Spirited Woman Blogger Team

Oneness Moments

I decided when I was a kid that there were only so much space in my brain for memories so I taught myself selective memory at an early stage; retaining only what I wanted and discarding the rest by pressing ‘delete’ on my temples. It has been working miraculously well until I come to realize, at the age of 39, that there’s a void in this complex system of brain anatomy; as if I was being knocked unconscious and could hardly remember who I was upon waking up. Hence, I recently made a resolution to fill up the emptiness by creating more ‘oneness’ moments like the first time my beloved held my hand…it was electrifying yet so warm and so familiar…

Technology advancement certainly brings us things you wouldn’t have imagined possible but Botox? Plastic surgery? Potions for longevity? I must admit that I am not particularly excited about each passing birthday as the number does hurt a bit. However, I choose quality to quantity and I honestly don’t mind dying (relatively) young as long as I live each moment with full consciousness; knowing that I am making a positive impact on someone’s life. Old age and Death are part of the deal and this is  the only way to reunite with the deceased. 

Do I keep pictures? I used to imagine enlarging pictures of myself into wallpaper when I was in my prime but I am now taking pictures of still life; the astounding scenery of faraway places, the masterpieces hanging up in museums, colorful comics which I don’t have a talent for, and handmade gifts from my students. I prefer collecting others’ talents and forte and the abundant free gifts from Mother Earth to seeing myself posing on photos; which is gradually and inevitably losing the luster from the fountain of youth. The moon and the stars are now my only witnesses and I thank them for being my safety deposit box and my life album.

I never knew I could love again; after all the pain and suffering from innumerable rejection, countless break-ups, so much loss, so much heart-breaking, so much betrayal…but I realized I do love those who are no longer my friends, my partners, or anyone who once mattered in my life. I know because I still remember their touch, their smell, their hugs, their voice, their differences (leading up to most final encounters), and all the nitty gritty bits and pieces which have long gone. I no longer miss their presence only to wish them well from the bottom of my heart. This is  LOVE, isn’t it?

- Rosa Wong
Click here for more of Rosa's posts.

Spirited Women Come in All Shapes, Sizes and Colors

I am not sure if the latest Kate Moss scandal made the news stateside or not but I certainly heard about it in the UK and France. Ms. Moss, also known as "La Brindille" (the twig) is of course one of the longest lasting supermodels in fashion history. Where most of her model sidekicks from the late 80's have found other pursuits, Kate remains at the top of her game with contracts from such prestigious names as: Dior, Louis Vuitton, Longchamp and Burberry.

During her career Kate has seen her share of scandal and though I won't go into any messy details here, it has been questioned what kind of role model she makes for young girls who want to be just like her. The supermodel does thrive on provocation but her most recent remark may have gone a bit far. As many of the fashion world's young models struggle with the enormous problem of anorexia and bulimia, Ms. Moss decided to put in her two cents. When she made a statement about her take on the very real problem of eating disorder, Kate simply said, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." Her close friend, designer Karl Lagerfeld, had just a week or so before been quoted as saying "no one wants to see fashion on a woman with curves."  Perhaps his remark prompted Kate's unfeeling statement. In any case, it rang very harsh for much of the general European public and quite a bit of ink has been used to theorize on the implications of her words on her adoring young female fans.

Kate Moss is a beautiful woman but beautiful women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. What a boring place the world would be if we all walked around looking like clones of one person's beauty ideal. Luckily certain people in the media have realized that variety is the spice of life. Just take a look at Dove's campaigns over the last few years or the Revlon ads that use beautiful women from the world over or top magazines like Marie Claire that do fashion spreads with plus size models. Things are changing but there are still miles to go to bring a truly open minded ideal of beauty to the fashion world.

Antibiotic Use & Women's Health Issues

This weekend our sweet cat Luke apparently got an upset tummy (I'll spare you the gory details). The vet said he must have picked up a bacteria and would be just fine after a week on antibiotics. On the one hand, I am grateful, yet on the other hand, as a big fan of holistic therapies, I am aware that antibiotics can be a double-edged sword.

Ever since Penicillin was discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming, antibiotics have been a valuable weapon in our modern infection-fighting arsenal. Even as far back as ancient Chinese and Egyptian times, anti-microbial herbs, fungi and molds have been used for medicinal treatments.

Yet recently, their use - or rather, overuse - has proven to be a mixed blessing. For one thing, antibiotics tend to kill off ALL bacteria in the body, including the beneficial bacteria that live in our intestinal tract. Many holistic practitioners suggest taking a probiotic supplement such as acidophilus, or even to eat live-culture yogurt, halfway in between antibiotic dosages to restore the natural flora balance.*

But far more disturbing is the problem of antibiotics becoming over-prescribed to treat any infection, including colds. Colds and flu are both caused by viruses, not bacteria, which means antibiotics will have no affect on them...other than to give the patient peace of mind. This seemingly harmless practice by doctors over the years has resulted in antibiotics losing effectiveness for their original purpose.

How? All microorganisms have the ability to quickly (within a few short generations) develop mutations that make them resistant to the drugs that are designed to kill them. It's part of the natural process that Darwin called survival of the fittest. That is why a new flu vaccine must be developed each year when new strains evolve.

You may have heard the sad story about the gorgeous young Brazilian model, Mariana Bridi, who lost her feet, hands and then her life at age 20 in January (God bless her soul). The cause: a common urinary tract infection that was resistant to antibiotics.

Women everywhere are prone to UTIs, due simply to our anatomies, although there are  ways to prevent them. Just last October, I myself had a bladder infection that, thankfully, was treated with antibiotics - I might have looked into into a holistic remedy, but I just wanted it gone as quickly as it showed up. I hope I still have that option next time.

The good news in all of this is that doctors worldwide are now much more aware of the dangers and most will not prescribe antibiotics unless necessary...even if their patients request otherwise.

~ Teri Breier  www.quintessencecreative.com 
Click here for more of Teri's posts.

* Not to be construed as medical advice. Ask your doctor directly for his/her recommendations in your particular case.

The Power of Prayer Meets Social Networking

The third day of the Jesusita Fire, Thursday, May 7, also happened to be my birthday, although celebrating was the last thing on my mind. With the flames multiplying and destroying 75 homes in the past 24 hours, driven by unseasonably high temperatures and gusty winds, the only gift I wanted was an end to this devastating firestorm.

Meanwhile, over on Facebook, I had been devoting my online status to prayer requests and brief fire updates for the benefit of out-of-town friends, some of whom who used to live in Santa Barbara, who were concerned for people and properties they knew in the area. Then, inspired by my Spirited Guy's morning status, "Scott is picturing calm quiet winds, cool temps, and the sight of fire fighters leaving after a job well done!" - which garnered local comments like "I can see it too. One of them just waved goodbye to me as they passed by" and "I think we should throw in some rain. Mmmm - smells refreshing!" - I saw an opportunity to harness the power of group visualization through social networking.

I'd previously experienced and blogged about the effect that a ballroom full of praying individuals had on the path of last summer's Gap Fire. More recently, I had invited the Spirited Woman community to pray for the Tea Fire. I wondered what miracles might be wrought by an online group specifically visualizing the same outcome while praying for the highest good of all concerned. So I posted this Note on my profile and watched what happened:

"Several of us here in SB are now using creative visualization (along with Light and prayers for the highest good, of course) to manifest cooler temperatures, no winds and a lovely rainstorm to put the fire out. I know that the power of a group focus can be tremendous, so I invite EVERYONE to participate who would like to. Please take 5 minutes to add your energy and visioning to our efforts, and post/pass this along to others as you feel called. Let's put this fire out today! It would be the best birthday present I can imagine.

Astrology and Your Health

Today I received a fantastic new book written by one of my colleagues, Stephanie Gailing. It’s called Planetary Apothecary and is all about using an astrological approach to achieve health and wellness.

Medical astrology, although not my specialty by any means, is one of the oldest branches of astrology. Did you know that the father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, is quoted to have said “He who does not understand astrology is not a doctor but a fool”?  When I read this in Stephanie’s book I smiled to myself. Those of us who practice this ancient art and science know how deep astrology can take you.

It can most certainly take you down a road that leads to better health. Every zodiac sign corresponds to certain body parts and it’s possible for the body parts ruled by your Sun and rising sign to be potential trouble sources. But as spirited women I’m sure you know that awareness is everything and these same areas can become the vehicle for you to achieve wellness and superior strength.

What follows is a list of the body parts ruled by each sign. I invite you to read Stephanie’s excellent book in order to learn how to overcome any health issue you might have with one of the areas ruled by your Sun or rising sign. Here is her excellent website:  http://planetaryapothecary.com. Of course every medical astrologer will advise you to use this information in conjunction with your medical doctor’s advice. Especially Hippocrates.

Aries: Rules the head and brain, muscular system, blood and adrenal glands. It’s common for Aries to suffer with headaches when stressed.

Taurus: Rules the throat, thyroid gland, neck, cervical spine and inner ears.

Gemini: Rules the lungs, nervous system and arms.

Cancer: Rules the stomach, sinuses, breasts and womb, esophagus, saliva, digestive juices and body fluids.

‘Unmediafying’ Their Lives can Help Girls Reclaim Self-esteem

I cringe every time I hear the words.

At all of seven years old, my niece, already tall for her age, has been told by her doctor that she’s also a little overweight. While I am aware, of course, of this country’s obesity epidemic and the tendency to overload our kids on junk food, my niece looks fine and healthy to me. She may not be slender or skinny like some of her peers, but neither is she “chubby,” “getting fat,” or “plump” — all words I’ve heard used to describe her, all words used by loving individuals who toss them nonchalantly in her direction, unaware of the insidious paths they may travel. When I am around in those moments, I rush to assure her of her beauty, try to remind others what it was like to be called “fat” or made fun of for any aspect of their body as a child.

I do not want Josie growing up to be self-conscious about her appearance or wracked with poor self-esteem and insecurity because of the comparisons she was subject to as a little girl, or the criticism that others thought served as cautionary advice and concern.

And Project Girl doesn’t want that either. With “unmediafying” our lives among its many goals, this extraordinary arts-based initiative works to educate girls to engage in the media in a way that’s ultimately empowering to them. Rather than be controlled by what they see and hear, Project Girl teaches them to interpret these images and other prevalent symbols in a way that gives them the control. An interactive traveling exhibit, media literacy workshops and more help girls to see that they are so much more than the mirror image that many have learned to find fault with. Art is the primary means through which they are encouraged to express their views on beauty, power and what it means to be a girl while challenging the manipulative media influence that has likely informed many of those views — a critique offered in a searingly authentic video on the site.

So how can girls learn to combat all those unrealistic images? A few spirited words of advice from some of the young artists they’ve worked with: Be your own trendsetter. Please yourself. Stop talking about your weight. Focus on the things that make you unique and special. And — my favorite — love yourself just the way you are!

- Naila Francis
Click here for more of Naila's posts

Green Beer and Bagels Don't Make the Grade at the Natural Products Expo

Yes, technically they are green, but sorry...tinted carbs don't actually count as organic food choices. Why not celebrate St. Patty's Day by REALLY going green with one small, sustainable change in your lifestyle? Even committing to something new for just one month can make a big impact. Then on Earth Day, April 22, you can evaluate how it went and decide if you'd like to go another month.

One great way to go green is incorporating more organics into your nutrition or beauty regime...it's healthier for you AND the planet! Because the natural market is growing so fast, it is getting easier and easier to find organics, even at primarily conventional retailers.

Case in point: On March 7, I attended the 29th annual trade show mecca for organic retailers—Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA. With 1900 companies exhibiting from 28 countries, NPE showcases hundreds of new and stalwart products in the health, beauty, wellness, pet and natural living categories. Among the 53,000 Expo attendees this year were buyers from stores you would expect, such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and GNC, as well as surprises like Costco, Wal-Mart, Rite Aid, CVS and Kroger. 

This was the largest show yet with, in my estimation, more yummy food exhibits than ever before...two complete halls full of everything from sustainably grown beef and poultry to vegan frozen entrees to organic ice cream and oodles of chocolate (antioxidants, anyone?). Most booths were doling out free samples for the tasting...but I was prepared. After overdoing the nutrition bars at my initial NPE visit in 2003, I developed a protein-first technique that makes my belly much happier.

Whatever kind of foods you and your family enjoy, there are probably organic versions available. Check out the alternatives at your local health store or look for the organic sections at your favorite supermarket...you never know what you will find!

(At NPE, I just had to stop for a quick pose with the impeccably dressed Chico Bag monster (another great green step is bringing your own reusable bags to the store  instead of using plastic!).

I also found the booth of Spirited Woman sponsor Emerita; they were doing so much business I couldn't even find a free rep to chat with!

~ Teri Breier  www.quintessencecreative.com 
Click here for more of Teri's posts.

Hurdles in Life

There are two types of hurdles in life.
The ones that get in the way and cause problems,
And the ones I jump over on the track.

A hurdle for me can be...
People who make me angry
By being mean or hurting others' feelings.

A hurdle for me can be...
Knowing that reaching my goals means
working hard, but I motivate myself.

I fear jumping over hurdles.
I get scared on the asphalt.
But I think of what Lance Armstrong said.
And I know...
If I let the fear of toppling the hurdle
Overcome me...
I won't ever get over at all.

- Alice, The Spirited Kid
Click here to read more of Alice's posts.

The "Greening" of Your Life is Easier Than You Think

"It's not easy being green." That's what Kermit used to sing about, and for many people wanting to be more "green," more "eco-friendly," in their life - but not really knowing how - is something I am sure many people want to know.

There are big changes and shifts going on in our world, not temporary disturbances, but a releasing of the old and an opening for us to shift dramatically as a planet and as energy beings. That means a new mindset of prosperity instead of lack consciousness, a new mindset in choosing what we really want instead of just piling things in our lives because we want to keep up with someone else's ideal for us...

This week in my international radio program Reading the Waters of Change we had a wonderful exploration and conversation about creating a new rhythm of greening in your life. Listeners asked questions so they could make shifts in their own ways of being green. You can listen to the archives online or download the Mp3.

The show inspired me to write a list of 7 tips for bringing a new rhythm of greening into your life with ease.

1. Go out and purchase a pretty mug or snazzy warming thermos mug and use that for drinking your favorite coffee or specialty tea as you go through your day. Your beverage will have more flavor and you will be leaving so many additions out of the landfill.

Our Words DO Create Our Reality

I admit, it is largely because I am enamored with words that I was so struck by this video clip by Jonathan Reed, a student at Georgia State University in Atlanta. Reed was one of several individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 to participate in a video contest sponsored by AARP in 2007. Called the U@50 challenge, it invited them to submit clips on what they could expect from their lives by the time they hit 50.

Last year's election and the recent inauguration have done much to dispel the notion that this younger generation is apathetic and self-absorbed, immune to the notion that a single voice can make a difference, a single act by a committed, compassionate individual can be a seed that blossoms into collective transformation. While some may still choose to believe that a "lost generation" has given up hope of contributing to lasting change, I see evidence to the contrary all the time, especially in the arts' world, where musicians, dancers, artists and so many talented individuals are using their gifts to speak to bigger issues and universal themes.

Reed won second place in AARP's contest, though many have noted he should have taken the top prize.

At first, as you listen, his views may startle and then disappoint you. But it is important to read as well as listen, to follow along intently to see how clever -- and how inspiring -- this young individual is!

For me, his abilities as a wordsmith were astounding and quite literally proved the possibilities inherent in reversing our thinking!