Happy new year whimsey and welcome!!

So you know first-hand that everything is connected -- body, mind, emotions, spirit ... each affects the others. That is why I like W(holistic) healing practices ... they make you more aware of the connections and how to deal with them in a positive healing way if needed.

Jo .. there are MANY books out there on integrative technicques for healing that might help you in the set up of your business ... many, many techniques to combat the effects of stress in the workplace and other places as well. Some companies have set up programs to help PREVENT it BEFORE it happens by having a small tai chi class, or exercise stretching, or places of refuge for relaxation breaks, meditation and guided imagery tapes, and other programs offered by the companies for employees to find the best ways for them to combat any stress related problems they might have. And in the process, very well could save the company lots of money in lost time/sickness wages, so it has its practical side as well!!

Sorry to get a wee bit off topic but I felt it was important enough to share.

Now, breathe deep in through your nose ... hold it .... and let it out slowly through your mouth .... releasing any stress you might have through your breath, visualizing it starting from your head down to your toes .... ah .... feel better? Hope so .... and have a WONDERFUL new year filled with blessings and healing and wellness. May you all find your best balance.

Hai you there, Rainbow Lady and Whimsey ... Did you have a fine start in 2008? Mine was not so extremely well, since I found my tax-evelope in the mail this morning
Well, there is a reason you see, never to let any misunderstanding develop: most of the time there is no misunderstanding at all, so why create one?
Whimsey: I read that you retired and that you really enjoy your retirement.
I am retired also from payed-for work: since July this year. So now I am free to undertake two jobs I really think it is worth working for (and I am grateful for the circumstances that grant me this favourite position). And I also have a full working day free for my hobbies (plants, calligraphy, singing and studying art).
Freed (or is it free-ed) from time consuming activities like meetings and travelling, I experience a sence of freedom, that I am very grateful for.

Rainbow Lady: I thank you for your views on preventing people to get sick during their working days. My opinon is (here I go again, very, very much off topic) that we have to leave the path of te "consumer society" and have to find the path towards "the human society".

I love your advice on breathing-relaxing: A hobby of mine is singing, and there you have to apply the "under-belly-technique-of-breething" and training the tone-exercises by doing so always make me feel good.

See you , Jolandet

What a great thing, to have the time now to do the things that are really important to you. And I think you're right, we should all slow down & take time out to realize what it is we really want. Unfortunately, most people can't do that. Here, they're talking about pushing retirement age even farther back. I think when you work at something you enjoy, it doesn't tire you as much. I'm not able to do much now, but I enjoy doing all kinds of things on my computer, & playing with my pets. The cat demands attention, so she gets it, but I have to be more careful to give my birds more attention, they really need it. They sit right beside me while I type away. Rainbowlady, on the subject of a more calm life, do you think food has an effect? I know we need to eat a balanced, varied diet to be healthy, but to the point, I wonder if it can affect overall mood & mental stamina.

Whimsey and Jolandet ... check your private messages for a post from me ok?