The Daily Mind

Green Energy Home Remodeling Tips

Homeowners, when given the chance to remodel their homes should consider doing it in relation to green living. Remodeling entails cost but it would be worth it if the home can be improved in such a way that there is an expected return in investment in terms of comfort, future savings, and responsibility to the environment. Contrary to the common belief that it is hard to achieve a green home, there are actually very simple modifications that may be done in a home to achieve the purpose.

Having a green home is not merely going with a trend. It involves a comprehensive overhaul of homeowner’s views so that they can easily adapt and incorporate green living concepts in everyday living. It is about making a home a healthier place to live in, and making the home more comfortable and energy-efficient. Select home remodeling efforts can result to better indoor air quality, energy and resource conservation, less wastage of materials, and opting for products that are considered beneficial to people and the environment.

Based on the recommendations of green advocates, a green home is founded on choosing the green option in all aspects including the use of non-toxic paints and sealants, programmable thermostats, energy-efficient appliances, natural flooring, energy-efficient lighting, tank-less water heaters, local building materials, native plants for landscaping, and many other specific ways that may be applicable to a home.

Living in an ideal home is essentially about being free from the worries of exorbitant energy costs, harmful construction elements, and wastage of anything that can be put to better use. Not many homeowners are aware that those seemingly minor inconveniences spotted in a home can actually pose a threat to the health of the occupants and the integrity of the home structure, not to mention hard on the pockets.

Molds and other allergens may be conveniently living in homes due to water intrusion, excess moisture, or condensation. An HVAC system that is not efficiently functioning can result to annoying random spots in the house which can either be too hot or too cold. Proper and sufficient insulation is really a must if a homeowner is to achieve an energy-efficient home. PA Electricity Companies provide some tips in their website for the information of the public. However, according to the experts at DePalma Construction, “While replacing drafty windows and maintaining the heater are both good ways to reduce energy bills, a commonly forgotten space in the home is the roof.” Homeowners should consider utilizing the unused space on their roofs for either solar panels or rooftop gardens. PA Electricity Companies provide some tips in their website for the information of the public.

Any modification from the smallest to the biggest effort will contribute greatly to the attainment of a truly green home. Once the difference between houses which have not benefited from any green-living modification and those that have been remodeled to comply with green living is experienced, homeowners will never want to go back to non-green living.

About the Author

Shirley discovered that a green home is actually attainable after having some minor modifications done in her home.

Image: ecoinstitution.com

Originally posted on March 13, 2013 @ 6:15 pm

The Miracle of Mirrors

Miracles do happen. Any person can experience it through his faith or through the help of another individual.

For people with disabilities, particularly the amputees, the miracle they can gain can come from the power of the mirror. It’s been proven that through this basic household item, people who no longer have complete limbs can still lead a quality life.

Stevo, an amputee himself, has been on a humanitarian mission traveling to different countries to help the underprivileged amputees. His goal is to ease the phantom limb pain these amputees often experience and help them cope with the depression they may be facing as a result of their condition.

But instead of using drugs or any other form of alternative medicine, Stevo uses the magic of mirrors. This unique kind of therapy uses acrylic mirrors that are hand-made using local materials. It is very cost effective because apart from the absence of drugs, patients need not visit doctors or clinics or travel to the town centers. Stevo himself fabricates the mirrors that are of two lengths – one for the arm amputees and the other for the leg amputees.

This mirror therapy is done by allowing patients to view a mirror image of his limb in place of the one that was amputated. By constantly letting them do this, the brain then starts to re-wire and stops giving warning signals that normally causes the pain. Ideally, this visualization technique needs to be done at least twice every day for up to five weeks in order for the patient to be healed throughout his lifetime.

The use of mirrors as a healing aid was developed by one of the world’s top neuroscientists, VS Ramachandran, back in the 1990s. It has been proven effective for more than 15 years now and is, in fact, also being practiced by the U.S. Military, the American Automobile Association and the American Pain Foundation. Interestingly, the technique has also been found to treat other conditions including stroke, paralysis, different nerve disorders and complex regional pain syndrome.

Thanks to Stevo and his campaign, poor amputees who may feel hopeless and frustrated about their situation can now look forward to leading a quality life. Donations can still be given until February 15 after which Stevo will embark on his next mission of bringing acrylic mirrors via his cargo bicycle. His goal is to collect $5,000 that would enable him to provide mirrors for the next three months until May.

Stevo is currently running a crowd fund raising campaign at StartSomeGood.com, he needs to reach the target of $5,000 for all the money to go to helping people in Cambodia who have lost limbs. Please give what you can.

About the author:
Teresa is a freelance blogger and mom of two who gets inspiration from the success stories of people helping other people.

Originally posted on February 10, 2013 @ 3:25 am

The Top 10 Social Workers of 2011 (Infographic)

People constantly talk about giving back to the community and serving others. But very few actually have the courage and conviction to do it. A lot of people say that social work can be such a thankless job but the spiritual rewards are tremendous. Social workers are modern heroes and they should be given the recognition they deserve. [Read more…] about The Top 10 Social Workers of 2011 (Infographic)

Originally posted on August 31, 2012 @ 9:50 am

The Tattooed Dad and His Daughter – How To Keep Cool in Ballet Class

The trouble with parenting is that nobody ever gives you a manual on how to do it. Sure, we can recall instances of our youth when the choices our parents made affected us positively or negatively and we can remember thinking, “I’ll never do that when I’m a parent.” We can build on those times and it helps shape who we are and who we want to become. It prepares you for the hard stuff; it toughens you.

That being said, nobody ever mentions the weird stuff…

It was today. I woke up very excited to take my four-year-old to her first ballet class. My Iowa Hawkeyes’ miserable season had come to an end and Saturdays are now officially dance days. This was a class my daughter asked to go to. She prances around the house in her pink tutu and ballerina slippers, pretending to be whatever character just blasted her way across the “Disney Princess Highway.” I am head-over-heels, absolutely, 100% smitten by her; if she wants to dance, then she’s going to dance! We enrolled her in ballet the first chance we got. [Read more…] about The Tattooed Dad and His Daughter – How To Keep Cool in Ballet Class

Originally posted on June 3, 2012 @ 11:58 pm

3 Alternative Treatments You Should Know

We all want to improve our lives, whether its our financials ,health or relationships. In this article I want to open your eyes to three treatments that can drastically improve your life. These treatments require your attention. That’s it, that’s the only drawback I can think of.

Now that we’re done with the drawbacks, let me tell you about the benefits:

You’ll feel better, and It doesn’t matter which treatment you’ll choose.
As a result of feeling better, you’ll have more energy.
Once you’ll have more energy suddenly people will be attracted to you.
Life will seem easier, you’ll get more opportunities. Others will call it luck but not you, because you’ll know that it came after some work.
You’ll eat Healthier, you will no longer have cravings.

As you can see it’s a cycle, you start by feeling better and the rest depends on you. Before we continue with the treatments there are two more things you should consider:

Every treatment is only as good as the therapist/healer . This why you should research about the therapist beforehand.
Though The treatments I’m going to share with you, take immediate affect, Its really a process. It doesn’t take a moment and sometimes it takes a life time. As usual it depends on the person and his emotional baggage.

The Treatments

1) NLP

Also known as: Neuro-linguistic programming.

Who invented it: Richard Wayne Bandler and John Grinder.

When: It originated in the 70s.

What: NLP helps with phobias, depression, habit disorders, psychosomatic illnesses, learning disorders, and helps people attain fuller and richer lives.

How does it work: NLP is based on therapy, guided imagery , hypnotherapy and more. This video demonstrates the use of NLP by Derren Brown for entertainment purposes.

Why you should try it: Anthony Robbins uses it to help people daily and it’s one of the causes for his meteoric rise. In addition NLP is based on the work of famous therapists like Fritz Perls,Virginia Satir and Milton Hyland Erickson. Unlike other treatments many of the NLP techniques you can do on your own.

Why you shouldn’t: Reviews of empirical research on NLP failed to produce reliable results for the claims for effectiveness made by NLP’s originators.

How it made me feel: In my experience NLP is one of those treatments that really depend on the therapist. I felt better after the sessions but after a while I felt that there wasn’t any progress, so I ended the treatment. Overall it was a positive experience, one that helped me at the time.

I’m interested what do I do next: You can start by reading these books Using Your Brain for a Change Neuro Linguistic Programming and Reframing: Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the Transformation of Meaning. There are tons of information and techniques online and you can always search for a practitioner.

2) Rolfing

Also known as: structural integration.

Who invented it: Ida Pauline Rolf.

When: in the 50s.

What: rolfing helps with: Injury recovery, Pain reduction, Stress relief , Increased flexibility, Headache relief and Better balance and ease.

How does it work: The rolfer manipulates the body connective tissues to release stress. This video demonstrates a rolfing session. In this video you can see the before and after the rolfing sessions.

Why you should try it: Unlike other treatments you don’t pay for unlimited sessions, rolfing is a series of ten sessions. After ten sessions the body repair itself and if needed you can return for more sessions.

When I first started that gave me reassurance that it’s probably not a scam. In addition, the results are instantaneous. The rolfer usually starts by working on one side of your body, then he gives you some time to feel the difference before he moves on to the other side.

Why you shouldn’t: For me it wasn’t enough. It helped me and physically I felt great but there is a limit to rolfing which the next treatment can address.

How it made me feel: besides seeing immediate changes in my body, rolfing expanded my movement range and because of it it’s easier for me to stand. I’m not saying I couldn’t stand before, but I felt uncomfortable especially when standing for long periods of time.

Moreover when my mom got into a car accident and could barely walk, rolfing helped her walk without pain again. I also want to mention that my rolfer had more than 20 years of experience, and it wasn’t painful. Though she said that it depends on the rolfer and his experience and method of working.

I’m interested what do I do next: Find a rolfer near you.

3) AMANAE/Frequencies of Brilliance

Also known as: To the best of my knowledge these treatments don’t have additional names. I choose to include them together because they complement each other and my therapist uses them together in the same session.

Who invented it: Christine Day , through channeling.

When: twenty years ago

What: Amanae helps with the release of traumas and emotional blockages while the Frequencies of Brilliance is an energy healing technique.

How does it work: Similarly to rolfing, in amanae the practitioner manipulates the body but with a different purpose. During the session the practitioner presses key points in the body and the patient breathes through the mouth. This video demonstrates an amanae session. This video explains more about the Frequencies of Brilliance and amanae.

Why you should try it: Trauma is a general word for negative emotions, we all have them in one way or another. Amanae can help you release it. Many times during the sessions your body will shake and tremble which is a sign for releasing the negative emotions. Also unlike other therapies (NLP for example) I feel that the treatment isn’t as depended on the practitioner himself.

Why you shouldn’t: Amanae can be painful, it’s not too painful but you should be aware that it’s not just laying there and waiting for it to be over. In addition it’s important to know that it’s a process. It will take as much sessions as needed, it really depends on the person and the trauma.

How it made me feel: I started this treatment not long ago and I’m still going to amanae sessions. After each treatment I feel much better: I’m happier, I smile more and I feel relaxed. It’s too early to tell you about the overall affect but for now I can say that it’s definitely worth trying.

I’m interested what do I do next: Find a practitioner near you.

About the author: Shimon Farber is the founder of spirituality and self help a blog that helps people get one step closer to enlightenment. You can read more about him in his about page.

Originally posted on October 8, 2011 @ 5:33 pm

How to Inspire Yourself to Continue Exercising

Photo credit: sjr60

Exercising on a regular basis is important because it provides several short-term and long-term benefits. Some of those benefits are staying in shape, losing weight, and reducing health risks such as heart attacks and strokes. Studies have found that one of the top reasons that people often quit exercising is that they become bored. There are, however, several ways to keep you on the right track of exercising regularly. Here are some ways to inspire your mind to alleviate boredom during exercise.

Change Up Your Exercise Routine

Continuing to do the same exercise routine day after day is a good way to become bored during exercising. You should try to change up your exercise routine on a regular basis to prevent getting bored. For example, if you mostly walk for exercise, try to alternate between walking and jogging every 20 minutes if possible to change it up. Not only does changing up your exercise routine help with boredom but it can also help your body lose more weight by burning more calories. [Read more…] about How to Inspire Yourself to Continue Exercising

Originally posted on May 18, 2011 @ 7:55 am