Sunday, January 19, 2014
BREATHING IN THE BREATH
Breathing is something we all do in order to live. But how many times have you been told in your
lifetime when things get stressful to just ‘breathe?’
It is always funny to hear someone tell you to breathe. After all, don’t you do that anyway?
But this ‘breath’ is really more of a life pause:
*It is a pause for reflection.
*It is a time to stop in your tracks and take note of what
really matters.
* The breath is meant to remind you to feel where you are
at, not simply react, freak out, be stressed or take things out of context.
* It is for taking a moment that is yours and only yours for
yourself to regain your position of balance and being, counting to ten.
Breathing sometimes helps us to examine where our priorities
are, evaluate what energy is in our lives and what is working and not working
for us. It gives us a chance to
appreciate the things we normally ignore, because we breeze through life.
Breathing helps us see where we are and helps us to get
where we are going, while clearing a space we can reserve for positive insight.
Whenever we have a chance to step aside and not taking
everything so seriously, we soon discover just how much energy we waste on a
daily basis on things that simply don’t matter when we look at life’s larger
picture.
Have you ever gone on a jog or run and suddenly needed to
stop to catch your breath? When we stop
ourselves mid-stride, sometimes we are given an opportunity to gather scattered
dispersed energies in order to regain new energy. Taking time to take a breath
also shifts how our bodies physically react to any given situation.
Breathing in also gives us a chance to reconnect with
nostalgic memories. Whether you are
smelling Grandma’s special recipe for a hearty beef stew or perhaps the aroma of
a roaring fire reminds you of campfire chats when you were a child, we can
trigger many memories from our past by breathing in scents to help us recall
certain times in our life. The smell of
an old book, a holiday candle, popcorn or cotton candy can take us back to
times we cherish.
With that said, when considering your next conscious
‘breath’ – remember that it is important to also exhale all that ails you… stress, tension, pent up emotion, frustration
and things that are not within your own control in order to give you the
release you need. Mental, emotional and
physical well-being is reliant on the ultimate cleansing breath.
Take care of your health.
Stay well and flu free. Keeping
your sinuses healthy and clear because you took the time to be conscious of
your breathing when stressful situations compromise your immunity is important.
As we enter the holiday season, a time when most get
overwhelmed with life, errands, daily tasks and the calendar – remember to
breathe and don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers along the way.
~ Athena
& Tess – We Solved It
SOLUTIONS
for everyday PROBLEMS
Sunday, December 29, 2013
SOLUTION TO RESOLUTIONS = EVOLUTION
RESOLUTION: the act of
finding an answer or solution to a conflict, problem, etc.: the act of
resolving something.
New Year’s is a time when people make resolutions. But what is a resolution, really? It’s about RESOLVING what you consider to be
a problem in the first place.
This has brought up something interesting – HOW DO WE DEFINE
PROBLEMS? For each person, a problem is
different just like solutions and resolutions to those very problems are
different.
When is a problem, really a problem?
If you solve the problem, does the problem go away to the
point your solution becomes the ‘solve all’ to this particular problem in the
future?
Ask yourself this question.
Then take a look at your New Year’s Resolutions.
Let’s say your New Year’s Resolution is to stop
__________(fill in the blank) or start ___________(fill in the blank).
Why do almost all New Year’s Resolutions FAIL? It is because most resolutions are not actually
resolving anything or solving the actual problem. And this is because it is identified as an
isolated thing. Most things we must
stop doing or start doing is based on BEHAVIOR – and so if we’re not resolving
the root of the behavior, most often it translates to the same behavior in
another form.
Have you ever heard of people who want to stop smoking say
they don’t want to because they think if they do, they will gain weight? Why do you think that is? It is because the food replaces the
cigarette. The behavior switches gears to something else because it really is about anxiety, discomfort, nerves, which is usually the base behavior for why people smoke in the first place. Sometimes it is a generational learned behavior. But it is not the cigarette, it is the behavior.
Have you ever heard of people who say their New Year’s
Resolution is to be more productive, but by mid-year, nothing gets done because
they’ve been too busy to take on the resolution? This is because the problem isn’t really
productivity, it is time management, being disorganized. This is a behavior.
Have you ever heard of people say that for the New Year they
want to lose weight? But then just a couple months later, they have not lost it?
This is because the problem with weight
has absolutely nothing to do with food or even exercise – it has to do with
psychological behavior (i.e. habits, willpower, mind-over-body, not stuffing
emotional issues, etc.) This explains
why even if you run five miles and eat healthy, you can still have weight. You have to let go of the issues in order to
help yourself get rid of the pounds. It’s
all behavior based and that is the root.
So as we look at ‘resolutions’ we must ask ourselves what is
it we’re really resolving. Are we
resolving – procrastination, obsession, defeat, control, anxiety, anger?
YES – THIS IS THE REAL NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION… these are root
resolutions. And root resolutions solve
more than one problem. Root resolutions
are acquired or learned behaviors that trigger a whole set of behaviors,
actions and reactions as well as responses.
It is these root problems which cause a myriad of problems.
We tend to ‘categorize’ problems as one thing without
realizing there is a string of other issues affiliated with a behavior which
transfers across the board.
Problems multiply.
Take the common flu for example. The problem is you have the flu. And when you see multi-symptom relief over
the counter – notice that this medication can solve coughing, itchy eyes,
sneezing, fevers, sore throats, sinus congestion and a long list of problems. We have all accepted that the flu has ALL
these symptoms – so the flu is not just one problem. For many it is several problems going on at
once, right?
If we take the approach of our resolutions being like
multi-symptom relief, we ultimately won’t really have to make New Year’s
Resolutions anymore. Changing one
behavior (which is the common denominator of many of our problems) can
eliminate a problem by being the ultimate solution.
So as you make your New Year’s Resolutions this year –
RETHINK what it is that you are resolving. If you RESOLVE, you ideally DISSOLVE
a behavior and then you will be SOLVE the problem.
Join us in our Solution Revolution and resolve to dissolve
and you too can say “WE SOLVED IT!”
~ Athena & Tess – We Solved It
SOLUTIONS
for everyday PROBLEMS
Friday, December 20, 2013
WHEN SILENCE IS GOLDEN
How many times have you heard the phrase, “Silence
is golden?” Do you know what it
means? It means that sometimes saying
nothing is preferable to speaking.
With the upcoming holidays, we felt this was an
appropriate blog to post. The holidays
are a time when people lose their cool, their patience and out of stress and
frustration from traffic, crowded stores and malls, parking issues and of
course not getting enough sleep from trying to do too much, words fly that
shouldn’t.
Is it really a store clerk’s fault that the last
iPhone has been sold?
Is it really the waitress or waiter’s fault that
you had to wait 2 hours to get a table for dinner when you didn’t make a
reservation and all the shoppers like you don’t want to go home and cook dinner
and are also eating out, too?
Is it really the parking attendant’s fault that you
failed to read the 15 minute only parking sign?
The point is we should all take a moment to pause
and much of the time, keep our mouths shut so we don’t take out our
frustrations on innocent people.
The holidays come every year, the same time of
year. This is not a secret. It’s not like anyone did not tell you when
they were. You knew, you did not plan
ahead. Whose fault is that?
It is also good to remember the silence is golden
rule at holiday gatherings and parties and watch your alcohol intake. Nothing could be worse than getting sauced
and blurting out that your co-worker Jenny is job hunting and the company boss
is just an earshot away. Stop the office
gossiping, backstabbing and sabotage and keep your mouth closed.
Silence is also golden around children. Don’t ruin the holidays for them. Let them believe in their family traditions
and the magic it holds even if you don’t.
It is not their fault you lost the magic and are bah-humbug about the
season. Let them enjoy their holiday
break from school and take in what the season has to offer without your
tainting it because you see the world differently.
Family gatherings are also a good time to remember
the silence is golden rule. If you know
Uncle Edgar gets upset when the family talks about his toupee, Aunt Ida is
sensitive about her weight gain and your cousin Monica isn’t pregnant yet but
has been trying and trying – keep quiet, remove the pressure, negativity, and
unproductive discussion that only causes hard feelings, awkwardness and heated
family arguments. This is also NOT the
time to break confidences, have open discussions that were private between
other family members, or sharing your opinions that can cause discord,
uneasiness and make loved ones feel uncomfortable.
Silence can also be golden if you are too
joyous. The holidays are not always
jolly for everyone. Sometimes they are
difficult and painful – particularly for people who have lost loved ones and
have this time of year representative of personal tragedies; those who are
dealing with illness and disease; divorce; a miscarriage; the season marks the
anniversary of a natural disaster or horrific loss/devastation from Mother Nature
or they have a family member overseas in the war zone fighting for our
country.
While it’s great you may be cheery and festive,
sometimes your cheeriness and festive mood is not particularly welcomed if
someone else is struggling emotionally, financially, physically or
mentally. Some people are just waiting
to get through the season and want the holiday music to be over so they are not
reminded of the unhappy memory or the fact they do not have the means to
participate in the way your jolly nature expects. Be generous, offer support and love, but keep
your mouth shut from words that may be more painful to hear at this time of
year.
Above all – be conscious and think before you speak
if you choose to speak. If unsure – keep quiet. Your mouth sometimes can cause
a lot of problems – pushing people’s buttons, being selfish with your thoughts
and actions, saying things that rub people the wrong way and not putting
yourself in someone else’s shoes.
And remember that silence is golden – not just
around the holidays but it can be helpful in many social or household
situations all year long.
Be kind. Be thoughtful and courteous. Remember your
manners. It’s the season of holiday
goodies and eating. Enjoy them – and
since it is rude to talk with your mouth full, best to just savor the tasty
treats and keep the peace.
~ Athena
& Tess – We Solved It
SOLUTIONS
for everyday PROBLEMS
Saturday, December 14, 2013
HOLIDAY SAFETY: THINKING OF KIDS AND PETS
Safety is something we think about year-round. But with the holidays, lots of people get
caught up in the moment and forget some simple key ways to be safe around the
season.
If you read our blog regularly, you’ll know we just posted a
blog on TIME FOR FIRE SAFETY REMINDERS http://wesolvedit.blogspot.com/2013/12/time-for-fire-safety-reminders.html
You will find many of these fire safety reminders to be
related to safety for kids and pets.
Some of the most obvious safety reminders may appear to be
obvious, but it is easy to ‘forget’ the dangers affiliated with holiday
activities. Here are a few tips we’d
like to post. We hope that even if this
is just a refresher for you that if our tips can help save one child or one pet
it’s worth being repetitive.
*Fire wood is wonderful if you are lucky enough to have a
wood burning fire place. And while you may already practice fire safety tips
mentioned in our previous blog – chances are you have firewood placed on your
hearth at one point or another inside of your home at a level that small
children and pets can reach. Do not
forget that black widow spiders like to nest in piles of wood. One bite from this spider can be a lethal
one. Be sure to inspect all of your
fire wood thoroughly before you bring it inside. Keep watch for splintery bits that often
fall off when bringing the wood inside.
Stocking feet of kids and adults as well as the padded paws of
four-legged family members will appreciate not getting toe splinters if you
take this extra precaution.
*Holiday plants look lovely – but they can kill your cat or
dog. Caladium, Christmas Berries,
Christmas Rose, Jerusalem Cherry, Holly, Mistletoe, Pointsettia, Star of
Bethlehem, Elderberry and even common house plants like English Ivy or
Philodendron which often accompany red and green floral arrangements can be
deadly to your pets. Even if you are
extra careful with these holiday arrangements… even simple floral arrangements
for your mantle, dinner table can be deadly. Keep them out of reach and out of
places where they can be knocked over by curious climbers – both the two and
four-legged ones.
*Hooks and pins are great for your holiday wreath or tree to
hang lots of baubles and help hanging lights both inside and out, but should
one fall off onto the floor, carpet or even just outside your home it can
easily be swallowed slitting the throat of your toddler or pet! Even if you do not have children or pets – a
metal hook in your foot or in your car tire, really isn’t fun. Watch out as you decorate in all your
merriment – and be extra careful.
* Ornaments and lights are beautiful for decorating, but
they can be dangerous, too. While glass
bulbs are probably on your radar - Ornaments adorn everything these days from holiday
garland, wreaths and trees to table coffee table centerpieces with
candles. Most of you may be aware that
glass ornaments are dangerous and many can fall onto hard surfaces like a
hearth, entryway or floor and shatter – you may not be aware that some plastic
ornaments are not as durable as you think.
Small shards of plastic can be dangerous, too – as most ornaments are
hollow and have seams which split easily.
Even if the ornament is in tact, look for these plastic fragments to
break away from corners. Many of these
ornaments may not be up to temperature/heat (those that sit directly next to
holiday lights or feel the heat of the
fireplace it sits next to) – breaking down the material, making it more
vulnerable to small cracks and breakage.
*Wires/electrical cords are a necessity when ‘plugging in’
your festive lights inside your home.
Curious children and pets around a LIVE Christmas tree that is watered
regularly to keep from drying out with dangling cords for lights nearby is
deadly. If you have pets that drink from
your toilet – what is to stop them from drinking water from the base of your
holiday tree? Stay aware of this danger
and be cautious of cords and wires that get pulled out and plugged in with the
curiosity that comes from snooping around surrounding presents around the
tree’s baseline (kids and pets), as well as the water that some pets may be
drinking and playing around.
*Holiday treats are in abundance during this time – candy,
cakes, fudge, pies … it’s sometimes a bit overwhelming when you have friendly
co-workers, neighbors, friends and relatives who drop by with plates full of
goodies. While most parents are careful
with children and their nut allergies and dogs around chocolate – we would like
to take this time to remind everyone that these treats in the wrong hands or
paws, can make a very UNMERRY holiday season. The same should be said for hot cocoa, hot
cider, coffee and tea – spilling of hot beverages within reach of kids or pets
can burn your loved ones. And while alcohol
goes without saying – everyone knows not to serve it to little ones and pets,
you also need to take precautionary measures.
When Grandpa Al or Aunt Joanne happen to ‘forget’ they’ve left their hot
toddy on a low-level coffee or end table in the living room during their visit
– this can present some dangerous circumstances.
While the holidays are supposed to be fun and we’re not
trying to put a damper on your spirit, we DO want to ensure happy, safe,
peaceful, healthy holidays for all.
With so much going on between the shopping, wrapping, cooking and travel
planning – we don’t want you to get so distracted you forget that your children
and pets also look to you to protect their health and safety.
By taking extra care this holiday season you can ensure your
family will have happy holidays.
~ Athena
& Tess – We Solved It
SOLUTIONS
for everyday PROBLEMS
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