Holistic Living & Growing Vegetables

Our late vegetable garden in 2014.

Are you starting to think about a vegetable garden?

I am! We moved to our property in July of last year and even though it was late in the season, we planted a few rows of veggies. Our harvest was surprisingly good considering our late start. This year, I'm prepared! In January I started studying up on companion planting, planting zones, moon dates, and even designed our space.

In researching my options, I began to think about a holistic approach to growing food. Rather than think about this year and what we'd like to eat, my thoughts were about next winter and what can be preserved either through canning or storage in our root cellar. In fact, I thought about the next five years and considered things like seed saving and setting up a small green house to enable us to start seeds indoors to be transplanted, later, in the garden.

The concept of holistic living is about considering the whole ... the big picture, so to speak. Here are some of the ideas that I've considered:

• Plants versus Seeds
  
  Plants are available from nurseries, online retailers, and even the big box stores. In my experience, the choices are limited, most of the plants are hybrids, and the price of one plant is typically higher than the price of a packet of seeds. On the plus side, plants are easy to pop into the ground and typically ensure success. They are also good for people who don't have much space.
  
  Seeds are less expensive, are available for a greater variety of plants, and, in addition to hybrid plants, include organic, heirloom, and open-pollinated options. The draw back with seeds is that gardeners need a place to start them and they take time.
  
  
• Hybrid versus Open-Pollinated

Hybrids are the result of crossing two plants of the same species (not to be confused with GMOs which cross different species). Desired properties of one plant are introduced to another plant via controlled measures (grafting, cross pollination, etc.). Hybrid plants are usually disease resistant and may be able to handle environmental problems like drought, short growing seasons, etc. The down side is that if seeds are saved from a hybrid plant, the resulting plants won't stay true to the parent plant. That means that gardeners will have to continue buying seeds each year.

Open-pollinated plants are either self-pollinated or are pollinated by wind or insects. Seeds from these plants, for the most part, can be collected and the resulting plants will be true to their parent plant. Heirloom plants fall into the open-pollinated category ... open-pollinated plants produce seeds which are saved and planted the next year. The downside of open pollination is that the wind or insects may cross pollinate a plant, resulting in a slightly different "baby". For example, if you plant both sweet and hot peppers close together, plants grown from saved seeds may have the properties of both plants.


• Organic versus Non-Organic
  
  Organic seeds aren't treated with any pesticides and come from organic plants. They tend to be a bit more expensive than non-organic varieties.
  
  Non-organic seeds are usually sprayed with a pesticide and come from non-organic plants which were probably also treated with chemicals. When dealing with non-organic seeds, one should wash their hands thoroughly after touching them and, if you're thinking about feeding old seeds to the birds, don't ... the chemicals used to preserve the seeds will harm animals.
  

So what have I chosen to do?

I have a large space. So I'm choosing seeds which I'll start in a very simple "makeshift" green house (an insulated raised bed covered with old windows).

I want to be able to save seeds so I'm choosing open-pollinated varieties. To avoid the introduction of chemicals into my garden, I'm going with organic.

Start-up costs for our garden may be a bit high but, in the long run, we'll be able to grow nutritious foods for very little expensive ... foods which will be grown in harmony with nature.

Here's a tip which I learned from an experienced farmer in my area. I asked how he irrigates his crops and he told me that he doesn't. He shared that if one begins to irrigate, they will always have to irrigate. On the other hand, if plants are grown naturally, watered with rain, they will not need constant irrigation. I tested this theory out, last year, and wow ... he was right. The majority of the plants that I grew thrived. The trick, here, is choosing plants appropriate for the area and climate.

Holistic living is looking at more than just this moment's action. It's considering everything and looking beyond the here and now. That's how I'm approaching my garden this year!

How about you ... do you take a holistic approach to growing food?

This post is shared at Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party Hop

Holistic Living - Developing and Maintining a Positive Attitude

Attitude is a matter of choice

Last month we talked about stress. Sometimes, stress is caused by our own thoughts ... by how we choose to view a situation.

I once worked in a large office. On a grey and rainy morning, employees dragged themselves through the front door with heads down and angry looks on their faces. Everyone complained about the weather and commented on what a dreary day we had ahead of us.

An older woman entered, smiling and walking with purpose. Everyone noticed her. As she made her way to the desk next to mine, I commented on how she seemed to be so happy. What she said next would forever change how I view a cloudy sky:

"Have you looked at the sky? It's beautiful ... so many lovely shades of grey with purple and blue mixed in. It's a gorgeous day!"


This woman made the decision to see beauty, regardless of what others were seeing.

Throughout that day, I noticed something interesting. She had a productive day. Most of the other employees endured a miserable eight hours ... things didn't go well for them, they seemed lethargic, and one person even went home sick.

I learned two important things ... attitude is our choice and it affects everything, even our health.

Choosing a good attitude is easy to say, but not always easy to implement. We've all heard the clichés ... when life hands you lemons, make lemonade or ... view the cup as half full rather than half empty or ... a frown is only a smile upside down. While there is some wisdom to those sayings, serious attitude adjustment takes strategy. Here are some tools:

• Start a "positive thoughts" or "gratitude" journal

  

  Keep a journal of positive thoughts

  This daily practice helps us notice all the good in our lives. As we search for something to write, we train ourselves to see the beauty in the world. After awhile, looking is no longer an effort ... we notice all the wonder of life and, more importantly, we appreciate it. Keeping track of these positive thoughts is a powerful tool for improving one's attitude.

• Breathe

  We tend to take shallow breaths, especially when we are unhappy. Five deep breaths can actually change our mood.

• Change your thoughts

  Do you ever find yourself thinking negative thoughts? Left alone, they seem to grow and multiply. Here's a handy way to turn them around. When you notice a negative thought, say "Stop" (it might help to say this out loud). Then, replace that scene with something good, perhaps a happy memory or thoughts of your favorite place. Think of a lovely song or an image of a beautiful setting. This technique requires that one is armed with a good thought so that the negative one can be immediately replaced.

• Positive Affirmations

  Gather together a list of your favorite affirmations, even the clichés. Reinforcing positive thoughts develops a pattern of thinking which, eventually, becomes a habit.

• Use positive language

  The words we use, both in our speech and in writing, affect the way we think. Practice turning a phrase. For example, rather than say "Don't be late", try saying "Be on time". Instead of writing "I should", try writing "I will". Watch out for words like always, never, can’t, and won’t ... they typically have a negative connotation.

• Get creative

  

  Play to connect with your creativity

  I've spoken to artists who tell me that when they are creating, they are thinking of nothing else. They find art relaxing and cleansing. So, pursue something creative. Try to sketch a leaf or paint a scene. Grab some modelling clay and let your inner child play. Borrow your child's building blocks and see what develops. The benefit is not in what you create, or how talented you are, but rather in the process itself. But who knows, maybe you're a budding Michelangelo and will discover your hidden Muse.

• Talk to a friend

  I have a trusted friend who listens to me complain and then offers me another way to look at a situation. Having friends who will do more than commiserate with us, helps us to change our thought patterns.

• Turn off the TV

  Let's face it ... television often sends a negative message. While it might be entertaining in small doses, anything more contributes to negative thinking. Try turning off the TV and going for a walk or spending quality time with loved ones.

Our attitudes have power. They can bring us happiness and even improve our health.

Ultimately, how we view life is our responsibility ... we not only have control over our attitudes, we can choose them.

Putting a strategy in place, and using a few tools, will ensure that we see beautiful shades of grey on a cloudy day.

And that's something to smile about!

How do you maintain a positive attitude?


The information presented in our holistic living series is not, and should not be used as, a substitute for medical advice.

This post shared at Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party Hop

Holistic Wellness - Dealing With Stress Naturally

Stress can cause headaches,
fatigue, and anxiety

Stress is a normal part of life! It is our physical and emotional response to pressure. Most of us can handle some stress and, in fact, would probably be bored with life if we didn't experience any. It also helps us stay safe, giving us the ability to take action if we need to. The trouble comes when we have to deal with too much.

Stress helped early humans
react quickly when danger looked
them in the eye

When we are under pressure, the body releases neurochemicals and hormones which prepare us to take action (the fight or flight response). That was perfect in cave-man days when a person's safety was in constant jeopardy. To survive, early humans had to recognize danger and be able to fight it off or flee. But in today's world, we aren't fighting off dinosaurs or running for our lives. We are typically dealing with stressful situations while doing such things as sitting at a desk or driving. So, the chemicals released in our body simply stay there. And that causes us harm.

What causes stress

There are some situations which are expected stressors, like the loss of a loved one, trouble at work, divorce, or financial problems. Other situations might include bad service in a restaurant or heavy traffic when you're in a hurry.

Happy occasions, like a wedding,
can cause stress

Stress is not, however, just about the "bad" stuff that happens. The birth of a baby, a marriage, a new home, or even the holidays can cause stress. It's all about how we deal with situations.

How to recognize stress

Since we each respond to situations differently, how does one know if they are experiencing stress? Here are some common symptoms:

• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of enthusiasm or energy
• Muscle tension and/or muscle aches
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Stomach problems
• Changes in eating habits (over- or under- eating)
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Mood changes (irritability, depression, sadness, etc.)
• Trouble remembering or concentrating
• Feeling hopeless and/or helpless

The important thing to remember is that we all react to pressure differently. The above list is not, by any means, definitive. It is up to each of us to evaluate our response to determine if we are reacting normally or in an unusual manner.

Strategies to naturally deal with stress

Leave
If at all possible, leave stressful situations. For example, walk away from an argument or take a break from a particularly uncomfortable business meeting. If traffic is heavy, take an alternate route or visit a park until traffic clears.

Exercise
Remember the "fight or flight" response and the build up of chemicals in our bodies? Exercise helps remove them and, in fact, helps slow their production. It also is an antidepressant, combats anxiety, and helps us sleep. If you can't manage daily exercise, try for 30 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week.

Diet
Eat foods high in B Vitamins like nuts, potatoes, bananas, lentils, chili peppers, beans, molasses, and whole grains. Reduce alcohol, caffeine, sugar and junk food. Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.

Breathe
Have you ever noticed that when you're stressed you breathe quickly and shallowly? Quick, shallow breaths deplete the brain of oxygen. Take five deep breaths to bring your body back to normal. Deep breathing will also improve your mood.

Get Busy
Sometimes we can divert our minds by simply doing something ordinary, like cleaning house, reading, gardening, or cooking. Even watching TV can stop worrisome thoughts.

Talk
Talking to a close friend or a trusted family member may help relieve our anxiety. Simply airing the problems we face can minimize their impact on our lives.

Relax
Relax both the body and the mind. Try guided meditation or yoga. Take a scented bath. Focus on the positive in your life and list the things you are grateful for. Take a nap. Listen to soothing music or take a walk in nature.

Laughter is the
best medicine

Laugh
Laughter tends to relax your whole body. It also increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies. And, remember those stress chemicals and hormones? Laughter decreases them while, at the same time, causes the release of endorphins into our system (they are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals). So, watch a comedy, call your funniest friend, or read a funny book. Or simply start laughing ... before you know it, you'll be doubling over with a good belly laugh.

Stress is inevitable. Managing it properly can be the difference between using it as a motivating, learning tool or letting it cause illness.

William James, an American philosopher and psychologist, said this of stress: "The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another."

How do you manage stress in your life?

Sneak Peek: Have you heard of The People's Movement? Join us next week for an introduction!


The information presented in our holistic living series is not, and should not be used as, a substitute for medical advice.

Do you need aspirin for that headache?

Have you ever seen one of those commercials which advertise drugs "guaranteed" to cure whatever ails you? They sympathize with our pain and tell us that the use of their product will help us lead a pain-free, productive life. Taking the medicine is always easy ... just pop a pill and, like magic, we are smiling.

A headache is trying to
tell you something.

The problem is, popping a pill for instant relief often prevents us from looking at the cause of our discomfort. It can cover up, rather than cure, a problem.

Am I saying that we shouldn't use medications? Not at all! I firmly believe that there is a place, and a need, for medicine. But, many times our discomfort can be relieved in a simple, natural way.

Here are some of my favorite natural remedies:

Headaches

A headache is trying to tell you something. Perhaps you haven't had enough sleep or have waited too long to eat. It might signal tension or that you aren't breathing deeply enough. Here are a few things to try before taking an aspirin:

• Drink a glass of water (headaches are often caused by dehydration).
• Eat something (even a small amount can cure a headache if it's been awhile since your last meal).
• Take 5 slow, deep breaths (it can release tension and change your mood).

Upset Stomach

An upset stomach can signal a serious issue and, if it continues for more than 24 hours, one should consult a physician. Often, however, it's caused by a virus, flu, or something we ate (as Scrooge says, "an undigested bit of beef"). These cures might give you instant relief:

• 

  This sweet treat can
  ease stomach aches.

  Let a peppermint candy slowly dissolve in your mouth (peppermint calms and numbs stomach muscles so that the flow of bile (used to digest fats) is improved and food can travel more quickly through the body).
• Drink a cup of ginger tea (ginger has antispasmodic, anti-nausea, and digestive properties). Note: This is not recommended for children under two years of age.

Bee Stings and Bug Bites

Spending time outside usually means bug bites. Unless one is allergic, bugs bites and bee stings are more painful than anything else (seek immediate medical help if you are allergic to bee stings). After removing the stinger, use these tips to relieve the pain:

• Apply mud (dirt mixed with water) directly to the bite. Let the mud dry and then wash off with cool water. Works every time!
• Apply ice (ice reduces pain and swelling ... be sure to wrap the ice in a cloth to avoid direct contact which could damage skin tissue).
• Pour a little vinegar directly on the affected area. If it doesn't work, try the next tip.



Every home needs Aloe!

• Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to the bite.
• Cut a leaf from your Aloe plant (you all have Aloe plants, right?) and apply the gel directly to the bite.

Burns

Minor burns or sunburns can be treated effectively and naturally. Try these ideas:

• Apply cool water to the burn to reduce the heat (do not use ice because it will damage the skin tissue).
• Dab Witch Hazel on the area (Witch Hazel is an astringent and has been shown to give long-lasting anti-inflammatory relief).
• Place tea bags (soaked in water) on the affected area (tea contains tannic acid which eases pain).

Our bodies offer us many clues to health. Discomfort signals a problem which can often be prevented or cured naturally. Medicines do have a place in a healthy lifestyle but it's best to try to understand the cause of a problem, and fix it naturally if possible, before finding instant relief with over-the-counter drugs.

What are your favorite natural home remedies?


Sneak Peek: We asked if you could live off the grid. Tomorrow we'll reveal your answers!


The information presented in our holistic living series is not, and should not be used as, a substitute for medical advice.

This post is shared at Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party Hop and Small Footprint Fridays

Guest Post - How to Create a Zen Garden

Your home is your sanctuary.

You need a space – no matter how small – where you can find peace.

That space can be tiny (about notebook size) or huge (several acres). A Zen garden can fit anywhere.

But the theme is always the same. Simplicity.

Creating a Zen garden is easy if you follow these 6 steps.

Step 1: Decide on the scale

Do you want a small desktop Zen garden? A corner of your outdoor yard or garden? All of your garden? It can be wherever works best for you.

A Zen garden is traditionally made only of sand and stones. Larger gardens have trees or small plants as well.

Just remember that there is a little maintenance involved in an outdoor Zen garden. You’ll need to water any plants, weed, and rake the sand to remove debris and animal droppings.

Step 2: The Fun Part! Design your garden

Before you start work on it, plan how you want your garden to look.

For example, a simple rustic Zen garden might use old railroad ties for the frame.

Remember that your frame must support at least two inches of sand.

Google “photos Zen Garden” for some design inspiration.

Step 3: Gather your tools and equipment

If you want an indoor Zen garden, you’ll need:

1. A sheet of plywood for the base.
2. 4 pieces of lumber for the frame (or buy an old picture frame (at least 2 inches / 5 cm thick) from a thrift store – then all you have to do is fill it!).
3. Wood screws or nails and wood glue or string.

4. Sand – it should be 2 inches / 5cm deep. Measure the length x width x height of your frame, to determine how much sand you need. Buy small bags at a local pet shop of aquarium supply store.
5. Small stones.
6. A wooden sand rake.

For your outdoor Zen garden you’ll need:

1. Plastic sheeting for a “groundsheet” to protect your Zen garden from weeds.
2. Lumber to create a frame for the garden – you need to contain the sand to keep it looking sharp.
3. Wood screws or nails and wood glue.
4. Sand – it should be 2 inches / 5cm deep. Measure the length x width x height of your frame, to determine how much sand you need.
   
   Buy it from your local quarry or landscaping centre.
5. Rocks of an appropriate size for the garden. Consider old, mossy rocks, or rocks with interesting colours, shapes or textures.
6. Plants and trees if you wish. Consider moss, evergreens, shrubs and xeriscape plants like Mountain Laurel which don’t require much water.

Step 4: Prepare the area

Indoor garden: find a flat surface and cover it with newspaper or plastic to help contain the sand while you work.

Outdoor garden: remove any existing grass, plants, weeds or other items from the area.

Step 5: Build and Fill

Join your corners together. For smaller gardens wood glue may be fine, or reinforce if necessary with nails or wood screws.

Fill the garden with sand. Decorate with your chosen rocks and plants. Place them off-centre and partially submerged. Never clutter your Zen garden.

Also consider space for candles or a stone lamp, so that you can enjoy the stillness after dark too.

Step 6: Enjoy

Enjoying your Zen garden is easy. Sit down beside it and simply enjoy the peace and simplicity. Rake it to create pattern and lines. Use long, curving strokes to represent water ripples.

Find quiet, solitude and peace in its simplicity.

Make visiting your Zen garden a daily ritual.

Clare Delaney lives green on a tiny tropical island. Get a fabulous free ebook “Live Well, Live Green” from her site EcoFriendlyLink, and get a daily green tip of the day as well as up-to-the-minute environmental news by following @EcoExpert1 on Twitter.

Sneak Peek: Join us on Monday when I'll be sharing some of my favorite home remedies and cures.

Posted at Small Footprint Fridays and Fit Foodie Runs Linky Party

Does your food do more than fill you up?

Spices improved their health

I was standing in the spice isle, admiring all the varieties and colors, when, out of nowhere, an elderly woman began speaking to me about her husband's past health issues. Evidently, he suffered for years with arthritis, circulation problems, and heart disease. She recalled someone telling her, when she was a young woman, that spices were very healing. So, she began to add them to every meal. She claimed that, after years of spicing up their meals, her husband's health issues went away and they both enjoyed excellent health and vitality.

That wasn't the first time that I was introduced to the idea that food was more than just how it tasted.

Orange peels have health benefits

As a child, my paternal grandmother suggested, as she watched me peel an orange, that I eat a bite of the peel. What?? Take a bite of that bitter peel? When I asked her why, she merely said that it was healthy ... so I followed her advice and still do to this day. In later years, I learned that the skin of an orange has properties which have been shown to lower cholesterol, control blood sugar levels, and inhibit the growth of several forms of cancer cells.

We all know that whole, non-processed foods are Eco-friendly and have nutritional value (vitamins, minerals, etc.). Many of them can also help us prevent illness, heal, and even keep us warm/cool. Let's take a look at some of them:

Foods that help prevent illness

Tomatoes may slow degenerative diseases

• Tomatoes contain lycopene, a potent antioxidant which stimulates immune function.
• Spinach contains vitamins A and C, folic acid, and magnesium.  In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, it blocks free radicals and may help prevent osteoporosis.
• Oatmeal contains both soluble and insoluble fiber which may reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Foods that heal

Rosemary might stop tumors

• Rosemary contains carnosol and rosemarinic acid, powerful antioxidants which destroy HCAs (heterocyclic amines). HCAs are potent carcinogens which are associated with several cancers and, when they bind with DNA, are the first step in tumor formation.
• Apricots have fiber, sodium, and potassium which help prevent minerals from accumulating in urine and forming calcium oxalate stones (Kidney stones).
• Ginger cures nausea by blocking the effects of serotonin (a chemical produced by the brain and stomach when you are nauseated) and by stopping the production of free radicals, a common cause of stomach upset. Because ginger regulates blood flow, it might also decrease blood pressure, arthritis pain, and cancer risk.

Foods that warm us up

Cinnamon increases metabolism

• Cinnamon increases blood, oxygen, and nutrient circulation, thereby increasing metabolism. Increased metabolism makes us feel warmer.
• Root vegetables (carrots, turnips, potatoes, etc.) require more energy to digest than other vegetables. As the body works to break down these foods, the energy generated keeps us warm.
• Turmeric increases metabolism in two ways: 1) by cleansing the body of waste which can damage cells, and 2) by producing bile, which stimulates the gallbladder and improves digestion. Increased metabolism generates warming energy.

Foods that cool us down

Cucumbers reduce body heat

• Cucumbers contain a lot of water and help to keep our cells hydrated. This, in turn, helps the body keep cool.
• Green leafy vegetables are packed with calcium which acts as a thermoregulator in the body. Basically, signals are sent, between your body and brain, which help regulate your temperature.
• Lentils, which contain tannins, are an astringent food. They cause the tissues of your body to shrink and increase water absorption. As the tissues absorb water, your body feels cooler.

We choose foods because they taste good and nourish our bodies. Holistic living looks for products which do more than simply fill our stomachs. It looks for high nutritional density and properties which assist our bodies to realize maximum health and comfort.

It's a fascinating thought that food can do so much!

What are the health benefits of the foods you enjoy?

Tomorrow we present another challenging Eco-friendly activity. Will you join us and change the world?


The information presented in our holistic living series is not, and should not be used as, a substitute for medical advice.

Posted at Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party Hop, Small Footprint Fridays, From the Farm and Natural Family Friday

Holistic Living - A Definition

Since receiving your comments asking for posts on holistic living, I've given the topic a lot of thought. While the way I live my life is holistic in many ways, I've never really thought about it or considered it's relationship to living green. To get us started, I'd like to share my thoughts on what holistic living means to me. It is, by no means, the absolute definition ... it is simply my definition and what I'll use as the basis for future posts. Ready to explore the subject with me?

Have you ever noticed how a very small ache or pain has the power to make your day less than enjoyable? A slight headache can make us feel irritable ... a hangnail can cause us to be grumpy. Why is that?

One explanation is that when we are focused on pain, we lose the energy to think clearly. When we can't think clearly, we feel a sense of being "off" or out of balance. In essence, when the mind is tied up with the body's discomfort, our spirit is low. The spirit is that part of our being which allows us to feel joy, happiness, and peace.

Holistic living attempts to find a balance between mind, body and spirit in a natural way. It takes a look at the whole person and their environment. Why natural? Perhaps because there is a natural order to life ... a system which is not determined by human beings and, when left alone, is perfect. When we respect it and live in harmony with it, our life seems to progress as it should. On the other hand, when we try to take control, life seems to be nothing but a struggle.

In today's world, convenience has blinded us to the connection between our life and nature. We can buy fresh vegetables at any time of year, flip a switch to make our homes warmer or cooler, and turn on a faucet to get a clean glass of water. These things are not necessarily bad, but they make it easy for us to ignore the cost to both nature and our health.

Our ancestor's understood the link between health and nature. Concepts like companion planting, preserving food and the solar orientation of our homes aren't new. Early people worked with these ideas to create a comfortable, safe life.

I believe that we can find a place, somewhere between today's convenience and yesterday's awareness of nature, where we can live a holistic life. My guiding principals, for every decision I make, will be to find balance between the mind, body, spirit and environment.

What is your definition of holistic living?


Sneak Peek: Considering a plant-based diet? In our next post, we talk about getting started.

Image courtesy of watcharakun & marin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Also posted at Small Footprint Fridays