Category Archives: Present

Raj Persaud on Happiness

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Raj PersaudI recently came across a series of video clips from a lecture by Raj Persaud about Happiness and How to Be Happy.  He has some interesting things to say about the topics of Type 1 (Hedonistic happiness) and Type 2 (Cognitive happiness). For instance: happiness is biologically wired into our brains to be a reward mechanism for activities that have an evolutionary purpose (think sex). He also says that the secret to happiness is pursuing mild contentment and that the pursuit of intense happiness experiences can actually be the source of a lot of unhappiness. Also the “close shave” theory or “what might have been” thinking.  I have not heard of Raj until today but I am glad I spent the time to watch his entire lecture. Some great food for thought and worth watching.

The Four Agreements

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The Four Agreements by don Miguel RuizA friend of mine recently shared a book with me called “The Four Agreements” by don Miguel Ruiz. It is a very quick read that has the potential to change your life just by adapting to four simple behavioral changes: being impeccable with your word; not taking anything personally, not making assumptions, and always doing your best. Very simple yet totally challenging given how we are brought up in this world of fear, distrust, and victimization. I am so fortunate to have friends that care enough about me to share such insights, and now I am sharing with you.

No matter where you go, there you are

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I love this article “6 Travel Truths You’ll Never Escape” By Jennifer Miller. Especially the first Truth of  “No matter where you go, there you are.”

She writes:

“Your basic character, your strengths, your flaws, these all go with you, for better or for worse. You cannot escape yourself, no matter how far you walk. To try is folly.”

http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/09-10/6-travel-truths-youll-never-escape.html

7 Keys to UltraWellness

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Dr. Mark Hyman is one doctor who is part of a movement that is on the cutting edge of an entire shift in our scientific model of disease. It is called systems medicine, or functional medicine.

First, we must understand how everything in our environment interacts with our genes to create health or disease, especially our diet and nutritional status. Air, water, microorganisms, exercise, trauma, psychosocial factors, environmental toxins and radiation also affect our genes and our health.

Second, we must understand how our hormones and brain chemistry influence nearly every aspect of our health, why they get out of balance, and how to get them back in balance.

Third, we must understand how most of us have smoldering hidden inflammation that will kill us until we learn how to control it.

Fourth, we must understand that our digestive system is at the core of our health, why it breaks down, and how to repair it.

Fifth, we must understand how toxins and problems with our detoxification or waste management systems lead to chronic health problems and how to optimize this detoxification system.

Sixth, we must understand the importance of energy — how we make it, why we lose it, and how to create more of it.

And finally, we must understand how the mind interacts with the body and how the body interacts with the mind to influence and affect each of our other systems.

View his 7 Keys to UltraWellness

Do or Like to Do? That is the Question.

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“What do you do?”

This question is most always asked in social situations here in America. It is a very loaded question. “Do” means  your occupation; what work you do to earn a paycheck. The answer immediately puts you in a strata; it defines your class and position, both economically and socially. The answer will usually determine if the conversation flourishes or falters.

I contrast this with the question asked in other parts of the world. You see, in other parts of the world, your business is just that: YOUR business. Only if you volunteer your occupation do people discuss it. The question I was asked most often in social situations while living in the West Indies was, “What do you LIKE to do?”

You see the difference?

I was taken quite by surprise the first time this was asked of me. I had to actually stop and think about what I like to do since I was so conditioned to answer the question of what I did for a living.

Since then I like to remind myself of things I like to do. Here are just a few…

- sailing (although I get very little opportunity to do so)
- playing competitive sports (there are very few things that get you in the moment than pure head to head competition)
- getting and giving back rubs (no explanation needed)
- watching my kids’ faces when they try something again and again and finally get it right.
- watching the sun set (something magical every time)
- swimming and snorkeling (ah, the sea!)
- laughing with friends and family (best therapy ever)
- running on the beach or through the woods (endorphins with a view)
- coaching and teaching others (sharing knowledge makes me smarter and happy at the same time)
- preparing dinner from homegrown vegetables

So next time you’re meeting new people ask them, “What do you *like* to do?”