Monkey Led Man to Food, Water And Shelter

I love this video for many reasons.  The title of the video is "Lost Tourist Survives Nine Days In The Jungle, Says Monkeys Helped". It is a video from National Geographic and I love following them because they put out some great content.  Apparently this guy wandered away from his campsite and they searched for him for over a week.  While they found him dehydrated with bug bites, the guy says that Monkeys dropped fruit and led him to shelter and water every day.  Now if we humans could treat the animals of this planet in the same way they treat us, we would have a much better world.  See the short video.

Resting At The Park

When life gets to tough, nature is usually one of my best escapes. Being around the trees and birds and water is one way that I feel like I'm still connected to this planet.  In these days, it seems like hatred of one another and screaming is all that matters.  I can no longer take the stuff that I see every day.

Nature is my escape.  The park is my refuge.  Yes, the ocean also does that but because of the recent hurricane, the beach is a little rough to get to at this moment I'm writing this.

Nature allows me to just be in the moment.  It does not expect me to mold into a form that it thinks I should be.  It does not demand that I do this task or that task.  It does not look at me with veiled attempt at how I am doing or how much I feel alone.  It just feels like I am home, accepted as I am with all my faults and shortcomings and fears and insecurities.

Being out at Blue Springs State Park is something that helps me stop and rest and refresh my weary torn life.  It gives me a moment of pause and reflection.  It helps me focus on where I am while ditching all the things I wish to forget.

So this blog post will be about showing you what I saw yesterday and hopefully through my pictures, it will be a moment of pause for you.

When I finished walking, I was sitting under this big oak tree.  It looked like it had been there forever.  It provided a great deal of shade while the light gentle breeze kept me cool.  The sun glistened off the water as you could see down the St. Johns River for a distance. 

Up above, I noticed that two big black birds were perched just watching and waiting or maybe they were taking a rest.  They didn't seem to mind me sitting there and in fact for a little while, I didn't even realize that they were there.

A big Blue Heron flew in and sat close to me on the edge of the water taking in the sun and the shade as it rested.

It watched me with interest as much as I watched it.

The Blue Heron was so beautiful and large and I felt like it just knew what I was there for, wishing it no harm, but we both accepted each other.

I assume there were no alligators close or it probably would not have been so calm.

A group of ladies decided they were going to sit at a picnic table close to me which was fine.

However, I was trying to enjoy the peacefulness and they decided it was time to talk rapidly and loudly.

I'm not sure why people do that in a park.

No, I'm not saying that you can't talk, but how can you enjoy nature and the park if you're talking more than listening.

I just think that sometimes if we stop the continuous chatter, we'll see and take in much that we normally miss.

The water level was high from the recent rains and hurricane.  Water from the St. John's River flows south to north, so it pushes this water all the way up to the park.

In addition to that, the springs puts out a lot of water each day.  In fact, the springs put out over 100 million gallons a day according to their information.

I had never seen the water level this high, but it sure changed the landscape.  Places that were normally visible, were submerged by water.  In fact, the there is a little beach landing that is normally visible by the canoes in this picture to the right and it was also submerged.

Along the way, little leaves floated down from the trees and spiders spun their webs.  Damage to the boardwalk path was evident from the recent hurricane.

People floated on rafts to the spring and you heard all kinds of different languages from international tourists.

The sun peaked through the clouds as they came and went. It made beautiful silhouettes in the sky. 

The wind was gentle but its presence was helpful to keep it from being too warm.  It rustled through the trees making a nice relaxing sound to help you drift away.

The playground was quiet for the most part as the kids were in school.  Normally when we have been there, it is bustling with kids who have limitless energy.

A homeless stray kitten had wandered into the restroom and was so frightened that it was frantic and kept its distance.  It scurried out the door the moment I went in.

It reminded me though of something fun and as if the playground equipment was waiting for someone to come and enjoy it.  Maybe the playground was also taking a rest.

I remember back to my childhood swinging on the swings and getting all scuffed up from falling out on the school yard pavement.  I would come home with bandages all over me.  As a kid, I loved the swings and always trying to see how high I could go.

Mostly though, I just enjoyed sitting there in the park listening and watching and taking it all in.

The boats on the river would go by and the birds would fly through the air.

Ripples of water changed with the currents and wakes of the boats.

The sun came and went under the clouds providing a different color scheme throughout the day.  Sometimes it was clear and other times it was covered in clouds.

The trees were magnificent standing there as if to say, we made it through the hurricane.  Some were not as fortunate, but the ones that were, stood tall and proud.  The green of these old oak trees stood against the backdrop of the bright blue sky and the green lawn.

I wish I could spend every day there because it is nice just resting at the park.  Resting is something we all need more of in our day.  Resting helps take us away from all the ugly rhetoric being spewed in the world.  It helps us see that there is more and it helps us get through those moments in life where we struggle for answers and calmness.

If you've not been out to the part lately, take a moment and go.  Go and just sit and take it all in.  If you're a creative person like myself, take a journal or a camera or something to draw with and just connect and listen.  Let nature be there to refresh you, guide you, and give calm to your soul.

Blue Springs State Park is a wonderful place to visit if you are in Central Florida.  During the winter months, it is common to see Manatees as they come up to the spring to stay warm.  Sometimes you see alligators.  There are always many fish swimming around and plenty of birds.  Often, you will see other critters.  Check out Blue Springs State Park because it is a wonderful place in nature to rest, relax and recharge!

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Blog Post And Images (c) 2016 by Don Shetterly

• Permission required before any part of this blog post is reprinted, reworded or used in any form. 
• You are welcomed to share the LINK to this blog post.  

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Drake University Bans Plastic Water Bottles

The other day I was reading in the Des Moines Register about a story that just made me shake my head.  In the story, it was stated that Drake University in Iowa has now banned plastic water bottles.  In their defense, this was a student led initiative.  While they have banned plastic water bottles, it appears they are giving each student a refillable water bottle and making hydration stations plentifully available.

Yet, I am waiting for the moment when these same people who are so against plastic water bottles, ban all soft drink plastic bottles.  I mean, fair is fair, right?  Of course not!  I know the twisted logic that will not allow this to happen.

Before you think that I am completely missing the point, if you banned all purified bottled water, I would be completely behind you on that one.  To ban water that is carefully bottled and not just purified is short-sighted to say the least.  Of course, it means that you have to do your research and understand how each brand and supplier packages their water.

Flu And Cold Season And Nutrition

While stress, trauma, and past experiences in life have a large effect on the health of our body, there are other factors that play into the health of our body.  If you have not already read yesterday's post about "Flu - Cold Season And Mind Body Healing, I would urge you to do that.  Of course, getting proper nutrition into your body each day helps during cold and flu season.

Eating processed, fried and mutilated foods will not give your body the proper nutrition it needs.  You need whole foods, including vegetables and fruits.  Less sugar, high fructose corn syrup and fatty foods are essential for optimal health.  These foods do nothing but add further stress to your body.  Our diets are lacking in proper nutrition in this country and we consume way too much of what we should not and not enough of what we should.

There is one thing we do in our house each day and that is every morning we have our whole food smoothies.  They are based upon the Food Based Healing principles by Jeff Primack of Qigong.com. We have the Blendtec blender and we take whole vegetables and fruits (skins, seeds and all) and make them into a blended smoothie we drink every morning.  It helps give us all of what we need as well as fiber and it sets up our day with a boost of healthy nutrition.  Since we have been doing this routine, we do not get colds or flu.  Yes, this is in addition to the other healing work I mentioned in the previous blog post, and it is a major part of our day.

Rocket Sound and Noise Reduction

When I watched the launch of the Nasa Grail Moon Mission on September 10, 2011, I was only about 5 miles from the actual launch site.  From what I understand, that was about as close as we could get that day.

One thing I noticed was that after liftoff, it took the sound several seconds to reach where we were at.  I think someone calculated that it took 25 seconds.  As I remember that moment, it was like a rush of loud sound that vibrated the ground, the air and each one of us.  You could feel it just as clearly as if you felt a raindrop. 

The other thing I noticed was that right after the sound, it was like there was a vacuum created with virtually no sound.  It was a peaceful sound and feeling.  However, this lasted almost long enough to realize it, but it vanished almost instantaneously. 

Clutter In Our Life, Part 7

Clutter #7 - Hydrating Our Bodies
Part 7 of 10

So many people turn to soft drinks, tea, lemonade, alcohol, coffee to hydrate the body. However, very few us drink the amount of water in a day that we need. According to the mayo clinic website, we should at least drink eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day.

Keep in mind that this is "pure" unadulterated water, not water in tea, coffee, etc. When you mix in other substances into the water like sugar, caffeine, tea, etc., you body has to work harder to discard those substances and utilize the water.

In many cases, the other substances alter the pH of your blood which then requires your body to work overtime to bring the pH back into balance.

Our bodies are made up of more than 60% water and in order for our body and our brain to function properly, they need to be fully hydrated.

Yes, I know that sugar flavored drinks taste much better to water but if you set a goal to start drinking more water, you will find that in time, water is perfectly fine and tastes as good. It may take a little time if you are not used to drinking this much water but if you can stay with it, in time you will be much more healthier as a result.

Water is so important to the body of a living organism and without adequate water, we are really stressing and pushing our bodies towards disastrous results.

Come back tomorrow for part 8 of this series, Clutter In Our Life. Below are the various parts to this series that you can read as well.

Clutter In Our Life Series
- Introduction
Part 1: Spending our hours watching TV news
Part 2: Keeping Ourselves Constantly Busy
Part 3: Numbing Ourselves
Part 4: Following Blindly
Part 5: Food Choices
Part 6: Health care, Doctors, and Medicine
Part 7: Hydrating Our Bodies
Part 8: Thinking We Have The Answers
Part 9: Exercise Is For Another Day
Part 10: We Fail To Evolve
- The 30 Day Challenge


Blog Post & Images (c) 3/20/11 Don Shetterly - use by permission only
http://www.donshetterly.com

Needing To Be Right

At one time, I thought I had to always try to convince others that what I felt was important was what they understood. If someone challenged me, I always thought I had to go until the end when I was able to prove myself correct. It seemed like a badge of honor to be able to stand up and get people to understand just how right I thought I was in life. Like many people do, I felt that I needed to be right!

With the advent of the internet message boards and now things such as comments on news articles or facebook, and constant 24 hour news pundits, there is a need for people to try and prove to others just how much they think they know. It is like a strong magnet that really pulls the comments out of people and forces them to type them into the mega-sphere of the internet. In addition, the internet allows us to be anonymous when writing comments so in many ways, it does not seem like we are really responding to a human life form.

Much of the time when people have to force their ideals upon others, it really shows a lack of insecurity and often times, immaturity. While they may have a considerable amount to say and it may have merit to it, often the need to expound upon these things gets in the way of the message.

At one time, I thought I had to respond to everything written and prove my point. I thought that if I did not, it made me weak. Of course, subscribing to some of the thought philosophies expounded upon through the media pundits, I thought I was armed with the truth. In many ways, some of this reminds me of the brainwashing I received at the hands of the church. Truth be told, many religions do this in overt and sometimes in very subtle ways.

As I am learning though, some times, it is more wise and prudent to just not say much. There is no need to engage this part of human civilization because most likely if someone has their mind made up that they hold the truth, what you say is not going to matter at all. Sometimes, the stronger person is the one that can walk away and allow the other person to wallow in their own insecurity.

There are things that truly matter in this world and most of the public discourse taking place these days does not rise to that level. If you took out much of what is being discussed these days, life would still continue to go on.

I remember my mom telling me often that you can be silent and make people wonder or you can open your mouth and remove all doubt. It is amazing to me to see just how true that is. There are many people that speak to hear themselves speak or in the case of the internet, write to see their words on the public screen. If everyone took a step back at times and really thought about what they were going to say, the level of humanity and respect in this world would rise at least ten fold. Just because a person is able to speak or write what they think is right, does not necessarily mean it is uplifting, supporting, encouraging or helpful to the greater good of mankind.

I'm left with the thought about how our words impact water and since our bodies are around 70% water (give or take), words impact us powerfully. All one has to do is read some of the research that Dr. Masaru Emoto has done or try some of the experiments he has done to see the effects. The words we put out say a lot about how we view humanity and how we view ourselves. Just changing the words that we speak or write, has an enormous effect on the world around us.

Sometimes the wiser person is the one that can walk away from the discussion because they see the bigger and broader picture of life. Needing to be right in everything does very little advance human consciousness along.


Further Reading:
1) Hidden Messages (blog post 3/30/2009)
2) Hidden Messages In Water by Dr. Masaru Emoto



Blog Post & Images (c) 2/19/11 Don Shetterly - use by permission only
http://www.donshetterly.com

Depression Drugs Added To Water Supply

I have no way to really verify if the following story on a website (healthfreedoms.org ) is true. If it is, it frightens me that this could even happen. Again, without verification, I just don't know how real of a possibility this. I do recognize that things spread all over the internet and look real, but are not always that way.

In this article (see reference link below), there has been some suggested talk of adding depression causing drugs to our water system much like Fluoride is added. To add anything to the water is despicable and evil from my view point. Water is meant to be pure and already through our horrible environmental practices and our waste along with excessive medication usage, our water supply is being contaminated. There are numerous reports out with enough testing taking place to show alarming levels of medications, pollutants and chemicals in our water supply.

Please read the following article and decide for yourself how you will react to this. At the minimum, be aware that there may be some underhanded manipulation being done already to make this a reality. Of course, each person reading this post and the article will have to decide for themselves just how real this threat is.


(Link no longer works)



Health Authorities Want Depression-Causing Drugs Added To Water Supply



Further Reading:
1) Fluoride: Friend Or Foe?
2) Toxic Products We Consume



Blog Post & Images (c) 2/17/11 Don Shetterly - use by permission only
http://www.donshetterly.com

An Ocean Meditation

Sitting at the ocean, watching the waves come in and listening to the sounds is a relaxing and energizing experience. There is something about water that acts as an agent of transformation in our life.

Just picture the sun shining through the deep blue sky. A few clouds appear and others drift in and out. The birds fly by as if they are watching out over the shoreline. A few birds run around on the hot sand hoping to catch a meal that appears.

The breeze blows gently as the roar of the ocean waves making their way in to the shore, crash against the water return to sea. The ripples of water flow over the varying heights of the ocean floor. Patterns of many colors appear one minute and are gone the next as a wave washes them away.

People run and play as the water mesmerizes time. For time, at the ocean never runs out. There is as much of it as there are grains of sand. A plane flies above and a boat sails by but it seems to all if time is of no concern. There is no worry about another day. It is that moment which becomes the joy of life.

The tide goes out showing a part of the ocean floor that is not always seen. It gives way to an enlarged beach as tiny pools of water heat up in the sun. Then, as the tide comes in, the water deepens and the beach seems to shrink as if it is saying goodbye. What appeared before, is now lost in time. It is like it was there but no longer seen in that moment. When it returns another day, its shape and size will be different than the day before.

Feeling, hearing and jumping into the power of the greeting waves, brings the energizing power of time to the shore. As the water rushes back to the ocean, it pulls everything with it at such a force. The strength of the water is something to observe with awe.

Yet, throughout a day at the beach, time stands still. Our worries and concerns dwarf in comparison to the never ending body of water. Our eyes are mesmerized by the sun dancing with the wind on the water. Our bodies, minds, and souls are refreshed, energized and relaxed at the sights and sounds.

For me, there is a spiritual connection. If I have any problems or concerns, I know that the ocean is big enough to carry them away. It brings in what I need and it is happy to take away that which I do not need. It reminds me of a larger force within my word. The ocean gives me a sense of being just one person in a very big world. It helps show me that no matter what I am connected to, something much larger than myself is present.

The ocean is a place of retreat for my body as my mind wrestles with life's difficult moments. it is where time stands still when it is rushing by. It is where I feel renewed in my mind, body and connected to my soul.

There is something to the ocean that is mysterious and inspiring. It is not something that can be explained but must be experienced. The connection is to something greater that just accepts me in the moment while it demands nothing in return. It just allows me to live in that moment with no strings attached.

A day at the ocean is wonderful. My life is filled with renewal, as I offer all my concerns and worry to the waves. I breathe in the energy as I feel the power of the sun. I give thanks as the birds run and play.

For the ocean is my rock, my transformation and the view of so much more. Without it, life would not seem complete. I am thankful for it.




Check out Relaxing Ocean Wave Sounds I recorded.





 
*For more articles, check out the Mind Body Thoughts Blog

Toxic Products We Consume

In a recent published article on CNN (May 31, 2010 by David S. Martin), 5 toxics that are everywhere - protect yourself, some excellent information was given. Click on the previous link to read the entire article and help to inform yourself. In this blog post, I'm only going to highlight various points that were made so make sure you check out the entire article for the full scoop. The author of this article did some excellent research and I'm glad to see this information being written about! He gets a big thumbs up from me for what he wrote!

Through products that we use and are around on a daily basis, we encounter all of these toxic substances. From plastic bottles, storage containers, cookware and appliances to carpet, furniture, electronics and fabrics, almost every house contains at least one of these toxic substances. The article noted as well that many of these substances did not exist a century ago.

If you want to know more about many other substances in our homes, please check out Karen Logan's book, "Clean House, Clean Planet". She gives a tremendous amount of details about toxic substances that will really open your eyes. I have read and used her book in our home and we continue to rid our home of toxic cleaning supplies. Most of these substances that are toxic are really not needed but somehow in our society and culture, we have become convinced that they are.

Here are a few substances stated in the article.

1) BPA - Bisphenol A

What Is It?
Building block of polycarbonate in plastics and is used in epoxy resins

Found Where?
Water bottles, baby bottles, reusable storage containers, food cans and electronics

Exposure:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention found BPA in the urine of 93% of people tested

Health Affects:
American Chemistry Council says there are no ill health affects. A new study of Chinese factory workers with high BPA exposure showed signs of reduced male sexual function. Other research suggests a potential cancer risk and may mimic the female hormone estrogen. It may disrupt the chemical signals that regulate the endocrine system.

Regulation:
The Environmental Protection Agency views this as a "chemical of concern" but allows BPA in flexible food packaging.

To Reduce Exposure
Use stainless steel bottles or glass storage containers. If the plastic container or bottle has a number 7 on it, assume it contains BPA unless it states otherwise. Limit usage of canned vegetables. Not microwaving or putting hot liquids in BPA containers.


2) Phthalates

What Is It?
These chemicals soften plastic and bind chemicals together

Found Where?
Shampoos, hair products, perfume, cologne, vinyl flooring, food packaging

Exposure:
Absorbed into our body through personal care products. Virtually everyone is exposed to phthalates.

Health Affects:
A recent study suggests a strong correlation between phthalates and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. They are considered to disrupt the endocrine system and alter male sexual development and reproduction.

Regulation:
The Environmental Protection Agency views this as a "chemical of concern" but allows BPA in flexible food packaging.

To Reduce Exposure
Avoid hair care and other personal care products that list fragrance as an ingredient


3) PFOA -- Perfluorooctanoic acid (also called C8)

What Is It?
Used to make Teflon and other nonstick, stain and water repellent products.

Found Where?
Cookware, water repellent clothing, furniture and carpets

Exposure:
By eating contaminated food cooked on nonstick pans and inhaling contaminated air.

Health Affects:
Almost everyone has PFOA in their blood. It does cause cancer in laboratory animals but according to the EPA, there is not enough research to claim it causes cancer in humans.

Regulation:
The Environmental Protection Agency views this as a "chemical of concern".

To Reduce Exposure
Use stainless steel or cast iron cookware. If using non stick software, do not overheat.


4) Formaldehyde
See Article: 5 Toxics That Are Everywhere


5) PBDEs - Polybrominated diphenyl ethers
See Article: 5 Toxics That Are Everywhere


For further reading, a website in promotion of these substances exists.

- For BPA, click here
- For Phthalates, click here
- For PFOA, click here


In the case of the websites about BPA and Phthalates, it is a little difficult to tell exactly who is behind it. It appears that it is the American Chemistry Council. While I cannot be 100% sure, I'm certain they have a vested interest in portraying this substance as a positive thing. Again, that is my guess and opinion. I do not know what interest they have in it. I'll let you decide that for yourself.

For the PFOA website mentioned above, that is put out by Dupont, makers of Teflon. Enough said in my view but again, please read and judge all information according to what is important to you and your life.

While I know people on both sides can quote study after study, I also know that many research studies are funded by the people who want certain things to be portrayed in a positive way. I'm smart enough to know that just because it is a research study, it doesn't mean what they claim it to mean. Statistics don't lie, but people sometimes twist statistics into results that favor one position over another while omitting results that are not necessarily favorable to their position. People influence research studies all the time. I'm not saying that these sites do this or does not do this. You have to be the judge of that and make those determinations for yourself. Just don't close your eyes and follow any of the information blindly.

It all comes down to adding all kinds of these "substances" whether you call them toxic or safe into our foods, our personal products and the environment around us. Do we really know what they will do? Do we really understand what life will be like in 100 or 200 years if we continue to use these products? Most likely, none of us know the answers to these questions. Am I stupid enough to think that Corporate America will never cut corners in personal safety to increase their bottom line?

I'm sure that anyone could refute any of these claims and provide the necessary feel good research or evidence one way or the other. Again, I'm suspicious of websites that don't clearly state who they are and why they devote the resources they do in promoting something that many have a legitimate concern about. Each of us have to make our own determinations as to what products we wish to use and the reasons we wish to use them. Arming yourself with as much information about the pros and cons of something is the best way you can go to make those determinations. Following a website or news report blindly, will not yield much of anything for your life except being misled and confused.


*For more articles, check out the Mind Body Thoughts Blog

A Drop Of Water

I saw a video on YouTube about a drop of water being dropped on water. It was interesting to see it in slow motion and to see exactly what happens. It doesn't just get absorbed into the water as one might think. I won't give away the content of the video but you will be pleasantly surprised. To think of the impact that a single drop of water has is very powerful.

Coke and Soft Drinks

Did you know that 1 can of coke has so much acid in it that it would take 32 cups of water to neutralize the acid in your body and bring your ph back into balance?

That's a lot of water to drink!

Hidden Messages

One of my favorite books is "The Hidden Messages In Water" written by Masaru Emoto. If you have seen the movie, "What The Bleep", you'll recognize his name as some of his images and work was highlighted in the movie.

Dr. Emoto was able to photograph frozen water crystals and how they changed when thoughts or words were directed towards the water. He found that water which had been exposed to words such as love produced a brilliant and complex beautiful pattern. On the other hand, if the water was polluted or exposed to words such as hate, the patterns were asymmetrical and there was no brilliance to the crystals.

In the book, he shows detailed pictures of some of his work and you can see first hand exactly what it is that he is getting to. I actually tried the rice experiment that he is famous for talking about and I too was amazed at the results. It doesn't take much for the water to absorb the qualities of its surroundings or the words that are directed to it.

If you stop and consider for a moment that our bodies are made up 70% water, than we have the possibility of being influenced much like the water experiments that Dr. Emoto did. Just think of how words such as hate, love, beautiful, idiot or others would affect the water and if they affect water, would they not do the same to the cells found in our own bodies? With this in mind, let us consider the words we not only use on ourselves but the words we direct towards others. May our words do positive things and may we all be better as a result.

Here's a video that explains a little more (but the book is a short read and well worth checking out if you have not read it).