Breathe In, Breathe Out

Our bodies need oxygen to survive.  Healthy blood plasma is at least 90% oxygen.  Nothing happens anywhere in our bodies without oxygen.  It is required in just about every chemical reaction,  it  ignites the activity in our cells.  It is the spark of life for us. Over the next few weeks I am going be posting about the importance of oxygenation.

Breathing is an involuntary act.  We don't think much about it, until we don't have it.  Surfing for over 40 years, I have had my share of being pinned to bottom after being thrown off a wave or being held under what seemed like endless thick white water.  Clawing my way to the top to get some much needed oxygen, just to be hit by another large wave and repeating the process.  All you want is a deep breath of air.  

Our breath helps us to gauge how comfortable or uncomfortable we are at that moment.  When we are stressed, frightened or ill we tighten our bodies and breathe faster.  When relaxed calm or happy we soften our bodies and our breathing slows.  This why it is important to learn to slow our breathing and help ourselves to get as much oxygen as we can.  Ancient yoga teaches us that we are given a certain amount of breaths for our individual life span. The slower we breath, the longer we live.  This is not to say we shouldn't breathe heavy as in exercise or teaching our lungs to expand for more oxygen capacity.  This means that when we know how to work with our breath, we can change our mood, manage panic attacks and even lower our blood pressure.  Not only is breathing meditative and good for calming stress, it also improves brain and immune system function, cleanses our bodies of toxins and purifies our minds.  

A simple way to start training our mind and body to slow the breathing is a method called 5-5-5-5. Start doing this in the morning upon waking.  In a sitting position inhale slowly thru your nose on a count of 5, then hold your breath for a count of 5, slowly exhale thru your mouth for a count of 5 and finally count to 5 with no breathing at all(emptying your lungs). do this for 5-15 minutes per day.  You can do this in the evening also to slowly unwind from your daily routine to prepare for a restful night.

Try this for a week and see how you feel.

Have great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Living A Plant-Based Lifestyle

Health is a state of balance, and illness indicates a state of imbalance.  When we restore balance, healing will take place.  Living a plant-based lifestyle has the power to guide our bodies to optimum health.  Not only is this true in what we eat but also in what we use on our bodies and our surroundings.  Long before man-made medicines were available, people sought relief from physical and mental ailments with natures healing plants and botanicals.  Chinese and Ayurveda medicines have been in use for thousands of years, both using nature's healing plants for their healing properties.  All of the cleaning products we use to clean our homes, clothes and bodies can be replaced with a less chemically harsh product using a DIY plant-based cleaner. Easy to make vinegar/essential oil mixture is an excellent  household cleaning product.  It is a lot less expensive then having to use numerous other individual products to get the same results.  

For thousands of years essential oils have been used in many ways including medicinal, emotional, mental and beauty purposes. Just a few days ago while at work, I cut my hand.  I lost about a 3/4 inch square of layer of skin and was bleeding quite profusely.  After washing it with a homemade sanitizer, I covered it with a bandage.  When at home I treated it with a drop of Frankincense essential oil with a jojoba carrier oil a few times per day. Within two days, it is already 90% healed up.

For a great hand sanitizer, which is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and smells awesome try:

*1 tbs Witch Hazel.

*8 oz Pure Aloe Vera Gel.

*5-10 drops Eucalyptus, Peppermint or Tea Tree essential oil

5-10 drops Lemongrass, Lavender or Rosemary essential oil 

Mix all together in small squeeze bottle.

Shake before each use.

This will not kill good bacteria on our skin which we need.

It's definitely does not contain triclosan, 

Which seems to be in everything.

Living a plant-based lifestyle means living in a way that is good for both you and the environment.

It encourages us to make thoughtful and responsible decisions so we may have a positive impact on ourselves, others and our planet.

Have a great week. 

Be kind.

Judd

Forest Bathing

While doing a trail running/training session this morning, I ran thru an area that had a completely different aroma then usual.  It was a clean fresh smell.  The oxygen level seemed to be higher.  It was like a burst of energy, so I sprinted faster for a few minutes.  It is very hot and humid in Florida right now, like most places, but every once in a while I come across these "areas".

While Kris and I were in the San Francisco area we enjoyed walking thru the "Muir Woods National Monument".  Even in the light rain, it was one of the most enjoyable walks we have ever been on.  We both commented on how the oxygen from the old growth redwoods made us feel.

This is called "Forest Bathing" From what I have found is that the trees "bathe" themselves in an antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial called phytoncides.  This is how trees combat diseases.  But when humans inhale these it triggers our bodies to produce a special white blood cell called NK or natural killer.  These NK cells attack cancerous and tumorous growths in the body, improving our immune systems. Nature is incredible.

This is just another reason to get outside, especially in a wooded area.

Have a great week. BE KIND. Judd

Recommended Reading 08/06/17

It's recommended reading time!

Knowledge is wisdom.  I have always found it fulfilling to gain information on subjects that I am interested in, but also reading articles, listening to podcasts and watching documentaries on subjects I know little about.

Here are this months suggestions:

Everyone wants to know..*How much should we exercise? 

A great video recipe from The Happy Pear..*5 minute Buddha Bowl.

Priceless wisdom from health experts..*12 Experts reveal their very best health tips.

Around the home with..20 Miraculous Ways To Use Vinegar.

Get more iron in your diet with..14 Vegetarian Foods With More Iron Than Meat.

Skip the gym and get outside..6 Science-Backed Reasons Outdoor Exercise Is So Much Better For You.

Another reason great gut health..Can Gut Bacteria Prevent The Flu?

Hope you enjoy!

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd