Memories of Nice  ..... Let the Healing Begin

   I've been to Nice only once, with the family one summer years ago. As one of

Resting on a rock in Nice, above the city

my favorite places, I began wondering what is it about a place or places that attract us to it? Is it the energy of the land, is it because you were born in a particular place and raised there?
   It is hard to pinpoint exactly what makes each country or nation different, other than the obvious physical things like climate, topography, the people, the customs, the food. Surely that is part of it. But then why do other places make us feel uncomfortable?
   I am also writing this because recently there was a very terrible incident there that took the lives of many innocent men, women and children. So perhaps in remembering the good memories I had there, plus this mystery of why some lands are more attractive than others may help to restore some peace and healing to a place that has been wounded.
   I remember coming on the plane, after having some minor injuries, so I was in some pain and uncomfortable on the flight over. I rarely sleep on transatlantic flights, so I was happy to see the dawn as we drew nearer. Just looking at the crystal blue waters, I felt as though I had been transported to another world. After landing the glare of the sun was so bright it took awhile to adjust. There it is again, that supreme quality of light in the South of France. It is so bright and crystal clear and pure, like it is transparent, yet at the same time has a kind of golden glow to it. You could not capture it, and most likely none of the artists who have tried to work with the light have never really captured its true essence.

Family time at the villa reading

   Riding through the town, it was a hub of activity, of people moving around, walking, going to cafes and shops, and then the promenade along the waterfront. And still more people, as it was the height of summertime. It was almost too much to take in all at once, for the senses were filled and overflowing.
   We made our way up into the hills, way above the city, to a villa of a family friend where we were staying for awhile. Even the streets had their own kind of charm, winding and turning ever upward into the hills, with the scenery becoming more rugged and rural, tall grasses and trees and dusty dirt clinging to the ground, swirling sometimes as we drove by.

My nephew by the fig tree in the yard

   It was very comfortable at the villa, which was white, and the sunlight sometimes seemed to make it glow. From there you could see the city below, the sky and the sea, but it was hard to tell if the Azure Coast was named for the color of the sky or the sea or both. Every day there were different colors and hues of deepest blue, with touches of pink in the magnificent sunsets.
   We didn't venture very far, but sat outside in the glorious sunlight reading or resting, and having outdoor cook outs in the evenings with the fresh food from the market place. 
   Although I had some discomfort and was very stiff, and I had forgotten to pack my herbs, it seemed the place itself was one of healing between the air, the light, the colors, who knows what it was? A place that was timeless but also a sense of being ancient.

Me at Cimiez

   So who knows what makes us each find different places that we are attracted to. I know for example I usually have trouble in Germany, it is a very strong and vibrant place, but perhaps too intense for me. Even New York can sometimes be harsh, with its granite base. Some mountains can be hard and sharp and rocky, while the Catskills of New York are very soft and round in nature it seems.

Mom at Cimiez

   So this bears more investigation, as connecting to one's homeland is indeed a part of natural living, because you are connecting to the land and the whole earth. All too often we forget about nature and living a natural life, so tied up in our work and our technological toys of phones, ipads, and drones. So it causes more questions, as to what places may make you feel well, while others not so well.

   We cannot turn back time, but we can preserve what we have and what we love as best we can. 

Wishing you well,
Maery

Tranquility

Summer Drought

   We are finally into the hottest days of our summer here in the Northeast. Yet many of us do not realize that it has been quite dry since the Spring, even though we seem to have had many stormy days. Now that the heat has finally kicked, and the lack of rain, there is evidence of vegetation burning up, animals searching for water. I find the wild rabbits sitting on the cool grass of the front lawn in the shade, birds searching for water.
   Currently in the New York area here, we are about 3 inches below what our normal rainfall is. We had only one big snowstorm this year, as compared to many storms over the last few years.

Very little water

   Now someone once told me, that when you have a lack of rain, and when things heat up, it is often followed by a storm such as a hurricane. This Fall, at the end of September, it will be exactly 4 years since the devastating

Hurricane Sandy struck the Northeast. Does history repeat itself? Are the conditions right for another strong hurricane system?
   Hurricane season starts on June 1, and ends on November 1. Things are usually very active around the end of August. So we shall see. We did have a mild winter, and when the waters of the Gulf Stream are very warm, it makes conditions favorable for storms.
   About a month ago, I visited my family in Florida. My sister in law wanted to take me out in their boat, but after we launched, we saw all these dark clouds. Knowing the severity of storms coming off the Gulf of Mexico, I was anxious to get back to shore. After I left and went home, there were reports of mini tornadoes in the area, so it is good we went ashore!

   Of course it is interesting information to learn about storms and weather patterns and phenomena of nature, but really my point is that when you learn to know these signs, and know about weather conditions and things that can be potentially dangerous, you are once again actively living a natural life. You are more attuned to what is going on around you and in nature.
   Another example of the drought was the journey up to the mountains last weekend. Because of the lack of rain, things were very, very dry, and there had been some forest fires as a result, which was very sad. I went to the local waterfall where I like to sit and read, but the water was barely a trickle as opposed to the rushing waters of Springtime. Often in Summer the water flow is less, but this is the worst I have seen in the ten years I have been visiting this state park.

On the mountain

   And in other parts of the country, like Texas, there have been massive floods, and in California and Arizona, more wildfires. And in Paris, unusual floods caused much destruction and there was fear that the art in the Louvre would be damaged. When I was in Paris years ago and walking to the Louvre every day, I never imagined it would be in danger of flooding.
   So different scenarios and situations for different places around the world, but it makes me think again about the balances of things. Too much water in some places, and not enough in others. It seems the planet is out of balance, and yet nature always seems to rebalance itself somehow.

Wishing balance to one and all

Maery

Here Comes The Sun.....   Being Cautious Outdoors in the Elements

   Well, Summer is officially here, and the Sun is strong and bright, and hot. It is a welcome change after Winter, and a somewhat cold Spring here in the U.S.  During the month of May it was even necessary to turn the heat on a few times, which is most unusual weather for us.

   So now the Sun is here, and the days are getting progressively hotter, and it finds us spending more time outdoors, whether it is just walking, sitting outside in the yard, or engaging in sports, or spending time by our oceans, bays, lakes or rivers. It is a part of being connected to nature, and sometimes it is easier in Summer than in Winter when there is extreme cold or snow, unless you enjoy winter sports.
   In northern climates, ancient peoples would worship the Sun, while is southern climates or hot climates, ancient peoples would worship water.
   The Sun is the source of life and growth. Without it vegetation could not live, nor would there be life without the warmth of the Sun. And yet it can be a double edged sword, for example, like the rose has its thorns, too much exposure to the Sun can be harmful. As in everything, there needs to be a balance.

   So it is important to be careful of how much exposure your skin gets to the Sun, and it is important to wear sunblock. With so many choices out there, how do you choose? And which products are more natural, and which are possibly more toxic?

   I am always reading about the differences in sunblocks online. Most commercial sunblocks contain not only chemicals for blocking the sun, but have additives like parabens. Unfortunately parabens are toxic. In women, additives like parabens or chemicals can combine with estrogen and make a woman's estrogen levels too high, and is thought to possibly be a link to breast and other cancers. So read labels, do your research, and try for organic sunblock found either online or in health food stores. The least harmful blocks for the sun seem to be titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. I do not believe there have been any studies done on the effects of these ingredients, but they are certainly better than some of the products out there. 

   The minimum sunblock protection should be an SPF of 15, but SPF 30 is what is recommended. And your sunblock should protect you from both UVA and UVB rays from the Sun. Be advised as well that even on cloudy days you can get a burn, so wearing sunblock is essential for daily use. I have found certain brands to be less effective than others, and sure enough when I researched them online, many people had the same conclusion. If you are still getting burned even with sunblock, check your sunblock and change it. Read the reviews of people who have used the products out there on the market, both the positive and negative.

   As well, hats, clothing and umbrellas can reduce extreme exposure. There is clothing available now that blocks the sun's rays. More and more I see children wearing shorts and long sleeve shirts in the water which is a great protection.

   In general, clothing provides an SPF of about 6, so you might want to put sunblock on under clothes before leaving the house.

   Of course the hours when the Sun is strongest is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Most days I take my walks early in the morning, and if I go to the beach I am usually home early. And if I do gardening or yard work I wear a hat. Sunglasses to are important to protect your eyes.

   I love nothing more than to be in the great outdoors and enjoy the summer and all it has to offer, but I am still cautious. I worked in the field of Dermatology for many years and have heard all the precautions, and heard about and seen patients with melanoma and less serious skin cancers.

   And it doesn't matter if you live in a northern climate. Recently a young girl of 18 passed away from melanoma and she lived in England. Her mother always made her children wear sunblock when they were away on vacation in sunnier climates, but not at home. And it does not matter if you have fair skin, or darker skin, everyone has the potential for skin cancer.

   As much as I love the outdoors, I respect nature including the strength of the Sun. As well as storms and high winds. We tend to think we are invincible, but even we must obey Mother Nature! 

   Be careful when boating, and follow the rules and regulations of the water, and always wear a life jacket as well. Last night there was a forecast for severe thunderstorms, yet some men went out on a boat at 8 p.m., just when it was getting dark, and the storms were already swirling around nearby. Their boat reportedly lost power, and they were rescued by the Marine Police Unit who happened to spot their boat on radar. The question is, why would you venture out on to deep waters if there were dark clouds and thunderstorms predicted?

   Also when boating or hiking, make sure people know where you are going and always have a cell phone with you. Stay on marked trails. Bring pepper spray for possible bears, especially in late Spring and Summer when mother bears are protective of their young. Wear natural insect repellents for mosquitoes and ticks if they have them in your area.

   Summer is all too short. I try to be outdoors as much as possible, even at night when the weather allows. Money cannot buy the simple pleasures of a sunrise or sunset, or a blanket of stars in the night sky. Some day I would love to see the Northern Lights. Nature's firework's display!

   But in all things, and all adventures we still need to be practical so we can be safe.

Hoping you will be well and safe

Maery

The Summer Season

Summer Bathing

   We ease from one season to the next. Summer is almost here, officially on the Summer solstice on June 21^st. and as the seasons shift, our bodies must adjust once again to change.

Sailing

   The days are longer, and on the solstice we have the “longest” day – that is the longest day of sunlight. Once we pass the solstice, each day sunlight begins to grow shorter by minutes as the Sun continues on its journey.

   The Sun is considered Yang energy in the Chinese tradition. We are active, we do more, and are more outward. Spring was a time of cleansing from Winter and a time of renewal or new birth. In the Summer season things grow and bloom and mature, and then in the Fall we have the harvest.

   In Summer we experience the element of Fire according to the Chinese 5 Element theory, and governs the heart and small intestines. The other systems connected to Summer are the Pericardium whoch protects the heart and regulates blood flow, heat and nourishment, and the second system is the Triple Warmer which maintains temperature and warmth.

   The heart is a central organ for the whole body, like the Sun is the center of our solar system. The heart controls everything, for without a heart beat we would not live. The heart is also to do with passion.

   The other organ connected with Summer is the small intestines, which digest and absorb nutrients, and separates out toxins.

   In the body, the Triple Warmer has the upper burner, the middle burner and the lower burner. The upper burner is located in the heart and lung area, the middle burner is by the solar plexus and relates to the stomach and spleen, as well as the gall bladder, liver and small intestines, and the lower burner by the area of the navel relates to the large intestines, bladder and kidneys. The Triple Warmer produces heat and energy through respiration, digestion and elimination.

   Going back to Fire, Fire’s circulation and heating are important to balance and function of the entire body. Fire brings vitality. We always feels more energetic in Summer.

   The direction for the Summer is the South.

   The color for Summer and Fire is Red.

   The emotions associated with Summer/Fire are joy and sadness, and excess of either is not healthy.

   The flavor for Summer is bitter, which is believed to strengthen the heart and small intestines.

   The peak time for the Sun is noon. So I try to accomplish things in the morning to catch the energy flow of the Sun at tis strongest. By 4 p.m. our energies start to naturally wane.

   The dominant time for the heart is between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

   The small intestine connects the stomach and large intestine, and nutrients that are absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestines go to the liver where it can be used or stored. The waste goes to the large intestine. It is wise to avoid inflammatory foods so that the small intestine will work smoothly, avoiding too much meat, dairy, breads and sugar.

  

Fire and Water

Fire and Water

   Although we are dealing mainly with the element of Fire in the Summer, you cannot address Fire without also mentioned Water, for Fire and Water balance each other, and in Chinese Medicine, as in all things, it is the balancing of things that is important.

   If your Water element is weak, Fire can burn out of control which can result in too much heat in the body and systems and organs or create inflammation, and inflammation is often a basis for illness to develop. When Water is too strong it can drown Fire and make one weak physically, and unable to take action.

   Fire is aligned to the heart in the body, while Water is related to the kidneys. Fire relates to the male and sexual energy, and gives life just like the Sun causes growth, while Water is more female and relates to the kidneys and bladder and governs the sexual organs. Water is receptive and also in turn nourishes, feeding growth.

   For Women, if their emotions (governed by Water) are not flowing well or they are too emotional due to stress, the result in the body can be congestion with Fire in the pelvic area and can result in inflammation or infection in the sexual organs.

   For men too much sexual activity without replenishment can cause Water to take over a weakened Fire, leading to congestion and result in back aches, loss of energy and lack of creativity.

   As for diet, with the heat of Fire and Summer, a cool and light diet is best. Fruits and vegetables are Yin or wet and cooling, while Yang foods heat us up like proteins (meat, nuts, seeds, legumes) and grains and dairy.

   No matter what, do not over burden the liver, so avoid fried foods or processed foods, or chemicals, or drugs, alcohol or caffeine in excess. Any organ that is abused during one cycle can show up as illness or disease in the next season.

   To replenish a weak Fire, the taste needed is bitter. So green leafy vegetables, endive, escarole, watercress and lettuce can nourish Fire. Light use of coffee or tea is also bitter, but I prefer not to have those in my own diet because of the caffeine, and also knowing what coffee can do to your body. Excess caffeine can also burn out the adrenals and lead to inflammation. Spices like cayenne, ginger or curry can add Fire to the blood for people with weak Fire.

   Another important aspect for Fire and to keep things balanced and flowing smooth is exercise. Summer time is a perfect time to be outdoors and engage in sports like swimming, biking, hiking, or even just taking a walk.

   Overall, when I think of Summer, I think of cooling and finding balance. Each person has to find what works for them, whether it is habits or diet or exercise. Cool drinks like water with lemon, or just plain water works well in Summer. But remember do not change your diet without consulting your doctor first. These are all just suggestions that correlate to the season of Summer. It is important to find what balances work for you.

   Stay cool! Until our next season called Late Summer.

Be Well

Maery

   

Finding Nature

   It is not always possible to be out in nature like we desire - due to weather or other constraints like injuries or illness, or just not enough time to travel, or not enough money to take exotic trips to far away places.

Bridge over troubled waters

   I have been spoiled by being able to wander the trails over nearby parks in Upstate New York. But this past year has been different, due to injuries that keep me from hiking or travelling to full capacity.
   As an example, over this year's Easter break, I wanted to try a new trail, to be somewhere not so crowded. Now, since I have been coming to some of these parks for several years now, the park employees and many residents have come to know me as a fellow hiker and nature lover. Since being injured, I have been treated very kindly, taking up offers from others to drop me off either at the site of the waterfalls, or to the trail head, so that I can easily scoot downhill about 50 feet to a marvelous stream with a wooden tree bridge, and lie down on a rock shelf to meditate and just appreciate nature.
   I had the sense that there were no other people around for at least a half mile. It was utterly quiet - even the birds were not making noise. Only the sound of the water rushing by in the stream that wound downhill to my favorite waterfall in the area, and occasionally the wind would rustle the trees.
   Things were still not in bloom, no leaves on the trees, but there is a sound in the evergreens, that is a kind of whistling, and even small branches can make a clicking sound in a strong enough wind. Luckily, since it was early Spring, the sun was very warm, making it a pleasant day - just warm enough.
   But on any mountain, weather can change quickly, with dropping temperatures, or rising winds, or the appearance of clouds, and a chill in the air. And so we adjust to what Mother Nature brings us, and we act accordingly.
   On many Spring excursions there has been alot of ice and snow on the ground, as well as tracks of a wild animal, which appeared to be that of a bobcat, for hopefully the bears would still be asleep. Ice and snow has its own crystal clearness and cleansing quality, even the air is crisp and still. The waterfalls are still in motion, yet it appears their droplets of water freeze like crystals in the air, temporarily suspended, until they fall down the cliff to the stream below. But that momentary suspension is also like being suspended in time. Everything stops. And yet everything around you is alive.
   These moments in nature is what can nurture and heal us in body, mind and soul. When it gets too cold or I know I have reached my limits for being outdoors, I go back to my favorite Bed and Breakfast nearby and sit on the front porch of the elegant Victorian house that is shared by 3 other rooms. You can sit, facing the mountain, but get the warmth of the late day sun coming down the sky, towards the mountain, until it disappears into twilight. All too often it is too cloudy to find the stars, but somehow you know they are there, just beyond your reach. Huddled in my coat, I sometimes bring a blanket to wrap around me. And eat my take out dinner. Just to be outdoors for as long as possible.
   Even retreating indoors, you can still sense what is going on just over the hill, in the trees, the mountain, the fields and meadows, the rocks and streams and rivers.
   So even if you can't travel, or hike long distances, you can still be outdoors, and be a part of the cathedral of nature. This is a way of natural living.
   Hope you find some time to enjoy this way of life as I have done.

Maery

Clothing that Heals, Blue Roses and Meditation

A Blue Rose

   Just recently I spied this lovely blue dress on the bargain rack while walking past. I pulled it out and knew I had to have it immediately. As it turned out, it fit perfectly, but it is what happened after putting the dress on that was remarkable.

The Dress with Blue Roses

   It was  just a simple dress, a kind of jersey knit, and even though I mostly prefer cotton and clothing made of natural materials, this dress had flowers on it. Not just any flowers but what appeared to be blue roses. Now blue roses are not a natural flower in nature and can only be achieved by cross breeding roses. And in fairy tales and folk tales the blue rose takes on a mythical quality, of something very rare and fine, usually entwined with a romance of some kind.
   But the key factor in the blue roses is a simple meditation i came across in my life journey. Blue roses I believe were meant to symbolize the ability of forgetfulness - that is to forget all the worries and troubles in your mind, thinking about the color blue, which in itself is peaceful and calming, and thus resulting in a very calm and relaxed state that meditation can bring about.
   When I put the dress on, I remembered the meditation and instantly felt like a million dollars. Who of the feminine gender doesn't love a new dress, or the masculine gender who doesn't love a smart new suit or jeans and sport jacket or even just your favorite comfortable sweats and a pair of running shoes?
   Putting on that dress every time was a link to the blue roses, but it also made me think of the possibility of clothes that could heal - be it the fabric texture, the colors, or the addition of symbols, patterns, specially designed and made.

Rainbows and Lace

   So it has started me thinking about this and possibly designing items. I am researching how to tie dye clothing, with colors for specific mood enhancement, using natural fabrics whenever possible. That would include cotton, linen and silk. I don't usually think of leather because it means killing animals, and never wear or use fur, but to each his own. Sometimes it is hard to find natural materials, so we do our best.
   So eventually you will see perhaps some items appear on the blog. My first attempt has been a headband using gemstones which seem to relax and ease tension. If you don't believe in gemstones, so be it, but so far it seems to help others. After researching many stones, I have been experimenting with tiny chips of amethyst and lapis lazuli, but it is still in the stage of having friends and family wear the headbands and getting feedback.

Headbands with Lapis and Amethyst

   Color is a powerful tool, for we use it to paint our walls, choose our outdoor flowers, choose it for our cars, our art. Don't we use it to cheer ourselves up when we put on our favorite color? There is so much to explore in the area of color and how it can affect us. So stay tuned for other articles on this subject.

Maery

Surviving City Life - Natural Living

   Many people around the globe live in cities, as opposed to life hundreds of years ago when it was mostly small towns and farms. City life may have its advantages such as good jobs, housing that prevents commuting to and from a city, convenience of stores and restaurants and entertainment often within walking distance. But it has its down side too - crowded streets with cars and taxis and buses, sidewalks with crowds of people rushing, miles of concrete and asphalt with little greenery, a faster pace of life, often accompanied by pollution and grime from industry.
   And so to find the balance for where ever you live. In a city, there are often parks where you can walk, jog, ride a bike or sit on a bench. Some cities have tree lined streets or flowers, or spas where you can relax and unwind. Or sometimes you can leave the city for the day or the weekend to relax and unwind.
   Another suggestion is to bring nature indoors, whether it is a home in suburbia or an apartment in an urban area. Plants add greenery and nature to a home, as well as cleansing the air of indoor pollutants. Depending on what kind of light you have will determine which plants will do well where you live. Windows that face the south or east give the best light, but also it depends on the number of windows and their sizes. People need light too, and often a picture window or skylight or bay window will allow more natural light into your home.
   Another way to bring nature into your home is through a terrarium. You can purchase one at a nursery or build your own. In a glass bowl you can put any items from nature that you gather - sea shells, stones, leaves, flowers, sand or pebbles. A basket of pine cones is another good example. Or a collection of feathers found on the ground.
   Silk flowers are a good alternative to those who can't seem to grow plants. Plastic is not really recommended, but silk is fine because it is a natural material.

The Sound of Ocean Waves can also be relaxing

   Another good suggestion is art work. Prints or photographs of nature scenes of mountains, woods, rivers, oceans or even flowers helps the mind to connect to nature.

The sounds of birds can be relaxing

   Music is another way. There are many CD's for relaxation that include sounds of nature such as running water, ocean waves, sounds of birds or other animals. They can also provide a good back drop to meditation. Music in general is good for the home. I play my satellite radio from the moment I get up in the morning until I go to sleep, because I love to be surrounded by music.

Enjoying Nature in the Garden

   Imagine the magic of music drowning out the sound of traffic and beeping horns below on the street. A family member used to live on 72nd Street in Manhattan, and whenever I would visit and stay over, the sound of the street below felt like I was sleeping outside on the expressway, until about 4 am, when everything got quiet.

Taking a Walk on my Favorite Boardwalk

   There is a saying that "the city never sleeps" and it is probably true. There is always a background noise, a hum, a vibration of life, which can be stimulating and electrifying. But can a person truly relax in an atmosphere of stimulation? I found an apartment this year in the suburbs for a friend who had been living in Manhattan for 5 years or so, and she was amazed that once she moved she not only slept longer, but her quality of sleep had improved.
   After working and commuting to Manhattan for ten years, I found ways to go with the flow of the city life during my time there. It was helpful to be more cognizant of the seasons, the temperatures of the day, the sunlight or lack thereof, trying to see the clouds and sky above the skyscrapers. Walking with the flow of traffic helped as well. And taking breaks in crammed little coffee shops or on a park bench in Union Square, or going to a museum at lunch time. I also used to look at the architecture of the buildings, each one so different, and the churches, springing up in between the skyscrapers reaching into the sky. My favorite route was Park Avenue, where the median in the middle would be planted with different types of flowers for Spring and Summer. Even that small token would mean alot in a place of concrete and buildings.
   No matter where you live, you need to make your own space truly your own, and make it a sanctuary.

Maery

A Walk Along the Hudson River in Summer