Category Archives: education

advocacy, cat facts, education, family, Mindful Activities, Mindful Living

YOU have the Power to Protect, to Save, to Prevent

YOU have the power

It happened two years ago. The jungle night was quiet (I live in a small area of the rainforest in Central America), except for a few toads singing under the moonlight. We were all in a deep sleep (canines and feline too) in preparation for the year anew. Then – noises louder than I had ever encountered! BAM! BAM! BAM! I was shaken out of bed. Lights filled the house, I thought I would soon be dead. Where was I, I couldn’t remember. What was happening, I couldn’t decide. An asthma attack came, I couldn’t breathe. My throat filled up, my hands were shaking, my heart was pounding, I couldn’t move. Was it gunfire, this sounded louder, lights – so blinding. The sounds of sizzling and crackling outside our bedroom window and roof. In the flashes of lights I could see our new puppy darting from one side of the room to the other trying to find safety, trying to jump out the window. Our older dog panting, heart beating, and hiding in the closet. Our cat flying under the bed, crying. How to make it all stop!!!

My husband’s words finally calmed me, as they always do. Then we realized it was fireworks from the neighbor’s above. Why did they have to shoot them right above our house? Why did they not warn us? All questions I came to ask the next day, and every year since.

We learned a lot that night, and we will never be the same this time of year. I learned that my PTSD (which I have experienced off and on throughout the years), comes when “shocked” and triggered by loud, sudden sounds. I am not alone. I learned that dogs too have PTSD, and can be negatively impacted forever from just one occurrence of fireworks. 

The debate goes on. It seems like every year in our mountain community there is a debate about fireworks, the pros/the cons (always more cons), but the fireworks continue on.  Why in this era of knowledge, where information is literally at our fingertips, do we still choose to do things that cause pain and suffering to other living beings. For example, a dog, whose hearing is 4 to 7 times stronger than a human’s can actually go deaf from fireworks – the sound literally is deafening! This is the same for wildlife, which we have a lot of in our area of the world. And, did you know 50% of dogs are afraid of fireworks? Cats, similar to dogs, can also suffer the consequences of fireworks, with episodes of hyperventilation (they breathe with difficulty), tachycardia (the heartbeat is accelerated), muscle tremors and in some cases even drooling, or hypersalivation. Also, no wildlife is immune from fireworks and the devastating consequences. Birds leave their nests from the sudden booms and lights, some never return back to their young. Other birds ingest the poisonous chemicals in the air and on the ground. A conscious choice to light up the sky for viewing pleasure leads to pain, suffering, even death. 

Not an animal lover or lover of the environment? The effects of fireworks aren’t discriminatory, in fact, they also affect humans. Not only do they adversely impact the air we breathe, but also the sudden noises, the sudden flashes cause those suffering from PTSD to be living their nightmares all over again. And, people with auditory/sensory processing disorders and mental health problems are also impacted. Many people enjoy the fireworks and don’t know the impact caused by them (I was once like this). Others may possibly know but don’t care or are indifferent. But, please understand that there is probably someone you love or living near you that is adversely impacted by fireworks.

What can be done? There are so many steps that can be taken to alleviate the pain, suffering, and death caused by fireworks. Besides the obvious, don’t use them, there are “silent” fireworks for those that are impacted by the sounds. Or, choose to not shoot the fireworks off yourself but go somewhere else, a public venue that is having fireworks. Many parts of the world do just this because fireworks are often illegal for individual use in many areas of the world. Other countries or towns are banning them altogether. Yes, fireworks have been (and will continue to be) a part of tradition, a part of culture. But, cultures are never static. They are always evolving and changing due to technological advancements, education, changing social norms, and migration. Other suggestions are to talk to your neighbors about having a firework-free neighborhood, especially if you live in close proximity to your neighbors or live in an area surrounded by nature. But, if you must have them in your neighborhood, please let your neighbors know the exact place, exact time, and the type of fireworks, so they can prepare for the event. With this information, they can secure themselves, their family pets, and their farm animals. This strategy doesn’t work well for the wildlife or the environment, but it does help protect, prevent, and save many lives. Doesn’t that sound like a good thing?

This year, please say NO to fireworks and YES to Protecting those around you, Saving those who cannot defend for themselves, and Preventing environmental hazards. Thank you!

Together, we make change.

Blessings❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍

Alexis

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advocacy, Animal Organizations, animal rescue, education

Break the chains!

Recently on a morning walk with my two dogs, I heard a dog crying. Both of my dogs pulled me to the direction of the sound. Sadly, what we saw was a beautiful german shepherd dog tied up on a short lead, tied to a dog house, far away from his home. We used to see this dog when it was a puppy, doing what puppies do, curious and adorable. But, today, all we saw was a dog, with defeat in his eyes, staring at his human’s home, and crying. His chain was so tight that you could see him trying to pull free towards his home. Did he have fresh water, food recently, enough room to relieve himself? I just don’t know. And, I don’t know the circumstances of this specific situation, so I pass no judgment on it, but I do know what I saw and what I heard. It literally shattered my heart that morning. Maybe it was because my dog is also a german shepherd. And he is one of the most sensitive, loyal, protective, and loving dogs. I couldn’t bare to even imagine him tied to a short chain away from my home. His is part of my family.

Tethering dogs is bad! “Dogs are naturally social beings who need interaction with humans and/or other animals.”  This article by the Humane Society gives some invaluable information on this topic. Break the chains of abuse and neglect today!

I remember when I started volunteering at a local animal rescue. A few volunteers told me I would lose faith in humans when I saw how awful humans treat cats and dogs. I didn’t believe it then. And, I do still have faith in humans, but some days are harder than others. When I see dog rescue cases where dogs are left chained on a short leash, away from humans, solely for the purpose of protection of “material things.” Or I hear the cries of a dog left alone, tied up, away from humans, away from love, I ask myself, what “material possessions” are more important than the kindness towards another living being? What material things give a human the right to treat another living being with cruelty, with disrespect? Does this person know that a dog tied up is actually defenseless towards predators? Does this person know that a dog tied up on a chain cannot protect “material things” or “family” from another human being? Does this person know that a dog tied up can become distrustful towards humans, and lose its spirit.

The Dangers of Dog Chaining. “Dog chaining inherently creates a life of misery for dogs who remain solitary and tethered for much of their lives. The practice also creates secondary hazards that have killed or injured many dogs.” This article is an important read on the dangers of dog chaining not only for the dog, but for others too. Break the chains of abuse and neglect today!

What is the reason for inhumane treatment of dogs and cats? Is it lack of education, lack of kindness in one’s heart, or is it a person’s desire for power over a helpless animal? I’ve heard some excuse this awful behavior by saying “it is part of the culture”. But cultures change and evolve when facts and information teach us better, smarter, safer ways of doing things, to improve society, to improve ourselves. When someone gives the reason of abuse and neglect as “it is part of the culture”, I encourage you to question, to push back, and have the courage to speak up when you know this action or behavior is wrong – morally, legally, or ethically. 

Alternatives to tethering dogs. “There are plenty of alternatives to dog chains.” There are so many inexpensive and creative alternatives to tethering dogs. Break the chains of abuse and neglect today!

There are also laws that protect companion animals in most countries, but sometimes they are hard to enforce. Let’s encourage our leaders in our schools, in our churches, in our communities, to fight for the helpless, to fight for the defenseless. Because when we stop fighting for those that truly need our voice, need our help, I do think this is when the human race has lost its spiritual purpose and lost its way. This will be the time I truly do lose faith in humanity. I pray that time never comes. Break the chains of abuse and neglect today!

Blessings❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍

Alexis Cress

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education, health benefits, Mindful Activities, Mindful Eating, Mindful Living, Mindful Meditation

Let me introduce myself to ME! – Part 3 of a three-part series.

Did you know that being mindful, specifically the practice of mindfulness meditation, can help you learn more about yourself? And, what better person to learn more about!

Sitting with our breath, our mind, for just a few minutes a day, can help shine a spotlight on our habitual responses, our self-talk. Sometimes our self-talk is reassuring and helpful, but other times it can be negative, cause turmoil, and lead us to make wrong choices or decisions. We can be our own worst enemy. But, when we take the time to learn more about ourselves, our thought patterns, we can become more accepting and compassionate towards ourselves and towards others.

In my three-part series on Mindful Living, I have discussed two ways of living mindfully – Mindful Eating and Mindful Wakeups. Today’s blog post is about mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation is a seated meditation practice where you focus on your breath, your thoughts, your emotions, but let them pass without judgment. I have practiced and taught this form of meditation for many years. As someone who has dealt with anxiety and stress over the years, this form of meditation has helped me learn about my habitual thought patterns and as a result learn how to become more calm and more relaxed. In addition to potentially relieving stress and anxiety, mindfulness meditation can help improve sleep, improve health, and even improve brain function! The Harvard Gazette says “Doing mindfulness is like a fitness routine for your brain,” she said. “It keeps your brain healthy.”

Before I give a few suggestions on how you can start your very own mindfulness meditation practice, I first would like to tell you what mindfulness meditation is NOT:

  • It is NOT a religion.
  • It is NOT a relaxation exercise, rather it is a way of understanding (through practice) of how our mind behaves and how our mind and body work together as a whole.
  • It is NOT going into a trance.
  • It is NOT escaping from reality.
  • It is NOT for only monks.

Rather, Mindfulness Meditation is a study of ourselves and an exploration of our life experience. It reminds us of what we are supposed to be doing and who we are. It helps us truly live!

Let’s get started in Mindfulness Meditation:

  • Find a quiet place to sit without being disturbed.
  • Decide on a specific time for the meditation session. If you are a beginner to mindfulness meditation, I would suggest you start with 5 minutes. The Insight Timer is a great app you can download onto your phone. This app also has guided meditations!
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing. A meditation cushion helps in both comfort and posture. Find a seated position that works best for you and your degree of flexibility. Sit up tall. Place your hands palm-up on your knees. Or, if you prefer, rest your hands (palms-up) in your lap, or another hand gesture you are comfortable with. Heathline.com gives some additional options on seated meditation positions.
  • Relax your shoulders. Tilt your head slightly forward so your gaze is naturally directed to the floor in front of you. 
  • Relax your jaw and mouth, with your teeth slightly apart. Do not clench your jaw. Your lips are slightly touching. Tip of tongue touching back of upper teeth, or rest behind your lower teeth.
  • Close your eyes: Breathe naturally. Sit for about one minute before you begin – allow your heart and breathing to slow.
  • Gently bring your attention to your breath and begin the meditation session: There is no particular goal. Just sit and breathe. Allow yourself to be absorbed in the practice.
  • Allow your thoughts and feelings to come and go without attachment: Don’t try to control your thoughts in any way. Don’t follow them. Just note them and return to your awareness of the breath.
  • How to handle distractions:  There are quite a few ways to handle distractions, and I will note a few here, but in time you will find techniques that work the best for you. Deep Breaths – take a few deep, quick breaths when you realize you have become distracted.  Counting – on your inhale count “one, one, one” until the lungs are full of air, then on your exhale count “two, two, two” until your lungs are out of air; continue this until you reach ten and repeat if needed.
  • Meditate in this way for 5 – 20 minutes (beginners for less time). It is more important and beneficial to meditate for 5 minutes each day, rather than an hour every two weeks. Daily practice is an essential element of effective meditation.

Are you ready to meet YOU? Are you ready to explore and learn more about your beautiful, divine self?

I hope this blog gives you the gentle nudge you need to try this profound meditation practice. Please contact me if you want to learn more about mindfulness meditation. As a practitioner and teacher of this mindful practice, I would love to help you along your mindful living exploration.

Blessings to you,

Alexis

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education, health benefits, Mindful Activities, Mindful Living, Mindful Meditation, poetry

Your Mindfulness Breath

Your Mindfulness Breath

Sit still
think of nothing
only your breath 
coming in and going out

Do you hear it
the silence in your mind 
and the awakening in your heart

Do you feel it
the warmth in your body
the lifting of the life weight off your shoulders 
and the opening of your soul

Can you see it 
the lightness before you
the path to your true calling

Can you touch it
the beauty that lies before you
beckoning you to come closer

Will you allow it
this mindfulness
this path to true discovery

Will you accept it 
this beauty and love that surrounds you

It is always there for you 
waiting in your mindfulness breath

Sit still
think of nothing
only your breath
coming in and going out.
-Alexis Cress

Have you ever tried mindfulness meditation? As my 3 part Mindful Living series will demonstrate, you can practice mindfulness doing anything and everything (which I hope you do!).

The American Psychological Association describes mindfulness meditation as paying attention to what is happening in the present moment and then accepting what is happening without judgement. For example, when you are in a seated meditation focusing on your breath, and your mind starts to wander or a specific thought comes into your mind – no worries – just become aware of this without analyzing your thought or yourself, and come back to your breath. I will discuss more about mindfulness meditation in Part 2 of my Mindful Living series, as well as in upcoming blogs. It is one of my favorite meditation practices. Stay tuned!

Be mindful today, and experience your life in a whole new, glorious way!

Blessings,

Alexis

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education, health benefits, life lessons, Mindful Eating, Mindful Living

Are you living mindfully? Part 1 of a three-part series.

To answer this question, you may want another questioned answered first – “What does it mean to live mindfully?” There is a simple answer, but to live this way regularly is by no means simple! To live mindfully, is to live with intention, with conscious awareness, and the understanding that every action (or inaction) has a response, a consequence. I will soon delve deeper into 3 different areas of mindful living, but first I will share a brief summary of them all to hopefully peak your interest and help you learn mindful living benefits and ways to start living mindfully today! Today’s blog will be on Mindful Eating.

So, let’s get started by talking about Mindful Eating. Everyday Health describes mindful eating as “Mindful eating is a concept and a practice that’s centered around being present while making choices around the food that we eat”. Easy right? Not so fast. Many of us have grown up in a western society where time is money. Taking time to eat mindfully is often out of the question, especially during the week when our meals are around (or during) business meetings, catching up on the news, or talking with family.

Harvard School of Public Health lists “Seven Practices of Mindful Eating”. For this post, I will go over just a few of my favorites that I try to follow daily, but they are all so good!

  1. Honor your food. For example, when I take my first sip of coffee, I take some time to acknowledge all those that helped this yummy coffee find its way in my cup today (the human who planted the seed, the farmers who cared for and nurtured the plant, nature that watered and helped it grow, the people who harvested and packaged the beans, and any other beings that helped me come to enjoy this daily cup of my favorite joe). For my meals, I try to also practice this mindful process.
    • Now, you may find that you don’t know where the food came from or how it was prepared. This is where awareness and curiosity comes in. Depending on where you live and its climate, along with the choices available (or not available) for fresh produce or communication with the farmer on the process of the item you are consuming, this can be a challenging (but very important!) step in honoring the food you are choosing for your body (physically, mentally, and emotionally). I encourage you to take the time to ask the questions of your local farmer/rancher, your local supermarket, about the food you are purchasing with your hard earned money, and nourishing your body (and mind) with. For me personally, I find the more steps there are from the farmer to my table, the less likely I will want to consume this food or drink item.
  2. Engage your senses. Really see and taste the food. Before you take the first bite, look at your plate. Is it a rainbow of colors or just one or two colors of foods. More vibrant colors on your plate may make you smile and also give you more overall nutrients for your body. Take in a whiff. Does it smell good? Your senses affect your emotions, your mood, and more importantly relating to your food – your digestion. Also, chew slowly, which gives you the added benefit of not eating too much! Now, as you eat, notice how it makes you feel – its texture, its taste, both emotionally and physically. Are you eating nutritious foods for your body? Which leads to my final mindful eating suggestion for today.
  3. Consider the long-term effects of your food choices. This conscious awareness brings a unique connection to your food and drink choices and the rest of the world, your community, the environment. (I will go deeper into this mindful way of living when I talk about your super human power as purchaser and consumer in the market place.) Stay tuned!
    • For some, this step of mindful eating will be choosing only locally grown produce (farmers and growers in your community). This can be more challenging for those that are living in an environment where choices are limited because of climate and other farmer/grower-to-table options.
    • For others, this choice of mindful eating may be choosing an only plant-based diet; whether for making better choices for your long-term health benefits, or honoring the humane treatment of animals, or the long-term effects on the environment. This point is connected with “Honor the Food” above. If it is important to you, take the time to find out about the food source, where the food source came from, how the food was made, how the food was grown, and (if an animal source) how the animals were treated along the way.

Are you ready to practice mindful eating? (If you already practice mindful eating, I would love to hear more about your process, your tips. Please leave them in the comments.) For those of you who are ready to start this mindfulness practice but are feeling a little overwhelmed, I suggest you start with the first suggestion “Honor your food”. Take just one meal (or just one daily drink) and before you consume it, reflect on the many hands that helped this food come to your table. Breathe in a moment of gratitude. Just one moment of gratitude ignites calming energy within your body and also shares this amazing energy of gratitude to the world around you.

Your choices, as simple or as complex as they may be, will make a huge impact on your health, your life, and the world around you. Thank you for being mindful today!

And as they say in Costa Rica – ¡Buen provecho!

Blessings,

Alexis

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advocacy, Animal Organizations, animal rescue, education, love, poetry, volunteers

Dear Animal Rescuer

Dear animal rescuer
this message is for you

I know some days are tough
heartbreaking too
You secretly wonder if there are any
tears left to cry inside you

But, then you see the hope
and the love
return in the puppy dog’s eyes
He was alone and forgotten
barely alive
Remember, how you rescued him?
You gave him food and a safe place to be
Now look, 
he is running and playing
his tail wagging
with his new family  

And then you hear the loud purrs of the kitty cat
nestled next to your leg
She and her siblings
were tossed in the trash
left in a box, wet, almost dead

Remember, you rescued them too
from the garbage that day
gave them warmth and safety
a comfy place to lay

Your work makes a difference
dear animal rescuer
don’t ever think a different way

I would know
because you rescued me today.
Thank you! Xoxo Puppy
-Alexis Cress

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As someone who has worked in animal rescue, most recently in Costa Rica, I know much of the sadness, the hopelessness, that can be felt on a daily basis. When an animal is found tied up in a bag by the side of the road barely alive, or crammed into a box in the trash, or chained to a 3 foot lead left out in the sun and rain, emancipated, almost dead. These acts of neglect, of torture, can leave a heart ripped wide open feeling like there is no compassion left in the world.

But, when you see the light in the rescued puppy dog’s eyes, hear the hope in the kitty cat’s purrs, and feel the warmth of your heart as it mends and grows even bigger while tears flow from your eyes, you know it was all worth it. A life has been saved!

The animal rescuers, and those who advocate, volunteer, donate, and educate for the humane treatment of animals worldwide, you are the true heroes. Fighting for those who don’t have a voice, who are dependent on humans’ actions (or inactions) – whether domesticated animals or animals in the wild – Thank You!!! Everyday your compassion, your determination, your strength, help others wake up, give others courage to speak up, and help make change for the betterment of animals and the world.

There are so many amazing organizations in this world. But, here are some of my favorites near and far (I have many favs!): Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, El Refugio Costa Ballena, Perra Vida, Charlie’s Angels CR, Paws, China Rescue Dogs, Humane Society International, and SPCA International.

Dear Animal Rescuers – Thank You!!!

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advocacy, education, life lessons, love, poetry

Your Voice is Your Strength

Your voice is your strength
what you think
you become

Don't let others silence you
otherwise they have won

Choose peace over war
and love over hate

If you don't understand others
then learn to educate

We don't own this world
or its inhabitants 
we are only renters in this space

We do own our actions
our words
and the consequences they create

So let your light shine

Lead with your heart everyday

Every breath
open your eyes to wisdom

And let love lead the way.
- Alexis Cress

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advocacy, education, love, poetry

Alexis Cress Yoga and Rainbow’s Light

About Me – the start of a new beginning

EARTH -my Strength. NATURE -my Healer. LOVE -my Voice. BREATH -my Teacher

Hi, my name is Alexis Cress. I’m a poet, activist, writer, yoga and meditation instructor, vegan, and a huge lover of all animals (wild and domesticated). This blog was originally created back in 2019 to showcase the awesomeness and uniqueness of shelter cats, especially the cats in Costa Rica where I am currently living. The blog was called “Norman’s Corner” because I adopted a beautiful orange tabby cat from the animal shelter El Refugio in Costa Ballena, Costa Rica.

While the blog will continue to honor his name, our Norman will take a much needed cat nap (he is still the best cat ever and continues to encourage the adoptions of shelter cats to everyone he meets, even while lovingly annoying his canine siblings!).

Because the blog has evolved into something much bigger, I will take over the writing of the blog. But knowing my sweet, but very vocal cat, I will have guest writers share their feline and canine knowledge once in a while. The blog will now include my poetry and excerpts from my poetry book “Rainbow Light in the Cricket Sound”, animal activism writings and educational materials to share (in both English and Spanish), spotlights of animal welfare organizations (and people) who are making huge differences in the lives of animals, and other topics that are near and dear to my heart. So, please stay tuned.

Share a blog post with others if it inspires and connects with your heart, and above all, be the unique, divine self you are meant to be today and everyday! And TOGETHER we WILL ease the suffering of all beings in this world.

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