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| December 2008 |
Vol 1, Issue 12 |
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| Greetings! |
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The holiday season is typically filled with a frenzy of gift giving and celebrations. But far too often behind the cheer of the moment, we're spending money and indulging in food and drink far too much. These behaviors are unhealthy for our pocketbooks, our bodies, and our spirits. So much so that this month we at WHOLE feel compelled to offer healthier alternatives.
With the economy so uncertain and our health so challenged, dare we continue as we have in the past? I say no. We can express our love for family and friends--and for ourselves--in a fashion that is generous and memorable without going overboard.
 Many of us have already stepped away from the commercialized aspects of this holiday season by celebrating Kwanzaa. That's good. The Nguzo Saba or Seven Principles of Kwanzaa direct our attention to foundation-building activities that root us as healthier women, families, and communities. Yet after the lights of the Kinara (ritual candleholder of Kwanzaa) have been extinguished, and the New Year has begun, our best intentions often fade.
How can we live the pledge that we make during Kwanzaa every day of the year?
This issue of WHOLE is dedicated to the third Principle of Kwanzaa, "Ujima"--Collective Work and Responsibility. It means looking at ourselves, our situation, our neighbors, and our nation with an eye toward service. What is it we have or have the ability to do that can help someone else? How can we teach our children to share and serve others? In what way can we pool our resources, recycle our used goods, and re-purpose old things into new utility?
This kind of thinking and the resulting activities sustained our ancestors. Now more than ever we must reach back to their example to make our homes more thrifty and efficient. Now is the time to deepen our relationships with collective purpose in rearing our children and fortifying ourselves. There is no shame in sacrifice and honest work. Doing so in sacred bond with our sistahs brings rewards far more lasting than anything we can buy. And it can be really fun, too!
I'm talking about "conscious" living, gaining new life skills and sharing them with each other. It's about learning healthier ways to manage our resources, both human and financial. Doing so is an important part of building and sustaining stronger communities. That is what it means to be WHOLE. Ashe! |
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Quick Links |
We've got eleven prior issues of WHOLE full of sistah-sensational tips for WHOLE Body Living.
Visit our Archive and discover why
self-care is essential to gaining and maintaining better health.
WHOLE is brought to you by WeSpeakLoudly, a health education firm specializing in issues concerning African American women and girls.
Have a look at the WeSpeakLoudly website for health and wellness information gathered with you in mind.
Copyright 2008
Jacci Thompson-Dodd, MA, MSSS
All rights reserved |
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Make This a WHOLE New Holiday Season! |
 'Tis the season when a number of holidays converge, both sacred and secular. During the holidays in years past, gift-giving has been a focal point, and many of us have maxed-out our credit cards to buy mountains of presents for friends and family. Lavish holiday entertaining boosts the festive spirit, but our well-intended generosity can break the bank.
But this year is different. It's time for us to rethink this holiday madness.
The good news is that we have the opportunity now to re-frame the whole holiday blur with new clarity about what is truly important. No matter what these holidays mean to you, it's not about gifts of the pocketbook. Rather, gifts of the heart--of self--engrave treasured memories and value that lingers.
So let's be about reaching out with kindness, thoughtfulness and spreading good cheer a WHOLE new way! It's about serving, sharing and doing-it-yourself! Here are a handful of tips for Happy WHOLE Holidays.
Serving
Your time and attention can be even more valuable to others than any trinket you can buy. Why not pledge an hour a week or several hours a month to a loved one? You can make a coupon for them to redeem, or simply write your pledge in a card. The point is, by putting it in writing you're making a firm commitment and making yourself accountable. Here are a couple of suggestions:
- Many seniors struggle to live independently. Offer to provide
 transportation to help elder family and friends go shopping or run errands. Simple tasks at home like climbing up to reach things on high shelves, or changing over-head light bulbs just aren't so simple for them anymore. Be their arms and legs. Reading the newspaper, or the fine print on bills and contracts need younger eyes to see clearly. Be that extra set of eyes for them. Living far away from kin? Every city has a senior center that would be thrilled to have your volunteer time.
- The gift of childcare could be like winning the lottery for many over-stressed moms! Take the kids away, or stay at home and liberate mom--let her choose. Donate a number of days, evenings, or weekends specially designated for her self-care time. Give her the luxury of quiet, adventure, sleep, self-enriching activities, or whatever she needs to feel WHOLE again.
Sharing
We already have so much! Why not take what we already have and give it new life by passing it along to new owners! Whether its clothing, jewelry, books, small appliances--you name it--re-gifting and recycling are two ways to minimize the excess and maximize the usefulness of what we have. (Think "R and R"--re-gifting and recycling!) Sharing in this way connects you lovingly to family, friends, and those unseen in need of a hand. These in-kind charitable contributions can be tax deductible when given to properly- registered, non-profit organizations. "R and R" can be fun too! Here are  a few ideas for sharing:
- Sistah swap. Create a girls-night-in potluck and clothing swap. Bring a dish to share along with garments or accessories you'd like to trade. Line up the clothing to be exchanged and take your pick. Anything that is left over can go to the local charity of your choice.
- Dress for success. Many women's shelters accept donations of used office and work attire to help residents prepare for job interviews and and employment. Consider thinning out your closet and setting a sistah back on the good foot.
- Children's Charities. Donating gently-used clothing, toys, games, and books can change the life of children/teens in foster care or re-entry programs. Teach your children about caring for community by getting them involved in the sharing too.
Do-it-yourself
With a little guidance, everyone has the ability to make her own gifts. It can be fun to do, much more economical and special, too! Gifts from the kitchen are especially easy, and the palette-pleasing, instant gratification of a food gift can't be beat.
I really like making custom spices, grains, and condiments. My favorite spot in grocery and health-food stores is the bulk bin section. That's where you can get fresh, fragrant  herbs and spices at a fraction of the cost. Here are a couple of easy, no-cook options:
- Infused oils. Olive, canola, and peanut oils are especially versatile for all your cooking and salad making needs. Adding a few herbs and spices to your oils can infuse your own taste signature. Pour the oil of your choice in a bottle (I recycle bottles from other purposes all the time!) and add a few grains of savory herbs and spices. As pictured here, one star anise, a half dozen whole allspice and peppercorns, a pinch of red pepper flakes, a few buds of thyme or chervil and a pod of garlic impart an earthy "World African" flair to your favorite dishes.
- Rice is nice! Make a custom rice medley. Rice comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and flavors. Try mixing four cups brown basmati and one cup wild rice together and pour the mixture into a jar or cellophane. Seal, tie with a ribbon and tag with the following recipe: Bring 2 1/2 cups chicken stock or water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil. Stir in 1 cup rice, bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until tender. Enjoy!
Not a foodie? No problem. Maybe music is your thing. Why not burn a custom CD of your favorite tunes for your loved one? Create it then simply pop the CD into a colorful case and tie it with a bow.
The point is, serving, sharing, and doing-it-yourself all embody the spirit of Ujima--collective work and responsibility. Being conscious of each other. Offering ourselves to each other. Caring for each other. These acts enrich us during the holidays, and every day. This is what it means to be WHOLE. |
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WHOLE Self-Care Principle #11: Rekindle |
Nelson Mandela shared a now famous quote in his inaugural address, " Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." The ability to make a way where none is apparent, to be hopeful when nothing seems  possible, and to keep going when your energy is depleted is proof of being "powerful beyond measure."
These are divine gifts. Rekindle is feeling comfortable having and using your divine gifts. It is pride--believing in yourself and being confident of your victory over any obstacle you may face. It goes so much further than wishing, dreaming, and hoping. It is doing.
Every person was put on this earth to do something important: to make life easier, happier, and more humane. This is Purpose--activating and contributing your one-of-a-kind energy to the planet. It need not be grandiose or international in scope. It could be something right in your own family that you must do. The point is your unique experiences, talents, and insights form you into a one-woman happiness show named "Sistah, if I can beat down this beast, you can fight your battles and win!" When you stand up you inspire others to stand up, too.
This is community building at the most fundamental, organic level. Your world becomes a continuous positive feedback loop where more and more sistahs are getting stronger and happier and reaching out to each other in love. So it's not just about your own personal healing; you bring WHOLEness to your entire community. Everybody wins!
How do you find your Purpose? By being courageous enough to look. Everything you need is already right inside you. It is synergy of person, time, and place embracing spirit, mind, and body.
Looking inward is the direction you must pursue. By dipping into the deep well of your Loving Energy you will bring out a stronger you--refreshed and more capable than you ever thought possible. Once you decide and move forward, you cause an alignment with all the elements you need to fulfill your Purpose. When you dare to look, your Purpose will find you. |
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Pomegranates! |
 Pomegranates are here! These luscious orbs house red pearls of tart delight. Aside from their full-bodied taste, pomegranates contain many medicinal properties as well. They are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, said to reduce bad cholesterol, the risk of breast and prostate cancer, and help prevent heart attacks and Alzheimer's disease. Powerful stuff!!
You can add pomegranate seeds to all sorts of salads, from assorted leafy greens to a melange of fruits--whatever you choose. You can chew and swallow the seeds, too--they're a great source of fiber!
Drinking the ruby-red juice is heavenly! Pomegranate juice is the latest health trend; it's prized and pricey. And did you know that grenadine syrup, used for all sorts of cocktails and desserts, is made from pomegranates?
I bet you've shied away from pomegranates because they can be a challenge to work with; they can squirt if you're not careful and their juice can stain. But don't worry; I've got an easy trick for extracting the seeds, and a couple of recipes that will make dealing with pomegranates a snap!
Extracting pomegranate seeds is easy as 1-2-3
1) Slice the pomegranate in 1/4 sections from crown to base.
2) Immerse all four sections in a large bowl of cold water. One-by-one gently fan open each section while holding it underwater, allowing the seeds to fall to the bottom of the bowl.
3) After all sections have been opened, discard the skin and white membranes and drain the remaining seeds. Voila!
For pomegranate juice, place the freshly extracted seeds into a blender or food processor and whir until liquefied. Strain in a cheesecloth or fine mesh colander, discarding the solids. Each large pomegranate yields approximately 3/4 cup of juice.
Want to make your own grenadine syrup? My spicy version is only two quick steps away!
WHOLE Spicy Grenadine Syrup
Ingredients:
1 cup pomegranate juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 quarter-sized disk of fresh ginger
4 whole cloves
2 whole allspice pods
1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in a medium sauce pan. (Be sure to use a non-reactive pan such  as glass or stainless steel.) Boil over high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain into a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. This delicious syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Holiday Libations!
For a festive holiday drink, try a Pomegranate Cocktail! To make this non-alcoholic thirst quencher, pour two tablespoons WHOLE Spicy Grenadine Syrup into a champagne flute and top with ginger ale. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds and a slice of orange. You may substitute champagne for the ginger ale, making a WHOLE Spicy Royal Kir. Salut!
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Thank you for reading WHOLE! During this inaugural year, we've steadily grown and now have readers all over the US, Canada, and the Caribbean. We've already started on our 2009 issues of WHOLE, so please continue to join us and share WHOLE with all your friends, family, and colleagues--all are welcome! Got any comments or suggestions? Drop us a line! We'd love to hear from you!
As we close out 2008, we send prayers of good health, happiness, and peace for you and your entire family.
Sincerely,
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Jacci Thompson-Dodd
WeSpeakLoudly
WHOLE is brought to you in part through the generous support of JuicePlus+. |
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