Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Helping your child through her accident-prone years – 2
The Rolling and Reaching Age
Between 4 and 6 months, a baby is at the rolling and reaching age which brings problems such as grabbing for things. Your “toys” are more enjoyable that hers, so be careful with hot drinks and breakable objects. Everything she can get to will go into the mouth, including any small articles found on the floor or table. Check that small parts of toys or clothing like buttons cannot be pulled off and swallowed. Babies of this age should never be left alone on high surface because they might roll off.
A New World of Dangers
At 6 months to 1 year, a whole new world opens up to your baby because she is crawling, standing and finally walking. With it comes a new world of dangers. She can crawl to cupboards, so lock away all poisons and medicines. Electrical sockets should be covered with safety socked and all cords, hidden. Plants should be removed because roaming fingers love to dig in the mud and pull off leaves to be eaten. Furniture should be stabilized to prevent accidents when she learns to pull herself up. Heavy objects should not be left on tables and overhanging tablecloths should not be used. She should never be left unharnessed in a high chair or stroller, and safety gates should be placed at the top and bottom of stairs.
A toddler should never be left alone, and all windows, grilles and front doors should always be locked. When cooking, try to keep the toddler in a play pen to avoid kitchen accidents. Pot handles should be turned towards he back, and cords should not hang over counter-tops. All babies need to explore as a means of learning. With your guidance, your baby can do so successfully with minimal risk of accidents.
Between 4 and 6 months, a baby is at the rolling and reaching age which brings problems such as grabbing for things. Your “toys” are more enjoyable that hers, so be careful with hot drinks and breakable objects. Everything she can get to will go into the mouth, including any small articles found on the floor or table. Check that small parts of toys or clothing like buttons cannot be pulled off and swallowed. Babies of this age should never be left alone on high surface because they might roll off.
A New World of Dangers
At 6 months to 1 year, a whole new world opens up to your baby because she is crawling, standing and finally walking. With it comes a new world of dangers. She can crawl to cupboards, so lock away all poisons and medicines. Electrical sockets should be covered with safety socked and all cords, hidden. Plants should be removed because roaming fingers love to dig in the mud and pull off leaves to be eaten. Furniture should be stabilized to prevent accidents when she learns to pull herself up. Heavy objects should not be left on tables and overhanging tablecloths should not be used. She should never be left unharnessed in a high chair or stroller, and safety gates should be placed at the top and bottom of stairs.
A toddler should never be left alone, and all windows, grilles and front doors should always be locked. When cooking, try to keep the toddler in a play pen to avoid kitchen accidents. Pot handles should be turned towards he back, and cords should not hang over counter-tops. All babies need to explore as a means of learning. With your guidance, your baby can do so successfully with minimal risk of accidents.
Helping your child through her accident-prone years – 2
The Rolling and Reaching Age
Between 4 and 6 months, a baby is at the rolling and reaching age which brings problems such as grabbing for things. Your “toys” are more enjoyable that hers, so be careful with hot drinks and breakable objects. Everything she can get to will go into the mouth, including any small articles found on the floor or table. Check that small parts of toys or clothing like buttons cannot be pulled off and swallowed. Babies of this age should never be left alone on high surface because they might roll off.
A New World of Dangers
At 6 months to 1 year, a whole new world opens up to your baby because she is crawling, standing and finally walking. With it comes a new world of dangers. She can crawl to cupboards, so lock away all poisons and medicines. Electrical sockets should be covered with safety socked and all cords, hidden. Plants should be removed because roaming fingers love to dig in the mud and pull off leaves to be eaten. Furniture should be stabilized to prevent accidents when she learns to pull herself up. Heavy objects should not be left on tables and overhanging tablecloths should not be used. She should never be left unharnessed in a high chair or stroller, and safety gates should be placed at the top and bottom of stairs.
A toddler should never be left alone, and all windows, grilles and front doors should always be locked. When cooking, try to keep the toddler in a play pen to avoid kitchen accidents. Pot handles should be turned towards he back, and cords should not hang over counter-tops. All babies need to explore as a means of learning. With your guidance, your baby can do so successfully with minimal risk of accidents.
Between 4 and 6 months, a baby is at the rolling and reaching age which brings problems such as grabbing for things. Your “toys” are more enjoyable that hers, so be careful with hot drinks and breakable objects. Everything she can get to will go into the mouth, including any small articles found on the floor or table. Check that small parts of toys or clothing like buttons cannot be pulled off and swallowed. Babies of this age should never be left alone on high surface because they might roll off.
A New World of Dangers
At 6 months to 1 year, a whole new world opens up to your baby because she is crawling, standing and finally walking. With it comes a new world of dangers. She can crawl to cupboards, so lock away all poisons and medicines. Electrical sockets should be covered with safety socked and all cords, hidden. Plants should be removed because roaming fingers love to dig in the mud and pull off leaves to be eaten. Furniture should be stabilized to prevent accidents when she learns to pull herself up. Heavy objects should not be left on tables and overhanging tablecloths should not be used. She should never be left unharnessed in a high chair or stroller, and safety gates should be placed at the top and bottom of stairs.
A toddler should never be left alone, and all windows, grilles and front doors should always be locked. When cooking, try to keep the toddler in a play pen to avoid kitchen accidents. Pot handles should be turned towards he back, and cords should not hang over counter-tops. All babies need to explore as a means of learning. With your guidance, your baby can do so successfully with minimal risk of accidents.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Helping your child through her accident-prone years – 1
Accidents in the home are the most common cause of injury or even death of a healthy child. As a parent, you need to take necessary safety precautions.
Young children are naturally impulsive and have very short memories. They seldom learn from one bad experience. Neither do they heed your warnings the first time. Children, therefore, need repeated instructions and guidance rather than over-protection and restriction.
The first two years of a child’s life are often referred to as accident-prone years. Bringing your child through his period is a very challenging task.
Make your Home Baby-Safe
Because children spend most of their first few years at home, that’s where the majority of accidents occur. You need to go through your house, one room at a time. Think of possible hazards and make it as baby-safe as possible. As different ages bring different dangers, you also need to be aware of hazards specific to each stage.
For the very young baby, accidents are less likely to occur. However, a parent still needs to be aware of certain dangers. For example, and older brother or sister may vent his jealousy on the baby. Or a well-intentioned cuddle may carry the risk of suffocation. So older siblings should never be left alone with babies. If not correctly chosen, equipment and toys can also be a source of extreme danger to a young baby. All cribs, cots, baby chairs, etc., should meet recognized safely standards (that is, they must have no sharp edges or projections, and they must be strong or stable to prevent falls.)
Young children are naturally impulsive and have very short memories. They seldom learn from one bad experience. Neither do they heed your warnings the first time. Children, therefore, need repeated instructions and guidance rather than over-protection and restriction.
The first two years of a child’s life are often referred to as accident-prone years. Bringing your child through his period is a very challenging task.
Make your Home Baby-Safe
Because children spend most of their first few years at home, that’s where the majority of accidents occur. You need to go through your house, one room at a time. Think of possible hazards and make it as baby-safe as possible. As different ages bring different dangers, you also need to be aware of hazards specific to each stage.
For the very young baby, accidents are less likely to occur. However, a parent still needs to be aware of certain dangers. For example, and older brother or sister may vent his jealousy on the baby. Or a well-intentioned cuddle may carry the risk of suffocation. So older siblings should never be left alone with babies. If not correctly chosen, equipment and toys can also be a source of extreme danger to a young baby. All cribs, cots, baby chairs, etc., should meet recognized safely standards (that is, they must have no sharp edges or projections, and they must be strong or stable to prevent falls.)
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Kid-ding Around with Housework – 2
When you see your kids doing their chores willingly, praise them. If you do this often enough, eventually, doing housework will become a habit. Do not be discouraged if your child doesn’t seem to catch on quickly enough. Learning m
Earns making mistakes. Be patient. The few minutes you spend training a two-year-old may save hours of having to pick up later after a twelve-year-old.
Go easy on the scolding. Threatening or spanking children will not make them look forward to housework; they end up resenting it, as well as you. The right way to motivate your children is to praise them for their efforts, however child-like or clumsy they may be.
Devise a system of rewards – not necessarily financial – to make your kids feeling that their efforts are appreciated. While it will benefit your child and boost his ego, you, their parents, will have responsible, independent children who will look at housework as a normal part of their routine – as normal as playing without you nagging them.
The idea, “How to Get Kids to Help at Home”, is to “work yourself out of a job”. Your child should be able to make good judgments, evaluate and plan, be an active participant in running the home, and solve problems reasonably well. If you can count on her to make good choices and run her life well, you will have done your job as a parent.
It is possible to achieve a happy balance between you and your kids: it’s just a matter of using imaginative strategies, combined with a lot of patience.
Earns making mistakes. Be patient. The few minutes you spend training a two-year-old may save hours of having to pick up later after a twelve-year-old.
Go easy on the scolding. Threatening or spanking children will not make them look forward to housework; they end up resenting it, as well as you. The right way to motivate your children is to praise them for their efforts, however child-like or clumsy they may be.
Devise a system of rewards – not necessarily financial – to make your kids feeling that their efforts are appreciated. While it will benefit your child and boost his ego, you, their parents, will have responsible, independent children who will look at housework as a normal part of their routine – as normal as playing without you nagging them.
The idea, “How to Get Kids to Help at Home”, is to “work yourself out of a job”. Your child should be able to make good judgments, evaluate and plan, be an active participant in running the home, and solve problems reasonably well. If you can count on her to make good choices and run her life well, you will have done your job as a parent.
It is possible to achieve a happy balance between you and your kids: it’s just a matter of using imaginative strategies, combined with a lot of patience.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Kid-ding Around with Housework – 1
When you were kids, you probably heard your parents complain that you never did anything “to help around the house”. Today, we’re still telling our kids to clean their rooms, help set the table and do other household chores. And when we do, we still hear them ask, “Me? Now? Why?” or worse, they “pass the buck” to younger siblings.
Kids detest housework for the simple reason that it interferes with their free time. If Mama calls them in to help set the table when they’re out playing, or Papa asks them to help wash the car when they’re engrossed in their favorite book or T.V. program, they will simply not respond, no matter the amount of cajoling of threats.
The key to converting your kids is by transforming household tasks into fun games. One of the primary tasks of parenting is to bring up your children to be responsible, confident, happy and independent. What better place to start than at home?
The first thing to remember is not to treat your kids like little adults. Make each chore child-friendly. For instance, don’t tell your young child to clean the bathroom. Instead, assign only a few tasks a child can easily handle, such as washing the sink, putting away the toothbrushes or polishing the bathroom mirror. Make sure that the environment, too, is child-friendly; don’t expect your child to put the tooth-cabinet where they belong. Give her a stool to stand on, or lower the shell to a height she can reach.
Make household chores fun and easy for your child. If the putting away of toys is a constant source of irritation between you and your child, try this: buy a big box (one used to pack canned good or bottles in), wrap it in brown paper and let the child draw pictures on it or decorate it. Let them imagine that the box is a truck or wagon, decorate it accordingly, and push it around the house, picking up their toys as they go. Or they can pretend that they are robots or wind-up toys who pick things up. In setting the table, provide a model to copy. Cut out paper placemat and paste them onto a piece of cardboard to guide the child. There are other countless ways to encourage kids to help around the house.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
.Raised Well-Adjusted Children – 2
While teaching the child to do specific chores, make them look fun. When teaching him how to clean the house, give him his personal broom and rag. When preparing his baon for school, teach him to wrap his sandwich with a paper napkin or wax paper, or stir the milk or juice drink. These little games will go a long way not just in teaching the child the meaning of responsibility and self-reliance, but also in making him more eager to attend school.
Adjusting to a new environment like school is often difficult for most children, particularly, younger children. Apprehension or fear is not unusual when a child is going to school for the first time. Most often, your child’s fear stems from being left alone where he no longer feels secure, where people feed and care for him and where he is the center of his own safe universe.
Giving a child simple household chores and teaching him to trust his own capabilities can make the adjustment easier. Once a child learns to trust himself in small things, trusting himself in the bigger things—like going to school, meeting “teacher” and “classmates” and other new people—becomes easier.
When your child discovers the meaning of responsibility and self-reliance early in life, he deepens his understanding of what it takes or live a comfortable and orderly life; learns that some things must be done, that all the family member must share in the workload equally, and that doing chores together strengthens the bond among family members. He learns to put value on extending and receiving help. More importantly, he learns to trust himself.
Once armed with that self-confidence, there is simply nothing that your child cannot do, no environment that he cannot conquer.
Adjusting to a new environment like school is often difficult for most children, particularly, younger children. Apprehension or fear is not unusual when a child is going to school for the first time. Most often, your child’s fear stems from being left alone where he no longer feels secure, where people feed and care for him and where he is the center of his own safe universe.
Giving a child simple household chores and teaching him to trust his own capabilities can make the adjustment easier. Once a child learns to trust himself in small things, trusting himself in the bigger things—like going to school, meeting “teacher” and “classmates” and other new people—becomes easier.
When your child discovers the meaning of responsibility and self-reliance early in life, he deepens his understanding of what it takes or live a comfortable and orderly life; learns that some things must be done, that all the family member must share in the workload equally, and that doing chores together strengthens the bond among family members. He learns to put value on extending and receiving help. More importantly, he learns to trust himself.
Once armed with that self-confidence, there is simply nothing that your child cannot do, no environment that he cannot conquer.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Raised Well-Adjusted Children – 1
Many parents in the 90s encourage self-reliance and responsibility in their children as a way of life and also out of necessity. In more and more families, both parents go to work, and children are quite often left at home during certain hours of the day with only a maid or yaya in the house to care for them.
Learning self—reliance early in life—such as dressing up by himself or doing his homework on his own—prepares your child to become a more responsible and successful adult. He gains self-confidence and a sense of responsibility. He will be better equipped to adjust quickly to a new environment.
But how do you provide your child with the skills necessary for him to become successful and well-adjusted?
The first mistake most parents make is to rush their child into learning. Teach him one skill at a time. You are grapping with a mind and vocabulary much more limited than yours. Remember that a seven—year—old will learn things and concepts much faster than, say, a two—year—old.
Between the ages of 4 to 5, the child must be taught to do the following for himself; use the toilet, bathe, dress up, use a spoon and fork, eat and drink, comb his hair, brush his teeth, wash or wipe his face and keep himself clean. These are best taught through actual demonstration and good example. If your child saw you doing these things naturally as part of your daily routine, it would be easy for him to adopt them. As long as he makes progress, you must not fret and fuss.
But generous with praise when the child masters a skill. This will encourage him and make the learning process easier for you both.
Learning self—reliance early in life—such as dressing up by himself or doing his homework on his own—prepares your child to become a more responsible and successful adult. He gains self-confidence and a sense of responsibility. He will be better equipped to adjust quickly to a new environment.
But how do you provide your child with the skills necessary for him to become successful and well-adjusted?
The first mistake most parents make is to rush their child into learning. Teach him one skill at a time. You are grapping with a mind and vocabulary much more limited than yours. Remember that a seven—year—old will learn things and concepts much faster than, say, a two—year—old.
Between the ages of 4 to 5, the child must be taught to do the following for himself; use the toilet, bathe, dress up, use a spoon and fork, eat and drink, comb his hair, brush his teeth, wash or wipe his face and keep himself clean. These are best taught through actual demonstration and good example. If your child saw you doing these things naturally as part of your daily routine, it would be easy for him to adopt them. As long as he makes progress, you must not fret and fuss.
But generous with praise when the child masters a skill. This will encourage him and make the learning process easier for you both.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Thy Will Be Done
Is God listening? I was disappointed that prayer was interpreted only as asking God for something. Prayer traditionally involves praise, thanks-giving, confession and petition. Most important is praise, acknowledging the wonder of the supreme being. A relationship with God is always available, but we need to do the connecting. When we have established an intimate, trusting relationship with a higher power, then we can ask and expect to received higher power, then we can ask and expect to receive. One does not ask favors from a neighbor one has not met. God can be found only by seeking with the heart.
Life is a crap shoot—some people luck out and some don’t. some people who need organ transplants get them and some don’t. There is no evidence of any kind that prayer has any effect whatsoever on the outcome. People like everything simple and in black and white. When they pray and get what they wished for , they are sure that their prayers were “answered.” When they pray and don’t get what they wanted, it was “God’s will.” Actually, it is always just random chance.
Life is a crap shoot—some people luck out and some don’t. some people who need organ transplants get them and some don’t. There is no evidence of any kind that prayer has any effect whatsoever on the outcome. People like everything simple and in black and white. When they pray and get what they wished for , they are sure that their prayers were “answered.” When they pray and don’t get what they wanted, it was “God’s will.” Actually, it is always just random chance.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
When bad things happen to good people – 2
Job is described in the Holy Bible as “blameless and upright, one who feared Bod and turned away from evil”. And yet bad things happened to him. Did Job curse God for his sufferings and misfortune? No. Instead Job acknowledged God in the face of his sorrow. He said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
Asking the question ”My God, my God, why…” is perfectly natural. We all ask this question at one time or another. While God does not always answer our “why” questions. He does understand why we ask them. When Jesus was crucified and was near death and cried out the “why” question to God, He did not also get an answer as He hung upon the cross.
We should not complain or grumble if God does not answer our “why” questions. We cannot fit God into our mold and make God’s plans and purposes fit and conform to ours. Instead we should try to fit into His plans. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are our ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. A time is coming soon when all the riddles and puzzles in this life will fall into place and our unwaivering faith in our Lord God will be rewarded.
Asking the question ”My God, my God, why…” is perfectly natural. We all ask this question at one time or another. While God does not always answer our “why” questions. He does understand why we ask them. When Jesus was crucified and was near death and cried out the “why” question to God, He did not also get an answer as He hung upon the cross.
We should not complain or grumble if God does not answer our “why” questions. We cannot fit God into our mold and make God’s plans and purposes fit and conform to ours. Instead we should try to fit into His plans. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are our ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. A time is coming soon when all the riddles and puzzles in this life will fall into place and our unwaivering faith in our Lord God will be rewarded.
Friday, November 14, 2008
When Bad Things Happen to Good People - 1
How do you feel – if through no fault of your own, things change for the worse? Are you going to respond by abandoning your faith in God because of setbacks, tragedies and sorrows in life? Or are you going to trust God no matter what happens with the unshakable attitude that when nothing else is left, you have God. Bible-believing Christians who are not fair-weather believers know deep in their hearts that God is enough for our lives and our future in times of blessings or sufferings.
Many of us do not understand why God allows us to suffer. In deed there are many “why” questions in life. Especially during times of trials, sufferings, and crises in our lives. Many, if not all of us, are tempted a thousand times to ask, “My God, why…? But we should not be disturbed by this situation. It is not a situation that exists only in this modern age. From Biblical story of Job is a story that should be told and retold to our brothers and sisters who are in the midst of sufferings. Job was wealthy man of God who lost his possession, his children and his health. Though he did not understand why God allowed him to suffer, his faith in God remained intact. Job continued to trust God no matter what happened. In the Book of Job in the Old Testament we see Job’s genuine faith had weathered his sufferings. As Job says: “Even if He (God) should kill me, I still will trust in Him.
Many of us do not understand why God allows us to suffer. In deed there are many “why” questions in life. Especially during times of trials, sufferings, and crises in our lives. Many, if not all of us, are tempted a thousand times to ask, “My God, why…? But we should not be disturbed by this situation. It is not a situation that exists only in this modern age. From Biblical story of Job is a story that should be told and retold to our brothers and sisters who are in the midst of sufferings. Job was wealthy man of God who lost his possession, his children and his health. Though he did not understand why God allowed him to suffer, his faith in God remained intact. Job continued to trust God no matter what happened. In the Book of Job in the Old Testament we see Job’s genuine faith had weathered his sufferings. As Job says: “Even if He (God) should kill me, I still will trust in Him.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Can You Laugh This Way?
The benefits of laughing are priceless. The major health benefits are decreasing the blood pressure, stress reduction, making immune system stronger and so on. The smiling face easily attracts people and makes friends. Laughing clubs were evolved to make laughing a daily routine and to avoid medicines.
Laughter means Happiness
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Master the Art of the Happy Ending
Farewell are a meaningful part of all friendships, new and old. They can strengthen a relationship and add depth to our feelings. Here are five ways to practice the good-bye.
Stay with the Moment. Whether it’s a one-or 15-minute process, parting requires that we pay attention. Don’t worry about logistics-baggage, tickets, keys-just focus on the here and now of separating.
Give Tokens. In the past, one would give a good-luck charm to friends setting out on a long journey. Continue this tradition by giving a small personal gift to a friend on her way out: a box of miniature soaps, a CD you think she’ll enjoy, that pair of earrings she once admired on you.
Take a Mental Picture. Taking group pictures just before friends go on their way is a silly custom, but it fulfills an important functions: memorializing the encounter and giving it a tangible place in time. You don’t have to take a photograph-absorb the scene and remember it.
Accept the Sadness and the Relief. Don’t deny what you feel, whatever it is: Good-byes are always tinged with a sense of sadness—and happiness. The brief loneliness you experience when a friend departs is prelude to the joyful realization that you can return to your life, free of interruptions.
Don’t Look Back. Be the one who signals that it’s time to move on. Take the responsibility to close the door, turn the key in the ignition, or walk away. By doing so, you will help everyone realize that what lies ahead is the next adventure.
Stay with the Moment. Whether it’s a one-or 15-minute process, parting requires that we pay attention. Don’t worry about logistics-baggage, tickets, keys-just focus on the here and now of separating.
Give Tokens. In the past, one would give a good-luck charm to friends setting out on a long journey. Continue this tradition by giving a small personal gift to a friend on her way out: a box of miniature soaps, a CD you think she’ll enjoy, that pair of earrings she once admired on you.
Take a Mental Picture. Taking group pictures just before friends go on their way is a silly custom, but it fulfills an important functions: memorializing the encounter and giving it a tangible place in time. You don’t have to take a photograph-absorb the scene and remember it.
Accept the Sadness and the Relief. Don’t deny what you feel, whatever it is: Good-byes are always tinged with a sense of sadness—and happiness. The brief loneliness you experience when a friend departs is prelude to the joyful realization that you can return to your life, free of interruptions.
Don’t Look Back. Be the one who signals that it’s time to move on. Take the responsibility to close the door, turn the key in the ignition, or walk away. By doing so, you will help everyone realize that what lies ahead is the next adventure.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Health is HAPPINESS – 3
Anybody who has been to hospital or hospice care centers for the terminally ill will have learned at least one big lesson—“if we only realize how many people who are dying from various illness would trade all their wealth for healthy, long life, or even for jus a few more days on earth, we would learn to value our own health for what it truly is – a Divine gift.” Then he will realize tha even with just his health, he is the richest and the most blessed in life.
The following week, I sat with my classmate who wanted to interview me and she asked me to elaborate my answer to her question of “what makes your happy?”
I told her thus, “For some people, life is like arithmetic where you add one to one and you get two. But for me, the Gestalt theory is a more appropriate theory. Think about this; If one is able to take care of his body by shunning away from bad habits, he doesn’t simply end up being physically sound; it’s not enough for him to say, I have a healthy brain, healthy heart and do on, his totality may even be greater because if he is physically healthy, there’s a lot more he can do in life. He can fulfill his dreams and each accomplishment will add on to his initial deposit of happiness. This is where I’m coming from. Just the same, it doesn’t mean that a person who has lost his legs or arms due to accident or operation has become a lesser human being because it’s not just his physical body that makes him a human being. If he learns to move on despite his physical disabilities, then that means he is psychologically healthy and therefore, ha can be happy.”
“Convinced?”, I asked my classmate.
She answered, “Very well said. What more can I say?” At that point, we bade each other goodbye then we both went home.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Health is HAPPINESS – 2
There was this story of healthy businessman who had been a smoker for many years since he was a teenager. At the age of 50, he was diagnosed with a lung cancer. During his family’s last visit to him in the hospital, he told his wife and two sons, “The is the only time I realized that health is more important than wealth.” Also there was once a rich man, owner of a dynamic insurance company who committed suicide upon learning that he had cancer. These stories only show that truly, no amount of money can buy us health and the happiness that goes with it.
In my work as art therapist, I often meet people who are “unhealthy” one way or another. Some may be battling with diseases while others may be addicted to unhealthy habits. On the other hand, I have also had art students who were paraplegics and cancer survivors but they were happy because they have survived despite their illnesses; they may be physically incomplete but are psychologically and spiritually whole. Some live very simple lives but they are happy because they are free from any illness. These are people who have learned to value their health as God’s priceless gift.
In our conscious moments, to say that health is “happiness” is not difficult but the problem is, we are seldom conscious of this fact. More often, we subject ourselves to blind choices and habits that endanger our health and it is only when we cannot eat, see, walk, talk, hear, work or attend to the more important things in our lives anymore that we are forced to value our health again.
In my work as art therapist, I often meet people who are “unhealthy” one way or another. Some may be battling with diseases while others may be addicted to unhealthy habits. On the other hand, I have also had art students who were paraplegics and cancer survivors but they were happy because they have survived despite their illnesses; they may be physically incomplete but are psychologically and spiritually whole. Some live very simple lives but they are happy because they are free from any illness. These are people who have learned to value their health as God’s priceless gift.
In our conscious moments, to say that health is “happiness” is not difficult but the problem is, we are seldom conscious of this fact. More often, we subject ourselves to blind choices and habits that endanger our health and it is only when we cannot eat, see, walk, talk, hear, work or attend to the more important things in our lives anymore that we are forced to value our health again.
Health is HAPPINESS - 1
I was listening to our professor’s lecture on Gestalt theory in our educational psychology class when my seatmate asked me, “What makes you happy?”
The Gestalt (“form”) psychology came from Germany and was identified most closely with Max Wertheimer who theorizes that, “The whole is different or greater than the sum of its parts.”
Turning back to my classmate, I said, “When I wake up in the morning feeling whole and I look at the mirror and know that am indeed whole, then I am happy. What happiness could be greater than being healthy?”
As soon as the bell rang, she tagged along and said, “May I interview you further next time about your answer to my question earlier?” I said “no problem but I kind of felt she was not convinced with the truthfulness of my answer—“that I am happy because I am healthy.”
I believe one of the things that people often forget to value is their health when in fact this must be counted as the greatest health one can possess. Come to think of it, when we get seriously ill now, there’s nothing else we can do—we cannot be happy when all we can feel is pain and emptiness.
The irony is that many people even neglect their health by going into drugs, smoking, alcoholism, not eating and not working properly, abusing their bodies in different ways.
The Gestalt (“form”) psychology came from Germany and was identified most closely with Max Wertheimer who theorizes that, “The whole is different or greater than the sum of its parts.”
Turning back to my classmate, I said, “When I wake up in the morning feeling whole and I look at the mirror and know that am indeed whole, then I am happy. What happiness could be greater than being healthy?”
As soon as the bell rang, she tagged along and said, “May I interview you further next time about your answer to my question earlier?” I said “no problem but I kind of felt she was not convinced with the truthfulness of my answer—“that I am happy because I am healthy.”
I believe one of the things that people often forget to value is their health when in fact this must be counted as the greatest health one can possess. Come to think of it, when we get seriously ill now, there’s nothing else we can do—we cannot be happy when all we can feel is pain and emptiness.
The irony is that many people even neglect their health by going into drugs, smoking, alcoholism, not eating and not working properly, abusing their bodies in different ways.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Man’s Best Friend – 2
Dogs are also wonderful stress-busters. If your world is going haywire, a dog’s a a dog’s companionship will prove to be invaluable. Try taking a walk with your dog. Not too keen on moving a muscle? Research shows that gently petting your dog, or just sitting in the same room with him, can reduce harmful responses to stressful situations. He won’t argue with you. He’ll always side with you and he’ll give you a whole lot of non-judgmental support. Just what you need to ride a stress attack through.
Dogs have this uncanny ability to sense your moods and feelings. He knows when you’re happy and likewise when you’re feeling down-in-the-dumps, He will always try to make you feel better. Perhaps more importantly, dogs don’t care it you’re 15 pounds over-weight or balding. He really couldn’t care less if you’re not in an upwardly-mobile job or haven’t been out on a date in ages. He’ll be content to give you all the love and companionship you need.
At the end of the day, and this article, it is a whole lot easier to understand and appreciate why dogs deserve the title “man’s best friend.”
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Man’s Best Friend - 1
It’s a dog-gone life, I love it …..and I’m happy for it!
Why do people, children and adults have dogs? The reasons vary really. “He looked so cute in the pet shop window, I couldn’t resist.” Was only given to me. My Family needs protection.
So you see, owning a dog has taken a much broader and oftentimes higher purpose that the hunting, herding and farm tending they originally used to be for.
It’s not easy to live in such a world. We need companions to be able to survive. Sometimes we rely on friends. Sometimes we rely on our family. For one, man has this great and overwhelming need to communicate. He needs to talk about his life, what’s good about it, what’s not so good about it. Naturally, this situation requires that he should have a listener. Someone who will listen intently and make no judgments. Guess what? A dogs all ears. The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too. He may not be able to talk back but his mere presence is consoling and comforting when you need him to be. Probably not that lonely, but it still feels different to have someone around whom you’ll take care of as if he were your own child.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Letting go of loss and failure – 3
Finally, put your trust in the Lord. “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” Have faith in God and faith in Me” (Jn 14.1).
So don’t worry too much. Continue the good works you’re doing in the Legion of Mary – or even double the dosage.
The Lighter side. Once there was a man who was suffering from insomnia because of too much anxiety. He decided to try the old remedy for insomnia: Counting sheep.He went to bed and closed his eyes, but when the first sheep came along it stumbled and fell.
Would someone come along to help the sheep? Ho many more sheep would come along and stumble over the fallen sheep? How much more would the shepherd lose as a result of the accident?
The Man was so personally involved with the situation that the more he could not sleep! Lesson: Let go of anxieties and leave room for God’s action.
The wise never marry. And when they marry they become otherwise.
So don’t worry too much. Continue the good works you’re doing in the Legion of Mary – or even double the dosage.
The Lighter side. Once there was a man who was suffering from insomnia because of too much anxiety. He decided to try the old remedy for insomnia: Counting sheep.He went to bed and closed his eyes, but when the first sheep came along it stumbled and fell.
Would someone come along to help the sheep? Ho many more sheep would come along and stumble over the fallen sheep? How much more would the shepherd lose as a result of the accident?
The Man was so personally involved with the situation that the more he could not sleep! Lesson: Let go of anxieties and leave room for God’s action.
The wise never marry. And when they marry they become otherwise.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Letting go of loss and failure – 2
Concerning your “failure” to guide your brother in his marriage and personal life, well, there are certain things that are beyond our control, one of which is one’s free will and thinking. Recall that our Lord could not even prevent Judas Iscariot from betraying Him or that He failed to convert His countrymen so that He wept, in frustration, over Jerusalem!
Someone made the analogy. You can lead a horse to a stream but you cannot force him to drink. How much more with humans? Perhaps you just have to wait until the horse has a thirst for water or, in the case of your brother, until he gets enlightened.
Here’s what St. Bonaventure says: “Do not become upset or impatient at the defects of other, for it would be foolish if upon seeing some fall into a ditch you should throw yourself into another uselessly.”
Don’t give up on one thing: Prayer. St. Monica prayed for the conversion of her son for almost 20 years – and her prayers bore fruit.
If a person does not change, change your attitude towards him. One of the hardest things to do in this world is to change the character of a person As a Chinese proverb goes: “It is easier to reshape a mountain or a river that a person’s character.” So better change yourself or lower you expectations.
When gloomy and negative thoughts pop up in our mind, vanish them. One way of doing it is to keep busy or to fill you mind with happy, optimistic thoughts.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Letting Go of Loss and Failure - 1
Good morning! I hope everybody out there were having a good day. This article inspired me a lot, that’s why I want to share it all with you. As we should accept everything what will happen, that wil lead us to have a peaceful mind and happiness.
My friend came to me to ask for advice regarding his problem. “My mother died when I was in my junior years; two years after, my father also passed away. My only brother has a broken family and does not lead a good life.
“These events hurt and make him depressed, especially since he feel he failed to guide his brother. He feel more bothered because he regard a good works and marriage as something to hold on for life.” “How can I get out of this depression and guilt feeling,” he asked.
Regarding the death of your father and mother, you As somebody said: “There are two inevitable realities: Death and taxes,” I have doubts about the second because not all pay their taxes honest! But death? That is inescapable.
While you must have to accept that everybody will pass away sooner or later. This is a reality of life. While you must have loved your parents very much – and all loved ones for that matter – we cannot cling on to them in this world forever. Sooner or later, we will part ways with them – hopefully not in the next life.
You can achieve tranquility and peace by accepting with resignation the dear of your parents.
In this connection, remember the serenity prayer which goes” “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference (between the two).
You have to accept the thing you cannot change – death of your parents. Commend them to the loving mercy of God.
My friend came to me to ask for advice regarding his problem. “My mother died when I was in my junior years; two years after, my father also passed away. My only brother has a broken family and does not lead a good life.
“These events hurt and make him depressed, especially since he feel he failed to guide his brother. He feel more bothered because he regard a good works and marriage as something to hold on for life.” “How can I get out of this depression and guilt feeling,” he asked.
Regarding the death of your father and mother, you As somebody said: “There are two inevitable realities: Death and taxes,” I have doubts about the second because not all pay their taxes honest! But death? That is inescapable.
While you must have to accept that everybody will pass away sooner or later. This is a reality of life. While you must have loved your parents very much – and all loved ones for that matter – we cannot cling on to them in this world forever. Sooner or later, we will part ways with them – hopefully not in the next life.
You can achieve tranquility and peace by accepting with resignation the dear of your parents.
In this connection, remember the serenity prayer which goes” “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference (between the two).
You have to accept the thing you cannot change – death of your parents. Commend them to the loving mercy of God.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Attaining Peace and Happiness
Forgiveness, surrendering and letting go are the most difficult, but most important aspects of attaining peace and happiness.
This is probably the hardest lesson you will ever have to learn in life. Forgiveness is the greatest miracle in the world because it comes from a state of pure love. To forgive yourself and others in one of the most liberating experiences you will ever have. Getting there is humbling, enlightening and one of the most gratifying aspects of your spiritual journey. Are none of this is possible without prayer.
The tighter you hold on to something the more it weights you down. This is true for most aspects of your life but you will find it most applicable in your relationships. Whether romantic, familial or friendly, most relationship issues do need to be surrendered because once you have detached yourself from the issue, it is only then that you can see it as it is, without judgment and preconceived notion.
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