My Blissful Journey ~ Sleep & Meditation

I've been blogging here and there about my experiments with music and sleep.  It seems to be working.  In a round about way I had been pairing that with my own form of meditation.  I, for one, believe there is not a right or a wrong way to meditate.  I think it can be any form of prayer, it can be deep breathing, it can be yoga, it can be reading something positive and bright, it can be a walk in the woods or on the beach, it can be listening to music, or just that zone you get in before you fall asleep.

It took me a while to accept that.  I thought for years that I wasn't meditating correctly.  But that is like saying that someone isn't 'christian enough' or 'female enough' or 'pretty enough'.  Who are the meditation police?  We can't let anyone tell us we are doing something wrong if its improving our lives, right?

As for me - and what I have been doing LATELY - based on the first chart in this post is - for my ENVIRONMENT is my living room.  I actually sleep on my sofa.  I have for years.  I know it's not the best for my Sciatica, sleep, or back, but the dogs will not have it any other way.  That AND - DH goes to work at 4am. I rather get what sleep I can that be up and down and up and down every hour.  BUT ANYWAYS...my environment is my living room with low light and meditative beats on my iPad from YouTube.  I usually have Riley sleeping by my feet, Cricket sleeping on my lap or in the boat of my legs, and Paco sleeping above my head.  I know...it doesn't sound real comfortable but I finally have a system and so do they! LOL - Then for the 'set the intention' part - my intention is to get to sleep, stay asleep, and feel refreshed when I sleep.  I try and focus on healing any aches and pains I have, too.  For posture - I lay flat on my back - most of the time with my arms to the side and slightly above my head.  Sometimes under the blanket because I like to be warm at all times - or tucked under my pillow.  And as for Posture - I think a photo will explain it better but I've been sleeping in the Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana).

So before when I was saying that Cricket usually sleeps on my lap or in the 'boat' by 'boat' I mean inside my leg area.  These sleeping choices could not be further from what I have been doing my ENTIRE LIFE.  Prior to this experiment I was sleeping in a ball - was a side sleeper - and had to have blankets over my ears - no matter how warm the weather was - and my arms hugging something - usually a pillow.

I have noticed that this has been helping my Sciatica on many days.  I have gotten used to sleeping this way - the thing that seemed to seal the deal was pairing all of this with Binaural Beats and Meditative Music!

Egg Trick Bagel & Tater Tot Casserole

Yesterday I was able to take a little time in the kitchen with food prep and such.  I've done Strong Hearts Cafe & The Vegan Zombie's Egg Trick Muffin before and have done my own variations.  This time around I used a bagel flat (basically a flat bagel round) instead of an English Muffin.  You may remember that I LOVE using a few tablespoons of salsa on my Egg Trick Muffins so I did that here as you can see it oozing out of the bagel hole.  Inside I just did the seasoned tofu round patty and Daiya Cheese.  It was tasty!  I have 2 more disks of tofu ready to go in my freezer so I'm sure I will be doing this again soon!  I will most likely be doing a side of Tofu Scramble with the edges of the tofu I didn't use.

For a closer look at the tofu egg part - I thought I would take another snap.  Since hubby has been really suffering with his ongoing sinus infections and pneumonia yesterday we had a quiet day at home.  We were able to watch Fantastic Beasts.  It was good!  On Saturday there was a vendor show at our local YMCA.  It ended up being a pretty good turn out.  We were there with our Wildtree stuff!

Now...on to my newest attempt a Tater Tot Casserole!  I told you I was going to do it!!!  And here is what I did!  This first photo is the casserole BEFORE it went into the oven!  Recipe...

Bottom Layer:
Chopped Broccoli & Cauliflower
Chickpeas
In the Middle:
Then I poured 1/2 box of Cashew Ginger Soup over it
Then I added a layer of Daiya Cheese
Top Layer:
Tater Tots - touching - edge to edge
Then the rest of the Cashew Ginger Soup
Then more Daiya Cheese

Sprinkled on top:
Hemp Seeds, Dried Onion, Fresh Minced Garlic, Turmeric, Smoked Paprika, Nutmeg

This next photo is the first piece I took out after baking it at about 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.  I think it turned out great!  As you can see the top vegan cheese layer didn't melt well and I'm sure it was because there wasn't any liquid on top to assist with the melting.

In this photo you can see that the middle layer vegan cheese melted nicely.  I think next time I will put more of the cheese in the middle and less on top OR make a vegan cheese sauce for the top instead of using the shreds and sprinkling them.  I have to say I was pretty tickled with myself on this one.  The only creamy vegan soup I could find at Tops yesterday was the Cashew Ginger one.  It worked pretty well.  I'm sure with a different creamy vegan soup it would change up the overall flavor and I'm looking forward to getting creative with it.  I know I will be able to get multiple meals out of this!  I'm considering making at least one sandwich out of it, too!  I will keep you posted on that if I attempt it!

Tater Tot Casseroles are so versatile and the possibilities are endless!  If I had more time to bake 1 each week I'm sure I could come up with many more ingredient and flavor combinations!

As for the rest of my weekend I had a bit of a hard time with my aches and pains - especially after standing for 7 hours at the vendor show.  My Sciatica kicked in - or what I was thinking was my Sciatica - now I'm wondering if it was Fibromyalgia all along.  Perhaps it's both!  Heck, I don't know!  But another thing I did find out in my research was Apple Cider Vinegar for the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia.  I'm pasting that info below.  It's pretty interesting stuff!  Makes a lot of sense, too!  One of my mini goals for the first part of this week is to create some of those ACV Drinks at home.  Not only will DH drink them - so will I!

While apple cider vinegar does not treat fibromyalgia per se, it has been reported to alleviate many of the symptoms experienced by those living with fibromyalgia.
These include:

Fatigue – Stress (both emotional and physical) causes lactic acid to build up in the body resulting in fatigue. The potassium in apple cider vinegar combats this.

Joint Pain and Headache – Apple cider vinegar keeps the body’s pH level slightly alkaline which helps eliminate joint pain as well as headaches.

Swelling and Inflammation – Apple cider vinegar may be rubbed onto visibly swollen areas. Consuming apple cider vinegar helps relieve inflammation in the body.

Gastrointestinal Issues – Apple cider vinegar contains pectin which helps sooth the colon lining. It assists with loose bowels by forming more “bulk” in the G.I. tract.

While rigorous scientific research cannot support any claims that apple cider vinegar fights or cures fibromyalgia, many anecdotal reports suggest relief and reduction from debilitating fibromyalgia symptoms. Source: https://www.wholesomeone.com/news-articles/apple-cider-vinegar-fibromyalgia

Accountability...

I know I have been pretty spotty with blogging as of late.

First and foremost by NOT blogging almost daily like I used to here at My Blissful Journey I have become LAZY in many areas of my life.  I have noticed that this blog has given me ACCOUNTABILITY above all else.  I NEED to get back to doing that.

The last year or more I have battled with Sciatica and was able to control it with the research I have done and noting it here.  If needed I will go to a Chiropractor but I haven't done that in like 2 years.

It's been a full year now...I trashed my contacts and switched back to glasses.  It took a LONG time to get used to them again but I was FINALLY able to.

I am now focusing on something else.  I have dealt with other issues...why NOT this?  I don't know if I am ready to 'come clean' on what is bothering me but I do know that this blog is a good why to do that.  I do know about several steps I am already taking to see if they help my aches and pains.

I would like to be better about reporting here on my blog about the steps I am taking.  It will give me accountability.  There are many things in life I am horrible at.  One thing has always been taking 'pills'.  In my case I have started taking B-Complex/B-12 again.  I haven't done this since I was 15.  It will be hard for me to do.  I will do it for a few days and then stop.  I MUST be better about this.

I don't often eat breakfast.

I know this is HUGE but I have never been a breakfast person.  Again...I will get going with a few days of a breakfast and then stop...whether it is because I ran out of time in the morning or because I don't have much to choose from in the house...or I just don't want to.

I NEED...no...I MUST be better about this.

I hate bananas!

I know I have said this MANY times here on my blog.

I want to like them...I do.  I haven't been able to bring myself to do it.  I was finally able to add up to 1/2 banana in my smoothies but I feel incorporating bananas into my diet MORE will certainly help with my overall pain.  I know that Avocados are great for this, too, but they are SO EXPENSIVE where I life.  I grab them when I can but it hasn't been to often lately.  

MORE WALKING.

What a horrible time for me to want to try and do this, eh!?  In the middle of winter - in the snow belt!

I'm going to try and be better about this...perhaps I will try and visit a nearby nearly abandoned mall and try and walk there.  Time will tell.

I know - this whole blog entry has been one HUGE blab-fest!  I just felt like I needed to get it out of my system.  Over the next weeks and months perhaps I will open up more about my thoughts and feelings but I am hoping by then my efforts will prove some overall improvements and it won't be as much of an issue.

Herbal "Pain Killers"

Over the last few weeks I have been posting a lot about natural remedies, pain management, and essential oils.  Today I thought I would mention some additional natural "Pain Killers".  

As you can see from the picture above there are several.  

The rest of this post will relate to Pain from Sciatica...

Valerian or willow bark can be taken to reduce inflammation and relieve the pain. The ingredient in willow bark that makes it such a powerful painkiller is salicylate, the same ingredient in aspirin. Studies of participants who took 240 mg. of willow bark extract daily for a month were amazed when the herb swept away their pain.

I'm excited about Valerian, specifically, because I have Valerian Root Powder at home and will be consuming it in evening tisanes and tonics!

According to additional sources I can beat Sciatic Nerve Pain With B Vitamins, too!

Orthopedic surgeons believe that the B vitamins can stabilize and heal the membranes that surround delicate spinal nerves. Studies suggest a 50 mg. of B-complex supplement can relieve the pain within one month in 70% of cases.

I usually don't take supplements on a regular basis but I'm also going to listen to my body better so I will start taking a vegan B Complex supplement until my pain subsides.

It's also said that I can strengthen my Spine with Vitamin D which works with dietary calcium to build strong vertebrae and repair bone tissues. Strong vertebrae are less likely to collapse and pinch nerves.  Recommended dose of 2,000 IU a day was reported to give relief to 93% of lower back pain sufferers who took the vitamin for 90 days.

I don't know about 90 days but I will start taking Vegan Vitamin D until I feel a difference in the meantime.  These things in addition to the other things I have been blogging about lately I will do to combat my pain as of late.

Focusing On Pain

Make it stop!

I really did a number on myself!

So if you have followed my blog for more than a year you may remember that I have struggled with Sciatica.  I'm thankful that I have never needed surgery or even taken medication for it.  But it's back.  I'm not sure if it was something that I did or if it's just the time of the year and it getting colder, etc.  But I have been really feeling it again since Thanksgiving Day.  I'm hoping I can do things myself and at home so I don't have to visit the Chiropractor.

2nd issue I have been having the last few months is a sore thumb.  I know that sounds petty.  The last week or so it has looked crooked by the knuckle by the nail.  I don't know if I broke it or if it's arthritis but either way I'm not happy.  I've always been double jointed and very much so in that thumb.  My mom and her mom have and had horrible arthritis so I'm nervous about this.  

And the third strike came today while at work when I whacked my knee on my desk.  This isn't unusual.  I tend to do this every other week it seems BUT this was hardcore.  So much so that it brought me to my knees and tears to my eyes.

I need to do something about this so here is my plan...

YOGA.

I know that I am back and forth on YOGA but I have to be more consistent with it.  Even if I have to bring my mat to work and do it in the bathroom I am going to do it more.

Green Smoothies.

Again something I struggle with being consistent at.  I mean, REALLY, how hard is it?  It's NOT...it's just me making excuses for NOT waking up earlier enough and not having enough fresh produce...which is similar to my 'thing' with Juicing.  I seriously NEED to focus on this.

Herbs & Essential Oils

These are something I have been digging deeper and deeper into as of late and I need to step it up a notch NOW!  When it comes to pain the following are things I am going to do to combat it whether it's herbs and/or essential oils...Aloe Vera, Boswellia, Cat's Claw, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Green Tea, Thunder God Vine, Turmeric, and Willow Bark.  Of those I have already done a few of them often.  I will be bumping that up more tho.  One of those that I am not familiar with is the Thunder God Vine and will be doing more research on it very soon.

Speaking of my own personal research and development...I have been looking into many other things that I will be sharing with you very soon!

What do you do for pain management at home?

Chiro, Sciatica, FRESH, and Community Gardens

It seems like the days have been flying by and everything has been going pretty crazy lately...hence the reason I haven't been posting much this week!  So sorry about that!  I have so much to blog about that I will be breaking this up into Non-Food and Food.  For this one, NON-FOOD!

I want to thank everyone for the well wishes during my nervousness prior to my very first chiropractor's appointment on Tuesday.  LONG story short on that I now know what has been going on with me!  It's official!  I have Sciatica.  While at my first appointment I was "Cracked" in two spots in my lower back as well as purposely putting immense pressure on the Sciatic Nerve to try and loosen it.  What they think is happening in my cause specifically is flow of fluid in between 2 Vertebra getting 'stuck' or not flowing back after I move which could be causing the nerve to act up.  They told me this is good because at least it isn't a disk problem causing it.  Anyhow...in addition to a few other stretches and exercises I have been doing he now wants me to do the Sphinx Pose (he called it something else but I am familiar with the yoga term!) 6 times a day for at least 2 minutes.  I'm also supposed to force myself to get away from my work computer more throughout the day.  I already knew that but when I get on a roll - I get on a roll and sometimes can't break away!  Anyhow...at least now I know what it is, right!?  Yesterday I went to my 2nd appointment and he moved up my back and cracked me in 4 places as well as my hips on both sides while doing a gentle twist.  Oddly these parts haven't bothered me too much as of yet.  It's the intense nerve work he's doing that takes my breath away!  WOW!

I mentioned a while back that I was going to be tuning in to the Food Revolution Summit online this week and have been listening to a few of the shows as background noise while doing other work.  Sometimes I absorb the info better by doing this.  This week - I think that was certainly the case.  I haven't listened to Russell Simmons YET but want to! 

I signed up for a few more news letters, too!  No...I don't read all of them all of the time but you can never have enough knowledge, eh!?

Last night I carpooled with two other younger ladies to Jamestown Community College in Jamestown, NY, for a tour of their Community Garden and a screening of the documentary FRESH.  As a SUNY JCC Alumni I was excited to be on campus again...it's been since 98 or 99 since I have set foot in any of the buildings.  I found out many of their building are certified GOLD and they continuously work towards a GREENER way of doing things!  This put a smile on my face!  The Community Garden was neat...we really don't have too many of them around here so it was nice to see and learn about them.  I didn't measure them but they looked to be about 10 or 12 by 5 - maybe a little smaller...and there were 12 or 14 of them!  It looked like only one of them had been started for the season but it's good to know that all of them will be underway soon!

After the tour of the Community Garden we walked back to the teleconference center and watched the documentary FRESH.  It was a great film - a few familiar faces from other documentaries I have seen in the last few months - but it was neat to watch it with other people, too!  So far I have only been watching them by myself in the evenings in the comfort of my own home.  It was catered by Planet Earth Catering in Jamestown and they try and use local foods in their business as much as possible.  The did Meatballs - of course I did NOT partake in but I did nibble on a small amount of salad made with greens, wild carrots, a radish, and a dressing made from local Maple Syrup.  They also had regional sparkling water.

I had fun meeting various people and I handed out a few business cards to people as well.  I spoke with some of the Warren County Master Gardeners and they told me about some of their upcoming events including a Kids Day during the Warren County Fair in Pittsfield, PA, in August.

I have lots more to post but will be posting my FOOD attempts later today.  I didn't want this post to be absurdly long...so I am splitting into TWO.

Before I go, tho, I have a Paco Pic for ya!  He's been pretty good lately!  Perhaps it's the weather?  What ever it is - I'm grateful! 

Have you seen FRESH yet?  Do you know if your community has Community Gardens?  Have you been back to an old school of yours after a long time away?  Have you met any interesting people this week?  Which yoga poses are your favorite for back and leg pain?