Halipuu and My Tree Friend : Adopt and / or Hug a Tree

I wrote some days back that I shall write more about the tree I have adopted. I have adopted a young birch tree in Finland and I have given her the name “Joy”.

This adoption was made possible by Pappas and his family via a program called “Halipuu” (https://www.halipuu.com/) in Finland. The whole family gets involved in various ways. Pappas daughter, Riitta does the maintenance of the internet site and takes care of the practical operations. The person who is communicating to me with regards my tree friend is Riitta.

General Information of the “Halipuu” initiative…https://www.halipuu.com/what-is-halipuu/
“Halipuu” is in Finnish for hugging tree. One can adopt his own hugging tree from forest in Finnish Lapland for a period of five years from wherever you are….

You are also free to visit the tree and of course hug it! 🙂

Not only that, from wherever we are, we can choose the accessories we wish to decorate our adopted tree and it will be done.

Once adopted a tree, we will be sent information on the tree (such as the exact location), image of the tree, certificate of adoption and the tree gets marked with our preferred name.

Other links:
Who is behind this whole program? https://www.halipuu.com/who-we-are/
Terms and Conditions: https://www.halipuu.com/terms-and-conditions/
Tree as a gift: https://www.halipuu.com/gift-trees/
Tree Selection Process: https://www.halipuu.com/how-to-select-your-tree/
Visit Your Tree: https://www.halipuu.com/visit-your-tree/

Despite the winter season, Riitta took amazing pictures of Joy and sent it over to me…..

Joy in wintersleep
My tree friend, Joy – in winter sleep. Picture by Riitta of Halipuu, https://www.halipuu.com/
Joy from close by
My tree friend, Joy – close up. Picture by Riitta of Halipuu, https://www.halipuu.com/
Marking Joy
My tree friend, Joy – getting marked. Picture by Riitta of Halipuu, https://www.halipuu.com/

When I decided to adopt a tree via Halipuu, I had to go through the list of trees that was put for adoption (https://www.halipuu.com/trees.html). There were big trees, but the young birch tree immediately captured my heart and I went for it. No second thoughts for this, it was a long distance love for me! 🙂

Trees ground me…in fact it is important for me to be “grounded”. When I feel “grounded” or rooted, I can thrive and perform better in my daily duties. Trees offer me that and the distance or the place where my tree friend is does not matter. And if you are well versed with chakras or energy points in our body, the root chakra (located at the base of the spine) is the first chakra and its energy is based on the earth element. It is the foundation and is responsible for our sense of safety and security. The tree spirit or earth elements such as trees help us to stay firm to our grounds. Will discuss in detail on this in some other blog post….

I did look up on many other tree adoption programs but Halipuu is what I liked the best. While reading the adoption program offered via Halipuu, I had already established a connection….Perhaps it is the energy of my tree friend, Joy that has pulled me into this…. 🙂

As a regular meditator myself and a former meditation teacher, I instantly can connect to Joy wherever I am when I am in meditation mode. It is such a wonderful feeling of being surrounded by the forest energy and to connect with the tree energy.

In a blog by Jocelyn Mercado, she writes more of “People and Trees: Intimately Connected Through the Ages”.
https://www.pachamama.org/blog/people-and-trees-intimately-connected-through-the-ages

There are many articles such as this….Many have realised the tremendous benefits of connecting to Mother Nature beatiful creation, trees. Does it really matter the location where you wish to be connected to your tree friend? Not necessary….

I am truly full of deep appreciation to be given the opportunity to adopt a tree friend in Finland even though I am in Singapore. All of this will not have been possible if not for Pappas and his lovely family.

*Not only that, we humans tend to fuss or worry about this and that. Trees do provide a “listening ear” to all our worries. Huolipuu (the worry tree) takes care of this. Head to this link: https://www.halipuu.com/worry-tree/ and write down your worries. No one reads your worries, but your worries will be brought into the Halipuu forest and they get burnt on the Seita-stone. The burned ashes are then scattered to the roots of the Worry tree. You have now brought your worries down to our earthy friend….nothing to worry about!!

 

Tree: Adopt and/or Hug

In 2018, that is this year, I wanted to “Adopt a Tree”. I am sure many of us would have heard of programs such as “Adopt a Tree” or “Hug a Tree”. While some countries are very active in promoting such programs, not all countries have the same kind of programs. So, I went around searching. The logical thing for anyone to do is to search for programs such as these wherever one is located. I searched for this kind of possible programs where I am (in Singapore). I was not totally satisfied with what is being offered here. Therefore, I went and searched for programs offered by and in other countries. 

Before I go onto discuss about the programs offered in other countries, let me briefly touch on the kind of program Singapore has. 

Singapore does not have “Adopt a Tree” kind of program. But it has a different kind of approach as featured in “Garden City Fund” website. There are many initiatives such as…donating for a certain need (such as orchid conservation, plant-a-coral, seed-a-reef and more) or to “Plant-A-Tree”.


Plant-A-Tree Programme is an opportunity for individuals to get involved caring for the trees and environment. There is also Tree Planting Schedule and you can check out the areas where it is taking place and the time too. One tree costs $200 (in Singapore Dollars) and your donation is for a sapling – a young tree. The person who plants it does not get a permanent acknowledge signs for the trees he planted. He will be given a certificate after the planting session.


Details:

Garden City Fund
https://www.gardencityfund.org/index.html

Plant-A-Tree Programme
https://www.gardencityfund.org/pat/index.html

Donate for a cause – such as orchid conservation, plant-a-coral…
https://www.gardencityfund.org/donate-now/index.html

I shall reveal about the tree that I “adopted” and on the program soon….. 🙂

Happy Browsing!


Want to know more about Forest Bathing / Forest Therapy / Shinrin-yoku
Visit the blog post that I discussed on this…..

Adopt a Tree or Hug a Tree - Esther Neela Blog

Moments of Gratitude: Sleep

Sleep – everyone wants to have a good rest to be rejuvenated for next day activities. Whether you had a full 7-8 hours of sleep or lesser hours of sleep, it does not matter. The fact that you are able to sleep is the thing. Just for awhile, think of those people who cannot get to sleep because of many situations – such as war, fear, depression, illness and more. While you can be grateful for sleep, please also spend a moment for those who are unable to sleep. Pray for those people, if you can.

Moments of Gratitude: Sleep - Esther Neela Blog

Spices! Cardamom…

There are many spices that are used for both healing and cooking purposes. While all spices have their benefits, I wish to particularly highlight on one spice today: Cardamom.

Yes! Cardamom….I am a person who is easily swayed by my sense of smell when it comes to perfumes, spices and essential oils. One of my all time favourite will be Cardamom. Below is an image of cardamom (if you do not know it). Some call it as “Queen of Spices”.

There are two types of cardamom: green and black (or brown). The green type is the more common type.

Shutterstock Picture of Cardamom - Esther Neela Blog

In general, cardamom is used as a treatment for mouth ulcers, bad breath, digestive problems, and even depression.

Ayurveda uses this quite extensively for many purposes. But I am not going to go into further details on that.

I am easily attracted by this due to the fragrance. I use this extensively for my cooking and when the fragrance of this particular spice hits my senses, I feel great….

Below are some websites that talks extensively on this spice. Recently, Crabtree and Evelyn had this used in their Xmas editions….A look at some of their items below (images taken from Crabtree and Evelyn website)…I have eaten the chocolate biscuits with a hint of cardamom…I do like the fragrance of the cardamom, but I do find the chocolate a bit overwhelming.

Crabtree and Evelyn White Cardamom Indulgent Treats - Esther Neela BlogCrabtree and Evelyn All Butter Dark Chocolate and Cardamom Biscuits - Esther Neela Blog

So, if you are like me, who love the fragrance of cardamom…let us all appreciate and enjoy one of nature’s creation…. 🙂

Some websites listing all on the spice cardamom:

From Myspicer.com
https://www.myspicer.com/history-cardamom/

From IndianMirror
http://www.indianmirror.com/ayurveda/indian-spices/cardamom.html

From WebMD
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-614-cardamom.aspx?activeingredientid=614&

From Organic Facts
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-cardamom.html

From Nutrition and You.com
https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/cardamom.html

Recipe using Cardamom
Semiya Payasam (Rich Indian Dessert)
If you have eaten out at an Indian Restaurant, mainly South Indian Restaurant, this dessert is usually popular. It is one of my favourite too :).
Check out the recipe below…
http://www.happyandharried.com/2016/08/31/semiya-payasam-kheer/

Shutterstock Picture of Payasam - Esther Neela Blog

There are many other recipes for using cardamom in your daily dish. You can search for those…

Have a great weekend!

Spices Pictures - Esther Neela Blog

 

You can be thankful today for Literacy….

The simple fact that you are able to read and understand – this is already something that you should be thankful for!

There are so many people around the world who is not able to afford a basic education. We might not be able to help everyone in the world to achieve a basic literacy level. In our community or somewhere we live, we can always look for opportunities to provide someone with a chance to educate themselves or volunteer at a reading club or via any reliable charity organisation to donate for a child’s education and more.

You can be thankful today for Literacy.... - Esther Neela Blog

 

Zodiacs and Crystal Stones

In the past, I shared quite a number of information and articles on the various healing stones and its properties. If you are still in doubt on some crystals or stones, the most informative website that will come handy for you will be this: Healing Crystals for You

If you are unsure where to start on knowing the crystals and their properties, I suggest you start with your Zodiac sign and the appropriate stones. While many may argue (or even debate) on the correctness of this, I feel that it is more safe to start with that than purchasing a stone unknowingly.
Another way is to trust your instincts. If one particular stone has been attracting you with its vibration, then my suggestion is to go for it….
Okay, back to Zodiacs and the Stones….visit this page….
Soon I will be sharing in depth with you on how some crystal stones has assisted me or my student in our daily life…
Zodiacs and Crystal Stones - Esther Neela Blog

Journal Writing or Diary Writing

In this technology or electronic world, how many of us are still in the habit of diary writing or journal writing (as some may call it)? I am not a totally online person when comes to journal writing. I prefer to write on paper. In my schooling days (in 1980s and 1990s), there used to have much emphasis on diary writing – in a way for expressing or just improving our writing skills or more…
There was always great joy in me in those days when I wrote diary entries. As I grew older and we were shifting homes, I threw those diaries away. Now, looking back, how I wished that I kept those precious book of thoughts and feelings of mine!
These days, I am back to diary writing or journal writing. I do not write on a daily basis, but I do write as and when I get time. In my diary writing, I do keep my favourite movie tickets, concert tickets and write about my feelings after watching those. There will be days when the entries are more of complains, etc. There will be days when there is something that inspired me and more….It is a more of writing down my thoughts and feelings and at the same time self-discovery too. After some time, when I read back the past entries of mine, I am at times amused and at times shocked or surprised too J
Now, what kind of books do I use to write record my diary entries?
I purchase books either from Amazon or Typo. I love Peter Pauper books. Lately, I have been hooked onto Lang books. Not all of Lang books are eligible to be shipped to Singapore. So, I am selective in my choice. I prefer the type of books that can lay open as I write and not “close” back as I am writing. I am also choosy in my writing instruments. The writing instruments I choose needs to be smooth and not jerky or ink blotching as I pause and think (mainly I use Pilot range of pens). I am not the type who draws in my diary entries. But I do paste quite a number of things that inspire me, like a short saying I saw somewhere, a recipe, a nice picture and so on.
Below is an example what I have for on the first page of my journal for this year…
First Page of 2017 Journal Writing - Esther Neela Blog
First page of this year journal

 

Are you interested to explore the world of journal writing? But you do not know where to start? Below is a link that might come useful for you. Read the tips, visit the links and start your journey.
Center for Journal Therapy
First Journal after a long time…from Peter Pauper Press and Josephine Wall
Currently, using this….from Peter Pauper Press
Others that I have purchased, but not used yet….from Peter Pauper Press
…..from Peter Pauper Press
…from Lang
…from Typo
Typo ranges are always ever changing. What I purchase will not be available in a month time. So, I purchase the books anytime I like the design.

 

All the best to you to discover yourself in the world of journal writing!

Healthy Living: Taking Care of Your Hands

Below is a simple instruction video to give yourself a hand massage. We use our hands daily and it is crucial we pay attention or care to it on a daily basis and not when we run into skin problems such as tightness, peel, etc.

Make sure you select your own suitable hand cream. Not everyone hands will respond well to all creams. You need to be your own judge when it comes to hand creams or body creams.

Shea butter creams works well for me – not all brands though. So, I am very selective in my hand cream selection. I have been using L’Occitane hand creams for more than 10 years and they works well for me.

Below are some basic videos for you…Enjoy and remember to take care one of the most overused body part – our precious hands! 🙂

 

Healthy Living: Taking Care of Your Hands - Esther Neela Blog

DRUM TAO will be back in Singapore in August & September

DRUM TAO IN SINGAPORE 2017 AUGUST & SEPTEMBER - Esther Neela Blog
YES! YES! YES!
I am definitely going! 🙂
 
==============
Below are the details as I received via email….
We are so pleased to announce the launch of our shows
in Singapore in 2017!!

We are coming back to Singapore for our 6th times performance,
with brushed up show of “Bukyo ~Dancing Drums~” which we made Japan all excited for living up with our members in Singapore!!!

■SCHEDULE
AUG 31st (THU) 19:30
SEP 1st (FRI) 19:30
SEP 2nd (SAT) [1]14:30 [2]19:30

■TICKETING
Ticket Available from April 20th, 2017

Also, ticket will be available at our first fan event in oversea which is held on April 17th (MON) at 1 Altitude.
⇒DETAILS:http://www.drum-tao.com/event-sg/

And more! Tao will perform the special live performance at “Star Awards Ceremony” which is known for Singapore version of Grammy Awards!!
It’s going to be live so you better check it out!!
We are looking forward to seeing you all in Singapore!!

—————————————————
Sign up for TAO CLUB!
The members are over the world now!
It’s free! Join us with your family and friends♪

Check out TAO’s official Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/DRUMTAO.JPN/
DRUM TAO
http://www.drum-tao.com/main/english

Healthy Eating: Raisins

Everyone would have eaten raisins in our life. Raisins are actually dried grapes. And when I mention raisins, what brand comes to your mind first? Well, for me will be the red boxes SUN MAID. It is widely available in many countries around the world.

Do you know that the “Sun-Maid girl” really existed?
Her name was Lorraine Collett Petersen.

Read the below link to know the history of the “Sun-Maid girl”
http://www.sunmaid.com/cp_sm_subm/the-sun-maid-girl

And coming to the benefits of raisins, we know of some….here is to know more of it….
http://www.sunmaid.com/cp_sm_subm/frequently-asked-questions#q1

History of raisins, anyone? Of course, being a Humanities person, I shall never stop searching for histories of anything…From Ancient Egyptian time, let’s trace the history of raisins….
http://www.sunmaid.com/cp_sm_subm/history-of-raisins-and-dried-fruit

Other than the above, if you constantly have sweet cravings and do not want to indulge in sweet things all the time, try popping some raisins into your mouth. The sweet feeling will subside and you will not be craving for any more sweet things.

And if you are also an oatmeal fan, try adding some raisins into your oat porridge – it is sure yummy and healthy too.

You can also try the same with bran flakes. It helps increase the fiber in your body. But do take note that you must drink enough fluids such as water and juice to “soften” the fiber in your system.

Sun Maid Raisins - Esther Neela Blog

Bran Flakes with Raisins - Esther Neela Blog

Drum Tao Event in Singapore

For those who are keen in Japanese Drums, Drum Tao group is the one to watch for. They will be down in Singapore for a one night event on 17 April, Monday @ 1-Altitude.
I am not able to go – sadly 😦

Below are the details…..

Drum Tao in Singapore @ 1-Altitude - Esther Neela Blog

Below taken from the email as I received…

“Spend memorable moments with TAO at the world’s highest al-fresco bar, 1 Altitude.
There will be photo-shooting and even special live performances by TAO!!!
You can’t just miss this!!!

【DETAILS/TICKET】

DATE:April 17th  (Mon)
SCHEDULE:
Door Open @18:00
1st Live 18:30
2nd Live 19:15
3rd Live 20:00

TICKET: SGD88
(Inclusive of 2 hours free flow and canapes from 6PM-8PM)

GET TICKETS
https://www.sgepay.com:801/MultiPay/57

T&C: – Admission is from 6PM onwards on 17 Apr 2017 only.
– Present online receipt for admission.
– Incl. 2hr free flow of drinks & canapes from 6PM – 8PM
– Opening of the rooftop bar is subj. to weather condition.
– Non refundable for any cancellation or bad weather.
– Age limit applies. At least 18yo (women) and 21yo (men) after 10PM
– Dress code applies. No singlets / No sleeveless for guys.
– Free standing basis.No guaranteed tables.

For any other enquiries call 1 Altitude at 64380410

[CONTACT]
DRUM TAO: http://www.drum-tao.com/main/english
TAKETA CITY: http://www.taketan.jp/en/information.html
EMAIL: info_overseas@drum-tao.com
DRUM TAO FACE BOOK:https://www.facebook.com/DRUMTAO.JPN/ “

Healthy Living: Myths of Drinking Water

There are many times we are told to drink so much water daily. But is that the truth?
There are many articles in support or disputing it – I am not here to prove anyone right or wrong.
The simple logic I have is that each of our body systems knows how much water we need and it will act accordingly. It is no use forcing yourself to drink water. Once the thirst hits you and you crave for water, go for it. Read the below article or you can also search on your own other articles….
Happy Drinking! 🙂

From The New York Times, “No, You Do Not Have to Drink 8 Glasses of Water a Day” by Aaron E. Carroll
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/25/upshot/no-you-do-not-have-to-drink-8-glasses-of-water-a-day.html?_r=0

Myths of Drinking Water - Esther Neela Blog