Unconditional Love (Is there really any other kind?)

Love, it is said, is the glue that holds the universe together. Love has been the focus, obsession and subject of a great many conversations over the eons of time, but this kind of love, romantic love, is but one color of love’s rainbow. The totality of this magnificent rainbow is the divine light of altruistic compassion; an open heart. Fear and anger can close the heart's door. Unconditional love is an expression of compassion that asks not of reciprocation. It is the pure gift that neither asks nor expects anything in return. Unconditional love, true love, is love without a hint of ego; quite the opposite of stress. Stress, exhibited through unresolved issues of anger and fear, is the epitome of ego. There are those who say that the human condition is not capable of existing without ego. Don’t you believe it! There are others who say that the human species is going through an amazing transformation, dare I say, evolution; a transition from the motivation of fear to love; unconditional love. This evolution is a choice that each of us invited to make, quite regularly. No matter where you are on your own human journey, when you come to a fork in the road and must choose between fear and love, always choose love. In doing so, you assist the Universe to become one with it.

Stress Tip for the Day:

The daily practice of meditation is a great way to quiet the noise of the ego, so that you may hear the wisdom of the soul to follow your true path in life. Take time each and every day to sit still and calm the noise in your head. Learn to observe your thoughts and the emotions so strongly tied to them. The symbol of unconditional love is often represented by a golden white light. Close each meditation session by surrounding yourself in this light. In doing so, you may find that your ability to shift out of fear-based thinking becomes much easier. Finally, remember this: Unconditional love not only applies to all others, but yourself as well.

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

One of the best books I can recommend to you, even if you have already read it is the classic book, The Road Less Traveled, by M. Scott Peck; it's always worth a second browse!

Quotes for the Day:

“The ultimate lesson all of us have to learn is unconditional love, which includes not only others but ourselves as well.” — Elisabeth Kuber-Ross.

“True love begins when nothing is looked for in return.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Photo for the Day:

Indeed, love is symbolized by a great many things, not the least of which includes flowers, in this case, a water lily. 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 newly released, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Happy St Patrick’s Day!

I just returned from the Emerald Isle and it was a great trip indeed. We often speak of the “luck of the Irish,” but anyone who delves into their history knows they have had some pretty hard knocks over the past 1,000 years, including most recently a national bankruptcy. From the 800-year occupation of the British, through the Great Famine to the fiscal problems of today, Ireland rises it’s head and moves on with grace, dignity and humor. What they might call luck, we call fortitude, certainly something to lean on in times of stress. What we call the divine, they call magic. We would all do well to call ourselves Irish today.

Stress Management Tip for the Day:

Take stock of your fortitude today. Take time to count your blessings. See yourself as lucky and see the divine as magic! Put on some green today and make those Irish eyes smile! Slainte!

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

Here is a list of some of my favorite Irish Movies, any of which would be great to view tonight:

1. Waking Ned Divine

2. The Secret of Roan Inish

3. My Left Foot

4. Into the West

5. Ondine

6. The Field

7. Ryan’s Daughter

8. The Committments

Quote for the Day:

An Old Irish Blessing

May the sun always shine

on your window pane,

May a rainbow be certain

to follow each rain,

May the hand of a friend

always be near you,

May God fill your heart

with gladness to cheer you,

May your blessings be many

to the sunshine above you

May your life bring you gladness

and always, God love you.

Photo of the Day:

I took this photo last summer in County Wicklow near Glendalough. I thought they were shamrocks, but was told later that day that shamrocks are very tiny (1/4 the size of these)… most likely these are simply clover… but Irish nonetheless. 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 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.

Holy Moments!

My plane has just landed in Shannon Ireland and I am exhausted, but in a good way. I flew the red-eye flight last night from Newark, NJ. Usually I try to sleep so I am not a zombie the next day (toothpicks please!) But last night I couldn’t even think of sleeping. As luck would have it, I had a window seat on the left side of the plane flying east, giving me a perfect northerly view of the Aurora Borealis. Curtains of green light shimmered over the horizon for hours. It wasn’t just amazing. It was Divine. I truly felt honored to see such a sight, and it was nothing less than magnificent, spectacular, holy. To be honest, life is filled with countless magnificent moments; those moments when we realize we are part of something much, much bigger, and in the realization of this connection, a magical alchemy of consciousness occurs, a union of our humanity and divinity, where the supernatural become natural and the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Last night was one such holy moment for me. When we can see ourselves as something of a much larger picture, then the perspective pulls our lives into focus and makes things much easier to handle. I wish you many holy moments each and every day!

Stress Tip for the Day:

Invite these holy moments into your life today. Ask to become aware of the extraordinary and the supernatural in everyday life. Become conscious of the bigger picture and make yourself available to the Universe to co-create your reality with divine guidance. Take delight in the little miracles. Take delight in the big one’s too. And when all else fails, remember this. YOU are a miracle too!

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

If you scroll to the bottom of this page, you can view the first chapter of the Earth Songs meditation film I made a few years ago, with many holy moments. Enjoy!

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

Quote for the Day:

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as thought everything is a miracle.” —Albert Einstein.

Photo for the Day:

With camera in hand, I was ready to take some photos of what I saw last night at 35,000 feet, but alas, nothing came out, save the memories in my head. This photo appeared on a recent Facebook posting today and all credit goes to the photographer in Iceland (whomever this might be. Thanks!) It didn't look quite like this from the plane, but it was impressive. 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 newly released, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Imagine!

Imagine living at your highest potential! What would that look like? What would that feel like? What could you do with your life? Spiritual luminaries suggest that, like the caterpillar, we too have what scientists refer to in the caterpillar as imaginal cells. There is absolutely nothing in the cellular structure of a lowly caterpillar that even hints at what it will become upon emerging from it’s chrysalis. These imaginal cells allow for a most remarkable transformation, allowing the caterpillar to reach it’s highest (and most beautiful) potential. Spiritual luminaries suggest that we too have a type of imaginal cell structure. It manifests as we take time to go inside (the human chrysalis, not to be confused with the Man Cave) and really cultivate our spiritual growth. Butterflies the world over are regarded as a symbol of the sacred. Butterflies symbolize the path of the soul emerging from a hardship, transforming into it’s destiny of breathtaking beauty, transcending the mundane into the sublime. Your metamorphosis is calling.....

Stress Tip for the Day:
You don’t have to crawl into a cocoon and hide from the stress of society to wait for these imaginal cells to do their work. Making the transformation from the mundane to the sublime is a change of attitude. Imaginal cells are your keys to empowerment, and they are VERY REAL. This shifting paradigm of thought moves you from victim to victor, and allows you the liberation to take flight. Ask yourself today what thoughts limit your potential? What perceptions hold you back from who you want to be, where you want to go and what you wish to accomplish. How can you release the chains of these perceptions and set yourself free? Imaginal cells are not magical for the lowly caterpillar, nor are they magical thinking for you. It’s your destiny calling… The caterpillar has to make a conscious choice to change. So do you, if you wish to fly to new heights. It's time to use these imaginal cells. Your destiny is calling….

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:
Here is a link from one of my favorite people, Bruce Lipton, about imaginal cells: Enjoy:
http://www.brucelipton.com/newsletter-archive/imaginal-cells-and-cultural-creatives-crisis-ignites-evolution/

http://www.brucelipton.com/newsletter-archive/imaginal-cells/

There are scores of books and movies about the triumph of the human spirit. Some of my favorites include St. Ralph (movie) Life and Death in Shanghai (book) and Enter the Void (movie). The book by Richard Bach, Illusions is also a great read. Consider cocooning up with an inspiring movie or book to awaken/activate your imaginal cells today.

Quote(s) for the Day:
“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.” —Richard Bach, author of Illusions

“There is absolutely nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly. ” —Buckminster Fuller.

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the Sun
And find your shoulder to light on
To bring you luck, happiness and riches
Today, tomorrow and beyond.
— Irish blessing.

Photo for the Day:
Butterflies frequent my backyard garden all the time (a divine message?) This tiger swallow-tail butterfly looks stunning among the purple phlox… 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 A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

How Did You Sleep Last Night?

It’s amazing to think that for the amount of time people spend sleeping (one-third of our lives) how most people don’t spend much thought (or money) on good quality bedding. While stress plays a huge role in insomnia, quality sleep surface is essential for all kinds of reasons. What you sleep on (e.g., sheets, pillow cases, mattress pads, mattresses, blankets, comforters, etc.) contributes greatly as a factor known in sleep study circles as “sleep hygiene.” If you were to ever spend a night in a high-end hotel, you would immediately know the difference in what constitutes great bedding: Down pillows, soft mattress pads, 1000-count Egyptian cotton sheets, down comforters, etc. As they saying goes, “If you don’t spend time and money on the best bedding for maximum comfort, you are robbing yourself of a good night’s sleep.” And as one friend of mine adds, “There are many people sleeping on King or Queen size beds, but they sleep like peasants.” Aside from keeping technology out of the bedroom for a great night’s sleep, premium bedding is a must for how you should spend one-third of your life.

Stress Tip for the Day:

Quality bedding isn’t going to removing all the stress in your life, but it’s a great start. The art of calm involves all of the five senses, and the sense of touch is an important one to consider when considering a good night’s sleep. The hotel I stayed at (decades ago) which to me was a revelation in quality bedding was the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. They have a person who specifically answers phone calls on how to order/purchase the sheets, pillows, comforters, etc., well beyond what you will ever get at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Consider making an overhaul of your bedding so you can sleep like a queen or king.

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

Here are a few links to more information on the topic of sleep hygiene.

http://helpguide.org/life/sleeping.htm

http://stress.about.com/od/lowstresslifestyle/f/sleep.htm

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/10/02/secrets-to-a-good-night-sleep.aspx

Quote for the Day:

“For you to sleep well at night, the aesthetic, the quality, has be carried all the way through.” —Steve Jobs.

Photo for the Day:

While at the Dromoland Castle in Shannon Ireland last year, I took this photo thinking that one day I might use this for a blog entry… And this was a King-size bed with great bedding. 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.

Honesty IS the Best Policy

Why do people lie? Perhaps every reason can come down to one: FEAR; trying to protect ourselves from some perceived danger (real or imagined). So great are the dangers of lying that one of the great 10 commandments advises us not to engage in this behavior. Yet people do. Politicians lie. Husbands lie. So do wives. Students lie. So do professors. Children lie, as do parents. Even priests lie. We manipulate the truth to our advantage, yet in doing so we give our power away. People try to rationalize their lies by calling them white. In an effort not to hurt others we sugar-coat the lie to make the situation palatable. It takes courage to tell the truth. Diplomacy helps. So does humor. In the words of Chaucer, “Many a truth be told in jest.” Today we are living in a world with many lies, from personal to global interests. When trust is lost by those we lie to, it is ever so hard to regain. Living in a cloud of lies, black, white or gray only deepens our separation from happiness. Step into the light.

Stress Tip for the Day:

Make it a point to rise above the habit of twisting the truth for personal gain or pleasure. Speak not only your truth, but truth in all things, from the personal to the universal. Replace the filter of fear with the translucent filter of compassion in action through words. If necessary, add the filter of humor. Time is too short on planet earth to keep secrets and hide insecurities with words. Come clean with your thoughts, ask for forgiveness (as well as offer forgiveness, if need be) and sleep easier knowing you have a clear conscience. Honesty is always the best policy.

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

Here are a few links on the topic of honesty and stress:

http://turnonyourinnerlight.com/Honesty.html

http://www.deepermeditation.net/stressadviceblog/archives/stress-addiction-compulsion-and-honesty.html

Quote for the Day:

“Tell the truth, it’s easier to remember.” — Mark Twain

Photo for the Day:

This photo has absolutely nothing to do with today’s blog topic, but it was too good a photo not to share. We have had some MAJOR winds blow through here in Colorado the past few days, enough to blow over a couple of semi-trucks, and that’s no lie. 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.

A Stress Free Vacation: A Magical Trip to Ireland this Summer

Dear friends, fans and colleagues,

I am taking a group of people to Ireland this summer and we have 4 coveted spots left. We would LOVE to have your join us. This will be the last year I take a group of people to Ireland so this is THE year to go. If the past two years group trips are any indication, then this year’s Spirit of Ireland Journey will also be quite the magical adventure; a trip of a lifetime… with enchanted memories and lifelong friendships. Unlike most Ireland vacations where people take lots of photos and drink pints of beer, our trips include doing some energy work for planetary peace and healing at various sacred sites (stone circles, portal dolmens and monasteries). We will certainly see some amazing sights in County Donegal, County Mayo and County Galway (providing some great scenic photo opportunities, including a few castles) and spend our evenings listening to some wonderful traditional Irish music (and yes they will be serving pints there as well). My tours to Ireland are based on having the “authentic Irish experience,” which is why we travel in a small group and visit sights even the locals like to keep secret. You don’t have to be of Irish ancestry to enjoy this trip, but those who care the Celtic gene in their DNA will be buzzing for years to come. Please consider joining us this year.

Stress Tip for the Day:

As we all know, vacations can be stressful, YET there are certainly vacations that are nearly stress-free. The Spirit of Ireland Journey is one such vacation. We include in this trip morning meditations, music therapy, guided mental imagery, and wonderful support groups, more commonly called “real friends.” If you have ever thought about taking a trip to the Emerald Isle, this is the year, and this is the trip. Traveling in a small group (16-20 people), having someone else do the driving (they drive on the other side of the road), having the hotels taken care of, and traveling with superb guides who know the locations of the sacred sites, know the history of the country, the politics, the spirituality makes for an unforgettable and more rewarding experience.

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

Below are links to the Trips to Ireland link on my home page as well as a link to the PDF brochure with all the information which includes the registration form on the last two pages. If you have any questions please feel free to email me.

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

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

Quote for the Day:

May the road rise up to meet you,

May the wind always be 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.

Irish Proverb

Photo for the Day:

Ireland is a country filled with stone monuments, from portal dolmens and stone circles marking the summer or winter solstice to scores of castles and monasteries. This photo was taken last year of our wonderful group at the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a sacred portal tomb in County Clare, Ireland.

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 isthe 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.

Like Water for Chocolate: Cooking With Love

In a conversation with a good friend the other day, the subject of food came up. Not merely just good quality food, but the preparation of food. Not the avoidance of Teflon (though this is a great idea) but the inclusion of intention with the slicing, dicing and stirring. We both agreed that the most important ingredient included in any recipe is love. If we accept the premise that thoughts and emotions are energy, then we must also accept the fact that one’s intention while preparing the food is actually infused into the meal. Anyone who has savored a specially prepared home-cooked meal where the art of cooking becomes a process of adoration and passion knows that the food simply tastes better! The same can be said at great restaurants where the chef places quality over quantity. Now think for a moment about the preparation of fast food, junk food, processed food and the like. Not much love there. Just the negative energy of corporate profits; often listed as additives, preservatives, hormones, antibiotics, herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, petrochemical fertilizers and genetically modified organisms. If you ever saw the movie, Like Water for Chocolate, then you understand the concept of love as an ingredient. Once you get it, eating food without this ingredient is barely possible.

Stress Tip for the Day:

Today (and from here on out, everyday) make a habit to be conscious of the foods you eat in terms of energy. How are the foods prepared? Remember that convenience may be great in the short term, but the payback, as they say, is a bitch (code for many chronic health problems). When you prepare your meals, turn off the TV and put on some of your favorite music. If you cook with a spouse, friend or children, infuse the cooking process with great stories and or funny jokes. Fill the kitchen with good vibrations. When you eat, eat consciously. It is also important to add a word about the slaughter of animals for food. It’s a well-known fact that animals killed in a state of fear flood their muscles (meat) with stress hormones, which are then consumed when eaten. For this reason alone make a habit to eat free range meats when possible, as these animals tend to be sacrificed more humanly.

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

I googled the words, “cooking with love” and of course, there is a website and book with this title. So… here is the link. Enjoy!

http://www.cookingwithlove.com/

Quote for the Day:

“Considering all of the additives, preservatives, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, antibiotics, petrochemical fertilizers and hormones in our food supply these days, saying grace before a meal takes on a whole new meaning.” — Brian Luke Seaward

Photo for the Day:

I am going to lose points today for not having a photo of chocolate, I just know it, but I ate it all before I thought to photograph any. Oops. This photo was taken at the renowned Flagstaff House in Boulder and I can say with great certainty, that all meals are made with love as the essential ingredient. Bon Appetite!

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.

A Meaningful Purpose and Health

Current research reveals what intuition has suggested all along: Those people who have discovered and engaged in a meaningful purpose in life tend to live longer and for that matter, healthier lives. Conversely, those people who feel like their lives have no purpose tend to have many health related issues. And how can anyone forget that the vast majority of heart attacks are known to occur on Monday morning. The implication being that a lack of a meaningful purpose chokes the human spirit which then wrecks havoc in the body. A meaningful purpose in life, it should be noted, is the hallmark of spiritual well-being. It is fair to say that one’s health status is a complicated phenomenon. Yes, there are biological factors, and hereditary factors, even environmental factors. But let us not forget the health of the human spirit, which contributes so greatly to our physical health as well. When allowed to bring forth it’s vibrancy, the human spirit ignites every cell in the body to hum with happiness.

Stress Tip for the Day:

Time to take stock in your life today. What gives you meaning? Is it your family? Perhaps your job/career? Is it your passionate hobby? It makes no difference what it is, only that you have something passionate to live for. In the course of our lives, we will have many meaningful purposes. As one chapter closes we must become aware of what the next chapter will be, even if we have to write it ourselves. There are many spiritual luminaries who will tell you that accessing your meaningful purpose in life is THE most important aspect of being alive on the planet earth. So what is your passion? What matters most to you? Do you merely think about what matters or does your passion call you to do more than think about it; in essence act on it. A meaningful purpose in life calls you to engage in life. Take time to listen and answer to this call.

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

While there are many, many books to suggest, if you have not read Victor Frankl’s classic book, Man’s Search for Meaning, please make it a point to read this book ASAP.

And while there are many movies that may inspire you, please consider viewing St. Ralph!

Quote for the Day:

“He who has a why to live can endure any how.” —Friedrich Nietzsche

Photo for the Day:

Today’s photo is an image I took of the Skogafoss Waterfall in Iceland. Though I may have already used this image in a previous blog entry, I think it’s worth looking at again. I hope you agree. 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.

Malnutrition in America

When you hear the world malnutrition, images of starving young children in Africa typically come to mind. In the richest country in the world, however, the word malnutrition takes on an entirely different meaning: Empty calories! It’s hard to imagine that in a country where obesity is nearing epidemic proportions, that the word malnutrition comes up, but along side obesity we have a HUGE problem with malnutrition. People may be stuffing their faces, but in actually starving their bodies. Processed foods, junk foods and comfort foods, while certainly convenient contain few if any vitamins and minerals, hence the expression “empty calories.” By denying your body these important nutrients, you are actually starving your body of the necessary nutrients for healthy metabolism. The human body has an amazing ability to compensate… to a point. Then all hell breaks loose with regard to the proper functioning of the cardio-vascular system, the immune system, the reproductive system and so on. The end result is a host of chronic diseases.

Stress Tip for the Day:

Make a habit to eat nutrient dense foods. Example: an apple is more nutrient dense than a Hostess Twinkee. An orange is more nutrient dense than a candy bar. You get the idea. Try to be more conscious about your food choices. It’s OK to have a dish of ice cream (once in a while). It’s OK to have chocolate, but not everyday at every meal. You get the idea. When in doubt, reach for fruit and veggies (organic if available). Make each meal a nutrient dense meal.

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

Here are a few links for more info on this topic

http://www.thebeginwithinblog.com/2011/05/donna’s-top-ten-nutrient-dense-“super-foods”-2/

http://tkranch.com/faq/nutrient-dense-foods.html

http://bruisedfruits.net/2814/nutrientdense-foods-diet.html

Quote for the Day:

“It shouldn’t be long before we see chocolate bars bearing FDA-approved health claims. (When we do, nutritionism will surely have entered its baroque phase.) Fortunately for everyone playing this game, scientists can find an antioxidant in just about any plant-based food they choose to study.” —Michael Pollan

Photo for the Day:

I could have taken a photo of junk food, but I didn’t have any in the house (healthy food boundaries) so to remind you the significance of empty calories I took a photo of an empty plate!

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 isthe 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.