Life is a Bridge

Overdue Update

2009-08-09T00:54:00.000-07:00

I'm terrible at blogging! I thought for sure that once I got to the States I would be updating this more regularly, but it's not the case at all. My idea was to put in old diary entries, but I don't think that is very interesting, and I stopped writing new, more interesting things, feeling as though I had to put up the old stuff that nobody is going to care about anyway, so I am going to change things around and have a new blog, which will have weekly updates. This one will be officially discontinued. Thanks for visiting!

J

25/02/2009 - Women

2009-06-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

I finally visited Veronica in the Women's tent.

I spent time at the lake, visiting with Vero, as she prepared a ceremony for Gema, whom she would formally recognize as an initiate in hosting Sacred Women's Circles. Leonor canalized and wrote a song for her, and we all prayed for our healing, being represented by a child, adolescents, mothers, grandmothers, and sisters. When we prayed for the healing of all children, through the presence of Estrella, I concentrated this being true. The next day, I woke up and couldn't find her medicine, so I told her that she was cured... that we had cured her in the ceremony the night before.

Only now at this point of my life do I realize how difficult, and yet how important it is for me to work with my female identity.

I actually see this as a global issue in a way that I didn't understand before.
It's not that we all need to start wearing dresses and saying, "Dear Goddess" when we pray.
But there is a certain reluctance in our modern society to be in the dark or be still, alone with ourselves, in retrospect about our actions.

To me, it's so clear now.
Day/Night. Male/Female. Ying/Yang. Action/Stillness. Extroversion/Introspection.

I mean, we live in a society where we have to go, go, go, without thinking too much about it.
Then, when it's time to stop and rest, we distract ourselves with TV, food, clubs, or whatever we can so that we don't have to participate in those few special moments of the day when we quiet down and evaluate ourselves. It's like, we just don't want to have to think about what we've done in the day -- don't want to have to face it.

For instance, maybe at some point during my day, I saw a hungry kid on the street while I was eating an ice cream cone, and I could have had the passing thought, "Giving him this ice cream cone would sure make his day," which I immediately dismiss and invent whatever possible justification not to give it to him, like "I'll just encourage him to beg more," "It's really hot, and I need an ice cream," or "I'll get him one the next time I see him." The day goes on, and I forget about the boy.

But in the moment that I have to be in stillness with myself, that boy comes back to my thoughts, and the normal tendency is to push that thought away as soon as possible because some part of me feels bad about it.

However, if I participate in the introspection and let the thought come, I am empowering myself to do something about that situation by learning from it.
I can objectively observe how it made me feel to ignore the boy.
I can objectively imagine how it would have made me feel to give the boy the icecream.
I can decide what I should choose to do the next time I am in a similar circumstance.
For example, I can imagine all of the possibilities until I conclude to give the boy the ice cream and buy another, well-deserved ice cream for myself. Then everyone is happy.

If I am not even willing to enter into this process of evaluation, not willing to face my emotions (Yin, or female aspect of life), then I don't give myself the chance to recognize my utter humanness and learn from my mistakes the next time I am in an action state (Yang, or male aspect of life).

On the other hand, it's quite possible that I find myself avoiding all sad-eyed little boys from that day on, never again taking that street in case he's there again, becoming a victim of my own paranoia and limiting my own freedom and happiness because of an over-reaction of guilt that has a simple solution. If, instead of running fearful, the next chance I get I follow my heart rather than shutting it up with my ego, I will not have to put myself in the pathetic position of fearing any and every situation which would test my human value because I'd be learning from my "mistakes" and then applying that learning experience on my next day's actions.

But, we as a society, often avoid the Ying part and stick to the Yang part and go all extreme about things. That's why, to me, I can see a need to embrace the deep, dark, still, receptive Ying energy.

21/02/2009

2009-06-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

Today I left the base with Mark and went to the internet for the first time. I realized that I am completely letting myself be governed by doubt and the idea of pleasing others. The nice thing is that I am not having any doubts about some certain ideas, so I've decided to focus on only what doesn't produce doubt for me at the moment, since there are so many possibilities to linger on...
1. I want to do eyesight workshops (which does produce fear in me, but that's natural).
2. I want to go to the States (whenever the correct moment should be).
3. I want to write books.
4. I want to simplify my life and be able to stay in the same place for a while.

15/02/2009

2009-06-28T19:24:00.001-07:00

My ride didn't go through.

In the morning, Estrella told me that she wants to go back to the Airport (our house in Aracaju, Sergipe -- Brasil). Then she said she wanted to see Thadeo. Then Iris and Colores. Of course, she always talks about her father.

Osho's libro says to commit as many mistakes as possible, and just remember one thing: don't repeat the same mistake again. That's when you are growing.

Yesterday I invented a new story for Estrella about a girl who was born in one place, but grew up in another, thinking about her life, but later I realized that I had had the same fate.

14/02/2009

2009-06-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

I spent today giving a lot of attention to Estrella's various illnesses: bronchitis, diarreah, and dehidration. We used a vaporizor (which are all the rage here) at night, in the morning, twice in the afternoon, and once right before sleeping. She also started the day with coconut water, a natural electrolyte replacer, and after that she took "mercurios vivos" about four times I think. She ate some boiled potatoes, cooked apple, and later parte of a fresh apple. She went to the bathroom only once or twice today.

Today I was passed a book called "Courage" by OSHO that was pretty appropriate for the moment.

At some point, I was participating in a dance class, given by Heriberto, and I was happy to see that he used the exact same opening exercise that he used when I first met him in 2006. That's swell, huh? "If it isn't broken, don't fix it," they say.

In this same class, I joined the circle, even though I was embarrassed and didn't want to... I joined it just for a bit, but the important thing is that I participated a little.

Also, in the opening exercises, we did a "loosening up" massage, and when I got up, I raised my head first, knowing that the most natural position to use is the fetal position... rolling over on one's side and pushing up from the ground with the hands. I concluded that it's just another way in which we guide ourselves either with our head or with our center. I used my head. I forgot about my center.

2009-06-06T03:14:00.000-07:00

June 5th, 2009
Santiago, Chile

I'm jumping ahead quite a bit, but I don't want to neglect all of my fans who must be drooling to know the latest details. (I know I'm the only one who ever sees my blog, but anyway!)

The first time I ever received Johrei was here, in Santiago, from my friend Sol. She told me it was kind of like Reiki, but different.

Well, since then it was a while before receiving it again. A couple of years anyway. I heard about it in Aracaju. There were two places one could go to receive it (free of charge, of course), but I never got around to it. I did learn more about it however. Apparently, it's a practice born out of Japan, which literally means "purification of the spirit"

I started going in the last few months that I was in Brasil.
This sweaty, chubby, nervous guy was administering it to me, and I swear that I saw the light coming from his hand, and I felt my eyes rolling around in my head, as I think I may have mentioned before...

this was outside of normal hours, but he administered it anyway.
here in chile, it's different... the hours seem pretty important, and apparently leaving a donation afterward as well.

anyway, I went as many times as I could in brasil before traveling, but almost every time I felt like there was some kind of force trying to make it really difficult to get to it (who knows if it's my own resistance to grow spiritually?)

here in chile, I have been once, and every other time I've tried to get to it, it has been closed... but today, I made it, against all odds.

It seems really stupid now, but it seems so important in the moment when one is running late. I had to go to work at 5:00, left the house really late at 4:15, since it takes about an hour or more to get there. what's more is that I stopped at the mall to pick up some oats and honey to make granola, and I picked up a little JOHREI as well. I really stopped to ask about the hours, but ended up receiving some, the whole time thinking, uhh, it's already 5:30, and I'm late. When I walked in, I said I didn't have time to receive, but it seemed like there was always some kind of challenge to keep me from doing it. Seriously, everyday I would propose to myself, "today, I will do Johrei," or "I want to do Johrei every single day," but I never made it back.

"That's what you've got to overcome," he said as we each pulled up a chair to start the johrei administration. I just had to tell myself the whole time, "I'm in the right place at the right time. Work is temporary. Spirit is forever. This is more important."

That's what these situations serve to prove to us: what we REALLY believe to be important. Knowing that, I had to say to myself, I am not going to be punished for doing what I believe is right.

Man, it just got harder and harder to believe that as I made my way afterward to the agency where I had to arrive an hour earlier. Well, first of all, I took a bus instead of the metro, then doubted that and took the metro, which was totally full... anyway, the thing is that I ended up calling the agency from the metro, only to find out that my friend who had gotten me the job had already left, and she had not left the instructions for what I had to do. I, honestly, felt terrible thinking that she could have been stressed out trying to find me and everything, so this obviously created a moral conflict within me, making it more and more difficult to not feel as though I deserved some kind of punishment, resulting in everything going wrong.

So, I asked myself if I had done anything with bad intentions, if I had done anything wrong. I asked myself what I could do differently, what I could have done differently so that the situation would not be so intense for her.

Anyway, I had used my last coin to call the agency, where they didn't know what to tell me, so I had to ask for another coin on the street (test of pride, for sure!) in order to call "home" and see if they had left a message there. No message other than, "Where the heck are you?"

The whole thing was just one challenge after another, as I got lost constantly on the way, and everything seemed to be going against me, the metros being to full to get on, the agency telling me to just go home when I called. In the end, I went to the agency and as soon as I got there, my friend was on the phone, she told me what to do, and I had to go back quite a few steps to get to where I was destined to work, handing out flyers at a subway stop.

NOTE: This job for me is an opportunity to touch many people. I have done it before and had to deal with the moral conflict that it produced in me, as well. How did I resolve it? I take the stack of flyers and make a statement desiring that all whom receive the flyer may see the value in themselves and abandon the need for empty consumption. Most of all, I try to smile at everyone, look everyone in the eye, and wish them a good day, but sincerely. That's what I really want to distribute.

Well, after everything was said and done, I was able to do everything that I set out to do, and still managed to do the work on time, but I don't know if this test of faith is worth the test of patience that I put my friend through.

I finally made it to receive Johrei, but I haven't seen my friend yet to see if she hates me totally or what. I am going to tell her that I don't blame her if she doesn't give me any more help getting side jobs because I obviously made my faith more of a priority.

I´ll have to let you know what happens when I see her again... dun, dun, dun

Sutras de Ricardo II - Portugues

2009-05-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

Tudo que é experimentado COMPLETAMENTE transforma-se em poder, liberdade, alegria

Na india, deus é manifestado através de o siguiente ordem:
DEUS - PAIS - ENAMORADO - CONVIDADO A CASA

"Um coraçâo que sinte gratidâo vive na realidade e nâo projeta a um mundo irreal."

- A relaçâo com o pai é representada pela situaçâo financiera ou de prosperidade
- A relaçâo com a mâe é representada pelas relaçôes com as pessoas e a auto-estimaçâo

aqui lembrei do momento que eu cheguei em peru para el condor e realmente nao queria vir... assim é que perdemos a integridade .. e assim a identidade ... fue a primera vez que robaron meu passaporte

SUTRAS III:

- A intençao clara + um esforço apropriado = manifestaçao divina!
- Seja uma folha quando necessario e seja uma flecha quando necessario.

Sutras de Ricardo I - Portugues

2009-05-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

NOTA: Tenho que documentar isto logo porque a folha saiu do caderno! É de bastante interes, mas vem do 2008.

1. Comprensao, entendimento: A integridade dentro é teu poder frente ao mundo de fora.
2. A motivaçâo atás de uma açâo é mais importante do que a açâo em se.
3. Seguir a intiuçâo.
4. Integridade é liberdade.
5. Sempre debemos valorizar a nos mesmos!

... A diferença entre ser causa ou efeto ... voce como pessoa...
Como saber? experimentando o que faz sentir bem ou mal.

Quando indeciso: Nâo pergunte "Ó qué que eu faço?" mais "Ó qué que eu sinto?"
"Como posso facilitar a felicidade do outro?"

A açâo nâo vale tanto como intençâo
- Porque eu sinto incomodado quando eu vejo o processo (sofrimento) do outro?
- Porque EU sou responsavel para secar as lagrimas do outro? Porque eu nâo quero aceitar elas?

NÂO CALCULAS: SINTE!
- Conecta com as pessoas -
- Se eu consigo aceitar as minhas emoçôes, facilito essa mesma aceitaçâo no outro e mudo o mundo.
- Se eu mudo durante 21 dias, ou se eu mudo para sempre, mudo ao mundo eterno.

I am a firefly

2009-05-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

13 feb 2009

I was christened "firefly" because I did a Pranic Cure on Leonor, and I left through the window. She says that there`s a firefly that comes to visit her nightly to make her feel better. Also, when I asked her if she had insensce or a candle, and she didn`t, I said, "That`s alright. I`ll just light a flame in my heart to transmute the energy," which is what I normally do when there is nothing to represent the element of fire. I imagine my heart as a flame.

Anyway, I loved this analogy because I always see the butterfly or hummingbird, and I want to be more like them: light, playful, dancing in the air, lovingly. But she said to me, "The firefly also dances in the air, but she is more tranquil and lights up where she goes." Yeah, I can handle being called a firefly.

Thank you for this great day!

Other notable accomplishments of the day: Trained in Aikido with Mark, did Reiki, administered Pranic Cures in Izer, Vero, Leonor, and Bruno. Drank 1 liter of lemon water. Played with Estrella. Did breathing therapy and LICE comb with Estrella. Had a meaningful conversation with Mark. Threw out the old cake instead of eating it. Decided to make a pamphlet about eye work.

Nelson's birthday?

2009-04-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

Nelson’s birthday: We didn’t end up having the meeting about children in the Caravan today because we had an impromptu “heart circle” about Karol and Lidiani’s perfume dispute.

(Lidiani accused Karol of stealing her perfume because she found it in Karol’s bag, and Karol accused Lidiani of trespassing and looking in her bag. The conversation didn’t change much, but we spent a couple of hours repeating these details, and in the end nothing was resolved. This was a shameful day for an international peace organization, but hey, we are human after all.)

Mariana and I both told each other later that we thought about the same thing: saying things that we never said, and we both wanted to grab the talking feather, but then all of a sudden we were singing happy birthday, and the feather was burning as a poetic way for Chelah to say “enough.” I wanted to remind everyone that we’ve all been the subject of conflict in the group before.

Apart from the meeting and birthday cake later, Estrella and I did lice treatment the natural way. Then I took a bath in the water spout, and Estrella took a shower in the outdoor bathroom. I finished washing my putrefied clothes just in time for a huge rain storm to come down and prevent me from hanging up my wet laundry.

Just a normal day in the Caravan.

Carta a Manu que nunca mandé - Portanhol

2009-04-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

10 Fev 2009 - Apeú, Pará do Brasil

Estamos en unos procesos de enfermedad leve aquí en la caravana, con diarrea, tos y picaduras infectadas, pero ya mejorando.

Es interesante como solo interactuando con otros puede influenciar bastante nuestro estado de ser. Siento que estuve en una vibración muy alto antes de venir a la caravana y poco a poco fui bajando hasta llegar al nivel en que el grupo está. Ahí, me he dejado alterar bastante, pero eso es mi desafío como lo entiendo... no dejar que los cambios me derruban de mi centro tan fácilmente.

Supongo que todo es un espiral.

Estrella tiene muitas saudades de su papa y dice que le quiere ver siempre. Sin embargo creo que puede ser difícil en el momento llegar hasta Aracajú porque hay varias cosas que necesito y quiero realizar y me falta el tiempo para hacerlo todo. También, una voz interior me indica que lo mejor para Manu ahora es que haya distancia para que él puede vivir completamente el proceso de él y para todos podernos apreciar más. Parece que nuestra comunicación es hasta mejor por telepatía de cualquier manera.

2009-04-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

All of you have been the building blocks to create a wonderful bridge. You shall be in mind every step of the way as I cross it. I never could have done it without you guys!

We Depart:

8:45 p.m.

Thu., Jun. 25,

Buenos Aires, Argentina

We Arrive:

10:34 a.m.

Fri., Jun. 26,

Indianapolis, IN
USA!!!

Now we can all celebrate together! We were able to get the tickets!!!

much love,
Jessica and Estrella

Dieta para depressão - Portugues

2009-04-13T16:32:00.001-07:00

Dieta para saúde mental

Você sabia que a alegria e a tristeza também têm sua origem bioquímica no laboratório que carregamos dentro de nós? Através da "Nutrição Inteligente" podemos dar uma "mãozinha" nessa bioquímica.

Alguns alimentos fornecem nutrientes e substâncias que participam da produção dos neurotransmissores, mensageiros químicos que favorecem a comunicação entre as células do Sistema Nervoso. Veja a seguir que alimentos você pode incluir no seu dia-a-dia e assim ajudar a espantar a depressão.

Triptofano e Carboidratos bem humorados

Dos vários neurotransmissores, a serotonina exerce grande influência no estado de humor. Ela é também conhecida como a substância "mágica" e "sedativa" que melhora o humor de um modo geral, principalmente em pessoas com depressão.

Os níveis cerebrais de serotonina são dependentes da ingestão de alimentos fontes de triptofano (aminoácido precursor da serotonina) e de carboidratos.

A ingestão de carboidratos leva ao aumento nos níveis de insulina, que auxiliam na "limpeza" dos aminoácidos circulantes no sangue. Nessa limpeza de aminoácidos só escapa o triptofano na barreira hemato-encefálica.

O triptofano, uma vez no cérebro, aumenta a produção de serotonina que é o neurotransmissor capaz de reduzir a sensação de dor, diminuir o apetite, relaxar e até induzir e melhorar o sono.

Uma alimentação pobre em carboidratos, por vários dias, pode levar a alterações de humor e depressão, assim como uma alimentação com excesso de proteínas.

O caminho é o equilíbrio! Nem de menos, nem de mais.

Fontes de triptofano: carnes magras, peixes, leite e iogurte desnatados, queijos brancos e magros, nozes e leguminosas.

Fontes de carboidratos: pães, cereais integrais, biscoitos integrais, massas integrais, arroz integral e selvagem, frutas, legumes e chocolate amargo (com moderação).

Proteínas que dão alegria

O processo de digestão das proteínas fornece os aminoácidos para o nosso corpo formar suas próprias proteínas. Um aminoácido conhecido como tirosina está relacionado com a produção de dopamina e adrenalina, ambos, neurotransmissores que promovem o estado de alerta, o "pique" e a alegria.

Fontes de tirosina: peixes, carnes magras, aves sem pele, ovos, leguminosas, nozes e castanhas, leite e iogurte desnatados, queijos magros e tofu.

Folato anti-deprê

O Folato ou ácido fólico é uma potente vitamina antidepressiva natural.

Em baixas concentrações no organismo, diminui os níveis cerebrais de serotonina.

Fontes de Folato: espinafre, feijão branco, laranja, aspargo, couve de Bruxelas, maçã e soja.

Vitamina B6 com prazer

Faz parte de uma enzima "chave" que participa da produção dos neurotransmissores norepinefrina e serotonina e conseqüentemente melhora o humor.

Fontes de B6: frango, atum, banana, cereais integrais, levedo de cerveja, arroz integral, cará, alho e sementes de gergelim.

O Cálcio nosso de cada dia

Diariamente o cálcio deve fazer parte do cardápio de homens e mulheres e assim garantir ossos e dentes saudáveis e ainda de "quebra" doses extras de bom humor!

Os estudos mostraram que esse importante mineral ajuda a controlar e reduzir a irritabilidade e o nervosismo em mulheres que sofrem de TPM (tensão pré-menstrual). Participa da transmissão de impulsos nervosos e contrações musculares. Regulariza a pressão arterial e os batimentos cardíacos.

Fontes de Cálcio: leite e iogurte desnatados, queijos magros.

Magnésio, o grande colaborador do Cálcio

Além de ser colaborador do Cálcio, o Magnésio está também envolvido na regulação dos níveis de serotonina.

Participa da produção de energia, da contração muscular, da manutenção da função cardíaca normal e da transmissão dos impulsos nervosos.

Fontes de Magnésio: tofu, soja, caju, tomate, salmão, espinafre, aveia, arroz integral.

Selênio, um mineral magistral

Segundo os pesquisadores, tudo indica que o selênio tem uma grande participação no estado de humor. Pessoas que tem carência de selênio são mais depressivas, irritadas e ansiosas.

Fontes de selênio: castanha do Pará, nozes, amêndoas, atum, semente de girassol, trigo integral, peixes. (2 castanhas do Pará, diariamente, fornecem 200 microgramas de Selênio de forma segura).

Ômega-3, uma gordura do Bem

Os estudos clínicos vem mostrando que os ácidos graxos ômega-3 além de proteger o coração e as artérias, auxiliar na redução do colesterol, manter estáveis os níveis da pressão arterial, fortalecer o sistema imunológico, podem ainda auxiliar nos tratamentos contra depressão. Pessoas que receberam doses de ômega-3 apresentaram melhora nos sintomas de depressão.

Fontes de ômega-3: salmão, atum, bacalhau, arenque, cavalinha, sardinha, truta, óleos de peixe e sementes de linhaça.

Pimenta, uma medida picante

As pesquisas científicas constataram que o uso da pimenta vermelha, durante às refeições, proporciona ação no Sistema Nervoso Simpático com respectivo aumento da liberação de noradrenalina e adrenalina, ambos responsáveis pelo estado de alerta e melhora de ânimo em pessoas deprimidas.

Camomila, uma florzinha de longa data

Conhecido de nossas tataravós, a camomila sempre foi usada para acalmar crises de nervosismo. Tem efeitos relaxantes, amenizam a ansiedade e a depressão.

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Alimentação X Depressão

A depressão é uma doença que necessita sem dúvida de apoio psicológico e acompanhamento psiquiátrico. Entre os sintomas podem ser incluídos falta de apetite, acompanhada de má alimentação e perda de peso, ou até aumento de apetite com ganho de peso. Uma alimentação equilibrada, porém, é importante para manter o organismo com todos os nutrientes essenciais a vida proporcionando maior disposição e alegria.
Dê adeus a ansiedade, depressão e ao cansaço. Coloque em sua dieta alimentos que têm o poder de estimular o bom funcionamento do sistema nervoso, acabar com a irritação e espantar a tristeza.

ALFACE:
Ótima para amenizar a irritação. O talo tem lactucina, substância que funciona como calmante. Use e abuse, inclusive no preparo de sucos desintoxicantes, nas saladas cruas e nos chás terapêuticos.

BANANA:
De acordo com recentes pesquisas, entre pessoas que sofrem de depressão, muitas se sentiram melhor após uma dieta rica em bananas. Isto porque a banana contém "trypotofano" , um tipo de proteína que o organismo converte em seratonina, reconhecida por relaxar, melhorar o humor e, de modo geral, aumentar a sensação de bem estar.
A banana também dá o maior pique porque possui vitamina B6, que produz energia.

ESPINAFRE:
A verdura contém potássio e ácido fólico, que juntos podem prevenir a depressão.

PEIXES:
Entre as carnes poderia estar dando preferência as delícias que vêm do mar. Elas têm zinco e selênio que agem no cérebro, diminuindo o cansaço e a ansiedade.

JABUTICABA:
Nessa frutinha encontramos vitaminas do complexo B que agem como antidepressivos.

OVOS:
Os nutrientes dos ovos que garantem o bom humor são a tiamina e a niacina (vitaminas o complexo B), ácido fólico e acetilcolina. A carência deles pode causar apatia, ansiedade e até perda de memória. Dois ovos por semana é uma porção bastante saudável.

UVA:
Essa fruta tem boa dose de vitaminas do complexo B, que ajudam no funcionamento do sistema nervoso. A vitamina C e os flavonóides da uva são antioxidantes, que retardam o envelhecimento da pele e ajudam a combater o colesterol. Além disso, é energética. Use também nos sucos desintoxicantes e nas saladas verdes.

Alguns estudiosos e nós acreditamos que a alimentação tem efetivamente uma participação importante para evitar a depressão. Além do que já foi dito anteriormente sobre alguns alimentos, vão aqui algumas dicas que poderão estar colaborando para diminuir sintomas e auxiliar no combate a Depressão.
* Diminuição da ingestão de açúcares .
* Evite cafeína .
* Use e abuse das frutas e verduras.
* Prefira alimentos que contenham baixos teores de gordura (Um estudo feito durante 5 anos nos Estados Unidos, mostrou que homens e mulheres que seguiram um dieta de 20 a 30% de calorias relacionadas à gordura, apresentaram não só uma diminuição de colesterol, como também uma diminuição da depressão).
* Evite alimentos industrializados.

Saúde, para você!

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Dieta adequada ajuda no controle da depressão

A relação de saúde e alimentação é muito estreita e deve ser incorporada ao dia-a-dia, servindo de aliada para o combate e tratamento de várias doenças. Você sabia que determinados alimentos podem atuar no combate à depressão? Isso acontece porque alguns alimentos estimulam a síntese de serotonina, substância que é responsável pela sensação de bem-estar de nosso organismo. A produção de serotonina ajuda a controlar o estresse e a equilibrar as emoções.
Anote as dicas de como transformar a alimentação em aliada no combate à depressão:

*
Inclua na dieta alimentos ricos em carboidratos como pão, arroz e macarrão.
*
Consuma alimentos com ácido fólico como brocoli, feijão e frutas cítricas.
*
Não esqueça de consumir alimentos ricos em minerais como potássio (vegetais de cores fortes); magnésio (abóbora, amendoim e tofu) e selênio (noz e castanha-do-pará).
*
Consuma vitamina C — presente no mamão e nas frutas cítricas — e Complexo B, encontrado no atum, frango e amendoim.
*
Leite e iogurte são fontes importantes de triptofano, um aminoácido que estimula a fabricação de serotonina.

*
Evite o consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, cafeína e refrigerantes, alimentos gordurosos e chocolate.

Danças do mundo - Portugues

2009-04-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

08 de fev, 2009

Hoje que Pablo vai embora, finalmente mostrou para a gente a dança da chuva:
5 passos para direita
2 palmadas à direita
1 palmada à esquerda
3 vezes ao centro, trazendo as mãos da cima para baixo em movimentos curvados como um rio (isto representa a chuva)
Repete

Embora, esta dança é para agradecer a chuva para que possa parar ... é disser que esta dança deve ser usada para pedir que a chuva vai embora, não para que a chuva vem ... aproveitamos ao inverno na amazona para comprovar que funciona!

***

Dança do fogo:
4 Puladas à direita (em quanto se converte numa chama)
Todos ao centro (todos se convertem numa chama grande)
Imitam guerreiros com os braços em frente da cara e outro cobrindo as costas
2 passos para frente
2 passos para trás
Pula
2 passos para frente
2 passos para trás
Ao centro, chamando “Hey" "Ho!”

Home on the range

2009-04-13T16:23:00.001-07:00

07 of Feb, 2009

Things are looking well in this new base in the hotel / farm / resort where we´ve moved to.

Today Estrella spent the whole day swimming in the pond, and at one point we were in a boat that toppled over. We rescued her, Miguel and I. We went to the water spout together with Alberto, and she had the courage to stand under the forceful waters as well, even though it was pretty intense.

Even though I seem to be returning to certain old behavioral patterns, I was able to connect with Pablo, Mariana, and Alberto instead of having my goal-oriented, fun-limiting head get in the way. (Well, maybe just a little.)

In a moment at night, I felt moved singing “Wild Horses” with the other Alberto from New Mexico, known as “Ardilla” (Squirrel in Spanish). It made me think of Heidi because just before parting we thought of that song together.

I've decided to set some goals for tomorrow. After all, today Estrella and I achieved tooth-brushing without struggle twice!

Goals for Sunday:
Hang out with Estrella
Have a look at creating the Caravan’s website with Pablo
Do at least one Pranic Cure.

Some observations about the day

2009-04-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

06 of Feb, 2009

(Move from Social Forum Campgrounds to Resort / Hotel outside of Belem)

In one moment, Estrella and I walked onto the hot road while she had no shoes on. Her feet were burning, so I lent her my own sandals. Then, friend Diguinho, another of the Caravan’s children, was coming up behind us, also barefoot, complaining about the hot asphalt in the same way that Estrella was seconds before. So, just as I had with her, she said, “Here,” and passed my sandals that I had lent her to Diguinho and went running on the hot asphalt toward the bus. I felt a tinge of healthy mother’s pride as I heard Diguinho’s mother saying, “Now, that’s a true friend there.”
Estrella has had diarrhea and a bad cough these days. We are distant. I have been offending people right and left and falling out of synchronicity. I didn’t do jumping jacks (star jumps as Mark calls them) today or yesterday.

Donations - THANK YOU!!

2009-04-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

Total Earned: $1470,00
Need to earn: $530,00

Goal: $2000 USD

Thadeo Haas: donation

Gemma Conde Lara: donation

Sam and Christine Carter: donation

Doris Henning-Schlosser: donation

Geneviève Gallerand: donation

Maria Lizarzaburu Tranque: donation

Jason and Penelope Gutzmer: loan

Total Earned: $1470,00

Água meu sangue

2009-04-06T15:57:00.000-07:00

O sangue da terra que flui por todo o corpo da terra é a água. Se meu corpo é a terra, então água é meu sangue. O sangue no corpo humano circula e recircula, se limpando e renovando naturalmente, internamente. É assim que, o sangue da terra, da mesma forma, dentro dum sistema contendido ao planeta e o atmosférico ao fora dele, circula a todos os extremos do corpo planetário, purificando-se naturalmente e fluindo as partes onde água é precisa. Ela vira chuva como o nosso sangue vira lágrima, vira nuvem como a nosso sangue vira oxigeno para nós respirar, vira alimento como o nosso sangue vira leite materno.

Por que, então, a gente está sujando o sangue da terra e dos nossos corpos também? Nós podemos permitir que flua só sangue puro, no lugar de sangue cheio de toxinas. Como pode ser? Utilizemos a água tratando ela como o que é: um recurso vital que entra em contacto connosco não só uma vez, mais para toda a vida. Vai circular pelo sistema ecológico em que nós vivemos para sempre, igual ao sangue que circula pelos nossos corpos para a vida inteira.

Today went well

2009-04-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

Note: This blog entry is backdated and being updated whenever possible. This is not a recent entry and takes place during the camp clean up after the World Social Forum.

02 Feb 2009

Today went well. I was rescued from defecating on myself in the shower by a chance synchronicity. As I was taking a shower outside in the beautiful wilderness of the Amazon, looking upon the lush green landscape beyond me, a sudden urge came upon me. Yes, nature was so close, it wasn't just calling. It was insisting pretty blatantly.

Unfortunately, we were uninstalling all infrastructures from the campsite, and so that people would not feel inspired to stick around too long after the event, one of the first things to be dismounted was the dry toilet. I started looking around, thinking "What should I do?" "Where can I go?" Meanwhile, as Mike Myers eloquently phrased it in Austin Powers, the turtle head was poking out.

The dilemma with doing it outside was that there was nowhere to hide because it was just a bunch of marshy brush with signs all around about how it was dangerous and unstable. Also, I was in the middle of a planetary ecological encounter, about to commit an unspeakable ecological crime, not to mention that I was completely naked and wet. Just as I decide that I'm going to have to do it right then and there and ran out of the shower buck-naked, a few guys come down the path carrying the dry toilet that had been installed up the hill.

I yelled to them that they had come just in time because I needed to use it. Well, if you've never used a dry toilet, let me explain what this one consisted of. There are many forms of dry toilets, but in this case, being a temporary situation, it was basically just a big metal barrel that was put inside a little shelter house. So, what they were actually carrying was just the metal barrel full of poo that they had brought down the hill.

So, imagine, please if you will ... here I am, completely wet and naked and yelling that I've got to poop to a group of muscular eco-warriors, just trying to get their job done. They were so patient and cool about it. They put the barrel behind a wall for me and brought me toilet paper. One of them (Heriberto from Puerto Rico, for those of you who know him) even brought me some boards to put on top of the barrel to squat on.

Yes, I have got to say that this was one of the most interesting bathroom adventures I've ever had in my life. I should be ashamed. I should be very ashamed. However ... when you gotta go, you gotta go. And now, I gotta go. Bye bye.

THE WAR WITHIN ME

2009-03-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

February 4, 2009
Belem do Para, Brasil

Today I made an important observation:

In the Call of the Condor, 2003 - I got staff infection although technically (and literally) in the end, when we were beginning our annual Vision Counsel.

Call of the Beija Flor, 2005 - I was sick with diarrhea, depression, cold sores, and overall going through the huge process of learning how to be a first-time mom and breaking up with Manuel (this time for good!)

World Social Forum, 2009 - My foot became completely swollen, and I didn’t participate in any events. I didn’t go to even one of the talks or events I wanted to, didn’t ride in the ferry between the two university campuses, and I didn’t go to the going away pizza party for Thad and Heidi. Apart from the inauguration march, I didn't even leave the "Aldeia da Paz" (Peace Village).

So, I ask myself, is this a pattern I’ve unconsciously developed so that I won’t have to take part in things? Why?

I’ve also observed that I’ve been avoiding doing things that I want to do or that would be good for me in favor of being in the kitchen or doing other meaningless things.

Of course, I always feel better when I participate in the collective, but there is a part of me that has been demonstrating a great resistance toward profound interactions or emotions.

So I have become gluttonous so that I can be indifferent. I heard that once … that people who are gluttonous are often indifferent, and I can attest that it is true. Actually, I think that the mind convinces us to surrender ourselves to our different vices so that we won’t have to feel because this is what I’m observing happens in me. It’s like a temporary escape route. Just that in the end, it’s a vicious cycle, so it’s as if the prisoner tries to make a jail break, but he digs a tunnel that leaves his cell, makes a circle, and comes back again to his cell through the other side.

When we first got here, I felt bad about our impact here, but instead of addressing these feelings, I was just hanging around here, without affronting the situation neither to better it nor to accept it – not participating because I was paralyzed by doubt and guilt. Seeing all the changes that were made coming into an unoccupied area in the Rural University of the Amazon, where the Social Forum took place was hard for me. Every time we made a road, created water pools, dug a tunnel, put in a water-pipe line or pitched a tent on top of an anthill, I winced with doubt if this was okay or not.

There were people who thought it was wonderful, and I was concerned about what the place would look like once we left. I talked to a few of the students there, who told me that, yes, the place did get a new paint job because of the forum happening there, and they thought it was a little false, where I found it to be expected … rather normal, actually. But the students were enthusiastic about the infrastructural changes that we were making. They told me not to worry because they would be using the place more now and after we had gone.

Maybe I just want attention all the time, and for that I get in these victim situations. What I really want in my essential being is to be present, but there seems to be a self-destruction mechanism within me, and I have allowed things to get out of control. This is the constant war that goes on within me: one part of me that wants to allow me to destroy all feeling within me and just have a numb, empty existence of floating through life … and another part of me that clings to some inch of vital energy and be alive … feel happy, sad, whatever … just feel and experience life.

Let’s seen who wins. I hope you’ll root for me.

Today is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life

2009-03-22T03:52:00.000-07:00

February 3rd, 2009

World Social Forum Peace Village

Belem do Para, Brazil

What's up with that? Once again I find myself in this situation??! ... passport and all other important documents ... clothes ... papers for my vision workshop -- the most important things for me right now -- missing! Well, they say not to put all your eggs in one basket, and I did happen to have everything together. Here we are among hundreds -- maybe thousands -- of people from all different nations. They could be anywhere!

I left my things all behind the back seat of the comunal van because I knew I was going to go out again later, but in the meantime, someone needed to use the van to move a refrigerator and took out the back seat, along with all of my stuff. Later when I went to use the van, and nothing was there, I freaked. I freaked out even more when I found some of my things inside the Wipala (the bus which houses our storage lockers) but not the most important things. And the strangest thing is that my bag of dirty laundry was also missing. This actually gave me some hope.

I made it very well known that I was looking for my bags. I made an announcement twice over the microphone and even made a joke that if anyone finds it they can return the laundry clean.

Then the same night I'm talking about having to go to the US Embassy, when Alexandre says to me, "What's up with you that you want a new identity?" He asked me what else I lost, and when I said that my address book was among the things, he said, "You see. You're looking for a new circle of friends, too." Then and there I realized that this was exactly what I'd been subconsciously thinking during these last few days -- that I just wanted to disapear and not see anyone that I knew and become a new person that would only come out of her shell months or maybe a couple of years later. Then I would be stronger and more resistant to the influences of others that so often confused me about what was really important to ME. I wanted to simplify my life and abandon all of the nonsense -- just focus on the most essential things.

(This being said, I was constantly asking myself how my life could possibly be any simpler if I barely have any posessions and am not participating in the daily grind like so many others.)

Then I asked myself if I wasn't under-valuing my own identity. I resolved that I didn't need to loose my identity in order to have integrity. Why it's exactly the opposite: I would have to value my own identity in spite of everyone else so that I don't get caught up in the sway. I would have to hold on tight to my own identity. That's what makes us have the integrity we need to be whole and not let our true selves get chipped away bit by bit.

So I said to myself, "Okay. The lesson has been learned. I don't have to loose my identity in order to be who I want to be. I have to remember who I am." Then I let the powers that be know that I was expecting everything to come back to me. Of course, these things always happen when you least expect them to.

A friend was asking me to record some songs in the temporary studio that was set up in an abandoned shed. I didn't really feel like it, but I thought, "Well, don't be timid ... take advantage of the opportunity while you've got it." And wouldn't you know, walking on the path to the studio, there they were: my bags, just sitting there in the "Permaculture Tent," far from where they should have been, but with everthing in place.

Well, of course I told everyone right away the good news and made sure to thank the heavens for not having to go through the process of a stolen passport for a third time.

Have a Little Help From My Friends

2009-03-21T23:41:00.000-07:00

I send you many warm greetings as I am sitting in mobile office within a converted school bus in the Brazilian Amazon, where we take showers outside in the fresh air and little red fire ants can cause second-degree burns, where at night there's an insect concert and the tarantulas come out of their nests, where guava fruit ripens on the trees above me, and coconuts could fall on my head at any moment. All of this is wonderful to a free spirit like mine. I guess it isn't for everyone, but I do quite enjoy the simple life.

The present-day Caravan fleet, after thirteen years on the road of constant transformation. From left to right, Ganesha (the path-opening, die-hard truck), Wipala (everybody’s favorite bus), Caracola (our kitchen trailer), Aguila (haul-it-all trailer with the orange tarp), and Mazorca (the one and only vehicle that started this trip in 1996)

However, I am writing you now because in this moment I find myself, after many years with "La Caravana Arcoiris por La Paz", wanting to bring this journey to a close and embark on another adventure: the return to my nuclear family. Having had our last stint together be the World Social Forum of 2009 in Brazil, I figure this is a good end to a long trip together. I greatly thank the many years of learning and sharing that have painted my life so colorfully and inspired me to see the magic at the end of the rainbow that shines in me.

Friends Kalinne (left) and Thomas (center, holding Estrella) share
their interest to educate our children about community
in the “Peace Village” opening ceremony in the World Social Forum.
(That’s me on the right holding their son Inti.)

At this point it has been three years since I’ve been in Brazil, and Estrella, my only daughter, has seen her extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins) only once in her almost four years of life. With Estrella's birthday fast upon us in May, I would like to share this special moment with her Chilean grandparents and later visit my own family. Also, my own only living grandparent, my grandmother on my mother's side, is going to turn 96 this year, and I feel that being in a foreign country right now means depriving myself and my family of certain important connections that in a short time from now, it will be too late to appreciate.

Estrella with her nose painted in the Kid’s Tent
At the World Social Forum in February, 2009

I want to share this desire with you, my friends and colleagues, because after so many years of a simple, volunteer's life, I have not accumulated sufficient savings to travel right now, and this is hardly the place to make quick loads of money. I feel that the most practical thing to do would be to ask for my friends and loved ones to seek within yourselves to find some possible resources that could be shared or loaned in this moment. Once I arrive to the States, I will find the means to pay people back. I know times are tough for some right now, but what might not be much for one could be just enough for me to reach my goals. Please look within your hearts and trust and see what you can do to help me. For example, a donation of $50 would mean a lot to me, or a loan of $200-$500 would be of substantial help as well. Because I must buy the plane ticket as soon as possible, I ask of you to consider this an immediate need.

In my turn, I will remember you in your time of need. As always, I am happy to share the colorful stories of my adventures with all of you, and I find it much more interesting to do so in person. I would like to make myself available to share with whomever may want to learn about the projects I have been participating in the last few years. Also, I am always willing to talk about holistic healing and work with people in their own processes. I hope to see most of you and have the opportunity to learn about your present lives in the kind of detail that email or internet communication doesn’t permit. By the way, I am going to be using this blog now to keep you updated!

Thank you so much for your time and attention. Thanks to all our relations and all new generations.

Kind regards and affectionate hugs to all,

Jessica and Estrella

Anyone wishing to make a contribution, pleas contact me at: jessicarossiter@gmail.com

If you already know that you'd like to make a secure online donation by credit card to my Paypal account, you can do so here:

Otherwise, please send to Star Financial Bank, routing number 074901672, account number 12297069

If there are specific details about how it should be repaid or not, please elaborate.

Many blessings and great thanks to all! May life's journey bring us together again!

I leave you with the text of "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers

Some times in our lives

We all have pain

We all have sorrow

But, if we are wise

We know that there's

Always tomorrow

Lean on me

When you’re not strong

I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on

For, it won't be long

‘Til I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride

If I have things

You need to borrow

For, noone can fill

Those of your needs

That you don't let show

Lean on me

When you’re not strong

I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on

For, it won't be long

‘Til I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on

If there is a load

You have to bear

That you can't carry

I'm just up the road

I'll share your load

If you just call me

Lean on me

When you’re not strong

I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on

For, it won't be long

‘Til I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on

Just call on me brother

When you need a hand

We all need somebody

To lean on

And I just might have a problem

That you'd understand

We all need somebody

To lean on

Lean on me

When you’re not strong

I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on

For, it won't be long

‘Til I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on

FUEGO EN APU WECHURABA

2007-08-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

EL FUEGO EN APU WECHURABA OCURRIÓ EN MI SEPTIMO MES DE EMBARAZO EN EL LUGAR DONDE NOS QUEDAMOS DURANTE NUESTRO TIEMPO EN SANTIAGO DE CHILE

SANTIAGO, jueves, marzo 10, 2005.- Un incendio destruyó completamente un centro cultural indígena en la comuna de Recoleta, cerca de la una de esta madrugada.

El recinto, ubicado en las inmediaciones del Cerro Blanco, no contaba con luz eléctrica, por lo que en la noche se utilizaban velas. Bomberos sostuvo que el inicio del incendio se produjo debido al volcamiento de uno de estos artefactos.

El administrador del recinto, José Segovia, sostuvo a radio Cooperativa que “este recinto no contaba con luz eléctrica, por eso poníamos velas”. Además, sostuvo que durante esta semana se realizaba en el lugar una reunión con representantes indígenas latinoamericanos, la que deberá ser suspendida por la falta de un recinto adecuado para llevarla a cabo.

Al lugar debieron acudir tres compañías de bomberos de Santiago, las que tuvieron el siniestro controlado cerca de las 3 de la madrugada.

La casa Mapuche que se perdió en el incendio fue un lugar de encuentro para ceremonias, reuniones y fiestas.

LO SIGUIENTE ES UN EMAIL DE UNA AMIGA DEL GRUPO QUE FUE ENVIADO DESPUÉS:

Hola a tod@s!!!!
Buuuu y doble buuuuu tenemos la desgracia de compartir la noticia de que en nuestro querido Apu Wechuraba anoche hubo un incendio, que literalmente arrasó con la Casa Mapuche y todo lo que había en su interior......, excepto la gente que, con las bendiciones del Cielo, no estaban totalmente dormidos aún y cacharon el humo y las llamas y tuvieron tiempo de salir.

Para quienes han participado en las ceremonias o actividades del cerrito, pues ya saben la power energía que hay ahí y el corazón siempre abierto que tiene para acogernos Patara, el Guardián del Apu. Patara viviía en la Casa Mapuche y claro, ahí adentro estaban TODAS sus cosas, así que textualmente lo perdió todo....... junto con casi TODOS los elementos de trabajo de la Caravana Arcoiris, que estaban en la bodega, así que tenemos un Patara pio-pio que quedó con lo puesto..... y una Caravana Arcoiris pio-pio también que se quedó sin medios para trabajar y financiar su caravaneo.

Para los que no conocen, el desarrollo del Apu Wechuraba como centro cultural en la ciudad de Santiago y la construcción de la Casa Mapuche han sido productos de una lucha de más o menos diez años para Patara.
Para mejor-toma de peso de lo que es la Caravana, l@s invito a visitar www.lacaravana.org. Estos seres están haciendo un trabajo MUY bello con la siembra de PAZ, de respeto por las diferencias, de vivir en ARMONÍA desde la aplicación del consenso....., y pucha que es sería una lástima que se queden a media asta. Quizás estos "accidentes" tienen el Propósito de poner a prueba nuestro espíritu solidrio y nuestro entendimiento de que "la unión hace la fuerza".......

Para los corazones que están cosquilleando con energía de solidaridad, abajo les copio una lista de los "bienes perdidos", para que vean con que sienten/pueden apoyar......, puede que en la casa tengan 2 de eso...... o amorosamente estén en condiciones de comprarlo...... Los aportes los pueden dejar directamente en el Apu Wechuraba (Cerro Blanco, Santos Dumont con Recoleta, subir hasta la ex -Casa Mapuche.... buuuu.....), dejarlos en Centro Kwan o llamarnos para darnos su dirección y nosotros lo pasamos a buscar.

El "líder" de la Caravana (líder entre comillas porque la Caravana es muuuuy democrática) lanzó recién su libro "Hay tantos Caminos" que habla de experiencias muy bellas, especiales, muchas de ella IN-CREIBLES , de la Caravana en los últimos años......... y recién la semana pasada le llegaron 100 libros de Mexico para promocionarlos en Sudamérica. ¿¿¿Y donde creen que estaban los libros??? Pues si....., estaban en la bodega de la Casa Mapuche....., se salvaron unos pocos que, aunque quedaron algo chamuscados, están en condición de libro y se leen perfectamente, así que otra campaña solidaria que quiero lanzar es la compra de esta "edición especial" purificada y transmutada por el Abuelo Fuego, ya que Coyote (Alberto) debe al editor el 100%. Se consiguen directamente con la Caravana (08)348-1857, Apu Wechuraba, o me los piden a mi. El valor cuando no estaban chamuscados era $15.000......... y ojalá paguemos eso mismo o, quienes puedan, algo más.
También abrir la posibilidad de que, quienes así quieran/sientan, aporten con dinero, ya que hay MUCHAS cosas que reponer......... y también la posibilidad de aportar alimentos no perecibles, dado que la Caravana es una organización sin fines de lucro, y el dinero que consiguen con sus actividades apenas les alcanza para costearse el viaje.

La Caravana se va de Santiago el 21/Marzo, así que porfis hacerle el empeño para que, si sentimos apoyar, los aportes lleguen antes de esa fecha.

Bueno, yo agradezco a sus corazones por la apertura a leer éste mensaje, y bendiciones para que JUNTOS hagamos "LO QUE HAYA QUE HACERSE"!!!!!!

Puuura Luz y Amor para tod@s!!!
Samai
_________________________
CENTRO KWAN
tel: 325-9258 / (09)334-6017
centrokwan@vtr.net
www.centrokwan.tk
Bienes transformados a cenizas (o algo similar)
Casa Mapuche:
Altar (aguayos, cristales, tambores, trutruca....)
Mesas, sillas o banquetas
Escritorio
Motor de luz
Patara:
Tooooda su ropa (talla 50 en pantalones y L en todo lo demás)
Ropa de cama (sábanas, frazadas)
Toallas
Utensilios de cocina (ollas, platos, vasos, servicio, etc.)
Caravana:
Tambores (se quemaron 8)
Instrumentos ceremoniales
Equipo amplificación
parlantes
micrófonos
bases de micrófono
cables, adaptadores, alargadores
equipo de luces (reflectores)
transformadores 220-110
herramientas (martillo, alicate, destornilladores, etc.)
clavos, tornillos, tarugos, etc. (distintos tamaños)
pala, picota, sierra
disfraces (tallas adulto)
tela para confeccionar disfraces
máquina de coser
bicicletaspantalla para proyectar diapos
pizarra blanca
colchonetas
frazadas
sacos de dormir
material escritorio (papel impresora, sobres, cuadernos)
camilla de masaje
lona para cubrir la carga de los buses