The Words We Choose

The Words We Choose: James Pennebaker, the author of The Secret Life of Pronouns, has spent more than 30 years studying the psychological causes of physical illnesses. What he’s found is that the words we choose can affect our physical and mental health, and even alter our mood.

In one study Pennebaker found that writing 15 minutes a day can help fight cancer, high blood pressure, heart attacks and loneliness. It seems that writing may fulfill the same function of “unloading” as talking to another person. Subjects who wrote about emotionally significant events in their lives were able to function better than those that wrote about neutral objects. They visited the doctor less frequently, took fewer aspirins, got the flu less and generally felt better. Likewise, writers who varied the pronouns they were using laughed more than those who stuck with the singular form. In another study Pennebaker found that subjects who used more negative emotion words, such as “sad or “angry” were not generally helped by the writing exercise.

Journaling, or 15 minutes of daily “healthy writing,” has been shown to improve mood, aid in processing trauma or emotional events, and enhance performance throughout the day. It turns out that the words we choose to use in journals also show up in our conversations, and this can affect our relationships with others and how we perceive the world.


Avoid Chronic Inflammation With The Right Diet

| by Merlian News

There’s been a lot of news the last few years about chronic inflammation and its debilitating effects on the body, but researchers are still unclear about the causes. Under normal circumstances, the body is supposed to “inflame” a little to mount an immune response and counteract infection — it’s when the body stays in that state that problems occur.

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Merlian News Podcasts With Mitzi Adams

| by Merlian News

Mitzi Adams was first introduced to Jin Shin Jyutsu in 1986 when she started her graduate studies in dance in Arizona. She has studied for a little over two decades and has taught Self-help Jin Shin Jyutsu at various universities. Her love and devotion to Jin Shin Jyutsu are witnessed through her teachings, inspiring all those drawn to this profound art. In this podcast, Mitzi discusses with Merryn Jose what Jin Shin Jyutsu is, how it is applied, how you can use it everyday, and the various healing benefits it provides.

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Is There an ‘All Natural’ Alternative to Antibiotics? by Susun Weed

| by Susun Weed

There are good reasons to use antibiotic drugs. That said, most physicians and healthcare professionals agree that they are often overused. The overuse of antibiotics has created “superbugs” that are immune to the most common antibiotics. But on a more personal level, antibiotics can wreak havoc on your own immune system and gastrointestinal tract. The good news is that there is an all-natural alternative to antibiotics that I’ve found to be very effective.

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The Mouth-Body Connection by Gerald P. Curatola, DDS

| by Cheryl Shainmark

The Mouth-Body Connection is a must read – whether you are suffering from chronic disease, or just want to bring your health to a new level, the information and insights in this book can help. Dr. Curatola has brought together thirty years of dental experience along with the latest science and developed a program for oral and body health  called The Curatola Care Program.  As detailed in the book, the program consists of learning about the natural micro-biome of the mouth, the hazards of inflammation, and the role of diet, exercise and stress reduction.

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Have You Checked Out Gaia.com?

Gaia is one of our favorite websites! Formerly known as GaiamTv, it’s been simplified to “Gaia.” You can occasionally find one of their great videos for free on Facebook or YouTube, but, if you’re like us, you will rapidly want to pay for the subscription service. Gaia.com offers ad-free streaming of thousands of exclusive and original videos and full length movies featuring renowned luminaries, as well as a like-minded community of seekers. Not in the mood for a video? There are dozens of articles that will “expand your worldview and amplify the power of our collective consciousness.”

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The Art of Self-Care for Introverts: Nurturing Your Mind and Body

| by Dylan Foster

Taking care of yourself as an introvert isn’t just about recharging after social interactions—it’s about cultivating daily habits that help you thrive. While extroverts may feel invigorated by constant stimulation, you often find solace in quiet moments and solitary activities. Prioritizing self-care tailored to your personality isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity.

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Increasing Irisin: How the “Feel Good” Exercise Hormone Can Help Your Brain

Just discovered in 2012, irisin is exciting the science community with questions about its role in our bodies. Named after Iris, the Greek messenger to the gods, it’s called the feel good hormone, or the exercise hormone. As reported recently in The New York Times, research with mice has shown that irisin, released during exercise, works to activate brain cell growth and may counteract the beta amyloid growth associated with Alzheimer’s disease. And while there is plenty of research showing that exercise increases bone density, new studies indicate that it may be irisin that is driving the change. This could lead to new advances in the treatment of osteoporosis.

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Merlian News Podcast Interview with Master Stephen Co: Part 1

| by Merlian News

In Part 1 of this interview , Master Co talks with Merryn Jose about pranic healing. Stephen Co is a master of the Life Force energy. The “miracles” that Master Co performs are nature’s certain response to the conscious direction of our life force energy ( Chi or Prana ). This subtle knowledge has evolved in the Orient over thousands of years. These ancient mysteries have been organized into a clear-cut science by Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, and are taught in the West by his senior disciple, Master Stephen Co. This system is called Pranic Healing.

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Dandelions May be the Health Boost You Need

It’s spring and that means our favorite pesky weed is about to make its appearance! Before you eradicate those interlopers you may want to try something different.  Dandelion, both leaves and roots, whether grown wild or cultivated, is full of medicinal benefits. The greens can be chopped into salad, cooked like spinach, or added to juicing, while the root form can be used to make an infusion/tea or extract. 

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