Superior Self - Blog

Grow and Go

9/21/2020

I was discussing child rearing the other day with my cousin, also a mother of 2. She mentioned that as hard as it is to stretch the umbilical cord from parent to child as they enter the teenage years and beyond, we must let them be independent in many ways. Otherwise we are enabling them to come running to us for solutions to their problems their whole lives. Isn't the role of a parent to also be guiding the children into making their own decisions based upon reason, pros, and cons? If we trust in the way we have raised our kids, then we must know that they will be OK. Really.

Now this does not mean that we cut the cord altogether. This does not mean that they will escape making plenty of mistakes, as we have, throughout our lives. One of the precious things my son does is call me up to check in, just catch up on my daily doings, without there being a problem to work out. Keeping the lines of communication open is very important in any relationship, especially as one's offspring moves on up and out into their own world, sometimes thousands of miles away. My cousin called this GROW and GO. Our joy is to watch them grow; to feed and water them, nourish and engage in activities that enrich their whole lives. Then it is time for them to go and be apart from us.

GROW and GO. What do you think of this concept? I want to hear from you.
Sincerely,
KJ Landis
SuperiorSelf channel on YouTube
@superiorself on Instagram and Twitter
KJ Landis on Linkedin
Superior Self with KJ landis on Facebook

Your Body Already has the Answers. Get Your Mind Out of the Way.

9/14/2020

What do incredibly healthy people all have in common? Radiant energy. We sense it when they are in our personal space. I decided to assist others to stop settling for their life the way it is, and to truly start living for themselves on a higher level.

Our bodies seamlessly know what to do and have all the answers if we humans get out of our own way. We are so brain smart and forward thinking that we have forgotten the basic ways we have lived for eons before processed foods, raspberry ketones, Garcinia Cambogia, point counting, calorie counting, and green coffee bean extract came onto the scene. Before all the fad diets and potions, we humans thrived rather than survived. We radiated energy, and functioned without modern conveniences quite well, thank you. Funny thing is, nowadays we have to schedule and plan ahead our methods of simplification. I’m with you there. I need to strategize my food shopping to get the raw veggies, healthy raw fats, raw pastured dairy, pastured eggs, and proteins from specific specialty stores all over San Francisco. Strategic planning and action firmly sets our intention in place. My thoughts gravitate towards completing my to-do list. Then I feel so accomplished at finishing my to-do list, I am happy to reap the rewards by partaking in the cooking and eating of the things I so painstakingly procured!

Results are a happy smiling me, which results in a happy smiling husband and kids. Radiance. If I grabbed takeout food or drive through pickups on my busy day, the result would be a crabby me, nutrient poor delivery of foods to the cells in my body, a bad attitude, acne, gas, weight fluctuations, and a general lackluster life. Not radiant.

Food and workouts are a part of it, as well as a spiritual path. So many people put their focus on the calories burned during a workout. Yes, working out in any form is awesome, but it is only part of a holistic approach. What are we doing the other hours of the day? How are we recovering from the exercise? What we do with the other hours that we are not exercising is far more important than what we do for the duration of the physical exertion. The recovery time can ruin your efforts or support your efforts.

I want to hear from you!
Blessings,
KJ Landis
SuperiorSelf channel on YouTube
KJ Landis on LinkedIn
@superiorself on Instagram and Twitter
Superior Self with KJ Landis on Facebook

Food Sensitivity or Allergy?

9/7/2020

Food sensitivities and food allergies are not the same thing. Allergies occur in the blood stream. Sensitivities occur in the stomach or intestines. Allergies can have a dramatic reaction that can sometimes be dangerous or even deadly. Sensitivities are usually milder and can resemble “normal” aches, pains, acne, flu, or cold symptoms. If I suffered from a rash, stomach pain, diarrhea, or back pain right after ingesting a particular food that I could identify, I would avoid it for a while. Then to make certain that the food in question was or was not the culprit, I would try it again, by itself. Sometimes our food sensitivities change over time and we can eat what previously made us feel discomfort. Kids often outgrow sensitivities and allergies as they grow older. Food allergies or sensitivities can come on as adults for the first time too. It really is a message for us to be mindful of what we eat.

Eating food that causes me headaches or stomach pain will make me eat it less often. It definitely has an impact on me, but I will indulge once in a while even though I know the discomfort that comes later (if it is an old favorite from childhood). Humans naturally attempt to avoid pain. If a respected mentor tells me that the food in question will make me fat, I will give it up entirely. The word fat is a trigger for most people. I will have "forbidden" foods now and then, fully knowing the stomach and nasal consequences, but say the F word (fat), and I am done with it forever! We are a vain people, and I am aware of that. We want to look our best, feel our best, and project our best selves ever. It is natural to want to look good. So, no self deprecation, and talk over the food journey with allergies and sensitivities with a health practitioner who understands your particular biology and psychology.
Blessings,
KJ Landis
SuperiorSelf channel on YouTube
KJ Landis on LinkedIn
superiorself on Twitter and Instagram

Know What You are Eating to Make a Responsible Choice

8/31/2020

Knowledge is power. Manufacturers do not tell us how many months or years their edible-food-wannabes have been on warehouse shelves before heading over to the local grocery stores. The big companies are not sharing the names of the chemical fertilizers used on their ingredients that are listed in the nutritional facts label.

Even fresh fruits and vegetables are not currently farmed in the way they were a hundred years ago. The commercially farmed produce does not meet our true nutrient needs. Nowadays, produce is farmed specifically to increase sugar and therefore calorie content. That continues the spike in insulin and the cravings afterward.

We need tools to provoke these feel good hormones without the refined carbohydrates and sugar. Eat crap, and we will look and feel crappy. Eat clean and pretty, and we will become clean and pretty. When my food and my fitness are in alignment, I feel fabulous every day, from the inside out. It is just a new choice coupled with desire, determination, and dedication that can lead us toward the path of optimum health and wellness. Love yourself into a better existence.

What do you actively do in a supermarket while buying groceries? Your dollars are your power to change the system...

Blessings,
KJ Landis

What is Metabolism?

8/24/2020

What is metabolism? Metabolism is the breaking down of molecules in food to get energy and use it for our lives. Nutrition is the key to metabolism. We eat, and the nutrients in our food are broken down into smaller and smaller particles, fed to our cells, and then we use these jazzed up cells as energy to create our movements, utilize our muscles, give us brain power, etc. To understand our metabolism better and how it can get broken, we need to look at metabolism regulating hormones.

Leptin is a hormone found in our fat cells. It is released from the fat cell, sends messages to the brain, and tells the hypothalamus gland in the brain that we are full, satisfied, and we have energy to do the work our body requires of us. If leptin is not released from the fat cells, or if the hypothalamus gland doesn’t receive the information properly, we are still hungry.

Insulin is another hormone that works directly with leptin. It tells the fat cells to store energy that is coming in from our food, while also at the same time, tells the brain to stop the hunger. In properly working metabolisms, when we eat well, we get fidgety and active afterwards. If the signals get mixed up, we don’t get the information, and the body keeps feeling hungry. We then feel lethargic, kind of like a couch potato because we are still hungry. Our bodies think we should not move that much when we are hungry, in order not to starve. We save our energy. If we starve our cells with drastic dieting and lower quality calorie habits, our body and brain get the message to be a couch potato.

This is called insulin resistance. This is when our body’s metabolism, or energy output, is reduced. In fact, the data shows that the same effort in physical activities will burn less calories (less energy output) if we aren’t eating enough good quality food. This especially is affected if we aren’t eating nutrient dense, good-fat containing, and satisfying foods. Refined sugars, processed carbohydrates, and junk foods all fall into that category of deregulating the body’s system of balance, or homeostasis.

So, to be in balance in our body's systems we need to fuel ourselves with high fiber, good fats, lots of vegetables, and healthy protein choices. Even a vegetarian or vegan can make highly nutritious food choices. With the amount of real food available in the world at reasonable prices, we can take steps towards our superior selves.

Be well,
KJ Landis
SuperiorSelf channel on YouTube
superiorself on Instagram and Twitter
KJ Landis on LinkedIn

We Think Therefore We Are

8/17/2020

What we think over and over again becomes what we believe. Our thoughts become our beliefs, and then our whole being gets the message by aligning within that belief system. Then our actions support that belief system. Why do we seem shocked when we get results based upon that activity? We think it’s a miracle, but it is our own personal answer based upon a spark of new information or insight. Kind of like, “wash, rinse, repeat, wash, rinse, repeat.” Sooner or later we will believe the clothes (or hair) will be clean. Your intention may not be fat loss or a smaller clothes size. Your intention may be to gain energy, lose aches and pains, or sleep through the night. Whatever the goal, put your attention upon your intention.

I liken this process to self brainwashing, but in a good way, not in a sinister way. No matter what your previous practices may have been, with enough of a desire, discipline, and dedication towards your goals, you absolutely can:

lose those stubborn pounds of pain
learn how to cook the master french sauces
get into a great college or university
be an entrepreneur
learn a new skill, yes, at your age!
learn a new language
travel more
be present more for yourself
be present more for those who need you
stop the negative thoughts in your head
love everyone more
laugh more
live more fully in your own skin
be your superior self

May you continue to see your future and live in a way that honors who you are then.
Blessings,
KJ Landis
SuperiorSelf channel on YouTube
superiorself on Instagram and Twitter
KJ Landis on LinkedIn

Flexibility in Uncertain Times

8/10/2020

As my yoga studio closed again for the second time, I was thinking to myself how okay I felt with that. Why wasn't I more freaked out at the loss of community and regular classes for me? I take classes and teach classes there so I love being in the space. After a long moment of reflection and mindfulness, I realized why: with yoga I become more flexible in my body and mind. I am more flexible and more flexible. It is keeping me peaceful with whatever outcome occurs due to the pandemic changing business models and my employment status.

I am okay with being laid off for now. I spend more time being creative and reaching out to friends and family than I have for years! It feels so good to really connect and that is food for the soul, for sure. I had three jobs and my writing, as well as being a mama and wife. Then I got laid off from everything except being creative, and being family, friend, lover, and private wellness coach.

Okay, so this is what life is handing me. I accept. I gotta be flexible to survive. And in every movie with dramatic changes worldwide, only those able to be flexible and adapt survive and thrive. We can grow and get to know ourselves deeper during this time. Usually we are too busy to do so. I implore you to develop flexibility and love yourself into a better existence.

Please write to me and tell me what you are doing to thrive in the inner world of your life right now. I want to hear from you.
Blessings,
KJ Landis
SuperiorSelf channel on Youtube
KJ Landis on LinkedIn
superiorself on Twitter and Instagram
Superior Self with KJ Landis on Facebook

Lighten Up and Laugh a Little!

8/3/2020

We are surrounded by news of doom and destruction, man-made, and otherwise, daily. With earthquakes, hurricanes, a pandemic of another killer flu, financial and social unrest, many of us are spiraling downward into a dark and depressing space. Even if we are not officially depressed, we may be concerned for our future and our children's future. We may feel more anxious, sad, unsure of ourselves and the world around us. We may expect things to get worse before they get better.

If this is not in our natural seat of our personality, it may be a scary place for us to reside in right now. So, how do we get out of this dark feeling? I have a few tips which may help:

Watch funny tv shows and movies to laugh as much as possible: the pleasure hormones are released when we laugh, sending messages of healing and happiness throughout the spine to all areas of the body.
Have more sex: feeling close to someone can release hormones of safety and security.
Go outside and play: playing outside in nature, even skipping or walking, can help us feel hopeful, knowing we are connected to everything and everyone.
Exercise: when we are sweaty and done, we sort of forget our woes for a little bit.
Journal: writing down our thoughts and feelings can release the thoughts from our head and put them somewhere else, leaving space for good thoughts to enter.
Do something nice for someone else: no explanation needed.
Color: when is the last time you took crayons to paper? Take some time to be an artist for your own expression, not any judgement.
Meditate: practicing slowing down the breathing and releasing activity inside is a moment that can carry us through the rest of the day or night.

I want to hear from you!
Blessings,
KJ Landis

What is Healthier: Seafood, or Fish?

7/27/2020

We all know that fish and seafood are healthy. They have the good fats of Omega 3s, which protects from heart disease, obesity, and also lubricates the joints. Good dietary fats feed the brain, helping our memory retain its vim and vigor as we age. So the question today is which is healthier: fish or other types of seafood?

According to the Harvard Medical school studies, there are different factor that play in. If we eat wild caught fish that is a cold water fish it has more of the Omega 3s. Salmon is a a good example of this, as is oily and delicious Chilean or Korean sea bass. We want to stay way from the fish containing higher levels of mercury, or have it only once in a while, such as shark, swordfish, and ahi tuna. It is harder for the body to filter out and eliminate the mercury in these fish than others.

Shellfish in general have less Omega 3s than swimmers without shells, but if we eat a hearty portion we will be consuming enough to enhance our health. Bottom feeding shellfish have more minerals than swimmers, such as clams, oysters, crabs, and lobsters. If you are looking for an alternative to fish and do not want a shellfish, try the high protein octopus. Octopus has more than 25 grams of protein in a 3 ounce serving! Compare this to salmon which has 17 grams of protein for the same size portion. Shellfish has iron, vitamin B12 and trace minerals which are good for the body.

Most people think we can only get B12 from land animals and their products, but now we know better. All fish and seafood can be good for you if it is not breaded and deep fried in hydrogenated oils. Please stay away from high mercury fish if pregnant, planning on getting pregnant in the next year, or are under the age of 6. Let us enjoy the highest quality proteins you can afford, along side of the healthy green vegetables our body needs. When we eat healthy dietary fats, the body absorbs more of the nutrients from the veggies. This is called a higher bio-availability factor.

Please let me know what fish and seafood you like and why. I want to hear from you!
Blessings,
KJ Landis
SuperiorSelf channel on Youtube
superiorself on Twitter and Instagram
KJ Landis on LinkedIn

Resource: Harvard Medical School, Focus on Nutrition Newsletter, 2018

A State of Rebellion and Survival of the Fittest

7/20/2020

I admit I am stubborn. I value my right to free will. I'll take my chances.

A function that humans have that most animals in the wild do not have is the psychological emotion tied to every action, and the free will choices we make rather than only relying on instincts ruling our survival. Humans possess many cognitive functions that most animals don't have or use. Our language capacities and our reasoning skills are a great asset. Where I find a disconnect is between our abilities, rights, and liberties versus the care and safety of all humans.

For example, we do not like to be told what to do. As a child we rely on our caregivers to tell, show, and provide for every action. Our baby minds are learning at a rate so fast that computers cannot keep up. When we insert free will, we learn to take ownership of our choices. We adore our free will. We defend our free will, sometimes to the point of rebellion. This can be good for us and others, or not so good.

Let us look at the current climate with the Covid 19 pandemic. At first, we were frightened for our lives and those we love. We listened to the intellect of the CDC, the WHO, and our local health experts. We stayed at home for months and got creative with our shelter in place. As restrictions were lifted in cities and states little by little, we found a freedom in going outdoors. We were told multiple times by the media and our leaders to wear a mask every time we leave the home. This is not only for shopping for necessities, but also when exercising in area where we do not live with others passing by. Some states were stricter than others, but our empathy and compassion for other humans led us to comply.

Here we are, almost a half year before the shelter in place began. Folks are literally feeling rebellious and are taking their masks down or not bringing them with them outside the home. "How dare you to take away my free will?" That is the sentiment. "I am not listening to the authorities." "You are not my mother, you cannot tell me what to do all of the time!" "Do we have a problem listening to the authorities? Is this a habit that goes back to our time of establishing out independence as a child?

When kids and teens "act out" it is because they are stretching the invisible ties (umbilical cords) to the caregivers. As adults we are supposed to be role models and not "act out." We already have established our independent spirits and personalities. The governor of California at this time, Gavin Newsom, calls the youth who do not wear masks and wash hands frequently, the "invincible youth." He is frustrated. I am frustrated. A lot of folks in their 40s, 50s, and beyond are frustrated, but understand it is a state of natural rebellion occurring.

Data does not lie. If we do not release our personal will to the level of honoring guidelines, we will fall under the natural selection of survival of the fittest. Only the strongest humans will survive this pandemic, as history repeats itself. In the early 1900s folks wore masks for a couple of years. That is how they flattened the curve of illnesses and death.

So one again, with this understanding of the human spirit and intellect, I am encouraging my tribe to be flexible and adapt. The virus doesn't seem to be paying by the rules.

With love and empathy,
KJ Landis
SuperiorSelf channel on YouTube

Functional Foods and Super Foods

7/13/2020

We hear the terms functional foods and super foods quite often. Are super foods functional foods? Are functional foods super foods? How do we identify them when grocery shopping and what makes them super foods and functional foods? Let us answer these questions today!

There is a classification of foods called functional foods. They can be enhanced or fortified foods, which have added vitamins, minerals, or other healthful properties. They are added to foods so the foods work even better in our bodies, allowing other nutrients to be absorbed and used at a higher functioning rate. Functional foods also can naturally have compounds in them which work beyond the vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols to enhance our health. These naturally found healthy foods which go above and beyond the regular component health are called super foods.These go above and beyond meeting our nutritional needs but without added "stuff" made by the manufacturer or farmer. Super foods can help prevent diseases when part of a healthy lifestyle.

Some examples of functional foods:

Omega-3 enriched eggs
Calcium fortified orange juice
B-12 enriched breads
Folate added to breads, cereals, etc
Vitamin A and D added to milk
farmers working on hybridization of the highest values of vitamins in fruits and vegetables to be combined or enhanced

Some examples of super foods:

Blueberries
Grapes
Pomegranates
Garlic
Green tea
Oats
Broccoli
Onion
Tomatoes
Cacao
Pumpkin
Acai berries
Kale
Cherries
Seaweed
Flaxseed

I hope this has helped you understand the difference and the life enhancing properties of both functional foods and super foods. They do a body good! I want to hear from you!

Blessings,
KJ Landis
kjlinsf@hotmail.com
KJ Landis on LinkedIn
SuperiorSelf on Youtube
superiorself on Instagram and Twitter

What is the Scoop on Resveratrol?

7/6/2020

We hear a lot of news about health discoveries and scientific trials that sort of fade away over time. They had their 15 minutes of fame. What happens years later to the facts? Do people stick with the fad if it is scientifically backed up? When new information comes to the forefront we may not read up on it or accept the news because we are married to the facts from the big bang the first report gave us. Let us look a bit deeper into resveratrol.

Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in grapes and their products, such as fermented wine and spirits. Resveratrol is a polyphenol which holds heart protective properties. Other fruits and vegetables also hold these same polyphenols. Wine has been the star of the group, especially red wine.

In the 1980s a study was done observing the diet of the French population. The coined words were "the French Paradox." They ate loads of cheeses and other fatty foods, yet their heart disease rates were low. It was thought that the consumption of red wine daily along with the fatty foods were helping the French stay slim, disease free, and live a long and healthy life. We welcomed the news here in the USA with open arms. We drank more red wine and ate more fatty cheeses and meats than ever! And we Americans got more sick with chronic diseases since the 1980s. What gives?

Well, the 1980s gave birth to the low fat and no fat trend here in the USA as well. That was the flip side of the coin that helped us get obese and have the related conditions as well. It seems that one or two glasses of wine a day are okay, but must be eaten with a healthy meal. Cheese can be a part of the meal, but not the entire meal should be made up of cheese, prosciutto, and wine...We need to balance out the healthy veggies and fruits we eat as more a portion than the wine and fatty foods. The Mediterranean style of eating is common in France, as well as in other European countries. That may have been a bigger factor than the wine. Lots of fish and fibrous foods are included in the Mediterranean lifestyle of eating.

There is no data on the resveratrol supplements helping in the same way as grapes, wine, grape juice, and the other lifestyle factors the French population carry out for their low rate of heart disease. Plus, recently it has come to light that the doctors underreported the actual number of deaths by heart disease. It is 30+ years later! New data, new clinical trials, and observational studies are needed. So, enjoy your wine and cheese in moderation. Keep eating the rainbow and exercise daily. Smile at a stranger under the face masks! Even if someone cannot see your smile doesn't mean they cannot feel it. Laugh often and a lot.

Blessings,
KJ Landis
SuperiorSelf channel on YouTube
superiorself on IG and Twitter

Please Wear a Mask!

6/29/2020

My Dear Loved Ones,

This really is a love letter. I love all of the positive and also thought provoking opposition comments to my newsletters, blogs, and videos these past few weeks. To be open to a conversation about both health and human rights is a move in the right direction. I am grateful for all of you.

Today I am speaking to personal observations I made during the past three weeks. As San Francisco and other northern California counties allowed more businesses to reopen with restrictions in place, I watched people stop wearing their face masks in public unless they were going into a store. More and more hikers, walkers, joggers, and other casual walkers were not wearing masks at all, or they were wearing them around their necks. I got a bit peeved. San Francisco is still in a "stay at home order." We are more stringent and conscious than other parts of the state (or country for that matter). I live a few blocks away from Daly City, but on the San Francisco side. Daly City is in San Mateo County. San Mateo County had restrictions removed in a more lenient manner, and also sooner than in San Francisco.

The risks for catching the Corona Virus have not lessened! It is our conscientious and persistent wearing of masks everywhere outside of the house that eventually flatten the curve of folks catching the virus and spreading the virus with others through our water droplets leaving our nose and mouths. I know we are all tired of not hanging out with friends and family. There aren't many rules and guidance for us yet about when those changes will happen. Most of the rules and guidance have been for businesses opening instead. I wish it were more direct than that for the general population in each city and county. When can my kids see their elderly grandparents? When can we visit our soul sisters and be silly in each others' homes again? When is a birthday party with all of my friends going to happen safely once more?

What are we to do? Please wear a mask to protect others from your droplets. Please wear a mask to protect you from others' droplets. It is simple and effective. Wash your hands often and with hot soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If outdoors and touching hard surfaces, add a small hand sanitizer bottle or even put some into a small plastic bag. Use it often to protect our communities!

I have 3 jobs which I am laid off from at the moment. I really want to go back to hosting workshops, teaching exercise classes in person, and serve food and drinks at the Hilton. We can only shift into a more productive and safe, healthy economy if we all work together. Add to that the wonderful platform a face mask can become if we stand up for equality, black lives matter, and justice for all. Put a message on your mask to be a part of the solution, or to be silly and entertaining!

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts and feelings.
In Gratitiude,
KJ Landis

We Have No Idea What it is to Be Homeless

6/22/2020

As the pandemic is widespread and scary for all the world, we do have safety measures and guidances set in place. The homeless population does not have the same information or access to assistance that we householders have. It is already a struggle for the homeless population to seek food, tents, cardboard boxes, clothing, restroom access, and cleaning up their bodies regularly. Let us add to that the mental and physical challenges many may face, as well as the common place of addictions rampant in the homeless world. Sometimes it is dangerous for the homeless folks, because they are involved in petty or not so petty crimes upon each other. Sometimes they fight on the streets of San Francisco. I have seen a lot in my 23 years living here. I truly feel we non-homeless dwellers have no idea what it is like to be homeless.

Since moving here in 1997, I have given money and food to the homeless. I donate to different missions around the Bay. What can we do to help? Sometmes a smile or a hello along with a smile can uplift someone in that situation. Asking how someone got to be in their predicament will help us to really listen and understand. Peope love to share their stories. Humans want to be heard. Most regular working class folks are only a few paychecks away from being homeless. After I was laid off from all 3 of my regular jobs, I held a prayerful place for the homeless in a new way deep inside of me.

Have you thought deeply about the homeless citizens in your world? What do you do to help the less fortunate? Have you even considered he homeless and the programs in place to help them?

I want to hear from you. Compassion, empathy, and action go hand in hand, hand in heart.

Blessings,
KJ Landis
SuperiorSelf on YouTube
superiorself on Instagram and Twitter
KJ Landis on LinkedIn
Superior Self with KJ Landis on Facebook

Black Lives Matter More than Mine. Here's Why.

6/15/2020

Black lives matter. All lives matter. We keep hearing the second sentence as a response for the first, usually by the non-black population. So I asked around in my communtiy and asked how does one explain why black live matter more than everyone else? Here a few responses full of wisdom and understanding. I hope we can learn from each other, now and forever more.

A single black mother of a toddler shared with me this analogy: We are all in a neighborhood. Everyone comes out for the street fairs and holiday parties in each others' homes. Relationships are really tight amongst the community. All lives matter. A loss of one hurts us all. Right now the black family's house is on fire. What do we do now, as a community who cares? We give all of our help, care, attention, and rebuilding energy to our black neighbor and their family. All lives matter, but at this moment, and for the past years unfathomable, the black homes have been on fire becasue the electric company somehow didn't care to upgrade the electric systems in the black homes. The company took care of everybody else for years and let their homes slide. Right now and forever more we need to systemically fix the racism in our world. Fix and love the neighborhood. Our attention is NOW upon what is on fire, previosly smoldering and yet nobody high enough up in the company called the negligence out. That is systemic racism. It is common.

In Japan there is a subculture of youth tanning very dark to rebel the traditional ways of paler skin considered more desirable. This subculture grew into a popular Japanese cafe model in the 1990s, with the dark skinned men and women as the servers, called "maids," and the customers called "masters." The subculture is known as Ganguro. This is NOT OKAY by any measure of ethical standards. This is celebrated racism. The pop up cafes even spread to the USA. Thankfully the maid cafes closed down due to lack of returning customers. The racism is not only in the USA and that is why the protests are not only in the USA.

Scores of white youth tan for the purpose of looking black, to "pass," wear hip hop style clothing, and a lot of overdone bling bling. Even the language of these wannabes copy black youth. White youth are the largest ticket holders to black rap and hip hop concerts performed by black entertainers. If everyone thinks it is so cool to be black, why are black communities so expendable at the hands of our elected officials and police personnell who took an oath to protect and serve? Black lives matter, now and forever more.

I watched a young white woman on the social media app named Tik Tok explain to her community why black lives matter and not all lives matter at this time. She stated in her own way that we all are at the table for dinner. We are a great diverse group of friends. The family platters get passed around and everyone has a full plate except for the black persons at the dinner table. Everyone is chatting and having a good time, yet the black people are still not being fed. They aren't being served at all. A few moments pass and the platters are emptied of food. All of the friends are gathered and want to eat together. Some folks see that the black folks haven't been given food. No one who sees them hungry and acknowldege their hunger offers them food from their own plates. No one who is oblivious to their empty plates offers to share either. They just do not see, or the non-black friends turn thier heads at an opportune moment to not feel the pain and suffering of friends. For years and years we have all eaten from the platters, overlooking black neighbors. This was her analogy about why black lives matter more than all lives matter.

Let us keep the momentum and conversations going. I want to hear from you.
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Blessings,
KJ Landis

Are You Happy?

6/8/2020

How does one define happiness? Is it when we have milestones of accomplishment or when we are blissed out? Is it an excited feeling that ebbs and flows when we see someone we love or like? What are some common things that we see and feel when we are around other happy people? I see and feel their intangible but very real radiant energy. It feeds me a little bit and I'm hungry for more. Is happiness the joureny or the destination?

According to my Vipassana meditation practice, happiness is a sort of result once one is lifted from former miseries and is liberated. The more we practice not reacting to cravings or aversions, the more we see things for what they really are. They just are. How we react to the facts are what can bring on the cravings and aversions. Think about that today as you go about your lives.

How can our physical life give us happiness? The choices we make in our physical day to day lives can increase our energy, good energy that grows exponentially. Then we can share more and more of our best selves with others, rather than our miserable selves. We all go on the misery hamster wheel at times. It is the stuff of bickering, self deprecation, and the activities around those. When we eat nutrient dense foods, sleep well, carve out quiet time, and move our bodies, we gain energy and begin to shift our world a little into a more positive space. Then we become the person with energy, energy, energy! The more energy we have, the more we have to give. Isn't that great? Be happy.

Please share your thoughts on this. Then engage a friend with these questions too. I want to hear from you.

Blessings,
KJ Landis
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Good Grief!

6/1/2020

During this uprecedented pandemic, many of us are taking stock of our lives. We are taking the forced down time to reflect, really reflect, upon the ones we care about, our experiences, both good and bad, and grieving over ones lost. Sometimes new waves of grief come even when a loved one has passed away years ago. We may have triggers pop up unexpectedly. Please, my tribe, do not try to stuff down feelings. We are entitled to all of the facets of our lives. We do not have to put on a brave face. Besides, our faces are covered with large protective masks most of the time, so sob away.

Grief is not a linear model. The stages we may feel over the loss of a relationship through a break up or a move away may feel deep, oh so deep as death. We do not have to get over loss. We must get through loss, one day at a time, more like a wild rollercoaster ride rather than a sleek linear train ride. And, that is enough. It is more than enough. It is good to grieve. It is good grief. Yes. We can have grief that is good. It is good for us to work, really work through our actions propelled by the feelings we feel. The best part of grieving (if it can be said there is a best part) is that although we may feel lonely at times, we are not alone. I think especially now, we are not alone. So many humans around the world are experiencing the same things in the same time frame. We are an important part of history.

I leave you with this. Reach out to your friends, family, colleagues in the many ways there are to communicate. Imagine the isolation of the early 20th century when the flu pandemic was widespread. Those folks were more isolated than we are, with no tv, phones, cell phones, text, facetime, skype, zoom, etc. We can call upon each others' strengths and humor to connect. We can connect with our creative expression through the many art forms, uniting the human family. Good grief builds resilience. I accept. Do you?

I want to hear from you.
Blessings.
KJ Landis

Vitamin D!!!

5/25/2020

For many of us over 50 years of age, our childhood was riddled with sunburns in the summer time and windburns in the winter time. We knew as much about sunscreen and skin protection as Susie Chapstick from the commercials in the 1970s. Commercials back in the 1970s were all about getting the St. Tropez tan, the darker the better. Remember the toddler on the Coppertone ads? If we used the most popular products we would get darker, faster. My family could not afford the more expensive brands of suntan lotion, as it was called back then. It was for the express purpose of tanning, not screening. I used baby oil or artificial lard shortening on my body when I laid out in the back yard. I was told by a (smart) neighbor girl that if my stomach began sweating and itching I was doing it right.

Fast forward 40 or so years. We now know from the science and medical professionals that a sunburn does not necessarily turn into the tan of one's dreams. They often turn into spots, leathery skin, or even worse, they may turn into some types of skin cancers. The tans of our youth may turn into age spots some years later. My dermatologist told me at a recent appointment, when I swore up and down that I slather on SPF 50 or higher every time I leave the house, that I was "paying for the sins of my youth." How eloquent. My shoulders, which had not seen sun in years without a heavy dose of SPF had little dark brown freckles. I could hike all day long in the sun, reapplying vigorously and not get any tan at all. I was as proud of this fact as I was of my lard burns of my preteen years.

Enter the Paleo living lifestyle of the 21st century. The more ancient ways of whole food eating, moving like our ancestors did, and enjoying sunshine for its role in vitamin D have been rediscovered. Recently, folks have learned the value of the sun in its role of providing us with vitamin D. Vitamin D has properties which help us absorb calcium. It is a fat soluble vitamin, which means it is better absorbed when eaten with fat. When we eat foods that have vitamin D in them, usually they are fortified foods, meaning that they do not naturally have vitamin D in them. Instead, food companies add it in. Exposure to sunlight allows our bodies to make vitamin D and convert it into its active form. We cover up with a lot of clothing most of the time. We work indoors, then go into our cars and into our homes, malls, restaurants, etc. Unless we conscioulsy make a decision to wear shorts and a tee shirt and expose most of our body to the sun, we may have less vitamin D than we need for optimim health.

Vitamin D helps regulate blood pressure, build immunity, keeps our muscular strength and bone density up, and also reduces inflammation. Inflammation in the body plays a role in many chronic diseases and conditions, especially as we age. Vitamin D converts to the active form less and less as we age. People with darker skin need more and more sunlight exposure to produce vitamin D than those with lighter skin. Some mushrooms have vitamin D in them, but no other plant-based foods produce any vitamin D. Check your levels by consulting a health practitioner.

When going out in the sun to get your vitamin D and fresh air, I suggest at least 20 minutes of exposure a day, and uncover the arms, legs, and face. Well, what about sunscreen? Yes, use your SPF, and enjoy your time outdoors even longer with protection from the concerns shared above.

Let me know what you do after reading this blog! I want to hear from you!
Blessings,
KJ Landis

Why Yoga?

5/18/2020

I first began practicing yoga in a dark conference room of the public library in Pittsburgh, where they had free community classes on Saturday mornings. It was led by a woman in her 70s with a thick Hungarian accent. I was 15 at the time and the only person in the dark room who wasn’t a senior citizen.

It was 1979. I felt like I had stumbled upon a secret. Everyone in the room was so flexible and limber, youthful despite their ages. The guide had such a velvety and hypnotic voice, teaching and showing us the poses with encouragement, rather than a boastful demeanor of her own movement prowess. I showed up every Saturday for a year.

Off and on during the years since then I have taken yoga in the gyms I belonged to, always enjoying my return and wondering why I had ever stopped.

Seven years ago I tried a 90 minute hot yoga class and immediately felt like it was a challenge I would never get used to... I kept returning day after day to see if it would ever get easier. The heat was 105 degrees Fahrenheit minimum and the humidity was at least 46%. Every time I went into the studio, I was bringing a different set of experiences from the past 24 hours, resulting in that the practice was different every single time! What I ate, drank, moved, how I slept, my emotional experience from the day before, it ALL affects the next day’s practice. So I was totally hooked on the familiar and yet unknown on a daily basis!

As humans we are constantly changing and that is the reminder from my yoga practice. It has helped me heal from 3rd degree burns on 3/4 of my body. It has helped my arthritis in my back and knees. It has helped my attitude for the reminder of the day after my practice. It has helped me be a more patient, compassionate, empathetic, and kind spirit on the planet.

I encourage everyone to enjoy the benefits from yoga. There are no fancy tools to buy to do the work either. Bring your body, and the mind and heart will follow. I promise.

Blessings,
KJ Landis, Superior Self
PERMALINK: https://outwittrade.com/yoga-benefits#kj

Mother Knows Best

5/11/2020

Recently I was asked to contribute to an article about the best piece of advice my mother gave me. While I tried to remember something deep and spiritual she shared with me as a life guide, I wasn't coming up with anything. Don't get me wrong. Mother had a lot of strong opinions on the ways to do just about everything, but it wasn't advice for me to grow from and be a deeper human. She was overbearing with her love, but her advice was always more practical. "Wear clean underwear, in case of an emergency. You don't want the ambulance personnel or doctor to think you are a dirty person." I laugh about it now, but always heeded that bit of advice.

The best piece of advice my amazing mother (now deceased) gave me was this: moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. I didn’t know about moisturizing when I was little and I watched her put her face together every morning before taking care of us 5 kids! And at the end of the night she washed her face with olive oil to take her makeup off and then moisturized with a water based moisturizer. I was fascinated by the jars and bottles of seemingly magical potions and creams that beautified my mother.

I was the youngest of the 5 kids at home, and being a girl, I wanted to follow my beautiful mother around like a little puppy dog! When I was 12 years old my mother took me downtown Pittsburgh, PA, and got our ears pierced together. I was so impressed that she waited for me to
grow up a little and have this as our preteen bonding ritual. On the way home we took a detour to a big department store and went to the beauty department. The lady behind the counter put lots of creams on me and gave my mother samples to take home.

It was so much fun for a kid to have the personal attention of two grown women that I subscribed to the moisturizing ritual for life. Now that I am grown, I moisturize from head to toe daily. I even make my own moisturizers. I have instilled in my children the same message: moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

What is your most memorable piece of advice that your mother or guardian ever shared with you? I want to hear from you!

Blessings,
KJ Landis