Tag Archive | health

The Importance of Continual Learning

Sep26

NOTE: This is the first of a four-part series answering a question posed to me by a friend. He and I are both members of The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints (LDS), so answers come from scriptures and other LDS sources as noted or linked. Scriptures can be found on lds.org. Further information on LDS beliefs including the Atonement of Jesus Christ can be found on Mormon.org. Today’s introduction introduces segments on Continual Learning, Personal Development, and Healing to be posted next week.

no_49_across_the_universe_by_derekdavalos-d5wcn4dThroughout life, I seek better ways to deal with things, people, and health. A couple years ago I joined a business that encouraged ongoing personal development. Recently, a worried friend wrote this to me:

“I have also been concerned about all the self healing classes and seminars you are going through. I have been personally trying to figure out why anyone needs all that if they are truly centered in the gospel and truly know and have a testimony of the atonement?”

Dear Friend,

I greatly appreciate your concern for me! I see your example and all you overcame through your acceptance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in your behalf! Your life is transformed through Him!

I reassure you that anything I learn, or hope to learn, is through the filter of His life and love. He is the pivotal focus of my life. Anything I do to better myself or my life is consecrated to Him and His purposes for me.

Part of my testimony is that He continues to give light and life to the world. He gives revelation to His prophets. He inspires people to help their fellowmen. As Proverbs 29:18 states, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

In Alma 24:14, we read: “And the great God has had mercy on us, and made these things known unto us that we might not perish; yea, and he has made these things known unto us beforehand, because he loveth our souls as well as he loveth our children; therefore, in his mercy he doth visit us by his angels, that the plan of salvation might be made known unto us as well as unto future generations.”

God reveals truth to us, giving light and hope. He asks us to study and seek out learning.Latter-day_Saint_Scripture_Quadruple_Combination

Jesus in John 5:39 tells us to study the scriptures: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

Further, the Lord in modern revelation asks us to study other good books and subjects, not necessarily from the scriptures. “Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;

Hubble_Ultra_Deep_Field_part_d

“Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—

“That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:78-80).

Friend, the scriptures witness that everything we can learn helps us to fulfill our mortal missions and serve God more capably, if we choose to serve Him.

Healthy Food for Health

Aug8

The Healthy Eating Pyramid

Do you connect eating healthy food with feeling good? Healthy eating habits make a big difference in how we feel about ourselves, physically and emotionally. Not only how we look, but mental and physical health. Have you ever pigged out on something you knew wasn’t good for you, only to feel sick later? I have! One thing that can trigger ill health or negative emotions is eating too much sugar.

Fresh-picked vine-ripened SWEET Strawberries!

Eating the right kinds of sugars keeps our brains and bodies going. Foods too high in glycemic response increase blood sugars rapidly then spike insulin levels, resulting in low blood sugar. After I had children that I couldn’t physically handle sugar like I had previously. If I ate refined sugar, I became the Wicked Witch of the West! But there are good sugars , like fruit, sweet potato, and sweet garden tomatoes.

First Crop 2012

Yummy tomatoes from my garden!

Sugars are one thing, but what about fats? Are some fats healthier than others? Fats in their natural state tend to be healthier than processed fats, such as hydrogenated oils like shortening, or fried foods with trans-fatty acids. Naturally fatty foods like avocados, eggs, olives, coconut, raw nuts, when eaten in balance with the rights carbs (sugars) and protein form part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Which leads to the third type of nutrient, protein. Protein in its natural state is healthier. Animal sources should be clean from unnecessary hormones or antibiotics, and fed clean feed– lean organic meat is safest. Vegetarian sources of protein include nuts, seeds, grains, legumes, and vegetables for complete proteins.

Do you have a vegetable garden? Picking your home-grown produce to eat fresh is a treat! The active enzymes and natural sugar content of just-picked fruits and vegetables, ripened on the plant then popped into your mouth, makes all the effort of gardening worthwhile. Growing a natural, organic garden increases the vitamin and mineral content of the food, and avoids harmful chemicals. Organic foods can also be purchased, but sometimes are picked green for shipping. Nothing beats picking it off the vine and eating it picked fully ripe and fresh! Try it if you don’t believe it.
Fresh fruits and vegetables also hydrate the body. So does filtered or spring water. Do you drink enough water? One recommendation is to drink at least half your body weight (lbs.) in ounces every day.

Even with proper nutrition and hydration, getting nutrients to every cell of the body requires something more–exercise.   The lymphatic system has nothing to circulate it but our movement, so for optimal health some form of movement or massage is necessary.

Knowing about healthy food and nutrition is not the same as doing it! I write this article as a reminder of what to eat to feel healthier. Please contact me if you would like greater support in making healthy choices.