Nature heals.
Just viewing nature can reduce stress effects on the body and may help calm an angry mood. Relax, enjoy, learn, explore, or just view some nature images.
This is a resource intense site - meant to be a resource whenever needed.
So, take your time reading or browsing, I hope you enjoy your day, & stop back anytime!
But virtual visits can be relaxing also, Video: Virtual Vacations: A Peaceful Forest Bathing Session | SmarterTravel.
Video: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing with Dr Qing Li
"...Dr Li provides the practical ways for you to try forest bathing for yourself in his book Shinrin-Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing." Penguin Books UK
Spending more time in forests or around nature, can improve immune function and memory, along with promoting a more positive mood.
Simply having plants in your home or office.
Nature images and essential oils in the air can be soothing and healing.
Video: Man Spends 30 Years Turning Degraded Land into Massive Forest – Fools & Dreamers (Full Documentary).
1500 hectares, Hinewai Nature Reserve , New Zealand
"Conversation was our first goal, to restore the biodiversity on which we are all completely dependent. Some people say, 'Well why are you restoring the forest?' In a way saying 'Why are you doing it' is like saying 'Why do you love your mother?' We are totally dependent on vegetation to support our own lives." - Hugh Wilson
A webpage on effectivecare.info includes more information about how mood can be negatively effected by many things - which means friends or coworkers may also be negatively effected by someone's missed lunch. Protein bars or deli sandwiches cut in small pieces might be a nicer office treat to bring in, than a box of doughnuts.
The webpage, Chapter 10. Food helps too., also has a section on the soothing effects of nature images for an office or home setting and includes two image slide shows with more of my travel photography.
Anthropology is the study of humans as groups, also sociology, however anthropology may focus more on indigenous cultures while sociologists may look more closely at modern civilization. Ethologists watch animal groups and individual animals. It turns out that some of our instinctual behavior patterns are shared across cultures and times, and species - we share many habits with a wide variety of animals - and that is a good thing.
Most animal species have behaviors that help protect the environment and each other - and that is civilized behavior - supporting the survival of the ecosystem and the individuals. This topic is discussed in more detail throughout the website effectivecare.info which is also a book draft Instinct & Policy. The last sections of Chapter 7 (see 7.7) focus in particular on the similar behavior patterns seen in many human cultures and other animal species too.
An interview with Gillian Tett, Editor-at-Large of the Financial Times, is available as audio or a transcript: Big data’s blind spot – and how anthropology can fill the gaps, Media Masters Podcast.
Designing computer software and Artificial Intelligence programs can lead to bias against the needs or abilities of groups or individuals that the design team weren't thinking about. Having a background in human nature may help by revealing that we all have bias - back to our ancient instincts. Design can help bypass some of the more common tendencies of human instincts.
An example of a behavior pattern seen in many species including humans is deception (see previous link, Ch. 7.7). Predators frequently use deception to capture an unsuspecting prey. Humans frequently use little white lies when the truth is unnecessary, or unkind and would hurt feelings. Truth may also be concealed if there is danger. In humans with increased intelligence deception may be hidden under an act of charm and good manners around people of power, and the predator-like characteristics may only be revealed to people in positions of lower power, or to a mark once their money is gone.
Stereotypes exist because there is some truth to patterns of behavior based on genetic or cultural differences - the caution is to recognize that individuals are themselves, and may be unlike the stereotyped pattern. Stereotypes can save time, and may have to do with safety. If you are sensing trouble though, you may be right, leave. Maybe the stereotype does fit the person or occasion - just caution is needed, it may not. Too many people are taught that the charming friendly person in the nice outfit is safe - no, they may be a predator, who is good at deception, after some sort of prey (maybe a new account or another interview).
Genetic code, the DNA and RNA that can direct the building of protein chains are said to be the basis of life, however what made them? What directs them? What would they do without anything else to help build the proteins? Life is a mystery even to the scientists.
Life requires more energy than food can provide us. Quantum energy effects are involved in normal mitochondrial function - and chronic illness is linked to their dysfunction. (Bennett & Onyango, 2021) (ref) Mitochondria are ancient bacteria that our mothers had, and their mothers, and so on - ancient. They are smaller than our cells and each cell has many mitochondria to produce energy for the cell.
Mitochondria break the carbon bonds in glucose and the energy is converted into more usable energy in bonds on ATP molecules. Glucose is a monosaccharide sugar, which makes up half of the disaccharide sucrose, table sugar, along with a fructose monosaccharide. Only our liver can use fructose for energy, so excess can lead to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
DHA is an omega 3 fatty acid found in fish oil and in the plankton marine life eat, also in butter made from grass-fed cow's milk - because of the green grass they eat. Chlorophyll and plants also use quantum energy effects in the production of glucose from sunshine.
DHA may be the basis of life - preceding DNA
DHA and other phospholipids and the ability to create lipid membranes helped us become more complex in the early stages of life forms, (1, 7), in addition to having better vision and being smarter, more cognitively complex. (8, 9, 10, 11) All species use DHA for their vision, whether a retina or some other tissue.
A membrane defines a cell or organelle within a cell from all the surrounding fluid. When the membrane became complex enough to prevent rapid dehydration, life forms became able to survive outside of watery saltwater or freshwater oceans, lakes and puddles. Ether energy is attracted to water and to narrow tubes with flowing water - capillary action may involve the attraction and flow of ether energy within us.
The acupressure/acupuncture meridians have been found to match an embryologic vessel system that precedes blood and lymphatic vessel development. The Primo-vascular system seems to be involved in the creation of stem cells of whatever type is needed. Stimulating certain parts of the system with acupressure or acupuncture may be healing in part due to effects on the flow of energy throughout the body and also possibly stem cell production may be stimulated.
Deficiency of EPA and DHA omega 3 fatty acids may increase cognitive decline, depression, and skin issues.
Supplementing & dietary sources of DHA/EPA:
Supplementing with DHA/EPA omega 3 fatty acids may help the old and young with cognitive health, (12, 13, 14), and a better night’s sleep. (15) ALA is a precursor available in vegetarian sources, however many people may not convert it well - leaving them deficient in DHA and EPA even though they bought a special food or supplement. (18) Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, and krill oil are good sources of EPA and DHA. Whether a person has male or female hormones may affect absorbility or bioavailability of omega 3 fatty acids. (20) A glyceride mixture of omega-3 fatty acids is being studied in hopes of good absorption in a supplemental product. (19)
Roughly 300 mg EPA/DHA are recommended several times per week - several servings of fatty fish. More may be beneficial for someone trying to treat depression or a different chronic concern, more like a spoonful of fish oil, rather than a single capsule. One to two grams per day may be more typical dose recommended for a mood disorder. (22)
Adequacy in the diet of a pregnant or breastfeeding mother also helps the infant’s brain and eye development. Lutein supplementation was also found helpful. (16) Infant formulas are more likely to be fortified with EPA/DHA now but checking the label for specific fortification is a good idea. DHA is found in the eyes and brain but also throughout the body within cell membranes and our skin. (17) Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that are also abundant in the retina and can be helpful as supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding. (21)
Disclaimer: Opinions are my own and the information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes.
Jennifer Depew, R.D.
Copyright © 2020 Jennifer Depew, R - All Rights Reserved.
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