Typical natural bristle brushes easily found in the health & beauty section of health food stores or somewhere like Target.

I am amazed at all of the benefits such an easy task as dry brushing has for body wellness. I recommend it as another technique to add to your daily routines to benefit your health in many ways including:

1. removes cellulite
2. cleanses the lymphatic system (see post entitled “Breathe…Breathe in Air” for more details on the lymph system)
3. removes dead skin layers
4. strengthens the immune system
5. stimulates the hormone and oil producing glands
6. tightens the skin preventing premature aging
7. tones the muscles
8. stimulates circulation
9. improves the function of the nervous system
10. helps digestion

If you would like each of these magical benefits explained in more detail, there are many sites with loads of info.  One to try is:

http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.com/healingtechniques/Dry_Brushing_Technique.htm

I feel like the circulation in my legs is pretty poor and has been since high school. Whether it is from genetics, playing sports without proper stretching since I was six, or standing for hours on end on hard floors at minimum wage restaurant/bakery/cafe jobs for six years, I’m not sure. Probably a combo of all three. Therefore, I have practiced thee fine art of dry brushing before every shower for the last year. However, in doing some research, I think it is important to do it everyday (I don’t shower everyday… go on, judge me you clean freaks.) and do it for a longer period of time. I was in the habit of brushing my body quickly – the amount of time it would take for my third floor shower tap to get hot. So, I was not necessarily getting the results I would want.  Well, I want my cellulite on my hips and gluts to disappear, but I’m not basing its effectiveness on that outcome. Actually, I think changing the mass perception to the idea that cellulite is the the new sexy would be a better solution. Then the gossip mags can post the *shocking!* pics of celebrities out at the beach with their smooth thighs for the world to see and rag on them to quit slouching and get some dimple action going!

Here’s some basic tips, if you don’t want to get into great detail from the above mentioned website, to get you on your way to dry brushing your sweet body to increased health:

• Use light pressure in areas where the skin is thin and harder pressure in areas like the soles of the feet.
• Skin pressure should be performed once a day, preferably first thing in the morning. A thorough brushing should take about 15 minutes, but any time spent brushing prior to bathing will benefit the body. If you are ill, increasing the treatment to twice a day is good. You can also dry brush areas of cellulite 5 to 10 minutes twice a day to achieve cellulite dissolving, but the technique has to be done consistently for a minimum of five months.
• Begin with your feet and brush vigorously in circular motions.
• Continue brushing up you legs.
• Proceed to your hands and arms.
• Brush your entire back and abdomen area, shoulders and neck.
• Use circular, counter-clockwise strokes on the abdomen
• Lightly brush the breasts
• Brush upwards on the back and down from the neck. Better yet, have a friend, spouse, or family member brush your back. If you need to brush your back yourself, get a brush with a long handle.
• wash your brush 1x/week with mild soap and warm water and air dry

Ideally, you’d then get in a hot shower and rinse off the dead skin/toxins, ending with a cold shower for the last 30 seconds to close your pores, strengthen circulation, and heat your body’s core.

I really think this is such a great way to get great benefits – it is cheap and is an example of preventative healthcare that will keep your body in good health, so down the road you will avoid possible doctor visits and medications. If you are on the anti-cellulite bandwagon, you don’t have to waste your money on expensive creams and supplements that in reality don’t work anyway.

There is much detail I will be discussing in further postings on specific issues I only lightly touched on in this post, such as skincare, preventative healthcare, and cold showering/plunges. Check back soon!

Dr. Quinn at your service

I stuck with the breathing technique I mentioned in my last post for the last 10 days pretty well. Some days I only did it twice, so I’ll cut myself a little slack. Although in the 10 day period I spent time traveling via by plane, changed climates (from the damp chill of Eugene to the sun and warmth of Venice and desert of Lucern Valley, CA) and skipped some of my usual exercise routines, I have remained in high health. I do not think I can solely attribute this to the deep breathing technique, which stimulates the lymph system to keep up the flow of cell toxins and waste expulsion. I was also eating very well – health smoothies, simple grains, salads, fruits, and high doses of vitamin C everyday – and limiting my alcohol intake to 2 beers and a little wine. I was at a gathering in the desert around extremely ill people as well. But I never buy into the general mass-think that I have to stay away from ill people or that it is flu season, so I better plan to get a flu shot or else I will be a victim of its wrath. I simply have a solid mindset that I am an extremely healthy being with an iron-clad immune system for protection. Let me repeat that:

I have a strong belief, which penetrates all of my body’s cells, that I am an EXTREMELY healthy being with an iron-clad immune system for protection.

While I take many steps through diet, exercise, and breathwork to keep healthy, I believe that it is my beliefs that also contribute to my superhero immunity status. Listen or read Bruce Lipton’s “Biology of Belief” if you want scientific proof. According to most people, I would be considered careless as I do not mind sharing food or beverages with other people, even if they proclaim to have a cold, nor do I wash my hands or produce very often. (i only buy organic, so I don’t have to worry about the pesticide film.) I think a little grime actually keeps my immunity up and used to a variety of the dreaded germs. I also recommend not using anti-bacterial soap. The myth of its necessity is becoming more well known and can actually increase more tenacious bacteria types to develop.

I cannot say I noticed being more healthy or an increase of energy from the breath work, but maybe I would have had lower energy if I had not done it. I will be continuing it indefinitely. It has brought yet another new activity I can focus on when I am having to wait for something. Like if I’m in line somewhere, waiting for something to download, stuck in traffic, or delaying leaving my warm bed, I can get through my 10 breaths. It gets me back into my body and triggers my conscious mind to become more attentive and strong.

If you need a review of what this energizing, cleansing breath technique is that I am referring to, check out my previous posting. Ahhhhhhh… MQ

Yesterday I was on my daily hike up Spencer’s Butte here in Eugene at dusk, fitting in my exercise and forest-time before getting off to a massage appointment. What a gorgeous evening! I am enjoying autumn so much this year. In the mornings, I awaken to a brisk chill, dewy air, and sleepy moving fog outside my bedroom glass panes, my window to the outside. I love it. I make my bed, pee, wash my face, and get some tea while my cat Falcor pretends he’s about to drop dead of starvation and test my patience with his loud meowing.

The Picture of Starvation? Nice try Falcor!

But then as the day progresses, the clouds and fog “burn off” (I hear this term – what does that mean exactly? Is the sun’s power actually burning or evaporating the moisture in the atmosphere? I am considering terms and sayings that I use but do not actually know what they mean), and then, total change! Blue sky and sun to compliment the brightly colored leaves the trees are expressing.

The big orgasmic color show before the stark simplicity of bare branch hibernation.

Me like autumn season. Yes. Lately, when I have been hiking the butte, I listen to Tony Robbins’ “Personal Power II” daily installments of advice and instruction on how to become my most powerful self. Awakening my potential, if you will. Yesterday’s lesson was on a couple of health tips to improve your overall energy, so you can have enough stamina throughout the day to actually accomplish all of the goals and tasks you set out for yourself. You have probably heard that breathing deeply is good for your health. Now I want to explain in a little more detail why this is the case and include a specific technique to increase your energy.

The foundation of health in your body depends on the health of each of the cells in your body. Since your blood stream is the environment your cells live in, it makes sense to maintain a clean and nurturing circulatory system. The breath comes into play here, as it is the foundation of life that gives oxygen to cells. It is also the control button to mechanisms that cleanses the circulatory system and flow of lymph.

What is lymph? Your lymphatic system is made up of white blood cells that protect the entire body and cleanse the system. Every cell is surrounded by lymph and there is four times more lymph than blood in your body! After cells have taken the oxygen and other unique nutrients from the blood that they need, wastes and toxins the cells no longer need as well as dead cells are then dumped into the lymph.

Because the lymphatic system has no pump, unlike the circulatory system that has the heart beating away, the movement of lymph fluid is activated by deep breathing and muscular movement. Through deep, diaphragmatic breathing, a vacuuming action is created that sucks the lymph through the blood stream and multiplies the pace in which the body eliminates toxins. Exercise encourages this as well.

Cleansing Breath to encourage health and increased energy

To be done 3x/day

Inhale 1 count, hold for 4 counts, exhale 2 counts

(so if you inhaled for 3 seconds, you’d hold for 12 and exhale 6)

Starting the inhale deep in the abdomen, then holding the fully oxygenated blood to stimulated the lymphatic system, then exhaling to eliminate the toxins

Take my 10 day challenge! See if you have more energy and health after doing this easy technique, 3x/day for 10 days. I began yesterday and will report my findings when the 10 days commence.

Your physiology lesson is done for today. Dismissed. ~Dr. Quinn

I forgot the source of this delectable recipe for butternut squash soup. Whoever came up with it originally, THANK YOU! I have made it for countless potlucks and dinner guests and even impressed my mom who is an amazing cook herself. Plus, it is easy to make, cheap, and healthy. Let me really clarify this. This soup has the following positive features:

Cheap! Easy and quick to make! Healthy! Vegan! Gluten Free! Sugar Free! Just plain delicious!

I possess enthusiasm for it, true.

I have been out chanterelle mushroom hunting this season, so what I like to do is have a supply of soup in the fridge, then every night cook up some mushrooms, garlic and onions and add it to the reheated soup. This is my mode for the chilly season. In the summer, I like raw-raw-raw, but I have come to find that my body craves the warmth from, well, warm food when the temps outside fall.

Without further ado, here’s the recipe!

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup – around 6 servings

1.75 lb. butternut squash cut into 2” cubes – skin on

4.5 cups veggie stock

1/2 cup raw almonds

1.5 tsp. curry powder

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

I tart apple like Granny Smith – cored and chopped – skin on

• simmer squash and veggie stock in large pot until squash is tender – around 15-20 min.
• blanch almonds by dropping them in boiling water for 30 seconds then rinsing with cold water. squeeze the almonds to remove the skin
• put all ingredients in a blender – might have to do two batches if it doesn’t all fit – and blend until smooth
• pour back into the pot and may want to reheat a bit on the stove

In-joy! -Megs

The handle has been jiggled, and the world’s economy/money system has begun its flush down the toilet. I had been inclined to think that this will result in more difficulty traveling to far-off places and less global exploration as it becomes more and more expensive. But, a friend of mine has enlightened me to a website that seems to make air travel cheaper and more adventurous. Two concepts I sure like.

Check out www.airhitch.org!

After viewing “Zeitgeist: Addendum” last night and learning about awesome technologies I have never considered before, I would love the archaic fossil fuel consuming air planes to be obsolete. But until the scarcity mindset of the global masses ceases to exist and the corporations continue their reign, let’s be creative and help each other enjoy travel and/or becoming ex-pats the cheap and smart way.

This inquisition was on the back of some friends of mine’s wedding invitation. I, too, would feel inclined to connect with a man who shares these musings if I was going to make a commitment with him. I commend my friends’ thoughtfulness to include it for their family and friends to read on their invitation. I have saved it for almost 2 years, b/c it is meaningful to me. I encourage you to ponder these thoughts every so often. Investigate your values/beliefs/actions, and see the depth of existence this writing brings to the surface. ~MQ

Sky meets water, Nelson, New Zealand

The Invitation

by: Oriah Mountain Dreamer, Indian Elder

It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.

I want to know what you ache for,

and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are.

I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love,

for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon.

I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow,

if you have been opened by its betrayals or

have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own,

without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own;

if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you

to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful,

be realistic, or to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you’re telling is true.

I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself,

if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul.

I want to know if you can be faithful and therefore be trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see beauty

even when it is not pretty every day,

and if you can source your life from God’s presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours or mine,

and still stand on the edge of a lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, “Yes!”

It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have.

I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair,

weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done for the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you are, how you came to be here.

I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied.

I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself,

and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

Title: The Mastery of Love: A Practical Guide to the Art of Relationship (Toltec wisdom book)

Author: don Miguel Ruiz (well known for his book, “The Four Agreements”, which I also highly recommend)

Description from the back cover:

In the “Mastery of Love”, don Meguel Ruiz illluminates the fear-based beliefs and assumptions that undermine love and lead to suffering and drama in our relationships. Using insightful stories to bring his message to life, Ruiz shows us how to heal our emotional wounds, recover the freedom and joy that are our birthright, and restore the spirit of playfulness that is vital to loving relationships. The “Mastery of Love” includes:

• Why domestication and the image of perfection lead to self-rejection
• The war of control that slowly destroys most relationships
• Why we hunt for love in others, and how to capture the love inside us
• How to finally accept and forgive ourselves and others

“Happiness can only come from inside of you and is the result of your love. When you are aware that no one else can make you happy, and that happiness is the result of your love, this becomes the greatest master of the Toltecs, the mastery of love.” -from the book

My thoughts:

I have read this book twice and have bought it for numerous friends. I learned so much from it; about first loving myself before I am fully able to love a partner and be there for him. It has had life changing realizations for me, so much so that I want to share it with not only people I care about who are important in my life, but also just about anybody. If people could take to heart the concepts, then I think a shift in general happiness with onesself, life, and current and future relationships will occur. don Miguel writes in a very simplistic style and repeats his ideas through the book, which I find easy and quick to read and grasp onto. This is one book I recommend keeping for your personal library to refer to periodically and introduce to friends, family, and future partners.

I think having truly mature and loving relationships where we keep our individuality is one of life’s great pleasures and human destiny. Learning how to cultivate such a thing after the usual poor examples and conditioning done by our families and media can really improve our capacity for love and contentment for the rest of our lives. Please give yourself this gift of enlightening revelations provided by this wonderful book. If anyone has read or does read it, I welcome your feedback!

In love with life and self,

MQ

I started out this blog with excitement and ambition, but then the reality hit me that I was spending a lot more time in front of the computer screen. How do I want to be spending my time in life? Well, when I think of that question, the image of me in front the glowing screen is not what came to mind. So, I merely stopped blogging after only a few posts and went along my merry way doing other activities. Though I was still having lots of screen time doing other things like emailing, stalking people on facebook (not really, but getting entertained reading about friend’s, new and old, life happenings), youtube clips, and general info searching. Blogging, it seems, could be one of my more worth-while ways to be spending my screen time though. What could be some blogging benefits and what are pros and cons of screen time in general?

People are making money blogging, and some are making lots of it. To be honest, that is what I aspire to eventually, but it takes time, commitment, and tenacity. There is an easy way to learn techniques to do this that a successful entrepreneur named Mark Joyner has developed in a lesson plan through first getting connected to his free, basic course called Simpleology: The Simple Science of Getting What You Want. Then you have the option of purchasing other useful courses including the one on blogging.

I think blogging can be an easy way to get one’s thoughts and opinions out to the masses, or just your personal contacts. Journaling in front of the screen, though you might now choose to share the seriously juicy tidbits of your life when others are going to read it. Also, creating a theme of information that you want to express, like I’m doing, is another function of blogging. Soon, if your readership is high and consistent, companies may desire to buy ad space on your blog. That is just one way money can flow as a result of your blog.

I feel like it is easy for me to get negative about the rampant computer use of our current aeon of time. A few reasons include: poor posture/body mechanics by focusing for long periods of time at the computer instead of attention paid to consciousness of the body, lack of real human interaction, which could lead to depression and more anti-social negative behavior problems, eye strain, low level radiation exposure, and less time spent doing active things, which could lead to weight gain and poor health. Yuck.

Are the benefits of potential income and and an outlet for personal expression worth the time spent staring at the glowing computer screen, devoid of real human/life interaction? One compromise could be using my laptop outside somewhere when the weather is nice. Then I’ll feel more satisfaction contributing to my blog and enjoying the fresh air simultaneously – ah the beauty of efficiency!  In this day and age, that is what I am looking for in order to accomplish all of my goals. I could potentially use the computer to be making money other ways too, which would actually give me more freedom to do the things that I want in life and produce the income from all over the world. That is the most compelling point for me.

Stay tuned to my continued saga of balancing screen time with what I think of as *real* living. Yes, it’s true, I pretty much consider computer time as only living halfway. Unfortunately, I know of no evidence of it slowing down the aging process, so my thinking is really only a opinion that I cannot market as an anti-aging device. That is where the real money lies. Though my future posts related to health and wellness actually might help people age slower or lose weight. So yes, stay tuned!

~MQ

Just a little tip for you, to help start your day out on a healthy note:

Have some freshly squeezed organic lemon juice in some water when you get up in the morning. I have read in various ayurvedic texts that this is a good way to at least begin your day with your body more alkaline, before you might make food choices later on in the day that are unhealthy or cause your body to have a more acidic environment. In my experience and research, eating more alkaline causing foods, which is the whole point of a macrobiotic diet, keeps your body more balanced with less inflammation. Inflammation is what causes more chronic dis-ease like arthritis and body aches and leads to chronic illnesses.

The perfect liver food, lemon is a great body cleanser containing vitamin C, potassium, and other minerals. Its astringent nature helps to tighten tissues which loosens and clears out toxins. Lemons are one of the main ingredients in the famous Masters Cleanse detox diet/fast/cleanse, that is used to purify the body. I just finished my 5th Masters Cleanse and will detail my experience in subsequent posts. But for now, an easy health tonic is to drink the juice of half an OG lemon in some water and drink it down first thing after awakening. I add some magnesium powder with my lemon water as well, as I have discovered I am a bit deficient in that department.

If it’s too bitter, make sure you do not add sugar, but something your body can process better like a bit of pure maple syrup or agave nectar. Plus, you only need to drink 8oz., which isn’t very much, so try to refrain from that extra sugary taste when you can.

This is an easy tip anyone can incorporate, so I encourage you to begin this new habit.

Be well!

Can you spare some time? Do you have much spare time? Don’t go spending it all in one place… your time that is. What time is it? Time to go to bed…

really.  That’s all.

QUICK! Wake up! Take 9 deep breaths and relax any tense areas you are holding in your body.

Ahhhhhhhhh…..

G’night. ~MQ