do not stand at my grave and weep
i am not there. i do not sleep.
i am a thousand winds that blow.
i am the diamond glints on snow.
i am the sunlight on ripened grain.
i am the gentle autumn rain.
when you awaken in the morning’s hush
i am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
i am the soft stars that shine at night.
do not stand at my grave and cry;
i am not there. i did not die.
segunda-feira, agosto 01, 2016
do not stand at my grave and weep
7 Amazing Healing Benefits of Bone Broth You Didn’t Know
Bone broth sure sounds like that awful soup your mum forced you to eat along with boiled vegetables when you were little. But, when you learn more about its many health benefits, you’ll be quick to include bone broth in your diet .
There’s actually a Mexican urban legend about a lady who used to maltreat her step-kids and feed them with bone broth and save the wholesome meat, bones and vegetables for her biological children, as she believed she was providing them with the best and healthiest food. But of course, the funny thing was that the step-kids were always healthy, energetic and full of life, even as her real kids remained skinny, lethargic and unhealthy. This goes on to show how important bone broth is for a balanced diet.
From reducing joint pain to improving digestion and even curing inflammation, bone broth has numerous health benefits. Here are some of them.
Health Benefits of Bone Broth
1. It fights infections: This is your ultimate solution to those annoying common colds. As per this study, chicken soup can indeed mitigate infection and fight off flu viruses.
2. It reduces inflammation and joint pain: Do you complain of arthritis? A soup a day is sure to keep the pain away. The glucosamine in the bone broth actually stimulates the growth of new collagen which reduces pain and helps to repair damaged joints. Also, according to this study, the arginine helps to treat inflammation.
3. It helps in the formation, growth and repair of bones: As bone broth is rich in nutrients like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus- all of which are crucial in the healthy functioning of our bones.
4. It improves digestion: The gelatin in the broth acts as a hydrophilic colloid that aids the digestive juices. It also plays an important role in protecting the mucosal line of the digestive tract.
5. It has a calming effect on the body: Bone broth contains an amino acid glycine which has a soothing effect of the body, promoting better sleep and peace of mind.
6. It is healthier than supplements: Homemade broth has more nutrients than the ones found in special pills and slow cooking helps to preserve them further.
7. It is your key to gorgeous skin, nails and hair: The collagen and gelatin promote hair growth, strong nails and healthier skin.
A Quick and Easy Chicken Broth recipe
It is super easy to make: You don’t need to have amazing cooking skills to get this one right. Just follow the steps and you’ll have a delectable and healthy meal ready in no time. Plus, as it’s very easy to make, you can even teach your children to make it.
It will save you a lot of money: Homemade broth is way cheaper than the soups sold in stores. Plus it is more healthier as it’s completely free of preservatives.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole free-range chicken or 2 to 3 pounds of bony chicken parts, such as necks, backs, breastbones, and wings
- Gizzards from one chicken (optional)
- 2-4 chicken feet (optional)
- 4 quarts cold filtered water
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, coarsely chopped
- 1 bunch parsley
Directions: Add all the ingredients (except the parsley) into a crockpot filled with pure and filtered water. Once it starts boiling, remove the scum that rises to the top. Then cook it on low heat and let it simmer for 24 hours. Add the parsley 10 minutes before finishing the stock. Once it’s ready, remove the bones and strain it to your favourite bowl. Remember to add the vinegar as this leaches the nutrients from the bones into the soup water.
Bone broth is the ultimate ingredient to kick start your diet for a better, healthier life. As an old South American proverb goes, ‘Good broth will resurrect the dead’.
Featured photo credit: VIKTOR HANACEK via picjumbo.com
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People Who Enjoy Alone Time All Have These 5 Things In Common
There is a common thread that ties together many different types of people that enjoy their time alone more than the average. Just because you like being alone doesn’t mean that you don’t have thoughts that flow through your mind and stimulate you. Perhaps you gain greater stimulus from the thoughts you have in solitude. Could it be possible that it’s easier for you to work towards your goals or your thoughts are clearer when you’re alone?
Their happiness stems from internal stimuli
Sometimes it can be difficult for others to understand that you don’t equate attention with validation. You don’t need anyone to give you the inside scoop on what you’re feeling. This doesn’t mean that you don’t require stimulation. In fact, at times you feel that you process stimuli more deeply than your cohorts.
Everyone has some sort of energy wellspring that they feed from. Taking the time to connect with the inner you is not so you can appear well adjusted. You do this to access where your happiness truly lives. If you looked to an outside source for your happiness, as a creature of habit where would you be?
They always seek growth
You don’t mean to be a snob about your activities. You simply want to make the best use of your time possible. Therefore, the conversations you find interesting are the ones that fuel growth. A large part of you is always looking deep inside to make yourself become more. You’re not much for chit chat and that’s okay.
It’s as if you feel it’s a part of the duty of mankind to have deeper thoughts. There are enough people concerned with small talk right? Big ideas are sexy conversation for you. People who enjoy growth frequently look for growth opportunities. You use conversation as an opportunity for you to see how much other people have grown, as well as show your growth to others.
They form deep connections with others
Because you’ve taken the time to get to know yourself so well, it’s easy for you to get to know other people. Not just get to know them, you may be interested in getting to know them better than they know themselves. You get excited about delving deeply into the mind of another person to see what treasures you can uncover.
Introverts explore themselves at fascinating depths and others may be surprised when they learn that introverts view them the same way. Take pleasure in clarifying that you’re not antisocial, your time alone allows you to bring more stimulating conversations to the table.
Self-reflection gives them clarity on what they want
People who intentionally spend a great deal of time alone are likely to be introverts. These people naturally know themselves really well. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to place such importance on their own subjective views. You have these views because you’re able to go inside and listen carefully to what you want.
This kind of self-reflection is bound to bring a certain level of clarity and peace. You take pleasure in handpicking the activities and conversations you’re going to be involved in. In your world, there’s only room for what fulfills you. It’s a good thing that you don’t need any kind of incessant activity to stimulate yourself. If there is a void, you recognize it and fill it yourself.
They are simply smarter
Why do you always go off on your own? Why would you rather be by yourself than even with your best friend? An intelligent mind encourages intelligent actions. Research has shown that intelligent people tend to spend less time socializing because they are busy working on a long-term objective.
A study conducted on 15,000 people aged 18-28 concluded that those who live in areas with less people are more satisfied with life than those who live in dense populations. The study also showed that people who are intelligent become less happy after spending time with friends. Researcher Carol Graham came to the conclusion that intelligent people are so enthused with intellectual goals, that anything that diminishes that is viewed negatively.
All of the time that you’ve spent by yourself is actually an indication that you have some traits that are quite positive. You know yourself, you know how to connect with others, and most importantly you place emphasis on growth. You’re able to prevent yourself from engaging in pointless activities that don’t lead to the results you truly want. Consider yourself fortunate, as many people are not sure what they want to create in life and their focus is scattered, rendering their power less effective than yours.
Featured photo credit: Allef V. via unsplash.com
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Five Websites Solo Travelers Need To Connect With Locals and Other Travelers
Traveling solo is awesome. It’s why we do it. But those of us who travel solo don’t do it because we don’t like the company of others, we do it because we like the freedom to do anything we want to anytime we want to, or we need the break (from an overly social life…) or because none of our friends are ever available at that time.
Most of us who solo travel, love to meet new people. Some of us love to be social every day and every night. Others like more alone time, but appreciate a little company once a while, like a dinner partner or some hiking buddies. Regardless of how much or how little socializing you like to do as a solo traveler, finding unique ways to connect with other locals and travelers while you’re traveling, makes a trip infinitely more fun and rewarding.
Whether you’re looking to meet up with some fellow travelers for a hike or a pub night, eat traditional food prepared by a local in their home, or mix and mingle at a cocktail party with an international crowd, these five sites will hook up you with something just your style:
1. Withlocals.com
Connects you with locals for experiences ranging from wine tastings at local vineyards to things like architectural or history focused city tours or a cooking class in someone’s home. Though this site is relatively new, it’s grown significantly over the past year to include more and more local hosts in more locations. Guests rate and leave comments about their experiences.
2. Homestays.com
Connects you with accommodation in local hosts’ homes. This is a great way for solo travelers to save money while also getting a more unique cultural experience and a personal connection with a host (versus other travelers/tourists). For example, a private bedroom in a nice Porto or Lisbon apartment including breakfast provided by your local host can cost you as little as 18-25 Euros a night. Talk about a bargain.
3. Vizeat.com
Connects you with home-cooked meals in locals’ homes. Options range from experiences such as simple tapas and wine on a secret rooftop in Spain, to full on five course meals cooked by a French chef, to outdoor ‘al fresco’ dining at someone’s villa in Italy. Take a look, your mouth will start watering just looking at some of the pictures.
4. Meetup.com
Of course Meetup has been huge in the U.S for a while now, but it turns out it’s also gone seriously global. More and more meetup groups pop up in European cities every day. Just like in the U.S, this is a great way to connect with people who have similar interests, in a place where you might not know many people yet. From language exchange groups (very popular), to artist and writer and hiker’s groups, Meetup has got something for almost everyone. Groups are often a mix between travelers/expats and locals.
5. Internations.org
Connects travelers with the local expat communities in cities. This is an invaluable resource for solo travelers who are less backpacker and hostel type travelers. Solo travelers who are perhaps simply looking to stay longer in a city or working towards relocation and want to get some networking or socializing in. If you have ever thought about re-locating or moving abroad, this is the community you want to connect with. And even if not, it’s a thriving international community of people who can help you with finding accommodation, social, educational, or networking events to attend or just helping you deal with culture shock. Remember to check out their housing forum which boasts of quite a few short term and sublet options that can save you a lot of money over nightly places.
Featured photo credit: Chris Biron via Unsplash via images.unsplash.com
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This Little Free Pantry Has Brought The Community Together To Help The Impoverished
Little Free Pantry is putting a twist on community based food donation services. It is a convenient and friendly way for people to anonymously and freely donate and receive food.
How it works
Small, usually homemade structures are built, filled with nonperishable food and household items and then set up in conspicuous locations throughout a community. The little pantries are stocked by kind hearted neighbors who may have a surplus of items in their home or who simply want to do something to help out their community. The ultimate goal of the project is to ensure that everyone in the vicinity has enough to eat and access to basic necessities.
Jessica McClard of Fayetteville, Arkansas is credited as creator and unofficial founder of this movement. The Little Free Pantry has made quite a stir in the Fayetteville area and the idea is beginning to spread elsewhere. In an interview with a local news station, McClard explained why her vision is gaining ground so quickly:
“I think it’s about community and people’s need to want to participate in something that’s actionable and manageable and I think this is that. I’d hoped that it would be something that would speak to people and it has been and that’s pretty special and overwhelming and I feel really grateful and hopeful that it will help people.”
Eliminating the stigma and building community
Little Free Pantry is not intended to just help the impoverished and needy, but it is intended to bring the community together. The pantries are entirely community run and are open to all 24/7. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to take and donate items to the pantry as they see fit, eliminating the stigma and shame associated with receiving food from donation sources.
“How I’d love to have it function is that it would not necessarily be a place for people who are really in need, but just for anyone…I took something out of it and took it home because I wanted to know what that felt like. It felt really good. It felt like community,” said McClane.
Take Actions
Assisting in this amazing and kindhearted movement is simple. Below are a few ways you can assist:
- Donate: when you do your regular grocery shopping, simply pick up a few extra nonperishable items and add them to your local Little Free Pantry.
- Spread the word: tell others about this project.
- Start your own Little Free Pantry: If you are interested in starting a pantry in your area visit the Little Free Pantry website for information on getting started, great tips, how to’s and answers to frequently asked questions.
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6 Quick Ways To Remove Negative Energy Around You
Have you had the feeling lately that something is off? Are you lacking in positivity? Or do you maybe feel that there is some sort of negative ‘presence’ lingering around?
Negative energy can begin to permeate your entire life. Removing that energy from your life is one of the best things you can ever do for yourself. Sometimes it can be hard to pinpoint where the problem is, or even that there is a problem. Sometimes the energy is palpable, sometimes it just hangs around. The first step is recognising that it is there, then you can continue to find out how can you rid yourself, and your home, of these negative vibes.
1. Smudging
The ancient American practise of smudging was used as a purification ceremony for certain spaces. Sacred herbs were used to help clear the negative energy from a room or space. The burning of these certain herbs, such as Sage, is not only considered a spiritual practise, but a scientific one too. The herbs are said to release negative ions, the oxygen atoms that are charged by electrons. Negatively charged Ions are created effectively in nature by water, air, and sunlight. This is what makes us feel calm and re-energised when we are in nature and breathing fresh air. It is your body being awash with negative ions.
2. Talking To Yourself
In other words: ‘Positive affirmations”. When we think positive, we are attracting positive energy. And in turn, we are expelling negative energy. Our brains work in the way that they become used to thoughts. The brain will mould itself so that similar thoughts, or a thought that is occurring frequently, can come faster and faster. This is called a thought pattern.
This is why we should train our brains to think positive, and also what will convert positive thought into positive energy. That way, we are reaping what we sow. So talk to yourself! Mutter away. Just keep it positive.
3. Meditating
Studies through recent decades have shown us that the brain is in fact, quite malleable. We no longer accept that what we are born with is what we’ve got. The brain can change – and it can change a lot.
Meditating, particularly meditation concentrating on mindfulness, allows us to exist in the moment. We can practice being slow and to recognise our present state and become peaceful with it. We are not letting our minds exist in the past or the future that is yet to happen. In other words, we are not worrying, and we are not connecting that worry to the negative energy surrounding it. We become slow and peaceful. Mindfulness takes practice, but it will change your life.
4. Singing
Singers live longer! Everybody knows that. Singing is great for mental health, for feeling good about yourself. It improves cognition, can lower your blood pressure, it develops your lung power and your posture and basically gives you more general positive energy. This, we all know, beats off negative energy. Singing attracts positivity, and you can do it anywhere you like.
5. Walking In Nature
Returning the concept of negative ions, one quick and easy way to remove negative energy from your surroundings is by getting out and greeting Mother Earth. There are a plethora of health benefits that are instantaneous, the greatest being a decrease in stress. We feel refreshed and restored after walking with trees and other natural elements full of oxygen atoms, and we are more capable of facing the tougher parts of life that may seem overwhelming when negative energy is also hanging around. The same also goes for …
6. Being By The Sea
Science has shown the attributes that come from simply being around water. It induces a calm and meditative state, allows us a feeling of cool cleansing, and is very rich in negative ions. Even a lake or a river can be beneficial, but there is just something extra special about the vastness of the ocean. So if you get the chance – visit the seaside. Your mind and body will thank you.
Featured photo credit: Ezra Jeffrey via unsplash.com
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What Happens After Releasing These Wolves Into The Park Is A Miracle And It Tells Us A Very Important Message
Nature’s ability to regenerate and heal itself is tremendous. Even after we have already done our bit to destroy forest cover, release toxic gases into the air, pollute the land we live on, and escalate global warming, nature still searches for ways to delay Doomsday a bit further. But unless we decide to cooperate with mother earth and conserve the environment, our planet doesn’t seem to have much of a future.
An amazing example of nature’s miraculous self-healing property is of course what happened in the Yellowstone National Park after scientists released 14 wolves there. Not only did they transform the ecosystem of the place, but also the entire geography. Watch the video to find out how the pack achieved the impossible!
What Happened Before?
Wolves had been extinct for 70 years in the park
The deer population had increased to large numbers and destroyed much of the vegetation, having grazed off the forest cover. With no one to hunt the deer, human efforts to reduce the population proved futile.
What Happened After Releasing Wolves Into The Park?
The wolves changed the behavior of the deer
Once the wolves were introduced, the deer population decreased. The deer, in fear of being hunted down, began to avoid certain places which then began to regenerate. Barren valleys became tall forests.
Songbirds and migratory birds were invited
Attracted by the verdant forests, birds started to come in, and their numbers began to increase steadily.
Beavers, rabbits, mice and badgers joined the party
The wolves worked as ecosystem engineers, creating niches for other species. Beavers loved to eat trees, and the dams they built across rivers became new homes for ducks and otters and muskrats. The wolves, meanwhile, hunted down coyotes, which of course meant more mice. Hawks and badgers joined in, followed by the bald eagles and ravens who came to feast on the carrion left behind.
Bears got extra berries
Bears found ample sources of food. Liked the wolves, they helped to keep deer population under control. Plus, the regenerating shrubs provided them with more berries.
Even the rivers began to change
New channels and pools were formed, creating better habitats. The rivers began to meander less. Erosion decreased, and the vegetation stabilized the riverbanks. The whole area of land was transformed.
In short, the wolves changed both the ecosystem as well as the physical geography of Yellowstone for the better. Indeed, a pack of wolves actually managed to work a major miracle that was undreamed of. This, of course, proves that with a bit of nudging nature can indeed recover even from the worst calamities. Feeling inspired yet?
Credits for screenshots to Sustainable Human’s original video: http://ift.tt/2aYEMxP
Here are some ways you can make a powerful difference in making the earth a better place:
1. Conserve natural resources: be aware of how you use natural resources and make small changes, be it switching off lights when not in use or opting for green building plans.
2. Plant more trees: actively encourage reforestation. Create a mini garden in your apartment or rooftop. Surround yourself with greenery.
3. Reduce consumption of fossil fuels: use renewable energy alternatives such as solar or wind power or change your daily habits. Instead of traveling in a private car, opt for carpooling or public transport.
4. Practice Composting: put plant and kitchen waste to a good use by enriching the soil and reducing pollution.
5. Swear by the 3 R’s: Reduce.Reuse. Recycle. Be as creative as you can.
6. Protect wildlife: join the local forest department or other environment groups to protect endangered and threatened species as well as their habitats.
So what are you waiting for? Share the video and spread the message of environment protection.
Featured photo credit: SUstainable Humand via Newsner via youtube.com
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