Effectively immediately: Our old telephone numbers are being changed to (707) 975-0899. Please make a note of the new number and as always we look forward to hearing from you!

I recently went on a hike in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Mt. Tamalpais, located in Marin County, California. Marin County is a very wealthy area just North of San Francisco. The day I hiked was the perfect spring day, 72 degrees, gentle breeze and evidence of spring being sprung in every direction; it was the manna of bliss itself. Since it was Easter weekend there were a lot of people with the same idea about enjoying a beautiful day. The exertion of the hike combined with the perfect weather put me in a very good mood. I crossed the path of at least 50 people throughout my hike and this is where the story gets interesting.

As I walked along with a smile on my face I felt the urge to greet everyone I met. Nothing over the top mind you, just a friendly smile and a "hello". What I received back was startling to me. Out of all the people I came in contact with on that glorious day, only one pair, and elderly couple in their 70's, said hello and smiled back. Virtually everyone else greeted me with either an intimidating scowl or eyes cast downward and no expression whatsoever upon their face.

Of course this played with my mind. I checked to see if my fly was open. Nope. I checked to see if toilet paper was hanging out of my biscuits. Nope. I checked to see if I was hemorrhaging blood out of my nose and ears. Nope. I drove to the local post office to see if I resembled one of the ten most wanted felons. Nope. Noodle bake time...not getting it!

For the record, I'm not an intimidating looking person...pretty average in fact. I carry myself with confidence but I do not have the predator look in my eyes unless I need it and I especially don't have it when I meeting and greeting. So, I was really at a loss as to why so many people were so damn grumpy on Easter Sunday hiking in a natural setting of such extreme beauty.

Then it dawned on me that this is probably how these people approach all aspects of their life. Perhaps they live in the cities and have a fear and suspicion of strangers. Perhaps they have been victimized before. Perhaps they have heard one to many evening news broadcasts about the latest fear based news cooked up by the media; there is no way of telling. But, what is sad to me is that they have leaned so far to the other side of their awareness. Now, don't get me wrong. I love the fact that people are paying attention to their surroundings, having a heightened state of awareness is what keeps you from getting stuffed into a wood chipper by some raging psychopath. But if you take it to the point where you are filled with fear and suspicion you have missed the most important part of the lesson.

Awareness is not about living in fear. Awareness is about living a life of empowerment. It's about knowing your environment, walking in confidence and presenting an inner strength that will warn a would be predator that you are off limits. But it does not mean you have to put on your hardest, bad ass game face and never enjoy your life. What a shame that would be! How could you ever enjoy life coming from a mindset like that? I suppose the line here is pretty subtle for some, but all aspects of life are about creating balance and moderation so you can live in peace and joy. To all those people I met on Easter... "lighten up Francis"!

Excuse me ... was that you I heard complaining?

I'd like you to meet a man, monk actually, from Japan. His name is Sakai Yusai and what makes him unusual is not the fact that he is a monk. What makes this man unusual is what he has accomplished in terms of physical feats in his life. What makes him remarkable is the mind-blowing, superhuman effort he put forth. What makes him legend is that his personal accomplishment is so beyond anything any of us would consider possible it stretches the limits of even our wildest imaginations.

Sakai Yusai ran 1000 marathons through the rugged, snow and rain drenched mountains of Kyoto Japan...in seven years. No, I did not add an extra zero by accident ... one-thousand marathons!

Please pause for dramatic effect to let that sink in for just a moment. Most of us would consider running ONE marathon a life-altering event. But wait, it just gets better.

It seems that Yusai was not satisfied with his work, so he decided to do it again. No, I'm not kidding and this time he completed ANOTHER 1000 marathons through the rugged mountains...in six years!!

In 150 years of tradition Yusai is one of only 46 monks to accomplish this feat. What!?! You mean more than one person was able to actually do this. Holy fecal material! But wait, it gets even better.

Yusai was over 40 years old when he decided to join the monastery. Everyone laughed at the odds for a man at his age to take on these beyond physical feats. At the tender age of 61, Yusai completed his last run which just happened to be one of one-hundred double marathons. Not just one marathon a day mind you, but two marathons a day, in mountain terrain, for the last 100 days of his journey.

Is your head spinning yet? I'm still bouncing off the floor on that one!

So, where am I going with telling you a story that for the majority of us is simply pure fantasy? Simple; Your lame excuses to not get 30 minutes of daily exercise or to loose a few pounds sounds like pure B.S wouldn't you say? Nuf said? Now...off your biscuits!

I have been severely challenged recently. It seems that even being a wellness, fitness, nutrition and stress guy does not make you immune from life events clubbing you like a baby harp seal (sorry for that word picture to all my animal loving friends, but I think you get the idea). And I will tell you that when it comes to difficult times like I've been experiencing recently it makes me extremely happy to know that practicing what I preach has helped me to be the eye of the fecal storm swirling around me as I write this newsletter. So, during times of extreme stress how do we actually manage to survive and even thrive? By finding balance and keeping a positive attitude.

When life issues a serious challenge I go into self-care overdrive. I never, ever miss a workout and I hit it harder than normal. I dial my nutrition program even tighter, sticking to foods that are closer to nature with as many fruits and veggies as I can handle. I don't drink because alcohol during times of stress is like pouring gas on a raging fire and fanning it with those famous Santa Ana winds during the dry season. I vent to my good friends who are always willing to listen and offer heart felt advice. I meditate in silence longer than normal, even when I don't feel like it. I practice my music, letting my soul express through my playing and I indulge in some comforts like a nice piece of dark chocolate.

Remember, none of us are immune from the flying crap storms of life, but if we have prepared ourselves well ahead of time there is no doubt that we can weather the squall. And, once things settle, a little turmoil typically produces a positive result we could not see until the storm clouds have parted and the bright light of our lives has returned. If you find yourself particularly challenged now or in the future ... please make sure to put self-care, whatever that means to you, at the top of your priority list.

By Lynn Ravazzini
Nutrition Within
(707) 292-1284

A 10-day program using a medical food with an elimination diet may help lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases.

A Disturbing Trend. Persistent environmental pollutants can make you susceptible to a number of chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In fact, chronic disease is more than a health problem in the United States-it's an epidemic. As the principal cause of death and disability, it consumes 78% of health expenditures. And numerous authoritative sources link most chronic diseases to physical inactivity and inappropriate diet.

Fight Back with a Targeted Medical Food Program. You can help avoid becoming part of this trend by adopting therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC), including proper nutritional support to help modify multiple risk factors. This may include a 10-day program using a targeted medical food, which can help your body clean out persistent environmental pollutants that may be associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes and other health conditions.

Specialized Nutrition. Energetic Action. This simple, easy-to-follow program nourishes your body with enhanced, specialized nutritional support that includes macro- and micronutrients to address altered energetic function and liver detoxification. Here's an overview of how the program works:

• Days 1-4. Gradually eliminate all processed foods, refined sugars, caffeinated drinks, flesh foods (beef, pork, lamb, poultry, fish, wild game), dairy products, eggs, gluten grains, nuts, and seeds-and gradually increase consumption of a targeted medical food.
• Days 5-7. Eat only cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, Brussel sprouts), raw greens (red and green lettuce, romaine, spinach, endive), apples and pears, and a targeted medical food.
• Days 8-10. Gradually add back fruits, vegetables, white rice, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, legumes and nuts, while decreasing consumption of the medical food.

People who follow this program often report having more energy in just 10 days. If you are concerned about how environmental toxins are affecting your health, please call my office to set up an appointment. We can discuss a tailored medical food program to help you fight persistent pollutants that may put you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes and other health conditions.

"I will survive, I will win, I will thrive!"

I will survive in and of itself is a powerful mantra, but survival might mean you are lying in a coma on a bed with more wires and hoses than a 747. So, it is not enough to "just survive" we must also win and thrive. As you recite this powerful mantra see yourself not only surviving whatever challenge you face, but totally conquering and thriving in the aftermath! This is the essence of becoming powerful when facing a challenge.

Now, sit or lie back comfortably. Take three deep breaths, pausing after you inhale and then exhale fully and completely. After you have taken your first three breaths, just breathe normally. Close your eyes and let any tension you may be holding in your muscles just begin to melt away. After you feel centered and your breath begins to quite down, repeat the mantra; "I will survive, I will win, I will thrive!" Say this mantra with conviction and visualize yourself living your life in harmony and peace!

As many times as you can throughout your day, stop what you are doing, take one deep breath and repeat this mantra. You can do this when the phone rings, or when you look at your watch, or anytime you feel the need to just slow down for a brief moment and focus. The power of setting a positive intention throughout your day should not be underestimated. It can literally change your life. Make this short time commitment everyday and begin on the path of empowerment.

For those of you who live locally in the Sonoma County area I thought I would feature one new business each newsletter where I know the person involved and have done business with them in the past. The people featured in this section are so exceptional; they come with my highest recommendation. A different service will be featured each month for your review.

Right now is a great time to purchase extra property because of the housing situation. Prices and loan rates are at extraordinary levels and now is the time to buy that extra investment property or second house if your financial situation is good to go. By far Mark Gold with Century 21 is the best real estate agent I have ever met. Mark's attention to detail and commitment to meet your unique needs are second to none and he comes with my highest person recommendation.

Mark Gold - Century 21 Alliance
www.gold4sold.com
gold@century21.com
1045 College Ave,
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(707) 303-3420

Well, that's all for now. May the Warrior Spirit guide and protect you always.

The contents of this monthly email are not to be considered as medical advice. Always consult a physician before beginning, or changing any wellness program.