Last month, writing here in this space about why we continue to fight each other (and aren't we all getting tired of it already?), I ended with this sentiment: "I am full of hope." Naturally, a woman who is full of more hope than anyone I know, Janice "Hope" Gorman of the Hope Interfaith Center in Mankato, Minn., would hone in on such a column and devour it for breakfast. She called to tell me she liked what she read and invited me to speak at her Sunday service on … [Read more...]

The other day I received an e-mail from someone in Indiana who wanted to know my opinion on the upcoming Buy Nothing Day - the annual anti-consumerism event celebrated the day after Thanksgiving.If you've never heard of it, here's a brief primer.Buy Nothing Day is an informal day of protest against consumerism observed by social activists. Participants refrain from purchasing anything for 24 hours in a concentrated display of consumer power. The event is intended to raise awareness of what some … [Read more...]

"Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory. I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." These words, written by physician, Albert Schweitzer, express a vital truth: the more you give (serve) others, the happier you will be. You may think you have nothing worthy of giving, nothing of value you can contribute to others. Not true! History is full of … [Read more...]

Sue Storm, dubbed "The Angel Lady" on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show, is convincing when she tells us that infinite wisdom is available to us by angels who guide each and every one of us. She has taught thousands of people how to change their lives and become more successful by using dozens of techniques that the angels have given her to share with us in her books Angel First Aid: Rx for Miracles, and Angel First Aid: Rx for Success. It seems that the only challenge is … [Read more...]

Editor's note: The following is a letter from the author to his autistic grandson, Sam, on healing. Dear Sam,Shortly after my accident, an occupational therapist introduced me to an anti-gravity device that would help me gain some use of my arms. The therapist strapped me into slings counterbalanced with springs, so my arms were literally weightless. Splints were attached to my hands. In each hand I held a pencil with the eraser-end pointing down. Using the feeling I still had in my shoulders to … [Read more...]

If you are like most people, you consider your pets to be part of your family. You love them and receive much love in return, and you distress when they become ill or lost for even a short time. In this article, I'm going to give you some unique suggestions on lowering your stress level when events seem to be worrisome or even in crises situations with those lovable family members. About 10 years ago, in reading spiritual articles and books, I kept noticing the word "benevolent" used … [Read more...]

Imagine a world where we are passionate and energized by our life's work, where all of our relationships are stress-free, loving and expanding, and where each day for us is filled with joy, safety and deep knowing that we are a part of a bigger whole. In this world, there is no war and starvation or unresolved conflicts and broken relationships, because in a world of abundance and plenty nobody goes without. This world is without problems. It is one of peace. Do you think this world is possible? … [Read more...]

Remember how you felt the last time someone interrupted you? Were you able to feel your feelings and still listen without allowing your anger or frustration to be in the way?Can you imagine if you could feel the internal chaotic energy when someone interrupts you, and let it run through the system? There's nothing else to do. Just be aware of the sensations and simply return your attention to listening to the person speaking, who also wants to be heard.Noticing your unsettled feelings, and not … [Read more...]

Editor's note: This feature article first appeared in Common Ground, San Francisco [http://commongroundmag.com] Hannah followed New Age thinking for many years. She constructed astrology charts, worked with psychics and thought she knew something about the world. And then her 26-year-old son committed suicide. Prior to that tragedy (most bereavement counselors consider it the hardest loss to face), she believed in the adage: "Everything happens for a reason." Hannah says, "I no … [Read more...]

Memories of the SunI am wrapped in a damp Autumn bleaknessas the sun walks away from usan ancient journey that must be traveled once againbut I will hold fast in me memory the dayswith it seem close enough to pull from the skyand whisper toI remember each moment it warmed usand all the days we squintedas it danced broad along the water's edgethese memories of the sun,they will offer me solace through the gathering darknessas we patiently wait for the lushness of the equinoxwith a certain feigned … [Read more...]

As Influenza season draws closer, you can expect the Avian Flu scare machine to be working overtime soon. The local and national media, in its attempt to warn people of what may be coming, is scaring people in the process. All over we hear stories from highly qualified individuals warning us of this potential pandemic. Michael Osterholm, M.D., former state epidemiologist in Minnesota, told U.S. News and World Report in June 2005, "We're screwed" if the virus hits the human population … [Read more...]

Ten Minnesotans with long records of service to their communities were recipients of the 2006 Virginia McKnight Binger Awards in Human Service during a presentation November 16 at a private ceremony in Minneapolis.The $7,500 awards honor Minnesota residents who give their time to improve the lives of people in their communities. Among this year's recipients are advocates for affordable housing and immigrant rights; community organizers; job-skills trainers; direct human service volunteers; and … [Read more...]

When we eat, food is mixed with large amounts of water and fluid in the stomach. It then travels through the small intestines where nutrients are absorbed. The digested food then moves into the colon where water is extracted and what remains is a semi-solid stool. If the colon doesn't absorb sufficient fluids, or if the digestive system produces too many fluids, our stool will be loose, resulting in a watery bowel movement - diarrhea.  People of all ages can have diarrhea. Usually … [Read more...]