Giving is a gift.  So is receiving.  They are two sides of the same coin.  For every giver there must be a receiver, and for every receiver there must be a giver.  But receiving can be challenging because it creates a moment of deeper connection between people, shows a more vulnerable side since the gift is out of our control, we may feel a pressure to reciprocate, we may believe it is selfish to receive, or we may fear we are unworthy or undeserving.   

We are taught it is better to give than to receive.  But how can you give if there weren't someone or something there to receive your gift?  Since genuine giving and receiving must always equal each other, they must also be of equal importance.

How does it feel to give?  Most agree that giving feels wonderful and fullfilling.  On the other hand, how does it feel when you want to give and the other person isn't willing to receive?  It feels terrible.  So know this: if you are not willing to receive, then you are denying the joy and pleasure that comes from giving to those who want to give to you.

So, what to do?  How do you become a good receiver?  

First, begin to nurture yourself.  People are creatures of habit and you will have to conciously practice receiving the best life has to offer.  Second, go crazy with excitement and gratitude anytime you find or receive a gift.  If you are fully willing to receive anything and everything that comes your way, you will!

Also, once you are truly open to receiving, the best of your life will open up.  You will receive more money, fulfillment, happiness, love, and peace.  Because how you do anything is how you do everything.  If you're a poor receiving, you're a poor receiver in all areas of life.  When you become an excellent receiver, you'll be an excellent receiver and open to all the universe has to offer in all areas of your life.

Now, the only thing you'll have to remember is to keep saying "Thank you" as you receive all your blessings.  

I hope your Christmas is merry and you are able to fully experience oy giving and receving. 
-C-

The ability to adapt to the stresses of life is fundamental to life itself. Adaptability is the root of evolution and the rate limiting factor to biological success.  Fortunately, human beings are one of the most adaptable creatures on earth.  We have adapted to almost every climate.  People live in some of the hottest, driest, dampest, coldest, and most barren parts of the earth.

In this age, a healthy person easily adapts to a wide range of normal stressors, such as changes in weather, nutrition, emotions, or physical activity.  Success could be measured by how well we handle stress.  Those who manage stress well generally take on greater challenges, overcome more obstacles, and get more accomplished.  

Successfully adapting to change is the truest way to grow in experience, knowledge, and wisdom.  The more adaptive an individual, the more vigor with which one can meet the challenges of life, and the greater that person's heath. 

But if we lose this fundamental ability, we stiffen and lose our ability to change.  Therefore, we easily become imbalanced and stagnant, and dangerously susceptible to disease. 

Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of flowing with nature's changes; constantly harmonizing, always maintaining balance to avoid the extremes.  By knowing when you have gone far enough, you will lead a less stressed, less draining life.  Additionally, by living close to nature and changing gracefully with your environment, you can avoid disaster and slow down aging.

One of the greatest secrets of a satisfying and happy life, according to traditional Chinese medicine wisdom, is to focus on promoting health instead of managing disease.  Physical health is irrelevant if it is accompanied by unhappiness, trouble, or failure.  It is necessary and possible to cultivate an attitude of holistic health so the body, mind, and spirit can flourish.  Total success takes determination, knowledge, and discipline. 

But we don't have to do it alone.  While we already have excellent adaptive systems in place, such as the work done by our liver, kidneys, and digestive tract, sometimes we can use a tune up to function optimally.  Regular acupuncture and tonic Chinese herbs are wonderful resources to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.  Traditional Chinese medicine can help you look and feel your best.  Try out a system of healing that's full of wisdom and perfect for the modern age.

Inspiration: The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs, Ron Teeguarden

Yesterday, I made chicken bone broth.  I drink bone broth to improve immune function, support the endocrine system, heal the digestive tract, increase blood cell count, and a source of dissolved minerals.  And there are many other health benefits to drinking bone broth, too!

While traditional Chinese medicine views each person as unique, bone broth is one thing that every person can include in their diet without harm.  It's not too much of an inconvenience to make at home and definitely worth the effort.  Making your own bone broth is one of the more affordable ways to remain healthy, especially since you can use kitchen scraps.

I take a whole roasted rotisserie chicken and remove the skin and meat from the bone.  Of course, a higher quality chicken will yield higher quality bone broth.  I put the bones and a few pieces of skin to a slow cooker and add leftover veggies like celery greens and ends, onion and garlic with skins, carrots, mushrooms, and green onions.  I also added some excellent herbs and spices such as ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and bay leaves.  I didn't have any on hand this time but star anise and cinnamon are also wonderful additions.

Then I cover with water and set the slow cooker for 24 hrs.  After about 24 hours, I pick out the larger veggies and bones, then drain the broth through a colander into a glass container and store in the fridge.  It's that simple!

This morning, I had a cup with whisked eggs (a modified eggdrop soup), a large handful of spinach, and some avocado. Bone broth is also fantastic for soup bases, braising veggies, or sipping by itself.

Notes For Cooking

• Can use any type of bone: ribs, pork chops, fish with heads, etc
  
• Bigger bones (cow, pig, sheep) contain more marrow
  
• Smaller bones or small amount of connective tissue will yield little broth
  
• Avoid adding starchy or cruciferous veggies
  
• Wait until end to add salt to taste
  
• Skim any froth that comes to the surface.