Inspiration of the day!

More reasons to keep meditating...

Studies are showing meditation can directly affect the structure and function of the brain, increasing alertness and focus and improving memory.  Meditation may actually be able to slow down the thinning of our neural cortex which naturally occurs with age.  It can also help regulate our emotions, contributing to overall well-being and likely improved relations with others.  Check out Time Magazine's feature highlighting the effects of meditation here.



Previous posts on the benefits of meditation:
Meditation Eases Heart Disease

Millions of Americans Struggle to Find Food

 In these trying economic times, many families are finding themselves struggling simply to put enough food on their family's table.  I'd encourage us all to be mindful of the needs of those around us, and the increasing demands on local aid providers, and to consider helping out in any way in which our means allow.  Thanks to ABC World news for highlighting this issue on tonight's broadcast.
 
Millions of Americans Struggle to Find Food

Giving Thanks

Today's I'd like to wish each of you a wonderful and fulfilling Thanksgiving, saturated with sources of comfort and peace. 

 Meditation Eases Heart Disease

Antibacterial Nation

Nowadays it is quite common to see people walking around with bottles upon bottles of hand sanitizer, as we are consistently being told to wash our hands several times per day to keep germs (like swine flu, recently) away.  The antibacterial soap industry has quadrupled in size over the last decade, and continues to grow day by day.  Unfortunately we've sort of created our own monster with this concept, and we actually may be better off skipping the antibacterial soap and opting for the old fashioned stuff.  Even the American Medical Association has recommended ditching it in our homes.  Here's a few reasons why:

Yoga Used as Coping Tool for Cancer and ADHD

 

Recent findings show practicing yoga decreases symptoms in cancer patients and in children with ADHD.  

Read more here.

A Tribute to Nicholas Branca, 2001-2009

It is with a heavy heart that I write this post, as my 7yo "red angel" (as those who loved him called him) Nicholas has lost his battle with Neuroblastoma. Diagnosed at age 3 with this devastating childhood cancer, Nicholas went through a series of experimental and traditional treatments in hopes of eradicating the disease with many periods of remission throughout his journey. Nicholas brought joy and happiness to those surrounding him with each passing day of his short life, in a way that none of us could have ever imagined possible - nor can we ever forget. His undeniable bravery and undying spirit provided all of us with a model of hope, perseverance, and courage that some take entire lifetimes to learn, and his spirit will continue to teach the same lessons for years to come. Nicholas died on October 29th surrounded by his family members in the comfort of his own home - free from the confines of a hospital bed, as he wished.

The following video is a tribute to the life of Nicholas Branca, who never stopped holding on for a cure.
(video has sound so be sure to turn off playlist at bottom of page)

To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.
~Thomas Campbell