To Stress or Not to Stress...

For the past few days I have been grappling with stress.  Mostly work related.  What I have noticed about stress is (1) it really locks up your body and makes it hurt; and (2) it's stressful!  *big smile*


To stress my point on stress and stress release (pun intended) I share with you the following story:

 A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and explaining stress management to an audience with a raised glass of water.   

Everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'half empty or half  full?'... She fooled them all .... "How heavy is this glass of water?" she inquired with a smile.

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. To 20 oz.

She replied , "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it.  If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.   If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an Ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "and that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we
won't be able to carry on."

"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced.

So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night... Pick them up tomorrow.

1 * Accept the fact that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue!

2 * Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.

3 * Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

4 * Drive carefully... It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.

5 * If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

6 * If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

7 * It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.

8 * Never buy a car you can't push.

9 * Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

10 * Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

11 * Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

12 * The 2nd mouse gets the cheese.

13 * When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

14 * Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.

15 * Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.

16 * We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.

17 * A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

18 * Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY

19 *Save the earth..... It's the only planet with chocolate!* 

I THINK !!!!
 

 There is one more I would like to add to the list...SMILE! 

Not only does it relieve stress but it makes people wonder what you're up to!  *LOLOL*

About Julia K. Cole

What can you expect from someone who considers Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality a personal calling? Straight forward answers that lead to life-changing experiences on a soul level!

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. 

As a writer, Julia is a virtual powerhouse of creativity.  Among Julia's literary accomplishments is  the  Children of the Luminaries  trilogy;  Book One: The Coming Storm can be purchased by clicking Here.   

Book Two  of the trilogy is due out in the Fall of 2015 and Book Three will be available in 2016.  The long anticipated ZEN of Duct Tape:  An Empress Is Born will be out in 2016.  As well as The Teddy Mitchell Chronicles.

Julia has also contributed to several other publications including Brad Steiger's  Real Zombies, The Living Dead, and Creatures of the Apocalypse  and Marie D. Jones' Destiny vs. Choice 


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. 

 

 

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.

Keep Pets Safe In The Heat

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Summer can be an uncomfortable—even dangerous—time for pets and people. It's difficult enough simply to cope with rising temperatures, but things really get tough in areas that are hit with the double blow of intense heat and storm-caused power outages, sometimes with tragic results.

We can help you keep yourself and your pets safe and cool this summer. Follow our tips for helping everyone in your family stay healthy and comfortable when the heat is on (and even if the power isn't). Start with the basics.

Practice basic summer safety

Never leave your pets in a parked car

Not even for a minute. Not even with the car running and air conditioner on. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die.

If you see an animal in distress in a parked car, contact the nearest animal shelter or police. Spread the word about the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars by talking to them and by printing out our Hot Car flyer (PDF), posting it in public places, and sharing it with your friends, family, and coworkers. (It might help convince some people if you point out that leaving a pet in a car is an invitation to theft—of the car, the pet, or both—especially if the windows are cracked.)

Watch the humidity

"It's important to remember that it's not just the ambient temperature but also the humidity that can affect your pet," says Dr. Barry Kellogg, VMD, of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. "Animals pant to evaporate moisture from their lungs, which takes heat away from their body. If the humidity is too high, they are unable to cool themselves, and their temperature will skyrocket to dangerous levels—very quickly."

Taking a dog's temperature will quickly tell you if there is a serious problem. Dogs' temperatures should not be allowed to get over 104 degrees. If your dog's temperature does, follow the instructions for treating heat stroke.

Limit exercise on hot days

Take care when exercising your pet. Adjust intensity and duration of exercise in accordance with the temperature. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours, and be especially careful with pets with white-colored ears, who are more susceptible to skin cancer, and short-nosed pets, who typically have difficulty breathing. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws, so walk your dog on the grass if possible.

Don't rely on a fan

Pets respond differently to heat than humans do. (Dogs, for instance, sweat primarily through their feet.) And fans don't cool off pets as effectively as they do people.

Provide ample shade and water

Any time your pet is outside, make sure he or she has protection from heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cold water. In heat waves, add ice to water when possible. Tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don't obstruct air flow. A doghouse does not provide relief from heat—in fact, it makes it worse.

Cool your pet inside and out

Whip up a batch of quick and easy DIY peanut butter popsicles for dogs. (You can use peanut butter or another favorite food.)

Keep your pet from overheating indoors or out with a cooling body wrap, vest, or mat (such as the Keep Cool Mat). Soak these products in cool water, and they'll stay cool (but usually dry) for up to three days.

Watch for signs of heatstroke

Extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke. Some signs of heatstroke are heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, and unconsciousness.

Animals are at particular risk for heat stroke if they are very old, very young, overweight, not conditioned to prolonged exercise, or have heart or respiratory disease. Some breeds of dogs—like boxers, pugs, shih tzus, and other dogs and cats with short muzzles—will have a much harder time breathing in extreme heat.

How to treat a pet suffering from heatstroke

Move your pet into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to her head, neck, and chest or run cool (not cold) water over her. Let her drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take her directly to a veterinarian.

Prepare for power outages

Before a summer storm takes out the power in your home, create a disaster plan to keep your pets safe from heat stroke and other temperature-related trouble.

Sources:

The Humane Society

Hot Car Flyer:
http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/pets/hot_car_flyer.pdf

Testing for Heat Stroke in your pet:
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pets_safe_heat_wave.html#heatstroke

Check if your Pet is affected by Humidity:
http://www.hsvma.org/

Cooling your Dog Inside and Out!:
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/eating/recipes/animal_treats/dog_popsicles.html

Create a Diaster Plan To Keep Pets Safe:
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pets-disaster.html



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