Friday the 13th!!!!

Happy Friday the 13th to YOU!!

If I didn't know better, I would say Mercury is still in retrograde!!  As Jason and I spoke earlier today...he said, you know there really is something to say about these people that do this social media stuff for a living!!!   Oh my...he is so wise. 
Point being.........here it is, another WHOLE DAY and I was bound determined to get my blog up and going on the website.  Well, it's up and it's going though only in a RSS (??) feed or whatever it's called!!!

So what do you do when technology just continues to hand you that bowl of lemons??  Do you thrown your hands up and say....FORGET IT!!!   Or do you step away for a bit and say.....tomorrow is a new day!!!

I will go with plan b and step away AGAIN for another day!!!  Maybe it's the german stubbornness within me or maybe I'm just not meant to be a computer mini-wiz!

I see the bigger lesson in all of this is PATIENCE!!!   How about you???  Are you needing more patience in different areas of your life?  Has life handed you a bowl of lemons???
Let's stick together and make some lemon bars!!  How would that be?

For now, I bid you ado and prepare for our most awesome-tastic Women's Empowerment Circle tomorrow!!  I'll report back after that.  I have NO doubt it will be totally kick-butt!!

Ta Ta for now,
Jean Kowalski
Colors of Joy

PS.....Remember to color outside the lines!!!

Great info for Colds & Flu Season

The transition from the warmer months to the cooler months can be difficult for some of us. Coughs, sneezes, runny noses, aches and pains often interrupt our every day life. The flu season could last until the roots from a new spring shoot have absorbed the last drop of winter's snow. Most people cannot afford to be sick and risk missing too much school or work due to ill health. The good news is there are many natural ways to boost one's defenses against the flu and to help winterize the immune system. It's no longer necessary to dread the effects of the season.

Improving the Immune System
We are all exposed to bacteria to viruses every minute of our lives. Since living in a germ proof bubble is not a reality for most of us, it is imperative to maintain a strong immune system to help ward off infection. Otherwise, we become vulnerable and are more susceptible to the flu, colds, and more serious illnesses. Proper nutrition is essential. Key nutrients that stimulate the immune system include vitamins A, C, E, B complex and minerals, such as Zinc, Selenium, Kelp, Germanium, Magnesium, Copper, Iron and Manganese.

You can obtain these nutrients by eating an organic whole-foods diet, which consists of fresh fruits and vegetables nuts, seeds, grains, and other foods high in fiber. Avoid consuming foods high in sugar, such as dairy products, processed foods, candy and soda. Sugar weakens the immune system and reduces the white blood cell count within the body. The function of the white blood cells is to fight and destroy germs that can cause disease. For this reason, it is crucial to strengthen the immune system to increase your natural defense against infection. Sugar may also contribute to depression, which can result in a suppressed immune system response. A positive frame of mind, massage, plenty of sleep, fresh air and exercise can make a big difference in improving your health.

Herbal Relief
Aside from obtaining proper nutrition and rest, herbal remedies are providing relief from wintertime maladies. Many herbs are ubiquitous in human foods, and because herbs provide more than just great flavor, they now fill medicine cabinets across the country. Capsicum (cayenne) adds more than spice to many cuisines around the word. It offers intense heat, which actually has potent fever-reducing properties. For thousands of years, the civilizations in tropical areas consumed cayenne peppers as a source to stay cooler through a mechanism that stimulates the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. According to folk literature, cayenne increases sweating and opens pores to reduce fevers. Other febrifuge herbs or herbs that reduce fevers, are chamomile, eucalyptus, and yerba santa. Another crucial element in overcoming the flu is vitamin C. Naturopaths often recommend lemon peel for its reputed content of bioflavinoids and vitamin C content. Herbalists have also used lemon peel, as well as thyme and mugwort, to increase the energy and efficiency of the liver and spleen, two key organs in our ability to resist infection. In terms of alleviating an inconvenient cough, coltsfoot and wahoo are traditional Native American lung tonic and expectorant herbs for coughs and congestion. People seeking relief during the cold and flu season know that many parts of the body are affected such as the lungs, nose and throat. It is important to restore balance to these areas to improve overal comfort during times of illness.

Lungs
Does your cough keep you up at night? Your miserable symptoms may be causing you temporary suffering, but this is your body's natural way to fight the infection. That annoying mucus you expel helps your body flush out toxins. It is important to help promote the elimination of pathogens by using herbs such as rosemary, thyme, rose hips and garlic. these herbs have folk reputations for easing the discomforts of a cough by making your mucus thinner, clearer and easier to expel as well as strengthening lung function and capacity. It is also necessary to use herbs to help keep minor bacterial complaints from getting out of control. Many people swear by garlic and echinacea during colds and flu because of their combined antiviral and antibacterial action. They are two of the most intensively studied herbs in natural medicine today. Impressive results clearly point out the immune-enhancing benefits garlic and echinacea provide.

Nose
A stuffy nose and blocked sinuses can make us all a bit restless. Your head feels heavy and all you crave is relief. Holistic naturopathic philosophy suggest that congestion in the sinuses is a sign of mucus accumulation originating in the digestive tract from poor digestion, sluggish elimination, and intestional floral imbalances. It is important to address all of these issues when overcoming colds and flu. There are many herbs to help ease these symptoms. Many of us have enjoyed peppermint's aroma and have felt its medicinal effects immediately. It's the menthol in peppermint that is responsible for alleviating nasal congestion. Did you also know that horseradish is another herb with a strong aroma that can help clear a stuffy head? Traditionally, these herbs as well as others, such as wood betony and lettuce, have been used to treat sinus congestion, improve circulation, cleanse blood and lymph glands, and fight infections.

Throat
A sore throat on top of a fever, a nasty cough, and a sinus infection can make life difficult to overcome the battle of the "cold war." Don't give up yet because according to traditional folk herbalism, black radish and parsley are treasured for their ability to aid in the relief of sore throats that accompany colds and flu. This combination of herbs also promotes elimination of toxins and fights infections.

Reminder
Most people anticipate a horrible flu season every year, anxiously waiting for their turn to become sick. Ideally, when winter arrives, we all want to remain healthy. Obtaining a healthier lifestyle to improve your natural resistance to infections and using herbal helpers to lessen the duration of a cold or flu can make a world of a difference. Hopefully, if people decide to take care of themselves, they will no longer fear the cold and flu invaders but will face them with courage and win the winter battle!

(( Taken from Herbal Insights Reflections - Fall 2000 edition of Herbal Insights. Herbal Insights is a publication of Kroeger Herb Products Co., Inc., 805 Walnut St., Boulder, CO 80302 ))
Posted by Jean with Colors of JOY!

When Change Kicks You Out-Of-The-BOX!

Greetings and I can hardly believe it's been 2 years since my last blog.  NOW I am trying to remember how to "blog" and all the ins and outs.  I hope you'll have patience with me.

I invite you to read the old stories and they are just that...old!!  Time, talent and transitions!!!  Over the last 2 years I left So. California and am in Eau Claire, Wisconsin (90 miles east of Minneapolis/St. Paul).  Spring arrived early here....the lilacs are already starting to bloom!!!  Amazing and unheard of!

 

My healing practice is taking wonderful transitions to deeper soul work.  If you are ready to really really step into your true self, I would be honored to work with and support you on your journey!!  Amazing good and juicy stuff!!!  YAY  We've been doing powerful Women's Empowerment Circles, Meditation Circles, painting classes and much more.  Yes, this is the year that I AM stepping more fully into my art and creativity.  It's such a vital piece for everyone to embrace and step in to!

Here's a picture of our last Mandala Painting Class.  The ladies did an amazing job with their creations!!

 

I am also in the process of updating the website, so please be sure to check that out.  It is definitely a work-in-progress.  I have the classes/workshops/happenings on the website.  Be sure to bookmark it and check back often.  I do have on there now a link for you to pre-purchase your healing session!!  Yes, I know...it took me long enough, didn't it??!!!!  http://www.jeankowalski.com

Stay tuned and thanking you in advance for sharing this with your friends.  If you would like to be a "blogger" for Colors of Joy, please let me know.  I would LOVE to have you and help to share your yumminess with the world!!

I sign off now, though will be back with you real soon.

From my creative and JOY-filled heart to yours,

Jean Kowalski
Colors of JOY!