Page 898

25 Surreal Places to Add to Your Travel Bucket List

January 30, 2020 by Power of Positivity

This world contains so much astounding, unbelievable beauty that it seems overwhelming when you think about seeing it all. While none of us will probably get to witness it all in this lifetime, we have put together a list of surreal places you need to visit.

Because there’s so much to see, our list includes the following diverse spots:

Incredible feats of engineering
Cascading waterfalls
Enchanting forests
Soaring mountain
Other impressive must-see landmarks

Get ready to be amazed by the photos of the most surreal places you’re about to see:

These destinations are a feast for the eyes!

1. Zhangye Danxia Landform in Gansu, China

Formed by the erosion of red sandstone, geologists believe that the topography was formed by layered oceanic crusts folding over one another. As a result of the striking variations of the colors, thousands of tourists flock to witness this site each year.

2. Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia

This is the world’s largest salt flat at 4,086 square miles and the flattest location on the planet with average altitude variations at only one meter.

3. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Japan

You’ll feel like you’re in another world when you stand amidst the towering stalks of bamboo in this surreal place in Kyoto, Japan.

4. Machu Picchu, Peru

These ancient ruins of an Incan citadel are one of the most famous manmade wonders of the world, located in the midst of a beautiful tropical mountain forest.

5. The Wave, Arizona

One of the most popular sights for tourists to Arizona, you can find this unique sandstone rock formation in the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness near the Utah border.

6. Sequoia National Forest, California

People come from all over the world to see 38 groves full of these giant sequoia trees, spread out over a whopping 1,193,315 acres of land.

7. Rice Terraces in Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam

Since this area of Vietnam is about 1000 meters above sea level, growing rice in the traditional way like those in the delta areas do is pretty much out of the question. Instead, farmers improvise by growing rice on the terraced field in the green mountain valleys. Thus, they create a spectacular work of art in the process.

8. The Maldives

Made up of hundreds of islands in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, The Maldives contains some of the most untouched, beautiful beaches in the entire world.

After indulging in the serenity of the Maldives, the allure of Hawaii beckons travelers with its legendary beauty and laid-back atmosphere. Known for its iconic beaches and adventurous spirit, Hawaii offers an escape like no other.

Whether it’s catching waves along the North Shore of Oahu or lounging on the shores of Maui, the LYAHawaii experience promises unforgettable moments of exploration and relaxation.

With the right guide, navigating Hawaii’s diverse landscapes becomes an exhilarating journey, filled with hidden gems and local insights that truly enhance the adventure.

Surfing in Waikiki is a quintessential Hawaiian experience, blending the thrill of catching waves with the breathtaking beauty of Oahu’s renowned beaches.

Whether you’re a novice seeking your first ride or a seasoned enthusiast honing your skills, the surfing experts at StokeDrift offer personalized surf lessons that cater to every level of experience. Their guidance not only ensures safety and technique but also enhances the adventure with local insights and tips for mastering the waves.

For travelers seeking a unique way to traverse Hawaii’s diverse landscapes, scooter rentals offer an ideal solution. With the freedom to zip along coastal roads or wind through mountain trails, scooters provide an unparalleled sense of adventure and exploration.

And with resources like the insightful articles available on scooterrentalhawaii.com, visitors can glean valuable tips and recommendations for maximizing their scooter experience in Hawaii.

From safety guidelines to insider suggestions on scenic routes and lesser-known attractions, these articles serve as invaluable companions for adventurers looking to make the most of their Hawaiian journey.

9. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

One of the oldest national parks in Southeast Europe, the unique arrangement of cascading lakes and stunning waterfalls will leave you speechless

10. Palouse Falls, Washington

This 198-foot waterfall sits within the borders of the Palouse Falls State Park in Washington State and is one of the last remaining markers of the historic glacial floods that carved the striking landscape of the area.

11. Moraine Lake, Canada

Located in Banff National Park, the deep blue shade of the lake contrasts perfectly with the snow-capped mountains in the distance.

12. Niagara Falls, Border Between the United States and Canada

The roaring waterfalls that drop into the Niagara River between Ontario and New York release over six million cubic feet of water per minute and attract thousands of spectators from all over the world each year.

13. Sossusvlei, Namibia

The high sand dunes ranging from pink to orange in color characterize this arid desert in Namibia. It feels like one of the most solitary places you could witness.

14. Northern Lights, Norway

One of the most dazzling astronomical phenomena on Earth, this fascinating display of vibrant colors is actually caused by the collisions of gaseous particles in Earth’s atmosphere and charged particles from the Sun. Simply breathtaking.

15. Mount Roraima, Venezuela

When this tepui plateau in South America is surrounded by clouds, it looks like a mysterious floating landmass 8,000 feet in the air.

16. Vatnajokull Glacier Cave, Iceland

Sometimes called the Crystal Cave, you can find this wonder of nature in Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park. Indeed, it’s one of the most eerily stunning places on the planet.

17. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil

Comprised of many different waterfalls that cascade over the edge of the Parana Plateau into the Iguazu River, the falls actually form part of the border between Argentina and Brazil.

18. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

One of the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the construction of these massive pyramids still mystifies scientists today. Moreover, it holds its status as one of the most famous sites in Egypt.

19. Meteora, Greece

Literally translated to “middle of the sky” or “in the heavens above,” Meteora is a complex of Greek Orthodox monasteries seated atop enormous sandstone pillars in the Plain of Thessaly.

20. Yosemite National Park, California

The awe-inspiring Sierra Nevada mountain chain runs through this well-traveled national park filled with giant sequoias, powerful waterfalls, beautiful valleys, picturesque meadows. In addition, it features a geographic wonder known as the “Giant Staircase” created by the currents from the Merced River.

21. Tunnel Of Love, Ukraine

An enchanting natural passageway for trains deep in the forests of Ukraine, plenty of lovers also venture down the tunnel to make a wish for everlasting love.

22. The Great Wall of China

Of course. the Great Wall of China is one of the greatest wonders of the world. However, you might not know this fact–the massive stone and brick wall built on the northern border of China spans an estimated 13,171 miles in its entirety.

23. The Amazon Rainforest

The largest rainforest on Earth covers 2.124 million square miles. Moreover, it’s home to more than 2.5 million insect species, 40,000 plant species, and 427 mammals.

24. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

So this might sound strange to some, but the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on Earth. In fact, it covers 2300 km. The largest coral reef system in the world has over 2900 individual reefs and 900 islands.

25. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Finally, our last pick. Kilimanjaro makes history as one of the tallest mountains in the world. In fact, towers at 19,341 feet above sea level.

Final Thoughts on Adding These Must-See Surreal Places to Your Travel Wish List

So while many of us dream of traveling the world, only a select few spend 100% of their days on adventures. However, making travel a priority in your life will enable you to see a few of these gems before you die. Only one question remains–which of these surreal places do you long to add to your bucket list?

Law of Attraction Explains How to Attract Good Things in 24 Hours

January 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Have you been trying to attract something that you want but your vision doesn’t seem to come to life?

If so, here is a dose of some no-nonsense love from the Power of Positivity team today.

Let us get straight to the point. The chances are high that you have wanted something in your life and it has not materialized. Have a good, long think about why that is so.

Still nothing? You may have noticed that the word “wanted” above is highlighted. Why is that? It is highlighted because any want comes from a lack. When people want something, it is because they do not have it. Therefore, the feeling of not having is what people emit, with the Universe picking up on that feeling and giving you the same.

What about people trying to deter you from your goals? This one is easy, either limit your time with them or cut them out of your life completely. On your journey, you have no time to waste on people who don’t align with your standards of success.

In short, you must eliminate any roadblock that sits between you and reaching the goal line. Your success is in your reach. No longer do you have time for excuses.

Instead, you should come from a place of infinite abundance and belief in your heart of hearts that you already have whatever it is your soul is set on. Only then will you be able to possess it. That knowledge is the piece of the puzzle that you are seeking. Let us get to that now.

How to Attract What You Want (In 24 Hours Or Less)

What do you have at this moment? Do you take the presence of such things or people for granted? Or are you thankful to have them in your life? Think about that for a moment and write a list of the things and people in your life, and do this right now.

By the way, do not continue reading until you have completed this.

Then at the side of this, write something positive about that thing or person. It can be “thank you” or “I love you” or “what a great day it was,” or other words to that effect. Are you finished? Good.

Writer’s list:

Family – I love you.
This job – I thank my boss for valuing and trusting my writing so much (I have to win brownie points somehow!).
Friends – What a crazy bunch but I would never change them for anything.
Money – Thank you for entering my life and please be useful to me on your way out.
Possessions – You make my life easier, so thanks for what you do for me.
The day I passed my driving test – What a feeling of immeasurable joy!
This article – Another opportunity to help other people, and I hope that you enjoy it and take something useful from it.
My life – Thank you for another day.
Love – Without this, I am nothing.

What common thread do you see in each of these statements? Gratitude!

The Gratitude Attitude Will Attract What You Want

Without gratitude for what you do have, how can the Universe give you more? How can you accept more good things into life without the appreciation and happiness of what is already in your life as you read these words? It is like trying to ride a bike with no wheels or playing poker without the deck of cards.

Now, refer back to your list Write down what you do not yet have in your possession and add some gratitude, just like you did for your “already haves”. You’ll start to attract those good things.

Writer’s list:

PoP readers – Thank you for reading and liking this article (again, I have to win my brownie points with my boss somehow!)
My favorite sports team – May they win the league and the cup this year.
My investments – Thank you for putting some extra cash into my pocket.
Changes in my life – Thank you for showing me the right path in life.
Money – Thank you for entering my life and please be useful to me on your way out.
Love – Without this, I am nothing.

Final Thoughts: Gratitude Helps You in Your Life Journey

It is like a thermometer for happiness in the present moment. Of course, negative things will always happen but your response to them is the key. Of course, you will feel different emotions at different times in life. Again, how you deal with them is the key. Can you stay in an overall positive frame of mind when the chips are down?

Here is our “rinse, wash, repeat” plan to do what it says on the tin:

Know what you want – if you do not know what you want, how can the Universe give it to you?
Block out all negative influences – they can be anything, including the examples above.
See what you want with your own eyes (before what you want is also in your hands) – can be done in a number of ways, including the one shown above.
Take action to get what you want – you must meet the Universe halfway for this, as the Universe has no silver platters.
Recognize what the Universe has given you and be thankful – important for future manifestations as your desires become reality.

(Side note: If you have your own way of manifesting that works, press ahead and receive what you deserve.)

Jim Carrey famously said in a speech at graduation at Maharishi University that he was the proof that you can ask the Universe for whatever you want, like his father, albeit a promising comedian, decided to become an accountant. When Carrey was twelve years old, his father was made redundant, and the family had to do what they could to survive. This is gold. He ended it with:

“You can fail at what you don’t want. So you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.” ~Jim Carrey

Now, get out there and attract those things that are meant for you!

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

15 Daily Affirmations to Help You Feel Grateful

January 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

It’s easy for most of us to see the negative in life. Life is full of unexpected and unpleasant events, and experiences, and those can easily overshadow great things happening in our lives. But if you practice daily affirmations, you’ll be able to feel grateful, even on your most exhausting days.

With all of life’s stress, it is easy to lose sight of what is essential in life, and that’s where positive affirmations can completely change your life. Psychology acknowledges that self-affirmations work to improve how we feel about ourselves and make us think that we have more control over the events in our lives. These simple statements can have a significant impact on us and bring loads of positivity into our lives.

All of us have been told that we aren’t good enough, we have made huge mistakes, and we have regrets. However, these things have shaped the person we have become, and that is something we should all appreciate and be thankful for. By using these positive affirmations daily, you will experience:

greater appreciation for the blessings in life
a more positive outlook
improved mental health
greater self-confidence
more happiness in your everyday life

The following positive affirmations will help you feel gratitude for all that you have and all that you’ve been through. These will help you own your mistakes and learn how to turn all of the negatives in your life into something incredibly positive and powerful.

If you’re not comfortable reciting affirmations aloud, try writing them in a gratitude journal.

15 Daily Affirmations to Help You Feel Grateful

The following affirmations are perfect for helping you express gratitude. Simply state one to yourself each morning, and you will soon experience a shift in your state of mind and world view.

Meditate on the words and try to understand how they can apply to you. Throughout your day, recall the affirmation and consider how you can appreciate the little things and put a positive spin on things.

1. “I am grateful for every experience I have ever had as it shaped me into the person I am today, and that is exactly who I am supposed to be right now at this very moment.”

Everyone in every walk of life has had negative experiences that have shaped the person that they’ve become. You can choose to let those experiences tear you down or learn from them and grow as a human being. It is essential to accept these experiences and embrace them as a part of what makes you beautiful and unique.

2. “I am grateful for the many wonderful family and friends in my life who know me and love me, unconditionally.”

Everyone deserves unconditional love, whether you realize it or not. This type of love can pull you through some of the worst times in your life and help you feel valued. Daily affirmations like this one are great to use so that you fully appreciate how lucky you are to have those amazing people in your life.

3. “I realize that every situation in life has some purpose and am thankful for it.”

It can be frustrating and disheartening when nothing is going well in our lives. However, when things don’t work out, we learn something about the situation and ourselves. Then, the next time we experience this type of situation, we can handle things better and can recover much more quickly.

4. I appreciate the person I am and all of the events that have led me here.

Both good and bad experiences in life will shape the person that we become. It’s easy to focus on the more comfortable experiences, but the difficult ones are where we build character. This is one of the best daily affirmations to remind you that bad things can lead to a positive outcome.

5. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow to become a better version of myself.

It’s easy to think negative thoughts when you have had a bad experience, but negative thoughts can lead to depression. To combat these negative thoughts, daily affirmations like this one help you to realize that bad experiences can lead to a positive outcome and self-growth. This is important for us to understand and respect.

6. “I am grateful for the beauty that I see around me and for the beauty within me.”

Beauty runs far deeper than the skin. There is beauty in every aspect of life, and we must appreciate it. The more you understand your inner beauty, the greater you will radiate positivity and bring more beauty into this world.

7. I am thankful for the breath in my lungs and the blood in my veins. They keep me strong, healthy, and able to do the things I need to daily.

We take our bodies for granted, but without them, we wouldn’t be able to support ourselves and our families. It’s essential to have a healthy body and mind to be able to do what we need to do daily. Not all people have that, so it is important to be thankful for it every day.

8. I am grateful for everything that I have my life and everything that is to come.

Sometimes taking stock of what you have is all you need to turn your day around. Daily affirmations can help you do that. You have more in life than you realize and more than enough to survive, not everyone can say that.

9. I am thankful for another day and another opportunity to improve myself and contribute to improving this world.

You woke up this morning, and not everyone did. Be thankful for every day and every opportunity that you have and use it to improve yourself and the world around you. Your mindset is everything and can help you achieve great things if you choose to be positive.

10. “The food that I eat, the air that I breathe, the ground that I walk on, are all the blessings from the universe. I am so thankful to the universe for all these beautiful things.”

Daily affirmations like this one will help you to appreciate the little things in life. Everything you see and experience is a blessing that is easy to take for granted. This affirmation will help you to see these blessings clearly and appreciate them all the more.

Learn how the universe communicates with us.

11. “I am grateful for the ability to change my life at will.”

We are in control of our mind, and that is something to be very grateful for. We choose to become the person we are and manifest the life that we live. This affirmation is a powerful reminder that if we want to change things in our lives, all it takes is the decision to do so.

12. “Every person that touches my life, enriches it. I am thankful to them.”

Every person brings their own unique life experiences and views to the table. They create another facet to your life that builds your character and expands your knowledge of this world. Be thankful for the diversity that each person brings into your life.

13. “My feelings matter to me! I appreciate myself!”

This is one of those tremendous daily affirmations for when you feel as though your feelings don’t matter. It is essential to accept your feelings and acknowledge that they are important to you, despite what others say. Appreciate your emotions and realized that your thoughts and opinions are valid.

14. “I am an optimist when it comes to my life, and I feel great!”

Once again, it’s important to note that your mindset is a choice. That means that your mindset is entirely within your personal control and can significantly affect how you feel and perceive events. Choose to think positively, and all the stars will align.

15. “I am thankful for all that I have and all that I don’t have. I express my gratitude to everyone and everything in my life.”

It is important to acknowledge the people and things in your life and the joy that they bring into it. It is equally as important to be thankful for the things that aren’t in your life, as they are often things that would hold you back. Know that everything happens for a reason, and there is often a rainbow following a storm.

Final Thoughts: Make Every Day A Grateful Day

If you find yourself struggling to be grateful for all that you have, these daily affirmations will help you appreciate those things so much more. They will help you turn all of the negativity in life into something positive, such as a learning experience or opportunity.

Not only will you be happier, but you will also have more self-confidence, a greater appreciation of the challenges in your life, and will love yourself more. All of these things will lead to a happier, more productive life and improved mental health.

Feeling grateful each day can go a long way in improving your routine life.

17 Motivational Quotes to Remember When Mourning a Death

January 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Death is a fact of life. We all have our unique ways of handling the grief that comes with mourning a death. This pain is the same whether you lose a friend, family member or loved one. We all know the pain caused by losing someone so close to us. The best way to get through this experience is to express these feelings while reminding yourself of the good times you shared with them.

Motivational Quotes to Remember When Mourning a Death

It isn’t easy to find light and positivity in life after the passing of a loved one. These feelings of sadness, anger, and grief may stay with you for a while.

Though there isn’t a quick way to get over these feelings, it does help to know you’re not alone. Sharing motivational quotes can help you or a loved one find the support needed at this difficult time. Consider the following motivational quotes when you’re mourning a death:

1. “The truth is that you’ll grieve forever. There is no “getting over” losing a loved one, but you’ll learn to adjust to this reality. You’ll start to heal, rebuilding yourself around this loss. You’ll be whole again in the future, though you’ll never be quite the same.

Even though you may wish things were different, you’re a changed person now–you shouldn’t be the same, and you shouldn’t want to be.” –Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Grief changes us. Though we may hope against hope that we could have our loved ones with us, this is the way life is. This process changes you, and you must accept this transition and transformation.

Don’t try to rush the grieving process. Though experiencing this pain while mourning a death is uncomfortable, it’s part of the pathway to healing. As time goes on, you’ll learn to cope with this pain and eventually find a way to deal with your grief.

2. “Those we love never go away completely; they walk next to us every day. Though they’re unseen and unheard, they’re always near, always loved, always missed, and always dear.” –Unknown

Our memories are where our loved ones live. Though they may no longer be with us physically, we can carry them with us in our hearts and minds. This way, we never have to let them go.

3. “In the gardens of memory, the palaces of dreams, this is where we will meet.” —Alice Through the Looking Glass

This quote from Alice Through the Looking Glass is a beautiful reminder that we will see our loved ones again. Hold tight to your dearest memories and dreams of your loved ones. Though this won’t be the same as having them there with you, they’ll always be alive in this way.

4. “The people we enjoy and love deeply can never be lost. All those we love deeply are destined to become part of us.” –Helen Keller

Quotes like this one from Helen Keller reminds us that our deepest feelings are never in vain and never lost. Remember that those you’ve loved dearly will always be a part of you, regardless of your paths in life.

5. “What if they aren’t really stars in the night sky? What if stars are the openings where loved ones shine their lights on us, letting us see how happy they are.” –Unknown

This quote helps us look at the world differently. Think of the stars and the universe around you. They serve as a reminder that your loved ones are looking out for you. Though life goes on, your loved ones are never truly gone or forgotten.

6. “God gave us a memory, so we can still have roses in the month of December.” — J.M. Barrie

The beauty of our memories is that we can vividly remember the most beautiful experiences. Just as we can envision roses during the coldest days of the year, our minds give us the ability to keep our loved ones as close as possible.

7. “If there is ever a day where we aren’t together, keep me inside your heart, and I’ll be there forever.” –Winnie the Pooh

This quote from Winnie the Pooh reminds us of the real power of love. Though our loved ones may no longer be with us physically, our love will keep them alive.

Hold tight to the memories of your loved ones, and they’ll be inside of your heart forever.

8. “It’s okay to admit whenever you’re not okay.” — Unknown

We aren’t always going to be okay, especially when grieving a loss. As you are in the midst of grief, remember that it’s perfectly fine to feel how you do.

Remember, it gets better. Take time to honor your feelings now, but remember that you won’t always feel this way.

9. “There are those that bring such a bright light to the world. That the light remains, even long after they’re gone.” –Unknown

The real impact of a life is most often felt after that person is no longer with us. Though there is pain, there is also a beauty. Find beauty in the light your loved one left behind with their legacy.

10. “Embody all the things that you enjoyed most about your loved ones that have gone on.” –Unknown

Though we keep our loved ones in our hearts, this isn’t the only way to keep them alive. Practice what you’ve learned from them. Embody their most exceptional qualities. In this way, they’ll always be with you.

11.“Scars are testaments to the relationship and love you had with a loved one. If your scar is deep, the love was as well.” –Unknown

Most of us are afraid to feel deeply because we fear getting hurt. However, wholeheartedly loving allows us to feel the same love in return. Even though we may feel pain when we mourn the death of that person, the scars we carry with us serve as a reminder of what we had with our loved one.

12. “Death gives us a challenge. Death tells us to never waste our time. It reminds us to share our love with each other as much as possible.” –Leo Buscaglia

As much as we hate the pain and grief that comes after a loved one passes on, it is a clear reminder of how we should live our lives. The reality of death shows us that our time is limited.

Make the most of each day by living to the fullest and loving as hard as you can.

13. “You’ll survive. You’ll keep going and find a purpose within the chaos. When you move on (and you will), this doesn’t mean that you’ve let go.” –MaryVanHaute

Many are afraid to let go of the pain they feel after a loved one passes on. Though this pain is part of the grieving process, so is healing.

Don’t fear healing. When you eventually move on, this doesn’t mean you’ve let your loved one go.

14. “Grit your teeth; let it hurt. You shouldn’t deny your feelings, but don’t be overwhelmed either. These feelings won’t last forever.” –Harold Kushner

The pain felt when we are mourning the death of our loved one moves on isn’t comfortable, but we must let it hurt. Experience this discomfort–eventually, the pain will subside.

15. “ This isn’t goodbye, darling. This is my thank you. Thank you for being in my life, thank you for giving me joy.” –Nicholas Sparks

Don’t view this time as an end to your love, relationship, or friendship. Take the time now to express gratitude for your loved one and the bond you shared with them.

16. “ I’m lucky to have someone that makes it so hard to say goodbye.” –Winnie the Pooh

Winnie the Pooh’s quote shows us that we can find positivity amidst the sadness.

Though our loved ones have moved on, we were lucky to experience them in our lives.

17. “Until we meet once again: The special memories you and I share will always make me smile. If only you could come back, just for a while. Then we’d talk again like we used to. You meant so much to me and always will too. Though you’re not here and I’m in pain, you’re always in my heart, ‘til we meet again.” –Unknown

This poem is a potent reminder that we’ll always have the smiles, laughs, conversations, and other memories from our loved ones. Though it hurts to lose them in our lives, they’re never truly gone.

Keep the memory of your loved ones alive in your heart, and they’ll be close to you forever.

Final Thoughts on Motivational Quotes To Remember When Mourning a Death

Don’t feel as though you need to force yourself to move past your current emotions. Take the time you need to express every feeling you have at this time.

Keep these quotes in mind as you work to find healing. Find hope in knowing that you’re never alone and that your loved ones are still with you.

10 Benefits of Adding Fresh Cranberry to Your Diet

January 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

According to a study, the cranberry ranks among the top fruits used historically for relieving many ailments and symptoms. These include bladder, stomach, and intestinal problems, diabetes, inflammations, etc. The berries rank among the most popular dietary supplements for treating urinary tract infections, also known as UTIs.

The berries are used in extracts, tablets, powders, and capsules, but none of these packs the same wellness punch that fresh berries provide. Part of the health benefit comes from the incredibly tart flavor in beverages and foods. When prepared in a way to balance the tartness, the flavor of cranberries can be sublime.

The tart berries rank among the top foods that relieve vitamin deficiencies because they provide many nutrients like vitamins C and E. Furthermore, the nih.gov report quoted a 2016 study that found the berries significantly reduced bacterial pathogens in urine after adding them to nursing home patient diets for six months.

The 10 Most Popular Benefits of Fresh Cranberry

Eating fresh cranberries might be an acquired taste for some people, but it’s an easy taste to acquire. You can add the berries to smoothies, trail mix, grilled cheese sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes. Or, make your sauce from whole berries, and you’ll never go back to eating the jellied version just once a year. The berries are great cuisine, and they provide the following health benefits:

1. Natural Antioxidants with Anti-inflammatory Benefits

The cranberry, ounce for ounce, provides some of the strongest antioxidant effects for cleansing your system of impurities. Only blueberries deliver a higher antioxidant effect. The research shows that adding berries to your dietary staples can lower the level of C-reactive protein in the blood.

Inflammation increases the level of C-reactive protein, but the berries provide a natural way to remove free radicals from the blood. According to webmd.com, fresh cranberries have an antioxidant capacity of 8,983, which is only surpassed by blueberries. The berries last a long time when sealed in plastic bags in your refrigerator – up to 2 months.

2. Greater Ability to Fight the Signs of Aging

Free radicals are waste products that accumulate in the body. They can cause oxidative damage, which results in other health risks and premature aging. The antioxidant properties of the berries help to remove free radicals, which prevents the worst effects of aging.

3. Strengthening the Cardiovascular System

Advances in nutrition have been increasingly linked to cranberry bioactive ingredients. Cardiovascular health is a major benefit of adding the berries to your dietary regimen. Most experts attribute the positive cardio effects to better urinary tract health, antioxidant effects, and the lipoproteins of the berries.

Inflammation damages blood vessels. Your damaged arteries attract more plaque, which can cause the hardening and narrowing of the arteries. The berries relieve inflammation and promote better circulation. An additional study found that obese men improved several common risk factors for heart attacks after drinking a high-polyphenol cranberry-type beverage for eight weeks.

4. Supporting Better Digestive Health

Evidence of the benefits of adding fresh berries to foods includes better digestive health. Nutritionists and clinicians believe that the unique phytochemicals play a big role in digestive health by inhibiting the production of the H. pylori bacterium.

The cranberry juice – not juice derived from concentrate – delivers d-mannose, a sugar, and other extracts that adhere to the walls of the urinary tract, where they help to prevent and treat UTIs. Further evidence comes from a report that the berries inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses.

Maybe the most significant benefit for digestive health resides in the berry’s tart and unique flavor. Enjoying the food requires a careful balancing act of the major tastes if you hope to produce umami. That balancing process keeps you grounded and responsive to mental, spiritual, and physical health issues, which are too often ignored.

5. Triggering Weight Loss

Berries like cranberries, blueberries, and blackberries are high in the anthocyanins that curb your appetite and trigger weight loss. The berries are naturally high in fiber, low in calories, and high in nutrients, which make them ideal foods for most dietary regimens.

You can eat the berries in lots of foods to add a tart flavor and balance sweet and salty flavors. You can also add dried berries to trail mix, juice the berries, or add them to smoothies using natural sweeteners for a better nutritional profile.

6. Preventing Gum Disease

Antioxidants in the berries, also known as proanthocyanidins, prevent bacteria from sticking to the gums and throat. That means better oral health and fewer instances of gum disease. Dental researchers found that the berry juice acted like Teflon for the teeth, lips, gums, and throat.

The juice also disrupts the buildup of plaque on the teeth, which is composed of walls of bacteria. However, you need to make your juice and avoid juices with lots of added sugar. Otherwise, the beneficial effect is neutralized by cavity-causing sugar.

7. Boosting Your Immune System

According to independent research at Rutgers, cranberries protect cells from the effects of free radicals, which increases immune system efficiency. The National Institutes of Health have funded many studies on the health benefits of these tart and refreshing berries.

The berries kill H. pylori bacteria, improves circulation, fights infections and inflammations, and reduce the risks of cancer. Proanthocyanidine in the berries prevents plaque formation and gum diseases, which is an added boost to your immune system.

8. Providing Healthy Energy between Meals

Cranberries make great snack foods or beverages between meals for an energy boost. Instead of drinking caffeinated beverages and energy drinks, you can turn a natural alternative for a quick pick-me-up.

One cup of raw berries has only 46 calories but 4.6 grams of dietary fiber. So you can get 26 percent of your daily value of vitamin C and 20 percent of your need for vitamin E. You also get a healthy dose of copper, vitamin K1, and vitamin B6.

9. Cleansing and Detoxifying the Liver

According to ncbi.nlm.nih.gov,

“The liver plays a vital role in all of the body’s detoxifying processes. The liver converts lipophiles into metabolites that are more water-soluble, which helps to eliminate them from the body.”

However, the liver itself needs detoxifying. Cranberries provide antibacterial and antiviral protection, which helps to detoxify the liver. The berries also work to clean the blood of wastes and impurities.

10. Fighting the Risks of Cancer

Claiming that the berries can cure cancer would be irresponsible. However, adding them to your daily food intake can reduce some of the risks. Of course, better health, weight, and nutrition management can help to prevent cancer. And these berries provide all these benefits. Additionally, cranberries stimulate physical, mental, and spiritual health through the mind-body connection.

Real-world negative energy can cause a severe imbalance in the body’s performance. Even the smallest negative issue can aggravate mental, physical, and spiritual problems. However, it’s not the actual problem that has a major effect on your health. The imbalance of performance energy can prove seriously detrimental to health, mental focus, and spiritual attitude. However, the cranberry is an excellent food that restores balance to your mind-body connection.

In addition to cranberries, elderberry can boost your wellness.

The Bitter and Sweet: Striking a Balance

You can add cranberry to any diet to get the benefits of fresh fruit and a balance between sweet and tart flavors. Great foods always require achieving a balance. Furthermore, you can adjust the balance of your favorite dishes by adding a few berries to get your ideal flavor profile between sour, salty, sweet, and bitter. According to many mind-body experts, achieving the perfect balance produces a fifth taste – umami.

The berries are a good source of vitamins E and C, which are antioxidants. Besides, the fruit also has lots of fiber because the peels are eaten. You can add berries to oatmeal, cereal, homemade bread, muffins, and pancakes. Indeed, many people add these berries to sweet dishes for a balanced flavor.

If you don’t want to balance cranberry tartness with refined sugar, you can use honey, orange juice, and other natural sweeteners. Here’s an excellent idea for gourmet food lovers: Make a salsa using the tart berries and other flavor-balancing ingredients.

Choose Juices Wisely

Many cranberry-type drinks contain corn syrup, water, and other ingredients. Choose juices made of 100-percent cranberry juice for the best results when incorporating the berries into your daily foods. Ideally, you should make your juice or smoothie with natural sweeteners and healthy ingredients.

Final Thoughts on Adding Cranberry to Your Diet

If you need to give your body a break from empty calories, processed foods, and high-fructose corn syrup, a diet that incorporates cranberries is an excellent place to start. You can create lively meals and snacks with the tart berries, and some of the best dishes in the world include the berries as a condiment, garnish, or essential ingredient. Additionally, the berries are commonly used by people who are trying to achieve an umami flavor to nurture the mind, body, and spirit.

So you might want to kick-off your diet with a cranberry-style cleansing drink that provides a powerful punch. Try mixing the juice with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice for a mouth-puckering cleanse. Finally, you will get the best effects if all the ingredients are natural, organic, and fresh.

Researchers Reveal How Body Stores Trauma (And How to Get Rid of it)

January 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Many of you reading these words have experienced trauma, to a greater or lesser degree, at some point in life. Statistics show, for example, that one in three couples have engaged in physical violence; one in four individuals grew up with an alcoholic parent, and one in five has been sexually molested.

It is a common and tragic misconception that past exposure to trauma somehow “goes away” with time. It doesn’t. If anything, our minds simply file trauma away to the subconscious. From there, it can–and often does–manifest in fleeting moments of discontent, impulsivity, and even physical pain.

In other words, this accumulation of trauma shows up in not only mental but physical, symptoms

The focus of this article will be the science of why and how the body stores trauma. First, let’s discuss the often overlooked intelligence of the body system.

The Intelligent Body and the Impact of Trauma

“When I was a student, we were still being taught that the human being comprised a number of different systems that could be understood separately…Now we know better. Each of these ‘systems’, as well as carrying out specific functions, is an information exchange, constantly talking to, and being informed and modified by,’ all of the others.” (Emphasis added) ~ Guy Claxton, Ph.D., “Intelligence in the Flesh” (Source)

In his book “Intelligence in the Flesh,” Dr. Guy Claxton discusses the intricate network of communication inherent to the body system. Claxton describes how every component, e.g., organs, muscles, etcetera, effectively exchanges information from anywhere within the body.

Our body learns responses, such as trauma

Moreover, our body is always learning. It is so because our mind is always doing the same, and the two are inseparable. Let’s take a look at the somatosensory phenomenon.

Somatization is defined as “a tendency to experience and communicate psychological distress in the form of [bodily] symptoms.” In other words, afflictions of the mental kind can, and often do, show up as a physical manifestation. In fact, research shows that mental health disorders strongly correlate to somatic symptoms.

For an example of somatization, look no further than the physical symptoms of anxiety and depression. Patients with depression and anxiety disorders often complain of the following symptoms:

Chest pains
Chronic fatigue
Irritable bowel symptom (IBS)

This revelation is nothing new. Medical doctors have been well aware of the bodily effects of depression and anxiety for a long time. It just tends to be ignored, or worse, misdiagnosed.

Part of the reason is this profoundly ingrained, willful ignorance on behalf of the medical community that the body and mind are separate things. This dualistic view is especially prevalent in Western medicine. Thus, physicians in the west commonly treat mental and physical signs of illness as distinct, separate entities.

Let’s explore this mind and body communication.

How the Brain and Body Cope With Trauma

To understand how the brain, mind, and body communicate, it is helping to have an overview of the brain’s structure.

If you were to look at a 3-dimensional image of the brain, we’d see three systems.

First dimension

The first dimension (“outer layer”) is a large sensory area that runs from the back of the brain to the front. This finding is potentially significant, as sensory stimuli are numerous, yet communicate with a part of the brain, the frontal lobe, that is inclined to single-task and logic.

Second dimension

The second dimension (“middle layer”) essentially connects the right and left brain hemispheres. While certainly a critical function, we’ll mostly ignore it.

Third dimension

The third dimension (“core layer”) is the crucial one for our discussion. The last image would show the brain stem running vertically through the limbic system to the neocortex, the outermost brain region. The entire third dimension transmits information related to emotion and bodily sensations to the logical brain region.

But here’s where it gets fascinating.

The information travels back down. Here’s Claxton:

“…messages are sent in the reverse direction, back down the brain to the brain’s core, whence the information can affect what is going on in the recesses of the body…” In other words, cognitive processes directly impact the functioning of the body.

That brings us to reviewing the cumulative effects of traumatic stimuli on the body stemming from psychological responses.

How the Body “Stores” Trauma – and It’s Effects

“We’ve begun to understand how traumatic experience affects our innermost sensations and our relationship to our physical reality. The core of who we are. We have learned that trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it’s mainly an imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body – most of all, the body.” ~Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. (Source)

Basically, traumatic events reorganize the structure of the mind and brain that alters how we perceive people, things, and events. The effect is that, even when the traumatic event is over, the body continues to feel in a way that it did when the event first took place.

Soldiers who experience combat and who subsequently develop PTSD are a prime example of this process. PTSD is classified as an anxiety disorder. That’s partially because the condition results in a constant sense of tension in the muscles. Therefore, the patient experiences a sort-of “keyed up,” always-on bodily vigilance. For example, it’s common for combat veterans to become extremely frightened and even immobile upon hearing a loud, sudden noise.

In his book Resilience, former Navy Seal Eric Greitens shares with the readers his correspondence with a friend and fellow war vet who had difficulty adjusting following the end of his combat tour. According to Greitens, a sharp noise would sometimes cause to man to drop down and lie next to his vehicle for up to two hours.

His reaction and his body’s response to trauma had become ingrained via muscle memory. According to the Van Der Kolk, this sort of instantaneous communication and subsequent reaction demonstrates the intricate, unified functioning of the body/mind system.

The effects of trauma on the body are numerous.

Beyond the manifesting of physical symptoms such as nausea, pain, sweating, tension, trembling, and so on, trauma contributes to chronic diseases. According to Paul Schnurr, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry at Dartmouth College, trauma contributes to numerous illnesses, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The physical effects of trauma also link to an increased risk of conditions such as chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.

“There’s an increase [in the numbers of] just about every medical issue over time,” says Van Der Kolk about the bodily effects of trauma.

Healing The Body

“Neuroscience research shows that the only way we can change the way we feel is by becoming aware of our inner experience and learning to befriend what is going on inside ourselves.” ~Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.

When it comes to healing trauma, Dr. Van Der Kolk is clear. Stilling the mind and befriending the body is the best form of treatment. He noticed the lack of such interventions in the West. Thus, Van Der Kolk became instrumental in both reviving traditional mind/body practices and by developing his own.

For instance, Dr. Van Der Kolk and his team were first to receive a grant from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for the effects of yoga on PTSD. The team found that yoga had better results in a “very impaired” PTSD population than drug treatment has even had in any research study.

Van Der Kolk goes on to discuss how a 7-day Vipassana-style meditation retreat in a prison population produced outcomes in disturbed populations that were far more positive than any drug or legal intervention.

Final Thoughts: The ADAA Agrees with Van Der Kolk

Per the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), the two main PTSD treatments are prescription medicine, psychotherapy (“talk therapy”), or a combination of the two. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBD) has shown to be useful for many, the outcomes of prescription medication in the treatment of PTSD have been, at best, questionable.

Meanwhile, plenty of evidence exists suggesting the effectiveness of meditation and yoga on trauma patients, including as a complementary therapy. In a meta-analysis of 10 randomized studies involving 643 participants, researchers note that “Meditation interventions – including mindfulness-based stress therapy, yoga, and [mantra] repetition” reduce PTSD symptoms “significantly” compared to prescription medication and other single treatment groups.

Van Der Kolk is currently treating PTSD and other trauma victims with what he calls a “structure.”

He otherwise calls this psychomotor therapy. This therapy forms the framework for the treatment, Pesso Boyden System Psychomotor or PBSP. It’s a body-mind model that uses body awareness and physical movement to counteract the body’s reaction to trauma recollection.

The Community

Our Free Community of Positively Powerful SuperFans

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!