Dance for life!

For centuries, dance manuals and other writings have lauded the health benefits of dancing, usually as physical exercise. More recently we’ve seen research on further health benefits of dancing, such as stress reduction and increased serotonin level, with its sense of well-being.

Then most recently we’ve heard of another benefit: Frequent dancing apparently makes us smarter. A major study added to the growing evidence that stimulating one’s mind can ward off Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia, much as physical exercise can keep the body fit. Dancing also increases cognitive acuity at all ages. Read more from Stanford University’s Richard Powers: http://socialdance.stanford.edu/syllabi/smarter.htm

There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them.

Mistletoe Myth for The Shortest Day

Winter Solstice arrives at 9.30 tonight here in Portland, Oregon. It’s time to decorate the house with greenery, light candles, burn fires, and take down the old mistletoe (if you leave it up all year like we do) to replace with a fresh sprig. The ritual of hanging mistletoe recalls the Norse myth about the death of Balder and of his resurrection, brought about by the love of his mother Freya. Love conquers death.

Mistletoe

Once upon a time, the cycle of the seasons – the turning of the year itself – was viewed as a sacred manifestation of the mysterious power of the universe: something to closely attend to, learn from and participate in. And so it is that we continue to celebrate the birth of light on the darkest night of the year. That’s magic!
Here’s a marvelous poem by Susan Cooper that was first brought to our attention by our friends at Portland Revels.

The Shortest Day
And so the Shortest Day came and the year died
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive.
And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us – listen!
All the long echoes, sing the same delight,
This Shortest Day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, feast, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And now so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.

Hazelnut Pumpkin Pie ~ enjoy

Hazelnut Pumpkin Pie
1 pie crust

Recipes and Tips for Your Health and Well Being

15 ounces (about 1 3/4 cups) canned pumpkin pulp
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups plain hazelnut milk
3/4 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon coriander (optional)
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely grated
1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
Preheat oven to 425° F. Press crust into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp edge. Combine remaining ingredients except nuts, stirring well. Pour into pie shell and bake 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350° F, scatter hazelnuts over the top and bake for 45 minutes or until pie is done (knife blade comes out clean). Let stand for 30 minutes. Serve warm or cold. Serves at least 1.

From Year of Healthy Living – by Ann Lovejoy

I can Transform my own world…

Make a list of positive aspects. Make lists of things you love – and never complain about anything. And as you use those things that shine bright
and make you feel good as your excuse to give your attention, and be who-you-are, you will tune to who-you-are, and the whole world will begin to transform before your eyes. It is not your job to transform the world for others – but it is your job to transform it for you. A state of appreciation is pure Connection to Source where there is no perception of lack.

Excerpt from September 2011 Wall calendar, The Law of Attraction by
Esther and Jerry Hicks,
The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham

2012 Healing Calendar Picks

A message from the authors of Healing Mandalas wall Calendar.

“We are delighted that our 2012 calendar is at the top of Phylamena Desy’s page of picks. Thank you, Phylamena, Amber Lotus our publisher, and to the beautiful flowers that bring inspiration and healing to each month, we hope you’ll get a calendar to bless and empower 2012.”

Good cheer,
Bonnie

Healing Mandalas: Empowering Visions for the Year - Artists Bonnie Gold Bell and David Sun Todd