How to Have More Peace in a Troubled World

Think back for a moment on the greatest gift you have ever received. How did it feel when you saw it? Did you want to run and tell everyone you knew? Did it make you want to jump for joy? Did it make you feel loved a whole lot?

Yes, that is how a great gift makes you feel - like your heart is bursting with joy. Like you want to share it with the whole wide world. That is how I feel and why I write this blog about faith. We all have gifts and talents to share with one another and mine is the gift of Faith: to help others see the light of the world and to believe.

Come with me a moment to that silent night so very long ago when Christ came into the world.

Picture the manger scene. Draw near to the virgin mother, Mary, holding her precious new-born baby. Sense the joy that she must have felt. Enjoy the awe and wonder Joseph must have felt as he watched the shepherds, angels, and wise men come to pay homage to their son. Hear the angels singing and announcing the birth of the Messiah and proclaiming "Joy to the World". Imagine the amazement of the shepherds as they watched the scene before them. Feel the anticipation of the wise men who traveled such a great distance to honor and bring gifts to the Christ-child.

Jesus -the greatest gift of all 

He wasn't just a prophet and a teacher, nor was he just a man. He was and is God incarnate - God put on flesh to come down to earth so we could know, see and touch Him. Let's look back at history a minute to see why God sent Jesus to this earth.

First, we have to understand two things:
1) how holy God is and
2) how much he yearns to have a relationship with us.

How sin gets in the way

So God gave us the Ten Commandments to help us to live holy lives but that didn't work.  How many of us have told a lie?  Stolen something? Been jealous or envious? Lost our temper? Every sin is equal in the eyes of God and the wages of sin is death. This is why in the Old Testament they used to sacrifice animals - to cleanse the people from their sins. But that didn't work either.

Finally God decided He had to make a trip to earth in human form and so Jesus was born, a baby in a manger in the tiny town of Bethlehem. God  knew what that would mean - sacrifice, suffering, and ultimately death on a cross. How many of us would send our children on such a mission? This is why Jesus is the greatest gift of all time. 

Who is this God?
Many in this world are confused about "God". God is just one name for the all powerful, creative, loving, energy that created and controls the Universe. That's my best explanation in those terms, but if you truly want to know who God is, look at Jesus. Listen to what he says and watch what He does. Jesus came to earth to show us who God is and to teach and empower us to live holier lives. Jesus was and is the one and only Son of God who came to earth to set us free both spiritually and emotionally. He came to heal the broken-hearted and set the captives free.

Are you a captive?

Who among us is not in bondage to something? To the pursuit of wealth and material pleasures? To self-gratification? To new stuff? To relationships? How about the bondage of our thoughts, our addictions, or our desires? Jesus came to set us free from all of these. "He came to set the captives free." (Luke 4:18). What do you need to be set free from, friend?

Jesus is Peace

This Christmas, let us receive Christ once again and be vessels of peace. Let go of whatever happened this past year - good or bad. Live in the present moment. Make time to be quiet, to reflect, to just be. Put a smile on the face of a child. Bring comfort to those who grieve, healing to  the wounded, and friendship to the lonely. Forgive those who have hurt us. Be filled with hope and joy and wonder. Let us be Jesus to someone this season.

Now I don't claim to have all the answers but this I do know. We can all learn from Jesus. These are desperate times we live in and the only hope we have is God.  If the world would act like Jesus, love like Jesus, and forgive like Jesus, wouldn't it be a more loving and peaceful place, I ask you?

For Reflection
At this most special time of year, may I ask you to consider this question? Who is Jesus and what does he mean to you? Is he just some historical figure or sage prophet? Or is He indeed the Light of the world, the Messiah, and the only hope of true peace?

Here is his promise to each of us. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)

Until next time, may the joy and peace of the season dwell richly in you and may you be a light to the world.

Blessings and joy,

Ariel Paz 

Why You Need to Journal Daily

A lot happens during the course of the day. And that means a lot of thoughts. I've read that the average person has approximately 60,000 thoughts per day. That is the average person. Many of these simply float by not even recognized by our conscious minds. That's why we wake up in the middle of the night, our brains are trying to process the events and emotions of the day. So this week, I'm sharing 5 tips on how and why it is important to start a daily journaling practice.  

Journaling is a Spiritual Discipline
Did you keep a diary when you were younger? The keeper of secret thoughts and dreams for no one's eyes but yours to see? Writing in a diary is a form of journaling, which is a key component of a spiritual practice. And it is not just for girls either. We all need to get in touch with our thoughts and emotions. Men have a particularly hard time doing this because of the way their brains are wired. And we all know how bad accumulated stress is for our brains and our bodies.                                                           

Benefit #1:Reduces Stress
We all have it. Some days more than others, but it important to process stressful events before our head hits the pillow at night or at least, schedule a time to process the events of the day. When we journal, we gain clarity about situations. It helps us feel less anxious and helps us get to the root cause of our moods so we don't take it out on an innocent friend or relative. Here's an interesting article that talks about sleep and stress. 

Benefit #2: Helps Process Emotions
Journaling helps us to process the difficult emotions and feelings of our day. Often we brush aside any negative feelings, or ignore them completely but our emotions are messengers and we need to pay attention to what they are trying to tell us. Journaling gives us time to process and see just what is bothering us. I have a sticky note to remind me to check in with my feelings during the day. 

Benefit #3: Helps Us Be More Creative
When we slow down our minds, ideas and solutions surface. We can hear from God and that still small voice inside. Thoughts go by so quickly, if we don't write them down, we may lose them entirely. 

Benefit #4: Helps Us Get in Touch with our Needs
When we find ourselves easily frustrated or short-fused, there is a good chance we are not getting some need met. Asking "What do I need right now?" is a good starting point. Many of us are really good at taking care of other people's needs, but not so great at taking care of our own. The other day I was journaling and I remembered I wanted to make a massage appointment. I haven't had one in years, and had forgotten the visit to the local beauty spa. It is important to recognize our needs and make sure they get met so we are in a better frame of mind to deal with others. It's called self-care. 

Benefit #5: Helps Us to Heal from Painful Events
I am a strong proponent of "getting it out", whether it be to a person or on paper. Verbalizing or writing it down is a healthy way of processing an issue or an event. If you don't feel comfortable talking about a situation with someone else, journal it. I guarantee you will feel so much better. Whatever you do, do not keep it bottled up inside you. That is both physically and mentally unhealthy. 

For Reflection
Are you ready to try journaling? I suggest buying a notebook of some kind. I like the spiral-bound kind, which are easier to flip the pages. Choose a nice writing tool, something that feels good in your hand. And then focus on writing down your thoughts and feelings from the day, not your daily to-do list.

If you are angry or overwhelmed, write about it. If you feel depressed or anxious about something, write about it. The key is to get it out of your system and onto paper. There is some sort of spiritual process that releases stress and tension when you put your feelings on paper. You want this to be a sort of clearing process so that when you finish you feel more at peace and calm. 

If you enjoyed this post, do join our blog community by entering your email address in the box on the right. I post weekly on Tuesdays. In addition, you will receive a copy of my FREE eguide "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path"  - a short eguide to get you started on the journey of a lifetime. 

Stay tuned for more on how to ignite the power within so you can DISCOVER YOUR DESTINY!

Until next time, 

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

  

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Tragedy and loss are a part of life. More and more frequently these days which is so very sad. Hearing about the assassination of Charlie Kirk - a 31-year old father of two and a God-honoring conservative speaker - yesterday, shook me to the core so I am sharing some thoughts today to help us all process these horrific events.

In the wake of yet another senseless killing, it is important we each do our part to help each other grapple with death, injustice, and tragedy.

These events happen again and again. Another shooting. Another mass murder.  Attacks on theatres, schools, churches, college campuses and entertainment venues. Innocent people lose their lives. Families devastated. Futures that will never be realized. It is heart-breaking. 

Where was God in all this? 
For many, these are times to question God.

Well, the answer is we have taken God out of society, out of schools, out of the US currency. Many people have lost any sense of justice and regard for human life and they have succumbed to their animal instincts. 

Why did this happen again? Doesn't anyone care? Some answers we won't know this side of Heaven, but we do know this. God does care and He does see. Psalm 56:8 says this: "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." This verse is somewhat comforting to me in times of sorrow.

Yet, what to do in the aftermath? How to move on? Having been through many losses myself, I can share some insight that perhaps will help soothe the pain and lend some sort of healing balm to the hurting heart.

1. Take time to grieve and process. 
Grief is a deep and difficult emotion. I think it may be one of the most difficult to process. Get support. A counselor or a support group will understand and help you through this time. Be gentle with yourself. Don't medicate, ignore, or repress your feelings. Don't act out. We need to move through the pain so it will move through and out of us in due time. Give yourself permission to cry. Crying is healing.

2. Cherish the memories. 

We can't bring the person back, but we can keep them alive in our minds. When something tragic happens, we gain a new perspective of life. We don't take things or people for granted any more. We cherish the times together with our loved ones. We become more empathic, more patient with loved ones. No one really knows how long we have on this earth. Each day is a precious gift, but all too often we take for granted the time we have been graciously given. Slow down. Smell the roses. Reprioritize.

3. Don't waste the pain.
There is always a message or a lesson in the tragic and painful circumstances of life. Yes, events may appear random, but if we take the time to investigate, we may see a pattern. Patterns lead to the awareness of a problem. Awareness leads to solutions. As Obama once stated, these shootings have become routine. Routine! Ask the victims families about routine! But he is right. No one is taking action. No one is asking the tough questions like: Where has the respect for the sanctity of life gone? Why is there no limit to the number of guns in any one household? Why do we keep electing officials who allow these senseless killings to continue? Is the police force really keeping people safe? Do we really have freedom of speech? 

4. Remember there is evil in the world. 

How anyone can deny the duality of good and evil in light of terror and tragedy is beyond me. People do evil things. It can't always be blamed or excused by mental illness. People are responsible for their actions and their choices. Where was the dad or the mom who allowed the purchase of these weapons into the household? What emotional wound has gone unaddressed and unhealed? What were the warning signs that were ignored? Evil is a part of life on this earth.

5. Keep your faith in God. 

We don't always understand why bad things happen, but as Job once said "Shall we only receive good things from the hand of God?" (Job 2:10) Trust that He will get you through this pain. You will heal in time and you will see your loved one again in Heaven someday. There will be no more pain and no more tears then. Know that God does care and He cries with you. His heart breaks when ours does. He, too, lost a child so he knows how we feel. I sometimes think He must be shaking his head, asking "When will they do something?"

The question is when will WE do something? Will we examine our own prejudices and animosities? We will vote for stricter laws and punishments that fit the crimes? Will we put God back into our culture? Will we feel the pain these families feel instead of turning our backs? Next time you go out to vote, will you make gun laws and mental health issues a major factor in your decision? Will you demand justice for all? 

For Reflection 
If anything, I hope this post has made you pause and think. Your family may not have been affected, but it could have been. Will you step up to the plate and be a voice for those who have already lost loved ones? Will you speak up when you see someone acting strange or suspicious? We are the eyes and ears of safety in this world. 

If this post was helpful or healing in any way, please join our community by entering your email address in the box provided. You'll receive my weekly posts plus a copy of my free eguide "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path" for you or to pass along to a friend who might need some encouragement. 

Stay tuned for more practical and positive wisdom to help us all find healing, wholeness, and harmony so you can ignite the power within and discover your destiny!

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 
Follow me on X, Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram 

How to Have More Peace by Learning to Let Go

You've most likely heard the phrase "Let go and let God". It's from the Recovery 12-step program. I thought everyone knew what letting go meant until one of my girlfriends asked "How do you let go?" She was serious. Her husband had died more than 10 years ago and she was still grieving. So today, I'm going to do my best to explain the concept of letting go in practical terms to help us all let go of situations, people, pets, and past experiences sooner rather than later so we can enjoy more peace and JOY in the present moment. 

The process of learning to let go is powerful and on-going and can be applied in many aspects of life. This is one spiritual lesson we keep getting to practice over and over again because it applies to so many areas of life in all seasons of life. 

What is "letting go"?
Letting go has to do with attachment. We humans tend to get attached: to the past, to people, pets, material possessions, as well as negative thought patterns and bad habits to name a few. The problem is we become too attached. We hold on too tightly and then, inevitably, we suffer: a loved one dies or moves on, a material possession is lost, broken, or damaged, or a pet runs away or dies. The passage in Isaiah 43:18-19 says this "Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past".

When we hold on to negative coping mechanisms from the past or emotions such as anger, grief, or resentment, we prevent ourselves from moving forward in life.  Faulty beliefs and patterns keep us stuck like a rat on a wheel going nowhere. It is a choice to think on things above as it says in Phil 4:8. "Think on things that are pure, true, noble, admirable, lovely, and praiseworthy." I have to admit, this is a struggle for me, too, especially when one is brought up in a critical home environment and praise was based on performance. 

When to let go
Impermanence and change are undeniable truths of our existence. Everything on earth is changing. The seasons change. The weather changes. People change. Technology changes. The body changes. Change is part of life whether we like it or not. It is all part of the circle and evolution of life. So how do we know when it is time to let go?

One way to know it is time to let go is to ask ourselves these questions "Is this bearing any fruit in my life?", "Do I have joy today?" or "Is this serving me right now?"  If the answer we get is no, it is time to put whatever it is behind us, adopt new ways of thinking and relating, and move FORWARD. 

A second sign is lingering emotional or mental pain. For example, when we hold on to a dysfunctional relationship for too long, we will eventually lose our joy and our peace and sometimes our health. Constant conflict and friction are warning  signs. I have been guilty of holding on to relationships for far too long and not setting firmer boundaries soon enough so I know what I am talking about. 

Grieving Loss 
Now it is normal and crucial to grieve the loss of a loved one or beloved pet. A counselor once told me "The price of love is grief" and that is so true. When we love much, the grief of the loss is heavy, but grieve we must if we want to move thru it to the other side and regain our joy and our peace.

It is, however, not healthy if the grieving goes on year after year and we are constantly dwelling on the loss. At some point, we must make a conscious effort to not dwell on the hurt of the loss because this steals the joy from today and prevents us from living and enjoying the present moment.

Letting go is a process we get to practice again and again in different situations.  Whenever I feel like my joy is gone, I ask myself "What do I need to let go of?" There is usually something that is stealing my peace and joy. The good news is with practice, we will recognize sooner rather than later when we need to let go of something or someone. 

For Reflection

What can you let go of today? A broken relationship? A garage or house full of stuff? The pain from a past hurt? I encourage you to give it to God and let him replace it with the fruit of the Spirit in the present moment. For more on this important topic, get your copy of my new book "Ignite the Power Within: 10 Steps to Supercharge Your spiritual growth."  where I go more into depth about this. 

If this post was helpful, leave a comment, ask a question, and share it with a friend in need. If you'd like to join our community, enter your email in the box provided. I'll also send you a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path",

Stay tuned for my next post to encourage, educate and inspire you. 

Until next time,

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

How to Live in Victory Over Your Circumstances

Life has its challenges, for sure. Some of us are facing illness or health challenges. For others, it could be a broken relationship, financial stress, or loss of a loved one. Some of us are facing more than one of these. Storms often seem overwhelming and insurmountable while we are going thru them, but the key is to keep our focus on the Resurrection power of Jesus Christ. And that my friends, is why we celebrate Easter. 

A Little History Lesson
Jesus Christ was a real person, not just a prophet, not just a teacher, who lived about 2000 years ago. More importantly, he was the incarnate Son of God which means he is personification of Holy God. He became flesh so that we may know who God is and what we wants of us, to believe in him and to follow him. The Garden of Eden didn't work out. The Ten Commandments didn't work either, so God chose his one and only Son, Jesus, to come down from Heaven to this earth to show us how it's done. 

The Problem 

Jesus did many miracles. Raised people from the dead. Gave sight to the blind. People were flocking to him everywhere. But. He was becoming too popular with the Jewish people. The Jewish religious leaders of the day were afraid of losing their power over the people and of the Roman soldiers having to step in. It was all about control, power, and ego. Not much has changed has it? Look at Putin for example. 

The Decision

Jesus was persecuted by the Jewish leaders of the time which led to a shameful and humiliating death on the cross at the hands of the Roman govenor, Pilate. He knew Jesus was an innocent man, yet he gave in to the misguided people. He, too, was weak and afraid and was already under scrutiny from Rome. It takes courage to do the right thing. 

Atonement

Until then, the only way to absolve people of their sins was by the shedding of blood, usually an animal, typically a lamb. Blood is the only way to atone for sin and Jesus willingly surrendered his life so that our sins could be atoned for once and for all eternity. This is why Jesus is called the sacrificial lamb. And this is why we take communion - to remember that only the blood of the lamb can make us holy in the eyes of God. 

 

What This Means to Us

The fantastic news is that when we meet with a situation that seems impossible to us, we can call on the name of Jesus and he can turn it around. I have seen many miraculous breakthroughs,  healings, and solutions because of prayer and calling out to Jesus. There is supernatural power in the name of Jesus Christ. Yet, so many of us fail to use this power and then wonder why we struggle. 

When we celebrate Easter, we are reminded of new life and transformation, victory over sin and death, triumph over evil. When we look at the cross, we are reminded that new life can come out of what appears to be dead. When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we receive Jesus' Resurrection power thru the Holy Spirit. This is why I pass on Buddhism, Islam, and all the other belief systems out there. Only Jesus rose from the dead and only He can bring life from death.

Personal Story
I have seen this power in action in my own life many times. God has restored me from several serious illnesses that the doctors could not figure out. I remember one stroke specialist at Johns Hopkins scratching his head and muttering to himself about the vestibular migraines I was having. 

After a bankruptcy and a nasty divorce, Christ has restored my finances and moved me to a place of provision and abundance. After being raised in a chaotic and dysfunctional home, he has replaced fear, worry, and anxiety with faith, peace and joy. He has given me peace after my oldest son decided to estrange himself from me for no apparent reason. And that is what I want to share with you, dear friend. No matter what painful things you have gone thru, Jesus can heal you. He can give you a peace that passes all understanding. That is why I put all this effort into writing this blog. Jesus has transformed my life. What he has done for me he can and will do for you when you put your trust in him. 

   

We were not made to endure all these things on our own. Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 

Peace through the Pain  

Easter is a time to be transformed. God sees every pain and hurt we endure. He sees our fears, our shame, our guilt,  and he wants to renew us by transforming our minds. We were not meant to live stressed out, anxious, defeated lives fearing when the next shoe will drop. 

When we accept Jesus, we learn to trust, to have peace and hope despite our circumstances, and to forgive those who have hurt us. His plan for us is for good and not for evil. No matter what mistakes we may have made or what others may have done to us, God is able to make us new and whole again. This is the power of the Resurrection. 

A time for renewal and forgiveness.

Easter is a time to let go of the old, and embrace the new. It is a time to let God heal our hearts, by filling it with the great love he has to offer us through His son, Jesus Christ. It is up to each of us whether or not we choose to receive this free gift of grace and love. 

My life has been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; so in a spirit of humility and thankfulness, I offer some reflections on what Easter means to me, and I trust that they will encourage and comfort you as well. When we pause to look at the cross, somehow it puts our "light and momentary afflictions" into perspective.

Easter reminds me that:

- I always have another opportunity for transformation and change

- miracles still happen when I believe 

- God's grace is sufficient for me

- Jesus paid the price for all my sins and mistakes, past, present and future

- God is always there no matter how far away I drift from Him

- no matter how dark it may look on Friday, Sunday is coming

- when I wonder "Does God really love me?" all I have to do is look at Jesus' outstretched arms on the cross and hear him say "I love you this much"

- when I am suffering, I know Jesus has suffered so much more than I ever will and that makes my pain more bearable

- no matter what I have lost or how much I have been hurt, misunderstood, or mistreated, God can bring healing and peace to my soul 

A Prayer to Remember
Here is one of my favorite prayers that helps guide me on how to handle the adversities of love. May it encourage you today. 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;

O
Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

For Reflection 

Where do you want to see new life? What seems dead? Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God? Do you believe in the Resurrection? If not, will you accept him into your life as Lord and Savior today and allow him to restore and renew you? 

If you are a believer, will you rededicate your life to him and live the abundant life he promises us? We are each on our own spiritual journey and it is up to us which path to choose. 

May God fill you with his great love and peace. May he heal your broken places, and make you new. Amen and amen. 

If this post has encouraged you, join our community by entering your email address in the box provided. You'll receive my weekly newsletter plus a copy of my free guide entitled "How to Develop a Spiritual Practice", which details the 10 daily practices for connecting deeper with yourself and God. 

Stay tuned for more positive and practical wisdom to help you find healing, wholeness, and harmony and discover YOUR destiny!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

10 Tips to Prevent Getting Sick This Season

It's that time of year. The weather is turning cooler and folks start sneezing and hacking. Do you seem to catch whatever bug is going around? Chronic conditions hit you every year? Being sick is no fun. It makes us grouchy and hard to get along with and besides, we miss out on life. Every year I learn more about staying healthy. Especially with the Covid virus and all the variants circulating, it is more important than ever to make good health habits a priority.  So today I'm sharing some of my favorite stay-healthy tips to keep our immune systems strong and keep the germs at bay. 

Do leave a comment and share your favorite stay-healthy tips with all of us, too.

1. Get more sleep. 

From time to time I hear people say "I can sleep when I die," but if we don't get enough sleep that might come sooner than we'd like. Scientists are learning more and more about the importance of quality sleep and all it does for our health, immune system, and restoration of our bodies at night. 

With the holidays, parties & family celebrations, plus end of year work responsibilities, it's easy to get run down and exhausted. Sufficient and quality sleep is vital for restoring our bodily systems and keeping our immune system in fighting order. Don't resist the urge to catch a cat nap. Your body is telling you something. Napping is good for the heart and the brain. Just realized today why they call it "cat naps". Ever watch your cat? 

"If you're tired when you wake up in the morning, or fall asleep watching the evening news, you're not getting enough sleep, or maybe not enough quality sleep. Either way, your immunity is probably compromised. Poor sleep is associated with lower immune system function and reduced numbers of killer cells that fight germs. Killer cells are also the part of the immune system that combats cells that divide too rapidly, as they do in cancer. Lower their numbers and you may be at greater risk for illness." (Prevention, Mazo, Dec.2, 2011)

2. Drink plenty of water
Water oxygenates the blood and flushes out toxins. It also helps the production of lymph which help circulate those infection-fighting white blood cells as well as nutrients. Being dehydrated can bring on migraines and headaches. It also results in dry skin. So drink up, folks. I have a sticky note that says "Drink water" and have a tall bubbly pink glass just for my water. For more benefits of water on the immune system, check out this article. 

3. Use a neti pot daily. 
A neti pot is used to cleanse the sinuses and, as we all know, the sinuses can get congested very easily, especially in the winter. The cilia in the nasal passages catch all sorts of bacteria to protect the entry to the inner parts of the sinuses so it is important to rinse the nasal passages daily to prevent buildup and decongest the sinus passages. I like to use mine in the mornings as I am usually stuffy when I wake up. It is such a great feeling to breathe clearly. 

If you get sinus infections, headaches, or migraines, consider purchasing a neti pot this season. In case you don't know what a neti pot is, check one out here . I have seen them at Walmart and Walgreen's as well as natural health food stores. Don't overpay. This is a great price. 

4. Eat your vitamin C.
I prefer to eat as many of my vitamins as I can. Oranges, grapefruit, and clementines contain large amounts of anti-oxidant vitamin C as do brightly colored peppers. If you don't like citrus, grab yourself a bottle of time-released vitamin C capsules that will dissolve over time and nourish your immune system.

Having memory issues? Vitamin C can help with that too. It is also great for the skin and boosts collagen production, ladies. No wonder I crave citrus in the winter. 

5. Step up the zinc.
Zinc helps strengthen the immune system also. Deficiency is linked to increased inflammation. It may also help treat acne, prevent osteoporosis, and prevent pneumonia. The best sources are animal meats, beans, seafood, beans, nuts and whole grain cereals. If you eat a restricted diet, consider supplementation but please don't overdo it. A maximum daily dose is around 40 mg. 

6. Wash your hands often and keep them off your face and eyes. 

Funny, I wrote this post pre-covid and the advice still holds. At the office, in the gym, the grocery store, the elevator, you come into contact with germs and bacteria.  I carry a small bottle of liquid hand sanitizer gel in my purse and in my car. It's also a good idea to keep your hands off your face and out of your eyes. Germs and bacteria spread through touch so it's easy to infect oneself. Wash your hands often and as soon as you come home from being out in public. 

7. Disinfect the house regularly.
Okay, so I'm a Lysol gal, I admit it. I know it's probably loaded with chemicals but hey, it does the job and it beats getting sick. The germs are getting stronger and more resistant these days and I don't know any natural products that do as good a job at killing those pesky microbes. Spray the doorknobs, the fridge doors, the light switches as these all get touched often. If you can't stand the idea of Lysol, try making your own tea tree spray. 

8. Watch the sugars.
You might not know that sugar lowers the immune system. There's a good reason people get sick post-holiday season - too much sugar at the holidays.  Here's a good explanation of how sugar competes with vitamin C for white blood cell absorption. So all those cookies, candy and sweets that abound during the holidays besides putting weight on, also make us more susceptible to catching a nasty winter cold or flu bug. Enjoy the holiday season, but be sure to increase your vitamin C along and watch your sugar intake.

9. Stay warm. 
Perhaps you've heard your grandma or your mom tell you to "put more clothes on" or you'll catch cold. I always thought that was an old wives tale till this past winter, when I caught a winter cold. Yup, stuffy nose, sneezing, fatigue, and general malaise. So I googled it and guess what? Being cold lowers the immune system which makes us more susceptible to getting sick. There is something to be said for dressing warmly in the cold, damp winter months. Regardless of what the gas and electric company says, I raised my thermostat one degree to take off the chill. 

10. Isolate. 
Nobody enjoys being sick, and no one else enjoys being around someone who is sick. So as as public service message, if you are sick or have a cough or cold, stay home or at the very least - mask up!  I begged off my tango class and a luncheon with my best friend because I was having symptoms as much as I hated to miss both. You're not doing anyone any favors by toughing it out and spreading your germs around. You are contagious for a lot longer than you feel badly. Be considerate of your friends and coworkers. 

When I worked in an office, every year for several years my next door cube mate would come into the office coughing and hacking and spreading germs all over the place. Inevitably, I would catch her cold. I tried bringing in a can of Lysol and spraying it to get her to take the hint. Finally, I said to her one day "You know, we can work from home when we're sick instead of coming into the office and spreading the germs,". She looked at me like "Wow, now there's an idea I hadn't thought of."

Okay, friends, these are my 10 tips for staying healthy this winter. If you do get sick, don't beat yourself up about it. We are human. Drink plenty of liquids, hot tea, chicken broth, and give your body and mind the rest they deserve and need. Rest and read a good uplifting book. Like one of mine. Shameless self-plug. Take good care of your body and it will take good care of you.

If you enjoyed this post and found it helpful, do join our communitfy. Simply enter your email address in the box provided and you'll receive my weekly posts and a copy of my free e-guide, "How to Develop a Spiritual Practice ", I think you'll find interesting. My goal is to inspire, encourage, and educate whoever is open-minded and wants to grow. And do follow me on Pinterest and peruse the collection I've curated for you. 

Stay tuned for more positive and practical wisdom to help you ignite the power within and discover YOUR DESTINY!

In the meantime, stay well and keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

All rights reserved. If you'd like to use this material contact me at arielpaz08@gmail.com.

How to Tame Your Unruly Mind

Have you ever said something "without thinking"? Do you often find yourself feeling down, depressed or anxious but don't know why? What about the dreams you have at night that keep you from getting a good night's rest? What's going on then? If we want to ignite our personal power so we can move forward towards our goals and dreams and have more peace and joy, we must tame and train the unruly beast known as the mind.

The Brain vs. the Mind
Before we can talk about how to discipline the mind, we need to understand what exactly do we mean by "the mind". To keep this as simple as possible, the mind is the non-physical part of us that is composed of both consciousness and unconsciousness. It is separate from the physical part of the body known as the brain. The brain is the organ that is part of our central nervous system and controls our physical and bodily functions.

The mind, on the other hand, controls our emotions, our thoughts, and our will. Some believe that the mind is the eternal part of us known as the "soul". Undeveloped and unconstrained, the mind will take off like a runaway train or a wild horse. Buddhism calls this "monkey mind" meaning unsettled, capricious, restless, uncontrollable, confused. Picture the monkeys you see in the zoo or the wild and how they flit from tree to tree hanging on and jumping around willy nilly. This is how undisciplined minds behave. Thousands of thoughts fly by in the course of everyday life, yet we are unaware of the majority of them.

Feed your mind positive input.
If we want to harness the power of our minds, we need to discipline it to think the right kind of thoughts. There are three main steps to cultivating a disciplined mind and today we will cover the first one.  

Our minds are like computers. How they are programmed is how they will perform. Many of us grew up in an environment of worry, anxiety, fear and the like so we already have a library full of negative thoughts. If we feed our minds junk, violence, and negativity which abound in the media, on television and in our world, our thoughts will be full of this stuff.  You may not even be aware of the negativity that is coming out of you. The good news is we can change the way we think by changing what we feed our minds.

If we want healthy, vibrant bodies we will feed ourselves healthy, nutritious food and drink plenty of water. In the same way, if we want healthy, peaceful and emotionally stable minds we need to feed our minds life-giving, positive and faith-filled thoughts. I prefer to use phrases from the Holy Bible and I can attest to the fact that they do work. Here are some of my favorites:

     -If we want to conquer fear and doubt, start thinking thoughts of faith.
       "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a 

        sound mind".

       "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own           understanding."

     If we want to become more bold and less timid,  
      "The Lord is my rock and my fortress." 
      "No weapon formed against me shall prosper."
      "If God is for us, who can stand against us?". 

    If we want to be more loving,
       "Love your neighbor as yourself"
       "Love is patient. Love is kind. Love keeps no record of wrongs."
       "Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

    
    If we want to be more at peace, memorize these verses:
       "The Lord will give keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him."
       "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything pray and give thanks to God and He will give you peace that passes all understanding".     

    If we want more ease and less anxiety, instead of thinking "This is too much for me"  or "I'll never be able to ....." think and say out loud:
       "I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me".
       "God will make my crooked paths straight". 
        "Be still and know that I am God"

     If we want more abundance and provision, stop thinking thoughts of lack.
       "My God shall supply all my needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus".
       "No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly."

These are just a few examples I personally use to reprogram my thinking and you can too! Pick out some verses that resonate with you and begin to verbalize them daily. I post them on sticky notes around the house to remind me.

Personal Story

My mom recently passed and a whole boatload of extra responsibilities and tasks got dumped into my lap. I'm sure some of you have dealt with this situation and know how difficult it is. Well, trying to do her 2023 taxes and obtain the various 1099s since her Texas accountant has disappeared. Still have not received the final one and trying not to stress about the looming tax deadline of Oct. 15. 

This is certainly a test because the situation is out of my control despite my numerous phone calls to the companies involved. I am getting to practice what I preach - paying attention to my thoughts, staying at peace, and living in the present moment. We can only do so much, and in these situations it is important to remember that God sees and is in control. He will make a way where there seems to be no way. 

Reprogram Your Mind
If we want to be more powerful, peaceful, and successful, we need to be more positive. We need to reprogram our thinking with truth and the best source of truth I know is the Holy Bible. Now you can use whatever sacred texts or affirmations you choose, but I suggest the Holy Bible and here's why.

God is obligated to fulfill His Word. He is not obligated to follow through on anyone else's word. The words of scripture have supernatural power in them and that is the missing ingredient in using anything else. Positive affirmations that are not the Word of God will only take us so far. Why?

Because God rewards Faith! He wants to know that we are depending on Him and him alone and not merely our own will and self. When we learn to depend on God more, and ourselves less, we will see strife, turmoil, and unease evaporate from our lives and we will enjoy more harmony, joy, and rest.

This covers the first step to disciplining our minds. Stay tuned for more on Step 6 of igniting the power within when next time we'll talk about the importance of meditation. 

For Reflection

What do you find yourself dwelling on? What causes you stress? How can you replace negative thoughts with thoughts of faith and power? 

If you enjoyed this post and would like to join our community, simply enter your email address in the box provided and you'll receive my weekly posts. You'll also receive a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path".  If you would like to learn more about spiritual growth, check out my other offerings here. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts so please leave a comment and share it with your friends. 

Stay tuned for more on how you can ignite the power within and discover your Destiny!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz


All rights reserved. 

4 Reasons Why Faith is Good for Your Brain

Are you worried about your brain? What you can do to improve the health of your brain? Well, today's post is for you then!

The Science

According to research by Dr. Andrew Newburg, author of six books and leading researcher, studies reveal the impact of a spiritual practice on brain function.  This area of research is known as "neurotheology" and demonstrates the relationship between the brain and faith. 

In his book "How God Changes Your Brain", Newberg discusses many interesting ways faith directly impacts the brain. For more details, check out this article.

The Benefits 

Just as there are many good reasons to work out, eat right, and stay fit, there are several very tangible reasons to develop your faith and spirituality. Here are a few of the major ones:

1) increases longevity

2) improves brain health by reducing cortisol levels

3) reduces emotional reactivity

4) increases resilience to life's challenges

History Shows
People who meditate, pray, and adhere to some sort of a spiritual practice are also less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety and have better control of their emotions. They value peace and harmony in both their inner and outer worlds. They value connecting to God and strive to live according to the values that respect and honor human life. Look at Gandhi and Martin Luther King as examples. They changed the world thru non-violent means and were both men of deep faith. I would venture to say that spiritually-minded folk are less likely to commit heinous crimes of violence. 

In this world of so much senseless violence, flaring tempers, and lack of respect for human life, it is clear to me that most people need to make developing their spirituality a higher priority. Spiritual growth is very closely linked to managing our emotions and out-of-control emotions are often what precipitate random acts of violence, road rage, etc. 

For Reflection

Do you have a spiritual path? How much time do you devote to prayer, reflection, study? Is there a group of like-minded folks you could join to help support your journey?

I hope this article has motivated you to consider making your spiritual path more of a priority in your life. We all have spheres of influence and when one person changes we impact others around us. Be the change you want to see in this world. We are all in this together.

Exciting Announcement

Speaking of spiritual growth, I am over-joyed to announce that my newest book, "Ignite the Power Within: 10 steps to Supercharge Your Spiritual Growth"  is now available for purchase on your favorite online retailers such as Amazon, Apple Books, B&N, and Kobo. For a limited time, if you order thru me, I am offering a nice discount. Simply email me and I will get your copy out to you. 

                                        

If you'd like to join our community and receive my weekly posts, please enter your email address in the box provided.You'll also receive a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path".  I enjoy hearing from you so please post a comment below or send me an email.

Stay tuned for more positive and practical wisdom to help you ignite the power within and discover YOUR destiny!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

arielpaz08@gmail.com 

The First Step to Ignite the Power Within

Are you ready to discover YOUR superpower? See those goals and dreams come true? Leave behind the past and the status quo? If so, then this month's series is just for you! We are going to learn how to ignite the power within!

Personal Story

Now you might not know this about me but people used to call me "shy and timid". Yup. I didn't speak up for myself. I let people take advantage of me, and I certainly didn't pursue MY goals and dreams. I pursued other people's goals and dreams. But then I discovered my super-power and my life completely turned around. And that is what I want for YOU, friend!

Not Just Another Self-Help story 
You've probably read books on self empowerment before. They usually focus on interpersonal and communication skills and techniques you have to implement in order to be successful. What they don't address are the emotional and spiritual components that are the root causes of most failures in business and in our personal lives.

So today, I'm sharing the FIRST STEP to igniting the power within. It will transform not only your business but your entire life and it starts with what may be the most important part of our being - our heart.

 

Let Go of Past Hurts

We've all been hurt, some of us more deeply than others. We may be holding on to unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, or regret. Or perhaps we are holding on to jealousy, anger, disappointment, or a strong need to control others which stems from fear. Often, we are not even aware we have these negative feelings. Yet, we cannot and will not move forward until we clear these all out. 

Negative energy keeps us stuck. 

If we want to move forward in life, we must free ourselves of any negative energy, in our thoughts and our speech. Let go of judgmental attitudes and assumptions based on perceived slights. It's time to start with a clean slate. 

The First Step 
So where to start? At the center of our being that's where. With the heart. The first step to igniting the power within is to have an open heart.

How do we do this? Here are five key steps to identifying, processing, and letting go of painful feelings and emotions. 

1. Make time to get quiet.
This means getting away someplace where you can experience solitude. It may be your home. It may be the library, Starbuck's, a church, or a walk in nature - someplace where you can completely disconnect from distractions and noise and connect with your innermost being, where you can actually hear the still small voice inside you and pay attention to your thoughts. 

2.  Search within. 
Ask yourself if there is any situation or person towards whom you may be harboring negative feelings such as anger, unforgiveness, or hostility. Really reflect on this. It might be something that happened a few days ago, a month ago, or many years ago. 

Often, we unconsciously bury these painful emotions because we don't want to deal with them but like a thorn in a finger, they continue to hurt and cause unnecessary emotional pain. Many times we don't even realize we are holding on to negative feelings from the past. We keep ourselves busy with distractions and activity so we don't have time to feel the pain and this is both unwise and unhealthy.  

When we spend some time in self-reflection, negative experiences will soon bubble up to the surface where we can process them in a conscious manner. It is like shining a flashlight into a dark cave to see what is hidden there. We might  feel afraid at first but when we shine the light of awareness we see we have nothing to fear. You are more powerful than you realize and more courageous. 

3. Identify any negative emotions. 
Negative emotions do not go away on their own. I have found that it helps me to name what I am feeling. I usually have an "Aha!" moment when I realize just exactly what has been bothering me and why. It is like a veil has been lifted and I can see clearly. Now, I confess, this sometimes takes days for me to get clear but I have learned to pray and wait till I get clarity. I ask God to show me what is actually going on and He always does. 

Supressing our feelings does us no good. In fact, ignoring them keeps us from moving forward spiritually and emotionally. What's more, when left to linger, negative emotions usually result in some kind of physical manifestation or illness. The body and mind are inter-connected and what hurts one, eventually hurts the other.  Our feelings are like little children crying out to be heard and they will do whatever it takes to get our attention.

4. Deal with any grief, sadness, resentment or unforgiveness.
Grief and sadness are two of the heaviest emotions to process. They both lower our energy level.  If there is any unprocessed grief or sorrow, we must allow ourselves to feel it. Yes, loss is painful, but it is only by feeling our feelings and accepting the situation as it is, that they can move through and out of our bodies and minds. 

Sure, we can keep ourselves busy and distracted till the cows come home, but until we actually acknowledge and deal with our negative emotions, they will continue to keep us stuck - emotionally and spiritually. If there is some action you can take, do it. Write that letter. Make that phone call. Reach out to reconnect. You never know if the door will open until you knock on it. We were meant for unity not disconnection and it takes the spiritually stronger person to take the first step. 

It is important to be gentle with ourselves, accept where we are, and make sure we give ourselves enough time to work through our feelings and heal. We will know when it is time to let go. The heart needs time to heal it's wounds. Our work is to heal our soul and become whole so we can move forward in life with joy and inner peace so we can fulfill the destiny we each have. Be kind to yourself during the healing process but also be cognizant of how long it has been and do seek professional help if you are stuck too long on the same issue. 

5. Forgive yourself and others.
The best way to heal our heart is through forgiveness. We must forgive others and also ourselves. We all say and do things to hurt others and ourselves, often unintentionally. It is usually because we are hurting in some way. We act out, we overeat, we spend too much. There are a dozen ways we try to soothe our wounded souls. 

Remember this. Forgiveness is not for the other person. It is for us - to set US free. It allows us to let go of the negative energy so we can move forward into our destiny. Refusing to forgive others only harms us. True forgiveness comes only through the power of God so if you are having trouble forgiving, ask God for help. He wants you to be set free.

For Reflection

Who or what is causing you to have a closed heart? Who has offended you or hurt you? Take some time this week to reflect and to process your feelings. What action can you take to help yourself heal?

So there you have it - the first step to igniting the power within  is to have an open heart. If you enjoyed this post, stay tuned for the rest of the steps and for my new book "Ignite the Power Within: 10 Steps to Strengthen Your Spiritual Muscle", soon to be available on Amazon and other major online booksellers. 

If you'd like to join our community and receive my weekly posts plus a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path", enter your email address in the box provided.

Stay tuned as we discover the next step to igniting the power within and discovering YOUR destiny!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

All rights reserved. If you would like to use this material, contact me at arielpaz08@gmail.com

Give Yourself a Rest: 12 Signs You're Sleep Deprived

Do you survive on coffee? Wish you could pull the covers over you when the alarm goes off? Or are you one of those people who claim they don't need much sleep but then find yourself waning midday, grouchy and impatient? You could be one of the millions of Americans who is sleep-deprived. 

In the olden days, people used to go to bed when the sun did. Our bodies were in natural alignment with the earth, but not anymore. We stay up late on the computer, watching television, or playing video-games. Many down a few drinks hoping for a better night's sleep. Alcohol may make you drowsy for a short while but then when the sugar spike dips you'll be up in the middle of the night.

Author, columnist and editor of the Huffington Post, Ariana Huffington has this to say about the important relationship between sleep and success.

 https://www.ted.com/talks/arianna_huffington_how_to_succeed_get_more_sleep?language=en

I used to feel embarrassed when people asked me how many hours of sleep I needed and my answer was 9.  Not anymore. When you have multiple demands pulling at you like so many arms of an octopus,  the body needs sleep to replenish its resources and process all the activity of the day. 

Personal Story 
As a single mom, with a house, a car, two kids, a demanding career, a part-time job plus grad school, I was up at the crack of dawn so I could squeeze in my morning run. I remember constantly complaining to my physician about how tired I was and he never seemed to address the issue. Then I started going to bed an hour earlier and what a difference it made. My body needed more sleep and I bet, so does yours.

Don't ignore fatigue.

It could also be a sign of adrenal exhaustion, anemia, and a host of other things. Want to look younger? Get more sleep. Let your face and mind relax.

The rat race will always be there but if we want to enjoy our day and be fully alert and in control, ample sleep is a must. To see if you might be sleep-deprived, check out these 11 signs  from Health magazine. 

For Reflection

How often do you feel tired? Do you regularly get at least 8 hours of sleep a night? What small change can you make to help you get more  sleep? 

I hope this post has helped you think more about the importance of adequate sleep to help you have a more healthy lifestyle. Do share this post with a friend or family-member. 

If  you'd like to join our community and receive my weekly posts enter your email in the box provided. You'll also receive a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path".

Stay tuned for more on this important topic so you can live a long, healthy, and energetic life. My goal is to provide positive and practical wisdom to help us all find healing, wholeness, health, and harmony and to help you discover YOUR DESTINY!

Until next time,

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz