BEING IN THE MOMENT...Are you Present?

Matthew 18:3 of the Bible (King James version) states…

 
‘And said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.’

When I was a child going to church and bible school, I recall how this particular verse stuck with me.  No matter how it was explained, it never quite made sense to me.  I use to think that after growing into an adult, one would have to become a child to enter heaven…I was not able to wrap my brain around that concept…

One of the definitions from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary for ‘Moment’ is ‘The present time’.

‘Heaven’ is defined

-a spiritual state of everlasting communion with God

-a place or condition of utmost happiness

Christian Science:  a state of thought in which sin is absent and the harmony of the Divine Mind is manifest

The Hebrew root for the word sin, means ‘to miss’

The Greek word Sin hamartia (G264) is derived from the root word hamartanō (G266) which historically was an archer’s term that means to "miss the mark".

If one was to observe the behavior of children (especially infants and toddlers), you would notice that they are always ‘in the moment’.  They are completely in harmony (absorbed) with whatever they’re doing, instinctively one with the Universe until taught to ‘sin’ (miss the mark)…Mis-educated to ‘unplug’ from the Source and stop ‘Being’…Hold on to this, I’ll re-visit it later…

Being in the moment is actually being ‘mindfully aware’ currently in one’s experience, this can include thinking of the past or future.  Unfortunately, we’ve been mis-educated to be like robots, habitually living our lives automatically.  This can lead to one feeling they have no real control over their existence.  When this occurs, we could spend too much time thinking/day dreaming about the past and the future.  At times, creating fantasies on how things could have or will be.  Instead, we should use the past as education to apply to the present, thus setting up a better future.

Another way to describe being in the moment is called being in ‘The Zone’.  This term is frequently used in sports and has been described as ‘everything slowing down for the person in it.  While in the zone, the athlete does everything correctly, they are in harmony with all circumstances and people in the field of play.  Simply put, one is tremendously focused on what they are doing and nothing from the outside world is affecting said focus allowing the activity to feel effortless.  It is the syncing of the Spirit, Mind and Body working in harmony on the given task.  Being in the zone is not limited to just sports; it can be achieved at any time doing any task.

Plugging back in…Now I’m in harmony with the aforementioned Bible verse…In order to be in harmony with the Divine Mind/God/Allah/Jehovah/Jesus/Universe/Creator, one must be ‘In the moment’.  The first step is to Master your breathing (See my First post entitled Breathing).  This puts one in the best state to consciously be in tune with the Creator (you can substitute any of the aforementioned names).  Feeling completely relaxed will be the first sign. This relaxed state will allow you to become ‘Conscious’ of your immediate surroundings and body sensations.  Like a farmer, this is the best time to plant the seeds of positive assertions/prayers/goals (into your Subconscious) that you want to have manifested in your life.  Make sure you focus on what you want.  For example, if you’re having problems eating unhealthy you would say (mentally) that you will eat healthy.  If you’re having problems being motivated to lose weight or exercise, you would say mentally I will be physically fit.  Let’s take this further; I will be Spiritually, Mentally and Physically fit.  In order to become physically fit (long-term), one’s Spirit must first be on board.

In the ‘Whole-listic’ lifestyle, the complete being of the individual is addressed.  This is the healthy way for a person to truly maximize themselves.  My previous posts overlap on concepts and themes, as well as expand on others (this one expands on the ‘Looking Down…Ahead’ post).  We’ve been mis-educated to focus backwards as it pertains to bettering ourselves and achieving peace within.  In order to achieve our physical goals (physical appearance and other goals), we must have our Spirit and Mind in sync… These first posts are designed to consciously bring you into harmony with your Spirit thus sparking your mind.  From there, we'll bring the body into alignment in order for you to achieve your desired goals.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read my Blog, God Bless & One Love!

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Additional information was provided by:

www.wildmind.org/background/moment

www.norcaslsc.com/bing-in-th-zone

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THE HEALING POWER OF LAUGHTER

When was the last time you laughed?  I don’t mean a slight chuckle or something similar, I mean a full blown laugh that caused your stomach to hurt and/or possibly bring tears to your eyes.  How did you feel afterwards?  How long did the effects of the laughter last?  You may not realize, but it’s good to laugh.  Actually, it’s good to laugh often.  As a matter of fact, laughter is good for your health, your complete health (Spiritually, Mentally and Physically). There’s even a science devoted to laughter called gelotology (from the Greek word gelos meaning laughter).  It’s the study of laughter and its effects on the body from a psychological and physiological perspective.  It's proponents advocate laughter to be therapeutic. This field of study was pioneered by a William Fry of Stanford University.

In 1979, the New England Journal of Medicine published a report based on a Norman Cousins (who was a noted journalist and editor of the Saturday Review).  The report revealed that in the 1960s Mr. Cousins was diagnosed with a debilitating spinal disease and given a small chance of survival.  Based upon his belief in the importance of environment on healing, he left the hospital and checked into a hotel where he took large doses of Vitamin C and watched continual episodes of comedy shows.  According to the report, over time, the laughter stimulated chemicals in his body that allowed him several hours of pain-free sleep.  He continued this routine until the disease went into remission.  The study became the basis for a best-selling book, Anatomy of an illness.  Since Mr. Cousins’ study, numerous scientists and doctors have conducted similar tests with similar results.

As vibratory beings of energy, our atoms move causing our physical bodies (in part) to receive and release energy (energy is also received and released spiritually and mentally). 

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Vibratory as:

Consisting of, capable of or causing vibration or oscillation.

We’ve been mis-educated to hold onto the energy that flows into our physical bodies causing it (the energy) to become toxic within us.  This toxicity manifests itself as stress, along with other physical ailments.  One way to keep the energy flowing is through laughter. 

These are some of the benefits of laughter:

-improves our sense of well-being

-reduces tension, depression, anger

-lowers stress levels

-reduces blood pressure

-exercises hearts

-strengthens the immune systems

-reduces pain

Try this internal laughter exercise daily.  It’s also a good abdominal exercise.  If done correctly, you should feel your abs working and have your body generate heat.  I would suggest you do this exercise when you’re alone for you may look funny to others.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath through your nose which should cause your stomach to expand (See my first post on ‘Breathing’).  Think of something amusing and start to laugh but with your mouth closed.  As you’re doing this, really laugh and squeeze your abs.  Once you’re out of breath, repeat the above three to four more times.  Note how you feel afterwards.

True power is within each of us.  Note the true story of Mr. Cousins and know that you can achieve all of your goals: Spiritually, Mentally and Physically.

Be Well, Be Happy, Be Focused & Achieve!

Hotep!

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Portions of this post was derived from the following sources:

www.memorialcare.org (Events & Education – The Healing Power of Laughter)

www.psychcentral.com – (The Healing Power of Laughter)

HAPPINESS - THE ELUSIVE

I chose to write about this topic due to its overwhelming presence in our lives, or the lack there of.  Consciously/Subconsciously our thoughts & actions are seeking the attainment of this concept. Even the U.S. Declaration of Independence reads:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Would you be happy if:

You were given millions of dollars?  You found the perfect job?  You met your ideal mate? Purchased your dream home?

Could you be happy if you didn’t have any of the above?

How is happiness obtained or acquired?  Is it elusive and periodically grasped or experienced only to fade leaving one to wait for the next time it comes around?

Researching this topic has revealed there are many definitions for Happiness ranging from it being an ‘emotion’ to ‘a state of being’.  At times, it would appear that the definitions were created to fit the context in which it was written.  It’s no wonder many feel ‘Happiness’ is elusive.

I’m not going to define it directly, instead I am going to state some of its components (sounds like I’m defining it…).  In retrospect, I’m probably ‘moon walking’ my way into a definition…

In observation and self-reflection, one is ‘Happy’ when they are at ‘Peace’ with themselves.  Taking it a step further, one is in a ‘state’ of ‘Happiness’ when their ‘Spirit, Mind & Body’ are in harmony with the Creator, Universe, God, Allah, Jesus…If it’s that simple, then how is it so elusive?  It becomes elusive due to us being distracted. Distracted to the point where we don’t recognize the connection, much less the importance of being in harmony through said connection.  Recently, I posted this saying on my Facebook page:

You are not a human being in search of a spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being immersed in a human experience.  Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

We’ve been mis-educated to who we are and the nature of our purpose.  The above saying reveals that we have been taught ‘azz backwards’.  Our purpose is to be in harmony with the Creator (Inclusive of all of the descriptive names above).  This harmony connects us to all things manifested and un-manifested.  It’s like being drop from an Ocean.  If one was to extract a drop from an ocean, examination would reveal the drop had the same properties as the ocean but not the same vastness, volume or power.  Each individual is like that drop of water that has been removed or not recognizing the connection to the ocean (the Creator).  Not realizing that by becoming conscious of the harmony that exists, we would be able to in-sperience (from the ‘Breathing’ Post) the full power of the ocean (the Creator) through the drop (individual).  This in-sperience would allow us to be in a constant state of happiness = peace.

This may sound like I’m stating we wouldn’t have to deal with other emotions that are triggered by situations and circumstances that happen.  Also, it may seem that I’m inferring we should not seek to improve ourselves or our current situations.  On the contrary, when presented with obstacles there are many ways to address them.  I’m advising to address them from a foundation of happiness (peace), being conscious to remember to utilize the full power of the Creator by being in harmony through your Spirit, Mind & Body connection. 

In order to effectively improve self/current situation(s), first acknowledge your blessings.  Recognize them and utilize them as fuel to achieve your desired goal, be it losing weight, being healthier, getting a job, a new relationship, earning more money, continuing your education, moving to a better home, obtaining a new car, etc.

Remember to ‘Breath’, which is essential to establishing your Happiness (Peace)! With practice, one will be in a constant ‘State’ of Happiness (Peace) which will allow you to maximize your ability to address all circumstances (in your favor) that are presented in your life.

Quick Update: In reference to my fractured foot, I was released from doctor’s care in late February and scheduled to resume playing basketball in early April!

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Hotep!

SPIRIT, MIND & BODY CONNECTION

What causes some people to successfully attain their goals versus others?  Is it genetics, culture, environment, education, etc.?  Was Michael Jordan born to be arguably the greatest to play basketball? Did he have to do any work to attain that goal or was it just ‘God given’?  What about Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerburg?  Was it in their DNA to be in the financial one percent?  Oprah, Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein, Alexandre Dumas, Madam C. J. Walker, Lewis Latimer, Barbara Walters, President Barak Obama, etc., what qualities do/did they possess?  Do all of us have the ability to attain the goals that we desire?  One of Reverend Jesse Jackson’s famous sayings (at least he’s the only one that I recall saying it frequently) is “If you can conceive it, you can achieve it.”  What I’ve come to realize is that all things created are just manifested thought. That sounds good, but how does one go about achieving their goals?  Are all things desired, achievable?  That’s another question for another time, but there is a formula/path (for a lack of better words) to attain your goals.

The path is one’s Spirit through their Mind and manifesting through the Physical Body.  Each person’s Spirit is connected to the Creator (Universe, God, Allah, etc.).  Another variable on this formula/path is ‘Faith’.  Having unshakable faith that the goal will be attained is the key ingredient in having one’s goal manifested.  All of the aforementioned people, as well as people you may know who are successful (consciously and/or subconsciously), followed this formula/path. 

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Spirit, Mind and the Physical Body are defined as follows:

SPIRIT

-The force within a person that is believed to give the body life, energy and power

-The inner quality or nature of a person

MIND

-The part of a person that thinks, reasons, feels and remembers

PHYSICAL BODY

-A person’s or animal’s whole physical self

-Something that embodies or gives concrete reality to a thing

Here’s the thing with the ‘Faith’ variable that needs to be mentioned.  It can work for one’s benefit or detriment.  Where one puts their faith (dominant thought), that manifestation will follow.  In order for one’s goal to be attained, their faith must be optimistic.

In my last post, I spoke about my fractured left foot and the range of time it would take to heal (6 to 8 weeks).  Weellll, I’m in my 13^th week and I’m not completely healed.  It’s been an interesting and educational experience that in retrospect, I’m glad to have taken part.  I’ve completed my C42X Crutch workout (going 6 weeks non weight bearing on the crutches and doing exercises using the crutches). It was very challenging, but I prevailed.  On my last appointment (December 16^th), x-rays had shown I was approximately 75% healed.  This was enough for the Doctor to start having me put weight on the foot, along with weaning me off the crutches and walking boot.  I’m scheduled to see the Doctor again on February 3^rd for one last x-ray (to make sure I’m healed) and to be cleared to resume regular activity.  In the interim, he advised me not to do any extended walking.  As of this writing (January 14^th), I’m in regular shoes and using a cane (although I can walk well without it).  From the advice of those who have been down this road, I’m being conservative and not rushing my progress.  The educational aspect that I mentioned earlier has been two fold.  First, being blessed to have different people who’ve had similar injuries, share their experiences (inclusive of their mistakes that prolonged recovery).  Second, the words of encouragement and prayers expressed that helped to continue to motivate me to follow the correct program prescribed.  These helped to strengthen my ‘Faith’ (dominant thought) to stay focused on the goal that I am to attain, complete healing.  It also allowed me to realize how I arrived at this point.  Initially, I thought this injury started in early September (culminating on October 19^th), actually the process started 8 months prior when I injured my right foot and started to overcompensate on the left one.  This revelation helped me to realize that this time healing has actually been relatively quick and necessary!

When thinking about the Spirit, Mind and Body connection try this analogy.  Imagine the Spirit being a Driver of a vehicle, the Mind being the Engine/Car’s Computer and the Body being the vehicle’s Frame.  Traditionally, for the vehicle to operate, the driver must be in the vehicle.  The Driver manipulates the vehicle’s Computer/Engine to move the Frame.  The Frame protects the Computer/Engine, as well as the Driver.  Also, the Driver maintains the maintenance of the complete vehicle for it to perform properly.  Once the Driver leaves the vehicle, it does not operate.  If the Driver neglects the vehicle it will decay. 

Transfer this concept to the objective of attaining your Spiritual, Dietary and Exercise goals.  Allow the Creator (God, Allah, the Universe, etc.) to be the ‘Driver’ of your vehicle, the Energy/Inspiration that manipulates your ‘Mind’ and operates your physical ‘Body’.  Like the Driver makes sure his/her vehicle consumes the proper fluids, as well as have the proper maintenance to keep it running smoothly, allow your ‘Driver’ to guide you to reach and surpass your goals!  Utilize the formula/path that other successful people have and join the ranks of the achievers.  Fulfill your birthright and remember it starts with mastering your ‘Breathing’, making your goal your dominant thought and ‘Faith’ that it will be manifested (as well as putting in the work).

Hotep!

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The WILL...i AM...thus, i Will...The pursuit of...

THE WILL…i AM…thus, i Will…The pursuit of…

There’s a need for me to define how I’ll be using the above phrase before I proceed.  These are not technical definitions, but rather functional ones for the purpose of this installment.

The WILL – The Essence, The Creator, God, Allah, etc.

i AM – The Human Vehicle, the Body

i Will – The Manifestation, the result

I recall as a youth hearing these words, the different ways they were used and how they were associated with different Bible verses.   Also, I learned that God was within each of us. Lastly, I came upon an analogy that each physical creation starts from an inspiration (The Will) to a Vehicle (i Am) and finally manifested in the physical (i Will).  This means that all that we see has followed this process.  This means that all that will be will follow this process.  This means that we have the ability to manifest in our lives…

On October 19^th, I fractured a bone in my left foot playing basketball.  Initially, I thought it was a very bad sprain or ligament damage.  By that evening, the pain let me know I would have to see my doctor as soon as possible.  Since it was my left foot, I was blessed to be able to drive myself to the doctor’s office.  As I slowly made my way from my car to the office, one of my basketball friends was doing the same (moving at the same pace).  It was a sight to see the two of us walking with canes.  Upon greeting each other, he asked what happened.  Once I was finished telling him, I asked him the same question.  Approximately five weeks prior, he went through a 10 hour surgery procedure on the spine and was facing up to six months in recovery time.  Whenever getting out of bed, he has to wear a brace in order to keep his vertebrae in line.  In addition to the other obstacles that he has been (and will be) overcoming, he’s staying conscious of the pain medicine being prescribed.  What resonated most with me was the statement he made about choosing to fight to regain his quality of life and not taking the easy road of succumbing to potentially having a life in a wheelchair.  By now, we were in the office and it was a true testament to his character to see him praising God, as well as greeting other patients with kind and encouraging words.

The WILL…i AM…thus i Will…The pursuit of…

I’m not one who subscribes to the words ‘Luck’ or ‘Coincidence’.  Once I removed those words from my vocabulary (as it pertains to me), my vision has been much clearer. This interaction put my situation in perspective.  Not that I had a negative outlook about the injury, but a perspective that the strength of the mind from the spirit will determine your result!  What am I saying? From that encounter, I saw the benefit in having my foot healing.  I've had periodic pain in my left foot for a while.  About a month ago, I stopped playing basketball when I felt a sharp pain. I spent the next few weeks not playing, but continued to work out.  When I relayed this information to the doctor, he advised that I probably had a ‘hairline’ fracture or possibly ligament damage at that time. If I would have had it checked, I would have been in a walking boot for about two to three weeks instead of six weeks with a stress fracture. 

Lesson – Listen to your Body

Other jewels during this experience…Using the crutches to do upper body workouts (anyone who has ever been on crutches knows what I’m talking about).  This includes the arms, shoulders and abs.  Also, I've adjusted my caloric intake due to not doing cardio workouts.  All while following the doctor’s orders of not putting any weight on my left foot. The other day I was having a conversation with one of my co-workers and asked her if she’s ever heard of the P90X workout (which she had).  I told her I was on the C42X (crutch) workout.  I’m not saying that being on crutches is not challenging, but like my friend, I choose to make lemonade out of this lemon.  Also, I’m growing to appreciate the creativity needed to move items from one place to another with the focus on being efficient.  Moving at this slower pace, has allowed me to take in more of the World around me and appreciate it. Lastly, I've learned to appreciate more the blessing of being able to walk (much less run and jump).  It’s very easy to take it for granted.

As you continue to bring into harmony your spiritual, exercise and dietary goals remember that they are attainable.  See them in your mind, nurture them and allow them to manifest (you also have to do the work).  If it’s worth having, then it’s worth working to get it.  This also applies to all areas of your life…

Remember your Breathing…

The WILL…i AM…thus i Will…The pursuit of…

Thank you Brotha Reese for the inspiration!  You’re continually in my prayers for a complete healing and speedy recovery! 

Hotep

LOOKING DOWN...AHEAD

Five years ago I added running to my cardiovascular workout.  I can still vividly remember that first time when I was approaching the endpoint (about one half mile away) and how each step towards it seemingly placed me further away.  It reminded me of the movie scenes that would have the extending hallways that prevented the actor from reaching the end.  That moment was very frustrating, not to mention I was very tired.  In addition, any momentum and composure that I had built during the run quickly dissipated.  Fortunately for me, I completed the run!  Subsequently, I quickly sought advice from seasoned runners in how to handle that situation.  Each one told me to try looking down a few feet ahead instead of focusing on the endpoint in the distance.  The next time I ran, I tried this technique and it worked perfectly!  Also, I noticed that a lot of people who were running used it.  As I continued to use this technique, I realized that it helped me to stay in the moment.  While being in the moment and achieving clarity of mind, I was able to focus on my breathing and form.  Also, I was able to appreciate the environment immediately around me.  This helped me to relax, which simultaneously gave me energy to complete my run without the frustration. 

This story reminds me of how easy it is to lose focus and allow our minds to drift from the task at hand or dwell in the past/future where we have little to no control (which can be very debilitating).  Although we make plans to reach our destination (future), it’s really about the journey (present) where the real jewels of life’s experiences can be found.  Peace and harmony lies with ‘Being/Living in the Moment’.

One of Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary’s definitions for ‘Moment’ is the present time.

How does one know when they’re in the moment?  Generally speaking, a person is in the moment when their breathing is smooth and steady and their emotions/feelings are calm.  Also, the mind is clear and reflexes are sharp while everything around them seemingly is moving in slow motion.  This description is commonly referred to in sports as ‘being in the zone’. Not limited to sports, being in the moment can happen in all aspects of one’s life. 

The next question is how does one get ‘in the moment’?  I refer you to my first post entitled, ‘Breathing’.  In this post, I describe the ‘Pot Belly’ breathing technique.  When being active, an adjustment to this technique is necessary.  Instead of alternating the opening and closing of each nostril, it’s suggested to breathe through both simultaneously (If running, breathing through the mouth or combination of nose and mouth will render the desired result).  There are other techniques but I find this one to be very effective and the easiest.  With practice, you will become efficient with this technique where this will become the only way that you breathe.

As it pertains to diet, exercise and mental/spiritual health, being in the moment has the following benefits:

* Better performance due to being focused.

* Improved listening and memory skills due to being ‘present-minded’.

* Better conflict resolution for one tends not to get emotionally triggered.

* More persistence and ability to learn for one has a tendency to be more patient to work through difficulties.

* Wiser and clearer decisions (no longer reacting out of habit).

* Improved physical and mental health (less stress, lower blood pressure and sharper mind).

* More laughter (which has healing powers) and being at peace.

* One becomes more connected with their thoughts and feelings.

* Are more connected to others.

I’ve heard people say that the present is a gift.  Thank you for accepting this gift from me and taking a moment to digest it!

The above information was referenced from www.presentliving.com/whatisbeingpresent and www.essentiallifeskills.net/live-in-the-moment.html

WATER-Please

Peace & Greetings

When I was a youth, my drink of choice, at that time, was kool-aid with plenty of sugar! It’s ironic how I've grown to have water become my drink of choice. Continuing with this thought, it’s truly ironic that I have the desire to write about water. I remember how my Mother would stress the importance of drinking water. She would always inform my sister and me the need to have it in our daily consumption. 

The human body consists of approximately 60% of water (with some estimates as high as 78%). This percentage varies between men and women, as well as children. Also, this percentage changes as we age. With our bodies containing this much water, we should be more cognizant about our relationship with it.  This fact substantiates the lesson my Mother was teaching me years ago. For the purpose of this post, I’ll focus on the benefits of water as it pertains to diet, exercise and health.

DIET

It’s recommended that healthy people drink six to eight cups of water a day to properly hydrate themselves. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should drink 10 to 12 cups of water daily.  It should be noted that it could be ingested through foods and other beverages, other than water.  We should be mindful about drinking other beverages (Alcoholic, Coffee, Tea, and Colas and beverages that contain caffeine) for they are not the best choices, although they contain water.  These beverages also have a diuretic effect that causes the body to release water (dehydration).  The consumption of water helps one to lose weight by suppressing their appetite.  Water contains zero calories so it provides a two-prong attack for those conscious of their caloric intake.  To reduce one’s consumption prior to eating, it’s recommended drinking at least one glass of water. While eating (I want to be careful how I word this so work with me on this one), it’s recommended not to drink water.  One should ingest enough only to remedy a dry mouth while eating.  Upon completing the meal, one should wait a few minutes prior to drinking water. This allows the body to naturally start digesting the food. 

EXERCISE

While exercising or in warm weather, the body would need more water than the six to eight glasses that’s required daily.  The rise in the body’s temperature created by exercise or warm weather is regulated or normalized by the ingesting of water.  Water is also known to help the body burn stored fat, along with building muscle by oxygenation of cells, including muscles.  This enables the muscles to work harder and longer.

HEALTH

I found the benefits of water as it pertains to the body’s health quite interesting.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ingesting the proper amount of water daily helps to lubricate and cushion the body’s joints, as well as, protecting the spinal cord.  In addition, it protects other sensitive tissues, along with getting rid of the body’s waste and toxins through urination, perspiration and bowel movements.  The proper ingesting of water helps to increase the body’s cognitive functions through oxygen in water.  Water helps to support nerve function insuring the body’s electrolyte levels remain high enough allowing nerves to relay messages to the brain.  Other benefits include: helping lymph node production; keeping the eyes and mouth clean; prevention and treatment of common chronic ailments such as, arthritis, depression, insomnia, leukemia and lymphoma.  Not drinking enough water can lead to the following problems: fatigue; muscle cramps; irregular blood pressure; migraines or headaches; constipation, kidney problems and hunger.

Water is symbolic of being the building block of life and of cleansing both spiritually and physically.  Let us embrace this knowledge and begin and/or continue to build ourselves through cleansing.

In closing, I symbolically raise my cup of water to yours in praying for your continued blessings!

The above information was referenced from www.fitday.com, www.everydayhealth.com, www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/water.html and www.themysticallights.com.