Free Will

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ancient Alchemist devoted their lives to finding the Philosopher’s Stone, a substance to be found in nature that was so pure it would reveal the great secrets of the universe. In their quest they discovered that the pure essence was really pure consciousness. It was the ability to make choices that would lead to divinity. The essence of the process of choosing was found in the gift of free will.

Divinity it seems gave humankind the gift of free will. The world and all its energy could be directed simply by exercising free will. We are not controlled and directed by the supreme power, but rather given the opportunity through all of our experiences to choose our own path. The results of these choices determine both the quality of our lives and the level of our connection with the divine or supreme energy of the universe.

Each time a choice of purification is made the body, the mind and the soul is cleansed of its sins and moved closer towards the pure essence of its being. It is much like the karmic exercise of cleansing over and over until one has corrected the karma.

Free will is a tremendous power. It means that we are free to be the directors of our own lives. True we are born into a particular family and take on a particular physical self; however at the spiritual level these too are choices we have made. We made these choices to correct a part of our spiritual selves. By correction we get closer and closer to our eternal self.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com

 

A Recipe for Sex – The Chicken Dance

To heat things up a rooster may dance in a circles around the hen closest to him often lowering his wing in an attempt to trigger a response from the hen and when she responds he will mount her and mate.  And you thought the chicken dance was something kids do on the play ground! The Chicken Dance ( Bird Dance) is actually a Swiss song that originated in the 1950s.

Chicken is probably the most widely eaten protein, crossing just about every culture. Chicken is a low fat protein and as such can actually help you to lose weight. It is filling and nutritious without all the cholesterol of red meat. The best chicken to eat is pastured chicken which mean the chicken is kept in a bottomless cage where they feed on the grass and insects that grow beneath their feet. Free range chicken just means the chicken is kept in a large cage where they are allowed to roam within the cage. Note pastured chicken is free of all hormones, arsenic and provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

When I was in Morocco I ordered a chicken tagine. It was the sweetest and softest chicken I had ever eaten outside of my childhood where we eat chicken from my grandfather’s farm.( In those days the chickens roamed free throughout the pasture.) The next day I was wandering through the medina (market place) when I heard a chicken scream, a thud and silence. Suddenly, I realized that the chicken I ate the night before was pastured and killed fresh.

For those who don’t eat meat (chicken included) for either health or ethical reasons this whole episode might sound quite barbaric. But it is important to remember that each culture and each person has their own perspective on life and death. Being true to yourself, while allowing others to make their choices, (given that those choices do not harm you) is to be respected. Living a yogi life and practicing the yoga of eating simply means to not be wasteful and cruel. More than making a moral judgment about what one eats or doesn’t eat, is to be respectful of life and remember, waste not-want not.

But can chicken make me a hot chick and get my husband to get up and dance and crow like a rooster? Easy to digest, low fat protein, rich in our old friend niacin (the sex tingle vitamin) and a large variety of ways to prepare it with sauces and spices makes chicken a good choice when it comes to the dance of love .

Chicken is an excellent source of tryptophan and a very good source of niacin. Vitamin B-3 comes in two forms niacin and niacinamide. Our bodies make niacinamide from tryptophan which is found in animal meat and especially high in chicken. B3 helps the body to metabolize fat and improves circulation. B3 is also helpful as a supplement for treating anxiety and depression.

So, if we can get low fat, high protein and good circulation from such a sexy and versatile bird we might just want to get up, flap our wings and do the chicken dance and let the crowing begin!

 http://www.doctorlynn.com

What in Your Life Needs Balancing?

 

 

 

 

 

 

When an uncontrolled desire to receive for the self-alone occurs, an energy imbalance happens and the individual cuts self-off from the spiritual source of energy known as creation. In such a case a frenetic chase for satisfactions and pleasures takes place. In the frenetic chase of the so-called good things in life, people forget that these are only the outer trappings of the material world and never lead to true happiness.

Reality is not as clear and simple as we wish it would be. All spiritual disciplines lead to the same path of Truth. The essence and the search for wisdom are simply a choice of methodology.

Creating balance is all about the use of energy. The physical manifestations of the world are simply the creation of thoughts, concepts, and consciousness. Behind the concepts, thoughts and consciousness is the force of all energy. When we become aware of our ability to harness this force, we begin to create a reality that is about health, balance and harmony.  

Lesson - what in your life needs balancing? Hint – it is what is causing you to feel stressed.

 

http://www.doctorlynn.com

 

A Recipe for Health – Not so Mean Mr. Mustard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mustard seeds just like their relatives the crucifers family (broccoli, cabbage) are a powerhouse when it comes to health benefits. Mustard seeds are a very good source of selenium which has been shown to reduce the severity of asthma, decrease some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and help to prevent cancer. Mustard seeds are also a good source of magnesium which also helps with asthma, lowers blood pressure, restores sleep to women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms, reduces migraine attacks and helps to prevent heart attacks.

Mustard seeds also qualify as a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as a good source of iron, calcium, zinc, manganese, magnesium, protein, niacin and dietary fiber. With all the concern about eating fish mustard seeds can help to supplement your omega 3 –fatty acids.

There are three basic types of mustard seeds; black, white and brown. White which are actually yellow in color are used to make standard yellow mustard. The brown seeds are used to make Dijon mustard. Dijon mustard originated in 1856, when Jean Naigeon of Dijon substituted the acidic "green" juice of not-quite-ripe grapes, for vinegar in the traditional mustard recipe.

Mustard seeds date back to ancient Sanskrit writings and the bible. Varieties have been found in Asia, India and Europe. It is one of the most popular spices traded today. Most mustard is sold as seeds or power and used as a condiment for many dishes. When we think of mustard we think of  the yellow kind that goes on hot dogs. But the seeds and the powder have a variety of uses. Mustard seeds can be roasted and added to dishes or you can rub mustard powder into chicken and fish before cooking.

When I was a child I was given a necklace with a mustard seed pendant. I was told it was for good luck and would keep me safe. A mustard seed worn around the neck was supposed to keep demons away. In Biblical terms the mustard seed means that a small amount of faith can grow into the kingdom of heaven. I am not a religious person but it goes something like this;

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field: which indeed is less than all seeds, but when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Biblical parable

Now selenium, tryptophan and omega 3 fatty acids make mustard a very good source for your health, but did you know that mustard can be used as a decongestant, for circulatory problems and as a digestive tonic. Mustard is warming and not only does it taste good, but it helps the digestive system digest foods.

Mustard can be used as a poultice, mixtured and plastered onto the chest to relieve congestion, aches and pains. Use mustard seeds in a  foot bath to relieve achy feet.

I guess Mean Mr. Mustard is not so bad after all!

 

 

http://www.doctorlynn.com

 

The Thousand Stair Climb - Why am I doing this?

First because everyone needs clean air and fresh water to live. Second because when I was recovering from cancer I could not climb even a few stairs for nearly two months. I told myself if I recovered I would never complain about climbing stairs again and gladly climb every chance I got. Third because it's a good cause and lastly because I'm part of a team!

Don't feel you need to donate. If you do - thank you! You can click below to give. Every little bit helps!

  

On April 11th, I’m participating in the Fight for Air Climb Los Angeles event to help raise money for lung disease research and education. As you may know, lung disease has touched my life and I strongly support the mission of the American Lung Association to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.

I would really appreciate your support, please know, any amount of donation helps:

$7 -  on behalf of the 7 million children living with asthma
$18 – to fund more research and increase the current 5 year lung cancer survivor rate of 18%
$22 – in honor of the 22,000 breaths an average human takes every 24 hours
$37 – because women are 37% more likely to have COPD than men and COPD is the third leading cause of death in the US
$50 - almost half of lung cancers in people under 50 occur in women
$80 – so we can prevent young adults to start smoking. Over 80% adult smokers started before age 21
$90 – because we all deserve to breath clean and healthy air, however 90 percent of Californians living in areas with unhealthy air
$110 – because lung cancer is the least research funded cancer and we have to give our 110% to change that

Your donation to the American Lung Association will sustain their commitment to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research.

You can make a donation by clicking here and then clicking on my name.

I would be grateful for your support as I challenge myself not only in participating in the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb event, but also by raising money for this very worthwhile cause.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Doctor Lynn

A Recipe for Health, Sex, Happiness and Love

Moroccan Stew

A tagine is a North African stew and also the name of the pot in which the stew is made. To make this dish you will need a tagine. You can buy one on line or at any good quality cooking store. Once you start using it, you will use it over and over again. Make sure you prepare it according to the directions – oil and slow cook. It is so easy to use and easy to clean.

To balance the sweetness of a fruit tagine start with a simple carrot salad

Shredded carrot salad

Whisk together about a tablespoon of Dijon mustard and about   2 tablespoon of olive oil.

 In a  mixing bowl

2 cups of shredded carrots

1 cup of shredded cabbage

Toss in a handful of  dark currants or dark raisins

Toss in a handful of chopped parsley

Add dressing and toss – serve as starter salad or as a side dish.

 

This is my husband’s favorite tagine. It’s made with lamb, fruit and spices.

Lamb tagine with prunes, apricots and honey

1-2 tablespoons of olive oil

2 tablespoons of blanched almonds

1 large red onion finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic finely chopped

1 medium size carrot cut into bite size pieces

1 thumb size piece of fresh ginger peeled and chopped

A pinch of saffron threads

2 cinnamon sticks

11/2 teaspoons of coriander seed crushed

1 lb of lamb, from the shoulder, leg or shank, trimmed and cubed( I prefer the shank)

15 pitted prunes soaked for one hour and drained

10 dried apricots soaked for one hour and drained

6 strips of un-waxed orange peel

2 tablespoons of dark honey

A little sea salt and ground black pepper

A handful of fresh cilantro leaves finely chopped

Heat the oil in a tangine (can use a heavy based casserole dish),stir in the almonds and cook until tender. Add onion and garlic and sauté until they begin to color. Stir in saffron, ginger, cinnamon sticks and coriander seeds. Toss in the lamb and carrot making sure they get coated with all the spices. Sauté of about 2 minutes

Pour in enough water to just cover the meat and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat, cover the tagine with the top and simmer for about 1 hour until the meat is tender. Add the prunes, apricots and orange peel, cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Stir in the honey, season with salt and pepper, cover and simmer for another 10 minutes. Make sure there is enough liquid in the pot so that the sauce is syrupy and slightly caramelized but not dry.

Sprinkle in some cilantro leaves and leave the rest to sprinkle over the top of the dish. Serve immediately with a side of couscous or with crusty bread.

Serve with a good red French wine such as Bordeaux. Morocco has a big French influence so a French wine goes well with Moroccan food.

For dessert you might want to make it a light sorbet. Lemon and a French macaroon for sweetness. My favorite macaroons – outside Lauderee’ in Paris where I first had them back in 2001 is Paulette’s. You can go to the website and order them in a variety of flavors.paulettesmacarons.com - They are close to the originals born at Lauderee’.

جيد جدا الغذائي

 

Devotion to what you love

 

 

Today we’re going to study a little bhakti yoga. Success in any endeavor and especially on the journey to enlightenment takes time. If you have an intention with a great devotion the time will be shorter. However, it all depends upon whether you are practicing or working (doing your karma) faithfully. It’s about devotion and that is bhakti yoga. Further bhakti is about finding your Ishta. What is your Ishta? It is that which you can devote yourself to with complete faith.

It means devotion or surrender to the divine energy of the universe. In practical terms, it is the inspired vision that focuses our desires. We know that desire leads to action and action leads to achievement, but desire left on its own without an underlying vision has a tendency to move in many directions at the same time. We desire this and we desire that; lacking focus. A clear vision gives us direction. That’s why we need to practice karma, discipline and focus. Nothing is achieved without practice.  Let’s practice.

 

In the study of Bhakti yoga, love is seen first from a spiritual perspective and then applied in a practical way so that the way of the heart or the journey towards love becomes a harmonizing and uplifting place where our personal relationships serve the spiritual process of self-discovery and self-transcendence. This requires karma or the ability to transcend the ego and see all of life and all of life’s relationships as opportunities to grow. When we do this we annihilate the seeds of karma. That is why even a so called “bad” relationship has the opportunity to bring you wisdom and gaining wisdom is why we are here.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com

 

 

Maya the Illusion of Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maya however does not mean that the world is an illusion, but rather that illusion rests in our point of view. The shapes and structures we see around us are really the concepts of our measuring and categorizing minds.

In the Hindu view like the Buddhist view, all things are fluid and ever changing. Since the illusion is constantly changing, Karma (meaning action) is the active principle behind the force of creation.

As long as we believe in the illusion of life and that we are separate (ego driven) from the rest of the universe we are bound by Karma. To break the bonds of Karma is to realize the divinity (unity) in all of life.

Yoga, which means yoke, is a way to join the eternal energy of the universe. There are many kinds of Yoga, each suited to a different temperament and level of development. All however strive towards developing an intrinsic balance that will help you to maintain your balance in life while being  able to compensate for the stressful influences which constantly threaten to upset your balance and harmony. The key word here is balance. Stress, ill health, weight problems, addictions, relationship problems, financial problems, or whatever we perceive to be our earthy problems is the result of an unbalanced energy system. To correct this we must implement a program that allows us to rediscover our balance and then maintain it.

Learning to balance energy is the process of lifestyle change. Without it we simply will swing back and forth or up and down and never reach states of physical, mental and spiritual balance.

The reason why fad diets, and quick fix exercise programs or crisis intervention don’t always work is because we are not dealing with the inner core of energy and balance. Once we learn to harness this energy our choices, attitudes and perceptions drastically change.

We see the illusion for what it is – we are not the material world, but the material world is here to teach us the lessons of life. Maya – remember  your perceptions and your attitudes are the illusion- nothing is permanent - everything changes. The only reality is that we are all connected in the great web of life. Respect yourself, respect others and respect the universe for we are all connected.

Doctor Lynn http://www.doctorlynn.com

 

 

Karma – cause and effect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To overcome karma there must be faith or at least courage to overcome what we must change in order to find peace. It will take discipline and strength. You will be tested every day. You must have a good memory so you can avoid repeating your mistakes. And you must take time to contemplate your life. Understand the difference between the life you think you are living and the one you are really living.

Hinduism like Buddhism is a set of spiritual instructions teaching us that the multitudes of things around us are simply manifestations of the same ultimate reality. Ultimate reality is understood as the soul or inner essence of things. When we confused the underlying unity of creation with our perceptions we are under the spell of maya, meaning illusion.    

Maya however does not mean that the world is an illusion, but rather that illusion rests in our point of view. The shapes and structures we see around us are really the concepts of our measuring and categorizing minds.

In the Hindu view like the Buddhist view, all things are fluid and ever changing. Since the illusion is constantly changing, Karma (meaning action) is the active principle behind the force of creation.

**********************************

Understand the difference between the life you think you are living and the one you are really living. You are here to bring peace to your soul. Your earthly lessons are presented to you so that you might have the opportunity to overcome karma and find eternal peace. Your life is not about the material world. However, the material world provides an opportunity to discover yourself. Reflect upon your actions for every action cause a reaction. This is karma – cause and effect.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com

The Four Noble Truths

 

 

 

 

Buddhism teaches that there are four Nobel Truths that dictate the nature of our lives. The first is that frustration comes from an inability to accept that all things are transitory, meaning constantly changing. Nothing in our lives is permanent.

The second Noble Truth is that all our suffering comes from grasping or clinging to life based upon a wrong point of view. By clinging to beliefs and aspects of life that we believe to be permanent we lose sight of the fluidity of life. We confuse our perception of reality for reality. It thus creates a vicious circle where every action creates further action. This is known as the Law of Karma or the never-ending chain of cause and effect.

The third Noble Truth states that we can transcend the laws of cause and effect. To reach this state we must transcend the bondage of Karma and give up the false notion of being separate from the oneness of the universe.

The fourth Noble Truth is the prescription for ending all suffering. It is the eight-fold path of self-development. The first two sections deal with right seeing (perceptions) and right knowing (attitudes). The next four are ways of action such as balance through, nutrition, exercise, meditation or generally living a balanced life without swinging between extremes. The last section is about right awareness and right meditation, which is the direct mystical experience of reality.

Hinduism like Buddhism is a set of spiritual instructions teaching us that the multitudes of things around us are simply manifestations of the same ultimate reality. Ultimate reality is understood as the soul or inner essence of things. When we confused the underlying unity of creation with our perceptions we are under the spell of maya, meaning illusion.    

Maya however does not mean that the world is an illusion, but rather that illusion rests in our point of view. The shapes and structures we see around us are really the concepts of our measuring and categorizing minds.

In the Hindu view like the Buddhist view, all things are fluid and ever changing. Since the illusion is constantly changing, Karma (meaning action) is the active principle behind the force of creation.

Doctor Lynn

A Recipe for Love – an Arabian night

 

 

 

Is there a genie in those spice jars sitting on your shelf? Could they possess the spice of love? It has long been believed that spices such as saffron and cinnamon are spices of love. Both spices play prominent roles in middle eastern cooking, folk lore and myths.

When I was in Morocco I bought saffron, cinnamon and a spice mix called, Ras el hanout or top of the shop. The smell and the flavor was not at all like anything you find on the grocery store shelf. As I wondered through the open spice market I was amazed at the meager cost and the brilliant colors and smells. Next to the spice cart was a cart of dates, plums, apricots and nuts. Everything was neatly stacked and wonderfully displayed for the shoppers to purchase and turn into the evening meal.

In the Middle East the Arabs use fruits and spices to create sweet and interesting stews. My favorite is the Tagines from Morocco. Saffron and cinnamon play top note to the flavor and the scent. Tender meat and interesting flavors make tagines a work of love.

Saffron, a very expensive spice is thought to bring love and lust into your life. Cinnamon, as well is known for its ability to both excite and entice. Top of the shop is a combination of spices that is used to top off a dish giving it a distinct flavor. Top of the shop spice mix is made different by each vendor in Morocco. It is a blend of salt, pepper, turmeric, cumin, ginger, paprika, saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and white pepper. You’ll find all these spices added to any Moroccan dish.

The stews are made in a tagine (a Moroccan stewing pan). The stews cook for several hours constantly being stirred with love. The word tagine although referred to as the pot, in which the stew is cooked, means a succulent stew. The word succulent means juicy and full of interest. Sounds like love to me!

Spices add flavor and interest to our foods. Spicing up your relationship can enhance love and renew interest. Often times we take for granted the flavors of life. Love is something we seek, find and then abandon in the shuffle of time. Like spices, love carefully blended into our life enhances all that we think, say and do. Love adds flavor.

The Arabian Nights are a collection of fables, romances, historic accounts and fairy tales collected from various ethnic backgrounds; mostly Indian and Persian. Probably they were first oral stories that later were written into a Syrian manuscript that is now housed in Paris.

Fairy tales, romance and fables intrigue us because they spice up the ordinary into something hot, warm, tingling and aromatic. Adding interesting spices to your cuisine by trying different ethnic foods will ignite the senses and just might aromatically spark your love life.

Doctor Lynn
http://www.doctorlynn.com

Working on your karma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You must have faith and courage to discover why you are here. You must be strong enough to withstand all the lessons and tests of life. You must have a good memory so that you remember your mistakes and stop repeating them. You must be willing to contemplate and reflect upon your life. And you must be able to discriminate between who you think you are and who you really are – you are your soul.

To accomplish this you must practice –with intent and with dedication. If you have continually practiced yoga you know it has improved your life. There is more to yoga than the poses. Karma yoga is about discovering why you are here and the work you must do to free your soul.

Nothing is accomplished without practice.

Live your life with faith and, courage. Be strong enough to withstand the tests and lessons of life. Have a good memory so you remember the mistakes you have made and stop repeating them. Take time to contemplate and reflect. And remember you are not the material world – you are your soul.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com

A Recipe for Happiness - a prune and an apricot walked into…

When most of us think of apricots and prunes we think of laxatives and high fiber. Now it’s true that both have high fiber, but as to the laxative attribute it’s debatable. Seems there is no conclusive evidence to support either one being a laxative. However, they both are nutritious and can lift our mood making us happier and therefore perhaps a little more relaxed and well you know…things happen when you’re relaxed!

Prunes are dried plums and apricots are apricots. Prunes are high in fiber and vitamin A. They are also a good source of potassium and an antioxidant. Apricots are also a good source of fiber and high in vitamin A. Both fruits can be eaten fresh or dried however, when you dry fruit you remove the water and increase the sugar content.

Prunes are an excellent antioxidant rating high on the ORAC scale which measures the antioxidant in foods. Antioxidants help the body to fend off free radicals which cause the body to age. Stress, smoking, pollution, airplanes, poor diet and a general overall unhealthy lifestyle attribute to the body’s production of free radicals. Even if we are living a healthy lifestyle we cannot help but be bombarded by free radicals. None of us can escape pollution and stress; even if we could control everything else.

Apricots are also a good source for antioxidants. Although not as high on the ORAC scale as prunes, apricots are a good source for the antioxidant vitamin A, which has been shown to have a positive effect on eyesight. Apricots are also a good source of tryptophan and potassium. Both of which contribute to an improved state of mind.

The Apricot originated in China and now the majority of apricots consumed in our country come from California. And guess what? The process of drying plums into prunes took hold in California which happens to be the leading producer of prunes worldwide.

Apricots arrive as one of the first signs of summer and plums likewise make their first appearance in late spring and early summer. Is there anyone who doesn’t smile at the thought of fresh fruit ripening on a tree?

Prunes and apricots work hard to keep us young. They provide us with energy, nutrients and essential vitamins and minerals. They’re sweet and versatile. You’ll find them in recipes, brandies, jams, pies and more. Does hard working, energetic, essential, vital and sweet make you smile?

Say hello to Happiness - the prune and  the apricot!

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com

 

 

What does it mean to burn the seeds of desire?

Here we study a little of karma yoga which means we are here to work through our vices and gather our virtues. This is the work of life and not that of the material world. We all desire to acquire things. It is not wrong to desire. It is human nature. But it is our attachment to these things and our inability to see these things as separate from which we are that is the problem.

Our task here on earth is to be able to discern between whom we really are and life as we think we see it and experience it. We are not the material world. We are our soul and our soul is here in this life to accomplish its mission. What is that mission?  To discover our mission we must practice with faith or at least courage. We need a good memory so that we can avoid repeating our mistakes and remember the lessons we’ve learned. We must contemplate or stop and reflect. And finally we must be able to discern between who we think we are and who we really are. You are your soul.  Listen…

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com

 

Noble Truths

 

 

 

 

 

First Noble Truth – our difficulty is accepting that things change.

The second Noble Truth is that all our suffering comes from grasping or clinging to life based upon a wrong point of view. By clinging to beliefs and aspects of life that we believe to be permanent we lose sight of the fluidity of life. We confuse our perception of reality for reality. It thus creates a vicious circle where every action creates a reaction. This is known as the Law of Karma or the never-ending chain of cause and effect.

Everything in life continually changes. Accept change and learn to move with the flow of life for what might be important right now may mean nothing a moment from now.

Focus on the important part of your life - health, happiness and peace. The rest will take care of itself.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com

 

A Recipe for Sex – Carrots–More Than Meets the Eye

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Orange is the color associated with the sacral chakra center which in yoga is the center of sexuality. Carrots are orange so that must make them sexy, right? Well it’s not just the color of carrots that makes them an erotic vegetable. There’s more to the carrot than meets the eye!

Carrots have long been promoted as good for your eyesight. That’s because carrots provide vitamin A and a deficiency in vitamin A has been associated with night blindness. When I was young my parents would tell me to eat my carrots because they were good for my eyes. When I looked at them inquisitively, my father would ask me if I ever saw a bunny rabbit wearing glasses. I would smile and eat my carrots.

Eating carrots for eyesight is an old wives tale, however eating carrots for sexual health is something else. Carrots are an edible root vegetables packed with nutrients. They are sweet and easily digestible both raw and cooked. They are rich in beta carotene which is what gives it the orange color. Further carrots provide a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B (Riboflavin, Niacin, Thiamin, vitamin B6 and folate), vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) and vitamin K. They are also a rich source of minerals such as manganese and potassium. Carrots also provide iron, copper, zinc, calcium, selenium, proteins, carbohydrates and biotin. Each 100-gram of carrots contains 0.6 gram of protein, 7.6 gram of carbohydrates, 30 milligram of calcium, 0.3 gram of fat and 0.6 milligram of iron.

The Greeks and Romans believed carrots to be an aphrodisiac. So much so that the Roman emperor Caligula fed nothing but carrots to his senate so he could watch them romp like wild beast. A study out of Glasgow found that males who ate more carotenoids lived longer, were healthier and were more attractive to females.

Vitamin A is needed for the production of hormones in both men and women. In men the proper amounts of vitamin A are responsible for sperm production and virility and in females vitamin A is responsible for responsiveness and the ability to carry a fetus.

Vitamin A is responsible for our gonads (sex organs – testes and ovaries) ability to convert cholesterol into the sex hormones to be released into the blood stream and give us desire.  Without adequate vitamin A the ovaries in women and the prostate in men stop producing mucus and sex hormones.

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin meaning it is eaten, transported and stored in fat. You must be careful when cutting fat out of your diet not to cut out the fat soluble vitamins. However, one way to make sure you get plenty of vitamin A and keep the fat and calories down is to eat carrots. Cooking and processing kills the vitamin A in most foods. Carrots however, are a good source both raw and steamed.  A little side of steamed carrots just might steam things up in the bedroom. So you see there’s more to carrots than meets the eye!

Doctor Lynn
http://www.doctorlynn.com

 

Yoga Today Liberation

 

 

 

 

The world is just a shadow from which we are completely free. This is what it means to be liberated. However, we come to this world with lessons to learn. This is the nature of karma. Lets’ suppose you gain a certain mastery over some aspect of life, but you die before you reach total liberation. You leave behind your body, but must come back again to finish the job on the pathway to enlightenment. It is only possible to attain liberation as a human being. That is because it is only through our humanness that we can acquire the consciousness necessary to attain complete liberation from desire. However, life is challenging. We will always be presented with desires and will never attain true freedom until we have burnt away the seeds of desire. This begins our study of karma yoga.

All poses in yoga require work. We must be willing to detach and let go in order to gain. The down dog is an example. It calls upon us to both surrender and at the same time be disciplined. It takes discipline to hold it and surrender to maintain it. Such as down dog; such as life.

To attain liberation we must work to remove the seeds of desire. It is not that we should not desire. It is human nature to want. It is our attachment and the value we put on these desires that must be examined. All of life is transitory. Nothing is permanent, but everything has the possibility for rebirth.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com

Nobel Truth

 

 

 

Buddhism teaches that there are four Nobel Truths that dictate the nature of our lives. The first is that frustration comes from an inability to accept that all things are transitory, meaning constantly changing. Nothing in our lives is permanent.

It is the nature of energy to be constantly changing. We are simply a field of energy body, mind and soul here on earth changing every moment of our lives. You are not the person you were a moment ago. We get into trouble when we get attached to either good energy or destructive energy and then struggle because we want stability and we forget things always change. Life is a rhyme of expansion and contraction, of up and down. When we ride this energy with detachment we find balance and balance always brings us stability.

Nothing in life is permanent. Everything is transitory.  Detach and except change. Ride with the rhythm of life and you will find stability. Stability will bring you balance and balance will bring you peace.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com

 

A Recipe for Health – Bah Bah

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In America Lamb is not one of our major food choices. Once a year at Easter time my mother would make a roast lamb with mint jelly. I can’t say that I liked it. But, then I went to Morocco and had lamb tangine. The meat was soft and moist. In the Middle East and Northern Africa the meat of choice is lamb. Likewise Greece and especially the island of Crete, they eat lamb as a major source of meat.

Currently lamb is the most abundant livestock in the world. Sheep were originally domesticated in Asia and the Middle East; used both for food and for textiles. Since ancient times lamb has been regarded as a religious symbol. It is commonly used as a symbol of sacrifice most notably in the Jewish religion. Christians refer to Jesus as the “lamb of God,” with lamb often times being served as Easter dinner.

Lamb is a staple in countries throughout the world including New Zealand, Greece, the Middle East, Australia and Turkey. I have eaten lamb in every one of these countries and I can tell you that fresh lamb raised in the grassy hills is both pure and delicious.

Lamb is high in saturated fat, but it is also a great source of protein. The human body depends upon protein as a building block. We get all our essential amino acids from meat proteins.

Lamb is also a very good source of zinc. Zinc affects many of our human functions, especially our immune system. A cofactor in many enzymatic reactions, zinc is critical in immune functioning, wound healing and normal cell division. Zinc also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, the body’s metabolic rate and is necessary for optimal smell and taste functioning.

Zinc is especially important for men. Not only is it good for prostate health and sperm count, but it also plays a role in keeping bone density strong in men. A study of 396 men found a correlation between those low levels of dietary zinc, low level of minerals in the blood and low bone density. A 4 ounce serving of lamb provides about 38.3% of the daily requirement for zinc.

Lamb is also a good source of Vitamin B12 which is responsible for the production of red blood cells, preventing anemia, nerve cell development and the proper metabolizing of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Lamb like all red meat should be limited to 1-3 servings a week of about 4 ounces each serving. In other countries meat is not eaten every day. Vegetable proteins, whole grains and fruits and vegetables make up the bulk of the diet with meat as a side dish. If you eat lamb, eat small amounts, no more than 1-2 times per week; so you derive the greatest benefits without sacrificing your health. 

Doctor Lynn
http://www.doctorlynn.com

 

Liberation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last week we studied the use of power and the importance of having the right moral and ethical background.

Lesson today is about achieving a balanced and stable mind within the context of life. Who doesn’t get pulled into drama and emotions or caught up in games, competition and fighting? How about sadness and fear? We call this being tossed around in the world. In the ideal we are in the world, but not of the world. We appear in the world, but are not perturbed or thrown off balance by events. Once this is achieved an individual is liberated. Now it is not that a person must go away and live the life of a hermit in order to achieve liberation. It means to live fully in the world while maintaining your balance. Control your mind and you control everything. Nothing is achieved without practice.

Sometimes people try to run away and hide and even renounce life to be free of life’s turmoil. But you can never run away for the nature of life is to be constantly changing and challenging.

Therefore, with all things in life fully understand their nature, handle them properly and then rise above and be at peace. In this you begin to understand yourself. You free yourself from the entanglement of worldly emotions. You have achieved the power of peace.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com