Working Towards Self Mastery

Today I am working with the 33^rd verse of the Tao, “Living Self Mastery”.  This is an ability that will make a huge difference in my life. I accept that when I understand myself, I will be able to take full charge of myself. I desire that wisdom. It is said in this verse that strength is needed to master myself.  I have certainly experienced the reverse. It is such a sense of weakness when I entertain that I am at the mercy of others or circumstances in my life. It is an illusion to think one can have power over another. I recognize the time I have wasted in my life trying and wishing that those in my life should fit into my expectations of them.  When I spend my precious life moments judging someone for their behavior or their words, I lose the opportunity to change myself. With a goal of self mastery held as my focus, I know I can shift my attitude when I find myself holding another responsible for how I am feeling in any particular moment. The years of my life that I have yearned for approval from people in my life including family, friends, co-workers, employers, etc. have always left me feeling weak and out of control.  It has taken me a very long time to accept that I have no right to have such rigid expectations.   It makes no sense to blame someone else for distress in my life or to desire that I could somehow understand the actions or words of another person.  Others have the right and the responsibility to pursue their own life path and to learn their own lessons. When I can truly accept full responsibility for what I see and actively choose the feelings I experience, I know I will be closer to living self mastery.

“Resolve judgments and issues and do not allow them to take more precious time in your life. Saying ‘Yes’ to the Universe and getting on with empowerment is seeing what must change and doing it. Life then becomes fun and the transformation is exciting and rewarding instead of heavy and sad.” Grandmother Pa’Ris’Ha

“With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.” Dalai Lama

Ukte’na

Joyce Mollenhauer

My Studies on Improving Memory

I have taken on the project of preparing a presentation on strategies for improving one’s memory. My first presentation on this subject will be at a Soroptomist meeting in May. My motivation for doing this is due to the distress I feel for the many in our world who are experiencing memory loss under various diagnoses including  forms of dementia. Of the many consequences that come with memory loss is the reduction in social interaction when their minds can no longer hold even short term memories.  My research and studies on this topic have led me to a couple of very useful books. The first I am working with is titled “Kevin Trudeau’s Mega Memory”.

This particular book is written as a training manual with exercises building first a foundation and then each exercise building on the one before it. One strong instruction given early in this book is to NOT take any notes while working with the material presented. This immediately got my attention.  With my years of studies with my Elder, Grandmother Pa’Ris’Ha, I have been very aware that her preference always has been to maintain the oral tradition of her people.  Early in our time together, Grandmother realized that many of her students had been indoctrinated by the educational system to believe we needed to put words on paper in order to learn.  I am one who truly believed this to be true for myself.  Thus to read in this book the above instruction, my ears perked up.  Kevin Trudeau gives the following explanation: “Writing something down frequently signals to the unconscious that it doesn’t have to be remembered – after all, it’s already written down.”  A light bulb immediately went on for me as I am very aware that in spite of copious notes, my memory  has not held all that I deeply desire to be part of who I am.

Thus my new adventure has started and I will be writing articles on my progress as I work through the exercises.

“Once we stand heart to heart, I live in you and you live in me, this is the gift of remembering.”  Grandmother Pa’Ris’Ha

Ukte’na

Joyce Mollenhauer

Living Transparent

In the years of my studies with my Elder, Grandmother Pa’Ris’Ha, I have frequently been present for  discussions on the value of being transparent with all those we have the privilege of interacting with.  This week I was blessed to hear a presentation at our Kiwanis meeting  from four powerful Kingman youth who taught us about the importance of using common sense with what one shares on the internet and in particular on programs such as Facebook.  On the surface one could potentially have almost a paranoid reaction to the information that this tool is totally public and everything one shares is available to all people wishing to access what one has written. They shared examples of individuals bad mouthing their employers with the result of being terminated from their employment. 

I have found myself considering how this “new” development in technology is having an impact on all of us.  I have heard some say they want no part of being on Facebook or other internet social/business websites. Others share their excitement and sincere appreciation for the opportunities that open up for them in connecting with people in their world in a new and expanding manner.

In my contemplations, I have looked very seriously at how this information impacts my life and how I view the world.  A variety of thoughts have passed through my mind.  I am fully aware that each of us affects each other starting with our thoughts.  Instead of going into a fear reaction, it seems to me that we can choose to see such information as a “wake up call” of sorts.  I believe there is a strong message here for all of us. It is time to take very seriously the impact we have on each other not only by our words and actions but starting with our thoughts.  I believe that all people in their heart of hearts desire to make a positive difference in our world. Can we take this as a call for action and start to examine and closely monitor our minds?  I can foresee the possibility of learning to think, speak and act in ways that one feels good about and moving away from destructive thoughts about our experiences and the people in our lives. Once we embrace our connection with each other as part of the One and that we have nothing to hide from each other, then living transparent becomes a true opportunity for our evolution.  

“Creator is unfolding in everyone you encounter, greet all with respect and kindness, all are Creator!” Grandmother Pa’Ris’Ha

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” Dalai Lama

Ukte’na

Joyce Mollenhauer

More on Neurobics

For an exercise to be a genuine “neurobic” exercise it must fit the following criteria: a)make multi-sensory associations, b) be novel to what your usual routine would include and (c)have importance to you.

For a specific description, such an exercise should do one or more of the following:

1. Involve one or more of your senses in a novel context.

2. Engage your attention.

3. Break a routine activity in an unexpected, novel way.

Something as simple as closing your eyes and using your other senses of touch, smell and spatial memory to unlock your door, enter your home at the end of the day and find your way to the coat closet is a typical Neurobic exercise. While you’re doing this, different, underused nerve pathways and connections of your brain get activated. The result is the production of a kind of natural brain fertilizer that strengthens nerve connections and helps them and your nerve cell receivers (dendrites) stay younger and stronger. The benefit is a fit and flexible mind ready to meet any mental challenge whether it be remembering a name or where your car keys are or mastering a new computer program or staying creative in your work.

Your brain is a thinking organ that learns and grows by interacting with the world through perception and action. Mental stimulation improves brain function and actually protects against cognitive decline, as does physical exercise.

The human brain is able to continually adapt and rewire itself. Even in old age, it can grow new neurons. Severe mental decline is usually caused by disease, whereas most age-related losses in memory or motor skills simply result from inactivity and a lack of mental exercise and stimulation. In other words, use it or lose it.

The Storms of Nature and Our Lives

With my studies of the Tao Te Ching, one message that has resonated in a deep place for me is the idea that even storms in nature have an ending point.  The focus of comparing human experiences and placing them in the context of nature makes total sense. Much as the two legged has attempted to separate from our origin/our Source, there is no way to truly deny that in fact we are as much a part of Nature as any other life form on this planet. 

Thus each “storm” of life in our personal experiences does come to an end and there is a light at the end of every tunnel.  Even more important it seems to me is the truth that in every storm there is a gift.  The bottom line is we must be open to recognize and accept the gift. This requires moving past the tendency to feel like a victim and instead celebrate what we can learn and evolve as a result of the multitude of life challenges that we face and handle.  It is powerful to take charge and be “in cause” with every experience of life. Human Beings have the potential for resilience and adaptation that is present for everything in Nature. I like to visualize a world where such an attitude is universal.  

“Then choose to let go of doubt and fear you’ve harboured within you regarding your capacity to harmonize with the creative power-   a power that’s not only greater than your individual life, but is life itself.” Grandmother Pa’Ris’Ha

“I trust that everything happens for a reason, even when we’re not wise enough to see it.” Oprah Winfrey

 Ukte’na

Joyce Mollenhauer

Muscle Cramping of Legs and Feet

There are a number of causes of cramping or spasms of feet or legs.  Frequently, cramps occur during sleep and one is awakened with discomfort and pain.  Night cramps are very disruptive to adequate sleep. Low blood levels of either calcium or magnesium directly increase the excitability of both the nerve endings and the muscles they stimulate. This may be a predisposing factor for the spontaneous true cramps experienced by many older adults.

 Muscle cramps can last anywhere from a few seconds to a quarter of an hour or occasionally longer. It is not uncommon for a cramp to recur multiple times until it finally goes away. Cramps are extremely common. Almost everyone (one estimate is about 95%) experiences a cramp at some time in their life. Cramps are common in adults and become increasingly frequent with aging. However, children also experience cramps.

  Some preventive measures are the following:

1. Stay well hydrated. Drink eight glasses of water each day.
2. Stretch prior to exercising and before going to bed.
3. Keep a rolled up sheet or blanket at your feet in bed to prevent unnatural positioning of your feet and toes during sleep.
4. Ride a stationary bike for a few minutes before bedtime.
5. Include supplements in your diet including calcium, magnesium, potassium  and sodium if you sweat a lot. 
6. After experiencing a cramp, take a combination of one teaspoon honey, one teaspoon apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon calcium lactate in one half glass of water.
7. Include potassium rich foods in your diet – bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cantaloupe, oranges, grapefruit.
8. Include supplements of vitamin A and vitamin E in your diet.
9. Sugar and caffeine reduce absorption of vitamins and minerals especially calcium. Reduce intake or eliminate entirely.

   When a cramp happens, try walking on the affected leg and then elevate it. For calf muscle cramps flex your foot up and hold until cramping stops.  Take a hot shower or warm bath or apply an ice massage to the cramped muscle.

 Ukte’na

Joyce Mollenhauer

Some Approaches for Improving Your Memory

For those who have witnessed memory decline or memory loss in their loved ones or of those under your care, I expect you may share my interest in maintaining and/or improving memory. The expression of “use it or lose it” is one we are all familiar with. The following is a sample of ideas you can use to work towards an improvement in your memory.

1. Make changes on a regular basis in your routine and daily habits. Examples can include using your nondominant had to eat, brush your teeth, brush your hair, etc. This is a way to activate new connections on the nondominant side of your brain. It is important to develop new pathways and activate neurons not yet in use.  “Neurobic” exercises such as the above are very effective.
2. Most of us have a list either written or in our minds of skills we wish we could develop. If you are serious about improving your memory now is the time to look this list over and choose one or two to start exploring. With a strong interest and followup to learn the new skill the benefits will be there for you.

 I will continue with this topic on another blog article.

“No one is powerful enough to affect or control your life, it’s all you, like it or not, it’s you.”  Grandmother Pa’Ris’Ha

“What God intended for you goes far beyond anything you can imagine.” Oprah Winfrey

Ukte’na

Joyce Mollenhauer