"It's how we relate to things that causes us to suffer"

“It isn't the things that happen to us in our lives that cause us to suffer, it's how we relate to the things that happen to us that causes us to suffer.”
~   Pema Chödrön

I just think this is SO relevant to our every moment of every day experience.  If we can wake up every day and remind ourselves of this, we have the opportunity to redirect and transform our lives!  We so often want to blame our emotions on our situation, or our actions on what types of behaviors have been thrusted onto us by our co-workers, family or friends. 

If we could just take a moment to ourselves..... after something troubling happens..... to remember that we have a choice.  We have a choice to either allow the situation to trigger a negative quality of feeling, or to consciously choose to respond in a way that benefits our well-being in the grand scheme of things.  Sometimes this means confronting something challenging within us to take us to a place of peace. Sometimes it may mean choosing to replace the negative thoughts that are flooding our mind with thoughts that inspire positive emotions. 

We always have a choice in where we focus our attention.  I find that sometimes when things feel completely unbearable,  I try simply putting my awareness on my breath watching it move in and out.  After a minute or two of this, I feel like the situation has less of a grip on my thoughts and emotions.  It gives me some space between me and the situation.  With that, I can redirect my internal experience to a better place.  When I remember to do this in the heat of the moment, it greatly benefits me and can change the whole course of my day.

Other times it may mean practicing compassion or forgiveness towards another person, and then letting it go and moving along with our day.  Sometimes this task alone can feel next to impossible.  If we could see that the alternative of getting angry only feeds on itself, to the point of potentially ruining our entire day, we may try something else!  So next time something happens that brings up negative emotions within you, see if you can try something different.  Try relating to what happened in a new way.  If you do what you have always done, you're going to get what you've always gotten.  So try something different and see what happens.  You may be surprised!

If you are interested in a free health consultation, please visit me at restoringhealthybalance.com

Apples - Yummy & PACKED with cancer fighting ingredients!

Here are some of the countless nutritional benefits of apples.  Both the inside as well as the skin on the apple is packed with cancer fighting ingredients.  There has been significant research at Cornell University identifying which compounds contain anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver, colon, pancreas and breast.  Studies showed a 39% decrease in risk of breast cancer in mice that consumed 3 apples a day!  Due to the high levels of flavonoids, quercetin and naringin in apples, eating an apple-enhanced diet may also reduce risk in developing lung and pancreatic cancer.  The pectin in the apple as well as an extract from the apple skin can reduce risk of colon cancer.  Pectin is also been known to assist in a healthy digestive system and help in the management of diabetes.

Apples have been shown to reduce wheezing in children with asthma who drink at least one glass of apple juice per day.  Research has indicated that children born from mothers who have consumed a lot of apples during pregnancy have lower rates of asthma then children born from mothers consuming little to no apples during pregnancy.

There is also a substance in apples called quercetin.  Quercetin is an antioxidant that can help to boost immunity, protecting you from harmful free radicals that can cause cancers and infections in the body.  Another study indicated that the quercetin in apples may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by fighting aging on the brain. 

Boron, another ingredient in apples, strengthens our bones by increasing bone density.  The soluble fiber content in apples can assist in a number of things including IBS, managing blood sugar, lowering cholesterol levels, and reducing any risk of diabetes and heart disease.  The fiber is the part of plant foods that isn't digested by the body, but instead passes through the intestines and assists in the movement of other materials.  High fiber foods can help in weight management since they are usually less "energy dense", which means they have fewer calories for the same amount of content.  Foods high in fiber will make you feel fuller longer, which can help to prevent overeating.

Try dipping apples in almond butter or peanut butter for an even more filling snack.
 
Try adding apples to butternut squash soups like this recipe:
http://www.choosingraw.com/butternut-squash-and-apple-soup-a-rawcooked-comparison/

Here is a link for a delicious Vegan Apple Crisp:
http://hellyeahitsvegan.com/vegan-apple-crisp/

You can simply bake apples for an easy kid-friendly snack or dessert.  To make it even more exciting, try adding a sauce on top like this one:
http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/baked-apples-with-maple-walnut-sauce/

If you are interested in a free health consultation, please visit me at restoringhealthybalance.com