My 5 year old son has a persistent cough and we are investigating whether he has asthma or allergy induced asthma. He has been given the blue inhaler and an anti- histamine to take daily. But the nurse practitioner says his symptoms sound like proper asthma or mold induced asthma requiring the brown/steroid inhaler. His cough has improved from what it was 2-3 months ago....and I am nervous to start the blue inhaler and anti-histamine. (let's just say that we have had both good and bad experiences with conventional medicine).
I would love any and all advice on this. Especially regarding medication, diet, homeopathy....anything really! Thanks.
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
Friday, 10 August 2012
So things went a bit wrong...
I haven't posted much lately, although I am constantly writing posts into my journal. The main reason is that my computer does not work, the second that my broadband is extremely slow and it is not easy to type long posts on this phone.
In other news my partner and I have split up, so now I can be a single parent-who-yearns-for-a-whole-foods-and-wholesome-altogether-lifestyle-but-fails-miserably-and-ends-up-at-(ick)-McDonald's kind of blogger. Once I get a computer and move to a place with modern conveniences like central heating and decent broadband that is.
In a flurry of optimism I hope that by taking some time away from the blog I am spending more time in nature and chopping things, fermenting stuff, meditating....well some of that is getting done in between wrestling with my 1 and 5 year olds, tripping over the ironing pile and praying no one shows up for a cuppa----assuming that I have a clean mug somewhere around here.
In truth, though my life is currently quite chaotic I have great hope for the future of my little family and look forward to writing about our adventures.
In other news my partner and I have split up, so now I can be a single parent-who-yearns-for-a-whole-foods-and-wholesome-altogether-lifestyle-but-fails-miserably-and-ends-up-at-(ick)-McDonald's kind of blogger. Once I get a computer and move to a place with modern conveniences like central heating and decent broadband that is.
In a flurry of optimism I hope that by taking some time away from the blog I am spending more time in nature and chopping things, fermenting stuff, meditating....well some of that is getting done in between wrestling with my 1 and 5 year olds, tripping over the ironing pile and praying no one shows up for a cuppa----assuming that I have a clean mug somewhere around here.
In truth, though my life is currently quite chaotic I have great hope for the future of my little family and look forward to writing about our adventures.
Sunday, 29 January 2012
On Finding God
I read recently a quote about people leaving church and finding God. Now if I had a better memory or a stronger desire to make the effort to find the quote I would tell you who it was who came up with that one. It is pure genius and certainly speaks of my experience.
A few months back I was listening to Michael Neill (Intuitive Life Coach) speaking on his show on HayHouseRadio.com. He was talking about the concept of Buying In to whatever it is we are "supposed" to be doing. The example he gave was of a teenager not really doing chores, etc until they Buy In to the importance of contributing to family life. Likewise, regardless of what we read, hear or are being nagged to do, we cannot fully take part until we Buy In to why we benefit.
I think that this is a key concept in faith and a spiritual life. I have always had the gift of faith---since I could remember anyway. And I was raised with the ritual and traditions of the Catholic Church. I quite enjoyed participating in the various ceremonies, the choir, and later youth retreats. But like so many teenagers I lost my faith in the Church. I could no longer Buy In to the need for the Bible, confession, some of the rituals of the Mass. This partly came from reading the Bible. Most of it. Sad, but true. Although I read it, and even got a bit out of it, it didn't speak to me in a way that enhanced my spiritual practice at that time. I just couldn't accept that it was all that useful if it was written by men, most of whom never met Jesus, and which then went on to cause so much strife in the world. As I heard Coversations with God author Neale Donald Walsch say on the radio recently---if any of the religious texts and practices we have now were the answer, then why is everyone still searching for God? I am sure I paraphrased there.
I more or less stopped going to church for many, many years and only attend sporadically now. I suspect that this is true of so many people nowadays. And I think it is because we find it difficult to Buy In to religion. As children we are carted in to church and told to sit still and be quiet. Rituals which were actually designed to bring us closer to God became chore lists, without meaning. This has been the case not only for our generation, but for many generations in fact. This is a shame really. I am not sure if there is a better way---I certainly hope that I can share with my children a bit of my understanding of Spirit.
Over the years I have read a lot, about a lot of different things---new age---Buddhism, Shamanism, a bit about Druids....I hung out with Native Americans, Jews, and Muslims....trying to glean some meaning to life. And I do believe that I have found it. I don't know everything, but I do have very strong beliefs. And I became a spiritual healer along the way. Not only is this one of the greatest gifts, but the ability to connect to Spirit and renew my faith daily is great indeed. Having found Spirit, it is now much easier to find it wherever I go. It may be in a church, or the Bible, definitely in other people, and often in other religions too....it has become a cliche for a reason. Maybe this is just the way we are going. Because we ARE doing it right.
A few months back I was listening to Michael Neill (Intuitive Life Coach) speaking on his show on HayHouseRadio.com. He was talking about the concept of Buying In to whatever it is we are "supposed" to be doing. The example he gave was of a teenager not really doing chores, etc until they Buy In to the importance of contributing to family life. Likewise, regardless of what we read, hear or are being nagged to do, we cannot fully take part until we Buy In to why we benefit.
I think that this is a key concept in faith and a spiritual life. I have always had the gift of faith---since I could remember anyway. And I was raised with the ritual and traditions of the Catholic Church. I quite enjoyed participating in the various ceremonies, the choir, and later youth retreats. But like so many teenagers I lost my faith in the Church. I could no longer Buy In to the need for the Bible, confession, some of the rituals of the Mass. This partly came from reading the Bible. Most of it. Sad, but true. Although I read it, and even got a bit out of it, it didn't speak to me in a way that enhanced my spiritual practice at that time. I just couldn't accept that it was all that useful if it was written by men, most of whom never met Jesus, and which then went on to cause so much strife in the world. As I heard Coversations with God author Neale Donald Walsch say on the radio recently---if any of the religious texts and practices we have now were the answer, then why is everyone still searching for God? I am sure I paraphrased there.
I more or less stopped going to church for many, many years and only attend sporadically now. I suspect that this is true of so many people nowadays. And I think it is because we find it difficult to Buy In to religion. As children we are carted in to church and told to sit still and be quiet. Rituals which were actually designed to bring us closer to God became chore lists, without meaning. This has been the case not only for our generation, but for many generations in fact. This is a shame really. I am not sure if there is a better way---I certainly hope that I can share with my children a bit of my understanding of Spirit.
Over the years I have read a lot, about a lot of different things---new age---Buddhism, Shamanism, a bit about Druids....I hung out with Native Americans, Jews, and Muslims....trying to glean some meaning to life. And I do believe that I have found it. I don't know everything, but I do have very strong beliefs. And I became a spiritual healer along the way. Not only is this one of the greatest gifts, but the ability to connect to Spirit and renew my faith daily is great indeed. Having found Spirit, it is now much easier to find it wherever I go. It may be in a church, or the Bible, definitely in other people, and often in other religions too....it has become a cliche for a reason. Maybe this is just the way we are going. Because we ARE doing it right.
How to Pray in Earnest
I have joined an evening Bible Study Group partly to Better Myself and mostly to Get Out More. I have actually found it really inspiring and helpful to my meditation practice. We are studying the book of Acts, which was written by Luke. It is nice to have a look at this description of the very early church. We have discussed quite a few themes, and we keep coming back to prayer. This week our study questions asked us how do we pray in earnest.
Well, here goes. A rough guide.
Step 1. First you need to get yourself a problem. It can be "small," "big," an illness, a difficult person....anything which makes for a Very Stressful Time.
Step 2. Now, approach God in a frantic, can't-stand-this-a-minute-longer rant.
Step 3. Get a bit miffed that a.) you have to go through this and b.) NO ONE IS ANSWERING YOU!
Oddly, this rant will make you feel a teensy bit calmer after a few minutes. (The old getting it off your chest technique). Then you will be ready for ....
Step 4. ...wait for it....you will hear something...
Maybe God, maybe guides, angels....maybe your own inner wisdom.....but in the stillness the answer will come. Sometimes your answer will be quite direct. "You need to look after yourself." Sometimes it is a simple message such as "We are here for you." And sometimes it is a reminder. "Try turning this around." (This is a great technique. For instance when I was frantically praying I really NEED to know the truth here before I explode with the stress!!!! Turning it around means stopping and saying I know the truth. And quite often, you do. )
This is how I do it anyway. Easy right? Well there are a few things to keep in mind. You do not always get the answer you want. If an answer makes you afraid of taking action then it is most likely your ego, and not from Spirit. Basically, if you are not feeling absolutely loved and supported, then what you are hearing is not from GOD. And lastly, as with all relationships, you must remember that you cannot speak and listen at the same time.
Well, here goes. A rough guide.
Step 1. First you need to get yourself a problem. It can be "small," "big," an illness, a difficult person....anything which makes for a Very Stressful Time.
Step 2. Now, approach God in a frantic, can't-stand-this-a-minute-longer rant.
Step 3. Get a bit miffed that a.) you have to go through this and b.) NO ONE IS ANSWERING YOU!
Oddly, this rant will make you feel a teensy bit calmer after a few minutes. (The old getting it off your chest technique). Then you will be ready for ....
Step 4. ...wait for it....you will hear something...
Maybe God, maybe guides, angels....maybe your own inner wisdom.....but in the stillness the answer will come. Sometimes your answer will be quite direct. "You need to look after yourself." Sometimes it is a simple message such as "We are here for you." And sometimes it is a reminder. "Try turning this around." (This is a great technique. For instance when I was frantically praying I really NEED to know the truth here before I explode with the stress!!!! Turning it around means stopping and saying I know the truth. And quite often, you do. )
This is how I do it anyway. Easy right? Well there are a few things to keep in mind. You do not always get the answer you want. If an answer makes you afraid of taking action then it is most likely your ego, and not from Spirit. Basically, if you are not feeling absolutely loved and supported, then what you are hearing is not from GOD. And lastly, as with all relationships, you must remember that you cannot speak and listen at the same time.
Sunday, 25 December 2011
2011
I am always in such a hurry to make plans for the New Year ahead. I thought it was time to sit down and reflect on my accomplishments from the last year. We are not always comfortable giving ourselves a pat on the back. But doing so can be just the boost we need to feel ready to take on a new year, and new goals.
So, in the past year I have done quite a few things, most notably:
1. Gave birth to my daughter
2. Gave a fantastic Pirate Party for my son
3. Embarked on a course
4. Developed a more regular meditation and prayer practice
5. Made some significant changes to our diet---for our health
6. Lost some of the baby weight!
7. Tried quite a few new foods and recipes (see the rest of this blog!)
8. Tried out some great new craft projects including nappies, hot water bottle covers and embroidery
As I reflect on each of these in my journal I can pull out how I accomplished it, why I did it, and use these insights in making new goals. More on those plans later! But I can also look back to my goals from the last year. Did I accomplish any of them? Why or why not? Did I actually spend time on them or other stuff? How can I create goals which more accurately reflect me and my needs? Do I need to change my goals to make them fit into my lifestyle or do I find ways to motivate myself to achieve more? Lots to think about!
So, in the past year I have done quite a few things, most notably:
1. Gave birth to my daughter
2. Gave a fantastic Pirate Party for my son
3. Embarked on a course
4. Developed a more regular meditation and prayer practice
5. Made some significant changes to our diet---for our health
6. Lost some of the baby weight!
7. Tried quite a few new foods and recipes (see the rest of this blog!)
8. Tried out some great new craft projects including nappies, hot water bottle covers and embroidery
As I reflect on each of these in my journal I can pull out how I accomplished it, why I did it, and use these insights in making new goals. More on those plans later! But I can also look back to my goals from the last year. Did I accomplish any of them? Why or why not? Did I actually spend time on them or other stuff? How can I create goals which more accurately reflect me and my needs? Do I need to change my goals to make them fit into my lifestyle or do I find ways to motivate myself to achieve more? Lots to think about!
How to use your snow cone maker for good (instead of ...)
And so in the intrerests of health I have been avoiding these products for a few years. My son often asks for these drinks while we are out and I indulge him sometimes with a guilty conscience. We have been eyeing up snow cone makers for a while and I finally relented when I found a Party Penguin on sale a couple of weeks ago.
They are trickier than they look! It takes a long while to shave your ice. Even if you chop it a bit first or leave it out for a few minutes to melt a bit. When you have a nice little drawer of snow, pop it into your bowl and THEN:
Now here is where snow cones move into the realm of fantastic. Delicious. Healthy.
Now, you add flavour to your snow with any of the following:
fresh squeezed juice (we chose orange today)
coconut juice
coconut milk mixed with milk
Hindu lemonade
You now have a nice little snack and you have had fun with the kids and you know that you haven't had extra sugar or worse--nasty chemicals, dyes, and artificial flavours.
The Perfect Christmas?
I think that the Christmases I grew up with were perfect. Mom made a cooked breakfast of scrambled eggs, homemade hash browns, bacon, and she sprinkled cinnamon in the coffee maker. We would open presents and stockings, taking turns. Each present in the stocking was wrapped in paper, adding to the anticipation and excitement. We then went to Mass where I sang in the choir. Then off to Dad's house where we had mounds of presents and tons of relatives. Food, the fire, and family games like Trivial Pursuit kept us entertained for hours.
My family seems so very far away now that I am living in the UK and they are mostly back in the USA. Sure, I get a phone call or two, but it isn't quite the same. It does occur to me that even if I was there, I might not experience Christmas in quite the same way as I did back then. Holiday treveling, especially with small children might not be so appealing anyway. Being grown up often means a lot more cooking, cleaning, and paying the enormous bills for it all. Oh, it is all too easy for me to fall in the trap of negativity.
So in planning my perfect Chrsitmas this year, I took a look at what we have. I have me, a five year old, and an 8 month old baby. (Daddy is working on the 24 and 25th this year). I have a few things for our stockings, a great Christmas tree.....and two days on our own, with little interruption. (OK, this seemed a tiny bit depressing a week ago, but today it seems like a nice break from the hustle and bustle).
So here is how we are spending it:
We woke at 6. Well, my son woke earlier and I distracted him in the kitchen with some breakfast until his father got up for work. Then we opened our stockings. I then took a hot bath with scented body wash. Then I got into clean pajamas and my new slipper socks. (OK, this is partly for the luxury of spending more time in pajamas, but mostly because I am REALLY behind with the laundry.)
We have been playing really. Yesterday we made gingerbread and a snowflake garland. We also tried out our new Party Penguin which makes snow cones. And tucked into our gingerbread. I was half intending to go to church, but I had to lend my car to the Other Half since his car wouldn't start.
I don't have a great big meal planned. We don't care for turkey, anyway. And tomorrow we will have some roast lamb (raised here on the farm), with roasted winter veg.
My family seems so very far away now that I am living in the UK and they are mostly back in the USA. Sure, I get a phone call or two, but it isn't quite the same. It does occur to me that even if I was there, I might not experience Christmas in quite the same way as I did back then. Holiday treveling, especially with small children might not be so appealing anyway. Being grown up often means a lot more cooking, cleaning, and paying the enormous bills for it all. Oh, it is all too easy for me to fall in the trap of negativity.
So in planning my perfect Chrsitmas this year, I took a look at what we have. I have me, a five year old, and an 8 month old baby. (Daddy is working on the 24 and 25th this year). I have a few things for our stockings, a great Christmas tree.....and two days on our own, with little interruption. (OK, this seemed a tiny bit depressing a week ago, but today it seems like a nice break from the hustle and bustle).
So here is how we are spending it:
We woke at 6. Well, my son woke earlier and I distracted him in the kitchen with some breakfast until his father got up for work. Then we opened our stockings. I then took a hot bath with scented body wash. Then I got into clean pajamas and my new slipper socks. (OK, this is partly for the luxury of spending more time in pajamas, but mostly because I am REALLY behind with the laundry.)
We have been playing really. Yesterday we made gingerbread and a snowflake garland. We also tried out our new Party Penguin which makes snow cones. And tucked into our gingerbread. I was half intending to go to church, but I had to lend my car to the Other Half since his car wouldn't start.
 |
| Simple homemade garland is a fun activity and adds the festive touch! |
 |
| He has been playing for hours---completely ignoring all of the Christmas movies on the television! |
 |
| Gingerbread barn and animals |
I don't have a great big meal planned. We don't care for turkey, anyway. And tomorrow we will have some roast lamb (raised here on the farm), with roasted winter veg.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)