PASSION

"There is in this world no such force as the force of a person
determined to rise." ~ W. E. B. DuBois ~


Looking back, we can see severe stresses from times and places where it seemed that certain classes of people were living their dream.

Many remember when elite Americans enjoyed stress-free lives, while dissatisfied others settled for mostly less-than-best.

People sacrificed unimaginable stresses trying to acquire a unique lease on life - as others obviously had. It finally became clear that one's yearning for a special kind of lifestyle was called "passion."

After generations of all kinds of stressful struggles, we came to the realization that our battles were a direct result of our passions. We discovered that passion was a divine inheritance for all.

One of the most astounding discoveries -among black, white, red, yellow, and pink - was that passion is not prejudice. It will dwell in any body's heart.

Let's ponder our own passions. Are we stressing-out while waiting for our dreams to come true? What are we doing, other than stressing, to keep the dreams alive?

Surely, if we are to live our long-awaited dreams, we have to take personal responsibility for seeking ways to grab hold of them. And the absolute first thing we must do is "believe."

Yes, yes, and yes again . . . "IF WE CAN BELIEVE IT, WE CAN ACHIEVE IT."


Peace I leave with you . . .

LEARNING TO LIVE WELL

When first born, one does not enter the world knowing how to live. Regardless of how rich, or famous, or well-loved, or cuddled and cooed, we must go through a process of learning.


In order to master the essentials that goes with "a good life," it is imperative that we put forth personal efforts--again and again and again.

Learning to live with less stress is nonetheless. We have to extend our minds and bodies and time and determination. If we are to go from stressed-out individuals to mature stress-survivors, we'll have to invest consistent efforts.

Many of us are not living well in the area of stress because, like many other areas in our lives, we don't know how. So what if we're adults? Not knowing is not knowing, regardless of our years.

Whatever age or stage we may be, surely we've some recollection of first time endeavors and how we had to "learn" to do this-and-that before doing them well. From walking and talking, to potty-training, to riding a bicycle, to driving a car, to exploring those hush-hush territories, learning was key.

And whatever we learned or whenever we learned it, one age-old observation remains true: We have to crawl before we walk . . . Here, again, learning is a process.

As we pursue the art of living well and determine more and more to de-stress, we must be willing to learn-- and to do whatever it takes to be victorious. As long as it's not unhealthy or unholy.



Peace I leave with you . . .

TEATIME

Noticed how every time we turn around there's some new updates on the benefits of tea? Researchers are constantly affirming its effectiveness to fight fatigue, strengthen memory, aid digestion, and yes, even help prevent cancer.

In many cultures, the art of drinking tea has become a way of life. The Chinese and Japanese practice elaborate tea ceremonies that transform the simple details of tea drinking into a thing of beauty and tranquility.

Their teatime is more than simply drinking a soothing cup of hot (or iced) tea, it is their special time to ponder the four principles of tea--harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. The tea ceremony serves as a way to focus mental energies, relax, and enjoy a rich tradition.

Compared to other types, GREEN TEA is reported to be "king'' of the teas. Scientific research indicates that green tea can help prevent high cholesterol levels, rheumatoid arthritis, formation of blood clots leading to heart attacks and strokes, and the growth of cancer cells.

For those who are devout tea-drinkers and can't seem to make it through the day without a good cup of tea, wonderful. For those who're waiting for someone to twist their arm in gentle persuasion, the time has come.

In an era when society is checkered with changes and mounting stresses, it's refreshing to know that "Teatime" is still the time for achieving peace of mind.



Peace I leave with you . . .

LET'S DANCE!

Having a hard time trying to exercise because of unfavorable weather conditions? Hindered by the lack of funds for costly gym workouts?

Not a problem. Try this. Steal away to a private room, turn on some peppy tunes, and dance . . . dance . . . dance.

Dancing is, by far, an incredible fun and relaxing form of exercise. And it's inexpensive. When combating daily stresses, exercise can do wonders for the mind and body. Along with reducing stress and lifting our spirits, dancing strengthens our heart and all those other tight muscles.

See, as we dance (exercise), we release small molecules known as endorphins in our bodies. These endorphins act just like a drug and gives us a high. A "happy" high--a sort of well-being and satisfied feeling. So the more we exercise, the more endorphins we release--the more endorphins released, the happier we are.

For a truly hilarious dancercise, try some 'Ole school tunes. It's okay to laugh, cry, holla and scream . . . but don't stop dancing.

And, oh, if dancing is taboo in certain homes, don't despair. Gather some fast-paced praise songs and jump up and down and move all around and shout. . . shout . . . shout. As long as we can keep that adrenaline pumping, we're making progress in reducing stress.


Peace I leave with you . . .