7 Reasons Why Every Day of the Week Matters

Posted on by Tammy

By Dr. William Constantine

The majority of us are so busy starting the week saying, “Is it Friday, yet?” that the rest of the week drags because we essentially strapped giant boulders to our legs as we try and “make it through.” Doing this sets the intention the week will be a struggle, and we are not even conscious of it.

However, we don’t have to let this be our routine anymore. We can follow a spiritually invigorating theme week instead, and in doing so, feel energized and revitalized – not only on Friday, but on Monday too! Yes, that’s right, I said the bad word – Monday. No longer will we have to have “Manic Mondays.” Let’s spiritually evolve our week and mindset towards something new.

Manifestation Mondays – This is the day where you set the intention – the outlook you seek for the end of the week. When dealing with intention, it’s important to deal in terms of feelings. When phrasing your intention, emotionally charge it with trigger words that fire you up.

“It’s another *$%# Monday,” doesn’t set the right intention, and you will undoubtedly create a “dreaded Monday.” Instead, set the intention that on Friday you will be “refreshed and renewed knowing I have fully contributed and loved openly, listened fully, and experienced all life had to offer.”

Totally different experience already, right? That is a week you want to start! As an artist puts a brush to a blank canvas, so do you at the start of every day.

Thankful Tuesdays – Today is dedicated to find things you are thankful for from the previous day. Trust me, there is always something to be thankful for, whether it’s an interaction with another, an experience, something you witnessed, a smile, etc. Take this experience you are thankful for and feel blessed because now this becomes your outcome of that day. It changes your focal point of the pervious day.

Taking it one step further, incorporate this philosophy throughout the rest of the week – until Sunday and then repeat.

Wizardly Wednesdays – This is your power day, as it is the day your realign and affirm you are on target for your intention. It’s the day you get real with yourself and your ability to manifest your day-to-day, moment-to-moment reality, and if you are holding on to “crap” from earlier in the week – it’s time to RELEASE and SURRENDER.

If you are holding on to something ask yourself, “What did I learn?” or “How did this make me better?”

Transcendent Thursdays – This is the day of reflection on the week’s outcomes so far. Look at how you have grown from life’s lessons, and how it has brought you closer to where you want to be. Today, you revel in the gold nuggets you have been collecting since “Thankful Tuesday,” and you sit with them. Notice how you feel as you awaken to the possibility of you.

Fruitful Friday – The tree bares fruit on this day as you experience your intention from Monday come into reality, but do not forget to be present and to continue the process. This is what life can truly be like – free and abundant – as long as your focusyou’re your intentions are pure.

Now, on Friday, you want to truly acknowledge the success of the week and your manifestation skills with a “pat on the back.” Whether you buy yourself lunch, new clothes, or something for the house – treat yourself for a manifestation well done.

Satisfaction Saturday – A free day to experience all you created and to enjoy life knowing you did so. This will continue your “pampering” yourself by allowing yourself to be free and do something you enjoy doing.

Soulful Sunday – Today you give back to the essence of you – your soul. This is a day, where you focus on giving yourself a spiritually fulfilling experience; a walk in the park, meditation on a mountaintop; or attending a sermon or lecture from a spiritual guru. At the end of Sunday, you come into alignment with what you wish to set for the intention the following week.

When you set your week up like this, life is an enjoyable journey, which is intended to be. You sit at the helm, holding the creative license to that which you will become. You’ll notice how much more freedom you’ll experience outside of stress and anxiety.

William Constantine is a lifestyle expert, global leader for non-profit work and has a Doctorate in Metaphysical Sciences. Used as a source on Nancy Grace, Fox Business News, ABC, NBC, and other media outlets, Constantine is an expert on how to break free from fear- based realities and conditional thinking as it relates to life and career choices. For more inforamtin, visit his Web sitehttp://drwilliamconstantine.com, follow him on Twitter: @wmconstantine, or visit his Facebook Page.

Russell Brand to Open Non-Profit, Free Rehab Center in California

Posted on by Tammy

Actor and comedian Russell Brand is giving back to his community and reaching out to those suffering from addiction – something he himself struggled with and overcome.

Brand is launching a non-profit project called Freehab, a no-cost, 12-step drug rehabilitation program co-founded with Lauri Burns, who founded The Teen Project, according to a report by laist.com

Brand explained an important part of his own recovery is “awareness of other people suffering from this disease, the symptoms of which are obvious on our streets.”

Last week, the Los Angeles City Council voted 12-0 in approval of the Community Development Block Grant funds of $500,000 go to the non-profit where Brand and Burns plan to renovate and expand an 88-bed facility in Sun Valley, Calif., formerly run by People in Progress, a nonprofit that went bankrupt last year, according to City News Service. Freehab also has satellite locations in Skid Row and Hollywood, operating on mostly private donations and corporate and foundation funding.

In a CBS Los Angeles report, Brand said while there are “ugly aspects to addiction,” there is also the potential for people who have been a “terrible detriment to society” to change.

“When I spent some time in downtown Los Angeles, I was astonished by the degree and severity of homelessness in our community,” Brand said in the CBS report. “Now I know, for myself, for me, it’s astonishing that we’ve learned to acclimate to this extreme condition of people who are the same as us being cast aside.”

The treatment facility will serve approximately 200 substance abuse patients and plans to open in October 2013, the report stated.

Deepak Chopra & Eckhart Tolle Host Live Streaming Event April 24

Posted on by Tammy

Bring best-selling authors and spiritual teachers, Deepak Chopra and Eckhart Tolle live into your home via the Internet on Wednesday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. pacific/10:30 p.m. eastern, as the Chopra Center for Wellbeing hosts, “A Conversation with Deepak Chopra and Eckhart Tolle,” a special, live-streaming event.

This event offers viewers around the world an opportunity to participate in a conversation with the authors as they explore life’s biggest questions, such as finding our purpose, staying centered in the face of uncertainty, letting go of unhealthy fear and stress, and cultivating more joy, creativity, compassion and wellbeing.

“Through his books and teachings, Eckhart Tolle has helped countless people throughout the world move through fear and pain, connect to their true self, and experience the peace of present moment awareness,” said Chopra. “I’m looking forward to sharing a wonderful conversation and exploration with Eckhart, and those who join us will get to personally experience his insight, light-hearted spirit, and inspiring guidance.”

The evening event is part of the Chopra Center’s Seduction of Spirit retreat taking place April 21–27 at La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., and is the only portion of the retreat that will be open for public viewing and interaction.

During a special Q&A session, participants will have the chance to ask Deepak Chopra and Eckhart Tolle questions via e-mail and Facebook.

To register for the event for only $24.95, go to http://www.chopra.com/sos/liveevent.

Allergy Drops Shown to Be Effective Alternative to Shots, Studies Show

Posted on by Tammy

Do you suffer from allergies, but don’t want to go through the injections at the doctor’s office? A new scientific review shows allergy drops are an effective alternative, according to a report by Compasscayman.com.

A review conducted by researchers at John Hopkins, looked at 63 published studies to confirm putting small amounts of purified grasses, ragweed, dust mites, pollen and mold, in liquid drops under the tongue is a safe and effective alternative to weekly injections of those allergens or the use of other medications, in treating symptoms of allergies and allergic asthma in some people, the report stated.

Results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association online, and the report is believed to be the largest synopsis of its kind, reviewing previous research to compare various therapies designed to stop the wheezing, sneezing and runny nose that accompany allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and allergic asthma, according to researchers.

The 63 studies involved approximately 5,131 participants, almost all in Europe, where allergy drops, or so-called sublingual immunotherapy, have been widely available for nearly two decades. These therapies have not been approved for use by the US Food and Drug Administration, but physicians in the U.S. do use the drops “off-label” for some patients.

In eight of 13 studies evaluated, researchers found “strong evidence” drop therapy produced a 40 percent or greater reduction in coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest compared with other treatments, including inhaled steroids. In nine of 36 studies comparing allergy drops to other allergy treatments, including antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays, researchers found allergy drops produced a 40 percent or greater reduction in symptoms of runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion.

“Our findings are clear evidence that sublingual immunotherapy in the form of allergy drops are an effective potential treatment option for millions of Americans suffering from allergic asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis,” said senior study investigator Dr. Sandra Lin in the report, explaining allergy drops are more convenient because they can be used at home rather then going back and forth to the doctor’s office.

5 Simple Ways to Get Present

Posted on by Tammy

By Keri Nola, MA, LMHC

You know those times when you feel really scattered, overwhelmed and checked out? There’s no shame in getting unbalanced from time to time, and the truth is, we all do it. I have found it helps when we have some quick tricks in our toolbox to support us in re-centering.

Empower yourself now with these 5 simple ways to get present:

1) Breathe. The breath is simply our most powerful resource for returning to inner peace and calm. Allow yourself to breathe in and out through your nose slowly and mindfully. Shifting your awareness to the breath helps to bring you back to the here and now quickly.

2) Blink Mindfully. Opening and closing the eyes with intention is another quick and easy way to bring you back to the here and now.

3) Go Barefoot. Walking barefoot, especially outside on mother earth is a wonderful way to awaken and rebalance your root chakra, which helps keep you connected to the present moment. If you are unable to go outside or take your shoes off, you can simply imagine the soles of your feet coming in contact with the earth and being anchored and supported.

4) Name Game. The senses are another power tool when it comes to getting grounded and returning to the present moment. This technique is as simple as naming three things you see, hear, smell, and/or physically feel to help bring you back to the now. Tuning into the reality of what is around you is a quick way to anchor yourself.

5) Gratitude. Think of and/or write down three things you are grateful for in this moment and allow those feelings of gratitude to awaken in your mind, body and soul.

These exercises can be used by themselves or paired up as you wish to create a grounding ritual that resonates with you. The good news is no matter where you are or what you’re doing, all of these tools can be quickly and easily practiced to help you show up to your life fully and completely.

Ready for another tool? Download a Free Chakra Balancing Meditation to help you get present.

Author of “A Year on Your Path to Growth: Daily Inspiration to Reconnect With Your Soul,” and “44 Holistic Tips for Peaceful Sleep,” Keri Nola is a highly regarded psychotherapist, and Founder of Path To Growth LLC, an integrative healing center based in Central Florida. She combines traditional and holistic techniques to create products and experiences that help people access their inner wisdom and create a healthy mind, body and spirit to live their most inspired lives. Her real life experience paired with her extensive education and work background makes her a compassionate, balanced, and sought-after professional in the areas of personal and spiritual growth and development. For more information, visit www.pathtogrowth.com; follow Keri on Twitter @PathtoGrowth; or on Facebook.

Meditation Shown to Lower Stress Hormone Levels

Posted on by Tammy

New research from the Shamantha Project at the University of California, Davis – a long-term, control-group study on the effects of meditation training on the mind and body – shows focusing on the present moment rather then letting the mind drift may help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, ScienceCodex.com reported.

“This is the first study to show a direct relation between resting cortisol and scores on any type of mindfulness scale,” said Tonya Jacobs, a postdoctoral researcher at the UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain, and the first author of a paper describing the work published in the journal Health Psychology.

High levels of cortisol, which is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland, is associated with physical and emotional stress, and prolonged release of the hormone contributes to a host of adverse effects on physiological systems, according to the report.

Researchers used a questionnaire to measure aspects of mindfulness among a group of volunteers before and after intensive, three-month meditation retreat, and they also measured cortisol levels in the volunteer’s saliva, the report stated.

During the retreat, researchers trained participants in mindfulness breathing, observing mental events, and observing the nature of consciousness by Buddhist teacher B. Alan Wallace of Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies. They also practiced loving kindness, compassion, empathetic joy and equanimity.

There was a correlation between a high score for mindfulness and a low score in cortisol before and after the retreat, and those whose mindfulness score increased, also showed a decrease in cortisol.

Training the mind to focus on immediate experience may reduce the propensity to ruminate about the past and worry about the future – thought processes that have been linked to cortisol release, said Jacobs.