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Today, please hold a vision for the earth; a vision of clean fresh waters running through all streams and rivers; a vision of pristine oceans teeming with abundant life where all species of fish are plentiful (Whales too!); a vision of clean air that invigorates the spirit of all humanity; a vision of vibrant healthy rainforests that continue to thrive; a vision of humanity than lives sustainably, correctly using resources that add to the concept of sustainability; a vision of our precious, healthy blue orb of planet spinning delicately in the cosmos and all life on her living in harmony. Please hold this vision in your heart and mind, with the intention that all of this is true in this “now” moment. Make a promise to yourself to return to this vision once a day, every day and let it guide your thoughts and actions to live life more sustainably. Remember, this is the only planet we have… every day is Earth Day!

• Stress Tip for the Day
Get outside today. Hug a tree. Breath in some fresh air. Visit a rose garden. Walk into a floral shop and buy some fresh cut flowers. Lay on your back and look up at the clouds taking shape. Eat an organic meal at lunch and Dinner if you can!) Check out the Milky Way tonight and the constellations Orion and the Big Dipper (Northern Hemisphere) or the Southern Cross (Southern Hemisphere). Give thanks for living on such a wonderful planet. Despite all its problems, it’s still a beautiful world.

• Links/Books Worth Noting:
When you get a chance, pick up the book, Blessed Unrest, by Paul Hawken. It’s a book about the environmental movement and it will lift your spirits…

And if you want, check out this really cool movie trailer about the healing power of nature, it too, will lift your spirits (so I am told):

• Earth Songs Documentary Introduction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3JxqyCvZVk

• Earth Songs Meditation (song: Prairie Moon by Michael Hoppe)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swE5aYurZcg

• Earth Songs Movie Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_ktYuzEv8E

• Quote for the Day:
“We can and we’ve GOT to better than this!” — Theodore Driesl (Dr. Seuss)
when asked about leaving the world in a better place for our children.

Photo of the Day:
While flying up to Juneau, AK last week, I had a stunning view looking east of the Pacific North West in all its splendor. The skies were clear, the mountains looked pristine and the aura over the earth’s horizon was a sign (to me at least) that all is not lost on Planet Earth… we can each make a difference. I hope you agree. Please… make every day, Earth Day!

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Stress is often defined as a “perceived” threat (real or imagined) to mind, body, spirit or emotions. When people express “racially” motivated views and perspectives, they are expressing a form of stress (specifically fear, anger or both): They clearly feel threatened. Hearing so many people today describing President Obama as a foreign born Muslim (not to mention a socialist, a communist, and every other name they can muster up) is the “new code” for racism. People who carry signs saying they “want their country back” is also code for racism, despite their claims not to be racist (Freud called this denial). And because it’s not PC to be racist, this form of stress now surfaces in many other ways, such as current Tea party political activism). Racism takes on many forms of behavior, all of which are abhorrent! Sadly, this behavior only promotes and perpetuates more stress for everyone involved: the attacked and the attackers. It could be said that anyone who has an ego is prone for threatening perceptions towards others who are different (Jung referred to this as the Shadow). In the Eastern culture they have an expression which bears repeating… “Domesticate your ego!” Racism may be as old as humanity, but if we are ever going to evolve as a species, we all need to domesticate our egos to eradicate racism from the world. And there is no time like the present.

• Stress Tip for the Day
Take a look deep into your heart and examine your stress-prone thoughts/behaviors regarding race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. Ask yourself why you feel threatened by people who are different than you? Why is your ego reacting to these differences? Examining your heart is only the first step… resolving these threatening perceptions is the essential next step. Learn to domesticate your ego or it will poop all over the place.

• Links/Books Worth Noting:
Let there be no doubt, racism is quite stressful to those who experience any kind of it. Here are a few websites with more information.

http://www.miller-mccune.com/blogs/news-blog/evidence-links-stress-racism-3619/

www.rivier.edu/journal/RCOAJ-Spring-2007/J88-Crocker.pdf

• Quote for the Day:
“Racism is man’s gravest threat to man – the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason.” —Abrham J. Heschel

“Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away, and that in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.” — Martin Luther King

Photo of the Day:
Martin Luther King dedicated his life for equality for all people. In the words of Gandhi, “His life was his message.” Here is a photo of MLK. May this serve to remind us that we all have a dream and must work each day to see it realized, including the elimination of racism.

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Dear friends, family and fans,
I am presenting/attending a conference in Juneau, Alaska and will return to this blog on April 19th. Have a great (mental health) week, and please feel free to check out any of the archived blog entries. As I often say, “stress management is simply common sense, but common sense isn’t too common when people are stressed.” Review never hurts!

Photo of the Day:
This photo was taken on Hilton Head Island, SC a few weeks ago while attending the American Journal of Health Promotion Conference. Very relaxing… enjoy!

Quote for the Day:
“We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery.” — H. G. Wells (1866 – 1946)

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Dear friends and fans,
I am presenting/attending a conference in Juneau, Alaska and will return to this blog on April 19th.Have a great (mental health) week, and please feel free to check out any of the archived blog entries. As I often say, “stress management is simply common sense, but common sense isn’t too common when people are stressed.” Review never hurts!

Photo of the Day:
This photo was taken on Hilton Head a few weeks ago while attending the American Journal of Health Promotion Conference.

Quote for the Day:

“We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that

each moment of life is a miracle and mystery.” — H. G. Wells (1866 – 1946)

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Chronic stress can seem like a dark cloud that looms over our heads, but to borrow a phrase, every grey cloud has a silver lining. Research studies reveal that having an optimistic outlook on life not only helps us navigate around the potholes in the road, an optimistic perspective helps boost the immune system. Good thoughts and feelings are correlated to the release of neuropeptides that enhance our health. So, it’s in our best interest to balance the negative thoughts with positive one and perhaps add a few additional pleasant thoughts for good measure. There is a theory that suggests that a prolonged pessimistic outlook is nothing more than prolonged grieving, and while grieving is certainly healthy, prolonged grieving isn’t. Lance Armstrong didn’t win seven Tour de Frances with a negative attitude. Rosa Parks didn’t take a seat on a bus that one famous day because she was a pessimist. Nelson Mandela didn’t become the President of South Africa with an attitude of resentment. We would do well to learn from these role models.

• Stress Tip for the Day
Take inventory of your thoughts several times today and discern if there is a healthy balance between positive and negative thoughts. Work to find the balance with your emotional thought process. One thing that helps find this new (healthy) balance is to start counting your blessings (an attitude of gratitude) with all the things going right in your world.

• Links/Books Worth Noting:
The field of positive psychology is exploding with research that supports conventional wisdom. Here are just two of hundreds of links that may be of interest:

http://stress.about.com/od/optimismspirituality/a/optimismbenefit.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/positive-thinking/SR00009

• Quote for the Day:
“No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.” Helen Keller

Photo of the Day:
I went out for a whale watching boat ride while vacationing on the Cape last year. We saw over 20 whales that day and I think its fair to say that everyone on the boat saw the glass as completely filled. Is it time to fill your glass?

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

When I taught a nutrition and health course at the University of Colorado over a 12-year period, the topic of water (the essential nutrient) came up quite often. Our drinking water, while currently plentiful, is not pristine these days. The most recent issue of the National Geographic magazine is dedicated to the topic of water (with the state of our world’s water supply a looming stressor).
The following are some highlighted (sobering) facts from the issue:
• 2.5% of the Earth’s water is fresh. About 2/3’s of that is frozen. The rest (@1%) is liquid surface water (lakes, rivers, streams) and ground water (aquifers).
• 2/3’s of the Earth’s fresh water is used to grow food.
• American’ use about 100 gallon’s of water at home each day. People from developing nation’s, if lucky, use between 3-5 gallons/day.
• 46% of the world’s population do NOT have water piped into their homes.
• Women in developing countries walk an average of 3.7 miles/day to get drinkable water.
• Global warming is contributing to glacial melting/recession which will become problematic as communities that depend on glacial runoff eventually become denied of their water sources.
• Currently one out of 8 people world-wide lacks access to clean water.
• 3.3 million people die from water-related health problems per year.
• Public utility water filtration systems typically don’t remove increasing amounts of pharmaceuticals flushed down people’s toilets.
• It takes 1,857 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef. It takes 2,900 gallons of water to produce one pair of blue jeans.
• Experts predict that within the next twenty years, half of the world’s population could face water shortages. UN experts suggest that future wars will be fought over water supplies/rights.

• Stress Tip of the Day:
Pay close attention to the amount of water you use per day (e.g.,drinking water, showers, toilet flushing, lawn sprinklers, etc.). Consider getting a high quality water filter in your kitchen and never throw unused medications down the toilet (bring them back to the pharmacy!)

• Links/Books Worth Noting:
I think it’s in everyone’s best interest to read the entire issue of National Geographic this month. Take time to become educated on the topic of our planet’s water supply.
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/04/table-of-contents

• Photo of the Day:
When I traveled to Chile for a photo expedition a couple of years ago, I was mesmerized, not only by the Torres del Pines massif range, but the stunning glacial lakes in the area. Enjoy!

• Quote for the Day:
“Water has become a highly precious resource. There are some places where a barrel of water costs more than a barrel of oil.”
— Lloyd Axworthy, Foreign Minister of Canada,1999 – News Conference.

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Once again, we will skip the theory and go straight for the application. Have a great weekend!

COURT EXCHANGES: These are excerpts from a book called Disorder in the American Courts, and are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters that had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.

ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget.
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?
___________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in voodoo?
WITNESS: We both do.
ATTORNEY: Voodoo?
WITNESS: We do.
ATTORNEY: You do?
WITNESS: Yes, voodoo.
____________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn’t it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn’t know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
____________________________________
ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the 20-year-old, how old is he?
WITNESS: He’s 20, much like your IQ.
___________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Are you shitting me?
_________________________________________
ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Getting laid!
____________________________________________
ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
WITNESS: Your Honor, I think I need a different attorney. Can I get a new attorney?
____________________________________________
ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death.
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?
WITNESS: Take a guess.
____________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard.
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?
WITNESS: Unless the Circus was in town I’m going with male.
_____________________________________
ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
______________________________________
ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?
WITNESS: All of them. The live ones put up too much of a fight.
_________________________________________

ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
WITNESS: Oral.
_________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 PM.
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: If not, he was by the time I finished.
____________________________________________
ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
WITNESS: Are you qualified to ask that question?
______________________________________

• Links/Books Worth Noting:
Dewitt Jones is a celebrated photographer who has had his work featured often in the National Geographic magazine. This is an inspiring video to lift your spirits. Enjoy!

http://www.rumormillnews.com/celebrate.html

• Photo of the Day:
Still riding the high from my mental health day on Tuesday, here is one more photograph of a snowboarder flying off of the half pipe at Copper Mountain as the ski season draws to a close this year (sigh). Enjoy!

• Quote for the Day:
“If you don’t get a lawyer who knows law, then get the one who knows the Judge!”—Anonymous

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Is there a connection between stress and cancer? A quick look into the research on stress physiology suggests that the relationship is more than a simple correlation. While there are many neuro-chemicals in the stress hormone cocktail for fight or flight, cortisol is considered THE stress hormone. Cortisol is responsible for increasing blood sugar levels for short term energy; fight as well as lipids in the blood for long term energy; flight. While there are several other responsibilities that Cortisol is associated with, it appears that when left lingering in the blood (and not flushed out through physical exercise) Cortisol (and we don’t know why) tends to destroy white blood cells. Simply stated, Cortisol (in large and lingering amounts) compromises the integrity of your immune system. Researchers suggest that we produce a cancer cell in our bodies every day (perhaps more often). In simplest terms, these white blood cells search and destroy the cancer cells, thus warding off any threat of rapidly proliferating cancerous tumors. If the numbers of white blood cells decreases due to the Cortisol effect, one can easily see how this story ends.

• Stress Tip(s) for the Day
One of the best ways to flush cortisol out of your body is to exercise regularly. Experts suggest every day, but if that seems like it won’t fit in your schedule, try at least every other day. Walking, swimming, bike riding, jogging, and hiking, are just a handful of ways to engage in the process of flushing the stress hormones out and allowing your body to return to homeostasis.

• Links/Books Worth Noting:
This link below offers some more information from the National Cancer Institute. The first reference is regarded as one of THE most comprehensive analysis of the topic.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/stress
Once again, I would like to make mention of Suzanne Sommer’s great book, Knockout. Anybody with cancer should read this book.

• Photo of the Day:
I took a mental health day yesterday (known in Colorado as a ski day or powder day) and went up to Copper Mountain to ski and do some photography. I spent the better part of the day at the Half pipe watching the snowboaders:Poetry in motion, but you judge for yourself. Enjoy!

• Quote for the Day:
“A sound mind in a sound body.” — Verjule

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

One of the tenants taught for effective stress management skills is the concept of simplicity (known in the business world as the KISS principle; “Keep it simple, stupid!”) Perhaps its human nature, but we tend to take on many responsibilities in our lives and at the breaking point, we just keep on adding more. Balance is the key! Its is well known in the arts that “less is more,” meaning that by keeping things simple, (e.g., a melody, a sculpture, a poem) it takes on an air of profundity. Keeping things simple doesn’t mean to take the easy way out. Simplicity suggests the path of least resistance when our resistance is low. The path of simplicity suggests knowing your limits and being pleasantly assertive with your boundaries so that what you take on, you do with class, rather than mediocrity. The world has become very complicated these days with everything from finances and nutritional habits to technology gadgets and changing weather patterns. You don’t have to add to this perfect storm of stress. When in doubt, pause and take the path of least resistance. Your body, mind and soul will thank you. Your spouse, kids and friends will most likely thank you too.

• Stress Tip(s) for the Day:
Get in the habit of asking yourself this question before every action: Is this going to simplify or complicate my life? Taking the path of least resistance doesn’t mean to compromise your integrity, nor does it mean doing a half-baked job with any and all responsibilities. It means knowing your limits and honoring them. This also means being conscious about purchases and the acquisitions of material possessions. Remember the wise adage: You can’t take it with you.

• Links/Books Worth Noting:
Author Annie Leonard has just come out with a book about people and their relationship to stuff and the accumulation of stuff. Here is a link to her book and an article published last week in USA Today.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2010/03/why-are-we-so-obsessed-with-stuff-and-more-stuff/1

http://www.amazon.com/Story-Stuff-Obsession-Communities-Health/dp/143912566X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269805837&sr=8-2

• Photo of the Day:
There is a lot we can learn from animals. They certainly know how to keep their lives simple. By and large animals keep to a routine. They only use what they need. They don’t acquire loads of possessions. In short, they live in harmony with the natural world. We would do well to follow their lead. This photo of a grey wolf was taken in BC Canada during the filming of my movie, Earth Songs. Enjoy!

• Quote for the Day:

“He who dies with the most toys, wins.” (NOT!)
—bumper sticker seen in Washington D.C.

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

It’s no secret that diabetes (specifically, Type II Diabetes) is on the rise in America, much to the dismay of many health experts. Type II Diabetes is considered a lifestyle disease, and as such is considered preventable. Unlike Type I where the pancreas makes insufficient amounts of insulin, Type II results when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, not allowing them to take up glucose in the blood, hence making the blood syrupy. This leads to a whole host of health problems. Stress plays a HUGE role in diabetes. Under stress, the body secretes a flood of hormones which are responsible for umpteen metabolic reactions necessary for fight or flight. One result of the metabolic stress response is to increase glucose into the blood so that energy is available for fight or flight. Getting stressed while sitting at a keyboard and computer screen is problematic for blood sugar levels. The bottom line is this: Stress elevates blood sugar levels. Chronic stress perpetually increases blood sugar levels, which is why taking proper steps to decrease stress levels (from effective coping techniques to essential relaxation techniques, including physical) is essential.

• Stress Tip(s) for the Day
Take time each day to relax: sit quietly with your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. You can help control elevated blood sugar levels with exercise AND other relaxation techniques. Walking is one of THE best forms of physical exercise.

• Links/Books Worth Noting:
Diabetes is a complex disease and this blog entry has only scratched the surface. For more information please consider visiting this link(s):

http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/18/2/121.full.pdf

• Photo of the Day:
The ski season is rapidly coming to a close (sigh). I went out to Copper Mountain a few weeks ago with a buddy of mine and asked him to pose for this shot (and many others … thanks Eddie!). Eddie, in turn took me on the black diamond run from hell, (how do you say multiple face plants?) so we are even.

• Quote for the Day:
“Life is not over because you have diabetes. Make the most of what you have, be grateful.”— Dale Evans Rogers (Roy Roger’s wife)

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

The spring equinox (when sunlight and darkness share equal time on the planet) is a metaphorical reminder for us to strive for balance in our lives as well. I was once asked on a national television show to put the concept of stress management into a sound byte. Since the expression, “Don’t worry, be happy” was already taken, I opted for a one-word byte: “Balance.” I never cease to be reminded how important the concept of balance is when I am teaching or facilitating programs on the topic of stress management. Balance is the undercurrent to nearly everything, including happiness, health even longevity. Balance is not a hard concept to grasp, but in this ever-changing world we live in, it often becomes a challenge to maintain. Balance is inherent to the human condition, from our first steps as a child to our checkbooks. Amid all the daily distractions, change can often throw us out of balance. Nature offers many examples of how we can best live our lives in balance. Lao Tzu, the father of the Taoist philosophy speaks of this in his immortal book, The Tao to Ching:
Here is some simple advice: Less is more!

• Stress Tip(s) for the Day
Take inventory on your life today and check and see what appears to be “out of balance.” Imbalance and poor healthy boundaries often go hand in hand so you may wish to look at a score of human behaviors. Pick one and pull the reins in to help you maintain a sense of balance.

• Links/Books Worth Noting:
Pick up a copy of the Tao de Ching (perhaps even at your local library). It contains a world of wisdom of how to live our lives in balance.

• Photo of the Day:
While at Hilton Head Island last week for a health promotion conference (hence the lack of blog entries and I apologize), I took a stroll along the beach at sunrise everyday. Here is one photo from the trip. Enjoy

• Quote for the Day:

“Stand like mountain, flow like water.” —Lao Tzu

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

After a wildly successful (and sold out) screening of Earth Songs on Wednesday night (and thanks to everyone who attended), I have declared today a mental health day (I am going skiing!) I’ll be back tomorrow with new blog entry. This scene is a photo I took from the airplane flying over the east coast of Greenland. Enjoy!

American woke up to the fact that our food supply in this country is abysmal upon the publication of the book, The Omnivores’ Dilemma, by Michael Pollan. People were so frustrated by the contents of the book he was deluged with comments from readers asking, “What can I eat?” In response to this outcry, he wrote a sequel, In Defense of Food, with the mantra: “Eat food, mostly plants, not too much.” Pollan’s ideas aren’t new, but in all of the confusion of strategic news sound bytes, corporate politics and obesity headlines, his voice seems to have risen above this cacophony—and we should all pay attention. Having taught the topic of nutrition for over 10 years (at the University of Colorado), I shared much of this information with my students. Given the relationship between nutrition and health, not to mention the relationship between stress and nutrition, this information cannot be understated.

• Stress Tip(s) for the Day
Pollan offers over 64 “rules” for healthy eating, here are just a few, and most likely these are not too different from what you heard growing up from your mom or grandmother. In the words of poet Robert Bly, “I’m going to read it again.. this time, pay attention:
1. Don’t eat anything your great grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food (e.g., margarine, and all processed foods)
2. Avoid food products with ingredients that no ordinary human would keep in the pantry.
3. Avoid foods that contain high fructose corn syrup
4. Avoid food products that contain more than five (5) ingredients
5. Avoid foods you see advertised on television.

• Links/Books Worth Noting:

Pollan’s newest book, Food Rules is a quick read and a good reminder of what we should be doing in terms of eating.

Totally unrelated to food, here is a link send to me by a colleague. Some of the people interviewed here have been speakers at several conferences I attend regarding health and consciousness.

http://www.voiceentertainment.net/

• Photo of the Day:
I was invited by the people at WELCOA to create a webinar on the topic of Stress and Nutrition. This is one of the (colorful) slides I used of some dried beans and peace (no processed foods here).

• Quote for the Day:

“ If a third grader cannot pronounce it, you shouldn’t eat it.” (e.g., all the chemical preservatives in processed food to prolong shelf life). — Michael Pollan

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Do you have a problem getting a good night’s sleep? If so, you are not alone. Millions of Americans currently suffer from poor sleep quality, also known as insomnia. Stress is the biggest factor associated with NOT getting a good night’s sleep. Today’s blog entry deals specifically with sleep hygiene; your sleep environment, which also is a contributing factor to restlessness during the typical sleep hours. A poor sleep environment can greatly (negatively) impact one’s quality of sleep. For starters melatonin (known as the sleep hormone) starts being secreted from the pineal gland when light diminishes (think setting sun) and ambient temperature decreases (also think setting sun). In an artificial environment such as we live in (with electric lights and heating) the body’s circadian rhythms can be thrown off, thus affecting melatonin production and secretion. nightlights, alarm clock lights, outside street lights, etc. will affect your quality of sleep, as will a warm room temperature. Cool temperatures are more conducive for better sleeping. Sleep surface is also a very important consideration. Consider the fact that you spend one third of your life sleeping. This reason alone would suggest you invest in quality sheets, pillows, mattress pad and comforters etc.) A final consideration is noise. Experts suggest that the bedroom is for one reason, and that ‘s sleep (OK, if you’re lucky, possibly two reasons). Televisions, computers, cell phones, etc. do not belong in the bedroom!

• Stress Tip for the Day
Consider making a purchase of some new bed sheets with 800 to 1,000 (softest) thread count. Egyptian cotton is ideal, as are down pillows and comforter. Silk sheets are incredible too, but more so for the summer months. Keep your electric alarm clock at least 6 feet from your bed (the ELF’s can and will negatively affect your human energy field, as will electric blankets and anything else electric.) Keep your sleep environment as natural (unplugged) as possible. In terms of fung shui, consider having you head and feet lay in line with (not against) the earth’s magnetic lines (north and south).

• Links Worth Noting:
After spending a night at the Beverly Wilshire hotel years ago, (I was there speaking at a Fortune 500 conference) I realized just what I was missing with incredibly nice bedding. A phone call to front desk put me in touch with some of THE best bedding merchants…. Here are some links to peruse as a means to improve your sleep surface.

http://www.luxorlinens.com/

https://www.pacificcoast.com/comforters/all-comforters/classic-2-ddar-bed-bundle?&9gtype=search&9gkw=down%20comforters&9gad=3675968198&gclid=CPGZyqSYhKACFRcdawodrB35lw

• Photo of the Day:
This photo of my guest bedroom on the island of Dominica at the Jade Mountain Resort (which by the way, had great beddin!), and a view to put a smile on anyone’s face. The ocean wave soundtrack wasn’t bad either.

• Quote for the Day:

“Life is too short to sleep on low thread-count sheets.” — Leah Stussy
“People who say they sleep like a baby usually don’t have one.” — Leo J. Burke

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

What better way to start off the week (and month) than with a few laughs to lighten the load of potential stress. Today, once again, we skip the theory and go straight for the application. Enjoy!

• Stress Tip for the Day
Hollywood Squares: These great questions and answers are from the days when the Hollywood Squares game show responses were spontaneous, not scripted, as they are now. Peter Marshall was the host asking the questions, of course.

Q. Paul, what is a good reason for pounding meat?
A. Paul Lynde: Loneliness! (The audience laughed so long and so hard it took up almost 15 minutes of the show!)

Q. If you’re going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be?
A. Charley Weaver: Three days of steady drinking should do it.

Q. True or False, a pea can last as long as 5,000 years.
A. George Gobel: Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes.

Q. You’ve been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman?
A. Don Knotts: That’s what’s been keeping me awake.

Q. According to Cosmopolitan, if you meet a stranger at a party and you think that he is attractive, is it okay to come out and ask him if he’s married?
A. Rose Marie: No wait until morning.

Q. In Hawaiian, does it take more than three words to say ‘I Love You’?
A. Vincent Price: No, you can say it with a pineapple and a twenty.

Q. Charley, you’ve just decided to grow strawberries. Are you going to get any during the first year?
A.. Charley Weaver: Of course not, I’m too busy growing strawberries.

Q. In bowling, what’s a perfect score?
A. Rose Marie: Ralph, the pin boy.

Q. It is considered in bad taste to discuss two subjects at nudist camps. One is politics, what is the other?
A. Paul Lynde: Tape measures.

Q. Can boys join the Camp Fire Girls?
A. Marty Allen: Only after lights out.

Q. If you were pregnant for two years, what would you give birth to?
A. Paul Lynde: Whatever it is, it would never be afraid of the dark.

Q. According to Ann Landers, is there anything wrong with getting into the habit of kissing a lot of people?
A. Charley Weaver: It got me out of the army.

Q. It is the most abused and neglected part of your body, what is it?
A. Paul Lynde: Mine may be abused, but it certainly isn’t neglected..

Q. Back in the old days, when Great Grandpa put horseradish on his head, what was he trying to do?
A. George Gobel: Get it in his mouth.

Q. Jackie Gleason recently revealed that he firmly believes in them and has actually seen them on at least two occasions. What are they?
A. Charley Weaver: His feet.

Q. According to Ann Landers, what are two things you should never do in bed?
A. Paul Lynde: Point and laugh

• Photo of the Day:
This image jpg came courtesy of a friend via email. Not sure where it was taken, but hope it puts a smile on your face.

• Quote for the Day:
“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” — Victor Borge

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Last year I was a speaker at an Earth Day event in Los Angeles. The speaker following my presentation addressed the issues of home health care products. Out of curiosity, I stuck around to listen. Boy did I get an education!!! On average, the typical American comes in contact with over 150 chemicals a day from home health care products (e.g., scented soaps, shampoos, deodorants, cream rinses, hand lotions, tooth paste, lip balm, sun block, shaving cream, etc.), many of which are petroleum-based. The skin is your largest organ and absorbs these chemicals like your lungs absorb the air you breath. What is the result of all of these chemicals on your skin, in your blood, and roaming through your body? The answer isn’t pretty! Phthalates (phi-lates) are one such chemical compound, BPA is another (and its in A LOT of in plastic containers that ultimately leaches out into contents). Experts report that BPA acts like a hormone and it is linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer, obesity, CHD, birth defects, and many other chronic health care issues. You have a set of lymph nodes that run along side the underarm area, which is where most people lather up their deodorant. Breast cancer patients are told NOT to use chemical deodorants. The rest of us would be wise to follow this advice as well. Andy Weil said the body is like a river. If you stop polluting it with chemicals, all things being equal, it will return to a state of homeostasis. Good advice!

• Stress Tip of the Day
Regardless of how much you might dislike the topic of chemistry, it would be in your best interest to understand the concept of chemical toxicity and stress to your body. Experts call this “bio-accumulation.” While the body is rather resilient, it does have its tipping point (also called disease). Emotional stress quickens this tipping point. How many of these chemicals do you come in contact with each day? Start counting. Sure the products most people use are inexpensive and perhaps convenient when shopping, but what is the real coast of health when the chemistry experiment goes bad? Please consider the alternative: Organic home health care products. Please also consider home cleaning products as well.

• Books Worth Noting:
The other night I heard an interview with author, Rick Smith, who wrote a book titled, Slow Death by Rubber Duck. This book should be read by everybody regarding this topic of plastics and our health.
Here are a few links and I HIGHLY recommend this book:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123902198
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-goleman/death-by-rubber-duckie-is_b_202085.html

• Photo of the Day:
I like to think I am cautious and conscious about this topic (and I use organic home health care products), but a quick survey of items in my bathroom gave significant pause for thought.

• Quote for the Day:
“Don’t put anything in your mouth you wouldn’t put on your skin or hair.” —Kevin Trudeau

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Today new credit card rules go into effect and these will definitely impact all of us (for the better?), at least until these banks connive new ways to extract your hard earned money. Experts predict with great certainty that this is no time to ignore your credit card statements. Financial vigilence is suggested—by all financial experts. Since Congress has instituted new laws that prohibit the credit card companies (e.g., banks) from all kinds of now previous nefarious activities, new credit card fees are headed your way to make up for the loss of revenue. Since previous if not diabolical means were a HUGE revenue stream for them (in the billions) they are now conniving new ways to recoup this once lucrative pot of gold. One of my friends used to work for MBNA. His job was to create complex interest rate algorithms , in essence, to siphon money out of people’s wallets. He quit because he said he couldn’t live with the lack of integrity of the company. Due to his own financial stress he’s back (yes, he said he sold his soul) and in his words: Let he credit card user beware.

• Stress Tip of the Day
Make a habit of reading your credit card statements carefully (check the interest rates, annual fees, non-user fees (that’s right, many companies will now charge you NOT to use their credit cards. Ask yourself if all those miles, bonus points, etc. are really worth it (experts are divided on this issue). Pay off all balances when they are due. If you must own a credit card, consider a Credit Union credit card (these institutions are reported to be the most honest, since they are member-owned). Get in the habit of using your credit cards for emergency purchases, if that.

Experts tell us that there are two kinds of addictions: Substance addictions and process addictions. Substance addictions include drugs and alcohol. Process addictions involve repeated behaviors and the list is nearly endless: eating, gambling, sex, watching television, shopping… you get the idea. In each of these types of addiction, the person engages in a specific behavior to get “a fix,” yet the “high” doesn’t last long and hence is repeated (some say that people are filling a spiritual void with material things, which will never work). The newest process addiction to reveal itself today is technology, specifically cell phone use and right behind it is WiFi use (emails, twitters, text messaging, etc.). Perhaps you have noticed. There IS a good reason why the Blackberry is called the “CrackBerry”. A recent report on the BBC stated that cell phone use is now denied in many board room meeting because no one is paying attention (they are too busy fingering the keypads). College professors see this all the time with their students, who fidget under their desks with their cell phones during lectures. And sadly, scores of people have died in car accidents due to someone not keeping their eyes on the road. All of this is sending untold ripples of stress in many directions.

• Stress Tip of the Day
Do you have an addiction to technology? How many times a day do you check your emails? Is your cell phone turned on all the time? Are you accessible by phone 24/7? These are some serious questions to ask as this new social addiction takes hold. Healthy boundaries are a must with technology. It is mean to serve us, however most people find themselves a slave to it. If you find yourself a slave (dependent) on technology in terms of getting that next fix… consider some healthy options. The status quo becomes a endless whirlpool that perpetuates stress.

• Books/links Worth Noting:
Roberta Lee, MD. has a new book out called The SuperStress Solution. If you are looking for some new insights into how to find balance in your life, please consider adding this book to your library.
And.. I am happy to say that my new website was launched yesterday. It too has lots of information about finding peace and balance. Please check it out.
www.brianlukeseaward.net

• Photo of the Day:
I went looking through my files for a photo of a cell phone, but instead opted to place a nice nature photo instead. Today’s photo is a beautiful waterfall in Iceland. Enjoy!

• Quote for the Day:
“If you read a lot of books you are considered well read. But if you watch a lot of TV, you’re not considered well viewed.” —Lily Tomlin

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Think back, for a moment, to your Psych 101 class regarding human behavior. While many experts in this emerging field were looking at the dark side of human nature, one individual decided to look at the best side. In his search for what motivates the individual to his or her highest potential, Maslow focused his attention on love rather than fear. A fair amount of human behavior is fear motivated. In a concept he coined as the “Hierarchy of Needs,” i’s fair to say that the needs of security are rooted in fear. Conversely, the quest for spiritual growth is inspired by love. If you look around today, you will note that an alarming amount of human behavior is fear-based. What does it take for you to reach your highest potential? Maslow might say that it takes an upward spiral progression in the quest for spiritual growth coming from a consciousness of love. The spectrum of human behavior can be seen played out daily, primarily the fear-based side, yet Maslow and people who honor his work, invite all of us to shift our motivation from fear (stress) to love (compassion). It’s not impossible, yet it does take practice.

• Stress Tip of the Day
Become the observer of your thoughts and actions, especially when you become stressed. Ask yourself if you are coming from a place of fear or love. The answer should be quite clear, even under the darkest of situations. This habit of observing your thoughts and behaviors will serve you well as the world inches its way toward a sustainable way of life, where the realization that greed is not a spiritual value (hero’s journey lesson #3) will become increasingly evident.

• Links Worth Noting:
One of my professional colleagues, Barbara Marx Hubbard, is one of the leaders of the human potential movement. She has initiated a new free on-line lecture series with a cast of many contemporary luminaries that we all would do well to listen to, as humanity struggles on its own Hero’s Journey back home. I highly recommend you check this out.

http://sacredawakeningseries.com/BarbaraMarxHubbard

• Photo of the Day:
In honor of Abraham Maslow’s concept of self-actualization and spiritual growth, here is a photo of the infamous feeling of being one with the universe; the peak experience!

• Quote for the Day:
“If your only tool is a hammer, then you’ll see every problem as a nail.” — Abraham Maslow

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net.

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Having just watched the documentary movie, THE COVE (a movie I highly recommend everyone watch), I was inspired to watch some of the DVD extras afterward. One special feature was a short movie called “Mercury Rising.” During the making of THE COVE, the filmmakers learned that officials in Japan, who are the equivalent of our EPA officials, would NOT eat sushi, due to the extremely high amounts of mercury in the fish (imagine, Japanese NOT eating sushi!!!) Where does the mercury come from, you ask? It’s a by-product from burning coal. Over 70% of the electricity in this country comes from burning coal (lights, Ipods, computers, plasma televisions, etc.). Mercury, via exhaust, makes its way into the atmosphere and eventually falls into the sea, via rain. Bottom feeders consume this mercury, and it works its way up the food chain. Tuna, apparently, is near the top of the seafood food chain, and when we eat tuna (because we are at the top), we inadvertently consume this mercury, as well. You may have heard that mercury is bad for pregnant women, but here is the real news. IT’S BAD FOR EVERYONE! It’s not just ocean fish; fresh water fish (e.g., trout) in Colorado’s waters measure high in mercury too). Mercury consumption destroys neural tissue (I’ll let you figure out rest of the dots to connect, but needless to say all of this results in stress, specifically bio-ecological stress)!

• Stress Tip of the Day
The next time you are in your doctor’s office, consider having a blood test done to measure the amount of mercury in YOUR body (it can also be done with hair samples). If it’s high, you might wish to consider cutting back on food sources that contains mercury (cold water fish, but perhaps all types of sea food. Recent news in Colorado stated that lake trout also have high levels of mercury). Mercury is known to destroy neural tissue, correlated to several aspects of mental thought processing! Also, please consider watching the movie, THE COVE and the special features on the DVD as well. Consider also demanding higher EPA regulations on coal burning in your locale (these were relaxed nation-wide during the 8 years of George W’s administration).

• Links Worth Noting:
Don’t take my word for it. Here…please read for yourself.. three links:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20100205/hl_hsn/testsshowtoptunabrandshavehighmercurylevels

http://www.pbs.org/now/science/mercuryinfish.html

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/tuna-mercury-47050102

• Photo of the Day:
As many of you may know, the dolphin is my logo symbol for my company, Inspiration Unlimited. Watching the movie THE COVE, about the Japanese slaughter of thousands of dolphins each year (after selecting the best for ‘pets” in places like SeaWorld and other swim with the captive dolphin programs, etc.), was heart wrenching. This photo of a spinner dolphin was taken off the shores of Kauai last winter. Spinner Dolphins jump out of the water and spin, sometimes several rotations before reentering the water. It’s pretty cool to watch…in nature. Let’s hope future generations will always be able to see these creatures in the wild.

• Quote for the Day:
“If you are not an (environmental) activist, you’re an inactivist!”
—Louie Psihoyos, Filmmaker, THE COVE

“If you’re not upset about the state of the world’s environment, you’re not paying attention.” — bumper-sticker seen in Boulder, CO

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Are you, like many people, addicted to spending money? FYI: Retail therapy may be a form of mismanaged anger. How much money do you have saved up for emergencies? Is money (or the lack of it) a stressor for you right now? If so, listen up. It’s time to go on a financial fast for 21 days… staring now! FYI: your job is not to support the US economy—BY YOURSELF! If your financial house is not in order, your job is to get it in order—Today. This means “fast” from compulsory consumerism (buying things you don’t need with money you don’t have, thus perpetuating more stress). Michelle Singeltary is a financial columnist for the Washington Post and she now recommends a 21-day fast with all credit cards and debit cards: Cash only for all transactions (and not from an ATM!) Be conscious about how you spend your money. Michelle says that by placing yourself on a financial fast, very likely you can get a better handle on your finances and even put some money away for savings (everyone should have enough money in a savings account to cover expenses for a 3-6 month period of no income). If you are married, get your spouse on board too. In fact, get the whole family on board. Act and teach responsibly.

• Stress Tip of the Day
OK… first put away your credit cards and debit cards… for three weeks (some people suggest placing them in a glass of water and placing the glass of water in the freezer—Good idea!) Pay attention to your spending, all of it. Make purchases on a needs basis only (not wants, but actual needs: food, clothing, shelter, mostly food and shelter, forget new clothing for right now). Do you really need a Starbucks Latte today. No! Blockbuster DVD rentals? NO! You can live without these things, especially for 21 days (and if your Catholic looking for a Lent idea, consider making it 40 days!) A financial fast, like all kinds of fasts is a symbolic means to do some introspection about your life. Put away the plastic and start looking inside.

• Links Worth Noting:
Here is the link to Michelle’s Washington Post column. She also has a book on this same topic (but don’t buy it during your financial fast—wait… or better yet, go to your nearest local library where all books are free and get it there!)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/31/AR2009123103495.html

• Photo of the Day:
This image was taken for my Managing Stress Textbook PowerPoint slide set on Resource management. I hope it inspires you to “take the fast.” Consider downloading the image as your screen saver for the next 21 days.

• Quote for the Day:
“There’s a real danger in relying on credit—even if you pay off your bill every month. Paying with plastic just makes buying too easy. Swipe, and within seconds you can be mired in debt.” — Michelle Singeltary

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

One of the primary components of self-esteem is the concept of empowerment. The word “empowerment” is often overused, but in essence, it means this: Capitalizing on your inner strengths for inner balance. Stress can magnify our insecurities, painting us into a corner— exactly at the time when we need to take action. Sadly, in this age of celebrity stardom, empowerment is in short supply. The reason is that people (non-celebrities) tend to give their power away. By this I mean they tend to focus on other people’s strengths and achievements rather than cultivate own own. Movie stars, athletes, politicians, authors, rock stars, spouses, gurus (especially gurus) are the focus of people’s unyiedling attention, admiration, and adoration (power). It’s only when we take back our power do we regain our center of spiritual gravity and live our lives in balance.

• Stress Tip of the Day
While it’s certainly OK to admire people for their talents, take inventory of how you admire someone (the word fan comes from the word fanatic). We don’t so much put people on pedestals as we stand in ditches (lowering ourselves), stuck in our own problems (trust me, even celebrities have their problems). So today, make a list of YOUR inner resources, YOUR star qualities. Add to this list those resources you would like to cultivate in yourself (e.g., sense of humor, creativity, optimism, faith) then get started exercising these spiritual muscles to round out your highest potential.

• Books Worth Noting:
Many people also give their power away to their physicians rather than taking initiative for their own health. Physicians are great with drugs and surgery, but there are many tools in the tool kit. Empower yourself to find this balance as well.
I highly recommend the book called Knockout: Interviews with Doctors Who Are Curing Cancer. The book is written by Suzanne Sumers (known for her roles in the movie American Graffitti and the television show, Three’s Company. Suzanne has been a health activist for many years, since her own health issues, which she masterfully conquered. A good addition to any health library.

• Photo of the Day:
I took a much-mental health day yesterday and went skiing at Copper Mountain. In Colorado we call a mental health day a “powder day.” Beautiful blue skies, clean air, fresh snow and lots of sunshine. That’s what I call empowerment! Enjoy!

• Quote for the Day:
“You are perfect. The only time you are not perfect is when you compare yourself to somebody else. Be yourself, everybody else is taken.” — Rose Pere

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Misery loves company, the expression goes… so, often in workshops, I help people find humor in their dark times by having them exaggerate (humor therapy) their plights:
Here are some of the funniest ones:
• You know you’re stressed when you try to open the front door lock with your car’s remote control lock and for a split second cannot figure why it’s not working.
• You know you’re stressed when you make a mistake putting on your make-up and then to click undo until you realize there is no click undo—you have to undo it yourself.
• You know you’re having a bad day when you drive home and see a SWAT team in front of your house waiting for you.
• You know you’re stressed when you call someone and in between the time when you dial the last number and they answer, you have no idea whom you called.
• You know you’re stressed when you just wish you could text message your Christmas cards rather than write them out long hand.
• You know you’re stressed in the morning when you pour orange juice on your cereal rather than milk… and then decide to eat it anyway.

• Stress Tip of the Day
If you can relate to (or worse, have done these) any of the above stress-misgivings (and who can’t) then its time to unplug from the world momentarily, close your eyes and allow your mind to rest. In the words of Lily Tomlin, “If you want fast acting relief, try slowing down. The stress tip for the day…. Try slowing down.

• Links Worth Noting:
A dear friend of mine (thanks, Pat) sent this National Geographic link and in her words, “ This is just too great not to share.” I agree.
It’s titled, “The Orangutan and the Hound”… Enjoy.
http://video.aol.co.uk/video-detail/the-orangutan-and-the-hound/1356710375

• Photo of the Day:
I traveled to Syracuse, NY last week for a screening of Earth Songs at Le Moyne College. Before the premier, I was taken to lunch at a great Irish pub (thanks, Anne) where we noticed these ice crystals formed on the red telephone box outside the restaurant. Note: there were actually two red phone boxes, one miniature one for the leprechauns (wink).

• Quote for the Day:
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” — J. Burroughs

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

If you haven’t heard, our oceans are not as plentiful with fish as they once were many years ago. In fact, many populations of fish are nearly decimated due to over-fishing. As a fan of the NPR radio program, Living on Earth, I am often reminded of the many problems facing our oceans (from our coral reefs that are dying to areas of plastic waste, the size of Texas, floating in the Pacific. Last Sunday Living On Earth aired a special program called “Good Fish, Bad Fish” (see link below), which deals with wild vs. farm-raised salmon, the result of which is not good news. Coincidently, the latest issue of National Geographic has a story about the hundreds of salmon fisheries in Chile that are causing so many environmental problems in the waters off Patagonia. The vast majority of salmon consumed in the US is farm bread salmon, and this is not without its problems, to the fish and to we who eat them. Caveat emptor: Let the buyer beware!

Stress can bring out the worst in people, as exhibited by the inappropriate comments of Pat Robertson regarding the plight of the Haitian people after the devastating earthquake last week. The following is a reply to Mr. Robertson comments that I thought was just too good not to share. The ‘Devil’ Writes Pat Robertson A Letter: January 15, 2010.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune published a letter from Satan to evangelist Pat Robertson, responding to his comment that Haiti’s persistent troubles, including the earthquake, are due to a pact the nation made with Mephistopheles. Actually, it wasn’t Satan who wrote the letter but Lilly Coyle of Minneapolis writing in the persona of the hellish one. I think she got it down pretty well. What say you?

Dear Pat Robertson,