BABY, I AM

Posts Tagged ‘Nurture’

For years now there has been a debate raging between scientists and psychologists and more importantly between men and women.  The question of whether we are inherently predisposed to cheat on our other half by our genetic make up or whether it is a subsidiary effect of our environment is widely known as part of the ‘nature vs nurture’ debate.The under laying question is; presented with the right opportunity would the average person succumb to their environment and cheat on their partner or would they regardless of circumstances refrain due to intrinsic human nature?When looking at illustrious public figures whose indiscretions of this kind are widely publicised we cant help but wonder whether they where always destined to cheat or was it merely due to the environment they where exposed to.  Is the high octane setting of money, casinos, expensive champagne and the every ready montage of fame hungry individuals available for casual sex natures over-ruling nemesis? OR is this view merely a convenient means of concealing the essence of human nature in some people, after all regular Joe soaps like you and I also cheat.Is it as simple as that if you come from a home where you have witnessed the longevity of marriage, you are more inclined to replicate this due to behavioural traits nurtured in you in your upbringing.Or do we cheat on our partners regardless of the environment we are exposed to because it is human nature to do so.  Just as we might cheat in other aspects of daily life.When considering all the dynamics involved in the debate you cant help but wonder where the issue of ‘free will’ comes in.  Is there a Tiger in all of us or is that just a convenient excuse for bad behaviour?

All of us long for a loving mother. Many of you may feel like abandoned children, having grown up with mothers who did not cater to your needs properly. Therefore, you may be continually searching for nurturing from others. Some of you may even be mothers yourself, and are struggling with your duties as parents. Outside forces may easily distract you for caring for your children. However, when you look at the dove, you can gain insight into how to be a successful mother.

I have always loved birds, especially doves. I have a large tree in my backyard and oftentimes, there will be over a dozen doves sitting in that tree at one time. Although they have been known to perch on the window ledge and make nests in the bushes on the east side of my house directly outside my bedroom, I love to wake up in the morning to the sound of their cooing.

A few years ago, I noticed a mother dove had planted herself on top of the far corner post of my fence. As I went to investigate, I realized she had a nest on top of that post. She did not move for weeks. Finally, a little baby dove emerged and I watched curiously as that little one learned to fly. It took several days before it could fly successfully. The little bird took small steps to learn to fly, first mastering the bottom rung of my fence, then the top rung, and finally taking off across the yard; without the constant care of the mother dove, this tiny bird would not have been able to accomplish this feat.

Within the last week, another dove has settled into a new nest in my yard. The bird, quite industrious, made a nest in an abandoned hanging flower basket. Located right outside my back door on the patio, the basket hangs from a curved, inverted wrought iron hook attached to the east patio wall. Therefore, the hanging basket and makeshift bird’s nest protrudes approximately one foot from the wall and is situated about five feet in the air, safely tucked away from other intruders, such as cats or squirrels.

Since its discovery, I find myself quite drawn to watch and protect the bird. The mother bird rarely leaves the nest. It can sit for almost twenty-four hours without moving. It is amazing. When my yardmen appeared the other day to cut the grass, I gave strict instructions not to disturb the nest. The bird did fly off during all the commotion. However, within hours, she lovingly appeared again and took up her position over the small egg.

There are other birds in nature, such as mockingbirds and blue jays, who have built nests in my yard. However, no bird is ever as peaceful as the dove. Although mockingbirds sing beautifully, if you inadvertently get too close to their nests, they will dive bomb you incessantly. I have seen mockingbirds, and blue jays alike, attack many an animal that strayed too close to their young, including dogs, cats, squirrels and other birds.

However, the mothering instinctive behavior of the dove is more than just a force of nature. I believe the dove has true nurturing abilities. From my observations, I understand why the dove is considered the symbol of peace. Although I have walked very close to the nest, the bird simply flies away and does not attack. Furthermore, the bird returns despite any adversity. It simply waits patiently for things to change and calm down.

Furthermore, the dove has the additional patience of Job as it sits for hours and weeks, waiting for its egg to hatch. I have noticed the dove sit without moving during the cold, during severe wind, and during rain. Nothing seems to phase the bird from its mission of protecting its egg, not even the lack of food or shelter.

In today’s society, everything is rush, rush, rush. Many of us become frustrated and angry if things we want to happen in our lives do not occur almost instantaneously, as we are accustomed to things moving at this quick pace. If others get in your way, you may attack them until they leave you alone. You may want change now. You may be unhappy with your relationships, job, financial situation, health, or life.

In Matthew 6 of the Bible, we learn that the spirit of God takes care of every creature, no matter how small. The dove is secure with this knowledge and does not drift from its course of creating a new life. It is the ultimate mother, both nurturing and peaceful. It continues to wait unwearyingly for its egg to hatch.

Consider taking a lesson from the mother dove, bird of peace. Wait uncomplainingly for the new life you are birthing to come forth—the new life of spiritual ascension within you. No matter the cold attitudes of others, the winds of change, or the rain and storms of life, stay the course. Do not let others ruffle your feathers. Simply fly away from trouble and return to that place of peace when things have calmed down. Do not abandon your post and worry about other things. You will be taken care of by the spirit of God just as occurs with the dove. In doing so, you will be rewarded with a beautiful new life—a life that will allow you to soar high!

Copyright Statement:This article was written by Cindy L. Herb and may be reproduced on any related website provided the text is not changed in any form and this copyright statement is displayed unedited in its entirety at the foot of the article and you use the exact same HTML code to ensure a clickable link back to the author’s site. Further articles are also available. Contact the author for more information. Copyright 2010 Cindy L. Herb, http://www.cherbchronicles.com. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

How can it be that science values nature, isn’t that essentially the same as believing in fate? personally I believe it all comes down to nurture, but then the question is raised; how much of our nurture is a result of our nature? My line of thought may seem extremely wrong to some, but the fact is i’m just in denial, I refuse to accept that certain aspects in our current personalities were established the day we were conceieved. If one argues nature, that could be viewed as quite a racist view. Let me elaborate, the majority of North America firmly believes that Al qaeda are insane, whereas they obviously find our ways completely insane. If we believe in the Nature argument, doesn’t that also mean we think everyone from that geographic location is insane? We know they’re not, so obviously Nurture plays an extremely large role.

On the other hand, personalities would affect the jobs we take, certain jobs today were non existant when the first civillizations existed. Has our nature changed since then? I’d argue no, therefore I don’t believe we have been evolving mentally, or if we have, not in terms of our nature, our instinct. Honestly, my view is uncertain, i don’t know enough about the science involved in this, i am admittedly no scientist, though I once got an A in chemistry, suck it Peter Agre.

 I find it so strange that science seems to be advocating fate in a sense, it’s getting far too religious to my liking.

This debate honestly seems as unlikely to end as the debate for the existence of god and of course, more importantly, who stole the cookie from the cookie jar? Was it you?!Couldn’t be?

… Then WHO?!

Nurture. This word often conjures up images of a mother caring for her child, a nurse taking care of the needs of her patients or perhaps a gardener tending his plants. However, what is often overlooked is self-nurturance. Do you daily take quiet time to relax? How long has it been since you enjoyed a massage, a manicure or a day at the spa? If you have a partner, when was the last time you received special attention, such as having your hair brushed or head petted? Have you taken time to soak your body in warm water? Do you often stop and enjoy the beauty in nature?

 

Many of you were raised to be slaves and servants to others, being taught that taking care of your needs first is an act of selfishness. For those of you who chose this as one of your basic belief codes, you eventually found yourself literally working yourself to death to please family, friends and employers.

 

It is no wonder you don’t have time to nurture yourselves. After so much time and energy is spent taking care of everyone else, there is nothing left for you. Even those of you who do have the time, energy and financial resources to pamper yourselves may choose not to do so because of guilt, shame and unworthiness.

 

Have you taken time to look at the various reasons you place others’ needs before your own? Do you do these things out of obligation or to assuage guilt? Do you tend to the needs of others as a way to build your self-esteem? Are you trying to impress others with your acts of service? Do you need to be rewarded or recognized when you help others? Be honest and ask yourself why you place others’ needs before your own.  

 

Are you ready to start taking better care of your Self? Before you get out of bed in the morning, ask your body, “What do I need today to be full of energy and joy?” Once you learn to listen, you will find that your body will tell you exactly what it needs. Pay attention to your aches and pains; your body was designed with alarm systems to tell you when it needs food, water, exercise and rest.

 

Do you feel hot or cold? It takes a tremendous amount of energy to regulate body temperature. Wear the appropriate clothing, even if it is not fashionable. Are you overworking your muscles? Do less toil and take time to nurture your muscles with a massage or warm bath. Have you considered petting yourself and thanking your body? There are myriads of you who think it taboo to touch yourself in loving ways. Hundreds of you cannot even look at your body in a mirror when you are unclothed. How can you ever expect to love another when you are unable to appreciate your own physical vessel?

 

Develop a close, personal relationship with your body. Begin by gazing into your eyes while looking at your reflection in a mirror and telling yourself that you love you, that you are a wonderful person and that you are beautiful. Pay attention to your body each moment as you prepare to eat, asking your body what it needs. Listen to its responses. When you feel bloated, gassy, weak or tired, note what foods you have recently eaten and change your diet accordingly.

 

Take time to read labels on processed foods, most are filled with food preservatives that are extremely toxic. Many companies use additives such as corn syrup to addict you to their products. Other additives such as aspartame are foreign to the body; it doesn’t know how to assimilate them, so these toxins are stored the tissue of the cells. This is one reason why people who consume “diet foods” actually gain weight!

 

Take time to research the effects of amalgams used to repair dental cavities. Take time to review the effects of toxic substances such as pharmaceuticals and beauty products. There is an abundance of information available on how to prevent surgeries and cure cancers through diet and the use of herbs. 

 

It is time to take charge and realize that medical practitioners are not “gods;” they do not have all the answers. You may have heard joking remarks about doctors “practicing” medicine. Well, indeed, this is what they do. Have you ever wondered why they order so many tests? Making a diagnosis is a guessing game. Through testing, they “rule out” possible diagnoses and treat the patient for what appears to be a specific problem, many times prescribing medications that only exasperate the initial problem.

 

Each person’s body is unique; a myriad of problems have created this state of imbalance in the body, including thought forms that allowed the manifestation of the dis-ease in the first place. Take time to nurture yourself by spending time in nature. You will feel healthier, more vibrant, mentally alert and balanced, leaving you with the time, energy and desire to nurture yourself. Once you have taken care of your needs, then you can be of service to others in a more beneficial way.

Hair is a crucial component of the human body and it is necessary that every person grows hair to enhance the outlook from the physical perspective as well as comprehensive overall personality. However, off late, there is too much stress on the need to maintain the hair by adding plenty of cosmetics and chemicals such as shampoos, hair wash and others to nurture the hair. Often, it is found that these cosmetics, containing chemicals and various combinations, may eventually damage the hair in the long run exposing the risk of losing the hair once and for all. Therefore, it is suggested that the hair on the head be allowed to grow on its own without any intervention either through artificial assistance or addition of chemicals.

Not all shampoos and cosmetics products are harmful to the hair, but it becomes difficult to distinguish the damage caused to the hair from person to person. Each person’s physical composition is different. So, it is difficult to assess how the chemical reacts to each person. There is no standard process to assess how the cosmetics products and the chemicals might act upon the hair, which might eventually lead to a plenty of problems such as hair loss, hair splitting, balding, bleaching of the bald surface and hair falling.

Besides, an individual cannot claim any damages for hair loss after using a particular cosmetic product since it does not contain universally accepted ingredients. It becomes difficult for the person to even prove that the hair loss is on account of the shampoo or the cosmetic product. The advisory of the cosmetic product is very clear that it only promotes hair growth, but does not promise any permanent solution. Therefore, utmost caution should be exercised before applying any shampoo to promote hair growth. In view of all these circumstances, it is recommended that people promote natural growth of hair instead of resorting to the shampoos and cosmetics products.

One of the best ways to promote natural growth of hair is to apply plenty of oil to the hair at least twice a week or three times a week. Hair oil such as castor oil or coconut oil or even organic oil is considered good for the well being and the health of the hair. Applying oil periodically to hair will not only strengthen the roots of the air and follicle, but will also help in systematic growth of the hair. For years, people have been applying hair oil to promote the growth of the hair instead of the cosmetics. Hair oil is considered appropriate for the growth of hair since it contains natural ingredients. In many countries with ancient history, people have been using natural oil to promote hair growth.

The roots of nurture are our root vegetables and gourds. They are stable comfort foods as fall and winter approaches. We no longer crave the cooling fruits of trees; instead, we long for the warming fruits of the earth. When we go to the farmers market or the produce store, we can now find a vast and wonderful selection of root vegetables and weird looking winter squashes. They’re rich in sweetness, fiber, and nutrients, all of which help contribute to them being rich in satisfaction.
Root vegetables.
To be a true root, the vegetable needs to grow underground and play the role of a root for a plant, which means absorbing moisture and nutrients from the ground. Generally the term “root” is used for any underground part of a plant that we eat. Even though onions and leeks are both related, we would call an onion a root vegetable but not a leek, since leeks grow above ground.
More on root vegetables:
Root vegetables include beets, burdock, faikon, carrots, horseradish, radishes, rutabagas, parsnips, salsify, and turnips
Bulbs are the part of a plant that grow underground. Examples of this are onions and garlic
Corms are underground stems that grow vertically. Celeriac, taro, and water chestnuts are corms (even though water chestnuts grow underwater, not underground). Corms store starch for the plant.
Rhizomes are stems that grow horizontally underground. Roots grow off the rhizomes and the parts of the plant that will appear above ground. Ginger and turmeric are rhizomes.
Tubers are underground stems. They grow in thickness instead of length. Sweet potatoes, yams, and other potatoes are tubers.
Root vegetables have never been very fashionable, but they’re winning over new fans because of their nourishing value and comfort-food appeal. Almost all root vegetables need to be cooked, so they require more effort (read: time), which often makes them more of a rare treat than a stable daily food.
Gourds or winter squash.
Gourds include pumpkin, winter squash, and all the warty, odd-shaped, decorative plants we see this time of year. Squash is the fruit of the gourd family. It originated in the western hemisphere and was consumed by man at least 5,000 years ago, probably even earlier. Winter squash, butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash is firmer in the flesh and has a thick skin. Winter squash requires longer cooking than other vegetables, but it can be cooked and eaten with the skin. Some prefer to carve out the meat inside when eating them.
They keep well in a cool dark place for up to a month and should not be refrigerated. When choosing your squash, look for a bright, firm skin, free of bruises.
Steaming, boiling, sauteeing, roasting, and baking are all great ways to prepare both roots and squashes. They also do very well in stews, soups, and cooked in with beans.
Nourishing Values.
Root vegetables and squash are good sources of vitamins A, B, and C, as well as niacin, potassium, copper, magnesium, folic acid, iron, phosphorus and pantothenic acid (the values vary for each). Those especially deep in color contain the health-promoting antioxidants known as phytochemicals. Take the beta carotene, for example, found in the deep orange of carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin.
“Like most vegetables, roots are low in calories, with about ten to sixty per half-cup serving, and contain negligible amounts of fat,” reports Dr. Jennifer L. Wilkins, a nutritionist at Cornell University. “Many root vegetables are good sources of fiber, providing one to four grams per half cup.”
Most plants have specific medicinal benefits, such as St. John’s Wort, which is mainly used to treat depression, but root vegetables in general have a broad range of uses.
Ginger, for example, is effective for digestive ailments, arthritis, and motion sickness. Garlic has many therapeutic benefits; it acts as an effective anti-bacterial compound, as an anti-carcinogen, and it reduces high cholesterol and improves blood circulation. Like carrots and burdock, it is considered a “protective” food.
Natural remedies have dominated health care for thousands of years. The primary source was non-toxic whole foods and should still continue to be. Following are some medicinal applications of some of the roots:
Radishes benefit the digestive tract by aiding in the excretion of harmful toxins
The juice of red potatoes helps to alleviate stomach ulcers
Burdock assists in the elimination of uric acid
Parsnips are valued for their strong anti-carcinogens
Beets promote liver, kidney, and spleen function
Onions contain anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agents
So go find your roots. They’re comfort just like home.

I am trying to compose an end scene for the play, i was thinking along the lines of, mickey eddie lying on floor together equal at last in death narrator walks to centre stage, says:
and then i get stuck, i need to come up with a rhyming end speech exploring the themes within the play.
I’ve tried and i’ve tried, but i can’t make anything sound right.
Help?

There has been growing recognition of the scope and threat of obesity. In the United States, one in four adults and one in five children are obese. And obesity has been steadily increasing. The health threats – heart disease, diabetes and cancer – are similar to those of smoking, and they tend to concentrate among the poor. These threats, too, are trending upward: one in three Americans born in 2000 is likely to develop diabetes. Direct and indirect costs of diabetes to the U.S. economy already were $132 billion in 2002. This problem has been building over time. Over the last 30 years American women have increased their daily caloric intake by 21 percent, or 325 calories, while men have added 170 calories to an already significant 2,450 calorie-base. Public awareness, however, has really wakened only in the last few years, with U.S. media coverage of obesity tripling since 2001. It is not surprising, therefore, that a sudden discovery of a steadily growing problem has generated false dichotomies and visible villains. The overriding false dichotomy is nature versus nurture. Are American society’s obese tendencies rooted in our physical or psychic make up, or are they based on changing eating habits and foodstuffs? The clear answer is: “both.” We are eating more but exercising less. There also is mounting evidence of genetic drivers toward obesity. Similarly, we are taking more meals out of the home – and not just at “fast food” restaurants. And we’re eating more processed foods, in larger portions. None of this finger pointing is likely to help us as a society get out of this situation. Fewer jobs require physical labor, so we must find more ways to burn up calories, whether in the gym or just climbing more stairs. Labeling foods as inherently good or bad ignores taste and common sense; all foods in moderation can be fitted into a slender figure. Nor does blaming portion sizes make sense; it ignores the thought processes that see bigger as the better bargain. No single solution exists, nor should any single culprit be seized upon. We need to see obesity in all of its complexity, if we are to sort out solutions that work for all of us.Food manufacturers and service industries need to be – and, I believe, are becoming – part of the solution. They are recognizing that their products contribute to the problem. So, there are things they can do to help. But, we are facing some real challenges in terms of consumer preferences. As this survey shows, consumers are most interested in foods that provide more convenience. That ranks well ahead of changing diets in pursuit of better nutrition. And before either of these comes preserving good taste for the things we voluntarily put in our mouths. An important tool in addressing the complexity of obesity is technology. Biotechnology and new processing methods are helping food companies capture useful ingredients and putting them in new places. Nanotechnology may help us engineer flavors and bioactive ingredients that will be satisfying to consumers and better for them. Cereals can be a great source of fiber and other healthful ingredients like:

• Polyphenols (phenolic acids, flavonoids, isoflavones, etc.)

• Saponins

• Lignans

• Tocopherols and other antioxidants

• EFAs

• Phytosterols

Soybeans are a great source of these ingredients and protein. These nutrition-enhancing ingredients can be extracted from grains and soybeans. They can be put into familiar products like breads, juices and the like in order to promote heart health, digestibility, bone strength, joint comfort and a feeling of satiety. Technology, however, is not a cure-all. First, there are problems in finding the right regulatory environment for new technologies and products. There are issues around rights of invention and proprietary ownership. And there are added costs in building many of these attributes into foods. Food also touches other sensitive chords. New products can be safe without being accepted by consumers. New processes can be proven to work without being trusted by consumers. And, weight gain is a gradual process; dealing with it – or its effects – can always be put off to another day. Between just letting obesity spread and nutrigenomic-designed diets will lie a host of incremental strategies. Food manufacturers will develop novel ingredients and ingredient combinations to deliver more nutrition tastefully. Even conventional agricultural products will be engineered or bred to offer health and appeal. And, growing awareness will lead to better choices for wellness – whether it is new foods, new self-discipline, new activity We will need choices to cover the differences between men and women, children and adults, young and old. Choice also helps make healthfulness a complement to taste, not an alternative. And we will need to take responsibility for our own behaviors. Technology and food service innovations can support good behavior, but success still starts with giving consumers what they want.

Changing the way we live, the way we see ourselves and the world is no easy trick.Study nature’s way. Learn her rhythms, her seasons, her cycles.See how she hibernates and rests during the cold winter, using that time to replenish and heal.See how she bursts forth in a slow crescendo of green and bright colors over the spring, rejoicing in the inevitable new growth.See how she gives her all, her grandest performance, over the summer months before gradually descending into a final burst of changing colors of autumn.Watch her cool down, return to her depth, and again take time to replenish.These same seasons are within us.There are times to take action, to be busily involved with creating and doing and participating and giving.There are quieter times when we are being prepared for those times of activity.We cannot give and give without taking time to replenish ourselves.There are times of gentle growth when the first blades of grass, the first signs of spring begin to emerge in our lives—-whether those signal a new stage of personal growth, a new stage in a love relationship, or the first buds of life on a project we are creating.And each season-Each time-Leads to the next.There is a purpose and value in each day of your life,in each season of your life.Nurture your times of action-of creating -of doing and value the quieter times of going within.The more you study nature, the more you will learn about yourself.Nurture and trust the seasons of your soul.This could be a time of great purpose, renewal, and change if we open ourselves to new ideas and make a commitment to making a little progress each day toward who we want to be.

for example there were two boys in the south who killed their father. They had a genetic disorder that caused them to have more anger than others. If they had lived with parents who were constantly trying to stop their violence, would they still have turned out the same?