Natural Living Tips

No, I am not referring to the bible, but a story in the newspaper warning that English honey will run out by Christmas.

In the US, 35 states have also been hit by dwindling bees. For some time bees have been in decline due to what has been called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCP). The suspect is a parasitic mite.

Israel (the land of milk and honey) has also been hard hit - with a 60% decline in honey production.

But the culprit is not only CCP, but a mix of phenomena. Viruses, pesticides, shortage of nectar caused by changes in farming practices and even stress.

And guess what else. Rain fall. Too much at the wrong time is affecting bees pollination.

Are we seeing more results of global warming?

Simple little things these insects. They cause phobias and their sting isn’t very nice. They have millions of other cousins, and though some are beautiful to look at, for most people they are usually ignored.

But, and this is a huge but (not butt!), they have an enormous impact on the environment. Not only honey, but pollination and they are perhaps the most important link in the food chain, as well as in cleaning up.

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The best natural living example is bound to be … Cave Men. From the environment point of view, they didn’t have a choice.

But what about natural living from the psychological side?

Cave men sat around a fire and shared their meals. That is about as natural as can be. These were great forming moments - a time for education, for passing on traditions, for community and family bonding.

We have always liked to share our meals. We don’t really think that they are moments to strengthen ties, to learn and to teach, to share, to bond but there isn’t much difference with the cave man. Sure the noises and way of eating will be different, but the interaction will serve the same purpose.

We like to share meals, to eat together and exchange news and simply to have a good conversation.

I learned a lot from my great grand mother who was born in the 19th century; a bit of history, ethics, hard work. I learned to respect and admire others.

Have you noticed when you have friends over for dinner everybody begins to gravitate to the kitchen? Perhaps we are just doing what the cave man did.

The point is that this near unconscious behavior is as natural as they come.

The benefits are easily seen, especially for a family with children, more so with teenagers.

These are rare, and natural, moments that allow for:

• bonding
• problem solving
• passing traditions
• educating (about life, how to conduct oneself, ethics, etc.)
• humor and fun
• helping each other

And all these give a sense of security, of well being and family pride. It helps you and your family know you are loved and that you love others.

Above all it boosts your emotional health and that strengthens your body’s immune system, so overall you are healthier.

Learn from the cave man for healthy and natural living.

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I was talking to my youngest last night as he didn’t understand a couple of things relating to human behavior. I think I manged the right answers - I won’t go into the questions as quite frankly things that people do in private, should stay private. A few done in public should also stay private, but that is their problem.

Anyway, the point is I was explaining the difference between “natural” and “normal”.

Natural comes from nature:

• in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature;

Normal comes from norm:

• something regarded as a normative example; conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm;

So something “natural” can also be something “normal”. But something “normal” is not necessarily “natural”. The norm is a social practice that has been reached and become a standard. Natural is always in accordance with nature.

Our lifestyles are moving towards the natural and although the pace is gradual, it looks as if it is speeding up.

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Everybody is talking about it; let’s hope everybody is doing it. Even pets should be doing it. (Is pet food green?)

The good news is that everybody can do it. Start on a small scale, with the small things like your energy bill. Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Change the setting in your fridge. Take a shorter shower.

I remember many summers ago in the early 70’s, there was a drought in England and the Thames was nearly dry. One of the ads in the “save water” campaign, said something like: “Save water … bathe with a friend”. Well, that’s one option I suppose. But seriously, with a very small effort you can take the first steps in going green and cut costs at the same time.

“Did you know that paper recycling at home is greater than at the work place? - just a wondering thought.”

Use less, or even better, change the type of cleaning articles, soaps and detergents you use. Recycle your old t-shirt and use it to clean the windows and use vinegar or old wine on it. My grand ma did and it worked wonders.

My suggestion is to start little by little, and keep at it. But above all start. You might even enjoy it, as the nurse said to the vicar -go green, of course.

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