Stress… and the Other Nutrients

Having taught nutrition for over a decade at the University of Colorado, the first lecture always included a brief review of the six nutrients: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. Yet it would be a gross injustice to only list these. There are several more. They include, but are not limited to: Sunlight, oxygen, prana and love. It’s not secret that the average person doesn’t get enough sunlight, a fact that came to light when it was reported last year that many Americans today are deficient in Vitamin D; the sunshine vitamin. While it is safe to say that many people do get their supply of oxygen, we can also safely assume that a great man people are not in touch with their breathing skills (Sting is often quoted as saying that most people in the Western culture do not know how to breath correctly, and he is right). Prana, a name associated with divine energy, is also an essential nutrient, yet one that most people take for granted. Becoming conscious of this divine energy facilitates a great ability to reach our highest potential. A stressed lifestyle not only tends to compromise our eating habits, but our ability to get outside and enjoy the natural world, one that is filled with sunlight, oxygen and prana. And it goes without saying that without love, we cannot live at all.

Stress Tip for the Day:

Make it a habit to get outside today and go for a walk. Drink in the sunlight as you walk. Feel the gentle caress of wind on your face and breath it in, deep into your lungs. As you breath in this fresh air, recognize that you are also breathing in the life force of universal energy (some people call it prana, still others call it Chi, and still others call it the Holy Spirit). Make it a habit to get your daily requirement of these essential nutrients as well as the obvious ones that you consume at each meal. And regarding love, this nutrient can only be absorbed with an open heart.

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

Here is a nice article about the sunshine vitamin:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/feb/08/vitamin-d-sun-health

Quote for the Day:

“Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink in the wild air.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Photo for the Day:

This photo was taken a few years ago during a sunset on the island of Santorini, Greece, where there is plenty of sunshine, oxygen and prana. Enjoy!

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7e) and the forthcoming, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Monkey Mind No More

In the eastern culture there is an expression called “monkey mind.” It means that your mind is distracted; racing around all over the place, just like monkey that never sits still. A racing mind that ricochets all over the place is a dangerous mind, because it cannot focus on any one thing long enough concentrate, make important decisions, or have a deep conversation with someone. We don’t have monkeys in the United States, yet we do have squirrels, and they too race all over the place. Same concept! It’s no secret that with all the distractions of modern technology, from smart phones and Ipads to video games and text messaging, humans have a serious epidemic of monkey mind, or squirrel mind (take your pick). It’s actually the ego that steers the mind’s attention in a million different directions, and while some people call this “multi-tasking” with pride, the research is clear: mutli-tasking; the art of doing more than one thing at a time and doing them well, is a myth. Monkey mind no more!

Stress Tip for the Day:

Renouncing the world, moving to a monastery or becoming Amish isn’t an option for most people these days, but there is a proven way to rid yourself of monkey mind. It’s called meditation. In the eastern culture there is an expression that states we need to“ domesticate the ego” (this is code for ridding yourself of monkey mind). If you don’t already have a meditation practice, now is the time to begin. To begin, find a quite space in your home or office and sit quietly for 5-10 minutes. Close your eyes and focus solely on your breathing. Whatever thoughts come to mind, simply acknowledge them and then let them go as you exhale. Make a habit of doing this every day. One more thing that helps with taming monkey mind is keeping healthy boundaries with your technology. Let it serve you, rather than becoming a slave to it, in all it’s many forms. As an example, turn your cell phone off (including the vibration mode) from 9-11 am every day, so you can focus on what you need to do all day without the flood of distractions.

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

For more info on monkey mind, consider checking out these links:

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/meditation-modern-life/201110/quieting-the-monkey-mind-meditation

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Three_Secrets_to_Stop_Monkey_Mind.html

http://dailyheal.com/meditation-news/train-your-monkey-mind-with-mindfulness-meditation/

Quote for the Day:

“I am burdened with what the Buddhists call the monkey mind. The thoughts that swing from limb to limb, stopping only to scratch themselves, spit and howl. My mind swings wildly through time, touching on dozens of ideas a minute, unharnessed and undisciplined. You are, after all, what you think. Your emotions are the slaves to your thoughts, and you are the slave to your emotions.” — Liz Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love

Photo for the Day:

While in Rio de Janeiro a few years ago, I was able to take a day trip to Sugarloaf Mountain, where I saw these monkeys, and while they may looked relaxed in this photo, believe me, they certainly had monkey mind.

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7e) and the forthcoming, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Make Your Dent in the Universe

Steve Jobs, founder of the Apple computer, was driven by a life purpose: to make a visible “dent” in the universe. I think everyone would agree that indeed he did, from the Ipod, to Pixar cartoon films. Like Steve Jobs, we too have a meaningful purpose in life, though each purpose will make a different impression in our world, if not the universe. Noted author, Viktor Frankl (Man’s Search for Meaning) was of the opinion that stress arises when we are not fulfilling our life purpose. Categorically, each of our purposes in life involves bringing more light into the darkness of mere being (thanks, Carl Jung). Joseph Campbell offered this advice to fulfilling your life’s purpose: Follow your bliss. Steve Job’s advice was similar: follow your own path, be different; don't live up to someone else's expectations. Conforming to other's likes and beliefs makes for a very boring, if not very dark, world. It also makes for more stressful life. Being authentically true to yourself is the only way you will ever change the world for the better. The Universe is begging for your “dent.” What are you waiting for?

Stress Tip for the Day:

Each of us has not one, but many purposes in life. For some it’s raising a family. For others it’s discovering the vaccine to save lives. Still for others it’s bringing a smile to thousands of faces or inspiring the hearts of many. Apathy and laziness will sabotage our life purpose. Stress finds it’s way into our hearts when one purpose is complete and the next has yet to form. What is your purpose in life? (here’s is a hint: it’s not to make lots of money). What is your dent in the universe? Get out there and start pounding away. Begin with a smile. If you are in a quandary about what to start pounding, start doing some soul searching, and listen for the answer. Then... follow your bliss.

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

If you have not read Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning, it is a must read. And if you have read it, you might want to consider reading it again. I would also highly recommending Steve Job’s biography, Steve Jobs. It’s very inspiring, and might just help you make your dent in the universe.

Quote for the Day:

“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do. – Think Different” — Steve Jobs

Photo for the Day:

Today’s photo is a Hawaiian sunrise image… a reminder to bring more light into the world, for no matter what you do, ultimately this is all of our life purposes.

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7e) and the forthcoming, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Smile!

It is hard to image anyone going through an entire day without smiling (or laughing for that matter), but it happens—A LOT. Results from the field of psychoneuroimmunology remind us that our thoughts can greatly impact our health, but this pathway is a two-way street. We are also reminded that our physiology can impact our thoughts and feelings as well. This was the whole message of Charlie Chaplin’s famous song (often sung by Nat King Cole… see lyrics below) called Smile. By inviting the body to adopt a happy position, brain neurochemistry begins to change—for the better. It’s that simple. A smile is a universal symbol of happiness. A smile is the currency of the heart. As the expression goes, happiness is just a thought away! Can the simple act of smiling make you happy? The answer appears to be yes (check out the link below from Scientific American). Smiling is the art of happiness, and we can all use more of this. And smiling is contagious. Pass it on.

Stress Tip for the Day:

In the book, Eat Pray Love, the author, Liz Gilbert was recommend to sit in meditation and contemplate the premise of happiness. Her Balinese mentor told her to meditate on happiness by smiling. “Just sit there and smile,” he said. Good advice. In doing so, you begin to reflect on all that is going right with your life. Gratitude abounds. In doing so, you tame the voice of the ego that broadcasts its negativity, so you can hear the voice, the melody of happiness and bliss. The next time you meditate (and you can start today), close your eyes, focus on your breathing and contemplate bliss: Think it, feel it, be it.... Also take it outside, as the expression goes.... consider smiling when meeting others, particularly at the grocery store checkout stand (lots of stress in the way of boredom there).

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

A few years ago, I was asked to write a chapter for a book called Smile, by Elan Sun Star, a world renowned photographer based in Hawaii. If you can get your hands on this book, I highly recommend it. Not only are there some great essays, but there are some incredible photographs as well.

Here are a few links to more ideas about smiling:

http://thinksimplenow.com/happiness/the-art-of-smiling/

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=smile-it-could-make-you-happier

Quote for the Day:

These are the lyrics to Chaplin’s now famous song, Smile:

Smile

though' your heart is aching,

Smile

Even though it's breaking,

When there are clouds in the sky- You'll get by,

If you smile through your fear and sorrow,

Smile and maybe tomorrow

You'll see the sun come shining through- for you.

Light up your face with gladness,

Hide every trace of sadness,

Although' a tear may be ever so near,

That's the time you must keep on trying,

Smile- what's the use of crying?

You'll find that life is still worthwhile,

If you just smile.

Photo for the Day:

In culling through many photo ideas for this theme today, I cropped this one to fit… If you happen to know who this smile belongs to, let me know. There might be a small prize.... void where prohibited.

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7e) and the forthcoming, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Give Your Immune System a Boost Today!

If you have seen the movie, Contagion, then you know how easily germs can spread. And… if you heard the news last week that scientists have manipulated a version of the bird flu virus into a deadly contagion, then it would be wise to do all you can to boost the strength of your immune system (just in case of nefarious minds). CDC data reveals that the average person touches their hands to their face hundreds of times a day, making an easy entrance for germs and pathogens into the body. In the movie Contagion, not everyone caught the deadly flu. Some people were immune (we can only conclude they had a STRONG immune system). In terms of nature vs. nurture, there are several things we can do about the integrity of our immune systems, both in terms of the internal environment of our bodies and our health behaviors. It’s no secret that stress can definitely suppress the immune system (through the action of Cortisol). So can poor quality sleep… and poor eating habits, specifically a diet high in refined sugar. It’s time to come to our defense system’s defenses!

Stress Management Tip for the Day:

Make a habit to wash your hands frequently. Particularly before eating (anything). Enjoy sweets, but very few. Opt for fresh fruits, veggies and nuts every day when possible. Taking time each day to sit quietly and focus on your breathing (also known as meditation) is always a good idea and a good night’ sleep, well, you can begin with detaching form computer screens hours before you got to bed, as the artificial light will impact melatonin production (without that at appropriate levels, a good night’s sleep won’t happen). Oh, and did I mention to wash your hands often?

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

If you haven’t seen the movie, Contagion, I highly recommend it. It’s a good lesson in the spread of germs. I guarantee you will wash your hands after leaving the theater.

Quote for the Day:

“Eat one meal each day for your immune system.” —Brian Luke Seaward

Photo of the Day:

Looking through my photos (early this am), I found this image of a white cloud (at sunset) and thought of a white blood cell…Enjoy the symbolism…and don't forget to wash your hands regularly!

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7E) and his forthcoming book, A Beautiful World; The Earth Songs Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Financial Wellness

The start of a new year is a perfect time to start refining some personal habits, including our spending habits. The news reports of the past week, which reflected on the past year, had a common theme: last year was a financial mess. 2012 doesn’t look much better, particularly if problems with the Euro are left unresolved. Since the start of what has become known as the “Great recession” people have had to take a hard look at their finances, but experts suggest that our careless ways are creeping back. Time after time, stress questionnaires reveal that money problems rank at the top of people’s stressors. Financial wellness is comprised of many things, not the least of which is will power. Pulling in the reins of our spending, seeing each purchase as an investment (regardless of the cost). It is still recommended to move your money out of the corporate banks and into a local credit union, and this should be at the top of your list of things to do for financial wellness.

Stress Tip for the Day:

It’s easy to go over budget when you don’t keep track of what you spend. Debit cards and credit cards may be great for emergencies, but consider using cash (or checks where they are still taken). Many people buy things only to find out that when they get home, they already have the item purchased. Take time to clean your house, taken mental inventory of your possessions. Take a look at your leisure habits and start to see what you can do that is free; spend more time in nature. As they saying goes, the best things in life are free. Be mindful of what you spend (without becoming stressed about it).

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

Michelle Singletary is the financial reporter for the Washington Post. Here is a link which may be of interest for some good financial advice:

http://www.oprah.com/money/Michelle-Singletarys-Short-and-Long-Term-Money-Advice_1

Quote for the Day:

“The best way to double your money is the fold it in half and put it back in your wallet.” Anonymous

Photo for the Day:

Sunrise or sunset? You decide. This photo was taken in Florida last year. It seemed like an appropriate photo for this, the first photo for the 2012 blog. New Beginnings! Enjoy!

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7e) and the forthcoming, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Relax in the Celtic Tradition: Spirit of Ireland Journey 2012

You are invited: Come join us, for what might just be, the last Spirit of Ireland Journey next year (June 14-24, 2012)...

Ireland is a country rich in culture, history and music, yet there is a mystical essence that cannot be described in words. It must be felt in the heart through the landscape, the music, the stories and the Celtic earth itself. It is this essence that we will capture on the Spirit of Ireland Journey. Not just a simple vacation to a pretty place, the theme of this journey is one of healing; healing the energetic ley lines (meridian points at various Celtic sacred sites, known as “faerie lines” in Ireland); helping to restore the healing energies of these sacred sites and offering compassion in action through daily meditations and reflections. We will also enjoy the beauty of the Irish culture and the spirit of Celtic traditions found in the music—LOTS of great music! The northwest region of Ireland is renowned the world over for its stunning beauty and Celtic charm. People often say that traveling to Ireland is like stepping back in time to a land steeped in rich culture, history and spirituality; a less rushed lifestyle in a magical setting, where people meet you with a smile and a twinkle in their eye. Everyone who has traveled with us on previous excursions describes this trip as a life-changing event in their lives; the memories and friendships forged will last a lifetime.

Below is a link to a pdf brochure for next year's trip (County Donegal, County Mayo and County Galway). A great mix of sacred sites, castles, awesome traditional music and a magical charm only the Irish can pull off so well. We have room for 22 people and would love to have you join us. So…start packing your bags...

Stress Tip for the Day:

Travel can be quite stressful, but it’s nearly non-existent traveling in a small group of like minded people. On this tour, I offer morning meditations and we also do some quiet meditation time at many of the sacred sites, including the Stone Circle in Beltony. Music therapy is another form of relaxation and the Irish are the masters of Great Celtic music; one of the highlights of the trip.

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

This first link will take you to the Trips to Ireland page with all kinds of good stuff to view

http://www.brianlukeseaward.net/tripstoireland.html

This next link is a direct link to the 2012 Brochure PDF

http://brianlukeseaward.net/2012_spirit_of_ireland_journey.pdf

Quote for the Day:

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields and,

Until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

—Old Irish saying

Photo for the Day:

Ireland has many beautiful castles, including the Ashford Castle in the town of Cong. Many of the scenes from the the John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara movie were filmed here on these grounds. We will make a stop in Cong while in County Mayo.

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7e) and the forthcoming, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Happy Holidays! See You Next Year!

In the spirit of healthy boundaries, this blog will be on holiday until January 6^th, 2012. We look forward to returning at that time with lots of great blog themes, information and tips for optimal living. Please feel free to visit past blog entries in the archives of Stressfully Speaking during the next few weeks.

Keep smiling, pace yourself, hold fast to your own healthy boundaries and here is wishing you well throughout this season.

Best wishes and Inner Peace,

Brian Luke Seaward

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7e) and the forthcoming, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

The Physics of Stress?

The word, “stress” comes to us from the field of physics. Coined over 100 years ago, it means enough force to bend or break an object. Apparently the word stuck. If you have ever felt stressed, then you know exactly what this word means. Stress is often described as a “perceived threat” and once you introduce the word “perceived,” you invoke the mind’s thought processes. For eons (and still to this day) the abstract concept of the mind is often compared to more tangible things. Hence words like stress from other disciplines, like physics, are often used to help make the abstract tangible.

Over the years, we have borrowed a few more terms from the field of physics, including the ideas of resonant thinking, dissonance, coherence and even the term entrainment. Over the past several decades, research into the mind has once again knocked on the door of physics, particularly quantum physics, to gain a better foothold of understanding about what stress is (negative energy). In the quest to understand the concept of energy, specifically healing energy, thoughts are recognized (by some) as energy. The HeartMath Institute has conducted several studies that look into the energy produced by both the head and the heart. When the two areas are in harmony with their energies, it is described as coherence. Simply stated, stress is the opposite of coherence.

Stress Tip for the Day:

How is your heart today? Can you feel its rhythms, not just it’s beat, but the frequencies of love and compassion? Or does fear closed the door to your heart? How is your head today? In addition to eavesdropping on the thoughts of your mind, can you feel the rhythms that your head is sending out? While we may not always feel our own mental rhythms, we can often feel others (as in, “the tension was so think you could cut it with a knife”). Today’s stress tip invites you to learn to become aware of the rhythms of both your head AND heart. Learn to discern if these rhythms are in synch (also known as harmony, or if there is a dissonance (negative vibrations). Anything less than a perfect harmony is detrimental to mind, body and spirit. To bring the heart and mind in synch begin by focusing on your breath.

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

Here are a couple of links to HeartMath….enjoy

http://www.spiritofmaat.com/archive/nov1/hmath.htm

http://www.heartmath.org/

Even if you have seen the movie, What the BLEEP Do We Know, it’s always great to come back and preview it again. The scenes where the character realizes that her thoughts are amplified via water is perhaps one of the most important messages of the movie.

Quote for the Day:

“ Love is a vibration that ripples out over the waters of the universe.” —Anonymous.

Photo for the Day:

Anette and Christian (my friends from Copenhagen) came to visit this summer. Pictured here is Anette, posing for this photo in Rocky Mountain National Park. Thanks Anette. Takk!

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7e) and the forthcoming, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Much to Be Thankful For…

In the season of Thanksgiving, gratitude is a gift of conscious recognition that we have many blessings in our lives. Enjoy the day and be sure to tell those people in your life how much you appreciate them.

Stress Tip for the Day:

Spend some time in solitude on Thanksgiving Day and make a long list of those things you are grateful for. Don't stop until you reach 500 things.

Links, Books and Movies worth Noting:

Research now shows that giving thanks and appreciation is good for your health.

Check out this link:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2064543/Computerised-contact-lens-date-news-texts.html

and if you have the slightest bit of pity for how you life is going, please watch this video clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=aw-nt0eTb2w

Quote for the Day:

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy

Photo for the Day:

The classic Norman Rockwell image of a Thanksgiving celebration. Enjoy! (By the way, one day while flying out of Bradly International Airport in Hartford, CT this year, I met a man who, several decades ago, modeled for Norman Rockwell in one of his now famous illustrations. This man even pulled out a copy of the illustration to show me. Needless to say, as a fan of Rockwell's artwork, I was very grateful to have that 1 degree of separation... very cool.)

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7e) and the forthcoming, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.