THE NOSE KNOWS

Now that we're in Autumn and have less daylight we may be experiencing S.A.D. ~ Seasonal Affective Disorder. Aromatherapy is a non-intrusive way to help fine-tune and elevate our state-of-mind.

The limbic system is the oldest part of the brain and is directly wired to our emotions. Essential Oils used in Aromatherapy are unlike chemical drugs. They don't remain in the body nor leave toxins behind.

Essential Oils are a natural aromatic liquid extracted from flowers, fruits, roots, leaves and grasses. Every oil has diverse uses…oils such as: jasmine, orange, ylang-ylang and rose have a tranquilizing effect. They work by altering brain waves into a rhythm of calmness and sense of well being.

Stimulating oils like: basil, black pepper, rosemary and cardamom produce a heightened energy response.

Peppermint oil is an anti-inflammatory. It’s also beneficial for rheumatism and arthritis. It even helps in relieving digestive discomfort.

You can use the essential oils with an air diffuser, a ceramic disc that’s placed on a light bulb and even in your bath. Lavender oil in a hot bath is a great way to soak away the day’s stress. Lavender oil when applied to canker sores or burns will accelerate the healing process.

Aromatherapy is an easy way to create radiant health for the rest of your life. Educate yourself on the properties of the oils by buying a book, experiment, have fun and remember, “Your nose knows!” MOM

*Most air freshners sold in supermarkets are made from chemicals; you can find essential oils in health food stores and online. They're concentrated all you need is 1-3 drops

GIVE me a J.S.I.T. and what do you have?

Many of my musings seem to gurgle up during my morning meditations. I refer to this as "clarity harvests." One morning as I was minding my breath and attempting to keep the vritties* away, I was aware of a soft thought in my head. (I need to have a commercial break here ~ as I assure you I'm not schizophrenic. I believe meditation gives the inner-self a direct connection to the mind.)

What I heard was... "If you want to do one thing in your life really well... let it be JOY. Be a J.S.I.T. ~ a Joyous Savant In Training."

As you can tell my insights are often light-hearted which makes me pay attention and want to explore the possibilities they offer.

Now being a joyful person is quite an interesting enterprise especially when living in this world with an endless daily supply of unexplainable wackiness. The first thing I decided as I explored this Joyful Path was not to have television channeling it's energy into my home. I thought and now know the chatter from the screen interferes with my peacefulness.

Then I started introducing myself to everyone I met as a J.S.I.T. and would describe the virtual, beannie cap topped with a propeller that I wore on my head. The spinner would actually spin wildly whenever I felt joy. It was a great learning tool for me to be more conscious of joyfulness.

I also know balance is important and that I need to feel and acknowledge my emotions but not allow them to cement me in.

So, the next time you pass a smiling person on the street don't be surprise if you feel a gentle breeze emanating from their head.

*Vritties are what my teacher Sri Swami Satchidananda described as the "constant stream of thoughts passing through the mind. The vritties are like a drunken, chattering monkey, bitten by a scorpion as it's driving the car." Swamiji was a major "J". Click here to meet Sri Swami Satchidananda.

The Alchemist’s Magic…Transmuting Mother’s Energy

Fall is a time to compress our energies by eliminating the unnecessary and extraneous. It's the season of flexibility and adaptability, which are crucial for staying healthy, and balanced during the colder more contracted winter months.

We can prepare for the challenges by:

~ Completing unfinished projects.

~ Communicate as we become mentally and emotionally ready for the darker, yin, winter months.

~ Setting aside extra food and fuel for the possibility of inclement weather.

~ Making our homes cozier and more inviting as we spend more time indoors.

Our ancestors realized the importance of canning, preserving and storing the fruits and vegetables from the fall harvest to sustain themselves as the earth laid fallow and the sunlight lessened. In the later months of Autumn we begin to honor this tradition and utilize Mother Earth’s energy by transmuting time spent as "inner nourishment" to release, reap and keep what works in our life. As the colder months approach we too, begin to hibernate and gather next year’s “spiritual, seeds” utilizing winter's energy to dream and gather next year’s “spiritual, seeds”, as we choose what we want to manifest in the coming new year.

Click here for a link to Leon Rosenblatt's website... he painted the "Man of Miracles" album cover 35 years ago.

STRAIGHTEN UP!!!

So here I am walking my walk, talking my talk, blogging my blog... yet, something is amiss. At the glorious age of sixty-two I need to pay more attention to my spine. And if you're younger than me please don't scroll away from this post. More than ever, younger people have bad posture from the hours spent sitting in front of the computer with the screen lower than eye level.

Our spinal column is the brain's direct and most efficient "information" expressway. Messages travel to the rest of the body as it maintains radiant health. When we have straight spines our chest cavity is opened and our internal organs are positioned correctly and can function to their optimum capacity. Consider the alternative; when the back is rounded the shoulders come forward, squeezing and constricting the inner organs.

Before I teach my yoga, tai chi and meditation classes, I always instruct my students on how to create perfect posture:

STANDING

* Toes and heals are aligned with ankles under hip bones.

* Weight sinking into heels as if standing in wet sand.

* Shoulders are comfortably hinged to the torso and arms are totally relaxed.

* Chin is level to ground and gently pushed back as if resting on a soft cloud.

* Eyes looking forward as you scan (not downward).

* Navel is pulled back and gently lifted upwards to create a lift through each vertebrae through top of head.

SEATED

* Toes and heals are aligned flat on floor with ankles under kneecaps.

* Shoulders are comfortably hinged to the torso and arms are totally relaxed.

* Chin is level to ground and gently pushed back as if resting on a soft cloud.

* Eyes looking forward as you scan (not downward).

* Navel is pulled back and gently lifted upwards to create a lift through each vertebrae through top of head. (Don't lean back into chair).

I have a theory... as we age we begin to "fold" forward into the fetal position. I don't know about you but I rather look at the heavens than at my feet.

By bringing this consciousness to the body and making corrections throughout the day will help you to STRAIGHTEN UP and FLY RIGHT!

Click here for background music as you correct your posture.

WELLESLEY'S SUNDAY FUNNY

MOM's Mascot, Wellesley likes to hang out by the front door to meet and greet our customers. He's lovingly referred to as "The Goodwill Ambassador."

Now that you met our guy... scroll on down for Wellesley's SUNDAY FUNNY.

MAGICAL FRIENDS

My friend Alan owned Baskin in the Sun, a scuba diving company based in Tortola, BVI. He was a lovable, witty and profound character who lived life to it's fullest. Today I'm sharing his philosophical side. Enjoy. MOM

The Ten Commandments of Alan Baskin

1. So What!

2. Why Not?

3. To Be, or Not to Be

4. Absolute Honesty from a Loving Place

5. I Take Full Responsibility

6. When You Give it Up... You Get it All

7. When in Doubt, Throw it Out

8. Forgive Everyone

9. Love, Without Conditions

10. Be Like a Kid in a Candy Store

MOM's Favorite Juke Box Selection

We offer an eclectic, musical mix at Mom's Cosmic Diner.

Here's one of my favorites. MOM

Marvin Pontiac's Small Car.

Click here for musical link