Woody Harrelson Shares a Powerful Thought

I sometimes feel like an alien creature
for which there is no earthly explanation
Sure I have human form
walking erect and opposing digits,
but my mind is upside down.
I feel like a run-on sentence
in a punctuation crazy world.
and I see the world around me
like a mad collective dream.

An endless stream of people
move like ants from the freeway
cell phones, pc’s, and digital displays
“In Money We Trust,”
we’ll find happiness
the prevailing attitude;
like a genetically modified irradiated Big Mac
is somehow symbolic of food.

Morality is legislated
prisons over-populated
religion is incorporated
the profit-motive has permeated all activity
we pay our government to let us park on the street
And war is the biggest money-maker of all
we all know missile envy only comes from being small.

Politicians and prostitutes
are comfortable together
I wonder if they talk about the strange change in the weather.
This government was founded by, of, and for the people
but everybody feels it
like a giant open sore
they don’t represent us anymore
And blaming the President for the country’s woes
is like yelling at a puppet
for the way it sings
Who’s the man behind the curtain pulling the strings?

A billion people sitting watching their TV
in the room that they call living
but as for me
I see living as loving
and since there is no loving room
I sit on the grass under a tree
dreaming of the way things used to be
Pre-Industrial Revolution
which of course is before the rivers and oceans, and skies were polluted.

Before Parkinson’s, and mad cows
and all the convoluted cacophony of bad ideas
like skyscrapers, and tree paper, and earth rapers
like Monsanto and Dupont had their way
as they continue to today.

This was Pre-us
back when the buffalo roamed
and the Indian’s home
was the forest, and God was nature
and heaven was here and now
Can you imagine clean water, food, and air
living in community with animals and people who care?

Do you dare to feel responsible for every dollar you lay down
are you going to make the rich man richer
or are you going to stand your ground
You say you want a revolution
a communal evolution
to be a part of the solution
maybe I’ll be seeing you around…

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Venus Project Foundation is an arts, sciences and educational, non-profit 501(c)(3), national organization, based in New York City, United States.

A Lesson to the World by Woody Harrelson

3 Unexpected foods that can help you beat the blues

- By Carolanne Wright - May 04, 2014

Who hasn't, at one point or another, battled with depression? That unmistakable energy-zapping, soul-crushing and utterly unpleasant state. In these uncertain times of economic failure, joblessness and threats to home and food security, it's no wonder rates of depression are on the rise. But before relying on risky pharmaceutical antidepressants, consider food-based solutions instead.

Nature's antidepressant

A nutrient dense diet can go a long way in fending off, if not downright curing, fits of depression. Be that as it may, certain edibles are better at targeting the blues than others. The following three examples have shown exceptional promise in helping to defeat depressive mental states.

Fish. A diet low in omega-3 fatty acids has been linked with mood disorders like depression. If you would like to keep a bright outlook, fatty fish such as salmon, trout, sardines and mackerel are excellent choices. Everyday Health notes that "Japanese researchers found that a diet high in fish protects people from depression and suicide, while in Finland a team of researchers surveyed 1,767 residents and concluded that eating fish more than twice a week has a protective effect against suicide and depression." If you are avoiding fish (or adhere to a vegetarian diet), plant-based sources of omega-3s include sacha inchi, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed and chia.

Turmeric. Good news for all you curry fans out there -- it turns out turmeric is superior to Prozac in treating depression. A groundbreaking study in Phytotherapy Research has shown that the bioactive component in turmeric, known as curcumin, "is both safe and effective in treating serious states of depression," according to GreenMed Info. As an added perk, curcumin actually provides "side-benefits" -- protective and healing attributes that go far beyond the management of depression. You can learn more here.

If using turmeric powder to enhance mental function and health, a small pinch of non-irradiated black pepper will improve bioavailability and absorption. Researchers have found that up to 8 grams of turmeric can be consumed per day without adverse effect.

Green Tea. Not only is green tea good for keeping the body healthy and fit, but it also encourages positive mental states. The secret lies with L-theanine -- a naturally occurring amino acid in green tea that supports clarity while decreasing anxiety and depression. "They say Japanese Buddhist monks could meditate for hours, both alert and relaxed. One reason may have been an amino acid in their green tea called L-theanine," said Mark Blumenthal, of the American Botanical Council, in the Health article, "19 Natural Remedies for Anxiety."

One key distinction of the above foods is that they are all anti-inflammatory. Evidently when chronic, low-grade inflammation is present, our risk of depression increases substantially. Ultimately, getting to the root of inflammation is best for naturally eradicating depression. However, until the cause of inflammation is addressed thoroughly, fatty fish, turmeric and green tea can help take the edge off and balance moods.

Sources for this article include:

http://science.naturalnews.com/Curcumin.html

http://www.everydayhealth.com

http://www.greenmedinfo.com

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/11/200

About the author:
Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, natural foods chef and wellness coach, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through her website www.Thrive-Living.net, she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision.

Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Thrive-Living/4995788...

For Pinterest fans: www.pinterest.com/thriveliving/

Find at Google+: www.goo.gl/cEZiyR

and Twitter: www.twitter.com/Thrive_Living

5 Toxic Chemicals Hiding in Your Deodorant - Protect your skin from these five toxic chemicals

- By Tess Pennington

Each day, as we get ready to play our part in society, we put on our favorite fragrances and cosmetics and unknowingly subject ourselves to toxic chemicals. Over time, these toxic chemicals can cause cancers, tumors, bronchial issues and other health related problems.

According to the National Cancer Society, “Reports have suggested that these products contain harmful substances, which can be absorbed through the skin or enter the body through nicks caused by shaving. Some scientists have also proposed that certain ingredients in underarm antiperspirants or deodorants may be related to breast cancer because they are applied frequently to an area next to the breast.”

Since our skin is our largest organ, we need to take measures to ensure that what we put on it is as natural as possible. Here are five harmful chemicals found in deodorant that can play a part in the diminishment of our health.

1. Aluminum Compounds

Aluminum compounds are added to deodorant to block the pores from sweating. Aluminum, like other heavy metals, may interfere with the ability of estrogen receptors to correctly process the hormone and are linked to breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men, and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.

2. Parabens

Parabens are preservatives used in some deodorants and antiperspirants that have been shown to mimic the activity of estrogen in the body’s cells. This chemical disrupts hormonal balances and can lead to early puberty in children and hormone-related cancers in women and organ toxicity. The belief that parabens build up in breast tissue was supported by a 2004 study, which found parabens in 18 of 20 samples of tissue from human breast tumors.

3. Propylene glycol

When this chemical is paired with other chemical additives, it can be extremely dangerous. This ingredient causes damage to the central nervous system, liver and heart. Even in small concentrations (2 percent or less), propylene glycol provokes skin irritation in those with sensitive skin. Moreover, some manufacturers have made deodorants with 50 percent propylene glycol content. Believe it or not, you are likely to find this in many “natural” deodorants. 

4. Triclosan

Triclosan is classified as a pesticide according to the FDA. Although the FDA uses are not regulated under pesticide law, EPA considered these exposures in the aggregate risk  assessment. In deodorants, triclosan is used as an antibacterial agent and preservative, and reacts with tap water to create chloroform gas, a potential carcinogen. This chemical can also possess endocrine disrupting properties that has shown up in human breast milk and blood.

5. Steareths

Usually listed with a number (like steareth-15), these additives come from a cheap process that makes harsh ingredients more mild. The process (known as ethoxylation) produces carcinogenic 1,4-dioxanes during manufacturing.

 Natural Alternatives

Rather than allowing chemicals and toxins to absorb into the skin, learn about the natural alternatives that are out there.

Mineral salts with active ingredients, such as ammonium or potassium alum work by constricting the protein in sweat so that bacteria have less to feed on. Clay minerals, such as bentonite, and natural powders like cornstarch or arrowroot help absorb moisture. Essential oils working in conjunction with natural astringents (witch hazel, alcohol, etc.) have also been shown to help evaporate moisture on the skin and constrict pores. Another alternative is to make your own deodorant.

Quick Deodorant

• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup corn starch (If you have especially sensitive skin, increase the amount of cornstarch to 6 tablespoons and decrease the baking soda to 2 tablespoons)
• 10 drops of scented oil (tea tree oil, lavender, rose, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

1. Put 1/4 cup each of baking soda and cornstarch in a bowl and add 10+ drops of scented oil (you can add more if you would like).
2. Stir 2+ tbsp of coconut oil until it is the consistency you like.
3. Smash the mixture into an empty deodorant container.
4. Let it set a few days and enjoy.

Note: This deodorant should be applied lightly. It is invisible, but works. Read about other recipes for everyday products.

Further, using a warm washcloth and scrubbing your arm pits will help to remove any bacteria and help open up the pores so they begin functioning again. While doing this, you can add a drop or two of essential oils such as tea tree oil, to help cleanse the area more thoroughly.

As you can see, there are alternatives to chemical-laden deodorants. It is important to inform yourself on the risks of these over-the-counter antiperspirants and begin considering the alternatives. They are more natural, cheaper, less harmful and will keep your body functioning rather than backing it up.