Fracking or hydraulic fracturing is a mining process that releases small amounts of oil from tar sands. The process uses large amounts of water which is injected deep underground as high pressure steam. The steam dissolves the oil in the tar sands and it is brought to the surface by the fracking fluid which also contains solvents. The water that is used becomes contaminated by the solvents and by other toxic chemicals which are brought up by the process in addition to the small amount of oil that is recovered. [link]
Finding one’s life purpose in three steps
The three steps can be found in the linked article: [link] The strategy involves brainstorming until reaching an emotional reaction like crying at one of your listed ideas. It didn’t take me long to reach tears:
My life purpose is to enjoy it
is to dance
is to teach
is to nurture
is to be at peace
My life purpose is to create baby slings and promote happy mother baby dyads.
After I stopped crying (that is how you know you reached an idea that is important to you) I realized that the short ideas fit together within the more specific life purpose statement. Babies are soothed by gentle dance motions and teaching mothers nurturing techniques can help the infant and the family be more at peace.
In the past I developed a baby sling for my own infants and I shared the design with a few other parents over the years. It had already been on my mind to make another one when I tried the life purpose exercise. Baby wearing can help the infant’s digestive system and the mood of mother and baby can be improved. [1] The baby sling I designed is a little different than the type available in the link but I have seen the Maya Wraps and heard positive feedback about them. They have the big advantage of being currently available along with video guides. Mine currently is a pattern in a box somewhere but promoting happy mothers and babies was also part of the life purpose statement I wrote.
There may have been some bias involved in my attempt at the life purpose exercise – crying over babies – kind of a given – I may have to try again: [link]
Happy New Year and best wishes for finding and achieving your own life purpose goals.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of Fair Use.
Fracking in North Dakota
The government of the state of North Dakota has taken a cooperative tactic with the hydraulic fracturing industry. However the environmental impact has been significant and the rate of spills has escalated over the years rather than improving which suggests that the more stringent regulations or fines used in other states may be more protective than expecting cooperation from the drilling companies.
“Over all, more than 18.4 million gallons of oils and chemicals spilled, leaked or misted into the air, soil and waters of North Dakota from 2006 through early October 2014. (In addition, the oil industry reported spilling 5.2 million gallons of nontoxic substances, mostly fresh water, which can alter the environment and carry contaminants.)” [link]
PTSD resources for veterans, their families, and for the general public
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur in people who experienced a fearful event or who lived with daily trauma. The condition may occur in veterans after their return to civilian life. If symptoms occur for more than three months without improvement than getting outside help is recommended.
The following short video illustrates the most common symptoms that may occur with PTSD: [upworthy.com]
Common symptoms include:
- 1) re-experiencing the traumatic events as unwanted memories or nightmares;
- 2) avoidance of reminders of the trauma;
- 3) feeling worse about yourself or the world; and
- 4) hyper-arousal, feeling constantly on alert or experiencing sudden rushes of anger or irritability after being startled or hearing a loud noise. [upworthy.com]
Services for veterans and their families coping with PTSD are available at the Veteran’s Affairs website and the site also has self help resources and referral information available for the general public: [ptsd.va.gov] [PTSD treatment can help]
A previous post about talking to children about traumatic events that includes a list of resources about EMDR, a type of therapy that may be helpful for PTSD treatment. [link]
/Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes./