Issue 49

In this issue:

1) It's Time To Relax! by Sibyl McLendon
2) Healing Stress Naturally by Pat Valle
3) Tecumseh Quote
4) The Power Of Music
5) Leaving the City of Regret by Larry Harp
6) What Is The Meaning Of Life? by Robert Taylor


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It's Time To Relax!
By Sibyl McLendon

These are troubling times. Every day we are bombarded with dire news, Governmental officials warning us about this threat or that problem, stories about the anthrax in Florida… it is reaching overwhelming proportions! On the one hand, we are told to go about our regular routine, and on the other, we are told to "watch out for anything suspicious." I hear every day from people who are just plain afraid.
What I tell them is what I want to share with all of you: fear and worry are like little deaths, every day and over and over. This is a time for faith.
I believe that the Creator is loving, and cares about each and every person on this earth. The good and the bad, the evil and the innocent are all in His/Her care. I do not believe that the Creator has any part of war. War is the result of our own personal power, the human gift/curse of free will. The Creator does not allow bad things to happen to good people, people make their own choices, using their own free will, and bad can come of it. If we ask for Divine Protection, it will be given to us. Surrounding ourselves and our loved ones with faith, and the loving protection of the Creator really does work. 
But say the worst does happen. You are hurt or killed by a terrorist attack. Your loved one is killed or injured. Let me ask you this: does it make it any worse that it was the result of a terrorist than it would be if it were the result of a drunk driver, or an industrial accident, or any other of the multitudes of dangers that exist every day in every place in the world? People are just as hurt, or just as dead, no matter what killed them. Life is a dangerous affair: no one gets out alive. People are still dying every day from heart attacks, Cancer, AIDS… the world is still revolving, after all.
I chose long ago to live my life as if every day was my last. For one, it could be! Anyone can die at any given moment in time. I want to be able to go to sleep at night with no regrets. I lived that day to its fullest, I did no harm; I did good when I could. I told everyone that I needed to that I loved him or her. I am not perfect, many days I have failed to do my best. But most days, I think that I am doing my best, and that I am prepared for whatever happens. 
If I live my day in fear, I have lost that day forever. I have not done my best, but have lurked, hid, hurt… failed utterly to live my day to its fullest. If you allow the current state of affairs to cause you stress, fear or worry, you are squandering your life. There is always going to be danger in the world! While worrying about terrorists, one could be hit by a bus. 
Lets all just relax! Live every day to its fullest, and be prepared for anything. I, for one, would rather go out happy and calm, whenever my time comes to leave this earth and return to Spirit. At least my last day was a good one!
And by the way…. I love you.

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Healing Stress Naturally
by Pat Valle 

Some form of stress is a part of our everyday lives, but when the stress becomes overwhelming we turn to drugs to help us cope. Unfortunately, some of the side effects can cause headaches, dizziness, anxiety, sleeplessness, chest pain, nausea and other symptoms. Addiction can also become a problem if the person uses the drug over a long period of time. 

There are many alternative methods in dealing with stress which are safe and effective and can provide relief in a very short time. Good nutrition is very important in maintaining a healthy mind and body. Adding more fresh vegetables and fruits as well as whole grains are very beneficial. Limiting the intake of caffiene, alcohol, animal fats and sugar can vastly improve ones health and aid in reducing stress and anxiety.

Meditation is another method which helps us learn to breathe deeply, helps focus the mind and brings us into a state of relaxation. Start simply by breathing slowly in through the nose to the count of five, hold your breath for a slow count to five and breathe out to the slow count of five. You will be amazed how this simple technique can actually help to relax. 

Herbal remedies are are the rise in health food stores as well as pharmacies due to the many studies of their safety and effectiveness. Some of these herbal remedies include Kava Kava which acts as muscle relaxant, tranquilizer, and brings clarity of thought processes as well as feelings of peace. It is also a wonderful pain reliever that can be used in place of aspirin or aceteminaphen. Valerian root is another which has been called "Natures' Valium". This particular herb is effective for insomnia, anxiety and pain. Because of its' tranquilizing effect it should not be used while driving a car or using heavy machinery. Also, it's important not to mix herbs with prescription drugs. Always check with your doctor to avoid any interactions.

There are many other things that can help with stress, like listening to soothing music, taking a long, leisure walk or getting some form of exercise daily. Some anxiety is normal as it protects us from real danger, but when it takes over our lives to the point that we are not able to function then there is a problem. Many modern pharmaceuticals are important for severe disorders if necessary but the power of herbs can vastly improve our lives without the bothersome or dangerous side effects.


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"So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and
Demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life,
Beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and
Its purpose in the service of your people. 
Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend,
Even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and
Bow to none. When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and
For the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks,
The fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no living thing,
For abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. 
When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts
Are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes
They weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again
In a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home." 

~Tecumseh (Shawnee visionary)

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The Power Of Music

No Matter What
Andrew Lloyd Webber (music) Jim Steinman (lyrics)

No matter what they tell us
No matter what they do
No matter what they teach us
What we believe is true

No matter what they call us
However they attack
No matter where they take us
We'll find our own way back

I can't deny what I believe
I can't be what I'm not
I know I'll love forever
I know, no matter what

If only tears were laughter
If only night was day
If only prayers were answered
Then we would hear God say

No matter what they tell you
No matter what they do
No matter what they teach you
What you believe is true

And I will keep you safe and strong
And sheltered from the storm
No matter where it's barren
A dream is being born

No matter who they follow
No matter where they lead
No matter how they judge us
I'll be everyone you need

No matter if the sun don't shine
Or if the skies are blue
No matter what the end is
My life began with you

I can't deny what I believe
I can't be what I'm not
I know, I know
I know this love's forever
That's all that matters now
No matter what 

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Leaving the City of Regret
by Larry Harp

I had not really planned on taking a trip this time of year, and yet I found myself packing rather hurriedly. This trip was going to be unpleasant and I knew in advance that no real good would come of it. I'm talking about my annual "Guilt Trip." 

I got tickets to fly there on Wish I Had airlines. It was an extremely short flight. I got my baggage, which I could not check. I chose to carry it myself all the way. It was weighted down with a thousand memories of what might have been. No one greeted me as I entered the terminal to the Regret City International Airport. I say international because people from all over the world come to this dismal town. 

As I checked into the Last Resort Hotel, I noticed that they would be hosting the year's most important event, the Annual Pity Party. I wasn't going to miss that great social occasion. Many of the towns leading citizens would be there. 

First, there would be the Done family, you know, Should Have, Would Have and Could Have. Then came the I Had family. You probably know ol' Wish and his clan. Of course, the Opportunities would be present, Missed and Lost. The biggest family would be the Yesterday's. There are far too many of them to count, but each one would have a very sad story to share. 

Then Shattered Dreams would surely make and appearance. And It's Their Fault would regale us with stories (excuses) about how things had failed in his life, and each story would be loudly applauded by Don't Blame Me and I Couldn't Help It. 

Well, to make a long story short, I went to this depressing party knowing that there would be no real benefit in doing so. And, as usual, I became very depressed. But as I thought about all of the stories of failures brought back from the past, it occurred to me that all of this trip and subsequent "pity party" could be cancelled by ME! I started to truly realize that I did not have to be there. I didn't have to be depressed. One thing kept going through my mind, I CAN'T CHANGE YESTERDAY, BUT I DO HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE TODAY A WONDERFUL DAY. I can be happy, joyous, fulfilled, encouraged, as well as encouraging. Knowing this, I left the City of Regret immediately and left no forwarding address. Am I sorry for mistakes I've made in the past? YES! But there is no physical way to undo them. 

So, if you're planning a trip back to the City of Regret, please cancel all your reservations now. Instead, take a trip to a place called, Starting Again. I liked it so much that I have now taken up permanent residence there. My neighbors, the I Forgive Myselfs and the New Starts are so very helpful. By the way, you don't have to carry around heavy baggage, because the load is lifted from your shoulders upon arrival. God bless you in finding this great town. If you can find it -- it's in your own heart -- please look me up. I live on I Can Do It street. 

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What Is The Meaning Of Life?
by Robert Taylor

The purpose of life is that which you give it. Its meaning is different for each and every one of us. My definition of the meaning of life is very likely not the same as yours. You may agree with some parts of what I consider to be the intent of life, however it is unlikely you will agree with everything I propose concerning this matter.

Some will define it as simply getting through each day with as little fuss as possible. Others define it as a process of acquiring as many possessions as possible before they die. Yet others are on a spiritual path leading where their hearts take them. There are those who think the main
purpose of life is to help as many others as possible during their lifetime.

There are as many possible definitions as there are people on the face of this earth. What is your definition? That is the only one that will have any true meaning for you. There is no wrong answer.

Neither I, nor anyone else, can give your life direction. We can tell you what has worked for us and you, and you alone, will decide if it is fitting for you. We are predisposed by our prior conditioning and beliefs to accept only that which basically agrees with us. In other words, you are more likely to accept those things which are in alignment with your own beliefs.

There are many ways to seek and find your definition of the purpose of life. Some of these are to follow your heart, find those things you really love doing, search within yourself, follow a certain occupation or spiritual path, and/or seek to do only those things at which you excel.

The greatest teachers of all time are those who lead you to seek and find for yourself. They do not give you pat answers, they set up conditions and circumstances encouraging you to advance on your own merits. They influence you to think and act.

There are certain basic elements taught by all the great teachers and masters. Some of these are as follows:

You must have faith (belief) in what you are trying to achieve.

You must be focused on what you desire.

The Kingdom of Heaven, God, Cosmic Intelligence, Supreme Being, whatever name you have for it, is within each and every one of us.

The universe is a friendly place.

There are certain immutable laws controlling life and the universe.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Know thyself.

There are other elements threaded throughout the teachings of the masters, however these are the basics. Apply them to your life as best you can and observe the way they work for you.

Copyright 2001 by Robert Taylor
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