NAKED GIRLS PLOW FIELDS

Patna - Farmers in an Eastern Indian state have asked their unmarried daughter to plow parched fields naked in a bid to embarrass the weather gods to bring some badly needed monsoon rain, officials said wednesday last week.

Witnesses said the naked girls in Bihar state plowed the fields and chanted ancient hymns after sunset to invoke the gods. They said elderly village women helped the girls drag the plows. They (villagers) believe their acts would get the weather gods badly embarass, who in turn would ensure bumper crops by sending rains.

Be aware, India this year suffered its worst start to the vital monsoon rains in eight decades, causing droughts in some states.

LIVING IN THE NOW

We learn from Zen that it is good to recognize that this moment is not like any other, and what you are doing, is the sum total of all your thoughts, feelings and moods right now. There may have been times when things were better or worse, but that is not what it is all about. What is important is what you are expressing at the present time.

The first requisite to being alive is - presence. Just be there for a start and soon enough, you become at home in the spacious landscape that is your creativity and you may even pitch a makeshift tent till you decide to transplant yourself there and eventually grow roots and bloom.

Be aware, the better you are at being wholly present - meaning being there with all your heart and mind and soul and senses - the better you become in your work.

CARING FOR SKIN WITH ROSACEA

Rosacea is a facial skin condition that causes red areas on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. Cosmetics properly applied, can do wonders for improving your appearance and self-confidence, the National Rosacea says. Here are some of their suggestions:

. Start by gently cleaning and moisturizing your skin with products recommended for skin with rosacea. Never rub, pull or irritate your skin.
. Don't use a lot of cosmetics. Instead, use just a few that work well for you.
. Look for products that are multi-use, such as a foundation with sunscreen. Also use foundation or base with a green tint that will counter rosacea's redness.
. If you use foundation and cancealer, look for oil-free options. Cancealer should be about one shade lighter than the color of your skin
. Gently apply foundation with an antibacterial brush and smooth it across the face, starting at the center.

Be aware, if using a powder, look for a mineral-based product to mask redness (look for a yellow tone) to reduce irritation.

MAN and HIS S-H-A-D-O-W by J. Paredes III of III

Marcus Aurelius said: "know thyself". Debbie Ford comments: " got a bunch of jerks in your life? Then embrace your own jerkiness, guaranteed you'll stop attracting them. No one to love you? Love yourself first and other will love you too."

Be aware, embracing/accepting everything about oneself and all your good and bad aspects is a start. When your life leads to greater authenticity instead of fake virtuousness, the universe will seem kinder, gentler and even more generous with the joy it delivers in our times. The energy investments we use to cover up our shadows are pulled out and reinvested in being present to one's aliveness and life itself.

MAN and HIS S-H-A-D-O-W by J. Paredes II of III

Joseph Campbell said: "shadows must not only be tamed. One must also know intimately one's dark side and befriend it. An intimacy with and acceptance of the unsavory aspect of our personalities can allow us to access it's power over us and use it to our advantage. And it works for us when we bring it to the light.

Be aware, in practical terms, it means confronting our fears instead of hiding in them. It also means being brutally honest with ourselves about our own vices, reasons and motivations.

MAN and HIS S-H-A-D-O-W by J. Paredes I of III

Carl Jung proposed the idea that everyone has a shadow side and like a statue in late afternoon, the greater the man, the greater the shadow.

From a religious point of view, it is quite important to believe that life's struggle is all about eradicating the shadowy aspect that lie within us which, in the christian view, are the source of sin.

Shadows are our neurosis. They imply something pathological, which leads to dysfunctions and even danger-which need to be addressed, but even so, it seems hard to imagine what it would be like if a person had no shadow whatsoever. That person would be what people derisively call a "goody two-shoes". They would be excessively or annoyingly virtuous person which implies that they are shallow and insincere.

YOGA FOR RELAXATION

Yoga has become a very popular form of relaxation and exercise. But as with any physical activity, you can still injure yourself if you don't prepare and practice properly. Here are some sugestions to reduce your risk of injury from yoga:

. check with your doctor before beginning yoga to be sure it's safe for you.
. make sure your yoga studio offers qualified instructors. Always ask questions of your instructor if you're not sure how to perform a pose
. be sure to warm up before yoga to prevent strains and injuries.
. wear yoga-appropriate clothin that won't restrict your movement.
. start out slowly learning the basics. Never push yourself to the point of pain.

Be aware, drink lots of fluids, particularly if you try Bikram ("hot") yoga.

ASIDE FROM WALKING . . .

Walking is a great form of exercise - you can burn calories, yet it's fairly easy on your feet and joints. But if you're bored with your walking routine, you can choose other low-impact alternatives:

. take a swim, or sign up for a water aerobics class
. take a dance class
. sign up for an aerobics, pilates or yoga class
. hop on a bike and start pedaling -outdoor or stationary bike
. use an elliptical machine
. work out with some light weight lifting
. remember the fun of childhood, exercise with a hula-hoop or jump rope

Be aware, exercise will produce happy hormones in your body. To avoid stress, never forget to exercise.

KNOWING TRUTH 5 of 5

Everything that is supposed to be "good" for us according to the world is bad for us according to the "search".

It is common to a point in the search where the values of a materialistic society that espouses wealth, fame, status, power, the the certainty of being right and all that become meaningless.

Be aware, Albert Schweitzer turned his back on a flourishing musical career to build a hospital for Africa's poorest. Mother Theresa was an English teacher in an international school when she decided to change her life's direction and become the comforter of the poor and the sick in India. In the midst of hardship, poverty and deprivation, these people found that "something" which defined the meaning of life for them and for others.

KNOWING TRUTH 4 of 5

The man who searches for answers often finds himself at odds with the values and ideals the world and his society upholds.

It has happened many time, Jesus, Gautama Buddha, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Jose Rizal have encountered this. They literally bumped heads with authorities as they pursued their beliefs, which went against the grain of what their milieau subscribed to.

Jesus turned his back on the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and even the scriptures of his time. Gautama left his palatial sorroundings which were designed to protect him from life's vicissitudes, to understand reality and pain. Gandhi and Mandela resisted the temptation of revenge and violence and chose the more difficult but more enlightened path of peaceful resistance.

Be aware, it is quiet scary to face the world and stand against it. When you know the truth, the truth makes you a soldier. George Orwell said: " in a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act".

KNOWING TRUTH 3 of 5

Great truth's are always paradoxical.

"You must lose your life in order to gain it".
"The mind that does not understand is the Buddha, there is no other."
"The savior of mankind is a carpenter's son".
The beauty of paradox is that it seems conflicted on one level, but is filled with deep truth when understood on all other levels. In it lies a balance that defies the selective, judgmental mind and recognizes the place of everything and it's own contradictions.

Be aware, it is true that one man's curse is another man's blessing. The wounded can be healers themselves. And the only permanent thing in this world is impermanence.

KNOWING TRUTH 2 of 5

To pursue truth is an "elite" experience.

Truth is only given to those who want more of life's meaning and bold enough to handle it. You will find that you maybe alone with no one but your consciense and it is so much easier to reject the call and just stay wherever you are and never embark on the journey. But the call is made to those who have the courage to fulfill the mission that truth wants to be undertaken.

Be aware, Sir Thomas More, an English lawyer in the 1500's who refused to sign the document that would legitimized he anomalous marriage of King Henry VIII was beheaded for standing the truth. He held his ground even when everyoune else had consented to the King's demand.

KNOWING S.U.M.O. paul mcgee 1 of 4

KNOWING S.U.M.O. paul mcgee 1 of 4

Short for "shut up, move on". It's a mantra you can recite when you are acting or thinking in a way that is blocking your facility to do well.

"Shup up" means to suspend what you're doing and to take time out to reflect, review, release ill feelings and unconstructive beliefs that encumber your potential.

"Move on" means tomorrow is another day - hopefully rosier, healthier and richer. It urges you to look for new possibilities to think, to plan, think and translate thoughts into action.

Communications during difficult and challenging situations can take 1 or 2 appropriate response:
1) talk and talk and talk to bring out your message
2) adapt a strategy of silence

BE aware, om today's environment there is often a temptation to say too much. And in an environment where too much talk and spin have become dangerous and a liability, sometimes it pays to shup up and move on quietly.

KNOWING TRUTH 1 of 5

The TRUTH IS HARD TO HANDLE. it demands purity of intention before it is given to the seeker to own. The truth can stare everyone in the face but those who actually go for it are few. Embracing the truth and radiating it to others demands a cleansing of intentions in both their hearts and minds. The truth will really set you free, but it will upset you, and make you angry, scared, and bewildered before it begins to feel good.

BE aware, Albert Einstein said: "whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of truth and knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the Gods". He knew that to tell the truth w as to disturb the status quo. It also means to get out of one's comfort zone which may include even facing ridicule and being ridiculed.

S.U.M.O. Principles 4 of 4

5. MORE INTENTION TO ACTION. carpe diem

Put theory into practice and actually do and achieve something.

BE aware, great ideas and grand goals and noble intentions are meaningless without great actions. You achieve success in life not just because you take charge of your thinking, but also because your thinking propels you into taking action.

6. DON'T LEAVE YOUR FUTURE TO CHANCE.
What it will look like is largely your own making. Expand your definition of success and recognize that a more fulfilling future waits you when you focus on your career, relationships, recreation and contribution.

BE aware, it is important to know when to hold and when to fold. Keep a cool head always and avoid shooting your mouth off and getting yourself into more trouble. Equally vital, evade getting bullied by elements that can deliberately or accidentally test you. Make sure that as you SUMO you come out reasonable and credible. As we all know, it is much harder to correct a mistake than to get it right the first time.

S.U.M.O. Principles 3 of 4

3. WALLOW IN depression if you must, but snap out of it quickly.

You are entitled to be cheerless and heartbroken but...

BE aware, please don't make the negative feelings linger or you get drowned out. Move on. The more times you replay your disheartening story, the more you relive it.

4. INCREASE YOUR UNDERSTANDING and awareness of other people's world.
Picture a beach ball between you and the person infront of you. Your side of the ball is green with red stripes and his is yellow with orange dots - 2 different views of the same ball. No matter how rabid your stand is, you will not be able to convince the other person that your perspective is the right and acceptable standpoint. 2 opposing views, though do not necessarily mean one has to be wrong.

BE aware, accepting other people's point of view, allowing yourself to have a full understanding of it, and dealing with differences are critical factors in improving relationships. Thus, you are better armed to handle things and issues if you appreciate what influences your own and other people's outlook.

S.U.M.O. Principles 2 of 4

1. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY of your own life.
Nobody else will with the same level of passion and care as you will hopefully bring yourself. Stop reproaching other people for what is

happening to you and refrain from being tagged as a victim. You are 100% responsible for your own happiness. You alone are.

BE aware, if you are not happy, it's up to you to change something. It's not up to someone else to "fix it" for you.

2. CHANGE YOUR THINKING to generate the desired result.
Delete self-doubt in your system and assume an air of confidence to usher in opportunities that have evaded you because of your unsure and

laid-back attitude.

Be aware, what and how you Think, how you manage your Emotions, what Actions you take and the kind of Results you want to achieve (TEAR)
Run away from faulty thinking anchored on the false beliefs that you lack value, that talking and thinking about something for extended

periods is an adequate substitute for taking action: that what happens to you is brought about by fate, luck and other peoples action; that

urgency determines importance and the big picture can't be ignored.

KNOWING S.U.M.O. paul mcgee 1 of 4

Short for "shup up, move on". It's a mantra you can recite when you are acting or thinking in a way that is blocking your facitlity to do well.

"Shut up" means to suspend what you're doing and to take time out to reflect, review, release ill feelings and unconstructive beliefs that encumber your potential.

"Move on' means tomorrow is another day - hopefully rosier, healthier and richer. It urges you to look for new possibilities to think, to plan, think and translate thoughts into action.

Communications during difficult and challenging situations can take 1 or 2 appropriate response:

1) talk and talk and talk to bring out your message
2) adapt a strategy of silence

BE aware, in today's environment, there is often a temptation to say too much. And in an environment where too much talk and spin have become dangerous and a liability, sometimes it pays to shut up and move on quietly.

MEDITATION'S SIMPLEST WAY 6 of 6

The simplest and easiest way to meditate is just to concentrate on one's breathing for about 10-15minutes. If your mind wanders or gets distracted, focus once again your attention on your breathing. This may sound simple to hear but difficult to implement. Try it.

Another simple method is to count down slowly from 10-1 then 20-1 or 50-1 without your mind thinking of other things. If your mind skips a number or wanders around, begin again until you reach the count of one without losing the threat of your counting.

BE aware, meditation is the key to all spiritual and psychic development. Without regular meditation, one can not expect real progress in one's development/evolution. Remember that it is during the meditative state, during such periods of mental stillness that the spirit, even God speaks to us. God can not speak to us if we are busy with our internal chatter or mental noise.

MEDITATION SALUTARY EFFECTS 5 of 6

Dr. Herbert Benson found that regular meditation has numerous salutary effects and health benefits. He compared the effects of meditation and sleep in bringing about the relaxation response and discovered that meditation is superior to it as far as stress reduction and control is concerned.

Be aware, meditation reduces more effectively one's oxygen consumption, blood lactate level, blood pressure and metabolism than sleep. The production of alpha waves during meditation relieves stress almost immediately unlike in sleep.

MEDITATION FACTORS 4 of 6

One needs a quiet environment especially if one is a beginner to avoid destruction.

A mental device is any sound that one continuously repeats mentally as a focus of attention. If one's eyes are open, he can focus on a single object in front of him such as a candle light or spot on the wall.

A passive attitude is the most important and perhaps the most difficult factor to achieve. It means one has to let go of worries or concerns and allows things just to happen without trying to control or analyze them.

Be aware, one need not sit in the lotus posture of a yogi to achieve the meditation state or relaxation response. What is important is to find a position that is comfortable to you.

MEDITATION FACTORS 3 of 6

A researcher, Cardiologist Herbert Benson concluded that: "various techniques of meditation all lead to the same physiological results".

He said that the repitition of a particular mantram is not necessary to achieve the required results. One can repeat one's name or even the word "one" for several minutes and the same physiological results can be achieved.

Be aware. to achieve the meditative state, the following factors must be present:

a) a quiet place
b) a mental device
c) a passive/receptive attitude
d) a comfortable position

MEDITATION by transcedental 2 of 6

One of the most popular methods that has come out of India and exported to the west via the Beatles, Mia Farrow and other celebrities was the Transcedental Meditation technique of the Mahareshi Mahesh Yogi. This technique involves essentially the continued repetition of a sound called "mantram". The regular repetition of such a mantram produces an altered state of consciousness called the alpha brain wave level where the brain wave function at about 7 to 14 cycle per second.

Be aware, if you come right down to it, all meditation are transcedental in the sense that it tries to reach a level or state which is beyond the physical.

KNOWING MEDITATION j. licauco 1 of 6

We need to look within ourselves and learn to utilize our inner faculties and inner resources rather than depend on outside factors. This will lead to inner awareness and inner transformation which are necessary to understand and survive the changing world around us.

The acceleration of consciousness of the people of the world will call for such a strategy.

BE aware, there are many tools we can use to survive in this era. A basic tool is meditation. Many names have been used to refer to this process such as focusing, concentration, contemplation, mental stillness and lately even relaxation response. But they all boil down to the same thing - meditation.

TEACHING KIDS HEALTHY FOODS

Nutritionists said that " the kinds of food that kids eat while they are young mirror how healthy they will be when they get older".

Mothers should prioritize the health of their kids by providing adequate, safe and nutritious food to avoid malnutrition that can lead to diseases that kids can carry into adulthood. Parents should train their children's taste buds to appreciate a variety of flavors. Little by little, get them used to the taste of healthier dishes so they can learn to appreciate vegetables and fruits more. Children can be made to appreciate sour food by giving them calamansi juice or letting them eat unripe mangoes.

Be aware, even if they are a little older, you can still influence their food preferences as long as you introduce these taste slowly and consistently. To grow up into healthy adults, good eating habits must begin in childhood.

KNOWING THE PURPOSE OF TRIALS

There must be divine reason for not sparing us hardships. Once we begin to understand God's purpose, we will be able to stand strong through any storms in life. Writer Larry Thompson has this analogy: " Like a diamond, it has to undergo a lot of polishing the coal before it's true brightness can be seen with the naked eye. So is man with his dealing in life. The following are reasons why trials are part of living.

1 God allows trials in order to "test our faith". James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

2 God allows our trials to purify our lives. Trials have a way of putting pressure on us in the secret part of our being. These things must be dealt with in order for us to become "mature christians" God wants us to be.

BE aware, it would be best for us to face trials the positive way to achieve the fullness in life by cherishing each moment of our life.

KNOWING FULLNESS IN LIFE

Albert Einstein said: "our life on this planet is only a short visit . . . even shorter when it is wasted away on meaningless undertakings". The trespasses that remain unforgiven in our hearts soon become our ailments. Every unresolved grudge we carry creates a certain toxicity that unnecessarily wears out our bodies. We poison ourselves with bitter envy by refusing to celebrate with others in their victory. Our refusal to forgive an offender and our arrogance to ask forgiveness for our own offenses drain us of valuable emotional and spiritual energies.

It takes conscious and honest effort proving into ourselves to know what's making our life difficult. And it takes humility to accept and to own what we'll find.

Be aware. life is short but we can make it full. Life becomes beautiful when we acknowledge our self-created failings and begin to make up for them - NOW.

COFFEE BREAK IMPORTANCE

The body needs a break, and so does the brain. That's the importance to get a quick time off, say a 15-minute break after a 2-3hours of intensive work, to give the brain a breather.

According to positivelycoffee.org. in fact, coffee helps "counter such factors as depression and boredom associated with tiredness and which impairs performance.

A coffee break really is a breather from work as it helps clear your mind of clutter. When you're doing the same thing and looking at the same data for hours, you don't see any difference - not even the mistakes. Studies have shown that repetitive work leads your attention adrift, causing you to commit mistakes.

Be aware, a 15-minute coffee break is highly essential to anyone assigned to the office. Coffee breaks give the brain (and the body) a quick break and the senses a well-deserved treat.

KNOWING CRANBERRIES 4 of 4

Cranberries are loaded with phytochemicals and polyphenol antioxidants, both known to prevent cancer, as well as strengthens the cardiovascular and immune system against disorders. In the realm of the digestive tract, cranberries prevent kidney stone formation. Through this is still currently under medical research, it has long been known that cranberries rid the body of waste and bacteria. It also inhibits urinary tract infectuin (UTI). The proanthocyanidin minerals found in cranberries separate and flush out the causes of UTI from your body (usually preservatives from food and beverage, some prescription medicine or poor hygiene).

Be aware, on the cosmetic front,cranberries also reduce dental plaque. It won't help if you're more partial to the sweetened variants (as sugar in any form is never good for the teeth, anyway), but the pure or more concentrated forms stop the growth and spreading of mouth bacteria, which causes plaque.

It is recommended that you take at least 500ml of juice a day for optimal benefits. However, if you're one who's always rushing out the door, specially health stores and drugstores sell capsules or syrup with cranberry extracts.

KNOWING GRAPE JUICE 3 of 4

The best energy booster comes from light or white grape fruit juices. (Dark grape juicess contain chemicals that actuall decrease the iron level in your system, so if you're anemic, pregnant or have chronic fatigue syndrome, best to stick to light.) Regular intake of grape juice strengthens the immune system from the powerful antioxidants, making you feel healthy and energized. The antioxidants found in grapes also fight heart disease, prevent Alzheimer's and decrease the signs of aging.

BE aware, when buying grape juice, read the nutritional facts label and compare sugar content. The high sugar content will give you that immediate "boost" and will inevitably wear off in as short as an hour, leaving you more sluggish and tired than usual (and this will totally defeat the purpose). Find one that has 100% natural ingredients (mostly in specialty health stores) or better yet, make your own.

KNOWING WHEAT GRASS 2 of 4

Recent medical studies have shown that wheatgrass is the most powerful health drink to date. It has been classified as the most abundant superfood for its nutritional content and cleansing and cell regeneration properties that are easily absorbed by the body. The chlorophyll content in wheatgrass is identical to the hemoglobin molecule in human blood. The only difference is that hemoglobin is to iron as chlorophyll is to magnesium and this easily transforms into hemoglobin, increasing the body's red blood cells as well as the blood's capacity to deliver oxygen. This also normalizes blood pressure by dilating the blood pathways in the body, getting rid of poisonous carbon dioxide and releasing free oxygen. With this, the body becomes free of carcinogens, decreasing the chances of developing and most probably having to fight cancer.

Wheatgrass also cleanses the body with its vits B,C,E, carotene and saponin, ridding the blood, organs and gastrointestinal tract of free radicals. Wheatgrass has high amino acid content, which are the building blocks of protein essential to growth and cell regeneration.

Be aware, organic wheatgrass juices are also known to effectively boost the body's immune system to fight and recover from ailments and illnesses. It is a powerful source of beta-carotene, containing most of the B vitamins, vitamins C, E, H, and K and over 90 different minerals and 19 amino acids all playing a major role in the breakdown of fats and in weight loss.

KNOWING YOUR JUICE FORTE 1 of 4

PRUNE JUICE. is distilled from dried plums and is most popularly known as a form of laxative because of its high-fiber content. There is more to prune juice, however, that is more powerful than you can ever imagine.

Prunes contain phenols, an antioxidant that blocks oxygen-based free radicals from damaging the body's fats. (The skin and brain cell membranes are mostly composed fats, and prune juice may help protect cell damage.) It also contains beta-carotene or vit A which also prevents cellular damage that may lead to blocked arteries due to cholesterol, certain cancers and heart diseases. The potassium also found in prunes may help lower the risk or stoke and high blood pressure.

Be aware, soluble fiber is probably the most beneficial property of prunes and prune juice. Fiber normalizes blood sugar levels by slowing down glucose and sugar. It also helps in the body's production of insulin, which may decrease the risks of diabetes. Make sure that the prune juice you buy is virtually additive-free. The additional sugars and other ingredients to boost the flavor may actually negate its health benefits.

KNOWING PREBIOTICS

Aside from diet and exercise, nutritionists recommended getting proper supply of prebiotics. Prebiotics are all-natural fibers that serves as food for the good bacteria in our tummy. They are naturally found in fruits and vegetables. Prebiotics are composed of natural soluble fibers -inulin and oligofructose which stimulate our good bacteria while washing away the bad bacteria- leaving our tummy feeling light and clean within.

Be aware, by caring for your digestion, you are making an investment on your health and well-being. So remember to always start with your tummy to start making a healthy and happy you.

KNOWING THE IMMORTALITY OF MICHAEL JACKSON

Dramatist Edward Young said; "Our birth is nothing but our death begun". Still we react strongly by it's arrival. Tragic as it may be, it is totally romantic for a celebrity to die early. A famous person's sudden demise practically guarantees some kind of immortality. Elvis has probably generated more wealth from royalties sales of memorabilia and entrance ticket to Graceland than when he was alive. It is safe to say that such derivative income will also enrich Michael Jackson's estate, keep his music immortal, current and hip even if before his death, his career had gone awry.

Early, unexpected death makes time stop for celebrities. They never really die, they continue to live on, frozen in our memories. Their songs were the soundtracks to our lives. Unlike ordinary mortals their memories never put to rest- they do not age or grow irrelevant. They are alive as ever and continue to entertain us.

Be aware, ironically even if it was from an accidental overdose, MJ's death was a "master stroke" career-wise. As the saying goes " a thing of beauty is a joy forever".

4 GREAT HEALTH FOODS

SALMON. Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids - a type of fat that makes your blood less likely to form clots that may cause heart attacks. Omega-3's may also ptotect against irregular heartbeats, decrease triglyceride levels, lower BP, and reduce the risk of stroke.

SPINACH. High in vit A and C and folate. Good source of riboflavin, vit B-6, calcium,iron and magnesium. May boast your immune system and may help keep your hair and skin healthy.
0ce of fiber, vit B-6, C and E,folate and potassium. May help slow the aging process and reduce the risk of some cancers.

VEGETABLE JUICE. Has most of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients found in the original vegetables and is an easy way to include vegetables in your diet.
Tomato juice is good source of lycopene, an anrioxidant which may reduce the risk of heart attack, prostate cancer and possibly other types of cancer.

WHEAT GERM. at the center of the grain of wheat is the wheat germ. Though only a small part of the wheat seed, the germ is a highly concentrated source of nutrients, including niacin, thiamin,riboflavin, vit E,folate, magnesium, phosporous, potassium, iron and zinc. The germ also contains protein, fiber and some fat.

LESSONS LEARNED FROM MICHAEL JACKSON'S TRAGEDY

TO parents, guardians and mentors:

1 Be absolutely sure that your young talents decision to become intertainers is voluntary. It is not a child's responsibility to become his family's bread winner.

2 Even if a child loves to entertain, he must be given enough time to study, play and just be a child. This is important to his development because it enhances his sense of wonder, which all children need to develop their imagination and feelings of well-being.

Be aware, ambitious children should be encouraged to become stars, but they should not be pushed to the limit. Instead they should be supported with the training they need to stand out, with people they love, so that they remain happy and motivated as they work their way up to star status.

KNOWING MORINGA OLEIFERA

Moringa oleifera / malunggay is for everybody. It is one of the most nutritious plants in the world. It has 46 antioxidants and 90 nutrients. Malunggay leaves are known to be good for digestionand urinary tract infection. The juice has healing power for ulcer patients when taken raw - that is if you can tolerate the bitter taste.

Malunggay leaves are oven-dried before they are minced and can be made as malunggay tea or added to cookies, bread, ice cream, behon, pancit etc...

Be aware, it takes about 15 kilos of fresh malunggay leaves to produce a kilo of fine, course powder, or flakes of pure moringa oleifera.

KNOWING PEACE OF MIND 2 of 2

Should you want to experience peace of mind, you can follow these suggested steps:

1 TAKE SOME TIME OUT. find a place where you wont be disturbed. Absolutely no phone, computer turned off - do whatever it takes to get complete peace and quiet time.

2 MEDITATE. take deep breaths and clear your mind of all your daily stress. Once you have relaxed, you will feel a sense of peace coming over you. Push away the things that bothered you during the day and keep that relaxed state of mind.

BE aware, finding peace of mind is one of the most important thing that you can do for your well-being. It will benefit not only you, but those around you, and those you love, because you will be calmer and well-balanced in dealing with them.

MOST important of all, do not hold on to grudges. Learn to forgive and let go. The key to truly forgiving is being able to release your hurt and anger to that person who caused you pain.

KNOWING PEACE OF MIND 1 of 2

Publisher Kevin Sinclair said: "peace of mind is like an inner sanctuary from the mundane world". It is having time dedicated solely to oneself. It is all about taking the time to connect with the person inside and find some peace and quiet from a world gone mad. Peace of mind is about reflecting on your own life and within this quiet reflection time learning to readjust and cope up with the situations before they had the chance to spiral out of control and get the better of us.

Peace of mind is so important in our mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Without this careful reflection time, we are putting ourselves in the same type of situation that of a swimmer who forgot to come up to the surface for some air. Like the swimmer, we are thrashing away our daily lives trying to get somewhere in a sea of complexities.

REALITY CHECK

A woman went to the doctor for her yearly physical. The nurse starts with certain basics.

Nurse: How much do you weigh?
Woman: 135 lbs.
The nurse puts her on the scale. It turns out her weight is 180 lbs.

Nurse: Your height?
Woman: 5'7"
The nurse checks and finds out she is only 5'3"

She then takes her blood pressure and told her it is very high.

"Of course it's high" the woman screams.
"when I came in here I was tall and slender, now I am short and fat.

ENRICHING THOUGHTS II of II

The most dangerous piranha - a GOSSIPER
The world's most incredible computer - the BRAIN
The worst thing to be without - HOPE
The deadliest weapon - the TONGUE
The most power-filled weapon - I CAN
The greatest asset - FAITH
The most worthless emotion - SELF PITY
The most beautiful attire - SMILE
The most prized possession - SELF ESTEEM and INTEGRITY
The most powerful channel of communication - PRAYER
The most contagious spirit - ENTHUSIASM
The most urgent need - SALVATION

BE aware, FRIENDS are quiet angels who lift us to our feet, when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

ENRICHING THOUGHTS I of II

The highest AIM in life - to KNOW GOD and do His WILL
The most destructive habit - WORRY
The greatest JOY - GIVING
The greatest loss - LOSS OF SELF-RESPECT
The most SATISFYING work - HELPING OTHERS
The ugliest personality trait - SELFISHNESS
The most endangered species - Dedicated LEADERS
Our greatest natural resource - our YOUTH
The ugliest look - FROWN
The greatest "shot in the arm" - ENCOURAGEMENT
The greatest problem to overcome - FEAR
The most effective sleeping pill - PEACE of MIND
The crippling failure disease - EXCUSE
The surest way to limit God - UNBELIEF
THE most POWERFUL FORCE in life - LOVE