Showing posts with label pain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pain. Show all posts

Friday, December 12, 2014

9 Very Real Benefits of Laughter





Laughter is medicine and science says there are real and tangible benefits associated with laughter.  So if you love laughter and crave comedy, maybe that’s just your body nudging you toward better health.

Here's Those 9 Very Real Reasons:

1.  It’s good for your heart!  One study showed that people who have heart disease tend to laugh less than people who don’t.  They also responded with less humor to normal life situations.  Humor is good for your heart!

2.  Helps fight cancer.  The Cancer Treatment Centers of America actually use laughter  therapy to boost immunity, relieve pain, and improve moods in cancer patients.

3.  Heals relationships.  One of the greatest benefits of laughter is that it brings people closer together.  It can relieve anger and anxiety while restoring positive feelings.  Laughter can break the tension in a  tough moment and pave the way for finding solutions to relationship problems.

4.  Makes work fun.  Humor in the workplace (appropriate humor, of course) is a great way to boost creativity and productivity, and strengthens teamwork and morale.

5.  Relieves stress.  It probably goes without saying, but it’s such an important benefit and it’s well worth the mention:  laughter is a huge stress reliever.  Stress is one of the top causes of modern disease, so this might be why laughter has so many health benefits.  It relieves tension and gets oxygen pumping through the whole body, which is exactly what you need when you are stressed out.

6.  Stops pain.  Laughter raises endorphins, chemicals in your brain that are tied to pain relief.  Researchers at Oxford University found a dose-related laughter effect – the more people laugh, the less pain they feel.

7.  Fights depression.  Everyone knows that laughter can lift your spirits, but it can go deeper than that.  Research shows that laughter aids depression recovery, and people who laugh more become depressed and anxious less often.  People who use humor as a coping mechanism  generally have a more positive view of life, which can help prevent feelings of depression.

8.  Boosts your immunity.  Laughter can improve immune system activity, while stimulating circulation and oxygen intake throughout the body.


9.  Sleep better.  A study in Japan showed that laughing more in the evening actually improved sleep quality.  So watch a little of your favorite sitcom or reading a funny book before bed might help you catch some more shut-eye.





Monday, November 24, 2014

Common Depression Symptoms

Did you know that...

Common symptoms of depression not only include feeling sad, hopeless, or empty or having lost interest in the things that previously gave you pleasure. But other, less obvious symptoms also may signal depression, including:
  • Anger, irritability, and impatience. You may feel irritated and angry at family, friends, or co-workers, or overreact to small things.

  • Sleep problems. You may have trouble sleeping, or you may wake up very early in the morning. Or you may sleep too much and find it hard to get up in the morning. 

  • Anxiety. You may have symptoms such as anxiety, worry, restlessness, and tension. Anxiety and depression often occur together, even though they are two separate problems.  

  • Crying. Crying spells, crying over nothing at all, or crying about small things that normally wouldn't bother you may be signs of depression.

  • Inability to concentrate. If you are depressed, you may be forgetful, have trouble making decisions, or find it hard to concentrate.  

  • Pain. If you have aches and pains that don't respond to treatment, including joint pain, back pain, limb pain, or stomach pain, they could be signs of depression. Many people with depression go to their doctor because of these types of physical symptoms, and don't even realize that they are depressed.  

  • Substance abuse. Having a drug or alcohol problem may hide an underlying problem with depression. Substance abuse and depression often go hand in hand.

  • Appetite changes. You may have no desire to eat, or you may overeat in an effort to feel better.

  • Isolation. You may feel withdrawn from friends and family -- right when you need their support the most.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Many people think of depression as an intolerable sadness or a deep gloom that just won't go away. Yet depression can also be sneaky, disguised in symptoms that can be hard to identify. If you've had unexplained aches or pains, often feel irritable or angry for no reason, or cry at the drop of a hat -- you could be depressed.
Fortunately, you can be proactive with depression. Learn how these less obvious symptoms can reveal themselves and when you should seek out depression treatment.

Read Further Click HERE


Friday, August 23, 2013

Can Your Diet Help Relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis?

As someone who lives with rheumatoid arthritis, I'm always looking for ways of getting the most out of my life.  Preferably with as little pain as possible.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, like me and millions of others,  you may have heard that a specific diet or certain foods can ease your pain, stiffness, and fatigue. 
Eating certain foods or avoiding certain foods may help your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. But the Arthritis Foundation says there is no specific "arthritis diet."

Read the Article In it's Entirety by Clicking HERE















Source: Web MD http://www.webmd.com/




Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

Julia is  currently  with the Louisville Metro Police Department Major Crimes Unit  and is presently pursuing a degree in psychology specializing in Criminal profiling. 

    PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

    Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited



    Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole.  The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™,  The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World.  



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    Tuesday, June 19, 2012

    The ASS-cension

    Cranial Uppitus Gluteus Maximus Dysfunction.  More commonly  known as, Head Stuck Up Your Ass Syndrome.  This is one of the most common dis-eases known to humankind.  There are no pills or serum to cure this malady.  Nor are there any modern conventional medical means in which to have it surgically repaired.   At least not yet!

    But do not fall into despair my fellow earth travelers!  There is hope!  In fact, many are taking the opportunity to self-heal themselves by moving with the energies of a shifting process.   This shifting process is none other than …  The ASS-cension.

    The ASS-cension is the process of pulling one’s head out of one’s ass.  And thankfully it is a process that all human experiencers will go through ---eventually.  No exceptions!

    Right now, the entire population of human experiencers are currently  in the state of ASS-cending on various levels.  Sadly, those who have succeeded in  completely yanking their heads out of that tight fitting hole are in the minority.   So few are their numbers,  we can’t even begin to give you an estimate of how many there are.

    Those who accomplished in pulling their heads out, only to shove it back in --rank among one-third of the world’s population.  Leaving the largest numbers  of  those who still have that noggin of theirs stuffed up their bung hole slightly under two-thirds.


    Thoughts are energy.  And where thoughts go -- energy flows. ~Louise L. Hay

    Everything here in the physical plane is affected by all things in what we loosely refer to as the “spiritual plane.”  And vice-versa.   For you non-spiritual types -- please note that it has been scientifically proven that all things on the physical plane are made up of  various types energies.   As such, everything and everyone is connected energetically.    To what degree this connection is felt  is dependant upon the individual’s conscious awareness.  And too, and perhaps most importantly, how far individuals are willing to both acknowledge and subsequently accept this common fact.

    Resistance is futile! ~ The Borg, Star Trek the Next Generation.

    Resistance is the primary  cause for Cranial Uppitus Gluteus Maximus Dysfunction.   The more you resist, the worse the symptoms of  the dysfunction persists.

    The signs of  Cranial Uppitus Gluteus Maximus Dysfunction are easily recognizable and are as follows:

    • Chronic Head, neck and back pain. 
    • Blurry vision, hearing loss, difficulties  focusing on anything.  Unable to literally see or comprehend anything with clarity.    
    • Talking nonsense, speech sometimes slurred.
    • Unreasonable, illogical, argumentative and irrational. Prone to bouts of hysteria.
    • Close-minded and narrow-minded.  Extreme cynicism.   Intolerant of others.  Arrogant and aloof.
    • Bumping into things, experiencing all types of non-fatal accidents (inside and outside the home) such as running into furniture, walls, telephone poles, other people, tripping up a flight of stairs, missing that last step, etc.
    • Excessive lying, nit-picking, gossiping, slandering,  and back stabbing.   Commonly known as “talking shit.”
    • Unable to stay in healthy relationships.
    • Constant state of anger.
    • Cut off from all things spiritual.  No perception of energies.


    The ASS-cension Symptoms

    You may note a few of the symptoms are somewhat similar to Cranial Uppitus Gluteus Maximus Dysfunction.  However, the difference in symptoms of  The ASS-cension  process  are temporary.  So long as you keep your head out of your ass.


    **~**~**~**

    Chronic Head, neck and back pain.   Don’t worry.  This is temporary.  Keep in mind you have had your head rammed up your bung hole for most of your physical earth life.   Stiffness and soreness is to be expected.

    Advice:  Chiropractic and/or Reiki treatment, some low impact Yoga or Tai Chi, conscious breathing techniques,  a good massage will help these particular symptoms dissipate over time.

    Blurry vision, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, difficulties focusing on anything.   Talking nonsense, speech sometimes slurred.     Unable to see anything with clarity.  Bumping into things, experiencing all types of non-fatal accidents (inside and outside the home) such as running into furniture, walls, telephone poles, other people, tripping up a flight of stairs, missing that last step, etc.

    All of these are  temporary side effects.   In the beginning, there will be a great deal of fecal ridden energies to clear away from our energetic bodies.   During this particular part of the process, both our physical and energetic bodies, are covered from head to toe in energetic feces (again if you literally imagine being covered in shit, you’ll get the idea how it is).   It may take numerous cleansings before any of these symptoms completely clear up.    You may find that various methods are in order to clear away all the built up fecal residue.


    Find what works for you and stick with it!   Again, being persistent and consistent is the key to clearing away the residual fecal energies.   Patience is required.  

    Advice:  Practice focusing on and becoming more aware of  your surroundings.   This will limit the number of times you hurt yourself.   You don't need any special techniques for this -- just SLOW DOWN!

    Unable to stay in any type of unhealthy relationships.   No matter who it is with.  Perhaps one of the most challenging of the “symptoms” is this one.  It is in our nature to  yearn for acceptance and intimacy with others.  During the process of clearing away the fecal matter from our energetic bodies, we begin to accept ourselves as being worthy.

    You know you have reached a measure of clean when that “A-HA!” moment hits you.

    That “A-Ha!” moment is when  you finally feel the Love enveloping you, taking you over, replenishing you, filling you up to the brim and pouring out.  The “A-Ha!” moment is when you finally stand up, acknowledge and accept your worth.   It is in that moment you can … and do… believe you have much more value and worth than what others have placed on you.  It is in that moment you shout  --  I Love My Self!  I Respect My Self!  I Accept My Self!   I Am Worthy!  I love my Self too much to allow any one to treat me less than my worth!

    Your acceptance of Your Self -- allows you to step away from unhealthy relationships.  Yes, it will be painful.  You will find yourself at a loss.  This is a normal reaction to pulling your head free from your ass!  It is perfectly normal to feel lost and alone before the “A-Ha!” moment sets in.   After all, you have spent a very long time digesting shit, seeing shit, listening to shit and speaking shit.  It’s only natural that you are a little discombobulated in the beginning!


    Talking without making much sense, speech sometimes slurred, inability  to speak.   This is temporary.  As you clear your energetic ears and mouth of all that energetic feces, you will notice you have very little to say.  And what you do say may feel like gibberish to you.  This will pass as you continue to  clear away the muck.

    Once again, it is very important that you keep in mind that  you have spent a very long time speaking shit and listening to others speak shit.  It’s only natural that you can’t understand what is going on most of the time in the non-fecal matter realms!

    Advice:  Practice speaking with your spirit family.  This helps you grow accustomed to your new “manure free” language.  Once you are ready, seek out others who are consciously processing The ASS-cension and see what it’s like to hold intelligent, shit free, conversations!



    Forgetfulness.  Easily distracted at times.    This is temporary.  Up to this point, your head was filled with nothing but dung.  Now that you have dumped it all -- the physical brain is forced to recalibrate, reprogram and reboot.   As the physical body  reboots and makes itself ready for full integration with the energetic body, you will  experience forgetfulness on a regular basis.   In the meantime, the spirit body has much of the control.   It is very important to keep in mind that The energetic (spirit) body has no interest in such mundane earthly practices such as going to the bathroom, paying bills, eating and drinking, etc.   So forgetting what you went to the kitchen  for or not remembering why you are at the store, etc.  is perfectly natural during this particular time.

    Once the rebooting process is complete, and  both bodies have integrated, your memories will be clearer than ever!  And what you don’t remember isn’t important.   So don’t sweat it!  The collective bodies have deemed it necessary to “flush out” what no longer serves you during your human experience.

    Advice:  It is very important during this time to search out methods that enhance your focus.  Meditation is quite useful, especially during the rebooting procedures.  Taking long walks, exercising, Yoga, Tai Chi or any other form of physical activity that enhances good muscle tone and cardiovascular improvement is essential to improved oxygen flow.  This in turns enhances the physical brain to function at a higher capacity.

    Mind expansion.  Detachment.    Comprehension, Understanding, Compassion.  Willingness to Forgive. 

    Yea!  These are just a few of the wondrous attributes that come with consciously working the ASS-cension.

    As you work through this ASS-cension, you will begin to see others a little more clearly.  Both literally and energetically.   As you continue to clear away the fecal matter from your energetic eyes, you will notice how easily it is to see past anyone’s bullshit.   You actually start seeing them as they really are.  As you do, you will note a deep heart felt compassion for them.   Don’t resist it.  Allow it to flow through you.

    Your understanding of other points of view become easier for you now.   While they may be speaking in terms that you do not resonate fully with -- you now comprehend where they are coming from.   Arguing and pushing your points on others no longer interest you as they once did.  Finding yourself in a state of detachment, you are now able to dialogue with others with whom you disagree … minus  all the anger and fuss.

    You discover your awareness (a.k.a. Freeze Dried BULL shit meter) has become more acute and accurate.  This in turn,  helps you  bypass any unnecessary arguments.  And too,  defrays any bruising of the false ego which could lead to your head going back up your ass.

    You now understand the true meaning of forgiveness and practice it daily.  First with your Self and then with others.

    You now completely understand and comprehend that all are doing exactly what they came here to do.   That all (no exceptions) are spirit beings having a human experience. That everything, whether you agree with it or not, are opportunities for growth and  for learning.  Your understanding and comprehension of this is widening -- deepening.   As this process continues to occur -- you notice yet another "A-Ha!" moment.  This is the "I Get It" A-Ha moment!   This is where you finally do “get it."   "IT" being the clarity of the truth that has been spoken to you for what seems to be eons!

    "It" being the words of ASS-cenders who came before you.  Their words now ring true in your heart, soul and mind.

    The phrases:    Do all you know to do to the best of your abilities.  And after that -- do nothing.  (You get that now!)

    Change what you can and what is in your power to change -- leaving behind those things you cannot.  And having the wisdom to know the difference.  (You get that as well!)

     Being the change you wish to see in the world.  (Awwwwrighteeee! You finally get that too!)

    You finally "Get IT" --- all of "IT" -- because the crap isn't clogging up your eyes or ears now!  You can see and hear without interference.    All this leads to the beautiful experience of your physical mind integrating and connecting with the spiritual/energetic mind.    This is what is known as … Mind Expansion.

    Pretty cool … huh?   Of course, these are only a few of the "symptoms" of The ASS-cension.    But We thought you would enjoy a ... heads up ... in order to understand what is happening to you!  *LOL*

    As stated above -- Being Persistent and Consistent  is your  greatest allies during The ASS-cension!

    It isn’t easy -- no one said it would be.   But as long as you remember, and keep in mind, that it is a step by step process.  And of course, most importantly -- please Remember that Persistence in resistance keeps your head stuck.    Keep this all in your memory and You’ll do just fine!

    So relax.  Be gentle.  Show your Self Love & Kindness --  And allow.


    Excerpt from: The ZEN of Duct Tape: An Empress Is Born.


















     

    Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. 

    Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

    In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 


    PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

    Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited

    Tuesday, June 14, 2011

    Consider This . . .

    The person who hurt you either 
    • Isn’t aware they have hurt you;
    • Doesn’t care they hurt you;
    • Has forgotten about the incident and moved on;
    • Sleeps very well at night
    • Has no issues with indigestion, headaches, back pain or any other kind of pain
    • Is convinced you are in desperate need of getting a life,  getting laid or both
    • Has steady relationships and a job
    • Has no addictions or disorders
    • Can hold a steady personal relationship/keep a job

    You on the other hand …
    • Can remember every detail of the incident and every syllable uttered;
    • Have developed various types of ailments, joint pains, suffer from headaches, backaches,  a wide variety of  physical, mental and/or emotional health issues;
    • Are angry, resentful and mistrustful;
    • Either can’t sleep or sleeps way too much
    • Now has an eating disorder
    • Suffering from memory loss --huge chunks of your life is missing
    • Has some sort of addiction (alcohol, drugs, sex, spending, gambling, food)
    • Can’t hold down a job/Can’t keep a steady personal relationship
    • Difficulty in focusing on anything outside the pain and suffering
    • Suffers from Low self-esteem and self-worth

    While these may not apply to every individual reading this -- I am willing to wager most of it does ring some bells!

    So considering all the above -- seeing it in black and white -- do you still believe you are really making “they” -- “them” -- “that person” suffer by holding on to your pain?  You think/believe that you are exacting revenge by living your life in misery?

    They -- who/whom ever “they” are -- are not suffering from what happened.  They’re free!  You on the other hand--  are in a prison of your own making! YOU are the one suffering -- not them!   You are the one punishing you!


    *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

    • Forgiveness is not the condoning of the actions that initiated the pain and suffering you experienced. 
    • Forgiveness is not forgetting anything that transpired -- but reaching a state of mind where you can see those actions from an objective view point without any adverse reactions.

    • Forgiveness is the refusal to carry the pain and suffering those actions initiated. 
    • Forgiveness is the release of the pain and suffering you have carried throughout your human experience.

    It is painfully obvious that the majority of people do not know the difference between forgetting and releasing.    No doubt this is perhaps one of the main reasons people are so skittish when it comes to forgiving.

    Forgive and Forget?

    Many have been taught that in order to reach a true state of forgiveness -- one must totally forget everything that happened to them.  This is a gross misconception that has been passed down by those who didn’t know any better.

    To  “forgive and forget” means  to -- release that pain from your being!  Release yourself and be free!  Forget all about holding on to all that suffering -- holding all that pain!   

    It does NOT mean forget the incident  itself!  Again, the forgetting portion of "Forgive & Forget is  --  forget all that clinging -- forget all that grasping -- forget  all that holding on -- to that which no longer serves you!   Forget that which no longer serves you and remember only what you have learned from the event(s).  Release the pain and be Free!

    This is the true meaning behind the phrase “forgive and forget.”

    *~*~*~*~*~*

    Interesting thing about human experiencers -- they hold on to their pain and suffering as though it were a matter of life and death.  They justify clinging to their pain and suffering by relieving the incidents that transpired.  Caught up in their fears -- they can’t see what they have learned from any of the situations.    They can’t see past those incidents.  They refuse to let them go for whatever reason.  During the course of their human journey, they will go as far as reinventing the situation over and over again in their day to day life.

    So and so did this or that-- said this or that.  They hurt me.  They should be made to pay for this, that or the other thing.   I’m a victim!  I’m in pain!  I can’t let go because they hurt me!

    I can’t let go because they hurt me! 

    I have to remember what they did so they will pay for it!  So they will see my suffering and they will be sorry!  

    I’m sick!  I have this or that pain!  I have this or that disease.  All  because because they hurt me!  I’m making them pay with my physical, emotional and mental pain!  I can’t let go yet -- it doesn’t matter if I can’t sleep or sleep too much.  It doesn’t matter if I eat too much or can’t eat or keep anything down!  I have to do this because they hurt me!

    They are going to pay for my suffering!  I won’t let it go until they pay for hurting me!  Even if it cost me my happiness -- and my life-- they are going to pay -- because they hurt me!

    While a bit dramatic -- the above statements are more true than many of you reading this realize or even admit.

    “I can’t! (or “I won’t)  Because they hurt me!”   Each and every time I bring up forgiveness -- 9 times out of 10 -- I will get this particular reply.  Sadly, I hear it a lot!    Sadder still -- each of these people who refuse to forgive suffer from a number of physical, emotional and mental maladies.   To add insult to injury -- the majority of them can’t keep a steady personal relationship.   And while many of them will admit they are holding grudges (i.e. their pain and suffering) -- they refuse to forgive!

    For those of you who can’t and/or won’t forgive -- because “they” hurt you  … I urge you once again to Consider This ...

    The person who hurt you either 
    • Isn’t aware they have hurt you;
    • Doesn’t care they hurt you;
    • Has forgotten about the incident and moved on;
    • Sleeps very well at night
    • Has no issues with indigestion, headaches, back pain or any other kind of pain
    • Is convinced you are in desperate need of getting a life or getting laid or both
    • Has steady relationships and a job
    • Has no addictions or disorders
    • Can hold a steady personal relationship/keep a job

    You on the other hand …
    • Can remember every detail of the incident and every syllable uttered;
    • Have developed various types of ailments, joint pains, suffer from headaches, backaches,  a wide variety of  physical, mental and/or emotional health issues;
    • Are angry, resentful and mistrustful;
    • Either can’t sleep or sleeps way too much
    • Now has an eating disorder
    • Suffering from memory loss --huge chunks of your life is missing
    • Has some sort of addiction (alcohol, drugs, sex, spending, gambling, food)
    • Can’t hold down a job/Can’t keep a steady personal relationship
    • Difficulty in focusing on anything outside the pain and suffering
    • Suffers from Low self-esteem and self-worth
    Aren’t you tired?  Don’t you think it’s time you paroled yourself from this living hell?

    *~*~*~*~*

    Release yourself.  Not by forgetting what happened to you -- but  by refusing to carry that pain and suffering inflicted on you.  Release yourself by remembering the lessons these incidents brought to you.  Take that and start living your life in freedom!

    It is said … the best revenge is Living Well!     Nothing pisses that "other person" off more -- than seeing you living happy and well!  And seeing how most of us are attempting to make that "other person" pay for the pain and suffering they inflicted -- well why not try something different?  Why not try living well -- and stop living in Hell!?

    As long as you insist on the “I can’t let go because they hurt me!” mindset -- you will never be free!  You will continue to be their victim -- their slave-- their prisoner!

    Your choice!  After all -- it is your life … or is it? 

    I will leave you with the question posed to me by my spirit companion Antari …

    “What is more important to you?  Your pain and suffering or your peace and joy?”

    Namaste!






    About Julia K. Cole

    Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Duct Tape Diva,  Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality.   Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience.  In the style  of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way.


     
    Visit Julia on Face Book!