HOLISTIC LIVING Finding resolve matters



New Year's resolutions. Most of us make them and most of us break them, perhaps because we don't choose goals that are important enough for us to stick to them. This year, how about thinking holistically, and resolve to make the world a better place for all.
Here are four easy ways to make a difference on the planet. They take little effort, but can make a huge impact in the quality of our lives.
RESOLVE TO HELP ANIMALS:
What would our lives be without pets? The Humane Society of The United States says that millions of households have pets and billions of dollars are spent yearly on pet care, but these figures, estimates of the HSUS, paint a more sobering picture of our relationships with animals:
UNumber of cats and dogs entering shelters each year: 6-8 million.
UNumber of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year: 3-4 million.
UNumber of animal shelters in the United States: 4,000-6,000.
UPercentage of dogs in shelters that are purebred: 25 percent.
UIn seven years, one female cat and her offspring can theoretically produce 420,000 cats.
UIn six years, one female dog and her offspring can theoretically produce 67,000 dogs.
So what can we do? Have all our pets spayed and neutered. It is not true that females are "better off" if allowed to have one litter.
Donate to local and national animal shelters and charities. Volunteer to help, too. Adopt a pet, or two, or three, but only if you wish to make a commitment. A pet is a companion for life, not just until you tire of it.
Report cases of animal abuse. And please teach your children to treat animals with respect and kindness. A child that learns to treat animals kindly will probably treat humans that way, too.
RESOLVE TO HELP THE PLANET:
The average amount of trash generated per American per day is about 4 pounds. That is 1,460 pounds per year, or about 210 million tons per year total. About 57 percent of that goes to landfills, 16 percent gets burned, and only 27 percent gets recycled or composted.
What can you resolve to do? Buying less is a good start. Buy only what you need and know you will use. Recycle everything that is recyclable. Repair and reuse, or give away that which someone else can use. Compost all food waste. If you live in the city, start a program to work with organic farmers, who can never get enough compost, and resolve to buy from a grocery store only that which is not available from local farmers. (Restaurant owners especially.) Learn about sustainable agriculture and renewable resources. Investigate solar products and alternative energy.
RESOLVE TO END HUMANITY'S SUFFERING:
This may seem like a lofty goal, or expensive to say the least, but, holistically speaking, 15 minutes a day of positive thoughts can create miracles.
Deepak Chopra, M.D., a nationally known leader in mind/body healing, believes thoughts can be just as powerful as actions. In his book, Creating Affluence, Chopra says, "Scientists have shown that mental events transform themselves into molecules, [called neuropeptides]. Putting attention on a word, which is the symbolic expression of an idea, is therefore magical. It transforms the invisible into the visible."
Even if you do not meditate or pray, spending 15 minutes just thinking about world peace, health and prosperity for all humanity, the ending of oppression, and harmony and balance on the planet in a positive way can create real change. Think about tolerance for all people, no matter what their ethnic or religious background, then practice it in your own lives. Avoid violent or negative TV shows and movies. Thinking with a group of people, the same time every day, is even more powerful. Try this technique for personal goals, too.
RESOLVE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN WELL-BEING:
This one is perhaps the trickiest. We are used to letting advisors, counselors, doctors, and TV talk show hosts tell us what is wrong with us and how to fix it, or fix it for us. But really taking care of ourselves can be fun and rewarding.
Resolve to learn one holistic method for self-healing. Study yoga, T'ai Chi, or meditation. Join the homeopathic study group. They meet the first Tuesday of the month from 7 pm-9 pm at The Greenbriar on South Avenue in Boardman. Make an appointment with a holistic practitioner to learn how to take control of your life. Read a self-help book. Eat real food, stop smoking, and slow down. Do only what is truly important. Strive for quality, not quantity. Learn to love and accept yourself.
Many people have become depressed, angry, or despondent over the economy, the war, health care, or personal frustrations. The world changes, one person at a time. Resolve to make 2005 the year of positive change.

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