It was more breezy yesterday, and good thing. Some extra leaves had taken flight. With all the very wet snow we had received, many a tree that still had leaves on it, experience some major “pruning”. With the heart ache for some. whose favourite tree in their yard, we can honestly say, “mother nature always gets the last word”.

I proceeded out into the wood and along the river, and if you can imagine that there is quite a canopy for the woods along the river in North London…it was quite a sight to see.  Truly a Winter Wonderland, yet not all that serene. It was also more than just a visual spectacle. As I proceeded on, despite my wet and cold feet (wore my runners), there was “thumping” as massive clumps of snow hit the ground. There were intermittent “cracking” sound, as the weight of the snow, bear down on vulnerable branches, forcing some to snap…and fall to the ground. (I had to keep my eyes upward, and “dodge” my way, as I cut my hike short. (feet were freezin’, mostly).
This does not happen often, the snow sqaul we witnessed roll in and dump on trees that had not yet, released their leaves. Sure there were some trees that were bare, while this one type of maple …a broad leafed maple tree, had held out longer than the others, hardly a touch of colour, most of the leaves remaining on and remaining green.

There are few things that we can predict in this changing climate. I know that I have used this metaphor before about the changing economic and political climate, to which we see reports on TV and in newsprint. When we are “unsettled” with uncertainty, “vulnerable” because we have not yet “changed” and accommodated the new climate and new culture…”prepared” ourselves for living life differently, there will be unrelenting stress. The “bough” of our will and our intentions, will be forced to bend…or something could snap, there are some weighted burdens for many right now.

It is worthwhile to take stock of our situation with more focus and care. Now is not the time to consider or make a major purchase….that is what they say on one station, while blaming the failing economy for just that, “consumer reluctance”. It will soon be a “new market” with some new rules to play by. I think we need to embrace this. The economy was not as stable and as promising as it had appeared. It is if the facade that needed to be removed is now off. The exposure of the vulnerable, could have illuminated the need for correction, but would they that took such a gamble, listen? I think that most of my readers are happy it did not happen to them (at least I have not heard from any of you that trouble had set in over night.

So, continue to keep your head up, your eyes and your ears open. There are somethings we can predict. Maybe not the weather as much as predicting that we would lose a lot of branches for those beloved trees that held out till the end with their foliage. Make it a priority to look out each morning, and no matter how Mother Nature presents herself each morning, we can still feel blessed and warm on the inside….( and yes next time I’ll be wiser and dig out the boots)

Happy to here from a favourite student who is doing well in Toronto. Also good to here that the snow was a blessing for those that get paid to snow-plow. Each one of us can celebrate something.

BE well,

Dave

I am “elated”, energized and peaceful at the same time. Do my readers know what I call this? This is the test…or maybe I shall make a contest out of this.

To all my readers: What is the “state” that I am in, when I feel very energized, peaceful, with purpose and passion for living?

I  will check the comments below later…one submission per reader please…and please give me permission to post. This could be interesting, for certain, perhaps I could run some informal surveys this way also.

Anyone wish to comment of the US Federal election, who they hope to see win and why?

Let the “games” begin,

BE Blessed, have fun…claim happiness as your own,

Dave

Time to get excited indeed. There will soon be an announcement and a “call for proposals” for Nurse-led-clinics.

I have revisited the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, as I believe we need to “revisit Ottawa” till we get it right.

It is after all Ottawa, who holds responsibility of “public health” and Health Promotion. It is also the Federal Governments responsibility to be the watchdog on Aboriginal Health, Well-being…education…and social justice mandates. Well, the watchdog, if even awake, seems to be blind in one eye, and looking in the wrong direction with the other.

The economy, has distracted everyone, and unfortunately the momentum of “environmental reform” and “health care reform”…has lost the needed steam. The Steam engine, is outdated, in the first place, and yes they maintain, the coal firing, and the nuclear transition, not nearly enough “energy” to get us to the crest of the hill…and over the top…on the other side, lower ( minimal) dependence on fossil fuels.

As I meditated this morning, the sun was illuminating “the world behind my eyes”. Sometimes we get busy in the morning, and we don’t stop to recognize the sunrise as the symbol that it is. It is a brand new day, we can start fresh. Much of what we carry forward as worry or “baggage” from relationships, had not been as awful as we first felt it was. You can always gather strength and create peace in even the most troubling of times.

The human family have been through some rough times. WE, each and everyone, has had their share of burdens and barriers to complete happiness. The biggest barrier…the anchor that keeps us stuck, is often our own attitude, and “need to be right”. It is an easy thing actually, to just let go. WE can Pull up that “attitudinal anchor” any time. WE can chose peace and happiness at any time. WE can always smile, even if no one else is smiling. These are very simple and easy solutions to disolving the negativity around us. “The world behind our eyes” is always what we choose it to be. WE are the designers, architects and engineers of our own destiny and our own legacy.

Choose this day, to let the sun shine on you. Choose to see the sunrise, as a new beginning. A new dawn, as new day, a new life. Feel good, feel peaceful and feel and express a loving, compassionate heart. Yes, you can. You can be the change you wish to see in the world.

BE well, BE compassionate…feel the peace,

Dave

Yes, just arriving in my office here in Wortley Village, and I don’t think I could be more excited. I do not mean to suggest there is nothing to be concerned about, and yes I too, have loses from my investment portfolio.

We can all ask ourselves the same question, “What can possibly happen next?”.

The “evening news”, along with late night comedy and even Saturday Night Live, are enjoying increase ratings, and we seem “entertained” by the election circus that seemingly came into town over night…and is still lingering. We are bound to  get front row seats to even more “interesting developments”. It is my hope that George W. Bush can appreciate that he has but a few short months to do some major overhaul of his Legacy. So, look for “newsworthy” items to continue to be generated from the mind and spirit that dwells in the oval office till early in the New Year.

I know it is early to speak of the New Year, and for many it hardly seems appropriate to think of and plan for, a celebration like no other. We are getting many gifts this Holiday season. I plan on “spreading some cheer, some peace, joy and love this coming holiday season and beyond. It is our perogative to  become and remain quite negative. It is easy to lose hope in the face of economic uncertainty and losses. I remember all too well how desperate the situation feels, how hopeless when job loss and loss of home coincide. That is part of my legacy. I along with help from family, and devotion at the time, to “pull through” as there were to small baby girls to think about.

Life has changed dramatically for me, and yes much much “drama” unfolded, much to do with finances, homes, schooling, jobs and relationships. This is the time to sit down with ourselves (and those we love) and make a commitment, that this will not be a season of dismay. Peace, Love and Tranquility are available to us, through relationships and a sound wellness practice. Joy, cheer, and goodwill, also available, easily manifested, when we put others first.

So, announcement time: Announcing the Wellness School Curriculum is in the works, much is being edited at this time. Available for the New Year will be the following classes. Health Enhancing Lifestyle Programs. That’s right  HELP for wellness and Waist Management,  renewed and ready to launch. Soon to be completed and offered in January is “Empowerment Yoga” and Zenergy Fusion Fitness.

So stay tuned, and look in the coming weeks for the launch of the website Optimalwellnessconsulting.com

In the meantime, Choose the Peace, Love and Tranquility that you are entitled to.

BE well

I celebrate the international summit that will bring to the table the valuable evaluation about capitalism. It is a worthwhile “enlightenment” for all to come to an understanding of why European leaders are calling for a “re-design” for capitalism. There are valuable lessons to be learned from the unfolding economic crisis. The question will be, will world leaders arrive on the same page regarding economic reform, in a better fashion then they are slowly arriving to consensus on climate change.

Now is the time to pursue the knowledge of what we need to do, and what are the consequences if we do not do it. We need action from a global community. Be a global citizen, and write to all public and political leaders. Recognize that each and every voice will be needed, this is the age of transformation…time to truly become a global citizenry.

BE well,

Dave

Do you love the great outdoors? I mean do you really love to be outside in nature. We all should “make time” for mother nature and what is being availed to us, peace, love and tranquility. (We believe we love the outdoors, I trust you can love yourself more when you make that connection) Part of Universal Truth is not spoken, but rather, “on display”. There was quite a display of nature’s wonders nature’ s beauty, awaiting for me on my hike this morning.

A carpet of crimson and gold, flecks of green and brown…all with a “soundtrack” of the river, bubbling over rock and twisting and meandering through this scenic paradise. Can we not find peace and tranquility in our busy lives, can we not take the time to step out, breathing deeply and viewing deep blue sky and streaks of sunlight, that had cast shadow in kitchen and bedrooms. When we stretch, after opening of eyes, can we easily come to a place of loving our life, our parents, our partners…our jobs. In today’s uncertainty, I trust everyone has found a place that they can experience a “labour of love”. If we are not seeing ourselves as part of a bigger picture, pleasantly participating in “communion” of “kindred spirits”, we are missing out, on the essence of life.  Is our work something to regret, or can we find many a reason to celebrate that we have purpose. Can we easily slide into a state resembling “passion for living”? If this seems foreign or just too “flaky” for you, perhaps you need a big dose of self-love, it may be that you need to start there.

If it remains hard for you to relate to these words, these admonitions to “love your job, love yourself, and extend love to others”….perhaps you should make the effort to go into the woods, take “the path less followed”…get to know your world. Our world is not that which is made of the artificial and/or synthetic. There is a real world that awaits to inspire you and make a difference in your outlook and your output. The output we make at work, should reflect that we love our job, and we love other’s, that are also a big part of “The Universal Truth”.

May you find time (make time) to see the true beauty of this Universe we are all a part of, all “one with”….

BE well,

Dave

It is harvest time. Or for some, the thankful day, the crops are in off the fields, and the “yield”…abundant. My understanding is that many a farmer (depending on what part of the country…and what crop) were quite happy with their “bumper crop”. Others, related to high winds and/or flooding, watched in dismay as what “would have been”.

We do not have much control over uncertain times…and the uncertainty of the weather…or …of life. It is now apparent that we have every reason to believe we are in the midst of the “troubled times”, a few had predicted. Market changes…and the climate changes are the talk of the day. Tomorrow, we will be forced to re-visit and re-think, about the health care crisis…and getting back to the business of “greening up our lives”.

All these items mentioned are connected, I hope you can all see that. The crisis that is certain to visit all major items on the Political Agenda’s (or what should be)…is unfolding as what some have predicted. I had written years back about the ecological issues and health care shortages and shortfalls…I am not astute enough on the financial and economics, to have seen something even more urgent for the entire planet.

As I ventured off into the woods this morning, to visit my tranquility space…I was able to let all of the trouble I have “incorporated” into my psyche, go. There are many millions suffering financial losses, job losses, and or loss of home and nearly all equity. I had “a lived experience” that would match the dismay and discouragement other’s are felling (anyone remember the early 1980’s, Chrysler nearly went under).

There will be falling leaves that had presented as brilliant colours in the forest of our lives….and winter winds will soon start to blow…many will feel a chill as never felt before. I feel blessed being able to transcend this pain that others are feeling, (that which I once felt quite dramatically with extreme vulnerability) but would like to encourage all to seek out a deeper meaning and purpose to our lives. WE are more than money making machines. WE exist to do more than just cultivate success or to gather and cherish things. (or to give our children all that we did not have growing up). WE are all deeply connected to one another…and to the forces of nature…if we just stop and contemplate and reflect on what IS. Nature’s beauty and splendor one day, can have blue skies turn to grey…strong winds can uproot the home of bird and squirrel. Economic forces will no doubt uproot those that were over-extended…or living on someone else’s money through credit. The Mortagage companies that evolved…and even many of the banks were taking a gamble…but driven by the same forces that individuals and families were basing their “entitlement” philosophy of living on.

Finding one’s Zen will be a difficult prospect in the face of economic loss or uncertainty. I am certain it is near impossible for the “insurgent” to find their Zen. Must be hard also for the soldier who feels he/she is in a just and reasonable role, yet the “intent” is a hard pill to swallow, whenever or where-ever lives are lost.

You can cultivate peace, love and tranquility, any day of the week…any circumstance. It begins with the appreciation of life, and of nature…but of “the other”…and our intent toward the other. If we are not at peace with ourselves, Zen will not come. If we are not at peace with the other, Zen will allude us. If we cannot reconcile our destiny…Zen remains but a word or a concept becoming more popular, but more allusive…as we strive for those things….things that we know have come at a cost to ecology and/or future generations.

So, I encourage all to begin that inward journey, that comes with a “Zen life”…but first, reconcile your relationships. Are you okay with yourself? Have you love for the “other”…the many other’s who we are connected to. Last, reconcile your relationship to Mother Earth….and what your legacy is. WE are all living a legacy…my hope is you choose a legacy, that is filled with Peace, Love and Tranquility… this being what we are entitled to.
“Zen and Now”…the next great read I encourage for all of you,

Dave

I am responding to few inquiries to the question…”what is my take on the economic situation”?

I have a responsibility of being honest…I am not sure what to make of it. The possibilities are endless, and my financial advisor has a similar take as I…this is all about “speculation”. That is what the stock market is all about. The recent selling frenzy, then modest buying would suggest there are more “uncertain”…some outright fearful…then those that are confident this in the end, is a good thing. And then there are the words of one, who I trust to know more about this then I….”it’s bad”.

So…I will do my best to share, what little insight I have, but what the “take is”, by those “that know”…(or should know…they are making a living at it). I caution you in the meantime…and I mean this in all sincerity…do not tune into CCN and perhaps (as I am doing) resist picking up a news paper. The media exist to “create in you the desire to speculate” related to “sensationalism” and “gossip”. We know this to be true,….but we are entertained…otherwise, again they would not exist, if no one were to “buy in”.

The “buy in” you should have, is the “buy in” to a different belief system…seek Universal Truth…which is beyond your current reality…and is only “confused” by the “truth of media”…much of which is half-truth’s…or as mentioned “sensationalism”….much is getting to be “hollywood style”…CNN stands as the obvious. So, where to get “universal truth”…taking a walk in the woods…a drive through the fall splendor…and time with family (especially grand-kids)…or any little nephew or nieghbour who will trust you…

The future is before us, in the eyes of a child, while the truth that we seek…is in the natural world…our treasured environments and treasured relationships. To become more and more anxious about the economy (thinking of wealth as the most important item on our “agenda”)…well that will continue to perpetuate what is happening. To appreciate life as the very breath we take, the love we feel, the inspiration and peace from the natural world…is the “optimal wellness” that we all need to focus on, right now.

This final word…I do believe the Universe is speaking very loudly and “directional” right now. There could be no better timing for this financial crisis to be happening just before the most important election of our times. All the possible issues of debate…need to have an audience that will make them accountable.
BE wise, BE well, Seek wealth beyond that which is held in banks and pocketbooks…or as “wardrobe”, accessories, or vehicle….or home

Dave

With viewing the political debates for both sides of the border, and from a more “local view of reality” …the health care crisis, I have a new (re-newed) sense of urgency. What is being said from political candidates is almost as disturbing as what is not being said. The economy, has become the major platform for both country’s and all parties.

When I think about the crisis of health and health care, they are not one in the same, in terms of “concepts”, but they are inseperable, in terms of “context”. The Health Care systems and Health (think wellness) are not to be separate from the “economy context”…as it would seem, in the lack of refreshing the former. In either event, what should be front and centre in all discussions, should be the wellbeing of all inhabitants of this planet. They (the candidates) are talking “global economics”, outside of the context of “global wellness”. It is apparent that what we are thinking about is “financial stability” and totally lost on the issues of sustainability, inclusive of that all elusive, health and wellbeing context aka “wellness”.

There can only be a “green wellness”…any other “packaging” other than green…is not sustainable…and cannot offer health, peace, safety and quality of life for all on the planet. We need to reconcile our commitment to global economies that will be (one day) free from exploitive attitudes and actions toward human resources and/or natural resources. WE have disregarded both nature and humanity in a quest to be financially secure. The security issues faced in today’s world has everything to do with exploitation, and competition…and discrimination of others not like us. The “evilization” of Russia and other countries, for example, will come at a grave cost. One can not expect to point the finger…say “evil empire” and expect promising relationships and a peaceful future.

The perpetuation of fear, of uncertainty…CNN and other media moguls are thriving on such tactics. The “truth” is not being told…not if the “other” side does not get to share their perspective. WE are honouring our candidates, by tuning into, “their debate” over “their truth”, why can we not see that we are discriminating simply by not “tuning in” to what the rest of the world is thinking, saying…and/or would like to say…if it were not for fear.

Please contemplate on “green ideologies” before you vote…if not sure what is “green” and what is not…please visit here…in coming days…most of my time/writing…I trust will reflect a construction of a “true green machine’…

Love and peace to all,

Dave