Entry #11 Final Blog Reflection

As a self-taught blogger on topics of health, travel and personal journeys I am very happy to say that I DID learn a great many things from our class projects. In combination with our written essays, videos and text books I have found tools to help capture my ideas and organize them in a way that is less journal-like and, hopefully, more interesting for others to read.

I am already putting my blogging skills to work on the GCC Fitness & Wellness website: 4 Reasons to Get Off the Mat. (Look to the Right). Stay tuned for more!

In addition to my work at GCC, I will also be expanding my personal/business yoga website to include a Wordpress blog that features topics like: yoga, spirituality, energy, food, marriage and partnership, sexuality, and personal adventures. I will, no doubt, grow and strengthen the voice as a writer and eventually author a book. In addition to writing the blog, I will be looking into ways to expand my audience and get followers so that when my book is finally written, someone might actually buy it.

Some of my favorite blogs from my classmates were personal stories that included pictures and interesting topics from: Bryce and Alex P.

My only wish is that more students would have interacted more in the blogging process. I was looking forward to reading blogs and learning from others, but did not find very many completed content by the due date. 

Whether or not I choose to blog on Facebook, Instagram or Wordpress the lessons I learned in our class will carry with me. I have already become more mindful in my posts on social media. I have reached for my smartphone more than once to post something, then thought, "who will care about this post". By leading with this thought, my posts have become less frequent, but "liked" more than before.

Thank you, Chris, for bringing in real-life lessons to our English 101 class. This was a great project that was relevant to today's culture. Which is exactly the experience I was hoping for when I returned to school 20-years later.

entry #10 Ayurveda: Why is makes sense

For over 5,000 years, cultures all over the world have practiced the "Science of Life" through Ayurveda. 

In Sanskrit, Ayurveda translates: 
Ayur = Life, Veda = Science or Knowledge.  

This is a teaching that recognizes humans are part of nature. The Chopra Center describes Ayuveda as:

"It offers a body of wisdom designed to help people stay vital while realizing their full human potential. Providing guidelines on ideal daily and seasonal routines, diet, behavior and the proper use of our senses, Ayurveda reminds us that health is the balanced and dynamic integration between our environment, body, mind, and spirit."

Historically, Western culture has scoffed the teachings of holistic health and wellness to "practice medicine". Western philosophy of medicine is to treat the problem AFTER it has happened. Eastern Medicine's philosophy, specifically Ayurveda, teaches that if you care for your body, you will reduce your chances for poor health and not need treatment of a problem. The whole person is considered in the teachings of Ayurveda: mind, body, spirit.

Ayurveda teaches that humans are one with the earth. That if we pay attention to our surroundings, the earth will provide what we need, seasonally. In the book Ayurvedic Healing, a "Seasonal Routine" is described as:

"We have seen how our biorhythms connect to the earth’s most obvious rhythm, its daily rotation. They connect also to another rhythm—the earth’s journey around the sun, the year. The year influences us most through the many factors, such as weather, length of day, and flora, that change with the seasons. Seasonal transitions challenge the body; they cause minor illnesses and contribute to larger ones. By adjusting the patient’s routine to the season, MAV aims to keep the body in balance, and thus reduce colds, sore throats, and other seasonal ailments, while maximizing strength and vitality.Modern science, which has been studying daily biological rhythms for years, is only beginning to consider annual rhythms. Researchers have found that the levels of certain key hormones vary with the seasons. Medicine also knows that some people become depressed in the winter, in what is called Seasonal Affective Disorder Syndrome. Ayurveda has discussed the seasons’ effects for thousands of years. Its knowledge is detailed and of immediate clinical value."

I believe there is a movement happening, not only in our classroom, but globally. We are waking up to the fact that we the more disconnected from nature we are, the more problems we have. For years our culture has pushed for more and bigger, while forgetting how to provide for ourselves and our family--the basics. The good news it there is so much more information at our finger tips on how to live a healthier, more balanced life that we can begin to make a change. We are finally realizing that maybe there really is something to the 5,000 + year old teaching of harmony with nature.

Ayurveda teaches that the location we live in should dictate how we eat. In other words, someone living in New York in the summertime should be eating differently than someone in Mexico in the summertime because nature provides all the nutrients for the body for that environment. The earth should provide the nutrition you need, taking you back to your ancestor roots of living from the earth. It just makes sense: eat local, organic, non-processed foods.

The science of Ayurveda is just that, a science. There are schools all over the world dedicated to teaching this practice. One of the first things Ayurveda teaches individuals to find for optimum health is their "Dosha". A Dosha is an individual's mix of mind/body and mental/physical characteristics you are born with. There are three Doshas: Vata (air), Pitta (Fire and Earth), Kapha (Earth and Water). Each Dosha has certain ways of eating and living for a balanced and harmonious life. Take the Dosha Quiz below and come back.

QUIZ: DOSHA

As for me, I am a Kapha. I know what foods I should be avoiding and which exercises are best for my body type. When I first began eating for my Dosha I was living in Costa Rica; I never felt happier and healthier. When I returned to the States, I maintained my Ayurvedic way of life for a while then slowly began slipping into my hold habits. Over the summer, I went to the dark side and slipped from everything I know is good for me. In the picture to the right you can see how an Ayurvedic lifestyle changed me physically in just one month. My skin, my body, and my overall happiness gave me a glow that was undeniable. I am looking back to getting my balance back!

I will be using the charts below to get me and my family back on track.  Honestly, I don't really need the charts because I could simply look around at my surroundings, visit the farmer's market and ask more questions about what is in season--you know, common sense. I invite you to also take a look at your overall health and ask yourself if there is room for improvement?

Entry #9 Food Perspective Video: Pink Slime

We could blame our government for not requiring beef producers to disclose their practice of using chemicals such as ammonia to "kill bacteria" in the ground beef product. We could blame billion-dollar chains like McDonalds for feeding 69 Million people per day products that contained this so-called "safe chemical" (ammonia). But the one who should actually get the "finger" is me AND you.

Sure it is easier to blame our government and greedy corporations for keeping us in the dark. But can we honestly say we wanted to know where our food really came from? Aren't we a society that wants instant gratification and is "too busy" to cook? If you missed it before, here it is again, 69 MILLION people PER DAY are fed by McDonalds. That does not include how many people visit other chains such as Wendy's, Jack-in-the-Box, Carl's Junior, etc. If nobody asks the questions, companies do not volunteer the information.

For 20+ years, "pink slime" has been used as a filler in ground beef  in order to sell more product by the pound at a lower price. The Huffington Post writes: "The product is made using a process in which butchered cow trimmings are heated, lean meat is separated from fat, and ammonia gas is applied to the meat to kill bacteria". The pink color comes from the blood. The USDA argues that since it ALL comes from the cow, it is a beef products, therefore, they do not need to disclose how the product is made. Additionally, the USDA argues that Ammonia is safe for human consumption. Watch here. 

Since ABC News first aired the "Pink Slime" story on March 8, 2012 the image to the right went viral on social media. People became outraged that this product was being sold to humans to consume. Although McDonalds admittedly denies that this image came from their factory, they did admit using USDA-approved beef filler in their burgers. Because of the negative press, McDonalds voluntarily changed the way they processed their beef and chicken, and shown in the video below:




Again, who is to blame? As a culture, we need to start asking questions and stop relying on food manufacturers to feed us. The affects of eating poorly-processed, nutritionally-barren food is nobody's fault but our own. Companies like McDonalds are merely providing a product that IS in demand (69 Million people a day). If there was no demand, there would be no McDonalds. For many people, we choose to turn our head and figure, "what we don't know won't kill us".  That statement simply isn't true. Other countries have actually BANNED American meat products because of our processing techniques. Doesn't that say something? It is time to wake up, get in your air conditioned car, drive to your local grocery store to shop for whole foods you can prepare yourself. MAKE THE TIME!

I realize McDonalds makes it almost irresistible to grab a $99 value meal you can inhale, while driving, to satisfy your hungry belly; but are you really saving money in the long-term? How much is your health worth to you? I am going to state right here and now that I am with Johnny Cash on this sentiment and say "screw you, USDA" my health is PRICELESS! #askquestions

Entry #8 Super Blood Moon

Thirty-three years ago the world witnessed a rare lunar eclipse in 1982. On Sunday, September 27 at 7:11 PM, Phoenix will be able to witness a Super Moon, Lunar Eclipse.

Many cultures have a moon creature or deity to honor the moon and its powers. In Greek mythology, Artemis, the goddess of the Amazon women tribe was a moon goddess and protector of nature and women. The mermaid is a creature of the ocean, controlled by the moon, therefore a goddess of the moon. Let's not forget the werewolf that transforms when the moon is at its fullest; becoming uncontrollable with rage and destruction of anything that gets in its way. Even the word "lunatic" comes from the Latin meaning of "moon struck".

In the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi, the practice suggests that everything has a balance of Yin and Yang. Yin is the moon and feminine energy, Yang is the sun and masculine energy. In Yoga, we are also taught this practice. Astrology suggests the moon is the ruler of our emotions. In Yoga, the second chakra, Svadhisthana, is associated with the yin and feminine energy of self and directly associated with our emotions. Are you staring to see a connection?

Before digital technology our ancestors relied on the sun and moon for time and space. The moon was revered as just as important to human survival as the sun. Natural and humanity needs the night to regenerate. As we have evolved with technology, humans have become disconnected from nature and the glorious cosmos in the sky.

Science proves that the moon's gravitational pull controls the waters of the earth. Humans are made up of about 60% water. Would we be so bold to ignore that the moon affects everything on this earth EXCEPT humans? Is there something to the word, "lunatic"? 

Since I am a lover of nature, I revere the moon as a time to evaluate and express myself. I use the
new moon to write down goals that I wish to accomplish by the full moon. This is a great way to stay accountable to self. This gigantic celestial body that hangs in the sky makes me want to howl, dance and move fluidly.  It brings me back to nature and reminds me that I am just a spec on this earth and the trivial things of life such as television, microwaves, and other modern conveniences do not matter in the scheme of things. The only thing that matters is life and nature.

"Super" comes from the moon appearing 14% larger to the naked eye. The description "blood" comes from the color of the moon as the sun casts its light from behind the earth making it appear red like blood. In ancient times, a blood moon was feared as a sign of the aplocalypse.

Since we are all still here, I encourage you to step outside your door and witness this 12 minute lunar eclipse and all of its glory because your next opportunity will not be until the year 2033.

As for me, I will be howling at the moon on my yoga mat outside with all my lunatic friends! Click here if you would like to join us: https://www.facebook.com/events/1628796184069952/ 

Entry #7 Fresh

Having been a vegan from the age of 14 - 22 for religious reasons, I found this movie bringing me back to my core reasons for changing back to this lifestyle. 

Honestly, I knew a lot of what this documentary had to say about industrialized farming over 20 years ago. This vegetarian/vegan lifestyle was not popular like it is today. In fact, I was teased and ridiculed by family members, friends and strangers. I would spend much of my time researching animal cruelty and the deterioration of American soil to have educated arguments with people who opposed my veganism.

So what changed for me? First, I no longer subscribed to organized religion and I became a busy mom with a full time job. Preparing for healthy food became less important. I told myself that I didn't have time. I slowly started eating dairy, then, fish and chicken, then beef and finally...pork. By the time I was 30 nothing was off limits any more. When I read or saw videos of animals being abused in these industrialized farming pens, I would turn off the images immediately and try to forget them.

Since my life changed a few years ago when I found yoga, my guilt of eating diseased animals and chemically treated foods began to get the best of me. In yoga we are taught to lead by example with this chant:

LOKAH SAMASTAH SUKHINO BHAVANTHU

In sanskrit, this translates to: "May all beings everywhere be happy and free and may the thoughts, words and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all."

Ironically before watching this movie this week, my family decided to change our nutritional lifestyle a few weeks ago to vegetarian. We desired to eat more healthfully by consuming as much organic, locally grown food as possible. We also made the conscience decision to lesson our meat consumption by not purchasing any for the home and only consuming meat that we were confident the mean came from a farm that treated the animals in a more respectful, loving way (like the farmers on Fresh). As of today, I do not wish to eat any meat.

Admittedly, this movie pissed me off. At first I was upset that Chris did not give me the choice in watching this movie. If I had the choice, I would not have watched it because I already knew the realities and choose to ignore them. I hated seeing the baby chicks thrown out of trays on to the ground like "things". It made me sick to my stomach that these farmers were motivated by their own financial well-being. Facing the images made me uncomfortable in that I had to see what I have participated in for so many years.I have purchased industrialized foods because they were easy and cheap. I have shut off my consciousness by purchasing meats from farms I know do not treat their animals humanely.  I am part of the problem solution. 

This movie could not have come at a better time for me. It reinforced several things for my family: 

1. Our family made an excellent choice in our health.
2. I need to practice what I preach when it comes to all lives being important.
3. I do make a difference. This movement starts with just one person deciding to make a change.
4. Yes, I love the taste of bacon but could I really look into the eyes of a cute little pig and kill it myself without feeling like a terrible human being for doing so? No, I cannot. There are so many other choices in protein, do I really need to hurt another animal again? 

This is a very important topic. One I wish to share like my new found religion. Facing what I didn't want to see helped me see clearer. I hope to share this video and information in hopes of becoming a voice and advocate for awareness and consciousness for a better world. We are connected like a web whether or not we choose to acknowledge it. With technology today, I see no reason why we cannot change the world, one plate at a time. 

For more information visit: http://www.freshthemovie.com/

Entry #6: Power of the Pumpkin

With the Fall season only one week away, Americans will be undoubtedly flooded with marketing messages of pumpkin this and pumpkin that. Growing up an Arizona girl in the 80's, folks would purchase their pumpkins the week before Halloween to carve it and toss it on November 1. Beyond that, the next time I saw or tasted pumpkin was at Thanksgiving in the version of a pie. Pumpkin times have changed...

So what chain-ged since my childhood days of the random jack-o-lanterns? Starbucks!  The retail coffee-chain leader introduced the Pumpkin Spiced Latte (PSL) in 2003 and hasn't looked back. Ever since this break-thru pumpkin-flavored product, Starbucks set the bar for other industries to cash in on this, now $360 million dollar pumpkin industry. Traditionally, pumpkin products were only seen during the month of October. Because of the demand for pumpkin products sooner, Starbucks was strong-armed by its consumers to launch the PSL this year on September 8, 2015 (after Labor Day). This domino affect catapults other industries to release their version of pumpkin products in September as well; flooding images of products using this orange, round gourd in their every day life until the day after Thanksgiving when the peppermint and cranberry season begins.

Since Starbucks raised pumpkin awareness in 2003, consumers became more aware of knock-offs...which ultimately kicked Starbucks right in the rear. For nearly 12 years, Starbucks didn't actually use REAL pumpkin in the PSL, rather, caramel color and complementary pumpkin spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and ginger. Because of the pressure to keep up with REAL pumpkin products, Starbucks changed their recipe in 2015 using real pumpkin in its product.

The numbers don't lie, Nielsen Holdings reported pumpkin-flavored products are up 80% this year
from 2011; a jaw-dropping growth for any. Farmers increased from 11 million pounds of pumpkin in 2011 to 12.4 million pounds in 2012! Ironically, the purchase of fresh pumpkins has declined from 2011-2014.

An insider for Trader Joe's shared with me that last year they sold $75 million with just 70 pumpkin-flavored SKUs during the season. Trader Joe's takes popular-selling products such as beer, adds pumpkin and/or pumpkin flavor and WHAH-LA...boot in sales for the season. By the way, pumpkin beer happens to account for 25% of a $19.8 billion industry!

Other popular pumpkin products from Trader Joe's include:

dog treats, cheese cake, waffles, corn bread, body butter, scone cookies, bread, soup, jam, cream cheese, danish,  bagels, coffee, ice cream (a big seller), bread pudding, cereal, and so much more!

While snacking on my Pumpkin Snaps from Sprouts Grocery, I found this topic so incredibly fascinating that Starbucks launched a product in 2003 that did not even contain actual pumpkin in it. By this, they single handily transformed an entire industry with clever marketing strategies. Even though I feel like a pawn in a marketing game, I feel pretty darn good about buying into this industry that IS delicious and gets me in the mood for cooler weather and my favorite holiday, Halloween.

Enjoy your pumpkin season!

Entry #5: Wall-E

Buy and Large, sound familiar? 

The American culture today is all about buying and consuming whatever the clever marketing professionals have told us to buy. We are unable to escape the "prison" of the screen: tv, phone, and computer. These devices have been weaved into our daily life (unless you live under a rock). I found it ironic that the messages were coming form B&L (Buy and Large).

The most obvious connection I made with this video to today's society is the obesity of all the characters glued to their chair watching the screen. According to the American Journal of American Medicine, "More than 34.9% of U.S. adults are obese." This is a staggering number compared to 1-2% in India (World Obesity Federation). I believe this epidemic is directly related to our lifestyle of eating processed foods and leading a sedentary life (i.e sitting in a chair staring at a screen). Ads on tv, the internet and our phones flash messages of fast food; it is nearly impossible to escape them. One of the characters in this clip is so overweight that he falls out of his chair and can't get himself up. Yet another message that we are prisoners of marketing in that we cannot seem to survive without subscribing to their world.

Another message I found amusing was, "try blue, it is the new red". Instantly the character said, "ohhhhh" and clicked a button to instantly wear the new blue fashion (that looked just like the red one). Isn't it true in the world today, when the new fashion trends come out we "HAVE to buy it" or we are "out of style"? In reality the ones telling us it is out of style are the very ones who said it was "IN style" 6 month prior. Yet, fashion is a billion dollar industry that most of us buy into one way or another. Why do we feel we have to buy a new pair of jeans with wider legs because the fashion industry said skinny jeans were out? I don't care, my skinny jeans are still in excellent condition and I refuse to throw them out about because a magazine said they were "out".

The entire clip was reminiscent of today's society. From the fast food cup and ads, the overweight characters, the disconnected people existing in the same space yet only interacting online, the fast pace, and instant gratification. Although it was a cartoon, every aspect of this clip was revealing how our world interacts. Thank goodness Wall-E was there as the voice of reason. He observed and attempted to break through the invisible handcuffs the people appeared to be imprisoned by. He demonstrated these invisible cuffs were a choice. What choice will you make in today's society?