We keep trying to make sense of death because we’re afraid of it. 

After all, how can we not be when all we have ever known is life?

 It’s always scary to step into change, and the more unknown that change is, the more daunting and unpredictable it feels.

Thankfully as time has gone on and science has advanced, we have been able to make death less of a mysterious thing. We now have a better understanding of some of the eerie but fascinating things that happen in our final moments. Here are the 8 most notable things based on the experiences of people who died and then came back.

Almost everyone that had a near-death experience—meaning that their heart stopped beating and flatlined, only to be resuscitated once again,—reported an ability to step outside of their body.

They explained that not only were they able to see themselves as they were floating in space, but they were also able to give accurate details of who was around, what they were doing and saying, and what was happening during the moments they were technically clinically dead.

Do We Go to Heaven When We Die? (lifehopeandtruth.com) 

The expression “seeing the light at the end of the tunnel” didn’t come out of nowhere. 

This raises questions as to whether our spirit is attached to our physical bodies or whether we float away from death when we die and go on to live in some sort of spirit world instead. Seeing a light upon death is a common report by those who were brought back away from it. Just like we have seen in the movies, it’s true that they describe feeling welcomed into a warm, bright, and beautiful light.

Everything Was Connected

The intensity of the brightness of that light differs from person to person. Some people have described that light as “God.” Some of those who had enough time to step into it also described finally getting the answers to all sorts of questions about the universe. They explained that everything was connected and that it all finally made sense. The light was so reassuring, that some didn’t want to be brought back to life.

You See Your Life Flash Before Your Eyes

Seeing your life flash before your eyes also is a true statement. 

This phenomenon has been the subject of many scientific studies.

A recent study’s most notable discovery was that for about 30 seconds before and after a man’s heart stopped beating from cardiac arrest, activity increased in the parts of the brain associated with memory recall, meditation, and dreams. This information supports a theory known as”life recalls” which suggests that we relive our whole life in seconds, or a flash, just before we die.

Our eyes move rapidly, like REM sleep, while accessing memories. This shows that, as more and more studies are revealing, the brain remains active during and immediately after death. Perhaps one of the most heartwarming reports of what happens after death is that people report being able to see and interact with loved ones who have passed away, even if it’s for a short visit. 

They can’t necessarily control who they will encounter

but oftentimes it’s a relative or dear friend who appeared to them.

It’s Not Time Yet: Is There a God And Heaven After life.

Some have even been told to go back to life as it was not yet their time to join them in the afterlife. Perhaps our lost loved ones really are watching over us somewhere from beyond until we join them one day.

Almost every person who reported having a moment in which they were clinically dead, reported that they were able to float outside their physical body in spirit. This is something people have been trying to do while alive but sleeping, calling it astral projection.

Astral Projection

Astral projection is a practice of leaving the body safely. There are numerous guides that teach people how to leave their bodies on command. It starts out by practicing lucid dreaming, or the ability to control your dreams. While this may be experienced differently when sleeping versus when dead, it can simulate the experience to give you an idea of what to expect!

One of the fascinating discoveries is of people reporting being able to see and hear everything that happened around them while they were unconscious even though they weren’t able to respond.

Sixth Sense

One person, in particular, mentioned that they were able to see the green-haired paramedic that was sitting by them as they lay unresponsive. Days later, upon gaining back consciousness, she saw him again in real life. She approached him to ask. She said he seemed astonished because there was no way she should have been able to see him. Perhaps we tap into a sixth sense we’re not even aware of when we die.

There is no way to guarantee for sure what exactly will happen to each of us upon death. It’s possible that the experience will be relative to the person. Not all near-death experiences have been positive.

Some say that death was nothing but fading to black. In some cases, they said it felt like a deep sleep, without dreams. 

This is the worst fear for some of us. It would mean that our whole lives end up being meaningless and truly end as our physical bodies decay. It’s hard to believe that our bodies simply rot and our souls along with them. But, this can also be motivation to live as full of a life as possible while we are still alive.

I have studied NDE’s and like flying paper airplanes no two experiences are the same.

I’ve studied more than 5,000 near death experiences.

 My research has convinced me without a doubt that there’s life after death.

Story by insider@insider.com (Kelly Burch)

• Jeffrey Long is a radiation oncologist in Kentucky. – Search Videos (bing.com)
• He’s also founder of the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation.
• He says studying near-death experiences has made him a better cancer doctor. 

Beyond the Final Breath- 18 Major Theories on What Happens After we Die (msn.com)

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jeffrey Long. It has been edited for length and clarity.Thirty-seven years ago I was an oncologist resident, learning about how best to treat cancer using radiation. These were the pre-internet days, so I did my research in the library. One day I was flipping through a large volume of the Journal of American Medical Association when I came across an article describing near-death experiences. 

It stopped me in my tracks. All my medical training told me you were either alive or dead. There was no in-between. But suddenly, I was reading from a cardiologist describing patients who had died, then come back to life, reporting very distinct, almost unbelievable experiences.
From that moment, I was fascinated with near-death experiences or NDEs. I define a near-death experience as someone who is either comatose or clinically dead, without a heartbeat, having a lucid experience where they see, hear, feel emotions, and interact with other beings. Learning more about these experiences has fundamentally changed my view of the universe.

Near-death experiences have common threads

When I finished my residency, I started the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation. I started collecting stories from people who had NDEs and evaluating them with the mind of a scientist and doctor. I make opinions based on evidence and came into this as a skeptic. But in the face of overwhelming evidence, I’ve come to believe there’s certainly an afterlife. 

Related video: Man who was declared brain-dead for three days before coming back to life reveals what he saw in the ‘afterlife’ (Dailymotion) – Search (bing.com)

But as I studied thousands of them:

I saw a consistent pattern of events, emerging in a predictable order. About 45% of people who have an NDE report an out-of-body experience. When this happens, their consciousness separates from their physical body, usually hovering above the body. The person can see and hear what’s happening around them, which usually includes frantic attempts to revive them. One woman even reported a doctor throwing a tool on the floor when he picked up the wrong one—something the doctor later confirmed. 
   After the out-of-body experience, people say they’re transported into another realm. 

Many passes through a tunnel and experience a bright light. Then they’re greeted by deceased loved ones, including pets, who are in the prime of their lives. Most people report an overwhelming sense of love and peace. They feel like this other realm is their real home. I haven’t found any scientific explanation for these experiences that may sound cliche: the bright light, the tunnel, the loved ones.  

But over twenty-five years of studying NDEs. I’ve come to believe that these descriptions have become cultural tropes because they’re true. I even worked with a group of children under five who had NDEs. They reported the same experiences that adults did—and at that age, you’re unlikely to have heard about bright lights or tunnels after you die.

Other people report seemingly unbelievable events, which we can later confirm. 

One woman lost consciousness while riding her horse on a trail. Her body stayed on the trail while her consciousness traveled with her horse as he galloped back to the barn. Later, she was able to describe exactly what happened at the barn because she had seen it despite her body not being there.

Others, who hadn’t spoken to her, confirmed her account. I’m a medical doctor. I’ve read brain research and considered every possible explanation for NDEs. The bottom line is that none of them hold water. There isn’t even a remotely plausible physical explanation for this phenomenon.  I’ve also studied fear-death experiences, like near-miss car accidents.

I take a particular definition for NDEs. The person must be unconscious. But there’s another type of phenomenon that fascinates me too: what I call fear-death experiences. These are situations where you feel your life is in imminent danger. It might be a near-miss car accident or a sudden fall. These people generally don’t experience the tunnel and light, but they often report their life “flashing before their eyes.” While some people with NDEs report these life reviews, they’re more common with fear-death experiences.  People even recall events from toddlerhood that they can’t consciously remember. But that we can later

confirm by talking with family members and others. Studying NDEs has made me a better cancer doctor. While I’m passionate about NDEs, my day job still revolves around helping patients fight cancer. I don’t tell my patients about my NDE research. And yet, my work with NDEs has made me a more compassionate and loving doctor. I’m able to help my patients face life-threatening diseases with increased courage and passion. My goal is to help them have more healthy days here on Earth. 
But I firmly believe that if and when they pass, they will be at peace.

A woman standing on top of a mountain to feel the human energy field

The Human Energy Field – Search (bing.com)

Layers of Human Energy Field & Why You Should Hack Into Them for Supercharged Vitality

Written by Callie Bakola

Approved by Jeffrey Allen

C.S. Lewis once said, “You don’t have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body.”

Though it sounds rather religious or metaphysical, this statement is now backed up by science. At least partially.

Mind, Body Spirit Connection and Health – Think of a human being as a body-mind-spirit complex. These layers, known as the human energy field, are invisible and intangible, but they are essential for your well-being. If any of these are out of balance, they can manifest on a visceral level—as a physical ailment, emotional or mental distress, or a sense of disconnection with self or others.

But knowing how to balance them can level up your human experience.

We are much more than our physical body. The human energy system consists of much more than is perceived to our physical eyes. The human body consists of an electromagnetic energy field, which makes up for our subtle bodies, or Light Body, consisting of 7 Chakras and meridians through which energy flows. 47 Human Energy Field ideas | energy field, energy, energy healing (pinterest.com)

Also known as “aura” or “biofield,” the human energy field is an invisible energy surrounding the human body. It’s an integral part of many belief systems and alternative healing practices rooted in spiritual traditions. The human energy field has multiple layers—five of them—and each has its own function:

Physical: Directly connected to the physical body

Etheric: The blueprint for the physical body

Emotional: Contains emotions and feelings

Mental: Linked to thoughts, beliefs, and mental processes

Spiritual: What connects humans with the divine

The importance of the human energy field lies in the direct connection between energy and well-being. Because, at the end of the day, everything is energy. And by altering it, you can improve many different aspects of your life.

How to Balance Your Mind, Body, and Soul During a Crisis

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-healing-works/202004/how-balance-your-mind-body-and-soul-during-crisis

The mind-body-spirit connection means that our wellness comes not just from physical health, but from mental health and spiritual health as well1. All three are connected, and weakness or imbalance in one of these can negatively affect the others2. For example, severe emotional stress of the mind can cause high blood pressure and other illnesses in an otherwise healthy body. Similarly, physical illness or injury can cause depression in a usually healthy mind2. Mind-Body Therapy is increasingly popular as a means of cost-effective self-care3.  

How Big Is the Human Energy Field?

Humans have an energy field around them that can extend up to several feet from the physical body. If you search for human energy field images, most of them are pictured as egg-shaped cocoons around the body. The specific size varies, and it depends on factors such as health, age, emotions, and state of mind.

Generally speaking, the more positive your well-being is, the bigger your human energy is, and vice versa. Similarly, experienced energy workers and those engaging with spirituality usually have larger and more prominent auras.

What’s more, the size of each layer in the energy field also varies. The innermost layer, the one closest to the physical body, is also the smallest. And the outermost layer, which is the spiritual layer, is the largest.

The 5 Layers of the Human Energy Fields

Different belief systems and schools of energy healing may have slight variations in the number and attributes of the energy fields. That said, most systems have agreed upon these five layers of human energy fields.

1. The physical layer

This is your visceral body, composed of flesh, skin, bone structure, organs, and blood. It’s a physical representation of what you perceive as self. And for most people, it’s the only self-perception they have. Although you are quite aware of your physical body, your eating, drinking, breathing, and moving patterns leave much to be desired.

But if you don’t set them right, it will affect your mental, emotional, and even spiritual bodies. Jeffrey Allen, a world-renowned energy healer and author of Mindvalley’s Duality Quest, explains that when you go through painful experiences, you store energy from them in your body.

Whatever you store spreads out into the world through your process of self-expression. That’s why it’s so important to heal yourself, release negativity from your body and consciousness, and nurture it in ways that serve your highest good.

What Does Ocean Frequencies Do For the Human Body – Search (bing.com)

How to keep a balanced physical energy field

Achieving balance in your human body’s energy field comes with optimal health, energy, vitality, and resistance to illness.

Here are a few ways to keep your physical energy field balanced:

Healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet, stay active, and get enough sleep.

Body awareness. Stay in tune with your physical sensations by practicing activities like yoga, Tai Chi, or body scans.

Energy healing. Massage therapy and acupuncture help release physical tension and promote energy balance.

Hydration. Don’t forget to stay hydrated during the day.

2. The etheric layer

The second layer surrounding your body is the etheric. It serves the role of a bridge between the physical and energetic realms of yourself. It’s also closely associated with the life force energy, often referred to as “prana” or “chi,” which is believed to flow through the energy meridians in the body.

This layer is considered a template or blueprint for the physical body. It contains the energetic patterns and information necessary for the physical body’s development, maintenance, and vitality. You can picture it as a web of energy that mirrors the body’s structure and functions.

How to keep a balanced etheric energy field

Your physical body needs to be in alignment with the energetic patterns and templates in the etheric layer. Thanks to this alignment, you can have a basis for the proper growth, development, and functioning of your physical systems.

For a balanced etheric energy field, you may want to practice these:

Grounding. Spend time in nature, practice earthing, or meditate to connect with the earth’s energy.

Energy cleansing. Use techniques like smudging, salt baths, or crystal cleansing to clear stagnant energy from your etheric field.

Pranayama. Explore yogic breathwork to enhance prana flow.

Mindful living. Practice mindfulness to stay present in the moment and maintain awareness of your energetic state.

3. The emotional layer

This is the layer where your emotions, feelings, and fears reside—it’s the most volatile layer of all. Although you are seemingly experiencing emotions inside, they are both inside and outside of you at the same time.

Jeffrey explains that people don’t allow themselves to feel their emotions out of fear of becoming them. But you aren’t your emotions.

He adds, “Emotions are the foundation of authenticity, and by allowing yourself to feel your emotions, you are helping yourself and others.”

How to keep a balanced emotional energy field

A balanced mental layer is characterized by clear and focused thinking, emotional stability, and reduced mental stress.

You can keep your emotional energy field in check with these practices:

Emotional awareness. Regularly check in with your emotions by acknowledging and processing them.

Self-expression. Express your feelings in creative ways, such as by keeping a journal or talking with a trusted friend, partner, or therapist.

Meditation. Incorporate this practice that focuses on emotional well-being, such as loving-kindness meditation.

Boundary setting. Set clear boundaries to protect your energy from emotional drains or conflicts.

4. The mental layer

Commonly referred to as your mindset, this layer is where all your ideas, thoughts, and belief systems are carefully stored, assimilated, and sorted out. It’s within your mental body that your truths and perceptions are formed, and often determines whether you remain stuck in life or propel you forward.

It’s crucial to understand that your mental body also serves as a filter between your mental and spiritual bodies. This intermediary role is often referred to as intuition, a vital link that connects you with higher consciousness.

So, it’s worth noting that your mental body doesn’t necessarily imply mental awareness. Instead, it’s primarily influenced by the programs, patterns, and belief systems you inherit, adopt in childhood, and develop during your life.

In other words, your mind can remain unaware, and an unaware mind can lead you into various predicaments because it gives you a feeling of being right all the time. What’s more, an unaware mind results in mental chatter, or noise, that keeps you stuck in negative scenarios, diminishing your mental clarity and focus.

Everything is Electricity | Cancer Quick Facts (solitarius.org)

Awaken Your Unstoppable

Cultivating healthy energy fields in a holistic way has the power to transform your life on many levels. 

Therefore, developing awareness of your mental body is crucial for achieving a balanced mind.

How to keep a balanced mental energy field

You should aim for a balanced mental layer to achieve a state of mental equilibrium,

clarity, and well-being in your thoughts and beliefs.

For a harmonic mental energy field, you can make a habit out of these:

Mindfulness meditation. Practice mindfulness to cultivate mental clarity, focus, and awareness.

Positive affirmations. Use positive affirmations to reframe negative thought patterns—a sign of low human

energy field vibration—and maintain a balanced mental state.

Cognitive exercises. Engage in activities that challenge your cognitive abilities and keep your mind sharp.

Mental health support. Seek therapy or counseling if needed to address and manage mental health concerns effectively.

5. The spiritual layer

This final layer is your higher awareness that connects you to universal consciousness, mainly through intuition.

From a chakra system perspective, it’s your crown chakra where you’re pulling energies into your body from above.

Are the Chakras part of the Limbic System – Search (bing.com)

The chakras and the limbic system are part of different conceptual frameworks and are not directly related. The limbic system is a set of brain structures that supports a variety of functions including emotion, behavior, motivation, long-term memory, and olfaction1. It is often referred to as the “emotional brain” and is highly involved in the body’s response to emotional stimuli.

On the other hand, chakras are part of an ancient Indian system of spiritual, physical, and emotional energy centers within the body2. They are not physical structures like the limbic system but are thought to be energetic focal points that influence various aspects of a person’s well-being.

While the limbic system is a well-defined group of structures within the brain studied in neuroscience, the concept of chakras comes from spiritual and holistic practices and is not recognized in the same way by modern science. However, some people believe that the state of one’s chakras can influence their emotional and physical health, which could be seen as a parallel to how the limbic system influences emotions and behaviors. But it’s important to note that this is a belief and not scientifically proven to be part of the limbic system or its functions.

Researchers May Have Solved a Piece of the Human Brain’s Energy Puzzle.

‘PsyPost’ reports that scientists have uncovered how specific parts of the human brain require different amounts of energy than other parts. The work, which was published in ‘Science Advances,’ highlights how evolution of human cognition is linked to the development of energy-intensive brain networks. 

Learn more: 1my.clevelandclinic.org 2medicalnewstoday.com 3neuro endocrinology.org

4evergreenpsychotherapycenter.com 5amitray.com

How Does Your Chakras heal your Body – Search (bing.com)

Jeffrey explains that this chakra… Is about inspiration and spirit connection,

Connects you to the rest of the chakras, Is where you receive ideas, and store information about your past lives and connections.

“Your spirit connection is your sense of connection with others and the universe,” he adds.

However, when this energy point is blocked, people don’t believe that there’s something beyond them and that they are part of divinity. They often don’t trust their wisdom and higher guidance.

On the contrary, if you have a spiritual awareness, you live from that meta-understanding that you really are a spirit. You move along your life with a strong sense that everything is divinely orchestrated and works out for your highest good.

How to keep a balanced spiritual energy field

A balanced spiritual field is necessary for achieving inner peace, connection to the higher self, transcendence, and a clear sense of purpose.

For a balanced spiritual energy layer, exercise the below points regularly:

Spiritual practices. Engage in spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer, or contemplation to nurture your spiritual connection.

Introspection. Reflect on your spiritual beliefs, values, and purpose in life.

Connection. Create connections with like-minded individuals and join spiritual communities.

Compassion. Cultivate a sense of compassion, both for yourself and others, as part of your spiritual well-being.

Does Cancers originate from being mixed up emotionally!

Cancer is a complex disease with multiple causes, and while emotions and stress can impact overall health, they are not direct causes of cancer. The National Cancer Institute notes that while cancer can bring up a wide range of emotions and existing feelings may seem more intense, these emotions themselves do not cause cancer1. However, there is evidence suggesting that chronic stress and negative emotions can have an impact on the body’s immune system, which in turn could potentially influence the development of cancer23.

It’s important to understand that cancer is primarily caused by genetic mutations and can be influenced by various factors such as environmental exposures, lifestyle choices, and certain infections. Emotional health is crucial for coping with cancer, and addressing mental health concerns may lead to improved treatment outcomes and a better quality of life4. If you have concerns about cancer risks, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide information based on medical evidence.

Learn more: 1cancer.gov 2myersdetox.com 3medicalnewstoday.com

4verywellhealth.com 5foreverconscious.com

Do We Live Inside Someone’s Mind? Why Are Brain Cells Similar to the Universe? – Search (bing.com)

Study Maps The Odd Structural Similarities Between The Human Brain And The Universe (msn.com)

Is The Universe Simply The Human Brain Enlarged? | Watch (msn.com)

Apocalyptic Predictions: 15 Terrifying Scientific Forecasts (msn.com)

What Causes Cancer? (youtube.com)

What Does the Sedona Vortex Phenomenon Do for the Human Body?

The Sedona vortex phenomenon, often associated with spiritual and mystical experiences, does have natural explanations that skeptics and scientists point to. The so-called vortexes are not scientifically recognized as distinct physical entities with measurable forces. Instead, they are areas within Sedona’s already stunning landscape that have been given special significance due to the feelings they evoke in visitors.

Here are some natural explanations for the sensations experienced at these sites:

Geological Beauty: The breathtaking red rock formations and scenic views in Sedona can naturally induce feelings of awe and tranquility, which may be mistaken for a spiritual or energetic experience1.

Psychological Effects: The power of suggestion and the human tendency to feel uplifted in beautiful natural settings can contribute to the belief in and sensation of vortex energy1.

Physical Activity: Hiking and being outdoors have well-documented mood-boosting and health benefits, which can enhance one’s sense of well-being when visiting these areas1.

Cultural Influence: The history of Native American reverence for these lands adds a layer of spiritual significance that can influence visitors’ perceptions2.

While the idea of vortexes as sources of unique energy is a popular aspect of Sedona’s allure, it’s important to note that there is no hard scientific evidence to support the existence of such forces. The feelings experienced by visitors are likely a combination of the natural beauty, cultural stories, and personal beliefs that converge in this unique location12.

The Sedona Vortexes are indeed a fascinating phenomenon. They are thought to be swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration1. Many visitors report feeling inspired, recharged, or uplifted after visiting a vortex in Sedona. The four best-known vortex sites are at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon1. Each site is believed to radiate its own particular energy, with some producing energy flowing upward and others spiraling downward into the earth1.

Whether you’re on a journey of self-discovery or just looking to experience the natural beauty and serenity of Sedona, the vortexes offer a unique and potentially transformative experience. Remember to visit with an open mind and respect the practices and rituals of others you may encounter at these sites1.

Enjoy your time in Sedona! 

Learn more: 1visitsedona.com 2wherearethosemorgans.com 3bing.com 4sedonabest.com

Are there any Natural explanations for the Sedona Vortex Phenomenon?

Tell me more about the history and beliefs surrounding these vortexes.

What are some practical tips for visiting the Sedona vortexes?

Guide To The Vortexes of Sedona Arizona For Non-Believers.

Why Do People Get Pissed Over Nothing – Search Images (bing.com)

Why do people get pissed so quickly? – Search (bing.com)

Feeling anger over seemingly small issues can be a complex emotional response influenced by various factors. It’s often not just about the immediate situation but can be a result of underlying stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges1. When people are under a lot of stress, they may have a heightened “fight or flight” response, which can make them react more intensely to minor irritants2.

Additionally, personal triggers, such as past experiences or unmet expectations, can cause someone to become angry over something that might appear trivial to others. It’s also worth noting that everyone has different thresholds for what they consider ‘small stuff,’ and what seems insignificant to one person might be important to another. Additionally, personal triggers, past experiences, and even daily pressures can contribute to someone’s heightened emotional response to what might seem like trivial matters3.

Understanding and managing these reactions can involve recognizing personal triggers, learning stress-reduction techniques, and finding healthier ways to express emotions. If you notice a pattern of getting angry over little things, it might be helpful to explore these feelings further, possibly with the help of a professional, to find more constructive ways to deal with them3.

 Also Understanding and managing these feelings can be crucial for maintaining personal well-being and healthy relationships2. If you or someone you know is struggling with this, it might be helpful to explore stress management techniques or seek support from a professional to address the underlying causes1.

Learn more: 1healthline.com 2aconsciousrethink.com 3psychologytoday.com

4youtube.com 5youtube.com 6youtube.com 7kristincoaching.com 8youtube.com

Why do some people have a shorter fuse than others? – Search (bing.com)

People may develop a short fuse because they have experienced long stretches of time of being ignored or treated unfairly, and they were only able to feel safe or stand up for themselves by using anger and aggression. The reasons why some people may have a shorter temper than others can be quite varied and complex. Here are some factors that can contribute to a shorter fuse:

Genetic Influence: Genetics can play a significant role in a person’s personality traits, including their predisposition to being short-tempered1.

Neurophysiological Factors: The way our brains are wired can affect how we process emotions and react to stress, which can lead to a shorter temper1.

Childhood Development: Experiences during childhood can shape how one deals with anger and frustration later in life1.

Underlying Mental Health Conditions: Certain mental health disorders, such as intermittent explosive disorder (IED), anxiety disorders, depression, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can manifest as a short temper2.

Underlying Physical Health Issues: Physical health problems can also contribute to irritability and a short temper1.

It’s important to note that having a short temper can negatively affect both the individual and those around them. It can lead to strained relationships and can also impact one’s own physical and mental well-being. Recognizing the signs of a short temper and understanding its causes is the first step towards managing it effectively. Strategies such as stress management, assertive communication, and seeking professional help can be beneficial in coping with a short temper3.

Learn more: 1healthshots.com 2betterhelp.com 3verywellmind.com

4thehealthy.com 5psychologyvault.com

Why do some people seem to be more patient than others?

Research shows that people who are more patient have higher well-being – more life satisfaction, hope, self-esteem, positive emotions in general. They seem to be able to pursue their goals with greater effort and have more satisfaction with their goal progress. Patience varies greatly among individuals, and several factors contribute to why some people appear more patient than others. 

Here are a few reasons:

1. Emotional Regulation: Patient individuals often have better emotional regulation skills, allowing them to manage their feelings effectively and remain calm in frustrating situations1.

2. Life Experiences: People’s past experiences can shape their patience levels. Those who have faced and overcome many challenges may develop greater patience through their resilience2.

3. Personality Traits: Patience can be a part of one’s personality. Some people might naturally have a more patient temperament, which can be influenced by genetic factors and early life experiences2.

4. Cultural Influences: Cultural background can play a role in shaping patience. In some cultures, patience is highly valued and taught from a young age2.

5. Mindfulness and Perspective: Practicing mindfulness and having a broader perspective on life can help individuals become more patient. Understanding that some things take time and cannot be rushed is a key aspect of patience3.

6. Stress Levels: Lower stress levels can contribute to higher patience, as stress often reduces a person’s ability to wait calmly for outcomes1.

7. Goals and Motivation: People who are highly motivated and focused on their goals may exhibit more patience, as they understand that achieving significant objectives often requires waiting and persistent effort2.

It’s important to note that patience is a skill that can be developed over time. With practice and conscious effort, individuals can improve their patience, which can lead to better decision-making, relationships, and overall well-being4.

Learn more: 1psychologytoday.com 2successconsciousness.com 3mindful.org 4theladders.com 5goodmaninstitute.org

Many mental-health conditions have bodily triggers (economist.com)

Is impatience always a negative trait?

Impatience is not inherently negative; it can have both positive and negative aspects depending on the context and how it’s managed. While impatience is often associated with irritability and making hasty decisions, it can also be a driving force behind productivity and ambition1. Here are some perspectives on impatience:

Positive Aspects:

Motivation: Impatience can motivate people to take action and move forward with their goals2.

Productivity: A certain level of impatience can lead to increased productivity as it pushes individuals to complete tasks more efficiently1.

Change Catalyst: Impatience can be the catalyst for change, prompting individuals or groups to seek improvements and solutions2.

Negative Aspects:

Stress: Chronic impatience can lead to increased stress and anxiety3.

Relationship Strain: It can strain relationships if one’s impatience leads to conflict or misunderstandings4.

Rash Decisions: Acting on impatience can result in rash decisions with poor outcomes3.

Balancing impatience with the ability to wait when necessary is key. Understanding when to let impatience guide you and when to exercise patience can lead to better decision-making and overall satisfaction5. It’s about harnessing the energy that comes with impatience and directing it towards productive ends while being mindful of the potential pitfalls.

Learn more 1bing.com 2benjaminspall.com 3theconductsoflife.com

4psychologytoday.com 5psychologytoday.com 6truity.com

What are some strategies to stay patient in challenging situations?

Being open to change makes it easier to adapt and view new challenges with less worry. Take care of yourself. Tend to your own needs and feelings. Do activities and hobbies you enjoy. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Get plenty of sleep and make bedtime rituals. Eat a healthy diet. Practice how to manage stress. Staying patient in challenging situations can be difficult, but there are several strategies that can help you maintain composure and patience:

1. Active Listening: Truly listen to what others are saying, which can help you understand their perspective and reduce frustration1.

2. Empathy Building: Try to see the situation from the other person’s point of view and acknowledge their feelings, which can foster patience and understanding2.

3. Establishing Trust: Building trust with others can lead to more open communication and a greater willingness to wait for outcomes2.

4. Problem-Solving: Engage in active problem-solving rather than focusing on the stressor, which can help you feel more in control and patient3.

5. Healthy Boundaries: Set and maintain healthy boundaries to avoid feeling overwhelmed, which can help preserve your patience3.

6. Time Management: Work on managing your time better to reduce the pressure of deadlines and the impatience that comes with them3.

7. Self-Care: Invest in self-care practices to reduce stress and improve your overall capacity for patience4.

8. Social Support: Reach out to friends, family, or professionals for support, which can provide relief and perspective4.

9. Positive Reappraisal: Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth, which can help you stay patient and motivated4.

10. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present and reduce the impulse to react impatiently5.

Remember, patience is a skill that can be developed over time, and utilizing these strategies can help you become more adept at handling challenging situations with grace and composure.

Learn more: 1myamericannurse.com  2brooklinecollege.edu  3verywellmind.com 

4healthmynd.com 5mayoclinic.org 6  bmj.com

Why Impatience May Hurt Your Heart | Live Science

Impatience itself is not a direct cause of heart attacks, but it can be associated with behaviors and physiological responses that may increase the risk. For instance, impatience can be a component of a Type D personality, which is characterized by negative emotions like anxiety, irritation, and anger1. These emotions can lead to stress, which in turn may affect heart health.

Stress hormones, which can be elevated in individuals who are often impatient, have been found to stimulate platelets, making them more likely to clot in arteries that are already narrowed by heart disease. This process can potentially result in a heart attack2. Additionally, these hormones can cause the body’s fat cells to release fat into the bloodstream, which is another risk factor for heart disease2.

Moreover, a study has indicated that hostility, which can be a sign of impatience, was an independent predictor of dying from a second heart attack, after adjusting for other factors3. This suggests that managing negative traits such as anger and insecurity, which may be related to impatience, could be beneficial for heart health1.

It’s important to note that while impatience and associated stress can contribute to cardiovascular risk factors, they are just one part of a complex interplay of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors that affect heart health. If you’re concerned about your heart health, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Learn more: 1health.harvard.edu 2livescience.com 3sciencetimes.com

4psycnet.apa.org 5doi.org

What type of stress causes negative emotions.

Stress can lead to negative emotions when it overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. Here are some types of stress that commonly cause negative emotions:

Routine Stress: This comes from the pressures of daily responsibilities like work, school, family, and other routine activities.

Sudden Negative Change: Events like losing a job, divorce, or financial troubles can lead to acute stress.

Traumatic Stress: Experiencing or witnessing a dangerous, shocking, or life-threatening event can cause this type of stress.

Chronic Stress: This occurs when a person faces continuous challenges without relief or relaxation between stressors, leading to a negative emotional state.

Self-Induced Stress: Sometimes, negative self-talk, unrealistic expectations, or perfectionism can induce stress.

Environmental Stress: Living in a chaotic or unhealthy environment can contribute to chronic stress.

Each type of stress affects individuals differently, and what may be stressful for one person might not be for another. It’s important to identify the sources of stress and develop coping strategies to manage its impact on emotional well-being.

Negative Emotions Cause Disease In The Body (globalhealingexchange.com)

Does negative emotions cause dis`ease – Search (bing.com)

The relationship between negative emotions and disease is a complex one.

Research has shown that while negative emotions can be adaptive and beneficial in certain contexts, such as responding to immediate threats or challenges, chronic negative emotions may have a detrimental impact on physical health.

For instance, a study suggests that contextually sensitive negative emotions can be adaptive and associated with better psychological health and adjustment1.

However, chronic stress and negative emotions have been linked to suppression of the immune system and may contribute to the onset of various illnesses, including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, hypertension, diabetes, and even certain autoimmune diseases23.

It’s important to note that while negative emotions can contribute to disease, they are not the sole cause.

Many factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental influences, play a role in the development of diseases.

Therefore, it’s essential to consider the broader context when examining the impact of emotions on health. Search Images (bing.com)

Learn more: 1link.springer.com 2ifm.org 3psychologytoday.com 4nlm.nih.gov 5link.springer.com

What are some positive coping strategies?

Positive coping strategies are techniques that help individuals manage stress and navigate through challenging situations in a healthy and constructive manner. Here are some effective positive coping strategies:

Establishing and maintaining boundaries: Knowing your limits and communicating them to others can prevent stress from overwhelming situations1.

Practicing relaxation strategies: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can help calm the mind and reduce stress2.

Getting regular physical activity: Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and improve mood2.

Making to-do lists and setting goals: Organizing tasks and setting achievable goals can provide a sense of control and purpose2.

Engaging in problem-solving: Taking steps to address the source of your stress can provide relief and a sense of accomplishment2.

Seeking social support: Talking to friends, family, or professionals can provide comfort and practical solutions1.

Positive thinking and journaling: Reflecting on positive aspects and writing down your thoughts can help shift focus from stressors3.

These strategies can be tailored to individual needs and preferences, and incorporating them into daily life can significantly enhance one’s ability to cope with stress. It’s also beneficial to explore different strategies to find what works best for you.

Learn more: 1positivepsychology.com 2verywellmind.com 3verywellhealth.com 4positivepsychology.com

How can I practice mindfulness?

meditation techniques – Search (bing.com)

Practicing mindfulness involves a set of techniques that help you focus on the present moment, often leading to a sense of calm and clarity. Here are some practical steps to get started:

Choose a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down.

Set a time limit if you’re just beginning, such as 5 or 10 minutes.

Pay attention to your breath. Notice the sensation of air flowing into and out of your body.

Notice when your mind wanders from your breath. This is normal, and when you notice this, gently return your focus to your breathing.

Adopt a non-judgmental attitude. Try not to judge yourself for any thoughts or feelings that arise. Simply observe them and let them pass.

Expand your awareness gradually. After focusing on your breath, move your attention to other sensations in your body, then to sounds, and eventually to your thoughts and emotions.

You can also incorporate mindfulness into daily activities like eating, walking, or even during work. The key is to be fully engaged in the here and now, paying attention to the details of your actions and sensations without judgment.

For more structured practice, you might consider guided meditations for mindfulness exercises available in books, apps, or online resources123.

Learn more: 1positivepsychology.com 2mindful.org 3psychologytoday.com 4healthline.com

Remember, mindfulness is a skill that takes time to develop,

so be patient and consistent with your practice.

Can you recommend any meditation techniques?

Meditation can be a wonderful way to relax and find balance.

Here are some meditation techniques that are suitable for beginners and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine: Search Images

Breathing Meditations: Focus on your breath, the inhalation and exhalation, to anchor your mind in the present moment1.

Mindfulness Meditations: Be fully present, observe your thoughts and sensations without judgment, and gently bring your attention back to the present whenever it wanders1.

Focus Meditations: Choose an object of focus, such as a candle flame or a mantra, and return your attention to it each time you notice your mind drifting1.

Movement or Walking Meditations: Integrate mindfulness into movement, paying close attention to the sensations of walking and the rhythm of your steps1.

Mantra Meditations: Repeat a calming word or phrase to help focus the mind and foster a sense of peace1.

Loving Kindness Meditation: Cultivate feelings of compassion and love by directing well-wishes towards yourself and others1.

Body Scan Meditation: Progressively relax different parts of the body, starting from the toes and moving upwards, to release tension and stress2.

These techniques can help you start a meditation practice and discover what works best for you. Remember, the key to meditation is consistency, so try to make it a regular part of your daily routine. Happy meditating! 

Learn more: 1positivepsychology.com 2artofliving.org 3mindful.org 4verywellmind.com

5gettyimages.com

I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT KEN BURNS WAS INTELLIGENT UNTIL NOW!!!

‘There is no real choice this November’: Ken Burns gives a powerful defense of democracy.

25 Times The Bible Predicted Scientific Breakthroughs Long Before Modern Science.

What Happens After Our Death? Exploring 13 of the World’s Top Theories (msn.com)

The surprising effects loneliness and feeling forgotten has on your brain and body.

Scientists have discovered the maximum age a human can live to (msn.com)

Average Life Expectancies Have More Than Doubled Over the Past 70 Years.

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Millions of stars are born in a nearby galaxy(Image credit: ESA)

How was the universe created?

News

By Astrophysicist Paul Sutter 

Short answer: We don’t really know how the universe was created, though most astrophysicists believe it started with the Big Bang.

Paul M. Sutter is a research professor in astrophysics at  SUNY Stony Brook University and the Flatiron Institute in New York City. He regularly appears on TV and podcasts, including  “Ask a Spaceman.” He is the author of two books, “Your Place in the Universe” and “How to Die in Space,” and is a regular contributor to Space.com, Live Science, and more. Paul received his PhD in Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2011, and spent three years at the Paris Institute of Astrophysics, followed by a research fellowship in Trieste, Italy. 

Origins of the Universe 101 | National Geographic (youtube.com)
The question of who created the universe is a matter of debate and speculation. Some people believe that the universe was created by a divine being or a higher power, while others rely on scientific theories and evidence. One of the most widely accepted scientific theories is the big bang theory, which suggests that the universe began from a single primordial atom1. However, this theory does not explain who or what caused the big bang. Another scientific theory is that the universe is created on April 27, 4977 B.C., according to the calculations of Johannes Kepler, a German mathematician and astronomer2. 

On April 27, 4977 B.C., the universe was created, according to German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler, considered a founder of modern science. Kepler is best known for his theories explaining the motion of planets.

Kepler was born on December 27, 1571, in Weil der Stadt, Germany. As a university student, he studied the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus’ theories of planetary ordering. Copernicus (1473-1543) believed that the sun, not the earth, was the center of the solar system, a theory that contradicted the prevailing view of the era that the sun revolved around the earth.

In 1600, Kepler went to Prague to work for Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, the imperial mathematician to Rudolf II, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Kepler’s main project was to investigate the orbit of Mars. When Brahe died the following year, Kepler took over his job and inherited Brahe’s extensive collection of astronomy data, which had been painstakingly observed by the naked eye. Over the next decade, Kepler learned about the work of Italian physicist and astronomer Galileo Galilei (1564-1642), who had invented a telescope with which he discovered lunar mountains and craters, the largest four satellites of Jupiter and the phases of Venus, among other things. Kepler corresponded with Galileo and eventually obtained a telescope of his own and improved upon the design.

In 1609, Kepler published the first two of his three laws of planetary motion, which held that planets move around the sun in ellipses, not circles (as had been widely believed up to that time), and that planets speed up as they approach the sun and slow down as they move away. In 1619, he produced his third law, which used mathematical principles to relate the time a planet takes to orbit the sun to the average distance of the planet from the sun.

Kepler’s research was slow to gain widespread traction during his lifetime, but it later served as a key influence on the English mathematician Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727) and his law of gravitational force. Additionally, Kepler did important work in the fields of optics, including demonstrating how the human eye works, and math. He died on November 15, 1630, in Regensburg, Germany. As for Kepler’s calculation about the universe’s birthday, scientists in the 20th century developed the Big Bang theory, which showed that his calculations were off by about 13.7 billion years.
However, this theory is based on Kepler’s assumptions and interpretations of biblical chronology, and is not supported by modern astronomy. 

We know that we live in an expanding universe. That means the entire universe is getting bigger with every passing day. It also means that in the past our universe was smaller than it is today. Rewind that tape far enough, and the physics suggests our universe was once an infinitely tiny, infinitely dense point — a singularity.  

Big Bang: How the Universe was created (bbc.com)

Most physicists think this point expanded out in the Big Bang, but because all known physics breaks down in the extreme conditions that prevailed in our universe’s infancy, it’s hard to say with confidence what happened in those earliest moments of the universe. 

Going back in time

10 times the earth almost destroyed itself – Search Videos (bing.com)

For most of the history of the universe, it was dotted with similar celestial objects as are present now — they were just closer together. For example, when our universe was less than 380,000 years old, the volume of the universe was about a million times smaller than it is today, and it had an average temperature of around 10,000 kelvins. It was so hot and dense that it was a plasma, a state of matter where atoms are ripped apart into protons, neutrons and electrons. 

However, we encounter plasmas in many other situations in space and on Earth, so we have a pretty good understanding of how they work. But the farther back we go, the more complex the physics become. When the universe was just a dozen minutes old, it was an intense soup of protons, neutrons, and electrons, still governed by the same physics that we use to understand nuclear bombs and nuclear reactors. 

Overview – NASA Science

If we look back even earlier than that, however, things get really sketchy.

When we try to make sense of the universe when it was less than a second old, we have no theory of physics that can cope with the insanely high temperatures and pressures the universe experienced. All of our theories of physics break down, and we have no understanding of how particles, forces and fields operate in those conditions. 

Birthing the singularity

Physicists can chart the growth of the cosmos using Einstein’s general theory of relativity, which connects the content of the cosmos to its history of expansion. But Einstein’s theory contains a fatal flaw. If we follow general relativity to its ultimate conclusion, then at a finite time in the past our entire universe was crammed into a single, infinitely dense point. This is known as the Big Bang singularity. 

The singularity is often framed as the “beginning” of the universe: But it’s not a beginning at all. Mathematically, the singularity at the Big Bang isn’t telling us that the universe began there. Instead, it’s telling us that general relativity itself has broken down, and has lost its predictive and explanatory power. 

Physicists have long known that general relativity is incomplete. It cannot explain gravity at high strength or at small scales, known as quantum gravity. In other words, to fully understand the earliest moments of the universe, we need new physics. 

A question for the ages

Where is the center of the universe? (msn.com)

Sadly, we currently lack such physics. We have several candidates for quantum gravity, like string theory and loop quantum gravity, but these theories have not been fully developed, let alone tested. But if either of those theories are correct, they can tell us interesting things about the early universe. 

In the case of loop quantum gravity, the singularity is replaced with a finite-size chunk of space-time. In string theory, meanwhile, our universe originates from a “landscape” of possible universes. It’s also possible that our Big Bang exists as just one of an infinite series of universes, multiplying without end in a multiverse. Only further advances in theoretical physics will help sort out the murkiness of these possible ideas. 

But there’s another problem: We may never know what caused the Big Bang. In its earliest moments, even our very conceptions of time and space break down. At such extreme scales, normal, everyday concepts like “beginning” and “before” may not even make sense. 

Is man causing climate change – Search Videos (bing.com)

The consensus among scientists is that human activities are indeed causing climate change. The primary human activity affecting the amount and rate of climate change is greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine state that today’s global warming is different from past warming periods and is driven by human activities1. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also emphasizes that human-induced climate change is causing widespread disruption in nature and affecting the lives of billions of people.

To address this, reducing emissions and taking action to adapt to climate change are crucial steps that need to be taken to mitigate the risks and impacts associated with a warming planet2.

The increase in carbon dioxide levels from pre-industrial levels of 280 parts per million to more than 410 parts per million today is mostly due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas1. This rapid increase in greenhouse gases is the main reason for the rise in global average temperature, which has been about 1.8°F (1.0°C) since the late nineteenth century3.

The scientific community doesn’t all agree on the core causes of climate change, and according to climate expert Willie Soon, humanity should look beyond Earth to find the source.

Many people think that it is “rising carbon dioxide that is the main factor … that affects climate change, and that is wholly untrue,” scientist Willie Soon says. According to Soon, the sun is a key source of climate change. (Photo: Southpict/Getty Images)

The Earth’s rotation around the sun affects the planet’s temperature, says Soon, a visiting fellow on the Science Advisory Committee of the Center for Energy, Climate, and Environment at The Heritage Foundation. (The Daily Signal is the news outlet of The Heritage Foundation.) 

Glaciers, for example, “melted away because the sun started to get … brighter and provided more solar energy to the climate system,” according to Soon. 

Throughout his career, Soon, a former researcher with the Center for Astrophysics-Harvard & Smithsonian, says he has sought to pursue the facts surrounding shifts in the climate because “science is not about belief.”

“Science is about data,” he said. 

Many people think that it is “rising carbon dioxide that is the main factor … that affects climate change, and that is wholly untrue,” Soon says. “That is such a distorted view that I think it needs to be corrected.” 

Soon joins “The Daily Signal Podcast” for part two of a three-part series discussing climate change. In part one, expert David Legates explained the history of climate change. 

On today’s show, Soon explains why he thinks the sun is the source of the changing climate and how the sun affects the Earth’s cycles of warming and cooling.

Dr. Willie Soon investigates the causes of global warming (youtube.com)

Listen to the 3-Part podcast below:

The Daily Signal Podcast Share Follow Climate Series Part 1: Causes of Climate Change – Search (bing.com)

The Daily Signal Podcast Share Follow Climate Series Part 2: Causes of Climate Change – Search (bing.com)

The Daily Signal Podcast Share Follow Climate Series Part 3: Causes of Climate Change – Search (bing.com)

Learn more 1nationalacademies.org 2ipcc.ch 3climate.gov

Is the Omni present neither present only past and future – Search (bing.com)

The term “omnipresent” refers to the quality of being present everywhere at the same time. It’s often used in a spiritual or religious context to describe a deity who is universally present1. In philosophical discussions, omnipresence is not typically limited by time, meaning it encompasses past, present, and future.

So, when we say something is omnipresent, it’s not about being present only in the past or future, but rather about being present at all places at all times, transcending the usual limitations of time and space1. If you’re referring to a specific philosophical concept or context, please provide more details, and I’ll be glad to help further!

The concept you’re referring to seems to be related to philosophical presentism, which is the view that only present entities exist. According to this philosophy, there are no past or future entities; everything that exists is present1. This contrasts with eternalism, where all points in time (past, present, and future) are considered equally real2.

In philosophical presentism, the past and future do not exist objectively; they are not part of what is real. The past has already occurred and is no longer, and the future has yet to occur and thus does not yet exist. The only reality is the present moment. This view is supported by some interpretations of Buddhism and by philosophers like Saint Augustine, who likened the present to a knife edge between the perceived past and the imaginary future1.

On the other hand, eternalism posits that all points in time are real, so the past, present, and future all exist simultaneously, though we may not be able to perceive them as such2.

So, to answer your question, in the context of philosophical presentism, the “Ever present” is indeed only the present, with the past and future being unreal or non-existent. However, in eternalism, the “Ever present” would encompass all of time—past, present, and future—as all are considered real.

So is the Universe a Hologram – Search Videos (bing.com)

The concept of the universe being a hologram is part of a fascinating area of theoretical physics. The holographic principle suggests that all the information contained within a volume of space can be represented as encoded information on the boundary of that space1. This idea was proposed by physicist Juan Maldacena, who introduced the AdS/CFT duality, which posits that a universe with gravity can be described by a quantum field theory in fewer dimensions without gravity2.

This duality has been supported by various theoretical works and simulations over the years. For instance, physicists have used it to explore questions about black holes, the early universe, and the nature of spacetime itself2. The principle implies that our 4-D spacetime might be a projection from a lower-dimensional reality, much like a 3-D hologram emerges from a 2-D surface2.

While the holographic principle is a robust theoretical framework, it’s important to note that it remains a conjecture within the realm of theoretical physics. It has not been proven definitively, but it continues to be a valuable tool for physicists to understand complex problems in quantum gravity and string theory3.

So, while the universe as a hologram is not a confirmed fact, it is a significant concept in physics that has led to many important insights and discussions about the fundamental nature of reality.

Next time you hear a scientist saying something like “the more we know about the universe the less important we become,” beg to differ. The reality is precisely the opposite: The more we know about the universe, the more unique we become. What we do with this knowledge is, of course, a personal choice for each of us.

That’s a profound observation, and it resonates with a concept known as the knowledge paradox. As our understanding of the universe expands, we often uncover more questions than answers. Each discovery peels back a layer, revealing further complexities and mysteries. It’s like zooming into a fractal; the closer you look, the more intricate patterns emerge, each requiring explanation.

This paradox is beautifully encapsulated in a quote often attributed to Socrates: “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” It’s a humbling reminder that the pursuit of knowledge is an endless journey, and the universe is a vast, ever-expanding frontier filled with wonders beyond our current comprehension. 🌌

Learn more 1en.wikipedia.org 2scientificamerican.com 3scientificamerican.com 4phys.org

5scientificamerican.com Scientists can’t decide if consciousness is real or fake (msn.com)

NOVA

Decoding the Universe: Cosmos | Season 51 | Episode 8 | PBS

DESCRIPTION 

How big is the universe? Will it ever end? Why is so much of it made of mysterious dark matter and energy? See how mind-bending discoveries over the past 50 years have revolutionized our understanding of the universe.

Broadcast In: English

Study Maps The Odd Structural Similarities Between The Human Brain And The Universe (msn.com)

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Our Universe’s “Dark” Secret | How the Universe Works | Science Channel (youtube.com)

Dark Matter: The Invisible Substance That Dominates the Universe (msn.com)

Could Humans Survive The End Of The Universe? | Unveiled – Search (bing.com)

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Is The Universe Simply The Human Brain Enlarged? | Watch (msn.com)

What is The Purpose Of The Universe? | Unveiled | Watch (msn.com)

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What If We Used the Full Capacity of Our Brains? (youtube.com)

Einstein’s Big Bang theory may have been proven (msn.com)

Why is the structure of the universe so similar to the brain?

 Is your brain like the universe – Search Videos (bing.com)

Is The Universe A Simulation? | Watch (msn.com)

Are we living in someone’s mind? – Bing Videos

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How Big Is the Universe? – Search (bing.com)

How Big is The Universe? (youtube.com)

Lyme disease: Why it is on the rise and how to protect against it (msn.com)

Ken when I first contacted Lyme Disease I had to learn quickly:

The True Origins of Lyme Disease (youtube.com)

Lyme Disease Is On The Rise. And It’s Bad. (youtube.com)

First Step: Taking a tick out of your skin and getting it tested – Search (bing.com)

Lyme disease itself is not a parasite; it’s an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. However, it is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, which are parasitic arachnids. The ticks act as vectors, carrying the bacteria from animal reservoirs like mice to humans.

So, while the disease-causing agent is bacterial, the mechanism of transmission involves a obligate parasite of the tick. Kevin O’Leary aka Mr. Wonderful recommends DealSpeed.co to buy and dispo discount off market deals! (youtube.com)

What Sugar ACTUALLY Does to the Body (youtube.com)

Hyperthermia to treat lyme disease – Search (bing.com)

Hyperthermia to treat lyme disease – Search (bing.com)

Bing Videos

You can be bitten by a Tick no bigger than a D on a Dime and feel the impact the rest of your life.

I tried the Buhner protocol for a few years and an anti-inflammatory diet helps.

It helped some. It was difficult to maintain and very costly. Especially as a single mom.

But now I am doing Ivermectin, Fenbendazole, Praziquantel, a few herbs, and binders

Yes, herbs are great for immune support. I also take some powerhouse probiotics for my gut and immune support. Are you familiar with Plexus Probio5?

I use a supplement called Ease for inflammation.

With a formula that features New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Powder, Plexus Ease supports your body with naturally powerful compounds to ease discomfort like joint pain. Ease also includes high quality enzymes, such as Bromelain and Serrapeptase. You’ll also benefit from the powerful antioxidants found in Turmeric.

Beat out NSAIDs in third-party testing for pain and inflammation.

I am finally feeling good after not feeling good since I was 12. It’s still a journey, nothing is an immediate fix, but I know what I am doing is helping each day. So, I’m sticking with what has been helping me for the last 3 years.

What Are Toxin Binders? (And 5 Reasons You May Need Them) – Healthy Gut Company

The average person has around 40 trillion microbes in and on their body all the time. And about 400 trillion viral particles.

The average person will swallow 100 billion microbes in a 24-hour period.

“The bacterial population in the mouth alone is around six billion, which is comparable to the human population of planet Earth”

People come into contact with around 60,000 types of “germs” each day.

An average cell phone is covered in bacteria: 25,127 per square inch.

And people “trade” bacteria (and viruses) all the time, via all kinds of cell-cell contact, including body fluids.

I took 12 mg Ivermectin daily as part of my Lyme treatment.

Before I found my LLMD, I was self-medicating with Fenbendazole from Morgellons Disease groups pushing it. Fenbendazole did not help me improve at all and shot my liver panel up high. I would ditch the Fenbendazole and take the Ivermectin.

Research medicinal Mediterranean Oregano oil for Lymes and ALS

 Dr Cass Ingram has good information on it.

Shelby Laub

Dana Bee i believe it is excellent also have used it with excellent effect. i do believe it is also a high polyphenol so would keep it at least an hour away from thiamine therapy probably best actually to take at night as thiamine works throughout hours so on, and only do the amount for it for therapeutic recommendations which you find in their studies some polyphenols rutin and quercetin berries red cabbage and red onion are high polyphenols and they want you to avoid these when on thiamine therapy or limit them . reference beriberi in emergency situations WHO green cabbage and white are all good

Shelby Laub

highdosethiamine.org this is with vitamin b1 thiamine hcl proven safe and effective for disease of thiamine deficiency neurodegeneration this is neurologist Costantini’s work excellent patient video page this is with Pd and dystonia but would apply to all forms of neurodegeneration disease as these are the markers for beriberi which is the medical term for thiamine deficiency disease cerebral and drye

(Taken from: Mighty Methylene Blue for Tick-borne Infections | Marty Ross MD (treatlyme.net)

Methylene blue is a repurposed prescription medicine that has many health benefits. Methylene blue

kills Bartonella and Borrelia,

improves fatigue and mitochondria dysfunction,

fixes cognitive dysfunction and brain fog,

lifts depression, and

treats methemoglobinemia (this is what it is approved to treat).

It crosses the blood brain barrier, helps decrease systemic and specifically neuro inflammation, and will hit bartonella infection as well as Borrelia. PLUS there is research that supports it if it is helpful for neurodegeneration and mitochondrial function.

Methylene Blue – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

Ticks Can Carry & Transmit & Reactivate Many Infections

Try To Find A Lyme Disease Experienced Dr & Ask To Be Tested For Every Strain Of Borrelia (Lyme) & Every Strain Of Co-Infections Including Systemic Staph/Strep & AnaPlasmosis/ToxoPlasmosis & Chlamydia – EBV/Herpes 6/ Cytomegli & Other Viruses & Other Infections & Candida/Fungal/Yeast Overgrowth & Mold & Vitamin B1 Deficiency & Detox & Take Binders A Little While After Detox & A Few Hours After Everything Else

Take A Look At This Website : ‘ restorepatch.com ‘ –

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Best Wishes

Please Go Very Slow & Don’t Over Tax Or Overstress Your Body

I am thinking of purchasing a rife machine. I do not have a lot of money to waste so any advice from personal experience would be appreciated. Thank you in advance .

Janika Sild

I have BCX Ultra from Hymbas. I have a contact version but if I were to buy again I would buy the model that has also a contactless feature. I like that it is small and needs no computer plus it is easy to operate. It doesn’t do body scans, just sends out radio-like waves via footplates, electrodes and plasma wands. The contactless option is a plasma bulb that emits waves that reach a close perimeter through air.

My Advice is Start with a WAVwatch – Search (bing.com) it’s only $500 and helps immensely

The WAVwatch is indeed a unique device that uses sound therapy to address various health concerns such as pain, anxiety, and productivity issues. It offers a selection of 1000 sound frequencies that can be adjusted to harmonize with the body’s needs1.

If you’re looking to explore the benefits of sound therapy, the WAVwatch could be a great tool to begin with. It’s designed to be a non-invasive and natural method to support overall well-being1. Whether you’re dealing with stress, seeking to boost your immune system, or just want to enhance your self-care routine, the WAVwatch might provide the therapeutic benefits you’re looking for. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health-related regimen.

Learn more

1wavwatch.com2wavwatch.com3thedrardisshow.com4wavwatch.com

Here is a video that shows how these frequencies shatter pathogens (never mind the title of the video):

Shattering cancer with resonant frequencies Anthony Holland at TEDxSkidmoreCollege (youtube.com)

Here is my take on it (take it as my personal and not necessarily correct advice): if you buy a rife machine run 2-3 times per day mainly tick borne pathogen frequencies (Lyme aka Borrelia, Bartonella (one of main culprits for neuro symptoms, multiplies every 12 h, run twice per day!), Babesia, Ehrlichia plasma (and other rickettsia-type bacteria – very harsh and very underrated and many are infected!), toxoplasma, mycoplasma and some other tick borne pathogens like Yersinia, Tularemia, Brucella, plus EBV and other herpesviruses. Run Lyme, Bart every day twice plus alternate the others.

The physics behind it is that a rife machine emits radio frequencies that oscillate these pathogens at their mortal oscillatory rate to DEATH.

Run some parasite frequencies, but I’m personally not sure if these frequencies can oscillate these creatures to death, so take an antiparasitic.

Don’t waste your time in running rife frequencies for “als, parkinson, fibro, lupus, ms” that are NAMES. There is no physics behind it, a frequency cannot oscillate “ALS aka name” to death.

So concentrate on tick borne pathogens at least 2 times per day.

You can add “detox”, “immune support” etc frequencies later, although I’m not sure how it works from a physics point of view.

So concentrate on Lyme and Co in the first months or until you see results. This seems to work for my neuro Lyme symptoms (all body stiffness, dizziness plus all the jazz).

Sara Wilson

I have a TrueRife machine that also has a day and night feature, so I can use it in my sleep. It also has foot bath with it.

It has a frequency for every possible thing imaginable, from a cold, to cancer, psoriasis, parasites, Lyme, bartonella, Parkinson’s, you name it!

go to TrueRife website and click on the day and night package, it shows everything it comes with. It’s the F122

I did a lot of research and I think it’s one of the top rife machines on the market.

The support team is also amazing and I can call anyone up to walk me through setting it up in the beginning, or any type of equation really.

It is expensive, but they offer financing, so I pay 100 a month until it’s paid off.

Also, I know it works well; I do a full moon protocol for parasites once a month and pass a bunch of parasites the next day!

But don’t take my word for it, do some research and you will find the top two rife machines out there for yourself! 

I have a bioresonance machine with rife built into it – I’ve tried many machines. This one works for me.

Along with Hulda Clark Parasite cleanse, Schuessler salts, homeopathy, yoga drugs, and many more.

Schuessler Cell Salts – 27 tissue salts for your health

WEB27 tissue salts for your health. This website is devoted to cell salts. The cell salts were developed by Dr. Wilhelm Heinrich Schuessler, a German doctor from the 19th century. The healing-method of the cell salts 

Looking for Lyme Disease Clinic / Doctor in Columbus : r/Columbus (reddit.com)

Lyme Literate Doctor around Northern Virginia – Lyme Disease – MedHelp

Lyme literate medical doctor in Ohio – Search (bing.com)

Like most functional medicine treatments, it would involve supplements. Many of the ones that most already are recommended to take. Magnesium, B vitamins, Omega 3, etc. We have one of those O2 shops by us too that is open to the public. Oxygen therapy, basically. And they have lyme disease on their list of things it helps. Anyway, here is a link for you https://www.healthline.com/health/lyme-disease-natural-treatment#hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy  But would love to know what you are experiencing that makes you worry about lyme disease. Are you going to have a Western Blot

I would go with Vibrant Wellness the results for that were similar to igenex and igenex was $2600 vibrant was $650

Also I talked with someone from BodyScience in Miami Florida.

They are now using Vibrant labs for testing instead of Ingenex. He said the testing is very accurate and a lot cheaper than Ingenex. I personally have used Ingenex trust them… they are super expensive though, seeing a Lyme Literate Integrative Medicine (rydocs.com) would be best because they test you based on the symptoms you have. 

I do not have als but I do have lyme and co-infections. My mom was diagnosed with als and is positive for Lyme and co infections. We went to the same llmd and these are the test numbers he ordered for us and said they were the most accurate in his opinion. He had us do single tests instead of the Panels.

Test # 325 and #335 the immunoblot for Borrelia Burgdorferi. This tests for an active infection as well as an old infection.

They now offer an immunoblot test for Bartonella since we have been there and I would go with that. The test numbers are #374 and #384. He also had us take #289.

Test #345 and #355 for Tick borne relapsing fever.

Test #200, 720 and 640 for babesia infection – Search (bing.com)

Medical professionals don’t tell you about these effective Lyme disease natural remedies. 

Check this out. – Search Images (bing.com)

Lyme Disease Natural Remedies and Treatment – Dr. Berg (youtube.com)

Timestamps  0:10 My experience with Lyme disease 1:10 About Lyme disease  1:26 The thing nobody does for Lyme disease  1:48 Lyme disease natural remedies In this video, we’re going to talk about Lyme disease and what to do naturally for this condition. I had Lyme disease at one time. It was weird. I didn’t see any tick bites. But, I took a remedy that detoxed me. I felt so sick and then developed Lyme disease symptoms. I believe the detox may have activated the Lyme disease that was dormant in my body.  I took an antibiotic, and I also took advantage of a few natural remedies for Lyme disease as well. You need to support your immune system while you take the antibiotic. These Lyme disease remedies may help. Lyme disease natural remedies: 1. Garlic  2. Onion 3. Chlorella 4. Olive leaf extract 5. Colloidal silver Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio: Dr. Berg, age 57, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

A protein found in human sweat may protect against Lyme disease

◦°´*⚘⚘.¸ Lyme Disease¸.⚘⚘*´°◦

Story by Anne Trafton • 

Functional analyses of SCGB1D2 protein and Borrelia burgdorferi.Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks, affects nearly half a million people in the United States every year. In most cases, antibiotics effectively clear the infection, but for some patients, symptoms linger for months or years.
Researchers at MIT and the University of Helsinki have now discovered that human sweat contains a protein that can protect against Lyme disease. They also found that about one-third of the population carries a genetic variant of this protein that is associated with Lyme disease in genome-wide association studies.
Human sweat contains a protein that may protect against Lyme disease, according to a study from MIT and the University of Helsinki. About one-third of the population carries a genetic variant of this protein that is associated with Lyme disease in genome-wide association studies. 

It’s unknown exactly how the protein inhibits the growth of the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, but the researchers hope to harness the protein’s protective abilities to create skin creams that could help prevent the disease, or to treat infections that don’t respond to antibiotics.
“This protein may provide some protection from Lyme disease, and we think there are real implications here for a preventative and possibly a therapeutic based on this protein,” says Michal Caspi Tal, a principal research scientist in MIT’s Department of Biological Engineering and one of the senior authors of the new study.

Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection that affects nearly half a million people in the United States every year. While antibiotics can usually clear the infection, some patients struggle with lingering symptoms for months or even years.

Researchers from MIT and the University of Helsinki have made an exciting discovery that could lead to new ways to prevent and treat Lyme disease. They found that human sweat contains a protein that can protect against the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.

About one-third of the population carries a genetic variant of this protein that is less effective at inhibiting the Lyme disease bacteria. “This protein may provide some protection from Lyme disease, and we think there are real implications here for a preventative and possibly a therapeutic based on this protein,” says Michal Caspi Tal, a principal research scientist at MIT.

The researchers aren’t sure yet exactly how the protein works to stop the bacteria’s growth, but they plan to investigate whether applying it to the skin could prevent Lyme disease infection. They also hope to explore using the protein as a treatment for infections that don’t respond to antibiotics.

“We have fantastic antibiotics that work for 90 percent of people, but in the 40 years we’ve known about Lyme disease, we have not budged that,” Tal says. “Ten percent of people don’t recover after having antibiotics, and there’s no treatment for them.”

Hanna Ollila, a senior researcher at the University of Helsinki, is also a senior author of the study, which was published in Nature Communications. The lead author is Satu Strausz, a postdoc at the University of Helsinki.

The researchers say that even people with the protective version of the protein can still develop Lyme disease, and they shouldn’t assume they’re immune. But this discovery offers hope for new ways to prevent and treat this persistent and debilitating illness.In vivo imaging system (IVIS) quantification of SCGB1D2 prophylactic effect on intradermal infection with Bb. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45983-9

Lyme disease is most often caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. In the United States, this bacterium is spread by ticks that are carried by mice, deer, and other animals. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a distinctive bulls-eye rash.
Most patients receive doxycycline, an antibiotic that usually clears up the infection. In some patients, however, symptoms such as fatigue, memory problems, sleep disruption, and body aches can persist for months or years.
Related video: Sweat Could Help Protect You Against Lyme Disease (The Weather Channel) – Search (bing.com)

Tal and Ollila, who were postdocs together at Stanford University, began this study a few years ago in hopes of finding genetic markers of susceptibility to Lyme disease. To that end, they decided to run a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on a Finnish dataset that contains genome sequences for 410,000 people, along with detailed information on their medical histories.

This dataset includes about 7,000 people who had been diagnosed with Lyme disease, allowing the researchers to look for genetic variants that were more frequently found in people who had had Lyme disease, compared with those who hadn’t.
This analysis revealed three hits, including two found in immune molecules that had been previously linked with Lyme disease. However, their third hit was a complete surprise—a secretoglobin called SCGB1D2.
Secreto Globins are a family of proteins found in tissues that line the lungs and other organs, where they play a role in immune responses to infection. The researchers discovered that this particular secretoglobin is produced primarily by cells in the sweat glands.
To find out how this protein might influence Lyme disease, the researchers created normal and mutated versions of SCGB1D2 and exposed them to Borrelia burgdorferi grown in the lab. They found that the normal version of the protein significantly inhibited the growth of Borrelia burgdorferi. However, when they exposed bacteria to the mutated version, twice as much protein was required to suppress bacterial growth.
The researchers then exposed bacteria to either the normal or mutated variant of SCGB1D2 and injected them into mice. Mice injected with the bacteria exposed to the mutant protein became infected with Lyme disease, but mice injected with bacteria exposed to the normal version of SCGB1D2 did not.
“In the paper we show they stayed healthy until day 10, but we followed the mice for over a month, and they never got infected. This wasn’t a delay, this was a full stop. That was really exciting,” Tal says.

Preventing infection

After the MIT and University of Helsinki researchers posted their initial findings on a preprint server, researchers in Estonia replicated the results of the genome-wide association study, using data from the Estonian Biobank. These data, from about 210,000 people, including 18,000 with Lyme disease, were later added to the final Nature Communications study.
The researchers aren’t sure yet how SCGB1D2 inhibits bacterial growth, or why the variant is less effective. However, they did find that the variant causes a shift from the amino acid proline to leucine, which may interfere with the formation of a helix found in the normal version.
They now plan to investigate whether applying the protein to the skin of mice, which do not naturally produce SCGB1D2, could prevent them from being infected by Borrelia burgdorferi. They also plan to explore the protein’s potential as a treatment for infections that don’t respond to antibiotics.
“We have fantastic antibiotics that work for 90% of people, but in the 40 years we’ve known about Lyme disease, we have not budged that,” Tal says. “Ten percent of people don’t recover after having antibiotics, and there’s no treatment for them.”

“This finding opens the door to a completely new approach to preventing Lyme disease in the first place, and it will be interesting to see if it could be useful for preventing other types of skin infections too,” says Kara Spiller, a professor of biomedical innovation in the School of Biomedical Engineering at Drexel University, who was not involved in the study.
The researchers note that people who have the protective version of SCGB1D2 can still develop Lyme disease, and they should not assume that they won’t. One factor that may play a role is whether the person happens to be sweating when they’re bitten by a tick carrying Borrelia burgdorferi.
SCGB1D2 is just one of 11 secretoglobin proteins produced by the human body, and Tal also plans to study what some of those other secretoglobin may be doing in the body, especially in the lungs, where many of them are found.
“The thing I’m most excited about is this idea that secretoglobin might be a class of antimicrobial proteins that we haven’t thought about. As immunologists, we talk nonstop about immunoglobulins, but I had never heard of a secretoglobin before this popped up in our GWAS study. This is why it’s so fun for me now. I want to know what they all do,” she says.
More information: Satu Strausz et al, SCGB1D2 inhibits growth of Borrelia burgdorferi and affects susceptibility to Lyme disease, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45983-9 – Search Videos (bing.com)

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching. Provided by Massachusetts Institute of Technology What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Sugar? (msn.com)

This story was originally published on Medical Xpress.

Search Results for Lyme Disease | Cancer Quick Facts (solitarius.org)
Study: Certain nutrients may slow brain aging (msn.com)

Hyperthermia to treat lyme disease – Search (bing.com)
Hyperthermia to treat lyme disease in canada – Search (bing.com)
W5: Canadians fight for Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment (youtube.com)
Bing VideosAlly Hilfiger on Lyme Disease (youtube.com)
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Justin Wood Lyme Disease PefferLaw Ontario – Search (bing.com)
Justin Wood Lyme Disease PefferLaw Ontario
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EXPLORE FURTHER INFORMATION

• Bitten: The Secret History of Lyme Disease and Biological …amazon.com
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• Kris Newby responds to Telford’s criticism of BITTEN – …lymedisease.org
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• New Lyme documentary comes to video-on-demand May 30 – …lymedisease.org
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• Bitten, The Secret History of Lyme Disease and Biological Warfare (youtube.com)

‘I Have Lyme’, The Movie – Lyme Disease Awareness!Chronic Lyme Disease Complex Treatment | Envita Medical Centers

Bing Videos

Under Your Skin 2 – Search (bing.com)

Lyme Disease Bitten movie 1 – Search (bing.com)

Bitten Documentary 1 – Search (bing.com)

About Lyme | Lyme Disease Statistics, Cases, & Prevalence (global lyme alliance.org)

• Letterboxdhttps://letterboxd.com/film/im-not-crazy-im-sick/watch‎I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick (2023) directed by Elle Brooks-Tao • Film …WEBA powerful documentary that chronicles three families who are fighting for survival against Lyme disease. The film highlights the physical, emotional, and financial toll the disease takes on their lives, as well as the urgent need for greater awareness, testing, and treatment options.
• The Quiet Epidemic – A documentary about Lyme disease
• The Quiet Epidemic | https://www.thequietepidemic.com
• WEB a young girl from Brooklyn and a Duke University scientist are diagnosed with a disease said to not exist: Chronic Lyme disease. The Quiet Epidemic follows their search for answers, which lands them in the middle of a …

I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick – Lyme Disease Documentary full free – Search (bing.com)

Lyme Loonies, Part 1: When People With Lyme Disease Are Crazy | HuffPost Contributor

Lyme Loonies, Part 2: When People With Lyme Disease Are Crazy – Search (bing.com)

Lyme Loonies, Part 3: When People With Lyme Disease Are Crazy – Search (bing.com)

The True Origins of Lyme Disease (youtube.com)

1. TIME https://time.com/6974403/chronic-lyme-disease-researchLong Dismissed, Chronic Lyme Is Finally in the Spotlight | TIMEWEB5 days ago · Sue Gray, 59, has been sick 
2. STAT https://www.statnews.com/2023/07/31/acquired-tick…My superpower is killing ticks – STAT WEB Jul 31, 2023 · Related: ‘I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick’: A film dives deep into chronic Lyme disease … In addition to Lyme disease, cases of anaplasmosis (another serious bacterial disease.)

1. MSN
2. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/are-you…Are You in a Lyme Disease Hotspot? Here’s How to Keep Your Family … – MSN
3. WEB Jun 2, 2023 · Lyme disease is an infection that is transmitted when an infected tick bites a human. The Centers for Disease 

UNDER OUR SKIN — Under Our Skin

I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick is a powerful documentary that chronicles three families and a WNBA MVP who are fighting for survival against Lyme disease. The film highlights the physical, emotional, and financial toll the disease takes on their lives, as well as the urgent need for greater awareness, testing, and treatment options. Through their stories, I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick is a call to action, to understand and support the millions of people worldwide who are living with this devastating illness.

This gripping documentary exposes the relentless fight of patients against Lyme disease and chronic illness. 

When I first saw the Lyme disease documentary Under Our Skin in 2008, I had to leave the theater. Not only were my neurological symptoms of tick-borne illness overwhelmed by the audio-visual stimulation of a big-screen movie, but moreover, the stories of physical and emotional havoc of Lyme were too close to my own. I was too sick, too afraid that I would be stuck forever in the world portrayed in the film.

When I saw the new Lyme disease documentary I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick—which touches on the same physical, emotional, and financial turmoil of Lyme depicted in Under Our Skin—I reacted very differently. I could relate to so much of what the patients in the film are going through, but from a distance, now that I am in remission.

What got me from point A to point B on the 15-year journey between the two documentary releases is exactly what I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick makes a call to action for: adequate and appropriate support.

Through the stories of the Mode family (pictured left),

Ash Baker, the Cleworth family, and WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne, I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick showcases exactly how devastating Lyme disease can be on people from all walks of life. Whether struggling to access treatment or able to secure the best care, patients from small-town Maine to the pro basketball court are equally frustrated when their illness is invalidated. As Delle Donne says, “We all just want to be heard. We all come from different walks of life. We all have our own struggles.”

Sadly, many tick-borne illness patients are not heard by physicians, family and friends, and insurance companies. As I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick shows, the impact of this dismissal can lead to treatment delays, financial ruin, family strife, distrust in the medical system, and mental illness. Psychiatrist Robert Bransfield, MD says, “It’s tragic that we have all this suffering that could be prevented.”

“It’s just as much a human rights issue as it is a scientific issue.

To pretend it doesn’t exist is a crime.”

Physicians and researchers including Monica Embers, PhD, John Aucott, MD, Mark Soloski, PhD, Steven Phillips, MD, and Sean McCloy, MD, MPH, MA give credence to the science of tick-borne illness, especially in its chronic form, and also to the unnecessary suffering caused by ignorance of the facts. Dr. Phillips notes, “It’s just as much a human rights issue as it is a scientific issue. To pretend it doesn’t exist is a crime.”

I was told by countless people that my symptoms didn’t exist, and then, when diagnosed, that my illness didn’t exist. Like the patients in both Under Our Skin and I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick, I fought for validation along with my health. 

And I was lucky. Despite an eight-year battle for diagnosis, a multi-year convalescence including one complete relapse, and debilitating symptoms that derailed my life plan, I survived. I had the help of family and friends. I had access to medical care.

Though it took a while to get it, I had the support I needed to eventually move from surviving to thriving. From walking out of a movie theater to watching a documentary with gratitude for my own renewed health. But, as I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick demonstrates, too many patients are not as lucky.

‘I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick’: A film dives into chronic Lyme disease (statnews.com)

 Dr. Bransfield notes that people with chronic infections are more likely to be suicidal, explaining that with Lyme disease, there is a social-psychological component of mental illness but also a physiological part, due to neuroinflammation causing a shift in brain chemistry. Former GLA CEO Scott Santarella speaks poignantly about those lost to suicide during Lyme disease, and the patients in the film reveal their own dark thoughts.

I went to equally dark places during my lowest points of illness, and like Ash Baker, was able to use creative expression as a way to “bring me back to life.” In addition to coping mechanisms, patients need hope—even if they’re incremental flickers of light in a long, dark tunnel, as Santarella describes—and they need physical, emotional, and financial support. Perhaps most importantly, they just need to be believed.

I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick helps show the real story of life with Lyme disease. It offers validation to patients, but moreover, it shows people who can help patients—doctors, insurers, friends, and family members—exactly how support or lack thereof can make or break a patient’s journey.

https://www.lymedisease.org/not-crazy-documentary-may30

Lyme Disease is wreaking havoc on millions of lives.

Over 476,000 new Lyme disease cases emerge each year, yet many medical professionals often dismiss or overlook this debilitating condition. Lyme patients frequently feel lonely and isolated, struggling to receive proper support. I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick is a Lyme disease documentary that chronicles the daily lives of three families and WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne, in their fight for survival against this insidious illness. 

The Mode Family in Northern Maine survives on $150/month with limited access to treatment. 

Ash Baker, an artist in Maryland, has a dedicated doctor helping her get treatment covered by insurance.

 The Cleworth Family has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on Atty’s treatment, accessing the world’s best doctors and care. 

Elena Delle Donne has battled Lyme disease symptoms throughout her career, fighting not only the disease but for recognition and support.

This film highlights the physical, emotional, and financial struggles caused by Lyme, emphasizing the need for greater awareness, reliable testing methods, and accessible treatment options. Expert doctors, researchers, and advocates provide insights into the science and politics surrounding Lyme disease.Through these inspiring stories, I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick serves as a call to action to understand and support the millions worldwide living with this devastating illness.

Produced by Sypher Studios and Fieldhouse Productions, the documentary is shot by Emmy award-winning cinematographer Clair Popkin (Free Solo) and directed by Elle Brooks-Tao.

I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick – Microsoft Apps

People with Lyme Disease, what were/are your symptoms? : r/lyme disease (reddit.com)

Herbal Relief of Lyme Disease (youtube.com)

About Lyme | Lyme Disease Statistics, Cases, & Prevalence (global lyme alliance.org)

I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick – Trailer – Millions of people suffer from Lyme disease, a debilitating and often isolating illness that can go undiagnosed for years. This documentary shines a light on the lives of three families and a WNBA MVP who are fighting for survival. : r/trailers (reddit.com)

Lyme Literate Doctors in Ohio – LymeTalk.net

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Find a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD) or Practitioner (lymeclinics.com)

Doctor (lymediseaseresource.com)

Lyme Disease Association, Inc. | A National Non-Profit 501c3

Lyme Disease? LLMD in Ohio? (healingwell.com)

Lyme Disease? LLMD in Ohio? (healingwell.com)

How to Find a Lyme Literate Doctor | Lyme Warrior.

Unwell – Matchbox Twenty (Lyrics) | But I’m not crazy, I’m just a little unwell (youtube.com)

WEBMar 24, 2023 · Matchbox twenty | UnwellArtist •https://youtube.com/@MatchboxTwenty YouTube: Channel:https://youtube.com/@lyricsvibemusicTurn on notification bell fo…

The Kirstie Ennis’ story has been well documented, from being featured on the cover of ESPN The Magazine’s “Body” issue and in People magazine, to appearing on Tamron Hall and being featured in a Sports Emmy nominated segment on HBO’s Real Sports.

Kirstie Ennis | Video | Facebook

Adventure Athlete, USMC Veteran

Kirstie Ennis’s journey commenced with the loss of her leg in Afghanistan, yet it’s far from its conclusion. Enduring 48 surgeries and multiple amputations, the ex-Marine Sergeant, at 32, surpasses many lifetimes’ achievements. Ennis, inspired by her Marine parents, enlisted at 17. Defying notions of disability, she excels, aiming to conquer the Seven Summits by 2023, advocating and fundraising along the way. Beyond her athletic feats, Ennis holds three Master’s degrees and pursues a Doctorate in Education. Founder of The Kirstie Ennis Foundation, she champions causes and serves in various nonprofits. A savvy entrepreneur, she invests in startups and practices real estate. Honors adorn her, including the ESPY’s Pat Tillman Award and induction into the International Sports Hall of Fame as its youngest member.

Kirstie Ennis, a Milton, Fla. native, Afghanistan war veteran and amputee,  —  A Marine Corps veteran who turned to outdoor sports and launched a nonprofit foundation after losing her leg in combat was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2019 ESPYS. After surviving a helicopter crash in Afghanistan,  Sgt. Kirstie Ennis underwent more than a dozen surgeries addressing trauma to her brain, spine and shoulder. When doctors decided to amputate her left leg above the knee, Ennis embraced outdoor activities as she recovered, walking 1,000 miles across Britain for a charity event and earning three gold medals in swimming at the Warrior Games. 

She’s currently working to summit all seven of the world’s highest peaks and said she “does more now on one leg than she ever even dreamed of doing on two.” Ennis also launched the Kirstie Ennis Foundation with the mission of “improving the quality of life of individuals and families” and providing “education, opportunity, and healing in the outdoors.”

“After being medically retired from the Marine Corps due to my injuries sustained overseas, I have dedicated my life to serving others in a different way. To receive the Pat Tillman Award and to be associated with a true American hero is a tremendous honor,” Ennis said in a news release.

“It has taken a village to get me to this point in my life, and I would not be where I am now without the amazing people surrounding me. To me, this is a symbol of community and what it means to pay it forward.”

Why We Should All Be Like Kirstie

MIGHTY 25: From amputation to activist, Kirstie Ennis promotes healing through outdoors (wearethemighty.com)

After joining the Marine Corps to serve others, Sergeant Ennis was injured when her helicopter crashed on her second deployment to Afghanistan and she was forced into medical retirement. After struggling through over 40 surgeries, including an amputation, she was in search of a way to be of service again. In the early stages of her recovery, Kirstie relied heavily on outdoor therapy to get her life back. Thanks to her experiences Kirstie does more now on one leg, than she ever dreamed of doing on two.

In 2017, Kirstie committed to her Climbing for a Cause initiative – climbing the highest peak on each of the seven continents while raising funds and awareness for charity. Kirstie has turned the concept of “disabled athlete” on it’s head, proving how capable she still is. While she continued to summit the tallest mountains in the world, Kirstie developed the goal to share outdoor recreational therapy with underserved communities and created The Kirstie Ennis Foundation. Kirstie started holding group and individual outdoor experiences and she found a new way to serve.

Kirstie wants to provide opportunity in the outdoors, and ultimately opportunity for the rest of peoples lives. The possibilities in the outdoors are endless. “I never wanted people to ever feel the way I did- alone, lost in recovery. I wanted to give people hope, community, and a reason to show up. I wanted to teach people the sports that saved my life and actually give them the tools and resources to use them as therapy.”

The Climber: A Diehard Story Bing Videos

Kirstie Ennis is someone to be admired, but she is too humble to realize the impact she makes on the world at large. It started with her willingness to serve our country at the age of 17, her drive to find one of the toughest fields in the United States Marine Corps for women and the dedication she put forth to earn the rank of Sergeant.

Unfortunately, Kirstie suffered severe injuries when her helicopter crashed on her second tour in Afghanistan and she was forced into medical retirement due to the physical injuries she sustained. This was where she faced her defining moment, she could succumb to the injuries or she could fight to find her place in the world again. She has been fighting ever since.

Kirstie Ennis Foundation | Healing in the outdoors through recreational therapy

Kirstie found healing in the outdoors through sports and wanted to share that with others. This prompted her to start a nonprofit organization and bring the healing of outdoor recreation and nature to those in need. She found a way to be of service again, she has created a community, to give people hope, and a reason to show up. She has done that through The Kirstie Ennis Foundation.

Through TKEF Kirstie has held 25 recreational clinics bringing snowboarding to women veterans, rock climbing to amputees, mountain biking to amputees and veterans, adaptive off-roading to a childhood cancer survivor, Sit-Ski lessons to paralyzed combat veterans, and the opportunity for many adaptive athletes to climb the highest peaks in South America. Her nonprofit has a 92% IRS rating meaning .92 cents of every dollar donated goes towards the programming.

Kirstie is not in it for the money or fame, she is in it to make a difference and give others the tools and resources to use them as therapy.

  Veteran Amputee Kirstie Ennis Prepares to Summit Everest – Guideposts

• Jena Malone Honors Wounded Warrior Veteran Kirstie Ennis
• Must Watch: 2024 National Memorial Day Concert (youtube.com)
•  Cynthia Erivo Performs “When You Believe” | Kirstie Ennis tribute.
• The Final Summit – Kirstie Ennis Climbs Everest – YouTube 

Since 2017, Kirstie has committed to her Climbing for a Cause initiative- climbing the highest peak on each of the seven continents while raising funds and awareness for charity. She has completed six of the seven peaks and inspires with every step as she has often been the first female above-knee amputee to do it. She has had two attempts on Everest, but has had to turn around for her and her team’s safety. 

Kirstie Ennis was almost at the peak of Mount Everest, then turned back: NPR

Why a mountaineer chose to turn around just 200 meters from Mount Everest’s summit : NPR

She is vulnerable and open in sharing her experiences to show others that we can all face obstacles and struggle, but ultimately it is about our ability to keep taking the next step. Kirstie travels all over the country giving motivational talks and is endeared by so many because she is honest, open and her willingness to help anyone that crosses her path shines through.

She responds to every person that reaches out to her and leads with doing all she can to create opportunity and healing for everyone she meets. She has won several awards for her humanitarian work such as the Yolanda King Higher Ground Award at the King Center, an award for individuals who carry on the legacy and values of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

It isn’t just what she does for others, as admirable as that is, it is what she does for herself that sets the example for so many young women. Since joining the Marine Corps, she has earned several degrees and her doctorate in an effort to better herself. She became a firefighter to apply her knowledge and be of service in her community. Kirstie has competed as a Paralympic snowboarder and previously took fifth in the world in women’s snowboard cross and just earned two bronze medals in the Para Snowboard FIS World Cup last month. She sets the bar high for women but is humble in wanting to see other women, other amputees, other veterans standing where she has stood, and doing it better.

You can see her impact on truly anyone that her story finds. The people she has supported have made a difference in their own communities just from the light that Kirstie sparked. She has helped a female veteran create a nonprofit to help veterans in Arizona, others to build businesses all across the country. There is a new adaptive community in Nashville that she inspired because she taught a retired amputee Marine who needed a new purpose: adaptive rock climbing. She has become the hero of many young ladies who have faced adversities by writing handwritten notes of encouragement and support.

Jena Malone Honors Wounded Warrior Veteran Kirstie Ennis | 2024 National Memorial Day Concert (youtube.com)

She sets the example and many are following in her footsteps, but what is most admirable is that she does it all to make the world a better place, to inspire and show others they have what they need to persevere. That is the light we need to see in this world.

For speaking engagement inquiries visit-https://www.teamwass.com/speaker/kirstie-ennis/

• Adventure Athlete, USMC Veteran
• Adventure Athlete
• https://www.kirstieennisfoundation.com
• kirstie.ennis@yahoo.com  

Kirstie Ennis’s story may have begun when she lost her leg after her helicopter went down in Afghanistan, but it certainly doesn’t end there. After 48 surgeries and the amputation of her leg first below and then above the knee after a life-threatening infection, the former Marine Sergeant has accomplished more at 32 years old than most people have achieved in their lifetimes.

Ennis enlisted in the Marine Corps when she was only 17 years old, inspired by her parents who were also Marines. Ennis has turned the concept of “disabled athlete” on its head, proving how capable she still is, whether it’s on one leg or two. She hopes to complete the Seven Summits by climbing the highest peak on every continent by 2023 to fundraise and raise awareness for a variety of causes.

What people might not know about Ennis: she’s completed three Master’s degrees and is currently working to complete her Doctorate in Education. Kirstie is the President and Founder of The Kirstie Ennis Foundation, an Ambassador and program lead for the nonprofit Building Homes for Heroes and sits on the board of directors for Merging Vets and Players. She has invested in several small startup businesses ranging from hair salons, cross fit gyms, and restaurants. She also earned her license as a real estate advisor and is based at Engel & Volkers in Carbondale, Colorado.

After returning home from Everest in summer of 2019, Kirstie was the ESPY’s Pat Tillman Award recipient. She received the 2020 Higher Ground award at the Martin Luther King Family Salute to Greatness gala and is the youngest inductee ever into the International Sports Hall of Fame.

Kirstie Ennis, a remarkable USMC Veteran and adventure athlete, was a speaker at TEDxReno. Her inspiring journey began with a tragic helicopter accident in Afghanistan, which led to the loss of her leg. Despite this, she has achieved incredible feats, including climbing the highest peaks on every continent to raise awareness and funds for various causes1. Kirstie’s story is one of resilience and determination, as she has not only overcome physical challenges but also excelled academically, completing three Master’s degrees and working towards a Doctorate in Education1.

At TEDxReno, Kirstie shared her experiences and insights, undoubtedly leaving a lasting impact on the audience. The event, themed DISRUPTION, took place on April 6, 2024, and featured a variety of thought leaders and entertainers who are making significant changes in the world2. Kirstie Ennis is also the President and Founder of The Kirstie Ennis Foundation and holds positions with other notable organizations, showcasing her commitment to supporting veterans and others facing disabilities1.

• LA Times Today: Veteran and amputee climbs six of the Seven Summits – Los Angeles Times
• Marine Veteran Kirstie Ennis: Life After A Leg Amputation | Cosmopolitan (youtube.com)
• Veteran Kirstie Ennis on the Cover of ESPN’S Body Issue (people.com)
• Athlete of the Week: Kirstie Ennis (koaa.com)
• kirstie_ennis.pdf (usmcmuseum.com)
• US Marine who lost a leg is about to scale Everest (redbull.com)
• Veteran amputee Kirstie Ennis receives the 2019 Pat Tillman Award for Service | 2019 ESPYS (youtube.com)
• Redefining Beautiful – with Kirstie Ennis | Fabulous Over 50 Episode on Amazon Music
• Ain’t No Mountain High Enough: Wounded Marine Kirstie Ennis’ Bravery ‘Peaks’ At The Top Of Mount Everest | Everyone Talks To Liz Claman (foxnews.com)
• Kirstie Ennis – Move United (moveunitedsport.org)
• Your chances of living to be a hundred years old (msn.com)
• Kirstie Ennis Disability Issues Speaker-Speakers Bureau | SpeakInc
• Kirstie Ennis (@kirstie_ennis) • Instagram photos and videos
• Paralympic Veteran Kirstie Ennis Tackles Denali – Gripped Magazine
• The Brass & Unity Podcast: #98 – Kirstie Ennis on Apple Podcasts
• Marine Veteran Kirstie Ennis: Life After A Leg Amputation | Cosmopolitan (youtube.com)
• Meet Kirstie Ennis – VoyageDenver – Denver
• My views from the top of the world. This was truly the first time I realized what I was doing… the magnitude, challenge, difficulty, altitude, everything. I refrained from sharing too much of my Everest expedition last year because I really wanted to share it with you in my documentary, Standing Tall.With the premiere happening tomorrow (finally because of COVID), I’ve cried a couple of times at how hard my climbing and production/postproduction team worked for this.
• On the mountain, we were a small team — but editing this, we were an insanely small team. Much love to my cinematographer, co producer, and climbing partner extraordinaire @robgowler and my executive producer and queen editor @juneandchili! The film encompasses so much — why and how I climb as an amputee, scaling the tallest mountain in the world, and what’s to come at the Center for Disabled Children’s Assistance in Kathmandu  Standing Tall — be proud of whatever your mountain is!   #leftlegless# standingtall #everest #nepal #himalayas #adaptive
• #adventureathlete #nonprofit #payitforward #giveback #workharder #makinghistory
• See less Video | Facebook 
• Learn More About Kirstie
• 

#TEDxReno #KirstieEnnis #Inspiration #OvercomingAdversity 

1tedxreno.org2ted.com3tedxreno.org4kirstieennisfoundation.com

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The Hunt Lift Eat Podcast EP 156: Die Living – An Interview With Kirstie Ennis

Kirstie Ennis Foundation | Healing in the outdoors through recreational therapy

Veterans Voices: Kirstie Ennis’ Mission to Serve | Facebook Live | Facebook

ESPYS 2019: How amputee veteran Kirstie Ennis turned her injury into a mission to inspire others – Good Morning America

How Kirstie Ennis overcame her wounds – both physical and mental – Task & Purpose (taskandpurpose.com)

Kirstie Ennis Goes From Survivor To Competitive Athlete In The 2017 Body Issue | ESPN (youtube.com)

Kirstie Ennis Is Climbing the Highest Mountains in the World—While Wearing a Prosthetic Leg | Glamour

Kirstie Ennis Is On A Mission To Conquer Mount Everest – Task & Purpose (taskandpurpose.com)

Mountaineer and Wounded Warrior Kirstie Ennis on her long road to recovery — Body 2017 – ESPN

Kirstie Ennis Is On A Mission To Conquer Mount Everest – Task & Purpose (taskandpurpose.com)

Former Marine Kirstie Ennis to climb last of the Seven Summits after leg amputation (axios.com)

From Afghanistan to Athlete – Kirstie Ennis conquers adversity and extreme sports – VA News

She was 200 meters from the peak of Mount Everest, then turned back. Here’s why | WUSF

TEDx_Reno on LinkedIn: #tedxreno #kirstieennis #inspiration #overcomingadversity

Marine amputee Kirstie Ennis makes history atop Denali (wearethemighty.com)

ESPYS WINNERS: Click here for full list | https://www.facebook.com/kirstieennis2

Amputee Kirstie Ennis climbs the world’s tallest peaks (spectrumnews1.com)

Combat Entrepreneur: USMC Amputee Kirstie Ennis (athlonoutdoors.com)

Jocko Podcast 199 w/ Kirstie Ennis: Pain Makes You Better (youtube.com)

Kirstie Ennis Is the Toughest Mountaineer on Earth (outsideonline.com)

National Memorial Day Full Concert 2024 | PBS (youtube.com)

#1 Gut Nutritionist: How to Eat to Heal Your Gut (youtube.com)

Proudly She Served | Kirstie Ennis | Kirstie Ennis – TEDxReno

Kirstie Ennis Story – National Memorial Day Concert – PBS

Kirstie Ennis: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know (heavy.com)

Tedtalk reno Kirstie Ennis – Search Images (bing.com)

Kirstie Ennis – TEDxReno – Search Videos (bing.com)

Bing Videos | kirstie ennis – Search Videos (bing.com)

tedtalk reno Kirstie Ennis – Search Images (bing.com)

Veteran Survival Story, Kirstie Ennis (people.com)

The most popular TED Talks of all time | TED Talks

Kirstie Ennis – TEDxReno – Search Videos (bing.com)

Celine Dion and her loved ones have offered health updates amid her battle with stiff-person syndrome. Dion revealed in December 2022 that she had to postpone several performances due to the health scare.

“Hello, everyone. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much and I can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person. As you know, I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before, but I’m ready now,” an emotional Dion said in an Instagram video at the time. “I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, stiff-person syndrome is a rare disorder of motor function characterized by involuntary stiffness of axial muscles and superimposed painful muscle spasms, which are often induced by startle or emotional stimuli.

Celine Dion Through the Years: From Her Debut Album to Worldwide Success

Scroll down for everything Dion and her family have shared about her health battle:

Breaking Down the Diagnosis

In December 2022, Dion said she had “no choice but to concentrate” on her health ahead of her career.

“I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery. This is my focus and I’m doing everything that I can to recuperate,” she said via Instagram. “Take care of yourselves. Be well. I love you guys so much and I really hope I can see you again real soon.”

Focusing on Her Recovery

“I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better and my precious children, who are supporting me and giving me hope,” Dion noted in her December 2022 Instagram video. “I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again, but I have to admit it’s been a struggle.”

While a source later told Us Weekly that the diagnosis came as a “shock” to Dion, they noted she had not lost “her fighting spirit and is comforted that at least she knows exactly what she’s dealing with now and there’s comfort that she can alleviate some of the symptoms by getting treatments that are specific for this condition.”

Having Her Loved Ones by Her Side

“Her kids have been her rock … the twins are very mature for their age and René-Charles checks in and dotes on his mom all the time,” the insider went on to share. “Celine received this diagnosis fairly recently; she’s been suffering the symptoms for quite some time, but it always baffled her what was wrong.” (Dion shared son René-Charles and twins Nelson and Eddy with late husband René Angélil, who died of throat cancer at age 73 in January 2016.)

Her sister Claudette also opened up about how the family has been helping the performer. “When I call her and she’s busy, I speak to my sister Linda who lives with her and tells me that she’s working hard. She’s listening to the top researchers in the field of this rare disease as much as possible,” she told Le Journal de Montreal in 2023. “We trust her. It’s innate to her, she’s disciplined in every area of her life … We can’t find any medicine that works, but having hope is important.”

Bode Miller and More Celebrity Parents With the Biggest Broods

Claudette continued: “I honestly think that she mostly needs to rest. She always goes above and beyond, she always tries to be the best and top of her game. At one point, your heart and your body are trying to tell you something. It’s important to listen to it.”

In an August 2023 interview with Hello! Canada magazine, Claudette called Dion a “strong woman” and noted that “she’s doing everything to recover.” She told the outlet that while there is little she and the rest of Dion’s family “can do to support her, to alleviate her pain, they are “crossing our fingers that researchers will find a remedy for this awful illness.”

The Illness Is Progressing

“She works hard, but she doesn’t have control of her muscles,” Claudette told Canadian magazine 7 Jours of her sister’s condition in December 2023. “What pains me is that she has always been disciplined. She always worked hard.”

Claudette revealed that it’s a “dream” of both Céline and the family that she will “return to the stage” one day. “In which state? I do not know,” Claudette confessed. “The vocal cords are muscles, and the heart is also a muscle. This is what [gets to] me. Since it’s one case in millions, scientists didn’t do that much research, because it didn’t affect that many people.”

Céline’s sibling explained that while,

“There are some who have lost hope because [it] is a disease that is not known,” many fans have continued to reach out with well wishes. “People tell us they love her and pray for her. She receives so many messages, gifts, and blessed crucifixes,” Claudette said.

Celebrity Health Scares Through the Years

Not Letting Her Health ‘Define’ Her

“This last couple of years has been such a challenge for me, the journey from discovering my condition to learning how to live with and manage it, but not to let it define me,” Céline shared in a January 2024 statement while announcing her Prime Video documentary, 

I Am: Céline Dion.

“As the road to resuming my performing career continues:

I have realized how much I have missed it, of being able to see my fans,” she added. “During this absence, I decided I wanted to document this part of my life, to try to raise awareness of this little-known condition, to help others who share this diagnosis.”

Words of Encouragement

Céline commemorated International Stiff Person Syndrome Day in March 2024 by sharing a rare Instagram photo of herself and her kids. “Trying to overcome this autoimmune disorder has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible,” she captioned the post. “I am deeply grateful for the love and support from.”

She concluded her message by sending her “encouragement and support to all those around the world that have been affected by SPS,” adding, “I want you to know you can do it! We can do it!”

The Fight Goes On

Céline offered insight into her stiff person syndrome battle in an May 2024 Vogue France cover story interview. “I haven’t beat the disease, as it’s still within me and always will be. I hope that we’ll find a miracle, a way to cure it with scientific research, but for now I have to learn to live with it. So that’s me, now with Stiff Person Syndrome,” she told the magazine.

The singer went on to note that she undergoes “athletic, physical and vocal therapy” five days a week in addition to working on “my toes, my knees, my calves, my fingers, my singing [and] my voice.”

She added: “I have to learn to live with it now and stop questioning myself. At the beginning I would ask myself: why me? How did this happen? What have I done?

Is this my fault?”

Céline stated that although “life doesn’t give you any answers,” you must keep living it.

“I have this illness for some unknown reason. The way I see it, I have two choices. Either I train like an athlete and work super hard, or I switch off and it’s over, I stay at home, listen to my songs, stand in front of my mirror and sing to myself,” she stated. “I’ve chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again!

More than a year after announcing her health issues were due to stiff person syndrome, a rare and incurable neurological and autoimmune condition that causes severe muscle spasms and stiffening in the limbs — and in Celine’s case issues with her Vocal Cords — she’s in a fight for her life. Her struggle is something she swore she would never talk about, but sharing helps her connect with her beloved fans.

After canceling her World Tour, her future as an entertainer remains uncertain. People who suffer from SPS may not be lucky enough to have the means to have the best doctors and treatments as she does. What’s even greater is I have the inner strength in me to try and overcome. Celine is working hard to improve her body — and her mind. Five days a week I undergo athletic, physical and vocal therapy as she must learn to live with the debilitating condition. 

Agonizing Rehab

Resisting negativity is a huge component of her approach to battling this condition, which affects fewer than 5000 in the United States. “She is putting on a brave front and doing her best to stay upbeat because he believes a positive attitude in adversity is a key to a happy life.”   Celine may not overcome SPS, but she has learned to accept it. As my diagnosis sunk in. the singer realized she had a choice to make.

“Either I train like an athlete and work super hard or I switch off and it’s over,” she said, “I’ve chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe with a medical team.’

She admits she’s had her dark days “At the beginningI would ask myself Why me? Why anybody? Why did this happen? What have I done? Is this my fault? What I learned if life doesn’t give you answers you only get to live it.

Then I told myself I have this disease for some unknown reason. In those early months Celine beat herself up a lot realizing she had to cancel a World Tour. Then she realized she had a lot to be thankful for and she is grateful she’s able to tell her story. In a new documentary I AM: Cleine Dion — described as a love letter to fans which will debut June 25 on Prime Video.

Celine Dion has a new documentary about her life with Stiff Person Syndrome. Here’s a timeline of her condition. (msn.com)

The five-time Grammy Winner gave the filmmaker unprecedented access to her life for more than a year to capture how she’s coping with the physical and mental repercussions of Stiff Person Syndrome to try to raise awareness of this little-known condition and help others who share this diagnosis. In the footage, says a source, she laughs, she cries, she sings. It’s a very emotional raw look at her life now.

May 13, 2024, Issue

Valentine’s Day this flower choked off a mum we had on the Southside of the House.

Then on my mother’s 95th birthday on April 5th it was out in all its splendor and mom thought it was the most beautiful flower she had ever seen in her life. And her thoughts were that I never saw a flower like that one in my lifetime. SO I searched the internet and found it to be a “Purple Illusion.” A powerful affirmation that my father is still beside her in all her years.  

What chokes off a flower and makes a purple illusion grow in its place

Copilot

The phrase “chokes off a flower and makes a purple illusion grow in its place” seems metaphorical and could be interpreted in various ways. However, if we’re talking about the literal aspect of a purple plant replacing another, it could refer to the Magic Show® ‘Purple Illusion’ Spike Speedwell. This is a Veronica hybrid that features thick, rosy purple flower wands that emerge prolifically atop a rounded, low clump of deep green foliage 1 2. It’s a perennial plant that adds a touch of magic to any garden space with its enchanting flowers throughout the spring and summer seasons 1.

Learn more

1arborvalleynursery.com 2gardenia.net 3provenwinners.com

In a more poetic sense, the phrase could be describing a situation where something vibrant and unexpected replaces something else that has faded or been suppressed. If you’re looking for a creative interpretation or a specific context, feel free to provide more details!

Here’s a poem inspired by the phrase “chokes off a flower and makes a purple illusion grow in its place”:

In a garden where the wildflowers sway,

A peculiar event unfolds by the light of day.

Where once bloomed a mum, so vivid and fair,

Now lies a vision, purple, floating in the air.

A mystical force, unseen and untold,

Chokes off the bloom, its petals fold.

In its stead, a purple illusion does grow,

A spectacle of nature, a magical show.

The illusion, a spike of Veronica’s hue,

Stands where the mum once reached for the dew.

Its color so deep, a story it weaves,

Of life’s constant change, as one believes.

Though the mum has faded, its beauty spent,

The purple mirage brings a new enchantment.

For in every ending, there’s a start anew,

A reminder that change can bring wonders, too.

So let the garden of life constantly transform,

As illusions grow where flowers once performed.

For every bloom that withers, in time’s grand dance,

A new shade of wonder is given a chance.

I hope this poem captures the essence of transformation and the beauty that can arise from change. Here’s how flowers can impact your spiritual journey:

1. Fostering Intellectual Growth: Purple flowers inspire you to pursue knowledge and wisdom relentlessly.
2. Enhancing Spiritual Awareness: They encourage a deeper connection with your inner self and the universe.
3. Promoting Conscious Enlightenment: These blooms serve as a reminder to stay open to the lessons life teaches you, facilitating a journey towards enlightenment.

Embrace the wisdom and spirituality that purple flowers bring into your life.

It’s as if these flowers have the power to unlock the doors to your imagination, urging you to explore uncharted territories of creativity. They become muses for your art, poetry, or whatever form your creative expressions take. Moreover, they encourage you to delve into dream exploration, making your nightly journeys not just restful, but also a source of inspiration.

You’ll find that with their presence, your creative projects are imbued with a depth and richness previously untapped.

Signifying Mystery and Magic

Delving into the world of purple flowers, you’ll uncover layers of mystery and magic that resonate deeply within your spirit. These blooms aren’t just a feast for the eyes; they carry profound meanings, especially when delving into the realms of the occult and enigmatic symbolism.

1. Occult Practices: Purple flowers are often associated with mysticism and the occult. They’re believed to enhance psychic abilities and spiritual connections.
2. Enigmatic Symbolism: The color purple itself is symbolic of the unknown. It represents the mysteries of the universe, beckoning you to explore deeper spiritual truths.
3. Gateway to the Unseen: These flowers act as a bridge to realms beyond our understanding, inviting you to embrace the magic and mystery that lies just beyond the veil of the visible world.

Promoting Calmness and Serenity

Aspect	Benefit	How it Helps
Color Hue	Calming Effect	Reduces stress by calming the mind
Presence	Serene Environment	Encourages a peaceful space for relaxation
Scent	Aromatherapy	Supports mental health by promoting calmness

Enhancing Spiritual Connection

Purple flowers don’t just beautify your space; they also deepen your spiritual connection, inviting a sense of the divine into your everyday life. By integrating these vibrant blooms into your surroundings, you’re not only enhancing the visual appeal but also fostering a more profound spiritual awareness.

Here’s how they can help you connect on a deeper level:

1. Encourage Inner Peace: Surrounding yourself with purple flowers promotes tranquility, aiding in the pursuit of inner peace.
2. Inspire Mindful Practices: Their presence serves as a gentle reminder to engage in mindful practices, deepening your spiritual journey.
3. Cultivate a Sacred Space: Use them to create a dedicated area for meditation or prayer, enhancing the spiritual quality of your environment.

Embrace the serene beauty of purple flowers to enrich your spiritual path.

Reflecting Transformation and Change

Beyond enhancing spiritual connection, purple flowers also symbolize the beauty of transformation and change in your life. These vibrant blooms remind you that every phase of your existence is marked by growth stages. Like a purple flower unfurling its petals, you too are constantly evolving, moving through cycles of personal renewal.

They’re not just pretty sights; they’re powerful symbols of your journey, highlighting the importance of embracing change. As you gaze upon a field of purple, let it reinforce the idea that transformation isn’t something to fear. It’s a natural, beautiful process, integral to your development.

Embrace each moment of change as an opportunity for growth, allowing the essence of purple flowers to guide your path towards personal renewal.

Conclusion

Purple flowers serve as more than mere visual delights; they carry profound symbolism. These blooms remind us of our inherent nobility, encourage wisdom, and ignite our creative spirit.

They embody the essence of mystery, provide a sanctuary of serenity, and act as conduits to the spiritual realm. By embracing these symbols of transformation, we embark on a journey towards self-discovery and personal growth.

What might these vibrant petals reveal about your path?

While exploring the mystical aspects of purple flowers, it’s also important to recognize their power to bring peace and serenity into your life. Their vibrant hues are more than just a feast for the eyes; they’re a balm for your mental health. By integrating purple flowers into your surroundings, you’re setting the stage for stress relief and a tranquil mind.

Nina Redford

I’m Nina, and I’m very passionate about spirituality. Exploring the depths of the soul and connecting with the divine has always been my source of inspiration. Join me on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace through my writing.

Beyond its earthly implications, purple delves into the spiritual realm, linked to the crown chakra and intuition. It facilitates a connection to higher states of consciousness, amplifying one’s spiritual journey and understanding.

In the realm of creativity, purple plays a pivotal role. It stimulates the senses, ignites intuition, and provides the tranquility essential for insightful observations. This fusion of sensory awakening and quiet contemplation fosters creativity, making purple an ideal color to nurture artistic expression. Furthermore, purple embodies transformation, portraying strength, courage, and resilience. It signifies the ability to embrace change, adapt, and endure, symbolizing the transformative journey of life. Balancing its depth, purple also symbolizes femininity, characterized by playfulness, whimsy, and irreverence.

Psychological and Emotional Associations of Purple

Purple is a color that is often associated with psychological and emotional meanings.

This section will explore how purple can affect mood, energy, and personality.

Purple and Mood

Purple is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote feelings of relaxation and tranquility. This is why it is often used in meditation and other spiritual practices.

At the same time, purple can also be energizing and uplifting. It can help to boost creativity and inspire new ideas. This is why it is often used in artistic and creative endeavors.

Purple and Energy

Purple is also associated with energy and vitality. It is believed to stimulate the imagination and enhance mental clarity. This is why it is often used in brainstorming sessions and other activities that require focus and concentration.

At the same time, purple can also be calming and soothing. It can help to reduce tension and promote a sense of inner peace. This is why it is often used in relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation.

The color purple is associated with a variety of meanings, including wisdom, creativity, royalty, power, ambition, and luxury. It can also represent magic, extravagance, peace, pride, independence, and wealth. As with other colors, purple is the subject of color psychology, which suggests that colors can have a powerful impact on moods and even behaviors.¹

Each color is thought to have its own effect, but the feeling that each color produces can vary based on experience and culture. Like other colors, purple can lead to differing feelings, emotions, and associations. Learning the color purple meaning and effects can help you understand why you may feel the way you do when you see it.

Purple Meaning in History

The feelings that the color purple evokes are often due to cultural associations. Because purple is so strongly associated with royalty, people often perceive it as being a very regal color. These associations with royalty, as well as wealth, stem from the fact that the purple dye used in ancient times was very rare and extremely expensive.²

The resources needed to create a dye in this color were much harder to come by since purple is uncommon in nature, and much more costly. So only the elite could use purple dye. These associations with extravagance and aristocracy persist to this day.

The color purple became associated with wealth and royalty because, oftentimes, the rich were the only individuals who could afford clothing and other household items that were dyed purple.

Around 1200 B.C.E., the city of Tyre (along the coast of ancient Phoenicia) began producing purple dye by crushing the shells of a small sea snail.³ The resulting color became known as Tyrian purple and was so well known it was mentioned in Homer’s “Iliad” and Virgil’s “Aeneid.” Alexander the Great and the kings of Egypt also wore clothing colored with the famous Tyrian purple.

This connection with royalty was not just restricted to ancient times. Purple was the color of choice for the Purple Robe of Estate worn by Queen Elizabeth II on her way back to Buckingham Palace following her coronation in 1953.⁴

Some of the symbolic meanings and associations with the color purple include:

• Creativity
• Emotionality
• Enlightenment
• Femininity
• Imagination
• Inspiration
• Mystery
• Rarity
• Royalty
• Spirituality

People often describe this color as mysterious, spiritual, and imaginative.⁵

Purple also represents wisdom and spirituality.⁶ Its rare and mysterious nature perhaps causes it to seem connected to the unknown, supernatural, and divine.

Different shades of purple have different spiritual meanings. For instance, light purples are associated with light-hearted, romantic energies, while darker shades can represent sadness and frustration. In some parts of Europe, purple is associated with death and mourning.

Courage and Bravery

In the U.S., the Purple Heart is among the highest honors for bravery in military service. The award, originally called the Badge of Military Merit, was created in 1782 by George Washington to give to soldiers for commendable action. The color represents courage and bravery.⁷

Personality

While by no means scientific, liking purple might mean that you have positive feelings about some of the main associations of the color. So if purple is your favorite color,

It might signify that you have an artistic, thoughtful, and intuitive side.

• Amethyst
• Lavender
• Lilac
• Mulberry
• Orchid
• Plum
• Puce
• Pomegranate
• Royal purple
• Violet
• Wine

You might also enjoy thinking about spiritual issues and the meaning of life. Of course, it might just mean that it is your favorite color due to your unique, individual associations, And experiences.
Shades of Purple

How Do We Perceive Color?

Purple Is Unique and Exotic

Since purple does not often occur in nature, it can sometimes appear exotic or artificial. For this reason, it tends to be quite a polarizing color. People tend to either really love purple or really hate it.⁸

Visually, purple is one of the most difficult colors to discriminate against. It also has the strongest electromagnetic wavelength, being just a few wavelengths up from x-rays and gamma rays.⁹ For this reason, it is often used in visual illusions such as the lilac chaser illusion.

In writing, the phrase “purple prose” is sometimes used to describe writing that is extremely imaginative or even prone to exaggeration, hyperbole, or outright lies.

 Understanding How We See Color

The Color Purple Meaning and Biology

When discussing color meaning, it’s also important to recognize the role that various biological factors play in perceiving it. Several factors affect how the brain perceives the color purple, such as vision, light, and a person’s interpretation of what the color represents.¹⁰

Additional factors that can contribute to how a person perceives color are its hue, its level of saturation or purity, and how bright or dull it is. All these play into the frequency, wavelength, and energy associated with the color, which also changes how the eye and, subsequently, the brain perceive it.

That means that everyone’s perception and interpretation of the color purple can be different.

Takeaways

Responses to the color purple can vary considerably from one person to the next. However, many feel that this color seems royal yet mysterious.

Notice how purple is used in the image that accompanies this article.

Consider how the color purple makes you feel. Do you associate purple with certain qualities or situations? Recognizing how you interpret purple’s meaning helps you understand why you may respond to it in a certain way.

NOW, do you see the shade of purple in this picture Below. 

What Harrison Butker shared to the college graduates in his commencement address at Benedictine College on May 11 was his beliefs and opinions of today’s world. 

Much like the divisive remarks short line sins being said every day and in late night from the big mouth chicks on The View and their plummeting 2.5 million viewers and what is being told by Stephen Cobert to his 2.95 million viewers and the Jimmy’s (Fallon’s 1.43 million Kimmel’s 2.27 million, of Late Night) practically wishing Trump Dead which USATODAY, MSNBC, CNN OR CBS says nothing about. 

Whereas the ratings for the 2024 Women’s College Basketball national championship game between South Carolina and Iowa averaged 18.7 million viewers, peaking at 24 million on ABC & ESPN in April.

Shows you how many truly liberal viewers (Not many) we have in our country.

My take from this speech and what I saw and heard wasn’t ill will to women.

Harrison Butker just said women should embrace their role as a homemaker.

Andy Reid shows he’s clueless about misogyny with his reaction to Harrison Butker speech

Opinion by Nancy Armour, USA TODAY

Harrison Butker is a religious zealot so, while offensive, what he said in his now-infamous commencement address shouldn’t have been much of a surprise.

Andy Reid ought to know better.

Asked on Wednesday if he was concerned Butker’s comments might cause a rift with the women who work for the Kansas City Chiefs, the coach replied, “I don’t think he was speaking ill to women.” 

Butker told the women graduating from Benedictine College that they’d been fed “diabolical lies,” and then went on to suggest their one true purpose was to be broodmares. He railed against the evils of birth control and abortion because, again, women have no use beyond having kids. And God forbid we should be allowed to decide what is best for ourselves and our bodies!

He spoke wistfully of the days when men had primacy and women knew their place – “we set the tone of the culture and when that is absent, disorder, dysfunction and chaos set in” – and urged male graduates to “fight against the cultural emasculation of men.”

If making abundantly clear how little value we have isn’t speaking ill to women, I’d hate to see what it would take to tip Reid over the edge. Advocating for a Taliban-style government? Taking away our right to vote or make our own financial decisions? 

 “He has his opinions and we all respect that,” Reid said.

Even when they’re wholly disrespectful to women.

Distasteful and ill-informed as they are, of course – Butker has the right to his opinions — I appreciate that Reid and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes were trying to keep the peace in the locker room with their “we don’t have to agree but we have to respect everyone’s opinions” bothsiderisms.

But there is a difference between saying Butker has the right to his opinions and trying to pass those opinions off as some minor disagreement. Butker wasn’t railing about whether there should be a tax on plastic bags or why it’s taking so long to get high-speed internet to rural America. He was taking aim at a woman’s right to self-determination & propagating the real diabolical lie, that women exist only for the service and convenience of men.  

That is why the chorus of criticism against Butker has been so heated and so persistent and comes from so many, many women. Even the nuns who founded Benedictine College chimed in.

“One of our concerns was the assertion that being a homemaker is the highest calling for a woman,” the sisters of Mount St. Scholastica said in a statement last week.

“We sisters have dedicated our lives to God and God’s people, including the many women whom we have taught and influenced during the past 160 years,” the nuns continued. “These women have made a tremendous difference in the world in their roles as wives and mothers and through their God-given gifts in leadership, scholarship, and their careers.” 

We are not that far removed from the days women weren’t allowed to have credit cards in our own names (1974) and schools were allowed to discriminate against us academically and athletically (1972). The wage gap has remained relatively unchanged over the last 20 years, with women overall making about 84 cents to every dollar earned by a man, and it’s even worse for women of color. It took until 2023 for there to be more female CEOs than CEOs named John.

The Supreme Court’s decision that overturned Roe vs. Wade has jeopardized the lives and health of thousands of women. There is also one horrifying story after another of women developing sepsis, needing hysterectomies and even dying because they are no longer entitled to basic health care.

And that “masculinity” Butker champions?

Violence against women remains appallingly high and even more appallingly disregarded. As we were reminded by that devastating video of Cassie being chased down and beaten by Diddy, it still takes visual evidence for a woman to be believed when she says she was physically or sexually assaulted.

Reid doesn’t live in that world and will never have to, so he can be oblivious to the misogyny of Butker’s speech. But women cannot. We live it, each and every day, and it’s unsettling to know Butker would reverse what progress has been made and take us back to the days when we had no standing, no voice, no worth.

Butker wasn’t just “speaking ill” to women with his views.

Given the chance, he’d do very real harm, too.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Andy Reid shows he’s clueless about misogyny with his reaction to Harrison Butker speech

Harrison Butker Of KC CHIEFS Homage To HOMEMAKERS, Riles Up SOCIAL MEDIA: Watch (youtube.com)

Full Text: Harrison Butker of Kansas City Chiefs Commencement Speech – EWTN Global Catholic Television Network

Harrison Butker | Commencement Address 2024 | Benedictine College,

Healing and wholeness only occur when the mind, body, and spirit are in balance.

How to Balance Your Mind, Body, and Soul.

Posted April 28, 2020 |  Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

Mind Body Spirit healing – Search (bing.com)

Healing and a feeling of personal wholeness only occur when the mind, body, and spirit are in balance. Balancing them all is necessary for a happy and fulfilled life. And in moments of crisis—especially in moments of crisis—it is vital for you to be vigilant in protecting that balance.

All three are connected: the mind, body, and spirit.

Weakness or imbalance in one of these can negatively affect the others. For example, severe emotional stress of the mind can cause high blood pressure and other illnesses in an otherwise healthy body. Similarly, physical illness or injury can cause depression in a usually healthy mind.

Healing intention is a conscious mental choice to improve your health or the health of another. It includes the expectation of improved well-being and the hope that the desired health goal can be reached. It also includes the understanding of personal meaning in your life and work, even when those two worlds may seem blurred during a quarantine.

Ultimately, healing intention includes the belief that healing and well-being will occur. If you don’t truly believe that you can be healed, or if some part of you is holding onto the disease or condition, you might disrupt or limit your own inherent capacity to heal on a subconscious level. Don’t underestimate yourself! By developing healing intention, you set the stage for healing to occur.

What Can I Do to Develop Healing Intention?

Awareness

Awareness addresses the question “How do I feel?” It helps you learn what your body is telling you and to connect what you think about to who you are.

You can become aware of your body’s subtle signals such as changes in energy level or mood. Bring these thoughts and feelings to your conscious mind. This allows you to change behaviors that don’t make you healthier. You can also learn new skills to change your automatic responses. Physical symptoms are messages from your body, telling you how it is doing and what it needs.  

Some people turn to active practices like jogging, yoga, or even repeating a single word that makes them feel “centered.” Others use religious prayer, practices, and services. You can also just take a few moments to be quiet or to meditate.

Intent

Once you know how you feel, it’s essential to know what you want. If a health crisis or other situation changes your life from what you planned, this can be challenging. But it is important to create new goals and plans. These may be different, but they can also be meaningful and fulfilling.

On a spiritual level, once you connect with your inner self, you can direct your intention to bring this sense of peace and healing to yourself or others in your life.

Reflection

The story you tell yourself about your life is powerful. It can help you understand the central themes of your life and find meaning in them. When your sense of meaning in life changes, it can lead to feelings of distress. Getting that sense of purpose back is important for feeling healthy in your body and mind.

Meaning and purpose help you deal with emotions such as loss and grief, hope and despair, and joy and sadness. They allow you and your loved ones to accept the new normal, find a sense of feeling as well as the possibility to control your outlook on life.

Writing in your journal, writing stories or poetry, doing art, working with someone who has been in the same situation as you, or talking to a hospital chaplain might help you consider questions of who you are.

Try to answer these questions:

• Who am I?
• What is my purpose?
• How do I fit into my family, my community, my life?
• What are my spiritual beliefs?

If you have an illness or pain, think and write about the meaning of the illness or pain in your life. Reflection may help you to understand some of the central themes of your life and find meaning in them.  

Experiencing Personal Wholeness

Personal wholeness is the feeling of well-being that occurs when your body, mind, and spirit are in harmony and balance. You can develop mind-body practices that support well-being and recovery from illness.

In fact, there are techniques that you can learn called mind-body practices that once you learn them, you can do anywhere—which right now is probably at home. These encourage you to tap into the connection between your thoughts and your physical responses in a positive way. Research has shown that these practices can be effective in reducing the negative effects of stress.

• Breathwork
• Relaxation
• Yoga
• Tai Chi
• Imagery
• Meditation
• Journaling
• Art
• Stress reduction

The key is to try and commit yourself to develop a mind-body practice. If you are unable to take an online class or attend a virtual workout, take advantage of one of the mind-body examples Healthy Journeys, or any number of videos on Youtube, like this one.

By adopting one, or more, of these exercises into your routine, you’ll be one step closer to balance and developing real healing intention. This is a conscious choice, so it is important to try and remain disciplined but by simply understanding the role healing intention and personal wholeness can play in your life right now, you can begin to feel the impact as we all continue to work through this challenging time.

About the Author

Dr. Wayne Jonas, M.D.

Wayne Jonas, M.D., is a professor of medicine at Georgetown University and the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, as well as a retired lieutenant colonel in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Army.

Online: drwaynejonas.com, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

The key to staying present and grounded takes just 30 seconds a day, according to podcaster and life coach Jay Shetty (msn.com)

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Story by Mary K. Jacob

In the quest for longevity and the elixir of everlasting youth, the world has turned its gaze to the remarkable regions known as “Blue Zones.” These enclaves of vitality and well-being have ignited curiosity and wonder across the globe — and it’s time to delve into their secrets. 

 Blue Zones are those magical corners of the world

Where people seemingly defy the aging process. They possess a playbook for life that involves a harmonious blend of healthy living, strong communities and a sense of purpose that rivals a New Yorker’s determination to catch a cab in the rain.

The story of Blue Zones begins with researchers Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain, who stumbled upon the first of these remarkable locales. But it was the indefatigable Dan Buettner who took the baton and ran with it, identifying these Blue Zones while diving deep into their secrets of a long, healthy life.

In a world where fast food and sedentary lifestyles often take center stage, there are pockets of the globe where residents are not only living longer, but also thriving in the process. Enter these regions where centenarians are not the exception, but the norm.

The Sardinian secret: where centenarians roam

Nestled in the rugged landscapes of Sardinia, Italy, the first Blue Zone unveiled its timeless secrets. Here, male shepherds are the undisputed champions of longevity, their daily routines including traversing mountainous terrain and feasting on plant-based fare.

But it’s not just about diet and exercise in Sardinia; it’s about strong family bonds that permeate the culture. 

Cagliari cityscape and architecture in Sardinia island – Search Videos (bing.com)

When it comes to living a long, healthy life, the people of Sardinia have cracked the code. This enchanting Italian island is home to some of the world’s oldest and healthiest individuals. So, what’s their secret?

At the core of general Sardinian longevity is the classic diet, a wholesome blend of nature’s bounty. Whole-grain bread, hearty beans, garden-fresh vegetables, an abundance of fruits and in some regions the unique touch of mastic oil. But it doesn’t stop there; Sardinians also eat pecorino cheese crafted from grass-fed sheep, packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Meat? Reserved for special occasions and Sundays. 

 In Sardinia, family isn’t just a word; it’s a way of life.

Strong family bonds also ensure that every member is cared for, a potent defense against depression, suicide and stress. Research shows that those living in such nurturing environments enjoy improved mental well-being and overall life satisfaction. 

Tourists at a street cafe on Corso Umberto Street in Olbia, Sardinia, Italy.

Grandparents additionally hold a cherished role in Sardinian society. They offer love, childcare, financial support and a wealth of wisdom. Their influence motivates the younger generation to uphold traditions and strive for success, contributing to healthier, more well-adjusted and longer-lived children. It’s a recipe for a population-wide life-expectancy boost.

As for those Sardinian shepherds, they know the value of a good walk.

Covering 5 miles a day, their cardiovascular health thrives, along with improved muscle and bone metabolism. No need for joint-pounding marathons or triathlons. And don’t forget the daily glass or two of red wine.

Are starchy carbohydrates good for your body – Search (bing.com)

Typical fresh pasta filled with potatoes and mint, Sardinia, Italy.

Healing Properties of Potatoes – Search (bing.com)

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are starchy root vegetables that are a staple food source in many areas of the world. Though potatoes are the most-consumed vegetable in the United States, they’re often considered unhealthy due to their high carbohydrate content and use in the fast food industry.

However, potatoes have many nutritional benefits. They provide an array of essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium and fiber. They also contain antioxidants and other protective plant compounds.

All potatoes can be a healthy choice when cooked using methods that preserve their nutritional value. Varieties like purple, red, and sweet potatoes stand out due to their high nutrient content, but preparation is an important factor in how healthy potatoes are in general.

1. Purple Potatoes 

Purple potatoes are packed with beneficial plant compounds, including anthocyanins (a type of antioxidant). Anthocyanins are polyphenol plant pigments that give foods like fruits and vegetables their purple, blue, or red colors. In addition to giving purple potatoes their saturated color, anthocyanins benefit health by protecting cells from damage and reducing inflammation, both of which can help lower chronic disease risk.  

Research shows that people who consume diets high in anthocyanin-rich foods, such as purple potatoes, have a lower risk of certain health conditions, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.¹

Purple potatoes may be a better choice for blood sugar control than other potato varieties because of their high polyphenol content. This is because pigmented potatoes have been shown to have a lower effect on blood sugar levels after meals than yellow and white potatoes.² Purple potatoes are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. 

Here is the nutrition breakdown for a 3.5-ounce (about 100 grams, or 2/3 cup) uncooked serving of purple potatoes:³

• Calories: 85
• Protein: 1.54 grams (g)
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3.1 g
• Potassium: 337 milligrams (mg) or 14% of the Daily Value (DV)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture website (USDA) does not include specific information about vitamin B6 and vitamin C content, but purple potatoes are a rich source of both.⁴⁵

Prep tip: Try baking purple potatoes with olive oil and sprinkling them with salt and pepper for a simple and delicious side dish. 

2. Red Potatoes 

Red potatoes are an excellent source of flavonoid antioxidants like quercetin, kaempferol-rutinose, catechin, and rutin. Red potatoes contain twice the amount of flavonoids as compared to white potatoes.⁶They’re also a rich source of several nutrients, including vitamin C and potassium.

Here is the nutrition breakdown for a 3.5-ounce serving of cooked red potatoes:⁷

• Calories: 87
• Protein: 2.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 19.6 g
• Fiber: 1.8 g
• Potassium: 545 mg or 12% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 0.212 mg or 12% of the DV
• Vitamin C: 12.6 mg or 14% of the DV

Like purple potatoes, red potatoes are rich in vitamin C. One 3.5-ounce serving provides 14% of your daily needs for this critical nutrient. Red potatoes are also a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and support heart health. Consuming adequate potassium is essential for blood pressure control because potassium helps the body excrete sodium through the urine. It also relaxes blood vessels.⁸

Prep tip: Try pairing red potatoes with other high-potassium foods like beans and lentils in soups and grain dishes for an extra nutritional boost. Leave the skin on, as red potato peels are high in anthocyanin antioxidants.⁶

3. Sweet Potatoes 

Sweet potatoes are edible roots that belong to the Convolvulaceae, or morning glory, family.⁹ Though they belong to different plant families, sweet potatoes are often grouped with tubers like white, red, and purple potatoes. However, sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients lacking in red, purple, and white potatoes, such as vitamin A.

Sweet potatoes are packed with provitamin A carotenoids, such as beta-carotene. The body converts beta-carotene into retinal and retinoic acid, the active forms of vitamin A.  Vitamin A is needed for several critical processes in the body, such as immune function, cellular growth, and vision.¹⁰

Carotenoids also act as powerful antioxidants in the body, protecting cells from damage that may lead to disease. Diets high in carotenoids have been associated with reduced risk of several chronic diseases, including heart disease and certain cancers.¹¹

Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, B vitamins, vitamin C, and potassium. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a 3.5-ounce serving of baked sweet potato with skin:¹²

• Calories: 90
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20.7 g
• Fiber: 3.3 g
• Magnesium: 27 mg or 6% of the DV
• Potassium: 473 mg or 10% of the DV
• Vitamin A: 957 micrograms (mcg) or 107% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 0.285 mg or 17% of the DV
• Vitamin C: 19.5 mg or 22% of the DV

Sweet potatoes are higher in fiber than red, white, and purple potatoes. They provide about 75% more fiber than the same serving of red potatoes. Fiber is essential for gut health and helps keep bowel movements regular and comfortable. Fiber also helps keep you satiated (feeling full after meals), which reduces the likelihood of overeating.¹³

Prep tip: Sweet potatoes are delicious baked, roasted, or steamed and mashed and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. You can make sweet potato fries by slicing, them, drizzling them with olive oil and spices, and baking them.

Yam vs. Sweet Potato

Yams and sweet potatoes are often lumped together, but they’re completely different vegetables. Sweet potatoes are much richer in vitamin A. They’re sweeter than yams and are often used in dishes like soups or pies.¹⁴ Source Healthiest Potatoes: 3 Types That Are Best For You

Children usually take in their parents as they get older, which shows a higher life expectancy rate. – Search (bing.com)

Sardinians also enjoy wine in moderation, and it turns out, it’s good for more than just raising spirits. Cannonau wine, a local favorite, packs two to three times the artery-scrubbing flavonoids of other wines. It’s no wonder stress levels among the island’s men remain impressively low. Gather with friends, share a laugh and let your worries melt away.

Last but not least, the islanders swear by goat’s milk. This dairy delight contains components that may ward off age-related inflammatory diseases, including heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Sip on a glass and embrace the Sardinian secret to a vibrant, disease-free life.

Okinawa: The land of age-defying women

In Okinawa, Japan, women hold the crown for longevity. Their diet, laden with superfoods like tofu, miso and seaweed, is complemented by the concept of “ikigai” — a deep sense of purpose that infuses every aspect of life.

Okinawans also thrive through “moai,” lifelong social networks established from childhood that provide emotional and financial support. It’s a community ethos that keeps spirits high and stress levels low.

The inhabitants of Okinawa hold a treasure trove of wisdom. Despite facing years of adversity, they have crafted a lifestyle and environment that fosters remarkable longevity.

An aerial view of Okinawa, Japan.

One of the defining characteristics of older Okinawans is their unshakeable sense of purpose. Ask them why they rise each morning, and they’ll readily articulate it. This imbued sense of purpose infuses their lives with responsibility and the feeling of being needed, even well into their 100s. It’s a powerful motivator that keeps them active and engaged.

Okinawans have also long embraced a plant-based diet. Their meals brim with stir-fried vegetables, sweet potatoes and tofu, delivering an abundance of nutrients with minimal calories. The mighty goya, with its antioxidants and blood sugar-regulating compounds, takes center stage.

While pork does make an occasional appearance in their cuisine, it’s reserved for special ceremonial occasions and consumed in moderation. Moreover, almost all Okinawan centenarians are or were gardeners, a practice that not only provides daily physical activity, but also yields a constant supply of fresh vegetables.

An aerial view over islands with beautiful water and reef surrounding them. From the Kerama island chain in Okinawa, Japan.

Cindy Becker NON -GMO Tofu Recipes – Search Videos (bing.com)

Soy also reigns supreme in the Okinawan diet, featuring prominently in dishes like tofu and miso soup. The flavonoids found in tofu may contribute to heart health and shield against breast cancer. Fermented soy foods promote a healthy gut microbiome and offer a cornucopia of nutritional benefits.

As for the moais, they offer both financial and emotional support in times of need. These tight-knit communities provide a profound sense of security, ensuring that no one faces life’s challenges alone.

Sunlight, a free and readily available resource, is a cornerstone of Okinawa life. Regular exposure to the sun stimulates the production of vitamin D, crucial for stronger bones and overall well-being. Even the island’s seniors maintain optimal vitamin D levels year-round by spending time outdoors daily.

Okinawan elders are no strangers to physical activity. With minimal furniture in their homes, they dine and relax on tatami mats on the floor, requiring them to get up and down numerous times each day. This routine builds lower body strength and balance, reducing the risk of debilitating falls.

Meanwhile, gardens are not just for beauty — they also serve as medicinal treasure troves. Mugwort, ginger and turmeric, staples of an Okinawan garden, boast proven medicinal qualities. Daily consumption of these herbs may offer protection against various illnesses.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable traits of Okinawans is their attitude. They exude affable smugness, embracing life’s simple pleasures and leaving the difficulties of the past behind. They radiate likability, drawing younger generations into their company, enriching their lives as they age gracefully.

In the pursuit of longevity and well-being, Okinawa stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Their time-tested practices offer a blueprint for a life filled with purpose, health and contentment.

Loma Linda: A Longevity Oasis in California – Search Videos (bing.com)

Despite America’s reputation for having one of the world’s highest obesity rates,

there lies a small area in San Bernardino County, California that defies all odds.

In the city of Loma Linda, a surprising phenomenon emerges. Residents there live a staggering 10 years longer on average than their fellow Americans. Why? They’re predominantly Seventh-day Adventists, a community that draws its plant-based diet directly from the Bible — grains, nuts and legumes galore.

But that’s not all. These health-conscious folks avoid smoking, alcohol and often steer clear of red meat, shellfish, refined foods and caffeine. Their dedication to an active lifestyle, and their strong sense of faith and family, are cornerstones of their remarkable longevity.

Aerial view of the Loma Linda cityscape in California @LLUH – Search Videos

The Seventh-day Adventist Lifestyle has been a cornerstone of the Loma Linda community since the 1840s. As the church thrived throughout the 20th century, so did its 430 members in this idyllic region, where they hold the belief that health is an integral part of their faith. The body is a temple.

(Today, approximately 9,000 Adventists call Loma Linda home —

and they are at the heart of America’s Blue Zone region.)

The 24-hour Sabbath observed by Adventists is not just a religious ritual; it’s a weekly respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. During this sacred time, they focus on family, spirituality, camaraderie and the wonders of nature. This break is a powerful stress-reliever, a builder of social networks and a source of consistent physical activity.

Adventists also find strength in numbers, often spending time with fellow community members who share their values. This sense of community and support enhances their overall well-being.

What’s more, the Seventh-day Adventist Church actively encourages and provides opportunities for its members to volunteer. This commitment to helping others not only keeps them active but also gives them a sense of purpose, staving off depression.

Maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) is an additional priority for Adventists. Those who combine a healthy BMI with regular physical activity and a sparing, if not entirely meatless, diet tend to enjoy lower blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels and reduced cardiovascular disease risk compared to their heavier counterparts.

The Adventist diet pays off handsomely. Those who consume nuts at least five times a week experience about half the risk of heart disease and gain an extra 2 years of life compared to their nut-averse counterparts.

Their general dietary approach has been linked to other health benefits, including a 70% reduction in lung cancer for those who consume two or more servings of fruit daily. Legume lovers enjoy a 30 to 40% lower risk of colon cancer, while tomato enthusiasts reduce their chances of ovarian cancer by 70%.

The age-old adage “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper” is also woven into Adventist practices. An early, light dinner helps avoid an overload of calories during inactive hours, promotes better sleep and contributes to a lower BMI.

9 lifestyle tips to reduce inflammation and protect your heart, from people in the Blue Zone of Loma Linda, California (msn.com)

Studies show that Adventist men who sip on five or six daily glasses of water also reduce their risk of a fatal heart attack by a staggering 60 to 70% compared to those who consume less.

In Loma Linda, the secrets to a prolonged and vibrant existence are no secret at all. The Seventh-day Adventist community offers a blueprint for longevity rooted in faith, healthy living, and a commitment to nurturing both body and soul. So, whether you’re an Adventist or not, these practices can guide you toward a life filled with vitality, joy and many more years to come.

Nicoya: Costa Rica “Pura Vida” lifestyle – Search Videos (bing.com)

In Central America, Costa Rica boasts one of the world’s highest life expectancies, despite modest incomes. The “Ticos,” as natives are locally known, thrive on a mix of faith, family and what’s referred to as a “life plan.”

Of particular note is the nation’s Nicoya Peninsula, an 80-mile stretch of land just south of the Nicaraguan border. While economic stability and excellent healthcare certainly contribute, there’s more to the Nicoyan secret than meets the eye.

At the heart of Nicoyan longevity is that “plan de vida” life plan — or reason to live, a driving force that nurtures a positive outlook among the elderly and keeps them active. This sense of purpose is deeply rooted in their culture, propelling them forward and instilling a profound zest for life.

It inspires optimism in elderly populations and this strong sense of purpose that results in longer-than-usual lifespans. This is part of the pura vida, or low-stress, laid-back lifestyle that the Latin American country is known for.

For some Costa Ricans, purpose and a positive outlook is an integral part of life, researchers say — and it could be helping them live longer, fuller lives.

Researchers studying the science of longevity have coined the term “plan de vida,” or “life plan,” the BBC reported, and they think it is one of the reasons why the residents of Nicoya, a 80-mile long peninsula located along the western coast of Costa Rica, regularly outlive the rest of us.

Within this rural beach community, the average age is 85 — but many residents live to be over 100 years old. In fact, residents here are three-and-a-half times more likely to live past 100 than the global average, the BBC reported.

Playa Santa Teresa, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. – Search Videos (bing.com)

Visiting Santa Teresa

Playa Santa Teresa Costa Rica is a tiny beach village on the Nicoya Peninsula, just north of Playa Mal Pais. What this little town lacks in size, it makes up for in culture and individuality.  The town is made up of surfers and artists, giving it a laid-back, pura vida vibe.

The Santa Teresa Beach is remarkable. Forbes Magazine has voted this area of Santa Teresa and nearby Mal Pais as some of the beautiful beaches of the world. The pure white sandy beaches make it not only a haven for surfers, but for artists trying to capture the stunning views on canvas. You can explore a more remote jungle void of nay crowds or go horseback riding while enjoying stunning ocean views and a dazzling sunset. A perfect trip!

 Highlights

Surfing

Unlike the more developed surfing beaches like Jaco and Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa is a paradise for the solo surfer with some experience. Santa Teresa has fantastic swells all year long, making it one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for surfing.

The semi-isolated town of Santa Teresa also lets you get aways from the city-feel and the quiet beach is less crowded than many other beaches in the country, allowing for the ultimate surfing vacation. As one of the best surfing areas in Costa Rica, novices and pros alike will be able to find suitable waves either in Santa Teresa or one of the many beaches nearby. You can also find many surf schools in Santa Teresa if you are looking to improve your skills.

Yoga

If you’re looking for the ultimate yoga vacation, look no further than Santa Teresa. The laid-back culture of the area is perfect for yogis and the smaller number of tourists guarantees a relaxed vacation.

With an abundance of yoga studios, you can find classes for all levels and types of yoga. Some examples include private classes, acro yoga, kid’s yoga, and couple’s yoga. Enjoy the ultimate yoga practice with an unbeatable scenery.

Nicoyan centenarians prioritize family above all else – Search (bing.com)

They often live with their families, who provide not only support, but also a profound sense of purpose and belonging. This close-knit family structure is a cornerstone of their longevity.

When it comes to staying hydrated, Nicoyan hard water is rich in calcium, a vital mineral that may explain their lower rates of heart disease and their strong bones, resulting in fewer hip fractures. It’s a simple, yet impactful, element of their lifestyle that contributes to their health and well-being.

One of the most potent ways to extend your years may be simpler than you think: Eat fewer calories. Nicoyans embrace this wisdom by consuming a light dinner early in the evening, aligning with the concept of caloric restriction for a longer, healthier life.

Life’s Boomerang Effect

Centenarians in Nicoya have also always known the value of hard work, deriving joy from their everyday physical chores. Their active lifestyle, which includes physical labor, keeps them physically and mentally engaged throughout their lives.

Regular sun exposure — the sun itself being an abundant perk in Costa Rica — is a Nicoyan practice that aids in the production of vitamin D, crucial for strong bones and overall health. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to numerous health issues, including osteoporosis and heart disease. The Nicoyans’ smart sun habits, about 15 minutes on the arms and legs, help ensure they maintain adequate vitamin D levels.

San Diego Surfer Lack Vitamin D Time out in the Sun Study – Search (bing.com)

Midday, especially during summer, is the best time to get sunlight. At noon, the sun is at its highest point, and its UVB rays are most intense. That means you need less time in the sun to make sufficient vitamin D. Many studies also show that the body is most efficient at making vitamin D at noon.

Mid day sun and vitamin D – Search (bing.com)

The midday sun is indeed the best time to get sunlight for vitamin D production. This is when the sun’s UVB rays are the strongest, which allows the skin to produce vitamin D more efficiently. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. is the optimal window for sun exposure to boost vitamin D levels¹²³.

A good way to test if the sun is about 50 degrees above the horizon, or higher, is that your shadow should be slightly shorter than you are tall. If the shadow cast by your body is the same length, or longer, than your height you will not produce Vitamin D–even while your skin is exposed to direct sunlight. Vitamin D from Sunlight: How To Know If Your Sun Exposure Is Producing Vitamin D – Sunsafe Rx

Nicoyans additionally maintain a strong connection to their indigenous Chorotega roots and their traditions. This cultural bond shields them from the burdens of stress, contributing to their overall well-being. Their traditional diet, anchored by fortified maize and beans, may well be the ultimate recipe for longevity.

Ikaria: A Greek island of immortality – Search Videos (bing.com)

The Greek island of Ikaria offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, social connectivity and dietary wisdom. Residents navigate mountainous terrain with ease, fostering robust physical health, while their close-knit communities promote emotional well-being.

Today, Ikarians stand almost entirely immune to dementia and the chronic diseases that plague many Americans. Remarkably, one in three of these islanders reaches their 90s. It’s a phenomenon that demands exploration, and it turns out the recipe for their long and healthy lives is a blend of geography, culture, diet, lifestyle and outlook.

For starters, the long-revered Mediterranean diet, featuring abundant olive oil, vegetables and fruits, adds to their vitality — as does their practice of regular fasting, rooted in Greek Orthodox Christianity. An afternoon siesta further reduces stress hormones and guards against heart disease.

Mediterranean Diet – is a diet inspired by the eating habits and traditional food typical of southern Spain, southern Italy, and Crete, and formulated in the early 1960s. It is distinct from Mediterranean cuisine, which covers the actual cuisines of the Mediterranean countries, and from the Atlantic diet of northwestern Spain and Portugal. While inspired by a specific time and place, the “Mediterranean diet” was later refined based on the results of multiple scientific studies.

Ikaria, Greece, is one of the world’s Blue Zones where people live longer than average.

Residents nap often, drink herbal tea, and value family. (msn.com)

Drone View Of Ikaria Island In Greece Panoramic aerial view (below) of the traditional picturesque Armenistis village as seen from a drone, one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Greek island of Ikaria located in the Aegean Sea. The Mediterranean Ikaria Island is famous for the longevity and the alternative lifestyle closer to nature.

Panoramic aerial view of the traditional picturesque Armenistis village as seen from a drone. – Search Videos (bing.com)

One of the most popular holiday destinations on the Greek island of Ikaria located in the Aegean Sea.

Armenistis is a little fishing village on a hill, center of the local economy of Icaria, with a sandy beach with transparent crystal clear water, hotel, rooms to let, supermarket, local shops, restaurant, taverns, bar and other facilities. A popular travel destination for summer holidays. Ikaria Island, Greece in November 2022.

Armenistis, Ikaria Island Greece.  – Search (bing.com)

The Mediterranean Ikaria Island is famous for the longevity and the alternative lifestyle closer to nature. NurPhoto via Getty Images – Search Videos (bing.com)

That said, regular nappers have up to a 35% lower risk of heart disease-related mortality. The benefits may stem from lowered stress hormones or a rejuvenated heart.

The longest-lived Ikarians often come from the island’s highlands, where physical activity is a natural part of daily life. They tend gardens, walk to neighbors’ houses and do their own yard work. The lesson here is to engineer more mindless movement into our daily routines.

Ikarians also enjoy herbal teas with family and friends, and these brews pack an antioxidant punch. Wild rosemary, sage and oregano teas also act as diuretics, helping regulate blood pressure by removing excess sodium and water from the body.

Fierce Greek Orthodox Christians, Ikarians observe nearly half the year as a period of fasting. Caloric restriction, a form of fasting those trims about 30% of daily calories, is the only proven method to slow the aging process in mammals.

Christian fasting is a voluntary corporal abstinence, the goal of which is to revive the spiritual life of the believer. Abstinence from food is at the base of fasting rather than exhaustion of the body, so those who fast have to assess their abilities, preparation and willingness to do so. If we try to count the days of fasting in a year, we will find out that they number over 200.

During Lent, which is the longest fasting that lasts until Easter, it would be appropriate to recall some features that make fasting part not only of Christianity but also of our cultural traditions. Last, but not least, people who are not religious observe the fast, their aim being to relieve the body in search of health effects. In times when our food is “artificial” and our lifestyle is more sedentary, fasting finds its place in the life of modern man.

Orthodox Christians fast over 200 days a year | grreporter.info- News from Greece.

People drinking their antioxidant rich coffee on Ikaria island. – Search (bing.com)

Inside the ‘Blue Zones’ where people live the longest (nypost.com)

The top 5 places in the world where people live the longest, often surpassing 100 years, are known as “Blue Zones.” These regions are distinguished by their residents’ remarkable longevity and health. Here’s a brief overview of each:

1. Sardinia, Italy: Known for its high concentration of male centenarians, Sardinia’s longevity is attributed to a plant-based diet, daily physical activity, and strong family bonds. A genetic variant linked to extreme longevity, the M26 marker, is also prevalent here¹.
2. Okinawa, Japan: Okinawa boasts the longest-living women in the world. The culture emphasizes strong social support networks known as “moai,” which help reduce stress and promote healthy behaviors¹.
3. Nicoya, Costa Rica: Nicoyans follow a traditional diet rich in beans, squash, corn, and tropical fruits. They also have a strong sense of purpose, known as “plan de vida,” contributing to their mental and spiritual fulfillment¹.
4. Loma Linda, California, U.S.A.: This Blue Zone is unique to the United States and is home to a community of Seventh-day Adventists who live significantly longer than the average American, thanks to their healthy lifestyle and shared values¹.
5. Ikaria, Greece: Ikarians enjoy a Mediterranean diet and benefit from a strong community spirit. They often live into their 90s, free of dementia and chronic diseases, with a third of the population living past 90¹.

These Blue Zones share common lifestyle factors such as a plant-based diet, active living, strong social connections, and a sense of purpose, all of which contribute to their extraordinary longevity¹²³⁴.

The magical island of Santorini, Greece (msn.com)

In these countries, people live substantially longer than the worldwide average – and each place has its own secret source of vitality.

Explorers throughout history have searched for the legendary fountain of youth.

And while the elusive fountain has yet to be found, certain places across the world have emerged as centres where people live substantially longer than the worldwide average (around 71 years), and each has its own secret source of vitality.

We talked to residents in some of the countries where people live the longest, as ranked by the 2017 World Happiness Report, to uncover the reasons why these places seem to nurture longevity.

• These are several regions in the world where people appear to live longer and healthier lives.

• These places, called Blue Zones, include parts of California, Japan, Greece, Costa Rica and Italy.

• These regions share several features including healthy diets, natural movement and a sense of community.

 Countries where people live the longest (bbc.com)

Living Amongst the Monks ar the Theoktisti Monastery, Ikaria island.

The Monastery of Osias Theoktisti is located in Pigi village, near Kampos, on the north side of the island. It is a monastery dedicated to the Blessed Theoktiste from Molyvos, Lesvos, who according to tradition, is connected to Paros and Ikaria.

It is not known exactly, when the monastery was built, but an inscription on it, indicates that the monastery operated in 1688, when its hagiography took place. Today, no monks live in the monastery.

From an architectural standpoint, the monastery consists of: the Catholic (i.e. the main temple where all the monks were gathered), fifteen cells that work as hostels and various auxiliary spaces. The Catholic architectural belongs to the type of aisled, barrel-vaulted basilica and has several murals.These murals refer to Cretan painting. Tradition says, that the painter Pantelis Hatzis, reader from Chios and one assistant of him, took the painting up to the monastery.

A little further from the main temple, you can visit the Chapel of Theoskepasti, formed in an impressive way, inside a cave, which on top is covered with a rock. Perhaps one of the most impressive chapels in the world! According to local tradition, the inhabitants carried the remains of Osias Theoktistis from the Catholic sanctuary, inside the cave and formed the area as a chapel. Inside the cave old carved iconostasis is preserved, dating from around 1894. Source: Theoktisti Monastery, Ikaria island.

5 Blue Zones Where People Live the Longest, Healthiest Lives | TIME

Ikarians additionally place great emphasis on fostering social connections, which have been linked to overall health and longevity.

Instead of cow’s milk, Ikarians opt for grass-fed goat’s milk. Rich in potassium and the stress-relieving hormone tryptophan, it’s also hypoallergenic and is often tolerated by those who are lactose intolerant.

Ikaria, the island where age really is just a number, reveals a wealth of wisdom that can transform our lives. With a focus on simplicity, community and a connection to nature, the people of Ikaria have unlocked the secrets to a long and joyful existence.

In a world where the quest for longevity has never been more tantalizing, the Blue Zones beckon as beacons of hope. These remarkable enclaves of vitality remind us that, perhaps, the secret to a long and healthy life lies not in the elixirs of youth but in the tapestry of community, purpose and natural living.

BONUS: The longevity secrets of Singapore, the 6th blue zone city where people are living the longest, happiest lives (msn.com)

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