May 7, 2022: World Labyrinth Day

 Every year on the first Saturday in May thousands of people around the world participate in World Labyrinth Day as a moving meditation for world peace and a celebration of the labyrinth experience.

• The Labyrinth is a beautiful spiraling pathway uniting us with the energy around us. The conscious intent of creating this sacred space originates in our awareness of the divine. Walking the labyrinth is a way to connect to healing, creativity and intuition.
• There is no right or wrong way to use the labyrinth. It is not a maze, there are no dead ends or tricks. You end where you begin and begin where you end. It is the circle of life.
• It is an opportunity to slow down and find your inner strength, the mirror of the soul, creating harmony within your body, mind/soul and spirit. Walking the labyrinth is an expression of thanks and remembrance of the divine in all things.

The Red Oak Tree Labyrinth at Comfort Therapy is one of many labyrinths that celebrated World Labyrinth Day. My personal enlightenment from walking the labyrinth today was: "During the second 50 years of your life things get easier. You apply your life experiences to help you live a more comfortable life. You pay attention to the little things and learn faster from your mistakes. You find ways to go with the flow instead of against it. Everything takes care. Find the time to take good care."

Spring 2022 A New Beginning! Breathe Better!

 Each Spring nature comes alive with a new beginning. As the days warm up we can open the windows and air out the house. However, with Spring comes more allergens in the air. Here is an easy way to help improve the quality of  indoor air at home. 

I found this article while looking around on the internet. I have used cheesecloth over house vents for years. You will be amazed at how many visible particles there are floating around in the air!

"A couple of weeks ago I received a newsletter containing Healthy Home Tips from the Environmental Working Group about dust. It contained tips on how to get rid of the toxic dust that is in our homes. Dust is toxic because it is known to contain chemicals that have been shed from products in our home such as furniture and our televisions. One type of chemical found in household dust is flame retardants, which is a known endocrine disrupting compound. Dust also contains pet dander, fungal spores, soil, and fibers. Yuck! And all along I just thought dust was made up of our shed dead skin cells."

More tips on less dust and how to allergy proof your home.

https://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-proof-your-environment

https://www.ewg.org/healthyhomeguide/reducing-household-dust/

Breathe in comfort!

Happy Spring!

One Season Following Another . . . Things to Consider

Greetings everyone! 

Spring, Summer and Autumn have passed and now we have Winter. A time for rest and renewal. Staying safe is an ongoing theme around the world. Staying safe is something we should always keep present in our lives, whether during an ongoing world pandemic or during the best of times.

Now that we have cooler or cold weather our homes will have the windows closed. Remember to air out the house whenever possible to help with good indoor air quality. See Comfort Therapy post July 2020.

Please continue to clean high touch surfaces on a regular basis. Here is some information regarding using hydrogen peroxide as an disinfectant.

https://www.insider.com/does-hydrogen-peroxide-kill-germs-and-viruses

DID YOU KNOW.... Hydrogen peroxide can expire? An easy way to tell is when you pour a small puddle, if there is no bubbling or fizzing sound it is not effective as a disinfectant. How sad this information is NOT listed on the bottle!

Be sure to read the section on how long does hydrogen peroxide usually last.

https://www.healthline.com/health/does-hydrogen-peroxide-expire#how-long-it-lasts

Enjoy the slower pace of winter. Take time to rest and renew! Stay safe too!

In joy, enjoy a little COMFORT!

It All Depends... Try to Find The Balance... Your Balance

 Find YOUR balance! We live in our bodies, led by the thoughts in our minds, fueled by the spirit (life force) within us. Comfort is the result of balancing the energy of our body, mind and spirit. Consider physical balance and how so many factors can influence it (ears, eyes, sinuses, spine, muscle coordination, etc.). Our cells and organs depend on nutrition or lack of it from the foods we eat, the liquids we drink and the substances we ingest to perform at their optimal comfort level. 

Did you know your skin is the largest organ of the body? Check out the post from 2014 titled "Do you know what's touching your skin?"

This current post has been an extended venture. Since the last post there have been several events that have caused me to stop and reflect physically mentally and spiritually. To go into detail would take too much time. The short of it and the good news is that this post is beneficial for everyone. It is information that you can use now and forever. 

I warn you it is a long post and you need to read the information thoroughly. The research information is well written, easy to understand and to use. Take what you need. Apply the information to your personal situation. 

Consult with your healthcare provider as needed and remember whatever you do to help yourself, every little bit counts. For some of us it will be a major lifestyle change. However the benefit in the improved quality of life will be invaluable. Take your time as you begin the journey. Be realistic with your goals. Find your balance!

"To help your body’s pH level become balanced, seventy to eighty percent of your diet should be alkaline foods. This means that your plate should be filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, such as leafy greens and salads. The remaining portion of your plate should be filled with lean proteins and grains. This will ensure you create a balanced diet. Additionally, you will need to drink three to four liters to help the kidneys filter waste and restore pH levels."

"All life depends on maintaining proper pH levels. Optimal pH levels help regulate metabolism, optimizes enzymes in the digestive system and keeps the immune system functioning properly. When the body becomes too acidic or alkaline, you can be plagued with a variety of chronic diseases and illnesses, inflammation and pain. Learning how to properly maintain a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 will help keep you healthy and may extend your longevity."

https://www.rosewellness.com/are-you-acidic-or-alkaline/

Here is a helpful list of acidic and alkaline foods. 

https://greenopedia.com/alkaline-acid-food-chart/

In joy, enjoy in comfort!

Get Ready Get Set and Go Take Good Care of Yourself!

 Cold, flu and virus season is upon us. Get ready, get set and learn how to take care for yourself. I like the information from all three websites below. Zinc has gotten some attention during COVID. Read about the pros and cons of Zicam. The Mayo Clinic has a "no bones about it" approach for cold remedies and does a nice job with information about natural remedies. WebMD gives you the what, why and how to care for yourself. 

As soon as I feel chilled and achy I take a steaming hot bath and add a cup or two of Epsom salts. Soak until you sweat (this is the raise the body temp to fight the virus principle). Next dry off thoroughly, then wrap up so you do not chill. Hydrate and soothe your soul by drinking something hot. Remember to use a humidifier to keep those nasal passages moistened. The humidifier not only moistens the air but makes the air feel warmer.

Go! Take good care of yourself!

https://www.verywellhealth.com/zicam-cold-remedy-770626

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403

https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/12-tips-prevent-colds-flu-1#3

Did you know? "Maintaining indoor relative humidity >40% will significantly reduce the infectivity of aerosolized virus." 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583861/

See the July 28, 2020 Comfort Therapy post to learn more about the health benefits of humidified air. It is a scientific read. You can read the section on results, conclusion and introduction to get the information you need.

Making fresh fruits and vegetables last longer.

"You're storing fruits and veggies all wrong — here's the right way to do it"

In Ohio most local harvesting is complete now that the beginning of winter is upon us. If you prefer fresh fruits and vegetables here are some tips for how to store them to make them last longer.

https://www.insider.com/what-foods-you-shouldnt-store-next-to-each-other-2016-8

Did you know fresh whole pomegranates are not available year round? 

My new food passion is freezing pomegranate seeds for a sweet crunchy treat throughout the winter and until the next harvest! I like picking my own pomegranate seeds. It takes patience. 

Here are two You Tube video tips. Use the "Fast Way to Process a Pomegranate" for cutting and the "How to Seed a Pomegranate" for seeding. To freeze place on a cookie sheet till frozen and then store in an air tight freezer bag. Find your food passion and enjoy the comfort. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma77qhzNnOI 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qfQ3_N7S6Y

Did you know pomegranates are good for your heart and your joints? 

Be sure to read the whole article for reasons NOT to drink pomegranate juice.

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-pomegranate-juice#2

The Earth...A Healing Force

My apologies. I forgot to post this in November. I have done this for years. It works. It is a long scientific read, but skip through and pick out what you need.  It is a free easy way to help yourself. Enjoy!

"Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth's Surface Electrons"

" The research done to date supports the concept that grounding or earthing the human body may be an essential element in the health equation along with sunshine, clean air and water, nutritious food, and physical activity."

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3265077/