TwoTrees

you ask ... Who meditates the most per day?

... I try to never stop. Every moment is a chance to be mindful.

you ask ...Who exercises the most? or hardest?

... yep, this certainly could use improvement for me.

I do, however, have a regular spar-buddy now.

you ask ...Who been doing retention the longest?

... lifelong endeavor.

you ask ...Who has the most stringent diet?

... I try to stay as healthy minded as possible, but with my current budget, my diet is crap, lol

Tough, severe, strict - it's different for everyone.

QUOTE(DaoWaDiddy)

Although "slave" is such a negative word...

 

(Trunk)

I think "grateful minion" is the pc term. biggrin.gif

I suppose it depends on the treatment from the master ... lol

The Melchezedek's have some very interesting highlights.

While alot of their teachings can resonate deeply, some others will leave you thinking ...

.... wtf ??

Have fun with it, the material is very absorbing.

If you are researching on getting your stuff published, I can say from experience that it is not easy getting it done by just submitting your article works to magazines of choice (speaking generally). It is possible that they may use them, but often they have their issues predetermined and scheduled way ahead of time with all the subjects of their choosing in advance. If you send to them they may not see the light of day in the publication, or if they do it may take quite a bit of time. I know that there are alot of free-range type magazines out there that are just waiting to get some work from freelance artists out there, but then again they are not the big time ones and will hardly ever pay you for such, just offer credibility (and that's not always a certainty, either) but those may not be your particular aim. This is not to say that your works are not so profound and powerful that you'll blow them away, but it's just the general procedure. At any rate ... I would be interested if you would let us know of your successes & the like.

If you are wanting some money for it, it would be in your interest to pick up the newest year issue of "The Writers Market" from your local Barnes & Noble, Borders, etc. They offer all the 'classifieds' for work desired for locations all over the U.S., and sometimes abroad. It's a good source for writing work !!

8 years ago I'd started out and now I submit around 10 works a month to various locations for magazines all over the continental U.S. They pay around 2-7 cents/word, depending on cumulative senority and ability. For example, the Missouri Poetry Quarterly pays me really well when I send them something because I've been submitting to their bi-annual needs for almost 6 years now. Some other sources like Writer's Digest, Weird magazine, WasteAge, Sure Start, & Food Review have used some of my material. One thing, though, not every place you send writing to will place your name with it for credit. Often more than not, if they pay you for your stuff they take all the rights and can do with it as they wish.

Also I've done a couple of big articles for a good friend for websites. There are still some in the making.

For the most part, it's not the highest-rewarding process, lots of work and awesome ability with little pay, but if you enjoy it, you can also find great satisfaction in seeing your work being passed around for others to see and find equal enjoyment. Or you could always fork out the dough and publish books of your own ...

There's nothing like the feeling you get when looking at stuff that contains the fruit of your labor & mind.

Go for it !!!!

Excellent.

*twiddles her fingers in Mr. Smithers-like fashion*

Hope you are finding equal joys and madness along your path ...

Guarana. I like using it to spike when I'm supposed to be doing something specific and don't want to fall asleep before it gets done. I'm thinking that's it's one of the safest stimulants out there. I agree with Harry, though, that it may deplete what comes naturally a little, with continued use.

Side effects ? Besides getting jittery (that is, if it does actually effect you like it is supposed to, I have some family that it doesn't really do anything for)

You can look forward to some really bright yellow pee. (so don't fear a UTI, you can relax)

When someone heals, sending or hands on, they only channel the energy. The energy we channel is Universal Life Force energy, what we are all made up of. Spirit does the healing. Without both, none of the healing could take place at all. Every living entity on this planet is a vibration. A thought, feeling, emotion, the food you eat, the colour of the clothes you wear, your name. We are vibrations and energy nothing more. We are spiritual beings which have been given a human form, nothing more.

These remarkable thoughts are part of, what I believe to be, a universal understanding which may actually be possessed by many more than you can imagine. Like so many other things, time is the everlasting definitive, and I'm just trying to stay afloat while it washes over me ...

I live in the moment by pushing the height of my own human emotion sometimes and it's sheer presence in my mind has allowed me somewhat - to live in the world of possibilities that swarm around our very own existence as people, and the time that exists between now and meeting it. Deeper understanding knows not right or wrong, more like possibility and communication to strengthen and build upon, yet is only a single door to the vastness of life's secrets.

One thing that comes to mind at this moment that I admittedly have trouble absorbing is in speculation, belief systems and generalizations that bring certain numbers to the forefront - (for example; three paths, ten ways, one hundred people, one script, four patterns) I most often dismiss it if not given in conjunction with powerful reasoning and definite evidence of such because I feel that possibility is important to show that things are indefinte/infinite and change on whims beyond our control or record. I know that I have created writing with specified number experimentation, but that is exactly what it is. One person's thoughts on something that remains changeable, and I cannot find myself creating the premise that every knowledge in the Universe is my own factual truth, it belongs to the nature of the Universe and IS whether I accept it, or not. The beauty of perception is that it can be veiwed in different ways, and to force ridicule or redirect someone's expression into agreement with your own shows apparent weakness in character.

In becoming more open-minded, and receptive to better understanding with observation/listening I've been blessed with such a wondrous and new veiw of the spectacle called reality (that each creates for themselves), and more of the world's never-ending possibilities came alive before my eyes. My change of perception was so quick and drastic, and at the time I could barely hold my world together myself, let alone feel comfortable enough with someone else coming in and "tweaking" the energies contained within it. Although I feel that it is very important that you find this connection with your inner self and learn to work with them throughout your lifetime, I can understand how it may come to be that someone finds need in seeking out help to deal with certain things that arise that you've not bargained for. But truly I feel that everyone has a capacity for healing. Constant practice and training can be a powerful ally. I cannot fathom that anyone else can be better at it than yourself, and if you are not at a liberty to attempt it because of little understanding, then it is well worth it to educate yourself (or find education) to its cause and do all you can to come to better understanding what is best for your healing be it mind, body, spirit, or otherwise.

I've noticed through strong opinion that some obviously have contemplated the specualtion of God (in all forms) many times, and from that contemplation - acquired the knowledge of what it is they want applied to their life and practice, as have most (if not everyone) on here. But I could not believe my eyes when I saw some cursing going on in a severe manner of disagreement ... I find that this is a little extreme for my liking and borderline closed-minded, juvenile.

In surrendering to the higher powers that be, I find myself in solitude. Perhaps one day something powerful will make an entrance and be a breath of fresh air in it's own small and simple way. The more I learn, and the further I get from this society, and the world mankind has created for themselves - the more I use simplicity to pull myself back into comfortable arms. Wonderfully enough, an intricate and greatly overlooked beauty exists there, if you look hard enough or it is shown to you. Through you.

In a center of love and fear -

one descends, when the other appears near,

into the world we are thrown, to the lives we come to know,

and all around us is creation.

Bleed into the meaning of the cause, but if lost is where we begin,

Start all over and you will find your way -

through the world we're shown, through the perceptions of our choosing,

and to question what we're given, things begin to disguise certain truths.

In what you accept, you may find something new ...

Whatawonderfulworldofbeautifulsyncronisityattimes

**Raises her hand in 'seconding' fashion**

Hmmm ... what about 6AM ??

Hey, Michael,

I'd be more than happy to read but not so hip on opinionating. Just check for it in PM.

That lack of sleep thing is most definetly an advantage.

Most of my freelance work gets slam-dunked during the early/late (however you look at it) hours.

You know ... when most of the world is out for the count.

Gotta jump on this wagon !! Love this stuff ...

very interested in results later.

Year: Metal Monkey

Month: Earth Rabbit

Day: Metal Tiger

Hour: Earth Rabbit

Inner Element: Fire

Constellation: Pig

Elements: Wood/5, Fire/0, Earth/4, Metal/3, Water/0

hahahahha, little confused on the water/0 because I'm piscean and have taken to those attributes rather accurately on my life's past ... or perhaps it is nothing like the western system at all ... *scratches her head* the fire doesn't surprise me but makes me curious ...

Wood, with the predominace of Earth and Metal above make sense, though.

SEAN - I think I expected the edible part of the fruit to be white because when Cam was out here he and Lezlie got Durian shakes at a Vietnamese restaraunt and they were very white. I don't know if I am going to be able to stomach the yellow buttery sacks, Owl. Dear God. *shuddering* Maybe if I throw it in a shake with a bunch of other things. How do people usually eat Durian Owl? In a bowl with a spoon or something?

I take my hat off to you, man. That yellow stuff may be the funkiest crap you've seen (and smelled, lol) but it is definetly power-packed with goodness.

You know ... not all things taste like they smell ...

*recalls her first encounter with Valerian and laughs*

Basically, since Monday's start I've adhered to about 95% raw with strict discipline to wholesome, no-additive organics ... and at this point I feel the precursor tinglin' to the soon-to-be crazed burst of maniacal energy.

I was eating a salad tonight with some Annie's dressing and noticed I was eating with MUCH more relish than usual. Also came to my mind that this is one way that you can tell most animals are healthy, or on the way to recovery at least (if applicable). But like the triple-dots I went ahead and prepared my household at the local farmers market. Fun stuff, although being out here in the boonies I was restricted to the traditional sense of selection. Nothing exotic ... unfortunately. Ah, well. *shrugs*

The sprouting was a success and I also soaked up some buckwheat - plan to sprout em' & make bars in the dehydrator.

Sushi Rolls

using Nori seaweed (not roasted, but dried)

fresh Salmon (our family just enjoyed an upstate NY charter on Lk. Ontario)

grated cucumber, carrot, & parsnips

avocado slices

abanero pepper slices (thin & small)

fresh lemon juice

some lettuce, dulse flakes, unpasturized soy sauce (nama shoyu as my preference, though not restricted to)

sometimes I use rice, sometimes not

Plus some quick and simple juicing once or twice a day (which will continue)

Waldorf - 2 apples to 1 stalk celery and 1/2 grapefruit, Potassium Boost - 1/2 handfuls spinach & parsley to 1 stalk celery and 2-3 carrots, Body Cleanser - 2 carrots to 1/2 small cucumber and 1 beet with clove of garlic, Alkaline Special - 1/4 head cabbage to 3 stalks celery and 1 small parsnip

gonna try this one tomorrow -

from "San Francisco LiFE" - Mock Meatloaf

1 Beet grated

1-2 sweet potatoes, grated

1-2 white potatoes, grated

1 turnip, grated

1 onion, cut up

3 celery stalks, with leaves

1 pound raw peanuts

Put each item in a food processor individually. After they are processed, mix together in a large bowl. Refrigerate it overnight. When you are ready for it the next day, you can shape and cut it.

**** I think the only thing I'll add is sea salt and 1 parsnip grated. ****

Wishing you all awesome results,

-Michelle.

Love the green menu taskbars Sean !!

Diggin' it !!!

And yes, I dare answer.

After reading your signature, I know now why you've asked such question and persist.

I'm not sure if my answers will satisfy this question, but a down-pour of thought came from its origination.

I've heard, been told, and realize that the more a person talks the less they actually say, with words getting farther blurred in meaning when used in too much context. Yet my inner-writer resists ... lol

Silence cannot be misquoted or misconstrued, yet I feel thinking and its expression is a great amusement.

But I do try to think seriously long and clearly before responding to provocation ...

Watching, listening, and understanding are important. (And according to Voltaire) - It's good to think for yourself, and let others enjoy the right to do the same. I love what my first spiritual teacher illustrated so tactfully -

The value of life, naturalness of death, ties in with impermanence and the reassurance that you can always improve on the details while in existence. Acceptance of the necessity of death of the body form is ultimate proof that everything changes and you've the chance to grow from it in some way. Let alone what your eyes may witness day to day ...

Stengths, Fears & Weaknesses - these show you how wide & deep personal, emotional responses to life are, how constricted or narrow you've allowed the self to be.

A person who fears too much has most likely cheated oneself during their life and have not put much thought to preparing oneself with a true, strong spirit for death/ascension.

IMHO Humility & open mindedness makes us easily teachable.

Philosophy sprang early in the time continuum I suspect because the main message from it is hope.

Masses of text over the ages fill endless shelves on every aspect and angle you can imagine.

Bathing in the source of your own existence & experience, you can close your eyes, feeling yourself sink into its depths.

Inner Reflection - a chance to challenge your thinking. People were built to adjust. A life examined & explored is definetly good measure. Makes living more sensible. Though I really find that distance allows you to see things more clearly ... observation strengthens understanding in a way unlike nothing else.

What feels like home to you ? Sour, sweet, bitter, pungent - all must be tasted. Life's great mysteries are mirrored in yourself.

Persistence of Memory - Can you tell whether the passion/fire of your life is dying away, or blazing forth ? Dedication to your character saves you from the failures in front of yourself.

Balance of gain & loss - using the breath form to heal & strengthen, welcome opportunity, new capability to act & live in the world. Having intelligence is not enough. It's important to use it wisely. That's why I think curcumstances are excellent instruments for the lessons that gain and loss give.

Possibility of Infallible Infinite Love - compassion without prejudice or preference, allowing yourself to feel both the joy & heartache of living. The fragments of reality are spiked with desires & dissapointments. One pure human heart is enough to forgive, accept, & love the whole of humanity & the moments of your life & the world around are rich with possibilities.

Honest & Sincere Appreciation - A person who is not connecting somewhat inside, indolent, or coward, usually move on comfortably in life but the soul remains stricken, frustrated, restless. Important things cannot be done half-heartedly. The nature of our body generally only tolerates sincerety. If you offend against it with deprivation or excess of any kind it will bear neither of the two and will answer fatally for both.

Also as a side note I feel it is not smart to criticize someone (if ever) until you've at least walked a mile in their shoes.

Once you taste losing & survive, trying in the future becomes a little more comfortable. I'm hoping to become at least half of what I mean to be.

When I finish my silent-but-worked-out tasks I've personally contracted (with my nature) according to my abilities I'll peacefully go with the hope that maybe it was useful to humankind.

here's to using the mind well ...

and perhaps finding & serving passions ...

-Michelle

I've been contemplating doing this again for the last couple of weeks.

There's nothing like it in the world. Amazing sustainable constant energy ... vibrant lucidity ... fun too

You can count me in.

I must say though ... I have a hard time doing this without rice. That and bread are the only things I allow when going raw. So it's really something like 95%. Good enough.

And I'm excited because I just found an amish (actually it's more like Mennonite) slaughterhouse down the road not far from my home. Fresh beef and chicken, here I come !! Plus fresh egg farms abound here. Been diggin' the farmer's markets in-season, too. Plus fresh juicing is an excellent between eating solution.

There's nothing like perfect timing, guys !!

I'll post some excellent recipes & such tomorrow.

But for now I'll start on some sprouting. Mung & Alfalfa.

Such as?

Everyone is different. I can only speak for myself, so I should have known better in that last sentence putting "We". I suspected someone would say that very thing, myth. LOL

So, I did some checking on this since yesterday.

Not much either, except that it is possibly a moon, and another source said that it was actually one of four floating objects that actually orbit the planet Neptune - and Pluto's formerly known "moons" or "Satellites" Charon, Nix and Hydra actually being the other counterparts.

Kinda weird ... I gave my niece a test only TWO days ago, about the planets, and the importance of WATER - (trying to get her back into the swing of back to school and reading/quizzing on it)

Her answer for how many planets are there in our solar system?

I bet you can guess.

She said "8".

's at the irony.

And to think, I had given her a small helpful hint on remembering them all. (in order from the Sun, even)

I was talking about this today with a buddy from OSU, and during the course of the conversation he mentioned the theory on the nationally broadcasted "First Man on the Moon" event being a very well orchastrated hoax.

I'm not sure how I feel about that ... except ...

although I have some feelings on the matter, ultimately it doesn't matter that much.

We may not have had the technology to go through such a mission in the 60's but we are certainly more than capable of it today. I know I wouldn't want to be famous for something if I had faked it's meaning completely.

Nature teaches us that we are both specks and giants at the same time ...

and in while we are here seems we always think we know everything that goes on.

I'm just glad that we can be fully certain of the things that truly matter most.

So what is it, then ?? *laughs*

Guess I don't tune into the news nearly enough.

The most important thing is like a butterfly. Once it is caught it is dead.

 

Bruce

natually ... I love this answer !!

I'd have to say ... the breath form.

It is said to stem into unbelievable abilties in life and after ... I've known three people to say this with certainty ... lol

I'm amazed by animals time and again.

The feelings and desires of animals are automatically put directly in touch with nature through four senses of nature, by sight and hearing, and by taste and smell. The animal feels and desires with that portion which animates and is the type of animal cast off after death. While having modified characteristics of human beings, animals are relieved from the restrictions of human thinking according to human customs; they are dependent on the senses in their relation to nature. They are impressed by nature directly through the senses and respond immediately to the impressions received. Thinking would inhibit their immediate response to such. I feel they are our best specialists in response to nature impressions through the senses, without the hesitant inhibitions that we have been known to have (and not have).

Welcome to the club.

Though there seem to be a reggresion, with the more time you spend here, from tao master to tao bum. I hope that doesn`t relate to real life.

 

 

EDIT:

Oops, no longer a master. I`m already an addict... Is this reversable?

 

And I like that avatar MUCH better, friend.

-Michelle

Karaoke !!!!

Shakin' the bones up ...

Never miss a chance to strengthen your voice.

Never a dull moment ... for sure

I think its probably the cause and ultimately the solution to our problem.

 

Michael

Well said at the drive-home point !

Provokes a whole lot of thought.

There are many essential (the ones you get from your diet) amino acids that you body does not make.

Arginine - involved mostly in the production of growth hormones but also helps cardiovascular and immune systems.

Histidine - important for any absorption of zinc.

Lysine - aids in lowering cholesterol.

Methionine - a major combatant to alleviating allergies.

Taurine - the most known one, not only does it also help lowering cholesterol; but stabilizes the brain and heart tissues, and is used largely for people with seizures/epilepsy & manias.

Tryptophan - This one has to be the most interesting. It converts into serotonin - you may notice when you are deficient that you have more tendecy to be depressed, have trouble sleeping and even have some cognitive problems.

Also: iso-leucine, leucine, phenylalanine, threonine, valine are some notable others.

Your body can normaly make about half of the necessary amino acids from other nutrients. However, if you daily duties provide any kind of stress or prolonged illness, your body loses its ability to make these, which is why I feel we have to be careful in declaring a certain group of amino acids as nonessential.

asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, serine, tyrosine

Alanine - an important key to blood sugar chemistry.

Glutamine - aids in digestion, muscle chemistry and also helps immune system. It is also the precursor to an important calming neurotransmitter (GABA).

Carnitine - combats heart disease and essential for energy chemistries.

While the power of amino acid therapies are great, the approach requires very high levels of responsiblity (involvement) for people to undertake it. It also demands patience most of all, the willingness to adjust different types of supplements, in the meantime an attention must be paid (but shouldn't it always ?) to all areas of one's life, some understanding of its logic, and very strong commitment. Ultimately, nobody heals anyone else, or heals LIKE anyone else.

Amino acids are involved in every chemical process in the body. Like any other modality, these help ignite the "inner healer" that we have, that part inside that rolls the gears to initiate the process. This approach can also help restore inner metabolic balance, which jump starts (or resumes) the deeper issues that the word "healing" implies to you. Many things you will find that will work like magic, but of course, your healing is greatly enhanced when your own inner magician is vital, and involved.