Happy Father's Day

Yesterday we celebrated Father’s Day.  It was also the 25^th birthday of our son Jason who just recently became a father.  Sleeping doesn’t come easily for the young family, since little Jaya is often colicky and wakes up after only short naps.  As a grandmother I don’t mind to help care for the baby during the day to give the mother a break.

I don’t know where the expression ‘sleeping like a baby’ comes from.  For some babies that has a whole different meaning.  When they are cranky and have stomach aches from gas or indigestion, sleeping doesn’t come so easily.

I also like to reflect here on the meaning of father’s day.  It hasn’t been established officially until 1972 when President Nixon declared Father’s Day a national holiday.  There were many attempts before on the state level where people requested a day to honor their fathers, mainly to complement mother’s day.

Even though we want celebrate our earthly fathers for their dedication and care for their children and raising a family we also want to honor our heavenly parent, God, on that day.  It is from Him that we have life and the purpose for living.  He determined for eternity the position of father and mother to represent Him here on the earth.  With his heavenly laws and spiritual principles he envisioned for us to live together and learn from father and mother our way of living.  With the parents as the example children grow up to become well-adjusted and happy members of the family and can make a positive contribution to their larger community.

Amazing what thoughts come to mind on a dark and cloudy day. Since it was storming with heavy rain for most of the day, we cut the cake inside.  When finally the sun came out again we had to try out the father’s day present, a new hammock. 

We proudly present father and daughter while they were napping in the cool afternoon breeze.

What Propaganda?

I believe we can assume that propaganda has a negative connotation.   Propagandas has an ideological goal, it is to persuade a large amount of people to a certain belief or goal.  The word propaganda comes from the word propagate which means to spread, proliferate or publicize.   In the ancient Greece Aristotle recognized that an appeal to emotion was useful in persuasive rhetoric.  Propaganda grew out of early persuasion and rhetoric.  It was first used in 1622 to describe the propagation of the Catholic Faith.  In that way it had no negative implication.  Only after the protestant movements started to challenge the Catholic faith, propaganda took a new meaning.

In today’s society the internet is the perfect tool for viral proliferation of any ideas.  It works especially with human psychology, mainly man’s weaknesses.  Media creators and advertising rely heavily on knowledge of human psychology.  Since propaganda plays a great deal on the human emotions we cannot deny its impact, and certainly cannot reason it away.  Let’s look at some ways propaganda is influencing our lives:

Definition and Purpose of propaganda

One web site states that Propaganda is the manipulation of public opinion.  Others say that it is persuasion by design with the goal to systematically and consciously promote certain ideas and to advocate certain actions based on ideas.   According to another website, propaganda often exaggerates events or plainly changes them.  What means one thing to one person can be perceive completely different by somebody else.  In any case propaganda seeks to change people’s mind and influences their outlook.

Propaganda Techniques

There are various types of propaganda techniques, and I found them being used to inducing fear, exaggeration, hype, repetition, scarcity, and slogans. Then, there are the seven types of propaganda introduced by a website of George Mason University (GMU):

7 types of propaganda

·         Transfer                                The act of relating something or someone we like or respect with a product. Symbols are constantly used in this form.

·         Testimonial  The use of well known, respected people to endorse a product or service.

·         Glittering Generalities       The act of referring to words or ideas that evoke a positive emotional response from an audience. Virtue words are often used.

·         Plain Folks                           The use of everyday people to sell a product or service. Speakers in ads appear to make the person to be one of the people.

·         Bandwagon                         Attempts to persuade the target audience to take a course of action, "Everyone else is taking." "Join the crowd." This technique reinforces people’s natural desire to be on the winning side.

·         Name Calling                       The use of names that evoke fear or hatred in the viewer. This technique links a person or idea to a negative symbol.

·         Card Stacking                     Strategy of showing the product's best features. Telling half-truths and emitting or lying about its potential problems.

History of Propaganda

The word propaganda was first used in 1622, when Pope Gregory XV established the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda, a commission designed to spread the Catholic faith worldwide to describe the propagation of the Catholic faith. There was no malice intended in spreading the word of God for what the Catholics considered the only true faith; however, the emerging Protestant religions began to challenge this notion. By the end of the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church had achieved a solid grip on the communication of ideas. The Church, in close cooperation with the universities it controlled, began to identify and attack what it considered heresy.

Since then propaganda has taken on a much broader meaning, and refers to any technique, whether in writing, speech, music, film or other means, that attempts to influence mass public opinion.

The GMU website goes into a long explanation regarding the roots of propaganda and also describes the rise of propaganda in modern times.

Through the mass media we are constantly bombarded with ideas, advertisement and other suggestions.  I like to mention here a passage from Napoleon Hill’s latest book “Outwitting the Devil.”

“One of my most effective tricks is known to you as propaganda.  This is the instrument of great value to me in setting people to murdering one another under the disguise of war.

The cleverness of this trick consists mainly of the subtlety with which I use it.

I mix propaganda with the news of the world.  I have it taught in public and private schools.  I see that it finds its way into the pulpit. I color moving pictures with it.  I see that it enters every home where there is a radio.  I inject it into billboards, newspapers, and radio advertising.  I spread it in every place of business where people work.  I use it to fill the divorce courts and I make it serve to destroy business and industry.

It is my chief instrument for starting runs on banks.  My propagandists cover the world so thoroughly that I can start epidemics of disease, turn loose the dogs of war, or throw business into a panic at will.”

“Propaganda is any device, plan, or method by which people can be influenced without knowing that they are being influenced, or the source of the influence.

Propaganda is used in business for the purpose of discouraging competition.  Employers use it to gain advantage over their employees.  The employees retaliate by using it to gain advantage over their employers.  In fact, it is used so universally and through such a smooth and beautiful streamlined technique that it looks harmless even when it is detected.” 

These are the answers of the Devil whom Napoleon Hill questioned in length regarding tricking people into drifting and guiding them away from the truth.

That sums up the purpose and the origin of propaganda.  It is to causes division and confusion.

I found the book very provoking, especially since it was written 73 years ago and describes a lot of parallels to our time today.  I will write more about my impressions on “Outwitting the Devil” in a later blog.  I believe that Napoleon Hill was way ahead of his time, and has very cleverly observed the work of the Devil in our society.  It couldn’t be any other way, since no one other person, organization, or even government could have such a far reaching influence.

How can we prevent coming under the influence of propaganda?  Think for yourself, be responsible and discover a definite purpose for your life.

The Law Of Assumption

I don’t believe anything happens by accident.  Just a couple of weeks ago I wrote about the “decision is like a goal.”  I was still reflecting on it when I came across a booklet on the “Power of Awareness” by Neville Goddard.  He wrote this script on 1952.  Neville, as he is known in metaphysical circles, was way ahead of his time.  It took more than 60 years for his ideas to become more widely accepted; most people still don’t have any clue about spiritual laws.  In chapter 3 of the book, he writes about the law of assumption (LOA). It is to me a very clear description of how faith manifests and how we create.

“Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

~ Rom. 12:2

How to apply the LOA and to experience transformation:

·         It starts with a changed state of consciousness (consciousness is defined as what man thinks, desires, loves, and what he believes at his core being)

·         Next is an intense, burning desire (we must be willing to be different with full intention)

·         Assume the desire to be the present fact as if it is already fulfilled (our dream becomes reality by acting as if)

·         Persist in feeling and assuming the desire until it is manifested (we rebirth ourselves in the process)

·         Think from the end result rather than think of it (thinking from it manifests the spiritual process while thinking of it is only mental or physical observation)

·         Let it happen with the least effort (remove all resistance, negative emotions such as doubt and limiting beliefs)

·         Achieving the new state of consciousness becomes apparent to all (our new attitude and behavior becomes visible through our actions)

Neville makes these point an absolute requirement for the LOA to be manifested:  

“You must be the thing itself and not merely talk about it or look at it.”

~ Neville Goddard

This understanding takes a new twist on the Law of Attraction which was featured in the movie “The Secret.”  It is with imagination that we create our world and it is with imagination and following an ideal that we can become our true selves and be responsible human beings.  Neville calls imagination a redemptive power.  Human beings are the only creatures who have the choice to grow by imagining themselves as that which they want to be or to remain in the present concept of themselves.  Practicing the imaginary life will eventually led to the “ideal life.” 

“In today's rush we all think too much - seek too much - want too much - and forget about the joy of just being.”

– Eckhart Tolle

It is amazing to me how many different approaches there are in regards to transformation and the laws of creation. 

Napoleon Hill called it “The Power of Definite Purpose:”

Dr. Wayne Dyer calls it the “The Power of Intention.”

Even science has now discovered that it is not only our genes which determine our lives.  Dr. Bruce Lipton:

 “I want people to understand that we are creating this world, that we are creating our own lives.”  His teaching on the “Biology of Belief” has been published on YouTube. 

Another scientist, Amit Goswami, along with Quantum Physics, explains that man’s self-awareness and consciousness creates his world.  It is in the nature of observation and paying attention to our surroundings that they become significant and therefore exist.

This is a time where we have to find new ways to actively participate in the creation of our lives.  Especially, here in America, we have the rights to pursue happiness by the laws of the constitution.  With the law of assumption it is certainly possible to achieve it.

WARNING: The Law of Assumption can also work against us when we are driven by negative emotions such as judgment, prejudice and/or limiting beliefs.

Memorial Day 2012

This year’s Memorial Day celebrations and especially the Parade in Washington, D.C. will be focusing on honoring the men and women who served in Iraq.  It will be the first tribute to recognize their sacrifice since the end of the operations in December of 2011. 

They don’t get their own parade, unlike the service men who went to the Desert Storm War. I remember attending the celebrations and fireworks at the Washington Monument on June 8, 1991.  We could share the victory with the soldiers and it brought great honor to our country.

Here is a short list of “Seven Quick Facts About Memorial Day” by All Proud Americans:

      1.     Why we observe Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance of those who have died serving our country.

2.     It started with the Civil War

Memorial Day was a response to the unprecedented carnage of the Civil War, in which some 620,000 soldiers on both sides died.

3.     It was first known as Decoration Day

From the practice of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, the holiday was long known as Decoration Day. The name Memorial Day goes back to 1882, but the older name didn't disappear until after World War II. Federal law declared "Memorial Day" the official name in 1967.

4.     The playing of 'Taps'

The 24-note bugle call, is played at all military funerals and memorial services.

5.     Flying the Flag

It is customary on Memorial Day to fly the flag at half staff until noon, and then raise it to the top of the staff until sunset.

6.     Flowers and Flags

These are the two most popular items people use to remember soldiers.

7.     The last Monday of May

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May.

Have a great Memorial Day and remember FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!

Nutmeg – the Tropical Spice that bought Manhattan

My last blog was about the Many Uses of Nutmeg.

In the meantime I finished reading the book “Nathaniel’s Nutmeg,” in which British author Giles Milton writes about Nathaniel Courthope who was a trusted captain of the East India Company, who fought a fierce battle in the 17^th century against the Dutch by defending Run, the tiny island in the volcanic group of the Banda Islands in today’s Indonesia.  At that time, Run was one of the few places in the world where the priced nutmeg trees were growing. 

Nathaniel made a name for himself, as after his death in 1620, the British took revenge to the loss of Nathaniel and the Island of Run which he so dedicated himself for and demanded the island of Manhattan from the Dutch.  Milton joked about it in his book that Nathaniel’s death caused England to ”lose nutmeg but gained bigger apples” instead and therefore altered the course of history.   In modern times nutmeg is grown in other tropical countries with Grenada (Caribbean) leading the production.  In fact, they made the nutmeg the symbol of their country and put it on their flag.  Natives also make jams and candies from the fruit pot.

Who was Nathaniel Courthope?

Almost 400 years have passed since Nathaniel Courthope became a trader and lieutenant of the East India Trading Company. He was hired by the British merchants in 1616 to stabilize the trade of tropical spices, especially nutmeg.  When he arrived at the small Island of Run as commander of the two ships, the Swan and the Defense, he was welcomed by the Natives.  The Dutch had won command over the rest of the Banda Islands.  It was Courthope’s charter to gain control over Run.  He negotiated with the Natives and defended the island as their protector for a period of four years, only to be betrayed by a Dutch traitor who passed himself as a deserter.  Therefore, he was attacked and killed by the Dutch on October 18, 1620.

Nathaniel Courthope’s courageous stand on the tiny Spice Island Run left a legacy of heroic exploits and helped reshape history and led to the founding of New York.

Why was Nutmeg so Important?

The Spice Trades have been going on for centuries. With the discovery of new sea routes (like Columbus coming to America), more countries send out explorers and traders until wars were fought over the prized spices.

The 17^th century was a time where one nutmeg had the value of gold.  Nutmeg became of great value because of its medicinal application during the plague and other epidemics.  Nutmeg was looked at as a miracle drug in the treatment of all kinds of diseases.

How did New Amsterdam become New York?

Several wars were fought between the English and the Dutch.  After the 2^nd Anglo-Dutch War of 1665-1667, at the Treaty of Breda, the two countries agreed on trading the Island of Run for the Island of Manhattan with the small colony New Amsterdam along the Hudson River.  The English had occupied the island of Manhattan during the war (as retaliation to the massacre at Amboyna in 1623 and spice war over the Banda Islands).  Manhattan came under the sovereignty of the Duke of York who later became King James II.  With that deal, history was changed forever.  The Duke renamed New Amsterdam New York. 

 It is interesting how history plays itself out sometimes.  It seems that the sacrifice of some people (in this case the courage, dedication, and perseverance of Nathaniel Courthope) was enough a price to overshadow the betrayals, cruelties, and greed of the conquering Dutch.  It turned out that soon thereafter the Natives transplanted nutmeg trees to other places in Malaysia, the Caribbean and Grenada.  With that the island of Run has very little significance today.

If you want to learn more about this intriguing time of history and you like to find out about explorers, pirates and sea faring, read the story of Nathaniel’s Nutmeg by Giles Milton.

The Many Uses of Nutmeg

Nutmeg with its warm, spicy and sharp aroma has been used for centuries the world over. Its botanical name is myristica fragrans.

Nutmeg is considered a twin spice, since the fruit produces nutmeg and mace (which is the outer layer of red fiber around the seed which is milder in flavor).  Nutmeg finds its application in flavorings, healing and aromatherapy. 

It has quite a history because in earlier centuries it had a high trade value.  Today, we are familiar with its use during the holiday season with pumpkin pie, spice cookies and eggnog.  I use it all throughout the year in my mashed potatoes and cheese dishes.

It also makes a wonderful air freshener as a scented candle.  The greatest benefit can be found in the medicinal use.  Nutmeg has analgesic, anti-septic, digestive, stimulant, tonic and anti-oxidant properties.

In “Nathaniel’s Nutmeg,” British author Giles Milton writes about Nathaniel Courthope who was a trusted captain of the East India Company, who fought a fierce battle in the 17^th century against the Dutch by defending Run, the tiny island in the volcanic group of the Banda Islands in today’s Indonesia.  At that time Run was the only place in the world where the priced nutmeg trees were growing.  (I will write the next blog about the events which took place on Run and the Dutch-Anglo war which resulted in the trade of Run for the island of Manhattan (which was controlled by the Dutch and was called New Amsterdam).

Nutmeg’s Use in the Kitchen

There are many culinary uses for nutmeg, mainly in sweet and spicy dishes like pumpkin pie, puddings, custards, spice cakes and cookies.  It works well in soups like split pea, chicken or black beans or as an addition to cheese sauces.  In Middle Eastern cooking it is added to meat dishes like lamb as well. Italians are adding it to their sausages.  During the holiday season it is added to eggnog and mulled wines and punches.  One whole nutmeg grates into 2-3 teaspoons of ground nutmeg.

Nutmeg in the Medicine Cabinet

There many more medicinal uses of nutmeg.  The oil can become a rub for muscle and joint pains in arthritis.  In ancient Greece and Rome small amounts of nutmeg oil which contains myristicin were used as brain stimulants to induce dreams and to relieve stress.

Small doses of ground nutmeg can be added to liquids to reduce flatulence, indigestion and nausea.  In holistic medicine it is considered an excellent liver tonic which can remove toxins.  Nutmeg oil can be used to dissolve kidney stones and relieve infections.

Nutmeg can help with respiratory problems and can be used in the common cold against coughing.

NOTE: Large doses (2-3 nutmegs per day) can cause hallucinations, vomiting and other serious side effects, even death.

Nutmeg in Aromatherapy

In aromatherapy nutmeg oil finds various applications: it stimulates circulation, eases muscular aches and joint pains in arthritis and helps with nausea and indigestion.  It can also be added in small amounts to a glass of milk to induce sleep.

The home uses for nutmeg mainly focus on its fragrance.  With its musky smell it is often combined with other aromas to make candles and other aromatherapy products.

Nutmeg’s Magic

In the old days people used to carry nutmeg seeds as protection from danger and evil.  It was acceptable to put a nut in your armpit before attending a social event, believing that you could attract more admirers.

At some point it was popular to carry a seed and a little grinder with you to social events in a beautiful box made of wood, silver or ivory.

Commercial uses of Nutmeg

Nutmeg and mace are used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.  They are often added as flavorings in medicine or as fragrances in colognes for men.  They are also added to soaps, perfumes, detergents and lotions.  Some cough medicines contain nutmeg.  Many popular drinks and foods contain nutmeg.  Did you know that Coca-Cola contains nutmeg?

WARNINGS:  Nutmeg in large quantities can be toxic and even fetal.  Never use more than 30 grams (6 tablespoons) in a day.  Even 3 tablespoons are considered excessive.

A Decision is Like a Goal

In some way it is; a definite decision is the beginning of the path we travel to reach a certain goal.  Life happens because of decisions. We can’t even get out of bed in the morning without deciding on it. Being happy is a decision. What we decide today will shape our future.

Decision is defined as a choice, determination, judgment, or even as a promise.  It all starts with making up one’s mind and then taking a certain direction.  Just like goal setting, making a decision is not enough to accomplish anything.  To me making a decision is the beginning and the end as well as the journey in between. 

Sometimes, the decision and the goal are very close, that’s when we act immediately upon an inspiration; not waiting for anybody else’s opinion, or even reasoning out why that idea maybe unrealistic.  It has been said, that when we have a “why” the “how” will unfold along the way.  Let’s look at decision making a little more closely.

 “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward.”

~ Amelia Earhart

How to make good decisions?

1)    Decision making is a skill

Like any other skill, making good decisions takes practice.  There is no failure in decision making.  With every decision we will get a certain result.  If we don’t like the outcome we can make an adjustment and take a new action.  With commitment and tenacity we will make better choices and get the end result (goal) we want.

“A real decision is measured by the fact that you've taken a new action. If there's no action, you haven't truly decided. “
~ Tony Robbins

2)    Avoiding Procrastination

Napoleon Hill, in his book Think and Grow Rich, dedicates the whole Chapter 8 on the topic of indecision.  In hesitating and being indecisive we lose a lot of power and momentum.  Procrastination often goes along with self-sabotaging which has its origin in emotional/psychological behavior and has to be dealt with before one can move on.  Letting go of old emotional baggage and releasing it can make room for new adventures.

“The world has the habit of making room for the man whose words and actions show that he knows where he is going.”

~ Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich – Chapter 8

3)    Knowing ourselves

Our decisions have to be rooted in core values.  When our conscience is based on core values like honesty, loyalty, responsibility, etc. it is easier to make wise decisions.  When we know our shortcomings or weakness’ we can also make better choices.   It is best not to make life changing decisions when we are hungry, tired, or just in a bad mood; it is better to sleep on it.

I recently listened to a talk by Chade-Meng Tan who authored a book “Search Inside Yourself.”  His advice for knowing ourselves is based on three observations: 1. Pay attention to stay in the NOW; 2. Self-knowledge and self-mastery makes us aware of new opportunities; 3. Create new mental habits like practicing kindness.

He believes that it takes as little as 100 minutes to establish habits of centeredness and focus.  To become a true master of self-discipline though is a lifelong process.

“If you have made mistakes, there is always another chance for you. You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call ’failure’ is not the falling down, but the staying down.”

~ Mary Pickford

4)    Man is the only animal who can make decisions

Ever wondered why young people are often so spontaneous in decision making?  Scientists have discovered that the prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain where decision making can be measured) does not develop until the early 20s.  In fact, this part of the brain which is located behind the forehead is the last part of the brain developed in the progress of man throughout history and is the only part which separates us from animals.  

While the prefrontal cortex is like the control center our brain has another (emotional) center – the limbic system.  Since emotions are often more powerful than reasoning, we can explain why young people sometimes make bad choices.

Being born in the sign of Libra, the scale, I have had my issues with making decisions.  Through experience I have learned that there are ways to circumvent the hesitation or even fear of deciding.  By applying the above guidelines, I have become better in decision making.  I have discovered that decision making is empowering as it is linked to the Law of Attraction.

The action of deciding comes from the Latin word decidere which literally means to cut off or to end.  Making decisions therefore has absoluteness to it and that will clear a path to reach any goal.  Our future is depending on the decision we make right NOW.