First Thing In The Morning

The following is from Patrick Mathieu. He writes:

While we're on the topic of "1st thing in the morning", I thought that I'd share a morning ritual that I've created for myself that aids me in creating my perfect days.

The ritual simply involves making an espresso on my gas stove (something I do each morning), but it can easily be adapted to tea. If you like it, feel free to use it for yourself.

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I tell myself that the coffee/tea represents the raw talents and skills that I have been given, useless on its own, but incredible once combined with the other elements.

The water represents life itself, without which nothing can happen.

The gas represents the Universal Source, always available for the asking.

The spark that lights the burner is what happens when I bring my full attention to the moment and realize my connection to the Universe.
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When I am mindful of my incredible partnership with the Universal Source, I ignite a powerful force that ALWAYS works, whether I understand it or not. I don't have to DO anything beyond acknowledging and allowing. It ALWAYS heats ANYTHING that is placed within the circle of its flame. it makes no judgments or discriminations. Once I have combined this endless power with my talents and skills and with life itself, the result is INEVITABLE!

Just as when I combine coffee/tea and the water with the heat, the result is INEVITABLE.

And so it is!
~~~
As I prepare my morning coffee I consciously remind myself of these elements, thus turning this into an important ritual that centers me and prepares me for the day ahead.

ENJOY NOW!
-Patrick
http://www.whatsyourexpirydate.com

When is my Grandma coming?

Celebrate
Grandparents and Grandchildren Day

When God created grandparents
the world was truly blessed
with all the special joys
that make a family happiest...

For grandparents know how to do
the things that warm a heart,
They touch our lives with loving care
right from the very start...

They show that they believe in us
and all we're dreaming of...
When God created grandparents,
He blessed our lives with love.

~author unknown

The Salt of Life

WEDNESDAY, March 11 (HealthDay News) -- If Americans cut just one gram of salt from their daily diet, there would be 250,000 fewer new cases of heart disease and more than 200,000 fewer deaths over a decade, a new study suggests. Read the rest of the story Here

The body actually needs sodium to regulate many of its functions, including heartbeat, nerve impulses and circulatory volume. It's only when consumed in excessive amounts that it reportedly contributes to high blood pressure, kidney disease and fluid retention.

Very little salt is required—perhaps less than a third of a teaspoon a day— to get the sodium necessary for good health. For this reason, avoid salt in highly processed snacks and convenience foods.

Use these tricks to reduce your salt intake:

* Substitute herbs, spices or citrus zest for salt.
* Rinse high-sodium foods like pickles, olives and canned vegetables and beans in fresh water before eating.
* Eat more fruits and vegetables. These foods are high in potassium, which complements sodium and contributes to a healthy balance of the two elements in the body.

Tip: Consider replacing iodized fine salt with a more pure coarse salt such as kosher or sea salt. Place a small bowl of it near the stove to measure out with your fingers. You'll consume less sodium and your food will taste better.

More about salt Here