Life is like a river

Elwha River, Goblins Gate

A dear friend of mine pointed me to a story of the Elwha River and the dam removal project. It is a very impressive story and I highly recommend you take a moment to read it. Here is the link for you: Elwha River Roaring back to life  The 45 mile of mountain river had been blocked from its natural flow by Hydro dams for over a century. Since the dam had been built over a century ago, they did not have the same environmental requirements so in addition to all of the other natural damage to the landscape, it blocked over 70 miles of natural spawning habitat. A small group of people pulled together to have the dam removed. Against all odds, they won the battle.  

Lower Elwha river dam

They blew up the dam in 2011, the largest dam removal project in the world! In only 4 years it is amazing to see the transformation as nature returns to repair the years of damage. In only 4 years the fish population has been the highest they have seen in over 30 years. Birds are even bigger and healthier. There are so many signs of rapid restoration. But another point really struck me. Nature had created (or rebuilt) an entire beach front to protect its shore. Grain by grain a sandy near shore was created. So, in case it didn't hit you, since we aren't all "beach" people, a beach front  can reduce storm damage to coastal structures by dissipating energy across the surf zone, protecting upland structures and infrastructure from storm surges, tsunamis and unusually high tides. So a sandy beach is a really big deal. It's natures way of protecting the habitat in case of extreme weather. Who knew they were more than just a great place for us to dip our toes watch the surf and enjoy the sun as we build sand castles! 

partial removal

So what does all this have to do with you striving to build your life? Tons! Imagine your life is like the river. Just like nature, we have a natural flow or drive. Some may call it a purpose beyond our own existence,  a calling, a service, or just something we feel in our bones we were meant to do. Maybe it's as simple as just wanting to make a difference in a grander way than what your traditional job would allow. It's a drive that is deep in your core that when you follow it, you feel in balance. It's kind of like that little fire in your belly and you just have to follow it.  

With the obstacles removed, the river flows naturally 

Just like the dam in the story of the river, there are obstacles preventing you from fully realizing your dreams, from flowing with nature. Some are blocks put in by our own design. When we are blocked by obstacles, by choice or circumstance, our world is redirected and the landscape of our life is changed to something that never feels "right". Maybe you are trying to be someone you are not or in a job that you don't like, or even a relationship that is out of balance. 

What dams do you have in your way blocking you or holding you back? Who put the dams there? Why are they there? Are you ready to let them go?

In life and in business, some dams are built for us, others are only started and we add to them, and others we put up ourselves.

Elwha returning to her nature

Now. imagine the dams were blown up and the path were made clear for you to flow with your natural drive. You could build your landscape and make your dreams a reality. to follow your natural course. Resources flock to you in abundance and you have all the tools at your finger tips. As you learn to master the tools and grow your skills, new ideas take root and grow. And as you grow and gain strength you provide support and abundance to others so they can follow their natural course. With each breath you breath in and exhale your eco-system grows stronger and you are adding grains of sand to your own beach head.

I leave you with this quote:

“Big things can happen if people persevere,” ~ 

                                          Mike McHenry, biologist with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe

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Ageing Skin Care - acids to the rescue?!

Here you go, everything you would want to know about Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) but were afraid to ask. AHAs are ending up being popular in the battle versus aging skin and are getting added to the majority of the appeal and skin care products. AHAs are one of the ingredients that assist us keep skin looking young for a longer time. I have been asked on more than one occasion, to add them to Defiance! but I have stood my ground. Some of the acids show up naturally and some you can add fresh for effect, but I resist in using lab synthesized compounds when I can. But let's find out about typical AHA molecules and how they help in skin care.

The dead skin cells that bind with the skin are removed by glycolic acid by loosening the glue that sticks the dead cells with the skin. This acid also keeps the skin hydrated by keeping water bound to the skin and avoids drying of skin. This acid is derived from sugar cane but it is more common for the compouind to be synthesized and added to skin care. Most common in face peels but there are cautions as it can make you more sensitive to sun.

I do not add glycolic acid to any of the formulations I create. Since Très Spa products are in harmony with nature, I try to keep it simple and natural, relying on plant based ingredients. So how do we solve the issue of exfoliation? The secret is in the Organic Facial Cleansers. To make your face cleansing even more impact try adding a Tres Spa Washcloth made of 100% hemp or a natural bristle buffing brush.

Milk baths have been popular for centuries. It was reserved for the very well off to help create a youthful skin. Cleopatra was well known for her buttermilk baths. Lactic acid is a good skin moisturizer as it helps retain water in the skin. It is used in many skin care formulations. For Très Spa, our products are Vegan Friendly so instead of the common milk from animals, we use Coconut milk. An interesting side note for you is that lactic acid has digestive benefits. For Vegans and Raw Vegans, we use fermented veggies to provide active probiotics. Lactic acid bacteria is what makes it all possible by preserving the food and preventing bacteria that would case food to spoil. It's also in bread but most of us are trying to avoid bread anymore. So back to skin care....

Citric acid is likewise an Alpha Hydroxy Acid. Citric acid is derived from citrus fruits. It accelerates collagen production and also removes spots on the skin. Citric acid is not a good exfoliator. It is considered an excellent anti oxidant, as it neutralizes free radicals that age the skin. Citric acid has been utilized for skin care given that long in household solutions. For Très Spa, I used ground citrus peel in more than one face care product and I use some citrus essential oils, but if you want to add the juice of the fruit, then do what I do and use it as the wetting agent for your face mask or add a spot of the face cleanser with some fresh pulverized citrus (I go crazy when Pineapples are in season).  

Malic Acid and tartaric acids are other popular Alpha Hydroxy Acids. When you think of malic acid, think sour green apples. The malic acid is what gives the sour taste. For supper tart or sour candies, they use malic acid for sour sweets instead of citric acid. Bet you didn't know that! Me neither, I had to look it up since I don't used this in any of the products I formulate. They are not commonly made use of alone for skin care treatments but are contributed to make a combination of AHA skin care items to derive multiple positive aspects. Tartaric acid mixed with sodium bicarbonate makes baking soda. I do use this in making Fizzy Bath bombs. This mixed with the citric acid makes for a lovely and satisfying effervescent fizz. 

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