Tag: holistic health

M- Meditate to Mediate

M- Meditate to Mediate

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH

©KayLaN.Allen


When you are panning through different areas of concern in your life or trying to understand how to get from one level to the next, one of the most important things to do is to see it all happening.


Start with a dream or vision and make it real by allowing it to come into reality within your mind. 


You start a mental race inside of yourself when you first dream up anything that you want in life.


Just like anything else you have to put a strong focus on the effort and begin to work on it within your mind to make it all happen.


Teach yourself to meditate on whatever area that you are trying to grow into. I meditate with guided meditation and/or music to get in tune with myself, align my chakras, and grow into new spaces. You don’t have to do formal cross your legs and say “Ohm” meditating to get in tune; the most important aspect is to focus on one area of concern.


Not to sound cocky or anything, but some of the greatest answers can come from inside of you. You shouldn’t invite everyone to your mental table, because you may be served a dish that you cannot digest or that may bring you more harm than good.


When you invite people into your space it can be quite difficult to hear the truth and what you should do, as words of advice can biased, filled with judgment, or not helpful in your life.


What you zone into within yourself will contribute to whatever you are experiencing. To use myself as an example, I have had to sit with my thoughts about school and my future career; I know that only me and God can push the effort, so I talk to God in length at absolute minimum twice a day. 


In prayer or meditation you go in seeking truth and answers; if you are truly listening beyond the realms of your heart and you become fervent in your practice you will receive direct and clear answers. Teach yourself to go from meditation or prayer warrior to conqueror and achiever.


One of my favorite things to do is step into nature and simply feel the air; this is another space for getting in tune with myself and spending alone time with God.


When you meditate to mediate you can reach answers and spaces that you could not have even imagined prior to entering that time.


Let’s talk a look at a couple of bible verses to truly reel this in.


Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” If we live knowing that God is wanting us to train our mind, strengthen our focus and maintain clarity in what He wants us to do, why shouldn’t we be fixing our eyes on Him especially in prayer and meditation. Those times of silence/focus are a way of calling God directly as asking Him to speak to our hearts. In our silence we can hear clearly as we are free of distractions, and get closer to higher powers and/or more in tune with the Universal callings.


Psalms 49:3
“My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding.” This is one of my favorite verses! If you are teaching yourself through reading, prayer, and wise counsel how to walk in your purpose giving God the glory all the way through, guess what will loosen-YOUR BLESSINGS! Meditation is a form of prayer, so take the time to make it a priority and do it regularly. 


No matter what you are facing it is so important to see good things happening, encourage yourself through and through, and be thankful in the good and bad times. Remember that giants do fall! The enemy and/or the devil is lingering and wants to take over, so speak against that and fight for what you want. Wipe away your tears, pray, meditate and believe that God/the Universe is working in your favor. Meditate to mediate and watch how things start become as clear as ever.


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner


***Health Spotlight***
Mental Health
Millions of people face and/or live with mental health concerns that affect their everyday lives. Whether it is you, a friend, loved one, or someone that you consider an acquaintance, it is important to understand exactly what they are facing and how it may be intertwined with their lives. Listen to concerns; mental health concerns are not always exposed in a physical sense, so be kind, respectful and understanding if someone you know is living with any type of mental condition. Be a good listener, do not laugh at someone because of how tough of a time that they may be having, and do whatever you can to help them. Help loved one find resources that can help them live their best lives and remember that mental health issues are a major concern that can be addressed at many levels. Let us all be there for each other, become well-educated on mental concerns, and support one another in whatever we may be facing. Meditate, seek help, and pray about what you may be facing and know that there are many people that care about you and will whatever they can to help you. I’m praying for you and I can give you guidance on where to turn if you need any time of health assistance.




Achievement, Challenges, Empowerment, Evolution, Global Health, Goals, Guidance, Healing, Holistic Health, Mindfulness, Positivity, Public Health, Strength, Vision, Wisdom, Epidemiology, Mental Health, Prayer, Meditation


L-Lament, Don't Forever Linger

L-Lament, Don’t Forever Linger

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH
©KayLaN.Allen


Lamenting can happen and be a part of many times in life, working to process any form of sorrow is the only way to see brighter days. I want you to understand and know that no matter how you feel when something truly tears at your heart that it is okay to express those emotions. You must allow yourself to cry, scream, and let it go at your own pace; no one can force you and no one can tell you that you are not allowed to experience emotions or feelings of lament.


Relationships
Whether we are speaking about a loss or a relationship (friend or family) that you must break away from, memories last a lifetime and no one can tell you how or when to heal. There is such beauty in connecting and bonding with someone that truly cares about you. Breaking away is never easy. I will pray for you and encourage you to do whatever you can to find your peace.


In grieving a deep loss, you know what you need to heal; you know if or when you want to talk, if or when you want to get out of the bed, with who or where you want to go. You will never just get over it, I know this from experience; don’t ever let anyone tell you that you have to move on. I know that your heart feels like it has literally left your body, and I am so sorry that you are hurting. I promise you that “better” and “easier” days are coming.


Inner Brokenness
No matter the source of what may have brought you to the space of brokenness that you may be in, a challenge is always finding the light or any space of positivity; it is okay to go through this patch of time. You are human and I get it; I have felt how are feeling before. 


How it Feels to be Stuck

Feeling stuck in your sorrow, pain, hurts, and disappointment is stifling. It can make you feel empty, lonely, and hopeless. Cemented takes on a whole new meaning when your mind gives you the feeling of being stuck in a situation, place, or frame of thinking.



When to Move On and/or Move Forward
Your timing is your choice, however when something inside of you speaks and says that you need to move forward maybe you should listen. This does not mean that you erase everything, color your hair and change your name; it does not have to be that drastic. It can mean that you make one small change or one new effort to reclaim your happiness. You have to listen to your heart, mind, and soul.


Letting Go Is Freeing
“Letting Go” of your pain, as you see fit and in the way that you deserve can give you a freedom unlike any other. It is like taking the chains off that have been binding you. You will slowly but surely start to feel lighter; the weight of pain or sadness can be unbearable.


Lament is real and all of us experience it at some point in life, the challenge is always climbing out the rubble. I want you to own your emotions, allow yourself to feel whatever it is that you feel, but do what you can to not clutch onto that pain forever. Push through the pain when you can but promise yourself and show yourself that you deserve happiness and peace that you can only find within yourself.


Pray without ceasing; when you are experiencing lament, it is a time to cling to what you know best and that is the love of the Lord, your connection to whatever higher power, or your belief in the will of the Universe. God is always present and even when no one else can understand at the deepest level of your pain, He can and does; so ask Him to help you through it and to help guide you on the path to a new normal and a new realm of happiness.


Think of how many cried out in lament to God in the Bible…
Psalms 130:1-2
“Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.” Cry out to God. Pray out loud. Go into your prayer closet, no one can judge you on that. I promise that God will hear you and respond according to His will (in His way and time, not yours).


Jeremiah 15:18
“Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails.” Many people have gone through a time of brokenness or loss of faith…some have even grown angry with God, but even those in Bible times quickly learned the reasons why God does what He does. They learned God teaches lessons, shapes paths, delivers, provides and protects – he will, has always, and is (right now) doing the same for you.


Even Jesus questioned God’s will and actions in the use of the words previously spoken by David (Psalms 22):
“My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” You are not the only one who wants to understand/be understood, wants guidance, and needs clarity – do not be ashamed to ask. He is your Father and he loves you.


You have been given three of examples of people that cried out to God, sought and answer, bore agony, saw loss, faced death and wars and felt immense pain. What you need to remember in your lament is that your pain will not last forever…you hold the key to your peace and happiness and God always saves. 


Jeremiah 15:21
“I will save you from the hands of the wicked and deliver you from the grasp of the cruel.” 


You see! God promises and shows that he cares and understands over and over again. If He has saved and cared for so many before, don’t you know that He is going to do the same for you?!


Your challenge is to pray, have faith, and try your best to find inner happiness; I don’t care what that looks like whether it is taking up piano, violin, or guitar lessons, joining a cycling class, or enjoying small moments of peace by painting via color by number…if it brings you true happiness and is healthy to your mind, body, and soul, please do it.


You are allowed to feel pain, you are allowed to take your time to understand what has happened or is happening, just don’t make or allow that pain (to) alter all that you are. You still deserve to have moments of happiness and to experience pure joy, right? So do what it takes to make that happen, when you are ready. Lament, pray, and do a happiness reach forward; don’t sit in alone forever my dear. Better days are truly coming, I promise. 


Truly seek positivity and light, you won’t regret it. 

***Health Spotlight***
Lyme Disease – a tick-borne disease found globallySymptoms: fever, headache, fatigue, and a skin rash are common. If left untreated – facial paralysis and arthritis are possible.
Prevalence: approx. 30,000 cases a year in US
Treatment: Antibiotics (oral or IV depending on the patient) 
Prevention: Know where to expect ticks (they live in grass, brush, wooded areas and on animals), treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin, use EPA registered repellents, avoid contact with ticks, and check clothing and skin when returning indoors.


Your health is your own to manage, your family’s health is your responsibility, your community’s health is connected to your local leaders, global health is connected to government officials; you see, in some way we all need each other. If you are doing your very best to help yourself and your family then in one way, you are helping many others. Do not wait in your physical pain to get it help, it could be detrimental to your health.


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner


Empowerment, Global Health, Public Health, Mental Health, Holistic Health, Epidemiology, Mindfulness, Law of Attraction, Grieving, Bereavement, Positivity, Light, Challenges, Loss, Faith, Healing, Universe, God


K- Keen Delight (Appreciating Your Senses)

K- Keen Delight (Appreciating Your Senses)

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH

©KayLaN.Allen


Our senses are some of the most beautiful and useful gifts that we are granted in life. 


When you open your eyes each day you are granted new mercies, a vision of light, a feeling that is new, and a chance to do something new. You have the chance to get even closer to who you are called to be, each day- do you ever think about how lucky you are to do so?


Every day when you rise from your bed, do you really think about being able to use your legs and being able to walk, get yourself from place to place and move about when you get ready to? Walking is something that not everyone is able to do…are you happy and thankful for that function and ability? Do you really think about it and cherish it?


What about the use of your taste buds and sense of smell? Imagine how many delightful things that cross your path that you are able to enjoy and take pleasure in because you have those senses?


No matter which of your regular functions that you do take time to think about, shouldn’t you have a keen delight in each thing?


Keen in this sense is referring to being passionate and enthusiastic.


Everything that you are able to do is special, amazing, a blessing, and such a journey to behold.


What if every day you appreciated (in true delight) all of your senses?


What if you really took the time to smell the roses?


When was the last time you sat still at looked at the beauty of the clouds?


You have your favorite things that you love to eat, do you really appreciate the joy and deliciousness of all that you savor?


Do you savor all that you sense?


Think about it…some of the most wonderful things that you enjoy in life are attached to your senses.


A hug from someone so special to me brings me joy, warmth, and peace. 


It is a blessing to experience the love of life and all within it. Even when your days are tiring, overwhelming and making you feel low, you have so many things to delight in.


Each time that something makes you smile what if took a few extra moments and truly appreciated that feeling?


In keen delight, value and appreciate everything wonderful that your senses bring to you.


Imagine a life where you could not experience the blessing of sense and feelings…you would miss out on so much.


Down bible road we go!


Proverbs 20:12
“Ears that hear and eyes that see – the Lord has made them both.”  Every day that you wake up, if you do not do so already you should be thankful and give thanks for your senses. There is so much to be thankful for, even the seemingly small or normal things. Count your blessings…they are all valuable. God did not have to give you anything, so be thankful and appreciate it all.  


The Universe, or if you believe in God (He), have so much for you to appreciate with all of your senses, if you don’t pay attention to it all, you may miss it.


1 Corinthians 2:9-10
“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him- these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.” If you cannot appreciate the grandeur of life presented to you through your senses, will you be prepared for the most beautiful things that God has in store for you? Live in your happiness and appreciate all that you see, hear, feel, touch, and taste if it truly brings you joy.


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner

***Health Spotlight*** Kidney Disease


Symptoms: some symptoms include fatigue, cold feeling (possibly anemia), shortness of breath with little effort, swelling hands/feet, and severe itching. 




Risk Factors: adults with diabetes, high blood pressure, or both have a higher risk; other factors are heart disease, obesity, and a history of chronic heart disease.

Prevalence: According to a 2017 fact sheet via the CDC, approximately 30 million people are living with Chronic Kidney Disease; many people living with mild kidney disease are not aware that they have the disease. One in 3 adults with diabetes and one in five adult with high blood pressure may have chronic kidney disease.


Treatment: there is no direct cure but some things to minimize symptoms are lifestyle changes, medication, dialysis, avoid NSAIDs, and moderating alcohol intake.


Prevention: get active, lose weight if you are overweight, altered diet with guidance of a healthcare provider (lower salt intake and eat more fruits and vegetables), do not smoke, and monitor blood sugar regularly.


Your life is so valuable, everything that you are granted and blessed with must be cherished. Take keen delight in your health and your quality of life; do whatever it takes to evolve your life and take good care of yourself and your family.




Delight, Senses, Joy, Happiness, Appreciation, Empowerment, Public Health, Mental Health, Global Health, Holistic Health, God, Bible, Happiness, Law of Attraction, Love, Universe


I- Intuition as Guidance

I- Intuition as Guidance

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH

©KayLaN.Allen


How many times have you started thinking about something new or interesting that you wanted to do? Plenty of times, right?

I can guarantee that you have second-guessed or questioned a next step several times before.

Where your curiosity should rise is when you think about this question:
What do you do when you go into that second-guessing mode?

Do you feel like there is a little voice inside of your head when you are making decision?
You have the choice to listen to it or not.

Well, what if you knew without a doubt that the voice inside of your head was a gift from the Universe, a blessing or stop sign from God, or truly your intuition warning you or preparing you?
Would you listen then? If so, why not start listening now?

For every turn on the road that you travel you have decisions to make:
Left, right, up, down, stop, go, fight, run, and much more.

The key in hearing the voice or questioning the thought is CHOOSING to pay attention.

Your intuition is truly a source of guidance. Often people fail to stop negative things from happening, miss the cues, or ignore red flags because they think that the little voice inside of their mind may not be worth listening to. Other times we overly think or brush off intuition because we think that we have it all under control.

You should try to use your intuition as your guidance; this is key in making wise decisions. It can open new places, spaces, opportunities, and galaxies for you. You deserve the best, so think before reacting and make the most of your decisions.

Your future should be well-thought out and that plan starts with you. 

When you think about what you want it life, it takes steps. Start with a thought or dream, plan with clear logic, and hope for the future. This way, if something comes up and your path is deterred you can use your intuition to shape things the way you want them to go.

If we can depend on our phones for directions, why do we need to have an audience of opinions to arrive at an answer? Before you run to other people- sit still, meditate, pray, and think about how you should address any situation. After all, you are the one that has to live your life.

Proverbs 2:6-7
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright…”. Wouldn’t it be foolish to ignore that voice if it could be directly sent from God. He teaches in the quiet and observes in the noise; now that you know this and what you are being granted, take advantage of what intuition may be showing you or saying to you…it may save you.

If the Universe is delivering you tools for your mental toolbox choose wisely as it could make or break the foundation of your future building. Pay attention.

Job 38:36
“Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? Or hath given understanding to the heart?” God gives you the gift of lessons, blessings, miracles, provisions, intuition and clarity every day. The best way to thank Him is to cherish those gifts and use them for your life and the greater good.

***Health Spotlight*** Indoor Air Pollutants
-No, this isn’t my typical route of discussing topics in epidemiology and public health, but this is very important.-

Researched via WHO and EPA
What are indoor air pollutants? Particles in the air from diesel, dust, smoke, indoor formaldehyde (ever read the ingredients on your finger nail polish/remover ladies?), household odors from painting cooking, pesticides, cleaning, products used in hobbies, smoking, excess moisture, ozone, and carbon dioxide just to name a few.

Symptoms/Effects: Short-term- headaches, eye irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and cold-like symptoms; everyone is affected differently, but you need to be aware of what you and/or your family members could be faced with. Long-term- possibilities of respiratory illnesses or heart disease; there can be fatal circumstances as well.

You are in control of what you do when your intuition says that something is off with your body or that of your child/significant other. If you feel ill, take note of it and do what is necessary to get the help you need. If you are using anything in your home that may be damaging to your body, perhaps you should take some time and look into alternatives.

Take care of yourself and your neighbors, we all need each other to live our best lives.


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner
*Empowerment, God, Intuition, Guidance, Holy Spirit, Bible, Law of Attraction, Public Health, Epidemiology, Mental Health, Doubt, Goals, Holistic Health , Voice, Wisdom*
H - Housing Your Problems

H – Housing Your Problems

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH

©KayLaN.Allen


It is certain that we all face adversity and trying days, but the question that I’d like to ask you is how much are you charging your “mental tenants”?


Take a serious moment to make a list of your mental tenants…
What have these tenants (people/things) done to reserve their space?

Sometimes, it is much easier to allow those problems to stay in your mental housing unit that they are renting…but at what cost?

No matter how big or small, is that cost worth your time and energy?

Sure, the problems hurt and put weight on you but how long will you allow the tenants to stay in your mental space?

The longer that painful thing stays, the longer it will hurt you and hold you back from what you could have.

If you really think about it, what and/or who you house internally makes it’s way out – there will be an exerted physical presence.  This presence can be tears, missed opportunities, needless arguments with people that care about you or something else.

Even when it seems difficult, you have got to come back to this 3-part “trick” …
1.  You are in charge, so don’t allow those tenants to trash your mental home.
2.  Eliminate what no longer needs to be in your space.
3.  Cry it out if you need to, then dry your eyes so that you can see all that you can have, live in, and accomplish.

Do you learn to become the best version of yourself by holding on to and housing problems or obstacles? Certainly not my dear!

Your house ideal “home” can only survive with a strong foundation- so think about what you are putting into your home and make wise decisions.

The longer you hold on to your pain and problems, the longer it will take to reach maximum success.

You deserve to live a life that is not clouded by “unwanted tenants”. 

So the last question you should ask yourself is when are you sending out the eviction notice? You are not forced to nor obligated to keep things or people that hurt you (fight to get out of that bind that you may be in). 

Whether you believe in God or not, in teachings and verses there is truth. Always try to take a note from the words that you read.

1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.””
Think about those in your space and all that they need do; people and things affect your life, your finances, your happiness, and your successes. Imagine or take a step back and look at how much of problem those negativity-causing tenants are causing. Do not allow anything in your space that will hurt you. God favors you; he never promised a life of pain or disappointment; seek Him and know that the battle that you may be fighting internally is not yours to fight. Pray about your issues, take inventory and do not be afraid the put out those eviction notices for your “mental tenants”.

Proverbs 13:20
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” If you are to become like those around you, make the most of your circle and all that is around you. Welcome wisdom, love, kindness and peace into your mental home; trust me, you will be much happier that way. 

The Universe is on your side; surely you can imagine how much good can come from your letting go of pain and things that are not meant to be for your best life. Value the space that you are in and remember that what you put out you also receive in return. Giving negative tenants swift “permission” to exit may be the best thing for your life.

***Health Spotlight*** Hypertension
Symptoms: No signs nor symptoms; many people do know that they have the disease.


Prevalence: Approximately 75 million people in the U.S. are living with hypertension; only about 50% of them have it under control.  CDC 


Treatment (controlling the disease): Medication plus healthy diet- low in salt, fat and cholesterol; high consumption of fruits and vegetables. Be active. Do not smoke. Not controlling this disease can lead to problems in the heart, brain, and kidneys.


Prevention: Make healthy choices.


Housing a disease and not working towards a healthier life is not what you should do. Given opportunities, health options, treatment options, etc. you should take them and make the most of your choices and life. Take good care of yourself; it is the only way to lead a happy, healthy life. Don’t house your problems, let someone help you and don’t be afraid to ask for help.


Be blessed and be at peace. 


#KayLasPositivityCorner


Change, Empowerment, Epidemiology, Global Health, Holistic health, Law of Attraction, Mental Health, Physical Health, Public Health, Self-Love, Wisdom