chocolate with whole milk typically tops 400 calories and 20 grams of fat, for example, while your favorite peppermint mocha latte can weigh in at 360 calories and 12 grams of fat.
Skim things down by downsizing your order to a small or tall, opting for non-fat or 2% milk and skipping the whipped cream. A skim cappuccino is just 60 calories, an apple cider is 115 calories and a small skim hot chocolate saves you over 200 calories and 18 grams of fat. If you’re dying to add a flavored syrup, ask for one or two small pumps to curb excess sugar and calories.
To green your coffee break, opt for fair trade and organic blends. You can also go a step further and bring your own reusable coffee cup so you’re not contributing waste to our landfills.
Fresh From the Oven
Relish in your favorite holiday apple pie, sugar cookie, gingerbread man or pumpkin spice muffin this season. Make your indulgences count by choosing wisely and staying mindful of portion sizes. Good choices are a small piece (about 1/8 or 1/10) of pie or cake, half a gigantic muffin (or just the muffin top, which everyone knows is the best part) and two to three small cookies.
Skip the boxed, frozen stuff, since they can be loaded with preservatives and additives. You can easily make things a little healthier this year by baking from scratch with organic or local ingredients. No time to slave over a hot oven? Support your community by picking up a dessert or baked goods at your local bakery.
Sprig.com’s mission is to inform, inspire and motivate the mainstream smart, socially engaged person into becoming a little more green without sacrificing quality, convenience, style or budget. We point out what’s good about green living–how it benefits your health, looks, finances and of course the planet.
Hope you and yours are indeed enjoying a MERRY CHRISTMAS-JOYEUX NOEL-MELI KALIKIMAKA!
Love,
Jacques
Don’t dread putting on a few extras pounds this holiday season and don’t deprive yourself of your favorite traditional treats. Sound like a complete contradiction? The holidays are a time to celebrate, indulge and enjoy—smartly and soundly.
The key to a healthful holiday is portion size. We’ve laid out a few of our favorite, environmentally friendly indulgences to help lighten the post-holiday guilt trip, while helping you enjoy the season to the fullest.
Calling All Chocoholics
For all you chocolate fiends out there, go ahead and live a little. Reach for a few squares of divine dark chocolate and get a boost of disease-fighting antioxidants. Research shows that dark chocolate (look for a cocoa content 70% or higher) may help lower blood pressure and benefit heart health. Throw in a few almonds or pecans and get an additional bonus of healthy, unsaturated fats. At 75 calories for four squares of dark chocolate and 150 calories for two truffles, you can treat yourself without feeling guilty.
There are a number of eco-conscious brands out there doing their job to green the world of chocolate. Try Endangered Species, whose organic chocolate bars aid animal-conservation efforts and come with intriguing ingredients like cacao nibs, pecans and antioxidant-rich goji berries. The company also supports economic development programs in Nigeria.
Alternatively, break off a square or two of an Equal Exchange chocolate bar in flavors like Organic Orange Dark or Organic Panama Extra Dark. Equal Exchange is committed to fair trade and gets its cocoa from worker cooperatives in Peru, the Dominican Republic and Panama. In a do-gooding mood? You can also try John and Kira’s chocolates, in exotic flavors like coffee whiskey and bergamot, which support urban school-garden programs in Philadelphia and Chicago.
Bottoms Up
The number of cocktail parties on your weekly social calendar can easily rack up during the holiday season, as can extra calories from alcohol and sugar-heavy drinks. Make a simple swap and save big on calories. One innocent cup of eggnog actually packs in 343 calories and 19 grams of fat! For a lighter switch, reach for some bubbly, instead. At 98 calories per glass, champagne is the perfect beverage to ring in the season. Try a pomegranate-champagne cocktail for a fun twist and a slight boost of antioxidants.
Red wine is also a heart-healthy pick at about 120 calories per glass. Studies show a glass per day may lower cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. Watch out for fruity, sweet drinks and punches that can be laden with empty calories.
You can even do a little “greening” while tipping back your glass by choosing wines and champagnes from local and/or organic vineyards
A Hot Cuppa
If you typically run to the nearest cafe for an afternoon recharge after a long day of holiday shopping, you may want to rethink what you’re ordering. Certain drinks can easily break the bank, calorically speaking. A medium hot chocolate with whole milk typically tops 400 calories and 20 grams of fat, for example, while your favorite peppermint mocha latte can weigh in at 360 calories and 12 grams of fat.
Skim things down by downsizing your order to a small or tall, opting for non-fat or 2% milk and skipping the whipped cream. A skim cappuccino is just 60 calories, an apple cider is 115 calories and a small skim hot chocolate saves you over 200 calories and 18 grams of fat. If you’re dying to add a flavored syrup, ask for one or two small pumps to curb excess sugar and calories.
To green your coffee break, opt for fair trade and organic blends. You can also go a step further and bring your own reusable coffee cup so you’re not contributing waste to our landfills.
Fresh From the Oven
Relish in your favorite holiday apple pie, sugar cookie, gingerbread man or pumpkin spice muffin this season. Make your indulgences count by choosing wisely and staying mindful of portion sizes. Good choices are a small piece (about 1/8 or 1/10) of pie or cake, half a gigantic muffin (or just the muffin top, which everyone knows is the best part) and two to three small cookies.
Skip the boxed, frozen stuff, since they can be loaded with preservatives and additives. You can easily make things a little healthier this year by baking from scratch with organic or local ingredients. No time to slave over a hot oven? Support your community by picking up a dessert or baked goods at your local bakery.
Sprig.com’s mission is to inform, inspire and motivate the mainstream smart, socially engaged person into becoming a little more green without sacrificing quality, convenience, style or budget. We point out what’s good about green living–how it benefits your health, looks, finances and of course the planet.
Hope you and yours are indeed enjoying a MERRY CHRISTMAS-JOYEUX NOEL-MELI KALIKIMAKA!
Love,
Jacques
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Good Tips For The Yearly Office Party
Practical do's and don'ts to make a great impression
Office parties happen every year and while you may think it’s a good excuse to cut back and have fun with coworkers, what you may not realize is that your behavior can make or break your reputation and your career. Here are some basic do’s and don’ts to keep in mind at your next office party.
Do – Remember you are at work! It doesn’t matter if the party is taking place in the board room or in a restaurant across town, the fact remains that the boss is there, your coworkers are there, and this is a company event. Your behavior is as important at the party as it is at your office.
Do – Attend the party! Sure, it may not be your idea of having a good time, but attending your office party shows interest in the company and is good for your reputation.
Do – Control your alcohol intake! The company may be providing free alcohol, but this is not the time to be drinking to excess, dancing on the tables, and slurring your words.
Do – Dress appropriately. Low-cut party dresses are simply not acceptable. Definitely dress up, but make sure you are wearing something you would find acceptable at the office during the day. Dress conservatively and avoid low-cut necklines and "club-wear".
Don’t – Flirt with the boss or co-workers. And if you’re asked to dance, make sure you keep your hands to yourself and keep the dirty-dancing moves for another time.
Don’t – Complain or gossip about work and co-workers. It’s a party, not a complaining session.
Don’t – Assume spouses or boyfriends/girlfriends are invited. Always ask to make sure that guests are invited. If you are allowed to bring a guest, remember that you are responsible for their behavior. It's always a good idea to remind your guest about what is and isn't acceptable behavior with your co-workers.
Don’t – Sit in the corner and talk to one or two people. Get up and mingle. This is your chance to talk to the boss and have a pleasant conversation, but it’s not the right time to pitch a new idea or ask for a raise. Keep your conversation light and friendly.
Do – Thank whomever it is that planned the party and make sure you send a thank-you note the next day.
By behaving professionally and still being fun, you will make a good impression on your coworkers and your boss, have a good time, and not regret anything in the morning.
11 Dec, 2008 |Kate Leighton- Courtesy: MindBodySanctuary
© 2008 MindBodySanctuary.com.
Office parties happen every year and while you may think it’s a good excuse to cut back and have fun with coworkers, what you may not realize is that your behavior can make or break your reputation and your career. Here are some basic do’s and don’ts to keep in mind at your next office party.
Do – Remember you are at work! It doesn’t matter if the party is taking place in the board room or in a restaurant across town, the fact remains that the boss is there, your coworkers are there, and this is a company event. Your behavior is as important at the party as it is at your office.
Do – Attend the party! Sure, it may not be your idea of having a good time, but attending your office party shows interest in the company and is good for your reputation.
Do – Control your alcohol intake! The company may be providing free alcohol, but this is not the time to be drinking to excess, dancing on the tables, and slurring your words.
Do – Dress appropriately. Low-cut party dresses are simply not acceptable. Definitely dress up, but make sure you are wearing something you would find acceptable at the office during the day. Dress conservatively and avoid low-cut necklines and "club-wear".
Don’t – Flirt with the boss or co-workers. And if you’re asked to dance, make sure you keep your hands to yourself and keep the dirty-dancing moves for another time.
Don’t – Complain or gossip about work and co-workers. It’s a party, not a complaining session.
Don’t – Assume spouses or boyfriends/girlfriends are invited. Always ask to make sure that guests are invited. If you are allowed to bring a guest, remember that you are responsible for their behavior. It's always a good idea to remind your guest about what is and isn't acceptable behavior with your co-workers.
Don’t – Sit in the corner and talk to one or two people. Get up and mingle. This is your chance to talk to the boss and have a pleasant conversation, but it’s not the right time to pitch a new idea or ask for a raise. Keep your conversation light and friendly.
Do – Thank whomever it is that planned the party and make sure you send a thank-you note the next day.
By behaving professionally and still being fun, you will make a good impression on your coworkers and your boss, have a good time, and not regret anything in the morning.
11 Dec, 2008 |Kate Leighton- Courtesy: MindBodySanctuary
© 2008 MindBodySanctuary.com.
Monday, December 22, 2008
How to Flatten that Belly Without formal diet or exercise.
Isometrics used to be WWII's most effective "exercise" invented and taught by a British Royal Air Force (R.A.F.) Officer whose name escapes me (how soon they forget! LOL).
It was so effectual, in effect (pardon the pun), that it soon spread to many military units, as it empowered the Allied troups to successfully "exercise" in confined environments.
All that is required is to (as repetitiously as you comfortably can or care to---Except during and for about an hour or so after meals) do the following simple isometric big gut reducer.
While standing, walking, sitting, reclining...Take a good, slow, deep breath and Hold it while you SUCK IN your stomack and HOLD IT IN for a count of "Thousand One, Thousand Two...Thousand Five".
Slowly release the stale air through your mouth, blowing it out completely. This will also serve to RELAX you, reduce tension, anxiety, eliminate toxins and lower your blood pressure. (This extra side benefit should come as good news to those of you who are overweight and whose B.P. is probably on the High side).
If it is not convenient for you to do the above breathing portion of today's health tip, then just SUCK IN that stomach so you can feel it flattening, spreading out and gradually squeezing out the excess fat... and hold for 5-6 seconds each time.
That's about all there is to it my good friends!
All I ask is that you keep sucking in your stomack daily...but do not sabotage yourself by gorging yourself during the Holidays and beyond!
ENJOY them...eat and drink until you are physically satiated...but never beyond (such as yielding to the tempting Signals of your Emotional/ Neurotic False hunger pangs)...and form a great new habit of learning to faithfully "listen" to your Inner Voice that Is Always Accurate! (A superb "New Year's Resolution, no?)...
Does this mean that I just gave you some advice? :o)
HAPPY, PEACEFUL, SAFE HOLIDAYS, my suck-it-in Friends!
Jacques
It was so effectual, in effect (pardon the pun), that it soon spread to many military units, as it empowered the Allied troups to successfully "exercise" in confined environments.
All that is required is to (as repetitiously as you comfortably can or care to---Except during and for about an hour or so after meals) do the following simple isometric big gut reducer.
While standing, walking, sitting, reclining...Take a good, slow, deep breath and Hold it while you SUCK IN your stomack and HOLD IT IN for a count of "Thousand One, Thousand Two...Thousand Five".
Slowly release the stale air through your mouth, blowing it out completely. This will also serve to RELAX you, reduce tension, anxiety, eliminate toxins and lower your blood pressure. (This extra side benefit should come as good news to those of you who are overweight and whose B.P. is probably on the High side).
If it is not convenient for you to do the above breathing portion of today's health tip, then just SUCK IN that stomach so you can feel it flattening, spreading out and gradually squeezing out the excess fat... and hold for 5-6 seconds each time.
That's about all there is to it my good friends!
All I ask is that you keep sucking in your stomack daily...but do not sabotage yourself by gorging yourself during the Holidays and beyond!
ENJOY them...eat and drink until you are physically satiated...but never beyond (such as yielding to the tempting Signals of your Emotional/ Neurotic False hunger pangs)...and form a great new habit of learning to faithfully "listen" to your Inner Voice that Is Always Accurate! (A superb "New Year's Resolution, no?)...
Does this mean that I just gave you some advice? :o)
HAPPY, PEACEFUL, SAFE HOLIDAYS, my suck-it-in Friends!
Jacques
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Giving Advice
When to offer it and when to hold back
There are times in everyone's life when the desire to offer advice comes on strong. You may see a family member or friend struggling with a problem or hear the personal complaints of a co-worker and think that some words of wisdom would benefit them. But when is it best to offer advice and when is it good to stay silent?
Unsolicited Advice
If someone hasn't asked for advice but you feel compelled to give it anyway, beware of the risks. Unwanted advice can possibly cause resentment, so weigh your options carefully beforehand. If you feel the advice would truly be unwanted or wouldn't be heeded then it's best to stay silent. The exception would be if someone close to you is about to make a terrible mistake; in that case you should speak up, but do so with diplomacy.
Know Your Limits
If someone asks for advice but you don't feel qualified to give it, don't worry about admitting your limitations. Then perhaps you can steer them toward a more qualified person.
Trust your Instincts
If you feel deep down inside that you need to keep quiet then you're probably right. The same goes with the feeling to speak up. Learn to trust those feelings.
Listen Carefully
To offer good advice you need to have knowledge of the situation. Listen carefully and don't be too quick to jump in with words of wisdom. Know that sometimes all a person wants is for someone to listen and be there for them. To brush up on your listening and communication skills you may want to read Are You Really Listening? or The Art of Talking So That People Will Listen.
26 Nov, 2008 |Beth Farrell (courtesy: MindBody Newsletter)
© 2008 MindBodySanctuary.com.
------
JACQUES' Two Cents:
What with over thirty-five years in practice +++ as a clinical psychotherapist/ hynotherapist, I was frequently approached by "freebie brain pickers". Then again, I selectively offered "free advice" and gave it wholeheartedly to individuals who apparently needed help but could not afford my fees.
In both cases, I larned that anything a Therapist gives for free must seem of NO value to the beneficiary, since NO sacrifice, effort or money was spent by them. Thus: the valuable and effective advice I shared was rarely if ever followed and NO gains were made by the recipients.
To these disappointing results, add resentment in cases where I would give advice that was unsolicited and "come to the rescue" voluntarily. I might as well have thrown and flushed it down the toilet.
It is fervently hoped that the sad truth I just shared will not be mistaken for my butting in uninvited---and that the Professionals amongst you may save a lot of time and energy when placed in my former position. :o)
HAPPY HANNUKAH!
Jacques
There are times in everyone's life when the desire to offer advice comes on strong. You may see a family member or friend struggling with a problem or hear the personal complaints of a co-worker and think that some words of wisdom would benefit them. But when is it best to offer advice and when is it good to stay silent?
Unsolicited Advice
If someone hasn't asked for advice but you feel compelled to give it anyway, beware of the risks. Unwanted advice can possibly cause resentment, so weigh your options carefully beforehand. If you feel the advice would truly be unwanted or wouldn't be heeded then it's best to stay silent. The exception would be if someone close to you is about to make a terrible mistake; in that case you should speak up, but do so with diplomacy.
Know Your Limits
If someone asks for advice but you don't feel qualified to give it, don't worry about admitting your limitations. Then perhaps you can steer them toward a more qualified person.
Trust your Instincts
If you feel deep down inside that you need to keep quiet then you're probably right. The same goes with the feeling to speak up. Learn to trust those feelings.
Listen Carefully
To offer good advice you need to have knowledge of the situation. Listen carefully and don't be too quick to jump in with words of wisdom. Know that sometimes all a person wants is for someone to listen and be there for them. To brush up on your listening and communication skills you may want to read Are You Really Listening? or The Art of Talking So That People Will Listen.
26 Nov, 2008 |Beth Farrell (courtesy: MindBody Newsletter)
© 2008 MindBodySanctuary.com.
------
JACQUES' Two Cents:
What with over thirty-five years in practice +++ as a clinical psychotherapist/ hynotherapist, I was frequently approached by "freebie brain pickers". Then again, I selectively offered "free advice" and gave it wholeheartedly to individuals who apparently needed help but could not afford my fees.
In both cases, I larned that anything a Therapist gives for free must seem of NO value to the beneficiary, since NO sacrifice, effort or money was spent by them. Thus: the valuable and effective advice I shared was rarely if ever followed and NO gains were made by the recipients.
To these disappointing results, add resentment in cases where I would give advice that was unsolicited and "come to the rescue" voluntarily. I might as well have thrown and flushed it down the toilet.
It is fervently hoped that the sad truth I just shared will not be mistaken for my butting in uninvited---and that the Professionals amongst you may save a lot of time and energy when placed in my former position. :o)
HAPPY HANNUKAH!
Jacques
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Simple Formal Dinner Rules of Etiquette
Fancy table manners you can easily remember.
An invitation to a formal dinner party can be intimidating. With all the rules and regulations, making a good impression can seem difficult. Good manners are important at all times, but a formal setting calls for special considerations when it comes to etiquette. Here are some easy tips to help you look and act as impressive as the other “fancy” guests.
Arriving
Always arrive on time, and take the time to remove your coat before heading to your table.
A gentleman will always help a lady remove her coat and will hand her coat to the coat-check person, before he removes his own.
Sitting
Never sit down before your host or before being informed that it is okay to do so.
Ladies, sit to the left of the gentleman.
Gentlemen, wait for the lady to sit down before you sit down.
At the Table
An easy rule to remember is that all cutleries are placed on the table to be used in the order you eat your meal.
The outside fork is for your first course. If the first course is soup, you will use the outside spoon.
Place the used cutlery on the right side of your plate. If you had soup, place your spoon on the plate that the soup bowl is sitting on.
Never place a used napkin on the table, unless you are leaving. At that point fold your napkin nicely and place it on the table, to the left of your setting, with the fold away from you.
Do not cut your bread. Tear it pieces with your fingers and apply butter to the piece you are about to eat, not to the entire slice.
When eating soup, scoop away from your body and sip your soup from the spoon. The spoon should not be put into your mouth whole.
Do not tuck your napkin into your collar.
Hold red wine glasses by the bowl, and white wine glasses by the stem.
Never cut your entire steak or chicken into pieces. Cut off pieces bite by bite.
Never lick your fingers or hand if sauce gets on them. Wipe them on a napkin.
And there you have it! Are you still in doubt? Here's a hint - watch what everyone else is doing and follow suit.
15 Dec, 2008 |Kate Leighton (Courtesy: MindBody Newsletter)
© 2008 MindBodySanctuary.com.
An invitation to a formal dinner party can be intimidating. With all the rules and regulations, making a good impression can seem difficult. Good manners are important at all times, but a formal setting calls for special considerations when it comes to etiquette. Here are some easy tips to help you look and act as impressive as the other “fancy” guests.
Arriving
Always arrive on time, and take the time to remove your coat before heading to your table.
A gentleman will always help a lady remove her coat and will hand her coat to the coat-check person, before he removes his own.
Sitting
Never sit down before your host or before being informed that it is okay to do so.
Ladies, sit to the left of the gentleman.
Gentlemen, wait for the lady to sit down before you sit down.
At the Table
An easy rule to remember is that all cutleries are placed on the table to be used in the order you eat your meal.
The outside fork is for your first course. If the first course is soup, you will use the outside spoon.
Place the used cutlery on the right side of your plate. If you had soup, place your spoon on the plate that the soup bowl is sitting on.
Never place a used napkin on the table, unless you are leaving. At that point fold your napkin nicely and place it on the table, to the left of your setting, with the fold away from you.
Do not cut your bread. Tear it pieces with your fingers and apply butter to the piece you are about to eat, not to the entire slice.
When eating soup, scoop away from your body and sip your soup from the spoon. The spoon should not be put into your mouth whole.
Do not tuck your napkin into your collar.
Hold red wine glasses by the bowl, and white wine glasses by the stem.
Never cut your entire steak or chicken into pieces. Cut off pieces bite by bite.
Never lick your fingers or hand if sauce gets on them. Wipe them on a napkin.
And there you have it! Are you still in doubt? Here's a hint - watch what everyone else is doing and follow suit.
15 Dec, 2008 |Kate Leighton (Courtesy: MindBody Newsletter)
© 2008 MindBodySanctuary.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
