Archive for the ‘Health’ Category
08/04/2010
Hopono'ono (Sp!)
Ho’O What?
Old Hawaiian system of communication and engaging with the universe that actually works to make a better world.
I’ve been meaning to write about this book for a while, and a recent email prompted me to follow through. On one hand, while the cover, and some of the book’s precepts are a bit hokey, such as getting the woman and car you want, I doubt I’d be married to the wonderful woman that’s my wife, had I not actively engaged the universe and actually asked for what I want. I was using this technique during the summer just before we met. I was leading a mountaineering course in Alaska at the time, and while in the mountains, practiced the technique about 30 times per day. This book illustrates a technique that has quite a track record and impressive story behind it. Below is an email from a good friend to whom I recommended the book and technique. As Tolle says, “Are you polluting the world or cleaning up the mess?” This technique helps you do your part to clean up the mess.
Hi Randy,
I really enjoyed our conversation today.
Shortly after our conversation, I Googled some reviews of “Zero Limits” as well as several pages of the book itself in the form of a preview. In it are perhaps the most potentially life changing ideas I have ever encountered. I thank you very much for introducing it to me. I am going to order copies for several friends and myself.
Thanks
J.M.
Dear J,
Yes, this technique of simply saying “I love you, I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you”, is still working wonders in my life. It’s time to raise the bar for all of us, isn’t it.
Thanks for the link to Meninger. I’ll check it out.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Warmest regards,
Randy
Tags:Alaska, Health, Ho'Oponopono, Joe Vitali, love, Manifesting, Meditation, Mountain Spirit, wealth, Zero Limits
Posted in Books, Health, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Leadership, MSI News, Spiritual | Leave a Comment »
06/04/2010
Mountain Family Doesn’t Stop Exploring When Kids Enter the Picture
Junji Itagaki, Mt. Washington, NH, USA
Junji Itagaki and I were backcountry skiing from Mount Washington’s summit last week, and descended down Ammonoosuc Ravine when we passed by family encamped in the base of the ravine. They were still setting up camp in a safe area, off to the side of the avalanche zone, when I asked them for a short interview.
The families in many cultures don’t stop going outside, hiking or backcountry skiing in the mountains when their children are born. They intentionally introduce their children to camping, hiking and skiing. Here’s a great example of that in New England….
Tags:BackCountry skiing, Last Child in the Woods, Mountain Spirit, Richard Louv, Skiing with kids, winter Camping with children
Posted in 1- Video Posts, Climb/Ski/Mntneering, Health, Holistic Living, Inspirational People, Mountain People, Traveling | 2 Comments »
17/03/2010
By: D.R. Richards
"Where's the Food?"*
We just attended a talk, sponsored by the Weston A. Price Foundation, given by author David Gumpert, who wrote The Raw Milk Revolution. The main point we took away from this informative talk was that raw milk is at the center of an issue about Americans loosing their right to choose what they eat and drink.
Says Gumpert, “The framers of the U.S. Constitution did not include the right to eat and drink what you wished. It wasn’t placed along the right to bear arms or to assemble becuase growing your own food or purchasing it from your neighbors was a given”. Gumpert also stated that international agencies such as the World Bank and others were trumping national laws via agreements and treaties that were eliminating U.S. sovereignty on such issues. This seems a bit hard to believe but true, at least on the food front. To learn more or purchase The Raw Milk Revolution, see the publisher’s website. The book comes highly recommended from audience members who had read it. * Title of another interesting book written years ago on the subject of food supply rights.
Tags:David Gumpert, Linda Howes, New London, NH, Raw Milk Revolution, Weston A Price Foundation
Posted in Animals, Health, Holistic Living, Sustainable Living/Communities | Leave a Comment »
13/03/2010
Shirley's Herbal Sweat Studio
The Simple Pleasures of Jamaica
On a morning bike ride around Treasure Beach, Jamaica recently, I was drawn to stop and admire a beautiful hand built sandstone building, surrounded by lush perennial herb and flower gardens, fruit trees and meandering pathways. Shirley, the owner, walked down the hillside, greeted me with a warm, broad smile and welcomed me into her yard for a chat, typical of the Jamaican residents we had met during our two week stay. It turns out Shirley is a well-known herbalist and massage therapist in town, had built the structure herself for her massage business, and within minutes I had signed up to have one of her legendary herbal sweats and relaxation massages. With this vitally important step out of the way, we toured the gardens and learned about the fragrant mixture of wild Jamaican herbs and fruit juices Shirley uses to send her clients to relaxation nirvana.
In Jamaica, the elder women pass their knowledge of herbs and plants from generation to generation, as Shirley’s mother had while she was growing up in nearby Great Bay. Shirley explained the provenence of each plant, either planted from seed, field dug, or gifted from a friend or family member. Her knowledge of the individual characteristics and uses of each plant was remarkable. When we parted over an hour later, I could barely wait until it was my turn to savor her herbal ‘detox’ treatment and relaxation massage.
Shirley Genus, Jamaican Herbalist & Massage Therapist
So it was that the next day, I watched as Shirley chose from her yard the pimento, lemon grass and eucalyptus to help clear my lungs, and lime juice for cleansing my skin. She tossed these and other herbal delights into a cauldron of boiling water over an open fire. She then poured the boiling, aromatic mixture into a clay cauldron tucked inside a three-sided steam room with a cloth door.
In I went, with Shirley’s instructions to stir the mix, ‘breathe’ and stay hydrated with the water she provided. This was not your typical steambath! Immediately, the rich herbal smells filled the small space and I settled in to enjoy a blissful 30 minutes of total relaxation. Next came the oil massage, which included a fascinating philosophical commentary by Shirley about the history of Jamaica, the value of massage, the state of our busy lives, her world travels and education in the United States, and good humored bantering about gender differences. Shirley’s massage combined many styles, and is uniquely her own brand. I dare say it’s one of the finest massages I’ve ever had.
As I ventured back to reality toward the end of the hour, I asked Shirley when she was going to write the Book of Shirley. She laughed heartily and replied, “Everyone wants me to write a book. I say to them, come back and see me and we will continue to talk together and teach each other.” I think I will, Shirley, thanks.
Tags:adventure travel, Cindy Heath, eco travel, Holistic Living, Jamaica, wholistic health
Posted in Health, Holistic Living, Inspirational People, Sustainable Travel, Traveling | Leave a Comment »
27/02/2010
By D.R. Richards
Do Your Part: Breathe
I wrote in a recent post, “As I write this, my wife is sitting peacefully in the mountains of Quebec at a Vipassana retreat center. I feel the ripple effect. Janice Vien, in her Iyengar Yoga classes always closes with the phrase, ‘May the benefits of this practice be extended to others’”.
Knowing that somebody in your family is sitting quietly in a little mountain snow-bound retreat without saying a word for four days, has a profound effect. Through Amanda’s action in meditation, I feel calmer. What’s more, she borrowed my watch, for the alarm function, to wake up at 4am to begin meditation. So I find myself staring at my wrist a few times these past days.
Scientific studies have shown that groups of people meditating can actually bring down the crime rate. One particular study/meditation event in Washington D.C. had dramatic effects. Now I see.
Tolle says “You’re either part of the problem or cleaning up the mess”, and that “No one else it going to do it. If you wait for the rest of the world to become enlightened, you’ll wait forever. Start by cleaning up the inner landscape, and in that way you’ll make a change in the world.”
I’ve been meditating since I was about 11 years old. I read The Making of a Psychiatrist by David Viscott when I was about 12. I’m not sure why, I just took to it. When I was about 20, I read the complete works of Emerson. So I’ve been on my path for while – but to quietly feel the presence of my wife’s meditation in southern Quebec, while I’m south of the border, is quite an amazing experience.
So if you wonder if the inner work you’re doing has an impact on those around you, I definitely say yes.
Tags:Holistic Living, Iyengar Yoga, Meditation, Mountains, Quebec, Retreats, Vipassna, Yoga
Posted in Health, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Inspirational People, MSI News, Power of Place, Spiritual | 3 Comments »
26/02/2010
Eckhart Tolle Launches new Online Video Series
Over the years, Tolle’s words have rung true to many. His new online video should prove helpful to those who like his message.
From Tolle’s Welcome Video:
“Welcome to the present moment, here, now, the only moment there is, ever, and welcome to our little experiment. This is how I consider it, of bringing the truth of presence, the truth o f spiritual transformation of consciousness to you through this strange medium that we call the internet, through this new technology. It’s a little ironic that a person like myself is using this technology, of course with the help of many people, a person that is totally computer illiterate and doesn’t even use email. And yet here I am, and here you are in this moment, together.”
Tolle's Online Video Page
Tags:Eckhart Tolle, Videos
Posted in Film/DVD, Health, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Spiritual | Leave a Comment »
26/02/2010
By D. R. Richards
Telltale signs of "joie de vive"
What is it, that makes Quebec, Canada a breath of fresh air for those of us who often escape there from the northeastern U.S.? It’s interesting to experience this question through the eyes of my wife, who’s from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. She’s new to the U.S, and to New England, and is not afraid to share her observations. I always felt more comfortable when I lived in Europe, South America and New Zealand, but, honestly, still struggle to put into words exactly why an ex-pat life could still be my destiny. I had my “Euro-epiphany” at 21, after having a chance meeting with Erga Rehns in Portugal. It took two years to sink in, and I almost didn’t return stateside. I still have that ex-pat perspective. I still look at the U.S. with the eyes of an foreigner.
My wife just got her Green Card a few days ago, on the 22nd, and the next day we were outa here, off to Magog, Canada. Partly because my birthday was on the 23rd, and partly because she was on the wait list for a Vipassana course for which she was accepted and started the following day.
Mt. Orford with "Visitor's Center"*
As we walked the streets of the little Quebec towns, and went for a walk at Mt. Orford Provincial Park, we discussed what exactly is it that makes us feel more relaxed away from the U.S.? Here’s what our conversation yielded: For one, the people take care, and pay attention of their food and time. They are not as stressed. Immediately it’s obvious that there isn’t an anxiety in the air – in fact, there’s a calmness. Kids are smiling, people are quietly enjoying their week-day afternoon. We also concluded it takes a lot more effort in the U.S. to relax because of the nervousness of the collective consciousness. Today’s Health Care Summit in Washington illustrates the deep crisis Americans are experiencing about such basics as going to the doctor. In other countries, people are incredulous that there’s even a debate in the U.S. about profit over people. The idea that someone could lose their house should they become sick is a foriegn concept. It would simply not happen in France or New Zealand, or in Canada. (See the movie Sicko)
Meditation: The Ripple Effect
As I write this, my wife is sitting peacefully in the mountains of Quebec at a Vipassna retreat center. I feel the ripple effect, and I hope you do as well. Janice Vien, in her Iyengar yoga classes always closes with the phrase, “May the benefits of this practice be extended to others”. It’s clear Americans face difficult roads ahead because of the greed of the “corporatracy”. And yes, of course, one can keep their center no matter where one is, as put forth by Eckhart Tolle. But for those that are sensitive, the difference in energy between the U.S. and Quebec is striking.
Maison Verte's B&B = Quality and Care
*The reason I put quotes around the Mt. Orford Visitor’s Center is the sense of scale in Quebec, and other countries is more realistic than in the U.S. When one thinks of “Visitor’s Centers” in the U.S., usually the image of the Denali National Park, Arches National Park, or the Smithsonian most likely comes to mine. The Center is Quebec however, is a small lodge, (with fireplace, bathrooms and picnic tables), despite it being a popular national park.
Tags:Amanda Richards, Anxiety, Arches National Park, Corporatracy, Cultural Differences, Denali national Park, Dexter R. Richards, Eckhart Tolle, Erga Rehns, Green Card, Iyengar Yoga, Janice Vien, Magog, Quebec, Smithsonian, South Africa, Sunapee NH, Vipassana
Posted in Focus on MSI People, Health, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Spiritual, Sustainable Living/Communities, Traveling | 1 Comment »
28/01/2010
Media Violence and the Cultivation of Fear
A new film based on the late George Gerbner’s groundbreaking analysis of media influence and media violence
MEA's Mean World Syndrome
In A New Heaven New Earth, Eckart Tolle says that violence for violence sake is the pain body‘s way of seeking food. Violent films are made by pain bodies for pain bodies to view. He also wrote, however, that if a film, such as a documentary or drama about the Vietnam war or World War II for example, use violence to illustrate the madness of the human mind, to wake us up to the insanity of the egoic mind, then violent depictions can have a role in showing us a way to becoming more fully conscious. I’m still on the fence about Tolle’s comments. Meanwhile, the highly respected Media Education Foundation has just produced a new DVD called Mean World Syndrome.
“In an era dominated by simplified assumptions about the impact of television violence, Gerbner insisted on a broader perspective and a sharper analysis, arguing that the primary impact of the media was to reinforce, not to challenge, the structure of power.”
– Larry Gross, Director, USC Annenberg School of Communication
For years, debates have raged among scholars, politicians, and concerned parents about the effects (more…)
Tags:Cultivation of Fear, Eckhart Tolle, George Gerbener, Larry Gross, Mean World Syndrome, Media Education Foundation, New World, Pain Body, USC Annenberg School of Communication
Posted in Books, Film/DVD, Health, Holistic Living, Inner Work | Leave a Comment »
28/01/2010
U.S. FDA’s Curious Statement on Carton of Milk
Perplexing labeling re: BGH
We were pulling a small carton of light cream from the fridge tonight and noticed a perplexing statement on Oakhurst’s container. On the one hand, there’s a banner under the logo stating “America’s 1st Farmers’ Pledge, No Artificial Growth Hormones Used”
And then in small print, at the lower left hand corner of the same panel reads, “FDA states No significant difference in milk from cows treated with artificial growth hormone.”
Who are they trying to kid? You can’t fool all the people all the time.
If it’s so safe, why are Americans looking bloated that drink BGH milk. Also why do so many other countries prohibit the sale of BGH milk?
At first we thought it was some sort of trick on Oakhurst’s part. But, on second thought, we concluded it’s another strong-arm tactic of big pharma. I’ll send an email to Oakhurst in the morning and query them as to why there are two apparently contradictory statements on one carton of milk.
Tags:Big Pharma, Bovine Growth Hormone, FDA, Federal Drug Administration, Milk, Oakhurst Dairy, Safe food
Posted in Health, Holistic Living, Room For Improvement | Leave a Comment »
21/01/2010
Another Study Proves It – Live Music: Definitely good for the soul.
By Randall Richards
Images: Mike Heffernan
Fat Hands, creating good vibes, L to R: Walt Kutylowski, Gerry Putnam, Dana Flewelling, and Nic Kutylowski
OK . It wasn’t an official *scientific study, but ask anyone who was there, at Gerry Putnam’s CedarHouse Sound & Mastering recording studio when he hosted his annual music get-together, and they’ll tell you – Their souls felt better after having been there – both musicians and listeners alike. This year, I had the good fortune of being a listener. We had missed most of the day’s party which had started mid-morning, but we certainly weren’t short-changed for music.
The party has been the brainchild of Gerry and recording artist Kathy Lowe as a vehicle to showcase Gerry’s studio for potential recording artists, and to thank past artists who had already done an album (or two, or three) at this heavenly studio, complete with a concert grand Steinway piano, and Gerry’s masterful abilities to engineer top quality albums.
As the night wore on, and most of the day’s musicians had headed home, brothers Walt and Nick Kutylowski, also known as “Fat Hands” sat down and started to do a few numbers unplugged. (The day is usually fully “plugged in”). Then, Putnam pulled up a chair and started picking his classical guitar. Gerry not only recorded and mastered Fat Hands’ two albums at Cedarhouse, but ended up playing lead guitar on them as well. Enter drummer extraordinaire Dana Flewelling, (from Night Kitchen) who usually has a whole “trap set” in front of him. He sat down with a djembe and a set of brushes.
Small but appreciative audience
My wife Amanda and I, Walt Kutylowski’s partner Christy, Mike Heffernan and Kathy Lowe were all that remained of the audience. The rest of the party-goers had all headed home in the cold night air.
The music and energy that happened was nothing short of way cool. They must have played for an hour or more, and we, the privileged few, just sat there taking it in.
Fathands has a few upcoming **gigs but we’re threatening to kidnap them and take them to New Zealand the next time we head down under, and from the sound of it, they might be willing go. Meanwhile, we (at Mountain Spirit Institute) will most likely be offering to put on a house concert or local venue concert for these guys if they’re up for it. They deserve to be heard. Check out Fathands, and Gerry Putnam’s Cedarhouse Sound and Mastering through the links above.
* This is a scientific study about the healing power or music, by the BBC.
** Deerfield CoffeeHouse, NH, April 10 2010, with Gerry Putnam & Kent Allyn
Musterfield Farm, New London, NH USA June 19th, 2010
Thanks to Mike Heffernan for getting his camera out to capture the moment.
Tags:CedarHouse Sound and Mastering, Dana Flewelling, Djembe, Fat Hands Music, Gerry Putnam, House Concerts, Mountain Spirit, Music, Music Healing, Music Therapy, New Hampshire, New London, Nic Kutylowski, Night Kitchen, Sunapee New Hampshire, Walt Kutylowski
Posted in Health, Holistic Living, Inner Work, MSI News, Music | 2 Comments »
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