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

The Month of March - A Time to Cleanse

   March is the beginning of many new things as the seasons begin to shift and change, leaving winter slowly behind, and spring fast approaching. Sunlight has already increased, the days are longer, the quality of the sunlight is so brilliant it is inspiring.
   And with all of these changes beginning to onset slowly, our bodies naturally start to cleanse and shed the toxins gathered in winter. Although March 21st marks

The First Crocus of Spring

the official beginning of spring, there seems to be signs of spring already. For the first time in a long time the birds were out and singing. The  neighborhood hawk returned, seeking food no doubt. There is a warmth in the air. Things are beginning to grow and the grass is turning green, sun light is pervasive.
   So how to best facilitate the process?
   Cleansing is one of the most important aspects of spring, but first is to look at the approach to the season of spring through Chinese medicine. Spring is represented by the element of wood and governs the body organs of the liver and gall bladder. Wood governs trees, plants, humans, anything that is living and grows. Trees have roots, a trunk and limbs, humans have the spine, and limbs and joints.
   People with a severe wood imbalance may have spinal issues, rigidness in their bodies and personalities, arthritis flare ups, joint pain, bone issues.
   The color for spring is green. Pale green is new growth, while dark green is old growth. You can see this clearly in ivy, for the new shoots are green and the old growth is dark green.
   If a person strongly craves or dislikes green intensely it may suggest an imbalance in wood.
   But the color green can also be very healing. Spring represents new life and birth. Most animals have their young in the spring. In spring we have new ideas, inspirations, fresh starts and new beginnings. Spring always inspires and moves us into action.

The Rabbit Has Returned for Spring!

   The element of wood also gives us clarity and the ability to focus and plan things. If you cannot seem to ever manifest or plan things you could have weak wood element. If you overcompensate and try to control everyone and everything around you, you could have excessive wood energy.
   The direction for spring is the East, for the sun rises in the east. Wood clearly governs the morning hours of the day. Do you ever notice how fresh each new day seems to be?

Trees represent the element of Wood

   The climate that goes with spring is the wind. March, at least here, is a very windy month as things begin to transition from winter to spring, and wind has a certain quality of cleansing to it. Nothing remains stagnant when there is wind, and things can be blown away. Wind can nourish wood, but too much wind is not good either. As an example of too much wind, it can lower one's resistance in general, spark up your allergies, make you feel imbalanced, stir up sinus issues, skin issues, and watery or red, irritated eyes, nose and throat.
   The eyes in general are the sense organ for the liver, and the sense associated with wood is sight. What do you see or perceive? Fluids like tears go with wood as well, and tears help us to shed the past. 
   The taste for wood is sour. Some sour tasting foods will nourish the liver. If you crave sour or vinegar intensely or dislike sour flavors intensely it might be a sign of wood imbalance. Other than vinegar, drinking lemon water goes with wood, and also cleanses the liver.
   The emotion associated with wood is that of anger, and shouting. Anger injures both the liver and gall bladder. Sometimes when people hold in anger or suppress it in any way it builds up toxins.
   The tissue associated with wood is muscles, ligaments and tendons. This makes me think of strength, making and keeping muscles strong, as well as being flexible. You may notice towards the end of winter muscles may feel somewhat weak, but then as spring progresses you may start to feel stronger.
   The element of Wood can sometimes be controlling and inflexible. There was a family who called me in for a consultation for their new home, and the entire interior was all heavy wood. My recommendation for that home was to add some of the color white to introduce some of the element of Metal to tone down the Wood influence. There was just too much wood. Too much wood can make a person dull, rigid, unexpressive or a tyrant.
   The organ that goes with Wood is the liver. The liver processes out toxins. Liver also has the word "live" inside it. Everything we eat, drink or take including vitamins or medications much be processed through the liver. We can become dull or lethargic if our liver is toxic and unable to process out all the toxins. The first line of toxicity is the kidneys. Once the kidneys become toxic, then the liver also becomes clogged and toxic, so the toxins stay in the body. So that is why we cleanse in the spring, to rid the body of toxins accumulated during the winter months.
   The liver is also a storehouse for nutrients, so it is much more than just processing out toxins. If your liver is toxic, most likely you will not get as much nutrition as you need.  The liver produces vile to help in digestion and then stores the bile in the gall bladder, which is later used in the intestines to break down fats. Too much fat in a diet could over burden the gall bladder. The liver also metabolizes carbohydrates, fats and protein, and also plays a role in blood sugar metabolism, and it also forms gamma globulin and plasma proteins for the immune system. It also makes agents for clotting blood, and both forms and stores vitamins A, D and B, as well as minerals like copper, zinc and iron.
   So things that affect the liver negatively are overeating, too much alcohol or drugs, too many chemicals in food or water, fried foods and heavy meats. Refined sugar and white flour is also stressful for the digestive system. Including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains (in moderation), seeds, nuts and beans is more nutritious and supportive to our organs.
   In Chinese medicine, a clogged or malfunctioning gall bladder can result in physical and mental congestion in the shoulders and head, as well as the hips and thighs, and is often a cause for headaches.

Cleansing
   There is no set rule for cleansing, for each person has individual needs, and people should not cleanse without letting their healthcare professional know.
   So for some people it means juicing for a few days and fasting in between, and there are many different cleanses available online or in books. 
   It can be as simple as drinking more water, adding more fruits and vegetables and greens to your diet as you see fit.
   Some people use herbs to detox, but again, your doctor should know about anything that you attempt. You can drink herbs in the form of teas if you wish.

   So good luck with whatever you do to celebrate spring, for a healthier, happy you!

Maery

The Stillness of Winter

Northport Bay in Winter

   We are still in the midst of February, with one of the coldest days/nights in 20 years. There is still a blanket of snow and ice on the ground, and the winds are fierce. But the Sun is shining, bringing much appreciated warmth and brightness despite the bitter chill. And although I have always found that when it snows there is this great stillness, especially at night, it seems that indeed, according to scientific facts, that snow actually absorbs sound. And yet the stillness can be quite magical and peaceful. In the dark night sky you can see the stars more clearly on these winter nights as well.
   Driving to the water today, Long Island Sound and Northport Bay, I was caught by how crisp and clear everything looked. When seeing the trees against the winter blue sky, the trees seemed darker in contrast to the bright white light of winter. Everything was frozen. The birds were all clustered in groups. The doves were on my front steps enjoying the Sun, and not happy when I had to exit the house and disturb their roost, with my apologies. And I was happy to see that the new fawns that the community adopted have survived the winter so far; someone had left them food which they eating while I drove by. (*Please note: it is usually not recommended to feed wildlife as we usually give them foods their systems are not designed for - but in this case it was an emergency as the doe we think died and the buck was probably taken by hunters so these fawns are alone - so it can be difficult for people to decide what to do but it is winter and bitter cold)
   These are the things to take note of in living a natural life, by observing and detecting and taking note of your surroundings. It connects a life to the more natural things, instead of computers and televisions and Iphones or worrying about money. Of course we need to use telephones and cellphones and computers, but we can also make the time for some of what is around us. Even in a city, you can take a walk in the fresh air, still see the sky and stars. I worked in Manhattan for ten years and had many wonderful experiences all over town, for the traffic and the people and activity would flow like a river, even if frenzied, it was still like a live thing, for these were people's lives entwined in the same space. Or get out of the city for a ride into the suburbs or go to a park like Central Park.
 

View of Eaton's Neck/Duck Island, Northport New York

 Even though the temperatures today are below zero (farenheit) I still managed to take some pictures which I will share with you here. The Bay is not frozen, the water is active and there are waves, although in the photographs it looks frozen in time or space, an illusion. In the distance are the woods and houses on Eaton's Neck, with the remains of snow along the shoreline. It was mild before the cold spell, so the Bay has not frozen.
   Surprisingly Long Island Sound, a huge deep body of water that separates Long Island and Connecticut, did not have such high waves with such strong winds. Only the marsh land has ice where the high tide has receeded, and the ducks are huddled together inland.

Crab Meadow Preserve

   I'll carry these images through the night and see what tomorrow brings.

Maery

Winter and Indoor Pollution

Winter and Indoor Pollution

Cinnamon Fern

   Winter is here, and we close the windows, turn on the heat. Everything has a sense of being locked in. Over the last few years we have all become more conscious about not burning so much fuel for heat, so we have made our homes more insulated to keep the warmth in.
   However, in doing so, it is good to be aware of pollutants inside the home.
   The first items are mold and dust. Mold is generally more of a problem in Autumn when the leaves are decaying, and in Summer and Spring when the heavy rains come. In Winter, mold cannot live below a certain temperature, but we have had a relatively mild winter, and mold issues are increasing. Dust is always present, which is why we must clean on a regular basis. Many people have or can develop allergies to mold and dust.
   But the other things to consider are things like the materials we clean with. Most chemical ingredients in every day cleaners are somewhat toxic, and with the windows closed and no ventilation it is worse. It is recommended to purchase cleaners online or in health food stores that do not contain harmful chemicals. Or it is possible to use vinegar for cleaning, or herbs like rosemary or mint that both have a medicinal quality.
   Most people are not aware that often carpets in homes also have chemicals or are made of materials like acrylic. Area rugs made of wool or jute are non toxic as an example of an alternative. And the glues that many companies use to hold down wall to wall carpet are also toxic. Natural flooring like bamboo or cork are other good alternatives. The point is, shop around.
   I myself have wood floors. But I did not stain them - I left them natural and after they were sanded I had the professionals apply a water based polyurethane that is less toxic. Even so, after the floors were done I left the windows open for 2 weeks to air out the whole house. Looking back I would not have opted for the polyurethane but simply put area rugs down, which can be washed or replaced.
   One of the dangers of new wood, is that when wood is new it off gases formaldehyde. That new house smell or that new car smell? That is formaldehyde. If you have wood in the house that is old, not to worry, it is no longer off gassing most likely.
   Some solutions are to open your windows occasionally. I sleep with one window open a crack so I can smell the fresh air and bundle up with blankets for warmth. Another solution of course is to use natural materials whenever possible. You can slowly begin to replace old materials for new. Nontoxic cleaners will also help.
   Another one of my favorite solutions is the use of plants. Plants are excellent at removing toxins from the air. Just note that at night plants off gas carbon dioxide, so don't add them to your bedroom where you sleep, although many say the amount of carbon dioxide is minimal.. My living room and desk area have lots of lovely plants. There are many varieties that will grow indoors in any kind of light. Pothos will grow in dark rooms. I also have 2 ferns, which need filtered light, and not too much water, but you can't let them dry out either. Peace lilies are also nice, requiring moderate sunlight. If you have enough light African violets add some color to your home. But never get the leaves wet on African violets for they will wither and die. Spider plants are also easy to take care of and grow a great deal, making new shoots of growth that are like baby tiny plants, and their green and white foliage is unique. Philodendrons are also supposedly easy to grow, although I have not had any experience with them. The same with Diffenbachia, which also has varigated green and white broad leaves that are attractive. Again it depends on how much light you have and what is available in your area. Also remember that some plants and flowers can be toxic to pets and young children.

Ahh, clean fresh water from a mountain stream in Upstate New York

   Today most paints are less toxic than they used to be. Remember that strong paint odor after painting a room? That is the VOC's - volatile organic compounds - but there is less in the paint these days. You can shop around for the best brands that have the lowest amount of VOC's. Even so, if I paint, I open the windows. Very often people will paint a new baby's room before the arrival, but if done too soon the chemicals will still be lingering. If painting at all it should be done several months before the expected birth, and the room should be aired out regularly for those months.
   Another suggestion is an air purifier which will remove alot of toxins and pollutants, as well as allergens.
   For those who use air conditioners in the summer, air conditioners will also remove alot of pollutants and allergens, especially helpful for those who have allergies and or asthma. But air conditioners do use alot of electricity, so each person can decide on their own what works best for them.
   I hope this has been helpful, but at least you can be more aware of your surroundings and take steps to make your home as clean as possible. 
   In addition to reading articles, some of what I have learned came from taking at course at the International Institute of Bau Biologie and Ecology, which emphasizes building with and using natural materials.

Maery
Be well, live well and live naturally

Winter Patterns, January Thaw, and the Light Grows Stronger

Winter Patterns, January Thaw, and Light Grows Stronger....

Blizzard - the first mound in the forefront are my bushes, the second is my car buried in the snow,

      We find ourselves in what everyone is calling a January thaw, however the weather patterns this winter have been fluctuating back and forth from winter to almost early Spring. Despite our surprise 2 1/2 feet of snow (as they had originally predicted only 6-12 inches), the day after the storm was surprisingly warm and sunny. So people came out of their houses with shovels and snow blowers and even snow mobiles, in good spirits. And what followed was temperatures as high as 45 degrees farenheit so it was refreshing and rejunvenating.

   A January thaw is usually a period after a long term cycle of intense cold days and several snow storms, But this Winter the temperatures have been constantly shifting back and forth all season and am flad for the mild temperatures as compared to the last 3 Winters. It was hard at first to adjust back and forth so that when temperatures dipped lower we were not used to it.

   It allowed for a walk along the boardwalk this morning, and combined with fresh air, blue skies and increasing sunlight it was a joy as January ends. The light seemed incredibly bright, or is it that I was just to some dull gray Winter days? It seems to be getting stronger and sunset is almost 45 minutes later. Subtle, but the sun makes its return.

   In the car the sun warmed the interior so I could finish my book on Renoir "Luncheon of the Boating Party" - sad to leave the characters who were real people in that painting at La Maison Fournaise on the Seine. But then again the moment is capture and these bits of color and light are at least expressed. Sadly my own glimpses of the Seine were brief along the Ile de la Cite, Le Pont Neuf, going to the Louvre and across to Musee D'Orsay, when this book claims that Impressionism began along the banks of the Seine with Renoir, Bazille and Monet at La Grenouilliere. Who knows - the sparks of inspiration can live inside anyone. I was further consoled to find out that La Maison Fournaise is still there and has been made into a museum in part of the restaurant, commemorating all the painters who came to paint the river there.

   Renoir in the book spoke of seeing the light in Algiers and italy, which makes me wonder again about the qualities of light in different places. Algiers I imagine as a desert, with sand, heat, clay of some kind and harsh strong light and sunshine. My only 2 desert experiences were Arizona and Israel, two very different places.

   Arizona was hot but dry and the sunlight and air so vibrant, but somehow benign when compared to Israel. Of course in Arizona we had our air conditioned rooms and my time in the actual desert with the cacti was on a trail ride with fellow workers.

   But Israel, northern Israel,  was more of a wilderness, with mountains rising out of the desert - hot during the day and cold at night. In a caravan with no heat, 30 degrees at night is no fun, and even worse was a sandstorm where sand ended up in your eyes and nose and teeth and the skies were dark and brown with no sunlight.

   In summertime, it was very very hot, the sun blistering. We were told to keep drinking water because even the wind would take the moisture out of your body and leave you quickly dehydrated. And wearing a hat was also necessary to keep the sun off your head. And I remember walking in the nearby hills and being told to watch for snakes!

   But the hottest, over 100 degrees farenheit, was going to the Dead Sea - not a breath of air, the sea retreating, the water a thick green soup of minerals. You had either be in the shade or in the water.

   It will not be dark until 5:30 pm tonight. Hence i continue to align myself with the psuedo=thaw, the joy of increasing light and the promise of Spring, and the natural patterns of season and living a natural life.

(Since we are indoors so much right now, next time I will write about indoor pollutants and finding natural solutions...)

January - the Light Begins to Return

   My father always used to say that January was the coldest month. Here in the Northeast, the ground would be frozen, snows would come, and the cold. But in the midst of all this winter weather, is the fact that the sunset is already getting later. Coming home from an appointment last night at 5:15 pm, it was not completely dark yet, as compared to it being pitch black just a few weeks ago. So already the Sun begins its long journey back.
   At the moment we are in the midst of a blizzard. The wind is quite ferocious, flooding is anticipated with the high tides of the Full Moon, snow at about a foot so far and more to come, and still another day of the storm to follow.

A Snowy Trail

   Living a natural life would be to be in tune with these natural events and storms and seasons and weather as it occurs. We are this year subject to El Nino, and thought perhaps it would continue to be a dry, warmer winter, but even the effects of El Nino are unpredictable. We think that our technical lives with computers and cars and phones make us exempt from Mother Nature, but it does not.
   Once technology began in the Industrial Revolution, it seems we have gotten away from the previous ways of agricultural life, living on and being in tune with the land. Many authors have written about this, and one book that comes to mind that we were required to read in college was called "Against the Grain", where every day people in every day life were resistant to the changes that technology could bring, in a symbolic way. And yet didn't we need to move forward with the inventions and discoveries?
   I find for myself, as in all things, there has to be balance. Yes I drive a car, but I also ride a bicycle when I can, and do alot of walking. I try to cook my own foods, with real vegetables and fruits instead of prepared foods, and avoid chemicals and preservatives for health reasons. I do spend time in nature, and try to lead a more simple life rather than being so caught up in the rat race fast pace of life.
   But still I must work, but I keep things in perspective. Or at least I think I try to.
   These are things I would have to mention to continue with the title of Natural Living for my blog.
   
   With all of this in mind, could I ever truly live Off the Grid? No electricity, no running water, no toilet, just an outhouse, no heat except for fire, no air conditioning except for the wind? I don't really know. What I can do is to be in nature as much as possible, take retreats into the mountains or to the ocean, be respectful of nature, tune into natural ways as much as possible, which I will continue to outline in upcoming articles.
   It's a choice, and also sometimes it can be necessary for health. Who knows what all these chemicals really can or cannot do to us. So why take the chance. I try to eat organic foods and use organic products when ever possible. Still, there are healthy, or natural choices we can make.

   Going through this blizzard in a warm house just reminds me I do like to live in a dwelling that has sufficient heat. Maybe warmer climates don't need as much heat, but in northern climates it is a consideration.
   The best part about a blizzard is the quietness. No one is out or about, not even the snow plows. It's been snowing now for about 24 hours, and things will begin to slow down now. I realize I don't really hear the wind so much anymore, so perhaps things are truly winding down now. And in the morning the clean up will begin, and it is forecast that the Sun will come out. A new day.

   And so we approach the end of January, just another week. It is always intense after the holidays, as though the world is playing catch up from having taken a break. In February the Sun will be growing a bit stronger, and the days will be longer. By mid February, there is always a day somewhere during that time where you wake up, and the air outside is crisp and fresh, and there is sunlight everywhere, and you feel inspired towards the future. I swear to myself on the day I feel this every year that it is a signal that Spring is not too far away, as though the energy of it sparks first, later followed by moderate temperatures.

   March the Sun is even stronger and the sense of change is in the air, but I am getting ahead of myself.

   I find myself pleased that the Sun now makes its gradual return, bringing warmth and light on cold days.

Sunlight in the Birch Trees at Dawn in winter