Flower Power Mood Remedies

Was grabbing the newspaper from the living room when this feature from DW-TV caught my attention. It was about a product that helps improve moods such as irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and depression using various combinations of flower oils . I'm sure there are other ailments but these were the ones that interested me for I suffered from those myself.


Bach's flower Oils

Droplets of flower oils are mixed into a glass of water and taken by the patients which according to them had positive changes in their moods and ailments. However scientists declared that it may just be a placebo for they don't think ordinary flower oils combined with alcohol and water could have conclusive results. I haven't tried them personally, but it's quite interesting to see if they really work for they are probably safer than commonly prescribed western drugs.

Over time, there had been different studies in regards to depression, anxiety, and insomnia which they say are likely to be caused by Chemical imbalance, Diet, Physical health, Environment and Stress. While these reasons are mostly agreeable, the cure for it varies and drug safety concerns remain due to the side effects.

So what are your methods for easing Anxiety, Insomnia and Depression?

For me, these helped me cope so far:

• Identifying which type of food changes my mood and substituting a more healthier option (e.g. overdose of Sugar and Carbohydrates?) to natural, energizing foods and supplements. Varieties are available at Healthy Options stores (best and biggest branches at Trinoma, Shangri-La, and Greenbelt 5) and they have trained staff to recommend products for your needs. I love their almond granola sold by weight at P55/100 grams. There are branded packs as well by Bob's Red Mill which I have yet to try. Another nice grain snack to try would be Museli. One of the brands I know is "Simply" which is made in Africa. I'm not sure if local supermarkets still sell them.

• For females, noting if there are mood changes pre-menstrual cycle. Evening Primrose oil capsules should help.

• Daily Exercise (I find this highly challenging! lol) or you can cheat with Sauna baths :D

• Having a relaxing Massage

• Hot Herbal teas are good stress relievers and anxiety killers

• Have lots of fish and green veggies in your diet instead of red meat.

With the physical aspects taken care of, it is also important that you take care of your mental health as well.

• Having Inspirational books in handy.

• Call a friend to chat with asking how they are.

• A quiet time for prayer
• Making a decision to change your mental attitude and mindset positively. This is actually the hardest thing to do especially for someone who had suffered long term depression. Getting the motivation itself to do so is the struggle.
• Find a supportive small group to share experiences with to inspire each other and know that you are never alone with your struggles.
• With the many suggestions available, the final key to healing will always be yourself. You have to make the decision itself to take the first step in changing your experiences with awesome and happier ones.

Our minds are quite a challenge to train. So it is recommended that you inspire yourself daily just like how we take care of our physical health so when challenges or illnesses come, we have better resistance for it.

(well this is all I can think of at the moment, will add more ! or better yet, do share your consoling methods! :D)

Ironman 2

Took a risk of watching Ironman 2 on opening night last April 30 at Shangri-La Mall. Wasn't fearing the crowd much for I checked the schedules at ClickTheCity and saw that most malls had 4-5 theaters dedicated to screening Ironman 2. I arrived at around 5:30 PM hoping to catch a 9pm screening but then almost all of the seats were already booked between those times so I ended up taking the 10:30PM screening.

It was actually my first time watching at Shang. I usually prefer to watch movies at The Podium for the room's smaller (don't really like large and crowded theater rooms) and the leg space between the seats are wide. Plus the sound system's better than most of SM's malls so I don't mind adding a little extra.

If I were to rank theaters I've been to I would say..
Sound system:

1. The Promenade, Shangri-La Plaza, Greenbelt
2. The Podium, Glorietta
3. Gateway, Powerplant, Eastwood mall
4. Robinson's Galleria
5. SM (considerable but average)

Seat space, (leg space, visibility and comfort)

1. The Promenade (adjustable arm rests, wide and comfortable seats) wins hands down!
2. The Podium, Greenbelt, Eastwood mall, Powerplant
3. Shangri-La, Gateway, Robinson's, Glorietta
4. SM (very cramped seats and narrow leg space)

Unfortunately, I don't really notice the screen size much lolx. As long as it's big enough, it's good for me.

Right, well I think we got sidetracked enough. Regarding the movie itself, Ironman 2 is more hype-deserving than the overrated *Avatar. Really appreciated how the movie was directed and dialogue even though it was just a simple story. The most memorable dialogue was the court room scene where Tony Stark was defending himself from legislature requesting him to hand over Ironman. Just to show how officials can sugarcoat intentions by saying it's for the good of the people of America when in fact they just want the power for themselves. Same thing with America positioning themselves as anti-terrorists aiming for World peace and yet is the largest arms exporters. In short, shows hypocritical truths

The main actor, Robert Downy Jr deserves praise as well for really internalizing the role to life and made it interesting as well as Gwyneth Paltrow.

For those catching the movie, don't forget to catch the extra scene at the end of the credits.

And play the usual game of "Spot Stan Lee in every Marvel movie!

*And why I think Avatar is overrated.

-The story was cliche. Similar to Pocahontas however with an added touch of Scifi

-Directing was linear and it got draggy

One thing good however, was the visuals

Teas from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

Starbucks for me is OVERRATED. It always amazes me why it seems Starbucks is more crowded than Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.  But then again, sometimes it just boils down to the overall ambiance of the place.
Nevertheless, I would still prefer CBTL than Starbucks.  Having a Swirl card adds more pressure (lol)

Today I had a craving for CBTL's Pure double chocolate Ice blended drink and it seems it's one of the best sellers for I find other people in queue with me ordering the same drink. On other times, I grab a cup of Iced Mocha Latte or their special herb teas which is also excellent!

Some of the tea blends I'd recommend: (Each tin can costs P545 PHP with 20 tea bags and comes with a complimentary choice cup of tea).  Best taken while hot before sleeping or after a day's work to soothe you.

Ginseng Peppermint

A "healing" choice for those feeling dizzy and will surely rejuvenate any tired or stressed soul

How it Taste?: Light with a hint of mint.  Surprisingly it's not bitter

Peach Ginger Green Tea


A limited edition flavor perfect for those who prefer fruit flavored teas


How it Tastes?: Natural taste of peach fruit with a faint hint of ginger.  Again no bitter taste.

African Sunrise


Quite a unique blend.  It may taste odd at first sip, however it is recommended to let the tea bag settle for 3 minutes before sipping to really appreciate the flavor.

How it Tastes?: Roasted corn with mild sweetness of honey.

Japanese Cherry


Something I recently tried and quite good to take when you have a mild headache or uncomfortable stomach.  Must be the healing properties of green tea!

How it tastes? Light with a fusion of fruit and flower taste.  Cherry of course!







According to the staff, Strawberry Cream is also a popular choice I have yet to try.  Til the next tea adventure!

They also have the best tasting *Chicago Cheese Cake and you won't be disappointed with their gourmet sandwiches.

*Why I love their Chicago cheesecake:  compared to other coffee/pastry shops (Starbucks, Jack's Loft, Mc Cafe, The Coffee Beanery) CBTL's cheesecake's texture is fine and with the right consistency.  Flavor is not too sweet, and you can actually taste the cheese which I find missing in others with a hint of lemon juice.  Hope they maintain their quality, for it is absolutely the best so far!

Dreamblog 24-7-09

Last night was a series of weird dreams again. Each with its own story that don't seem to connect with each other.

"Dark Priest"

Late at night by the country side, when the air was deadly still and the moon shines bright on the wheat fields. The scene changes focus to a patch of damp soil with a small lump and you hear a faint sound of someone moaning in pain as he slowly rises. His robe was pitch black like the night and instantly, you'd turn your focus on the small white square on his neck that is similar to someone who's in the ministry. Weirdly, upon his sight, I instantly knew he was a demon and as he slowly approaches me, I flee to the roadside, where I find an old truck with without the driver's door and drove away into the night as fast as I could.

The scene suddenly changes into a small house with screens as its walls surrounded by a not so green garden. I was with my brother while watching someone from outside, repairing he ripped screens below as he seals us inside. Then I receive a phonecall from a dad of someone I know (in the dream) asking for his whereabouts and instantly I was gripped with fright for it may be the demon that killed him.

I don't remember much details of the other scenes. But I remember there was blood as well, and I was driving madly with the old truck, swerving lanes into the night, screaming.

"Antique souvenirs"
After the somewhat frightful dream, the scene changes to something Chinese. I was in a busy square that seemed to be like a dry goods market place. In front of me was a glass display cart with box shelves draped with a chinese emblem,yellow silk covers showing some possessions of past dynasty princesses and A Chinese lady was explaining the history behind the items. I remember seeing a jade comb, jade earrings, fan, and porcelain teacups. After she finished her story, she opened her cart and said to everyone that we're free to take them home. I wanted to take the Jade items however someone beat me to it and ended up with a porcelain teacup and 2 saucers.

In the end I thought why would they allow these antiques to be given away just like that, probably a scam.

Lazarus

They say you rose again,
Rejoice and awe filled their hearts
As you have overcome the rumored impossible

Gathered so quickly they did
Anticipating your auspicious tale
I stayed afar wondering
If the life unknown also brought back
The promises you once told

The scented cloths remained intact
However hurriedly, they helped you tear it away
For who needs them now that you've risen
But it was a reminder of the sleepless nights
before this cloth became special

Shattered before my eyes I drew closer
To see... to feel... if you were real
As I grasp every piece of the cloth left
To remind you of your promise

Alas, to my greatest despair,
A newborn soul took your place
Bearing your name and flesh
Yet no remnants of your fond and familiar soul

I walk away
The remaining cloth clutched in my hands
Forgetting this one grand lie
For in my heart, you already died

Shadow

So once familiar, You faded
Did you get lost? Or did I travel too far
I thought you were there all the time
But today daylight showed me otherwise

Now realizing the change,
I walk back to this dark cave
Amusing myself with a small wick of candlelight
as I try to reshape the shadow I was once fond
til the Candle melts

Dreamblog: 15-6-09 Murder

Vague as usual, I only remember being in a certain palace hall like the ones in England with a Black haired guy whom I do not know. There was a woman seated at the end dressed in a red gown, with golden jewelry on her blond hair and neck. Upon reaching her, she said a quote, something like "Seek and you shall find glory" Then she presented us with a box that had gold trinkets inside. Suddenly, the guy's facial expression changed, attempted to grab a bow and arrow near him, and aimed at me, preparing to kill me. Before the arrow hit, I woke up.

Strangely, the tip of the arrow was transparent and not metal

Symbolism from Dreammoods.com

Murder
To dream that you are murdered, suggests that some important and significant relationship has been severed and you are trying to disconnect yourself from your emotions. It also represents your unused talents.

Killing
To dream that you have been killed, suggests that your actions are disconnected from your emotions and conscience. Alternatively, the dream refers to drastic changes that are happening in your life. There is a characteristic that you want to get rid of or a habit that you want to end within yourself. Killing represents the killing off of old parts of yourself and old habits.

Arrow
To see an arrow in your dream, represents the targets that you are reaching for and the goals you are setting for yourself. Alternatively, the arrow also signifies an end to suffering and the beginning of new-found pleasures and festivities.�

Gold
To see gold in your dream, symbolizes wealth, riches, natural healing, illumination and/or spirituality.

To find gold in your dream, indicates that you have discovered something valuable about yourself. This may be some hidden talent or knowledge.

Palace
To see a palace in your dream,�symbolizes� prominence and wealth.� You are ready to utilize your full potential.

Dreamblog 11-6-09 Argument

I forgot what happened earlier in this dream. But the only thing I could remember was screaming at my dad madly while he was lying down in bed, eyes closed, tossing and turning. Yet it was as if I wasn't in the room. Hence it made me more frustrated as I try to scream some words louder for him to wake up.

I woke up depressed the whole day. Couldn't focus
Though it was only during the night time I looked it up in Dreammoods.com

Symbolism from dreammoods.com

Scream
To dream that you are screaming, symbolizes anger and fear. It is an expression of your powerful emotions which you have kept pent up inside.

Yelling
To dream that you or someone is yelling, represents repressed anger that need to be expressed. If you are yelling and no one hears, then it suggests that you are being ignored. You feel that your voice does not matter or that your opinion doesn't count.