From Dr. Stephen LaBerge of the Dreams show

Gary Larson cartoon -- the punch line of what I was trying to say about reframing nightmares as opportunities for development and learning.

In Western culture today, most people are content to say of nightmares that they are "only dreams," meaning they are imaginary, meaningless, and worthless. That again, understates how most of us feel about nightmares; certainly most of us would happily do without the experience.

... I believe that this view of nightmares is simply wrong. Yes, nightmares are frightening. But that doesn't mean they are bad or meaningless, or without positive value. On the contrary, nightmares contain a great deal of potential energy that can provide the impulse for psychological development. Reframing nightmares as opportunities for growth is an important key to learning from your dreams. With a flexible and lucid approach to life, there are no bad dreams.

One of Gary Larson's The Far Side cartoons delightfully illustrates this creative approach to experience: two old ladies behind their locked front door are peering out the window at a "monster from the Id" standing on their doorstep. The wiser of the two ladies says, "Calm down, Edna...Yes, it's some giant hideous insect ... but it could be some giant hideous insect in need of help."

Stephen LaBerge, LUCID DREAMING: A Concise Guide to Awakening in Your Dreams and in Your Life. Sounds True, 2004.

Are you forgetful? Maybe your Mind needs a BOOST!!!

Are you forgetful?   Here are some natural tips on how to increase alertness and memory:

Q:  Does a clean house make a difference to your brain?

• A:  Toxins in commonplace items such as carpeting and shower curtains may be contributing to memory loss over time?
•  Overexposure to aluminum compounds—in foil, cookware, deodorants, antacids, toothpaste—can affect brain function

Q:  Is there a particular food you can eat that will help your brain faster than a vitamin?  What is it? 

• A:   A cooked potato can jump-start your brain when you're feeling foggy.  And here is an organic remedy:
• The essential oil of jasmine can quickly restore mental alertness

KEEP YOUR MENTAL FREEWAY CLEAR!

The health of your brain depends not only on how much (or little) fat you eat but on what kind it is. Intellectual performance requires the specific type of fat found most commonly in fish, known as omega-3 fatty acids. Even diets that adhere to commonly recommended levels of fats, but the wrong kind, can undermine intelligence. What makes this finding awkward is that certain oils widely touted as healthy for the heart are especially troublesome for the mind.

Omega-3s are known to be particularly crucial constituents of the outer membrane of brain cells. It is through the fat-rich cell membrane that all nerve signals must pass. In addition, as learning and memory forge new connections between nerve cells, new membranes must be formed to sheathe them. All brain cell membranes continuously need to refresh themselves with a new supply of fatty acids. A growing amount of research suggests that the omega-3s are best suited for optimal brain function.

While consuming too much fat overall and too much saturated fat, many North Americans fail to consume enough omega-3s. And the polyunsaturated oils widely recommended as healthful for the heart and widely used in cooking, frying and prepared food—corn, safflower and sunflower oils—have almost no omega-3s. Instead they are loaded with omega-6s. You need a proper balance of omega-6s and omega-3s. Canola oil and walnut oil are highly recommended.

It's possible to boost alertness, memory and stress resistance by supplying food components that are precursors of important brain neurotransmitters. One of them is choline, the fat-like B vitamin found in eggs. Studies show that choline supplementation enhances memory and reaction time in animals, especially aging animals. It also enhances memory in people. Choline supplementation also minimizes fatigue. In one study, choline given during a 20-mile run improved running time by a significant amount...

Mood and mental performance are powerfully influenced by the B vitamins.  So if you don’t want to get a traffic jam on your mental freeway, eat healthily, get enough sleep, avoid processed foods, work crossword puzzles, exercise.

Keeping your brain fit is not mental aerobics and you don’t have to be a brain surgeon  to do it.  But get started right away.  Your mind will thank you!

"Your Thoughts Rule Your Actions"
The human mind is a fantastic example of pure power and sheer mystery. While we can scientifically locate the brain, we cannot, even with all of our technological capacities locate exactly where the human mind is. Yet, we know that it exists! What if we could harness the power of that mind? Scientists say that we use less than 45% of the real capacity of our minds. So what is out there in the existing 55% of the mind? a larger capacity for understanding, dreams, sustainability of our planet, betterment of the plight of some of humankind, answers to the mysteries of the Ages, the capacity to wipe Away diseases, starvation, poverty abuse or war? I believe that if we can believe it then we can conceive it.

I believe in a better way of life for us all and whether we talk about overall human challenges or individual pursuits, we can grab hold of this marvelous opportunity in time to care for things that will uplift us all. It starts one person at a time, one thought at a time. So examine your mind right now and ask yourself: do I have power over my own thoughts? Do I use my mind to build or to destroy? 

Get this in your noggin: here are some definite things you can do to improve overall function of your brain:

1) Omega 3's are great! Use supplements, canola oil, seeds, nuts, wild salmon, spice up your life with tumeric or nutmeg. Look up recipes that include unsaturated fats.

2) 1/2 hour of exercise every other day decreases stress, but also adds mild stress on the body. To combat it, your brain triggers to create energy in the form of growth factors that make the brains neurons stronger and healthier. 

3) Bend your brain
Puzzles and memory games increase memory and reduce the risks of dementia! Give your brain a work out too! Don't sit in front of a TV or computer and stare blankly and expect your brain to function optimally.
4) Let your brain rest- sleep laughter and relaxation doesn't just feel good. Scientific studies prove that people who meditate, do yoga or take siestas actually allow their brains to recharge, review and restore itself. So say this aloud: recharge review and restore. Take a break. Siesta anyone? 

Bottom line everyone, if you want a truly beautiful mind that functions at its best, be accountable for how you treat it. I want you to be compelled to be accountable right now.  There is no better time, no greater reason than this one: whatever is in your mind rules your thoughts and then your actions oblige those thoughts. What's in your thoughts? And what are you willing to do and not do to have a better life. Hey use your brain!

How to Make a Difference In Your Life!

How to Make a Difference for People in the World!

YOURSELF:

1. Smile more often! Be amazed of how many will be happy to smile back at you. Besides, this is the best facial exercise you can make to delay aging signs -- so smile!

2. Eat right! Boost your immune system by eating more natural food, like fresh fruits and vegetables. This alone can significantly reduce your weight and health concerns.

3. Exercise regularly. The reason is not just to lose weight, but it's a great habit to maintain good health by improved circulation, elimination of body toxins, etc.

4. Drink water more than 'colored drinks' for your health. Water has no sugar or additives.

5. Read and learn more. Devote time and money for self-improvement, the best investment you can make that truly pays off.

6. Love, care, give, and share more. This practice is the very purpose of your life.

7. Keep believing. Pray. Nurture your spirit. This won't cost you any, but help or answer to your needs can be just a prayer away.

For those YOU CARE ABOUT:

8. If you love them, then say it and show it! Do not take them for granted. They need both to hear and see you care.

9. Spend more quality time with them. It is what they'll remember most.

10. Visit, write, call those you haven't for a while.

For our SENIORS:

11. Give a helping hand and cheers -- cooking, cleaning, or whatever they are limited to.

12. Give a ride or offer to carpool with them whenever there's a need.

13. Involve them on activities that will continue to stimulate their senses, or they can contribute their gathered wisdom.

For our CHILDREN or YOUTH:

14. Walk or create programs for youth to benefit them and rally for their good future.

15. Give them more opportunities to explore and develop their natural gifts and talents, express their dreams and goals.

16. Encourage our children more by your words and example. Stay positive! .

For our VETERANS: (For the freedom we now enjoy is due to their sacrifices.)

17. Send cards or anything to show you remember and appreciate them.

18. Recognize them and give a smile, a salute, or high-five when you see them around.

19. Support their events and fundraising efforts to help them.

For our HOMELESS Citizens: (Just like you and me, they need care and understanding. )

20. Encourage them by taking time to help them get the help they need/resources to get back on track.

21. Volunteer in your local shelters. There are many ways you can help or contribute.

22. Help create more programs to help them get out of their situation.

For our VOLUNTEERS: (For helping us make things happen.)

23. Big "thank you!" note or anything to show your appreciation of them.

24. Join them and be prepared to do a random act of kindness anytime.

25. How about "volunteers appreciation day" to celebrate them and have a good break?

For our ENVIRONMENT: (We only have one planet, so we must take care of it.)

26. Clean and plant trees with your workmates, neighbors, etc. Anywhere permissible.

27. Recycle consciously, not just plastics and papers, but clothes and others you can share. Clean up your closet, garage, or storage for everything that you don't need. Do a yard sale or simply drive to or call local charities for pickup. This is one recycling to meet needs of others.

28. Learn more of what's causing the global warming and contribute to preventions/ solutions.

For ALL of US:

29. Sing, dance, be happy no matter what. Brighter days are yet to come!

30. Speak the truth. Seeking the truth can set someone free.

31. Notice and say something good or positive to someone, and mean it.

32. Learn survival techniques. Always be prepared for any emergency.

33. Accept yourself. You are gifted and blessed more than you know.

34. Be forgiving and understanding as you seek forgiveness and understanding.

35. Learn how to budget or how to manage your money. Spend only on needs and the money that you actually have.

36. Be involved in your community in making good things happen!

37. Will you support me on my personal goal to make a difference (i.e., to reach at least three million people everywhere to bring HOPE and more OPPORTUNITIES for people to live better lives)?

A Letter from An Inmate Listener

To Whom It May Concern:

This report should be of interest to those of you who have loved ones and friends serving time at the TDCJ Murray Unit, and it is hoped that those who are incharge of providing a safe and healthy environment for elderly and disabled inmates will take notice and remedy the dangerous atmosphere that we inmates of the Murray Unit are forced to endure. Our unit warden, who who tends to overpunish things of little importance, apparently sees no need to safely house the older women and the handicapped. There have been numerous violent attacks on vulnerable prisoners by young violent inmates, and this situation needs to be dealt with before someone gets seriously injured or killed. The following examples will show why I'm concerned for the safety of myself and the other older and disabled inmates who are housed here in K-1A.

Although the warden finds it necessary to lock down the entire unit over fights between a few inmates, she does not see the need to create, at no extra cost, a separate dorm for older women and at-risk handicapped prisoners, even when two attacks with dangerous weapons were perpetrated on elderly women by younger violent offenders. Fights between youngsters take place all the time, and they are commonplace, subject to happen anytime. So there is no big deal about fighting between younger and more fight-prone offenders because they sometimes happen daily, and they are more or less part of prison life that is virtually unavoidable. But when an elderly 68-year-old Hispanic woman was recently beaten and seriously injured by a younger offender using a home-made weapon that consisted of a padlock stuffed inside a sock, that was a big deal. Yet nothing as of yet has been done by TDCJ. The family of the elderly victim had to file charges with a law enforcement agency in the free world in order to get their mother's beating investigated. The assailant went to SEG for a while, but was allowed the freedom to travel all over the unit when she got out. This person could again attack any elderly and/or disabled inmate that is housed on this unit. That should not be allowed to happen.

Another incident happened not too long ago where two young women attacked yet another older woman. One of the attackers used a broom handle, and the other used a home-made weapon where either a key or tweezers was placed inside a sock so as to give the attacker a better grip and ability to swing the weapon. The attacker with the sock weapon slashed open a hole big enough to put your finger through on the outside of victim's jaw, and the inside of her jaw was also badly cut. I'm not exactly sure how this attack was set up, but I do know that 5 COs were in the dorm area when it happened. All 5 COs were setting on the floor of the air conditioned officers' picket and were eating picnic style lunches from the Officers' Dining Room. None of the COs were watching the monitors. The one attacker was able to take a broom apart and place the handle against the wall without being observed by the COs on duty because they were all eating lunch and not paying attention to the dorm. This beating victim could have been seroiously injured or killed had two inmates not have gone to the picket and banged on the glass to get those officers' attention. This see no evil, hear no evil attitude on the part of the COs who oversee these dorms needs to change before another older or disabled inmates is seriously injured or killed.

The woman who was attacked in the second incident still remains on segregation, but the attackers are in regular housing, one of them in the same dorm where the attack occurred. One of the attackers was allowed to keep the same job inside the prison while remaining in minimum costody, and she is due to be released on parole in about 30 days. How is it that this inmate could be considered rehabilitated enough to deserve being released on parole? She currently has access to the whole unit as a maintenance worker, and she has access to all sorts of things that could be fashioned into a weapon. This person should be charged for assault, and her privileges should be revoked.

Another older black lady died recently in medium custody. The area where she was being housed was sealed with the windows shut. This inmate had terminal cancer. The heat index was running 107 outside that day, and it had to be much hotter than that in the cell block where she was housed. It is beyond doubt that the unbearable heat created by being in a sealed cell block contributed to this woman's death. Being condemned to life is not a term that is always applicable to those inmates who are sentenced to serve life in prison. Life inside Texas prisons is always Hell for those who are doing time, no matter what the length of their sentence might be. Each year there are heat related deaths. One year, inmates who were on a bus headed to John Sealy Hospital were left chained together on the side of a road in the summer heat, and of course there are always deaths attributable to situations like this. No reasonable person in the free world would leave even a dog cained up in the heat with no shade available like that. Even younger healthy people can die in extreme heat like that.

My point is this: Warden Strong and the staff here at the Murray Unit have little care or concern about the inmates who are housed in the cell blocks and dorms on this unit. There are many older inmates here who have served the mandated minimum time on their sentences, but because of the conditions they are forced to live under, they may never leave prison alive. We, the inmates of the Lane Murray Unit, are indeed condemned either to life or to suffer euthanasia in Texas Prison Hell.

Sherry Nance

20 Things You Didn't Know About Viruses

By Jocelyn

1. Viruses are not alive: They do not have cells, they cannot turn food into energy, and without a host they are just inert packets of chemicals

2. Viruses are not exactly dead, either: They have genes, they reproduce, and they evolve through natural selection.

3. Scientists have been debating this issue since 1892, when Dmitry Ivanovsky, a Russian microbiologist, reported that an infection in tobacco plants spreads via something smaller than a bacterium. That something, is now called the tobacco mosaic virus.

4. Score one for Team Nonliving: After American biochemist Wendell Stanley purified the tobacco mosaic virus into needlelike crystals of protein, he won a 1946 Nobel Prize-awarded in chemistry, not medicine.

5. Score one for Team Living: Some viruses sneak DNA into a bacterium through its, um, sex appendage, a long tube knows as a pilus. If that's not life, what is?

6. Virus comes from the Latin word for "poison" or "slimy liquid," an apt descriptor for the bug that causes flu and the common cold.

7. In 1992 scientists tracking a pneumonia outbreak in England found a massive new kind of virus lurking within an amoeba inside a cooling tower. It was so large and complex, they initially assumed it was a bacterium.

8. That uber-virus is now called Mimivirus, so named because it mimics bacteria and because French biologist Didier Raoult, who helped sequence its genome, fondly recalled his father telling the story of "Mimi the Amoeba."

9. Mimivirus contains more than 900 genes, which encode proteins that all other viruses manage to do without. Its genome is twice as big as that of any other known virus and bigger than that of many bacteria.

10. Mamavirus, closely related to Mimivirus but even bigger, also turned up inside an amoeba in a Paris cooling tower. (Maybe somebody should clean those towers.)

11. Mamavirus is so big that it has its own dependent, a satellite virus named Sputnik.

12. Amoebas turn out to be great places to seek out new viruses. They like to swallow big things and so serve as a kind of mixing bowl where viruses and bacteria can swap genes.

13. Viruses are already known to infect animals, plants, fungi, protozoa, archaea, and bacteria. Sputnik and Mamavirus suggest that they can infect other viruses, too.

14. In fact, scratch the whole concept of "us versus them." Half of all human DNA originally came from viruses, which infected and embedded themselves in our ancestors' egg and sperm cells.

15. Most of those embedded viruses are now extinct, but in 2005 French researchers applied for permission to resurrect one of them. Some scientists objected, saying the resurrected virus could go on a rampage; the research ministry approved the project.

16. Apocalypse Not: The virus, dubbed Phoenix, was a dud.

17. Then again, other viral relics in our genomes may play a role in autoimmune diseases and certain cancers.

18. Some viral proteins do good. They may have kept your mother's immune system from attacking you in utero, for instance.

19. A virus called HTLV, which has coevolved with humans for thousands of years, is being used to uncover prehistoric migration patterns. Its modern distribution suggests that Japanese sailors were the first people to reach the Americas, millennia before Siberians wandered across the Bering Strait.

20. We are family: Scientists suspect that a large DNA-based virus took up residence inside a bacterial cell more than a billion years ago to create the first cell nucleus. If so, then we are all descended from viruses.

Prosper in all ways!
Coach Lynn

5 Common Habits That Don't Help You

Everyone has some bad habit. It could be anything! The point is, whatever your bad habits are, get control of them before they get a hold of you! Here are some tips to avoiding these five common bad habits that you shouldn’t wait until tomorrow to break..

1. Paying only the minimum balance. Paying just the minimum on your credit card balance every month may keep your creditors happy, but it's not helping you pay off the growing interest charges.

2. Buying a brand new car. If you love that new car smell then take a whiff of how much you've lost in depreciation just by driving it off the lot. New cars depreciate very quickly when they are first sold. Owning a used car is acceptable. Think about it this way: What price are you willing to pay to save money and still have a new car?

3. Smoking. We all know that smoking is terrible for your health, but have you considered what this deadly habit does to your wealth? By smoking one pack of cigarettes a day at an average cost of $5.33 per pack, this common habit can cost $1,945 in just one year. After five years, you've burned through over $9,700 dollars just to light up.

4. Throw money at the wind because of energy costs. Learning to conserve energy is more than a buzz phrase. Chances are, your house is already leaking hundreds of dollars a year in energy costs. Look into what you can do to conserve energy in your home without having to leave it.

5. Ignoring your debt. Stop procrastinating and pay down your debt. Stop waiting for the lotto to set you free! Chances are, you will not win lotto so you need to plan on how to build a strong financial foundation. Keeping debt around and deferring it constantly means that once the interest is accrued and added, you feel nauseous and sick to your stomach. Take a hold of your finances NOW and don’t crawl under a rock. When you finally come from underneath that rock, you will find that the debt has accrued more interest.

If you have any of these common habits featured earlier, stop walking in quicksand. When you want to truly get ahead, you will work methodically to better your financial situation. That means talking toy our creditors and trying to work it out, paying more on credit cards when possible, check to make sure that your house is as energy efficient as possible, and take care of your health and sense of well-being.

Prosper!