The Elements of Spirit

A Little Love in Your Heart:

2010-09-29T22:11:00.000-07:00

Heart Walk 2010

A few years ago, my husband went through one of the most difficult experiences of his life, and I went right along with him. A combination of uncooperative genes and being raised on not-so-healthy foods led to a near heart attack -- close enough to make little difference, given the outcome -- followed by arterial bypass surgery. His doctors called him the "poster child" for his determined recovery from the surgical procedure, acknowledging his dedication to becoming healthier than he'd ever been, before.

Today, even though we both know that stressful situations naturally raise your heart rate, and indigestion feels a lot like the chest pressure and pain you would experience if you were having a heart attack, we face each day as a challenge, striving together for a healthier life. There's a lingering fear that we may, someday, go though this again, and we believe that whatever we can do to prevent it and share our experience with others can only help. On October 2, 2010, as we do every year, we'll be participating in the American Heart Association's local Heart Walk, which raises funds for research, education and prevention of heart disease and stroke, which are two of the top three causes of death in America.

The chances that you or someone you know has heart disease or has suffered from stroke or a heart attack are higher than ever, and while healthy eating, regular exercise and other smart lifestyle choices go a long way toward reducing your chances of experiencing these difficult challenges, a healthy lifestyle is only part of the issue.

Some facts you might not know:

Someone dies from cardiovascular disease every 38 seconds.
Heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined.
Congenital cardiovascular defects are the most common cause of infant death from birth defects.[1]

My husband is not quite halfway to his donation goal, but you can help in many ways, including offering a donation in any amount for his walking team, here. If you would like to participate in a local event, check for the nearest Heart Walk location here, and learn more about other ways you can get involved.

[1] From: Start! Heart Walk: Why We Walk

Realignments: How to Get Here From Here

2010-08-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

After many, many months away from this site, I've realized that, since I've started writing again, I need to keep on writing, even when I'm not being paid for the privilege. And that's what writing is -- a privilege to express myself and share what I'm thinking and doing with others. If I've also earned the privilege of inspiring others to read what I've written, then perhaps I'm doing it right.

Certain things fell into place today, forcing the point I'd already known, that between one moment and the next, your life can turn in an unexpected direction. So, what's going on?

I'm writing marketing-style content for a shopping comparison site, plus a daily shopper's blog that has accidentally poured me into a new role as a social media manager as I juggle Facebook, Twitter and another site or two, trying to encourage my readers to bring along still more readers, working and hoping for that golden moment when the readers reciprocate, filling out the articles with responses, going beyond, "I like your column" or "Too long, didn't read". It's marketing, not the next great American novel, something a former coworker and very inspiring gal mentioned she'd like to see me do next. Well, maybe down the road... I'll get there sooner or later. Until then, I'm writing this, and I really love what I'm doing.

That's the key, isn't it? As I've mentioned before, finding a healthy balance is what it's all about, perhaps the only thing that matters. In my case, a passion for writing always lurked back there, so any opportunity to pull the words out and shuffle them around like Scrabble tiles is a good opportunity to me.

Northwestern States Slideshow

2008-07-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

I've been needing a meditative concept for a while now, as more medical issues occur:

Lymphatic cancer scare
Retinal detachment testing
Ovarian cancer concerns

I've got to tell you, this has been a curious, frustrating month. So, since I've always been inspired by the wild beauty of Washington and Oregon, I put together a little slideshow to check in on when I need a mental break. I'll be adding images when I can, and updating this as I create other slideshows, as well. Feel free to click on any of the images here to see a larger version, or check the links below for free desktop versions, if you'd like one of these to serve as your computer background.

Images for this slideshow provided by: Stock.XCHNG, big.org.ua, and eWallpapers.

I'm certain to add more within the next day or so to explain ALL of this, from my husband's arterial bypass surgery and what it means to be the only person around to help him recover, to the sudden upsurge in health problems I've seen in the last month. In the meantime, consider that when it rains, it often pours.

Update: My husband and I have had a particularly stressful day today, and as a little "slice of happy", I sent him an image that almost looks like it could have been taken on either side of the country. He responded with a deep sigh of relief, telling me that he needs to find more of these, for desktop backgrounds, for moments of peace. Given the copyright rules regarding this image, it would be best if I simply added a hyperlink, so you can see it -- and send it or similar images -- for yourselves. This peaceful view of Bennington, New Hampshire was photographed by Rand K. Peck for Yankee Magazine. I'd love to show you the picture, but I had to post this right away, as I've learned it's the moments, when they happen, that are often the most valuable.

What are Probiotics?

2008-07-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

Probiotics is a relatively new word in the health vocabulary, though certain aspects of it have been around for centuries. Probiotics are bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of organisms in the intestines.

The normal human digestive tract contains about 400 types of probiotic bacteria that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and promote a healthy digestive system. Antibiotics kill "good" bacteria along with the bacteria that cause illness. Taking probiotic supplements may help replace the lost beneficial bacteria.(1) Probiotics also occur naturally in or are added to food.

Do probiotics work, and are they safe?

Probiotic bacteria are already part of the normal digestive system and are considered safe, but probiotic dietary supplements do not undergo the same FDA testing processes as medications. It has been suggested that probiotics be used to treat problems in the stomach and intestines. But only certain types of bacteria or yeast (called strains) have been shown to work in the digestive tract.(1) For now, research suggests use of probiotics during and after taking antibiotics may be helpful. Those suffering from IBS may find the probiotics in yogurt particularly helpful as well.(2)

Common but unproven claims are that probiotics slow aging, are anti-oxidants or anti-carcinogenic, cure headaches, restore energy, reduce eczema, improve immunity, reduce of childhood allergies and asthma, and regulate moods for those with bipolar or depression, or halt these conditions, altogether. Further clinical studies need to be undertaken to prove the veracity of these other claims.(2)

Some people may be allergic to or intolerant of certain probiotic supplements, or to the probiotic food in which they are presented. However, in most cases, probiotic food is well tolerated, and at the very least, may provide one with better intestinal health.(3)

Where do I find probiotics?

Lactobacillus acidophilus, found in yogurt, is the best known probiotic. Yeast is a probiotic substance. Probiotics are also available as dietary supplements, and aside from yogurt, are most often purchased in this form.(1) Probiotics can be easily obtained in kefir, cottage cheese and other soft cheeses, preserved vegetables, miso soup, sauerkraut, many pickles, and powdered drink mixes.(2)

Written by MareWinds~
a.k.a. Mireille Larkins

~~~~~

Source (1): http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/probiotics-topic-overview
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Source (2): http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-probiotics.htm
copyright © 2003 - 2008 conjecture corporation

Source (3): http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-probiotic-food.htm
copyright © 2003 - 2008 conjecture corporation

Further Information: The Nibble: Probiotic Food

International Market & Deli

2008-07-07T23:55:00.000-07:00

Looking for healthy food choices in Monterey County is an exercise in simplicity -- there are plenty of fun places to go, particularly if you focus on ethnic cuisine. We've often got a taste for Mediterranean food, which, if carefully selected, is a great idea for someone who's focused on heart-healthy choices. After repeated visits to certain other restaurants in the area, we decided to give this little place a try.

The only difficult thing at the International Market & Deli is sitting down to wait for the food -- not that it takes long, just that the market is filled with so many great little finds, it's hard to sit still. Feel free to explore the shelves, though, as you wait for your order.

We had questions about ingredients, which were answered with plenty of detail, especially about the desserts. My son had the lamb and beef gyros, and they certainly looked and smelled terrific; he loved them, and couldn't even remove the tomatoes, which he generally doesn't eat. My husband had a Mediterranean salad with a terrific balsamic dressing, sharp and sweet, and a falafel wrap in which the falafel was soft rather than crunchy, with really fresh, exceptional flavor.

I chose a few appetizers:

Vegetarian Dolmatas, with a perfectly smooth texture and a slight vinegar/lemon bite -- not too much, but not the perfect balance or blend of flavor, either... almost perfect.
Spanikopita, with a remarkably fresh, well-flavored filling, but a pastry that seemed unusually dry, breadlike, and quite a premade texture. I've developed a preference for a lighter spinach pie, and this was the heaviest pastry I'd ever tried, so this wasn't a favorite, here.
Hummus & Pita, for which the owner asked if I wanted olive oil! That's a great indication of caring about customer preferences and knowing there's more than one way to a healthy food choice. I said no -- any added fat is a poor choice for my situation -- and enjoyed a slightly lemony, perfectly simple hummus accompanied by what tasted like freshly made pita. The family scooped up the last of this; often, simple and fresh are the best way to eat.

We did try three different baked desserts, but we didn't catch their names. Reactions were thoroughly mixed, from my husband disliking all three, to my appreciation of two, to our son greatly enjoying all of them. If you like coconut, I do recommend the four-inch logs filled with either pistachios or cashews (I can't recall which). Sticky sweet but interestingly complex, my son and I agreed that this dessert would have to be bought -- and shared -- again.

Written by MareWinds~
a.k.a. Mireille Larkins

Marina's Farmers Market

2008-07-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

Marina's Farmers' Market takes place every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, and it has recently moved to the Marina Village Shopping Center at 215 Reservation Road. After spending many a Tuesday at the Old Monterey Market Place, we thought we'd spend more time enjoying the sunshine and local flavors. It was a food booth from the Monterey Market, Maha's Catering, that gave us the news about this one. However, we weren't prepared for what we found in Marina.

First of all, June 29th happened to be very gray, overcast and breezy, so we traded in sunshine for a cooler, still pleasant afternoon. The Marina Market -- also known as Everyone's Harvest -- is remarkably busy, particularly when you consider that there are perhaps 20 tented booths, making this a locals-only sort of gathering. The focus is almost exclusively on fresh, organic produce, with a surprising variety of beautiful fruits and vegetables; well more than half of the booths are dedicated to the produce.

As for the prepared foods advertised in the Market brochure, the one booth is Maha's, which is very good news. Maha's Catering easily competes with the best of the brick-and-mortar Mediterranean restaurants in Monterey county, coming out ahead of most of them. You'll be hearing more about them -and perhaps getting a peek at their wonderful food -- at the Monterey Market write-up.

Three young performers offered the nicest surprise, one with a guitar, as they sang a lovely folksy tune at one end of the market. I admit that I'm not certain if they were selling anything, but their voices were terrific, and that alone is worth stopping by to hear if you are in Marina on a Sunday. Don't bring your terrier, as the market only permits assistant dogs near the food.

Written by MareWinds~
a.k.a. Mireille Larkins

Three Fun Self-Health Resources

2008-06-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

I've got three terrific health resources for those -- like my husband and myself -- who need to do more than lose weight or start exercising to turn their lives around. These are for digging deeper into what you're eating, and how to balance the food in your life with the lifestyle you want.

Prevention Health Trackers: What I like: lots of charts and graphs, plenty of lifestyle elements to consider and track, detailed nutritional breakdowns, and custom measurements for special health needs.

What's shown above is the Foods Eaten tab; there's another for exercise, another for tracking moods -- which can make a huge difference in the success of any lifestyle changes -- and a really fun Reports page for those who still haven't played with enough charts and graphs.

There's a lot more on the site with which to work (and play), including an excellent recipe collection and a fitness section with something for everyone, from slow stretches to marathon running, and everything in between. I do recommend beginning with the Health Trackers if you want a springboard; the Custom Measurements alone make this resource well worth checking out.

NutritionData's Daily Needs Calculator and Virtual Pantry: Just to dip your toes in, try this widget, and see what you find.

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What I like: several terrific features here, including a free newsletter and a healthy recipe section, an optional exercise modifier, thousands of excellent tips and articles, and far more nutritional information than you ever thought you'd see, for more products -- in more ways to serve them -- than you might expect.

I find myself going back to this site again and again, tracking Potassium and other nutrients, fiber, and odd-sized portions. You can earn what those nutrients do for you, and how much you really need. Still, I've barely dipped into this resource. Take your time here; there's a LOT to discover. I just found their FireFox search plugin , today.

CookingLight, particularly the Healthy Life and Menus & Planning sections. I'll just mention that I found this resource the same way most do -- in magazine form, and I bought each issue as it came out, checking weekly to see if the newest issue was available yet. I finally realized this magazine was a part of our new lifestyle, and got a subscription.

But, sometime into the first issue I purchased, I discovered the wonderful resource provided with the CookingLight website. Either of the links mentioned above make terrific launch points for more information, and many more recipes. My husband and I can't use every recipe, but that's because our health needs are very specific. However, we are able to use most of the vegetarian recipes as-is, and most of the others require simple adaptations -- for example, substituting seriously-low-sodium (SLS?) broths for cooking oils to keep our fat intake down without increasing sodium. If you're looking for really healthy foods that don't sacrifice anything for flavor, you'll greatly enjoy this site.

Opening Pandora's Box

2008-06-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the recommendation of the excellent browse-nutty site, WebUpon, my husband and I found a source of music that suits our moods, whatever they happen to be -- and the service is completely customizable, and free.

Pandora uses a system called the Music Genome Project to organize hundreds of musical attributes in thousands upon thousands of songs. That information is used to determine what you hear, according to the artists or songs you set up to develop the sound of your personal radio station. There's a very lengthy FAQ on-site to help you broaden, narrow, develop, and share your station with others. You can run several stations, build a personal profile (mine makes a nice example), and create specific station pages, rather as if they had profiles of their own.

There's a fairly active community there also, commenting on the artists or albums, and offering suggestions for similar musical tastes. I can't get enough of this place; it drives me happily through my workday, introduces me to "new" artists and songs I've missed, and addresses my own slightly obsessive-compulsive need to label and categorize things in a really fun way.

So, what are the potential negatives?

Pandora uses a thumbs-up, thumbs-down rating system, which does a fine job of refining the station as you go, but you are limited to 6 thumbs-down or song skips per hour. I happen to have two stations, and have been using this service for over a week. I have only switched stations once to bypass the skip limit, but your mileage may vary.

Once you've started to build a song list, you'll hear some of your thumbs-up songs more often than you might like, but you have the option of "snoozing" the song (for a month, by default) rather than removing it from your station. Probably my biggest question about the service in the beginning was whether I'd ever get to hear the songs I chose to "seed" the station, since their license doesn't allow them to play on-demand. It took at least three days, but yes! Your seed songs do show up eventually.

As a final, depends-on-you issue, I'm fairly certain there are advertisements above and below the station player. Since the service is free, if I could see them, I wouldn't have a problem with them. As it is, between my FireFox browser and the Adblock Plus extension, I've never seen an ad.

From my perspective, most of the "negatives" are actually positives in practice, and even the advertisements -- if there are any -- are dependent upon your browsing methods. I love this service, and wholeheartedly recommend it.

The Elements of Life

2008-06-25T21:27:00.000-07:00

The Elements of Spirit began several years ago on Yahoo Groups -- before there was a Groups feature; in fact, I think they were Clubs then -- as a predominantly spiritual discussion forum, open to people of all faiths and of none, of any belief systems, with the understanding that all views were welcome, as long as a sense of mutual respect was maintained. And so it went, with wonderful, insightful, intelligent, and spiritual people from a variety of backgrounds, discussing everything from specific religious topics to general philosophy, from the fun to the poignant, and as is a natural extension of a foundation like that, there was also a sense of personal connection.

That group gave me more than a way to share my thoughts; I had the opportunity to peer into the minds of others and offer whatever research I found, either for their questions or my own curiosity. I went a long way in exploring my own perspective because of that group, and found a strong sense of balance as a result. Then, as often happens, my mind wandered.

A forceful, creative gust blew through me and I found myself doing image manipulation, creating email stationery and browser backgrounds, and creating websites to go with them. One became a sideline, appealing to the child in me -- and we all have one, who likes to come out and play once in a while -- and devoted to Eeyore. I've shown it to very few people, but I'm still pleased with the little site, and it'll probably get a proper mention here, later on.

Throughout all of this, one thing remained steady. I'd always held a deep love for music, some types more than others. I became involved with the official forum for one of my favorite musicians (you'll have to wait to learn about that, too), soon joining a huge fan site and eventually doing more image manipulation for the site, creating signature banners, assisting with page design, and making emoticons for the forum. That turned into a moderator spot, which I greatly enjoyed but couldn't continue for long. I was beginning to lose that sense of balance as I wandered away from the Elements of Spirit group, and I became very focused on earning money. I lost at least a year to playing an MMO (online multi-player game), though it was a lot of fun for a while. That was when I lost touch with a lot of things: music, friends, real calm, and my personal priorities. Now, I know what I had put behind me. Then, I couldn't see beyond my own vague dissatisfaction.

Around the beginning of this year, many things shifted. My health had gradually deteriorated until I developed hypertension and high cholesterol levels, and well as an extreme sensitivity to sodium. I adjusted my diet to reduce my meats substantially, raising my fruits and vegetables to 5-9 servings, every day. Nevertheless, we still cooked roasts and baked chicken, and my blood pressure level didn't change.

In March, the Big Thing happened, and this is the first time I've said anything about it, online. My husband had heart attack warning symptoms, and to be certain he wasn't having an attack, we went to the hospital. In fact, he had not had a heart attack, but it was imminent. His arteries were blocked, between 70-99%, in several places, and from what I saw of them, I was in complete agreement with the cardiologist; stents would have been a waste of time, and the only way out from this point was surgery. My husband had a five-point arterial bypass in mid-March. We are both 38.

Greater Than the Sum of One

2008-06-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

A little of this, a little of that; how does it all come together, coherently? What are the Elements of Spirit, and what in the world do I mean by, "Greater than the sum of one?"

This bundle of virtual pages is the sum -- everything we were doing right, where we went wrong, and how we pull ourselves (each other) out of the ditch we'd dug ourselves into in the first place. The Elements of Spirit are no longer (and never really were) just spiritual meanderings; they are all of the elements which make up a healthy sense of being, from the things that make you think, and make you laugh, and make you healthy, to those things which make you right for those brief, eternal, perfect moments, when life IS greater than the sum of its varied elements, and you know balance isn't just another noun.