Tu B'Shevat Thoughts

Happy Tu B'Shevat!!

Today is the new year for trees. G-d determines which trees will bear fruit and will see another year.
The custom in some Jewish communities is to celebrate this day by eating various fruits, especially the fruits of Israel. From pomegranates to apples, to walnuts and almonds (Nuts are fruits!), we pray for the health and good future of all trees.

Man is known to be a "tree in the field." In Nechama Sarah G. Nadborny's book, Twelve Dimensions of Israel, she writes beautifully how our roots are our foundations. The more solid our roots, the greater is our ability to grow. And the more we meditate on our forefathers and mothers, the more rooted in life we are.

The trunk of our tree represents our individuality. And the taller we stand, the better we can recieve sunlight. Standing tall is knowing that the Almighty G-d IS our true root. Is doesn't mean arrogance. Our Sages write that everyone should have two notes in each pocket. On one note it's written: The whole world was created for me. On the other: I am nothing.
Our inherent greatness is not for self-aggrandizement but in order to channel our gifts in order to help others.

Our branches are our connections to others. Do our branches help us remain centered? Are we flexible in our relationships?
On that note, are our relationships healthy even? Are we emitting positive light to others? Or are we negative? Do we use our words to connect with others to build and support, or do we patronize, belittle, invalidate?

A healthy tree bears fruits. Yes physical and spiritual children.(Please G-d, they should all be healthy!) Our fruits include good deeds, postive thoughts and speech, and actualizing our visions. Bearing fruit means being proactive. There is a dangerous pull to remain "asleep." To remain unaware. To let our sparks of creativity fizz out. To blindly accept what others tell us w/o checking and basically letting others think for us. We are striving to bear our own fruits, and if we are asleep, ain't nobody goin' bear'em for us! There is a reason the Almighty created us. Each one of us has a purpose that noone else has. The world is only complete when we use our roots to shine our unique light.

When I see strong, tall trees reaching way up into the skies, I wonder what stories they would recount if they could. They have seen births and deaths. Exiles and redemptions. Their rough bark have weathered all sorts of storms. Oh, if I could draw from their sap and glean wisdom!! I imagine standing small amongst them, shouting my question so they can hear me from their immense heights. They would slowly turn towards me, leaves rustling. They would exchange knowing glances and chuckle a deep chuckle. The eldest ? would bend slightly towards me and whisper,

"There may be seasons of darkness and bareness, but do not be afraid. Know! You do not need to wait. Your light is already come, and your leaves will bud and flourish, plush and green."

Plush and green.

As we are.

G-d bless!

Is She Cool or What?

Ingredients to Avoid in Skin Care Products

Whether we're olive, dark or fair, our skin is not to be taken for granted.
As our waterproof and insulating shield, our skin stands as the largest organ,
bravely defending us from outside invaders.

It is divided into three layers: the outer epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous layer. A protein called keratin forms the epidermis and contains Langerhan cells that stand guard against viruses and other invaders.
Blood vessels, hair follicles and glands make up the dermis layer.
And as the last layer, the subcutis has a layer of fat reserved for possible times of food shortage.

As impressive as our skin may be, it is still quite vulnerable. Especially if we lather onto it, lotions and creams with toxic ingredients that will literally SIT on our skin for hours.

Remember, big industries are NOT INTERESTED in keeping you healthy. They are interested in using cost-effective substances that will save them money and that will pocket yours. A skin care product may be loaded with carcinogenic/cancer-causing materials that we may not even know about. Just b/c the front label may say "all-natural," it pays to read the ingredients.

Basically, it is up to us to be smart and investigate. We cannot simply follow the tide and blindly accept what is on the store shelves. It doesn't matter from what walk of life we come from. We have the ability to find out what is good and healthy for us. And we are not alone in our search.

During these cold, winter months my skin gets extra dry, and I REALLY need a moisturizer. I'm not interested in going out with ashy skin! B/w products like Weleda and Schwartz Natural Cosmetics, I pay more but worry less. I believe the real goal is making our own lotion from cocoa butter/shea butter....

Below is a list compiled from Dr. Mercola's website about dangerous ingredients found in skin care products. When checking the ingredients of your favorite lotion, you might be distubed to find that they come up often. (Don't be fooled by the pretty package...)

But, y'all, if we don't buy the stuff, they'll stop makin'em.

I don't want poison on my skin.

And I don't want it on yours.

Here they are:
Parabens

Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Petrolatum

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Acrylamide

Propylene glycol

Phenol carbolic acid

Dioxane

Toluene

Parabens are linked w/ cancer b/c they have estrogen-mimicing properties. Do we really need more estrogen?? Petrolatum clogs up pores, causing a buildup of toxins. Acrylamide is linked w/ mammary/breast tumors. Dioxane may also be carcinogenic and is hidden in ingredients like PEG, polysorbates, laureth, etc.

There are healthier alternatives. And, yes, they may be more expensive. Or are they?

G-d bless and Happy, Healthy New Year!!!

For a full explanation check out

http://www.mercolahealthyskin.com/

http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/health-and-human-body/human-body/skin-article/

http://www.organicfood.co.il/en/brands.html

G-d bless!

Lemon Water

Apparently in chinese medicine, it's advised to begin the day with lemon/lime water/juice. I spoke to a chinese medicine doctor, and she said it would energize my system.

Well, just hearing about it got me all inspired and excited, and I was compelled to write another post about its benefits. (after buying a bunch at the market)

Ok, it's anti-bacterial, anti-fatigue, anti-septic, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer.

Hmm, you're likin' these lemons already, ain'tcha?

Fortified with vitaminc C and anti-oxidants, it boosts the immune system and gets rid of free radicals.

Digestion is improved, as it boosts metabolism.

It purifies the blood.

It detoxifies the body.

It stregthens liver functioning,

and helps with urinary tract infections.

There are various other benefits as well. for example:

"Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It rejuvenates the skin and gives a clear, radiant and glowing complexion. "

Beloved, readers

go forth and drink thy lemon water/juice!
(and try not to add sugar)

G-d bless!

Check it out:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/health-benefits-of-lemon-water.html

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=27

aah, the Outbacks..

Having lived my whole life in the city, I never expected to find myself staying in the outskirts of Jerusalem, in Gush Ezion-countryside! And I have to say, I'm lovin' it. The air is fresh, the pace is slower than that of the city, and down the road, the donkey is braying his own tune.

Granted, it has its challenges.

A couple of weeks back, we had a seroius attack of fleas from the neighborhood strays. And, when the storm winds blew, I thought the rickety roof from my caravan had flown away. (it hadn't)

And I do miss Jerusalem. The hustle and bustle. The availability of simple items like Prigat Cranberry Juice (great for bladder infections!) The many, various get-togethers and events.

Yet, when I've reached the end of my shopping list and head back home to the Gush, my shoulders relax and I look forward to going back home. Quiet as it is. Rugged and rocky.

Aah! The outbacks.

There are certain things that should never change.

But things have to change.

Peoples develop, nations arise.

Technology advances. Stem cells. Biotech.

Facebook.

Speed.

Thank G-d, it gets a lot of stuff done.

hey, I like my laptop. And my washer!

And yet certain things should never change.

Listening to the innervoice.

Speaking to G-d.

Giving charity.

Respecting oneself.

Slowing down.

Having compassion.

Eating REAL food.

Being happy.

Love.

Holiness.


G-d bless!

Warming Teas for Winter

Winter has arrived!! After weeks of dryness, the rain is finally come. G-d had a sense of humor and decided to throw in few handfuls of strong winds. And I do mean strong. Especially when my caravan starts shaking left and right.

During these cold days, I naturally reach for a hot cup of tea to warm up. But as I am learning not all teas are made the same.

In Chinese Medicine, it's taught that each food carries a certain "temperature" that affects the body.
For example, when you eat a cucumber, it produces a cooling effect on the body. Which is great to eat during the hot summers. Well, each food can affect the temperature in your body. Hmmm...maybe even produce....wind? (I'm still learning...)

So, tea in it's most unprocessed form is actually cooling. And generally, you want to drink cooling teas in the summer and warming teas in the winter. Green tea falls in the catergory of a cooling tea, good for the summer; and black, roasted teas are best for winter.

I love concocting my own teas, and recently found lists of great warming ingredients that are fit for the cold, windy winter season.
Fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, rosemary, cardamon, anise, and sage will make for fantastic brews. Some you may want to boil or steep in hot water then strain.

I just had a brew of clove, ginger, and cinnamon tea.

Now, I'm going to pull out my heaviest blankets, scarves and socks. In this cold weather, it's very important to keep the neck and kidney area protected As they are vulnerable to the season change and store the body's immune system and life-energy. In fact, in Japan, they have a special scarf called a haramaki to protect the mid-section (kidney area).

So, welcome, high and mighty winds and rain. And please G-d, with Words of prayer and a lil' old Chinese wisdom, we can keep warm and healthy and greet G-d's winter in strength.

G-d bless!!!

Check it out:

http://www.amazing-green-tea.com/chinese-tea-and-health.html

http://rawgourmet.com/blog/winter-chills-craving-warm-food

http://www.naturalnews.com/027908_Chinese_Medicine_kidneys.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/5281046.stm (Are teas dehydrating? Check it y'self)

Alexander the Great goes to Africa

From Miriam blackfirewhitefire.blogspot.com I LOVE this post!!

Stories from the Talmud
Sometimes I enjoy learning stories from Jewish sources. Here is one of my favorite ones. (details are adapted my me!)

Alexander the Great was famous for his military might. When countries heard he was approaching, they would all but tremble with fright!

One day, Alexander the Great had set out to conquer a small village in Africa run by women. Word got out. The Nubian leaders gathered their skirt in their hand, and with their head scarves flaying in the wind, bolted towards the queen. A quick meeting needed to be done!

In quick hushed voice they spoke in their native African tongue. What should they do? How can they ever defeat the Great Alexander. Slowly slowly a plan was devised.

The day came. Alexander the Great and all his military might approached.

They came and towered over the entrance of the village. Lo and behold! Without weapons, the women came out. One by one, led by the queen in all her regality. It was a quiet but noble and beautiful procession. Drums played suspensfully in the background and no one spoke a word, save the the excited wind blowing around them.

Finally, the queen spoke.

"I salute you, the great and mighty Alexander. You are well known for your fierceness in battle and for your great victories."

Everyone listened intently.

"We have protected and defended our village, just us women alone. And we have been successful! Now, if you should come and attack us and win, what would it be said? The great Warrior fought with women and won?! What kind of victory would that be? Now supposing WE WON? What would be said then?"

With a faint smile, Alexander the Great, conceded, "You are wise. I will not conquer your land. Now fetch me some bread for me and my men and we will be off!"

The queen bowed graciously and returned with her whole procession back into their village. As soon as they were out of sight, again they hurried and huddled to think and talk!

He needs bread? they wondered. Surely, there is a trick to this! So they, again, devised another plan.

Once again the whole solemn procession came out bearing bread. By then everyone had dismounted from their horses and waited for the bread. The women passed bread to everyone. However, when they bit into the bread, they realized it was hard! Each bread had inside of it gold!

"What is this!" Cried Alexander.

"Great and mighty Alexander" The queen began, unperturbed, "would you really be satisfied to come all the way over here, for a morsel of bread?"

With this, Alexander nodded and left. But before he left, he wrote on the gate of their city: "I, Alexander of Macedon, was a fool before having come to this country of women in Africa and having received their advice."