consciouslifenews--2020-10-05--Fluoridation on Trial | Dr. Joseph Mercola

A 2020 Canadian study reported that children who were bottle-fed in fluoridated communities lost up to 9.3 IQ points compared to those in non-fluoridated communities A landmark U.S. government-funded study published in 2017 found a strong relationship between pregnant women ’ s exposure to fluoride and the subsequent IQ of their offspring .
The higher the fluoride levels of the urine of the women , the lower the IQ of the children A collection of some of the strongest fluoride studies in history have been published in 2019 and 2020 , showing that fluoridation poses an unreasonable risk and hazard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infants in particular After a four-year process , a landmark fluoridation trial was held in federal court in June 2020 .
Fluoridation ’ s neurotoxic risk to vulnerable subpopulations was confirmed , along with the U.S. EPA ’ s failure to take action to protect citizens from these risks The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promotes water fluoridation as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century when , in reality , it ’ s one of its greatest failures .
Yet , in the face of solid scientific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relations have kept the practice alive .
Proponents such as the American Dental Association and the Oral Health Division of the Centers for Disease Control have spent millions of dollars on promotion1 and public relations2 to sell fluoridation using half-truths and misleading talking points .
While the U.S. is still trying to hold on to the fallacy that water fluoridation is a public health service , it ’ s one of the most widely rejected health interventions in the world , with 95 % of the global population consuming non-fluoridated water .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research , a landmark lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , and the sustained education efforts of the Fluoride Action Network ( FAN ) and its supporters , it looks like we may finally be looking at an end to this toxic practice .
In the video above , Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , chairman of Children ’ s Health Defense , interviews Michael Connett , an attorney for FAN who is leading the lawsuit against the EPA .
Section 21 of the Toxic Substances Control Act ( TSCA ) allows citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remove toxic substances found to pose an “ unreasonable risk ” either to the general population or a subset of that population .
What ’ s more , it allows citizens and watchdog groups to present their case before a judge .
That is what FAN did in this case , and it ’ s the first time a citizen ’ s group has ever brought a Section 21 TSCA petition all the way through to trial .
It began November 22 , 2016 , when a coalition including FAN , Food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , American Academy of Environmental Medicine , International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology , Moms Against Fluoridation , and several individuals , filed a petition3,4,5 calling on the EPA to ban the deliberate addition of fluoridating chemicals to U.S. drinking water under Section 21 of the TSCA .
The petition was made on the grounds that a large body of research demonstrates fluoride is neurotoxic at doses within the range now seen in fluoridated communities , and included over 2,500 pages of scientific documentation detailing these health risks .
The EPA denied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the grounds that it had failed to present “ a scientifically defensible basis ” to conclude that anyone had in fact suffered neurotoxic harm as a result of fluoride exposure .
In response , FAN and its coalition partners filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California , legally challenging the EPA ’ s denial of their petition .
The trial began June 8 , 2020.7 During the trial , Connett argued the EPA must be based on the evidence , eliminate the unreasonable risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition of fluoride to drinking water .
Interestingly , among the plaintiffs ’ expert witnesses were the EPA ’ s own in-house experts on fluoride who , when asked to comment on the latest evidence , agreed that the animal data support the biological plausibility that fluoride causes neurotoxic effects in human beings .
Joyce Donahue , an EPA scientist with the Office of Water , also admitted that studies showing harm to the brain warrant a thorough reevaluation of the theory that bone and teeth are the most sensitive to fluoride damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took place in 2018 , also confirmed the agency does not have any safety data on fluoride intake and neurotoxic effects .
Neither does the EPA have safety data on fluoride intake and effects on the brain .
Connett asked the EPA to identify all studies that demonstrate or support the neurological safety of prenatal fluoride exposure .
They produced one : A 1995 study in which the neurotoxicity of sodium fluoride was assessed in rats .
Ironically , this study , Connett points out , shows that neonatal fluoride exposure actually is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed that this was indeed the case .
The claims made by proponents of fluoridation that there are only “ one or two studies ” finding harm , or that they are only from areas with naturally high fluoride levels , are no longer relevant .
In reality , scientific evidence can now be considered overwhelming and undeniable .
In fact , the level of evidence that fluoride is neurotoxic now far exceeds the evidence that was in place when lead was banned from gasoline .
Evidence brought forth during the trial included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including several published in 2019 and 2020 that show water fluoridation poses a significant risk to children ’ s brains and lowers IQ .
These studies are among the strongest yet , and are obviously relevant to water fluoridation as they were conducted in communities that have what the ADA considers an “ optimal level ” of fluoride in drinking water : What ’ s more , a draft systematic review published in 2020 by the National Toxicology Program , which included 149 human studies and 339 animal studies , concluded that fluoride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the large number , quality , and consistency of brain studies .
This review did not include the three most recent neurotoxicity-related studies : Till 2019 , Riddell 2019 , and Uyghurturk 2020 , the addition of which renders the evidence for neurotoxicity even more compelling .
While the draft NTP review is equivocal about effects at low exposures , these newest high-quality mother-child studies support the conclusion that artificially fluoridated water causes substantial IQ reductions .
This fact was also highlighted in a letter18 published in Pediatric Research by the co-authors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who wrote:19 As early as 2006 , the National Research Council ( NRC ) looked at the toxicology of fluoride , concluding that , based on the studies available at that time , fluoride poses a threat to the brain.21 As noted by Connett in the interview above , studies have also demonstrated that fluoride is an endocrine disruptor22 that suppresses thyroid function .
This too can help explain some of the neurological damage seen from fluoride exposure .
For example , it is known that hypothyroidism ( underactive thyroid ) during pregnancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neurological deficits in their offspring .
Studies23,24 have also shown fluoride can promote and exacerbate iodine deficiency .
In 2015 , British researchers warned that 15,000 people may be needlessly afflicted with hypothyroidism in the U.K. as a result of drinking fluoridated water.25,26,27 Areas with fluoride levels above 0.3 mg/L had a 30 % higher rate of hypothyroidism than non-fluoridated areas .
In the interview , Connett and Kennedy also review and summarize the sordid history of how fluoride chemicals came to be added to water supplies in the first place .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fluoride chemicals were used in the processing of uranium for the atom bomb .
Records clearly show fluoride was a highly dangerous substance causing significant environmental harm .
In 1946 , farmers in Salem County sued the U.S. government for $ 400,000 in damages to peach crops caused by fluoride fumes traced back to a facility involved in the bomb-making process .
Cattle were also killed .
As noted by Connett , the aluminum and bomb-making industries realized they had a serious problem on their hands and were facing staggering liability for fluoride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start to see a shift in science at that time .
Harmful effects on human health were suppressed , and potential benefits were being introduced — even before there was any safety data available whatsoever .
Too Much Fluoride Causes Dental Fluorosis The fact of the matter is that fluoride is a toxic substance with no known biological imperative .
Researchers have even questioned its efficacy as a topical anticaries prophylactic.28 Dental caries is caused by the demineralization of your teeth by the acids formed during the bacterial fermentation of dietary sugars .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ minerals from your saliva .
However , the remineralization process is a slow one , and fluoride is said to prevent dental caries by enhancing this remineralization .
The problem is your teeth do not actually rely on fluoride for remineralization .
What ’ s more , research29 has concluded that the protective shield fluoride forms on teeth are up to 100 times thinner than previously believed .
It has long been believed that fluoride changes the main mineral in tooth enamel , hydroxyapatite , into a more decay-resistant material called fluorapatite .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fluorapatite layer formed in this way is only 6 nanometers thick — meaning it would take almost 10,000 such layers to span the width of a human hair .
As noted by the authors , “ it has to be asked whether such narrow … layers really can act as protective layers for the enamel.
” Meanwhile , fluoride has been shown to cause significant systemic harm when ingested .
This is why , in 2019 , the CDC warned that 40 % of children between the ages of 3 and 6 use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported by the Chicago Sun Times:30 If you look closely , you ’ ll find fluoride-containing kinds of toothpaste have a warning on their label stating that “ If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing , seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately.
” This warning was made mandatory for fluoride-containing dental products by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April 1997.31 Ironically , while swallowing toothpaste is recognized as a cause for concern , we ’ re supposed to believe that drinking fluoridated water at any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our teeth .
In reality , studies have found that children with fluorosis have increased rates of cavities32,33 — a finding that suggests more fluoride is definitely not better , not even when it comes to protecting against cavities .
After the closing arguments were presented , the judge made several comments on the record , including that the evidence presented by plaintiffs raises serious questions about the policy to fluoridate water supplies , and that the EPA had illegitimately denied FAN ’ s 2016 petition for TSCA action .
The judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during these years of litigation , has used the wrong standard to assess this evidence , ” Connett says .
In the end , the judge asked that the two parties agree to give the EPA the chance to reassess the evidence correctly , using the right standard of review .
Connett expressed his concern to the Court that the EPA has a history of dragging its feet on this issue and that there ’ s enough evidence to take immediate protective action .
The judge in turn noted that he expects the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not years .
Connett hopes they will be able to come to an agreement with the EPA , but if they don ’ t , the judge has made it clear that he has the evidence and will make a ruling if needed .
So , we still have to wait for the conclusion to this groundbreaking trial , but clearly , we are closer than we ’ ve ever been to see an end to this tragic and unnecessary poisoning of millions of individuals .
Help End the Practice of Fluoridation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fluoride should not be ingested .
Even scientists from the EPA 's National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory have classified fluoride as a “ chemical having substantial evidence of developmental neurotoxicity.
” Furthermore , according to screenings conducted for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , 65 % of American adolescents now have dental fluorosis — unattractive discoloration and mottling of the teeth that indicate overexposure to fluoride—up from 41 % a decade ago .
Clearly , children are continuing to be overexposed , and their health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The only real solution is to stop the archaic practice of artificial water fluoridation in the first place .
Fortunately , the Fluoride Action Network ( FAN ) , has a game plan to END fluoridation worldwide .
Clean pure water is a prerequisite to optimal health .
Industrial chemicals , drugs , and other toxic additives really have no place in our water supplies .
So please , protect your drinking water and support the fluoride-free movement by making a tax-deductible donation to the Fluoride Action Network today .
Internet Resources Where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to visit the website of the Fluoride Action Network and visit the links below : • Like a FAN on Facebook , follow on Twitter and Instagram , and sign up for campaign alerts .
• 10 Facts About Fluoride : Attorney Michael Connett summarizes 10 basic facts about fluoride that should be considered in any discussion about whether to fluoridate water .
Also , see 10 Facts Handout ( PDF ) .
• 50 Reasons to Oppose Fluoridation : Learn why fluoridation is a bad medical practice that is unnecessary and ineffective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fluoride : Help spread the word to expecting parents to avoid fluoride during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus .
• Health Effects Database : FAN 's database sets forth the scientific basis for concerns regarding the safety and effectiveness of ingesting fluorides .
They also have a Study Tracker with the most up-to-date and comprehensive source for studies on fluoride 's effects on human health .
Together , Let 's Help FAN Get the Funding They Deserve In my opinion , there are very few NGOs that are as effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small team has led the charge to end fluoridation and will continue to do so with our help !
Please make a donation today to help FAN end the absurdity of fluoridation .

By Dr. Joseph Mercola | mercola.com
A 2020 Canadian study reported that children who were bottle-fed in fluoridated communities lost up to 9.3 IQ points compared to those in non-fluoridated communities
A landmark U.S. government-funded study published in 2017 found a strong relationship between pregnant women’s exposure to fluoride and the subsequent IQ of their offspring. The higher the fluoride levels of the urine of the women, the lower the IQ of the children
A collection of some of the strongest fluoride studies in history have been published in 2019 and 2020, showing that fluoridation poses an unreasonable risk and hazard to all, but to fetuses and infants in particular
After a four-year process, a landmark fluoridation trial was held in federal court in June 2020. Fluoridation’s neurotoxic risk to vulnerable subpopulations was confirmed, along with the U.S. EPA’s failure to take action to protect citizens from these risks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promotes water fluoridation as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century when, in reality, it’s one of its greatest failures. Yet, in the face of solid scientific evidence of harm, politics and public relations have kept the practice alive.
Proponents such as the American Dental Association and the Oral Health Division of the Centers for Disease Control have spent millions of dollars on promotion1 and public relations2 to sell fluoridation using half-truths and misleading talking points.
While the U.S. is still trying to hold on to the fallacy that water fluoridation is a public health service, it’s one of the most widely rejected health interventions in the world, with 95% of the global population consuming non-fluoridated water.
Now, thanks to an abundance of new research, a landmark lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the sustained education efforts of the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) and its supporters, it looks like we may finally be looking at an end to this toxic practice.
In the video above, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., chairman of Children’s Health Defense, interviews Michael Connett, an attorney for FAN who is leading the lawsuit against the EPA.
Section 21 of the Toxic Substances Act
Section 21 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) allows citizens and nongovernmental organizations to petition the EPA to remove toxic substances found to pose an “unreasonable risk” either to the general population or a subset of that population.
What’s more, it allows citizens and watchdog groups to present their case before a judge. That is what FAN did in this case, and it’s the first time a citizen’s group has ever brought a Section 21 TSCA petition all the way through to trial.
It began November 22, 2016, when a coalition including FAN, Food & Water Watch, Organic Consumers Association, American Academy of Environmental Medicine, International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, Moms Against Fluoridation, and several individuals, filed a petition3,4,5 calling on the EPA to ban the deliberate addition of fluoridating chemicals to U.S. drinking water under Section 21 of the TSCA.
The petition was made on the grounds that a large body of research demonstrates fluoride is neurotoxic at doses within the range now seen in fluoridated communities, and included over 2,500 pages of scientific documentation detailing these health risks.
The EPA denied the petition6 February 27, 2017, on the grounds that it had failed to present “a scientifically defensible basis” to conclude that anyone had in fact suffered neurotoxic harm as a result of fluoride exposure. In response, FAN and its coalition partners filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, legally challenging the EPA’s denial of their petition.
Fluoride on Trial
The trial began June 8, 2020.7 During the trial, Connett argued the EPA must be based on the evidence, eliminate the unreasonable risk of neurotoxicity posed by fluoride by banning the addition of fluoride to drinking water.
Interestingly, among the plaintiffs’ expert witnesses were the EPA’s own in-house experts on fluoride who, when asked to comment on the latest evidence, agreed that the animal data support the biological plausibility that fluoride causes neurotoxic effects in human beings.
Joyce Donahue, an EPA scientist with the Office of Water, also admitted that studies showing harm to the brain warrant a thorough reevaluation of the theory that bone and teeth are the most sensitive to fluoride damage.
Depositions by CDC officials, which took place in 2018, also confirmed the agency does not have any safety data on fluoride intake and neurotoxic effects. Neither does the EPA have safety data on fluoride intake and effects on the brain.
Connett asked the EPA to identify all studies that demonstrate or support the neurological safety of prenatal fluoride exposure. They produced one: A 1995 study in which the neurotoxicity of sodium fluoride was assessed in rats.
Ironically, this study, Connett points out, shows that neonatal fluoride exposure actually is neurotoxic to rats, and EPA scientists confirmed that this was indeed the case.
Recent Studies Confirm Harms to Children
The claims made by proponents of fluoridation that there are only “one or two studies” finding harm, or that they are only from areas with naturally high fluoride levels, are no longer relevant.
In reality, scientific evidence can now be considered overwhelming and undeniable. In fact, the level of evidence that fluoride is neurotoxic now far exceeds the evidence that was in place when lead was banned from gasoline.
“There is little doubt that developmental neurotoxicity is a serious risk associated with elevated fluoride exposure … especially when the exposure occurs during early development.” ~ Dr. Philippe Grandjean
Evidence brought forth during the trial included some 300 animal and human studies, including several published in 2019 and 2020 that show water fluoridation poses a significant risk to children’s brains and lowers IQ.
These studies are among the strongest yet, and are obviously relevant to water fluoridation as they were conducted in communities that have what the ADA considers an “optimal level” of fluoride in drinking water:
Green 2019 8 — Published in JAMA Pediatrics, this study reported substantial IQ loss in Canadian children from prenatal exposure to fluoride from water fluoridation. Riddell 2019 9 — Published in Environment International, this study found a shocking 284% increase in the prevalence of ADHD among children in fluoridated communities in Canada compared to non-fluoridated ones. Malin 2019 10 — Published in Environmental Health, it linked a doubling of symptoms indicative of sleep apnea in adolescents in the U.S. to levels of fluoride in the drinking water. The link between fluoride and sleep disturbances may be through fluoride’s effect on the pineal gland. Malin 2019 11 — Published in Environment International. A second study by Malin’s team reported that exposure to fluoridated water led to a reduction in kidney and liver function among adolescents in the U.S., and suggested those with poorer kidney or liver function may absorb more fluoride. The CDC funded this study. Till 2020 12 — Published in Environment International, this study reported that children who were bottle-fed in Canadian fluoridated communities lost up to 9.3 IQ points compared to those in non-fluoridated communities. Uyghurturk 2020 13 — Published in Environmental Health, it found that pregnant women in fluoridated communities in California had significantly higher levels of fluoride in their urine than those in non-fluoridated communities. The levels found in their urine were the same as those found to lower the IQ of the fetus in Green et al, 2019, and Bashash et al, 2017. 14 , 15 The Bashash study,16,17 funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the EPA, followed pregnant women and their babies for 12 years, measuring the fluoride in their urine, which reveals total exposure, regardless of the source. They found a strong relationship between the fluoride level in mothers’ urine and IQ scores in their children at the ages of 4, and between 6 and 12.
Fluoride Is Neurotoxic
What’s more, a draft systematic review published in 2020 by the National Toxicology Program, which included 149 human studies and 339 animal studies, concluded that fluoride was a “presumed” neurotoxin based on the large number, quality, and consistency of brain studies.
This review did not include the three most recent neurotoxicity-related studies: Till 2019, Riddell 2019, and Uyghurturk 2020, the addition of which renders the evidence for neurotoxicity even more compelling.
While the draft NTP review is equivocal about effects at low exposures, these newest high-quality mother-child studies support the conclusion that artificially fluoridated water causes substantial IQ reductions. This fact was also highlighted in a letter18 published in Pediatric Research by the co-authors of the 2019 JAMA Pediatrics study, who wrote:19
“Over the past 75 years, health authorities have declared that community water fluoridation … is safe. Yet, studies conducted in North America examining the safety of fluoride exposure in pregnancy were nonexistent.
When a Canadian study reported that higher fluoride exposure in pregnant women was associated with lower IQ scores in young children, critics attacked the methodology of the study and discounted the significance of the results.
Health authorities continued to conclude that fluoride is unequivocally safe, despite four well-conducted studies over the last 3 years consistently linking fluoride exposure in pregnancy with adverse neurodevelopmental effects in offspring …
The tendency to ignore new evidence that does not conform to widespread beliefs impedes the response to early warnings about fluoride as a potential developmental neurotoxin. Evolving evidence should inspire scientists and health authorities to re-evaluate claims about the safety of fluoride, especially for the fetus and infant for whom there is no benefit.”
Similarly, in a 2019 review,20 Danish scientists, Harvard professor, and neurotoxicity expert Philippe Grandjean concluded:
“… there is little doubt that developmental neurotoxicity is a serious risk associated with elevated fluoride exposure, whether due to community water fluoridation, natural fluoride release from soil minerals, or tea consumption, especially when the exposure occurs during early development.”
As early as 2006, the National Research Council (NRC) looked at the toxicology of fluoride, concluding that, based on the studies available at that time, fluoride poses a threat to the brain.21
Fluoride Suppresses Thyroid Function
As noted by Connett in the interview above, studies have also demonstrated that fluoride is an endocrine disruptor22 that suppresses thyroid function. This too can help explain some of the neurological damage seen from fluoride exposure.
For example, it is known that hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) during pregnancy can result in lowered IQ and other neurological deficits in their offspring. Studies23,24 have also shown fluoride can promote and exacerbate iodine deficiency.
In 2015, British researchers warned that 15,000 people may be needlessly afflicted with hypothyroidism in the U.K. as a result of drinking fluoridated water.25,26,27 Areas with fluoride levels above 0.3 mg/L had a 30% higher rate of hypothyroidism than non-fluoridated areas.
Fluoride’s Toxic Past
In the interview, Connett and Kennedy also review and summarize the sordid history of how fluoride chemicals came to be added to water supplies in the first place. During the Manhattan Project, enormous amounts of fluoride chemicals were used in the processing of uranium for the atom bomb.
Records clearly show fluoride was a highly dangerous substance causing significant environmental harm. In 1946, farmers in Salem County sued the U.S. government for $400,000 in damages to peach crops caused by fluoride fumes traced back to a facility involved in the bomb-making process. Cattle were also killed.
As noted by Connett, the aluminum and bomb-making industries realized they had a serious problem on their hands and were facing staggering liability for fluoride pollution. As a result, you start to see a shift in science at that time. Harmful effects on human health were suppressed, and potential benefits were being introduced — even before there was any safety data available whatsoever.
Too Much Fluoride Causes Dental Fluorosis
The fact of the matter is that fluoride is a toxic substance with no known biological imperative. Researchers have even questioned its efficacy as a topical anticaries prophylactic.28
Dental caries is caused by the demineralization of your teeth by the acids formed during the bacterial fermentation of dietary sugars. Demineralization is countered by the deposit of minerals from your saliva. However, the remineralization process is a slow one, and fluoride is said to prevent dental caries by enhancing this remineralization.
The problem is your teeth do not actually rely on fluoride for remineralization. What’s more, research29 has concluded that the protective shield fluoride forms on teeth are up to 100 times thinner than previously believed. It has long been believed that fluoride changes the main mineral in tooth enamel, hydroxyapatite, into a more decay-resistant material called fluorapatite.
However, the researchers found that the fluorapatite layer formed in this way is only 6 nanometers thick — meaning it would take almost 10,000 such layers to span the width of a human hair. As noted by the authors, “it has to be asked whether such narrow … layers really can act as protective layers for the enamel.”
Meanwhile, fluoride has been shown to cause significant systemic harm when ingested. This is why, in 2019, the CDC warned that 40% of children between the ages of 3 and 6 use potentially dangerous amounts of toothpaste. As reported by the Chicago Sun Times:30
“Brushing with too much toothpaste can damage enamel, as children could swallow too much fluoride while their teeth are developing, the CDC says. This can cause dental fluorosis, white marks and discoloration of teeth.”
If you look closely, you’ll find fluoride-containing kinds of toothpaste have a warning on their label stating that “If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately.”
This warning was made mandatory for fluoride-containing dental products by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April 1997.31 Ironically, while swallowing toothpaste is recognized as a cause for concern, we’re supposed to believe that drinking fluoridated water at any quantity is not only safe but beneficial for our teeth.
In reality, studies have found that children with fluorosis have increased rates of cavities32,33 — a finding that suggests more fluoride is definitely not better, not even when it comes to protecting against cavities.
Current Status of the Lawsuit
After the closing arguments were presented, the judge made several comments on the record, including that the evidence presented by plaintiffs raises serious questions about the policy to fluoridate water supplies, and that the EPA had illegitimately denied FAN’s 2016 petition for TSCA action. The judge also noted that “the EPA, during these years of litigation, has used the wrong standard to assess this evidence,” Connett says.
In the end, the judge asked that the two parties agree to give the EPA the chance to reassess the evidence correctly, using the right standard of review. Connett expressed his concern to the Court that the EPA has a history of dragging its feet on this issue and that there’s enough evidence to take immediate protective action.
The judge in turn noted that he expects the EPA to conclude its re-evaluation within months, not years. Connett hopes they will be able to come to an agreement with the EPA, but if they don’t, the judge has made it clear that he has the evidence and will make a ruling if needed.
So, we still have to wait for the conclusion to this groundbreaking trial, but clearly, we are closer than we’ve ever been to see an end to this tragic and unnecessary poisoning of millions of individuals.
Help End the Practice of Fluoridation
There's no doubt about it: Fluoride should not be ingested. Even scientists from the EPA's National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory have classified fluoride as a “chemical having substantial evidence of developmental neurotoxicity.”
Furthermore, according to screenings conducted for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 65% of American adolescents now have dental fluorosis — unattractive discoloration and mottling of the teeth that indicate overexposure to fluoride—up from 41% a decade ago. Clearly, children are continuing to be overexposed, and their health and development put in jeopardy. Why?
The only real solution is to stop the archaic practice of artificial water fluoridation in the first place. Fortunately, the Fluoride Action Network (FAN), has a game plan to END fluoridation worldwide.
Clean pure water is a prerequisite to optimal health. Industrial chemicals, drugs, and other toxic additives really have no place in our water supplies. So please, protect your drinking water and support the fluoride-free movement by making a tax-deductible donation to the Fluoride Action Network today.
Internet Resources Where You Can Learn More
I encourage you to visit the website of the Fluoride Action Network and visit the links below:
Together, Let's Help FAN Get the Funding They Deserve
In my opinion, there are very few NGOs that are as effective and efficient as a FAN. Its small team has led the charge to end fluoridation and will continue to do so with our help! Please make a donation today to help FAN end the absurdity of fluoridation.


consciouslifenews--2020-10-05--Morning Inspiration: How to Dream Big (Motivational Video)

Once you dream big , the vision of your future becomes clearer and you find out what you stand for @ @ @ @ @ control here .
I 'm not gon na let this get me down .
I @ @ @ @ @ this destroy me .
I 'm coming back and I 'm going to be stronger @ @ @ @ @ .
You 've got to make a declaration – this is what you stand for.
@ @ @ @ @ `` featured , featured , having a clear vision , how to dream big , @ @ @ @ @ future , how to dream where you are , imagining the future , making declarations

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consciouslifenews--2020-10-06--Jumping in Puddles: One Man Shares How He Re-Awakened His Childhood Dreams

When I was a young boy I always enjoyed rainy days .
Sure baseball was cancelled and I could n't ride my bike outside but I knew the next day there would be left over puddles on the way to school .
Jumping in puddles was one of our favorite small pastimes and making splashes while trying not to get soaked was a fun goal of mine .
I had the luxury of living so close to my grade school that my brothers and neighbors walked to Juliet Low elementary .
One of the games we designed was to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step make the splash and try to soak the person to your right or left depending which way you leaned .
( I did n't say jumping in puddles was always a sweet gesture ) .
We all knew the risks of puddle roulette but it was a game , an adventure before a day of arithmetic , science and art .
I still am very fond of these memories as I reflect back .
I even still stay in touch with the gang I grew up with even though I live out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I woke up one day with some pains in my left leg and my left shoulder .
As a typical male I chalked it up as aging pains or even leftover sports injuries , which I am very proud of .
After the pain continued for many days , I eventually had to seek some medical advice and my outlook turned very serious very fast .
After an MRI , it was revealed to me that I had stage 4 lung cancer that had spread to my liver , kidneys , spine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was bleak but they said “ they will make me comfortable.
” Those words resonated with me and reminded me of Walt Disney .
When Walt was asked what time Disney closed , he always responded “ We are until 10:00″ always turning the words into a positive .
I just received those same “ spin ” words and my reality changed on the dime .
My first words after I heard the bad news were , “ I guess I am going to Disneyland.
” Well I realized pretty fast my days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctor not to reveal the predicted outlook .
It seemed to me it was best not to know .
The next few months were obviously challenging and the side effects from chemotherapy and radiation were just as brutal .
Fast forward one year as I type this and I have survived the original prognosis and found my way into remission .
I do n't write today to vent or seek accolades but to share the gift of cancer : the gift of making you wake up to life .
Had my situation kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realized I was still going to enjoy each day no matter how many I had left .
And Yes Disneyland is where I went as soon as I could walk .
I was lucky enough to study business at Indiana University and found some great stepping stone jobs out of school .
I then built my own business in investments and real estate and basically work for myself with the freedoms that come from not having a punch card .
But as I started to win my health back I woke up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I should be doing with my allotted time extension I have been granted .
I was so appreciative for my grace and for the outpouring of kindness that my wife and daughters witnessed that going back to the life that I had built did n't — and does n't — seem important .
One ’ s mind wonders when under heavy morphine and the thought of mortality is one that is hard to digest since I never really gave it much thought .
But as I came out of this tailspin I realized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When did that stop ?
When did I take the simplest most enjoyable risk out of my world ?
When did I stop riding bikes for fun and turn it into exercise only or worse ride a stationary bike that goes nowhere ?
When did I stop collecting baseball cards ?
Basically when did I stop living my childhood dreams and write them off as I was growing up ?
As I thought about this , I decided to redirect my energy towards some old school passions .
Not a bucket list , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are unique only to one ’ s personal tastes and flavor .
We all have them but somehow I learned a way to suppress them and cover them up with adult dreams when in reality our childhood dreams are the ones that are truly rich .
I have 48 years of life experiences to tap and be rolled over into my 49th year .
There is more than enough wisdom of what I enjoy and what I do not enjoy to make a masterpiece out of 2016 .
Nothing like a NDE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your world back in line with what 's really important .
All the amazing experiences are surfacing back to life and I really am starting to feel amazing despite having no cure .
Today I write from Sedona , Arizona where I took the family via train from Indiana to Flagstaff to see some beauty and then attend a spring training Chicago Cubs baseball game .
I even bought some baseball cards just in case Anthony Rizzo and John Lester , both cancer survivors , are close enough for me to get an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is what a kid would do .
From every reaction there is an equal and opposite reaction .
Cancer has woken up my Childhood dreams .
It was a gift .
Now I just have to find some puddles .
Steve Demas .
Portfolio Manager for the Archer Funds in Indianapolis Indiana , partner in R & D , An industrial real estate developer .
Graduate of Indiana University Kelley of School of Business .
Lawrence North High School Softball coach .
Married Father of two daughters , Ali and Katie .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and do it Anyway .
”

By Steve Demas
When I was a young boy I always enjoyed rainy days. Sure baseball was cancelled and I couldn't ride my bike outside but I knew the next day there would be left over puddles on the way to school. Jumping in puddles was one of our favorite small pastimes and making splashes while trying not to get soaked was a fun goal of mine.
I had the luxury of living so close to my grade school that my brothers and neighbors walked to Juliet Low elementary. One of the games we designed was to get to the puddle first and with one step make the splash and try to soak the person to your right or left depending which way you leaned. (I didn't say jumping in puddles was always a sweet gesture). We all knew the risks of puddle roulette but it was a game, an adventure before a day of arithmetic, science and art.
I still am very fond of these memories as I reflect back. I even still stay in touch with the gang I grew up with even though I live out of state.
About a year ago, I woke up one day with some pains in my left leg and my left shoulder. As a typical male I chalked it up as aging pains or even leftover sports injuries, which I am very proud of. After the pain continued for many days, I eventually had to seek some medical advice and my outlook turned very serious very fast. After an MRI, it was revealed to me that I had stage 4 lung cancer that had spread to my liver, kidneys, spine, shoulders and hip. The prognosis was bleak but they said “they will make me comfortable.”
Those words resonated with me and reminded me of Walt Disney. When Walt was asked what time Disney closed, he always responded “We are open until 10:00″ always turning the words into a positive. I just received those same “spin” words and my reality changed on the dime. My first words after I heard the bad news were, “I guess I am going to Disneyland.”
Well I realized pretty fast my days were numbered and I specifically asked my doctor not to reveal the predicted outlook. It seemed to me it was best not to know. The next few months were obviously challenging and the side effects from chemotherapy and radiation were just as brutal. Fast forward one year as I type this and I have survived the original prognosis and found my way into remission.
I don't write today to vent or seek accolades but to share the gift of cancer: the gift of making you wake up to life. Had my situation kept going south or not improved, I realized I was still going to enjoy each day no matter how many I had left. And Yes Disneyland is where I went as soon as I could walk.
I was lucky enough to study business at Indiana University and found some great stepping stone jobs out of school. I then built my own business in investments and real estate and basically work for myself with the freedoms that come from not having a punch card.
But as I started to win my health back I woke up to the fact I am not sure what I should be doing with my allotted time extension I have been granted. I was so appreciative for my grace and for the outpouring of kindness that my wife and daughters witnessed that going back to the life that I had built didn't — and doesn't — seem important.
One’s mind wonders when under heavy morphine and the thought of mortality is one that is hard to digest since I never really gave it much thought. But as I came out of this tailspin I realized I don't jump into puddles anymore… When did that stop? When did I take the simplest most enjoyable risk out of my world? When did I stop riding bikes for fun and turn it into exercise only or worse ride a stationary bike that goes nowhere? When did I stop collecting baseball cards? Basically when did I stop living my childhood dreams and write them off as I was growing up?
As I thought about this, I decided to redirect my energy towards some old school passions. Not a bucket list, but true deep down loves. Things that are unique only to one’s personal tastes and flavor. We all have them but somehow I learned a way to suppress them and cover them up with adult dreams when in reality our childhood dreams are the ones that are truly rich.
I have 48 years of life experiences to tap and be rolled over into my 49th year. There is more than enough wisdom of what I enjoy and what I do not enjoy to make a masterpiece out of 2016. Nothing like a NDE, Near Death Experience, to jolt your world back in line with what's really important. All the amazing experiences are surfacing back to life and I really am starting to feel amazing despite having no cure.
Today I write from Sedona, Arizona where I took the family via train from Indiana to Flagstaff to see some beauty and then attend a spring training Chicago Cubs baseball game. I even bought some baseball cards just in case Anthony Rizzo and John Lester, both cancer survivors, are close enough for me to get an autograph.
Why this adventure? Because that is what a kid would do. From every reaction there is an equal and opposite reaction. Cancer has woken up my Childhood dreams. It was a gift.
Now I just have to find some puddles.
About the Author
Steve Demas. Portfolio Manager for the Archer Funds in Indianapolis Indiana, partner in R&D, An industrial real estate developer. Graduate of Indiana University Kelley of School of Business. Lawrence North High School Softball coach. Married Father of two daughters, Ali and Katie. 2016 Theme: “Feel the Fear, and do it Anyway.”


consciouslifenews--2020-10-06--59 Ancient Coffins Buried For 2,600 Years Discovered In Incredible Archaeological Find In Egypt

( TMU ) – 59 well-preserved and sealed wooden coffins were recently discovered by archeologists in Egypt , and it is possible that there could be even more waiting to be discovered .
Three weeks ago researchers first announced that they found 13 coffins , and then further searches in the area revealed that there were even more .
Scientists estimate that the coffins were buried over 2,500 years ago , and some of the remains were wrapped in burial cloth that showed hieroglyphic inscriptions .
The discovery was made in the burial ground of Saqqara , which is located @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4,700-year-old pyramid of Djoser .
“ We are very happy about this discovery , ” said Mostafa Waziri , secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in the Egyptian government .
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani said that the coffins can be dated back to the Late Period of ancient Egypt , which is estimated to be from the sixth or seventh century BC .
“ I have witnessed the opening of one of the coffins … the mummy seems as if it was mummified yesterday , ” al-Anani said , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discovered as well , including a bronze figurine depicting Nefertem , an ancient god of the lotus blossom , as well as mummified animals like snakes , birds , scarab beetles .
Dozens of statues were also found in the same area that the coffins were discovered .
It is suspected that the coffins belonged to high ranking figures in ancient Egyptian society , likely from the 26th dynasty .
The coffins will be taken to the Grand Egyptian Museum on the Giza Plateau , which is currently being built .
The museum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opening has already been delayed several times .
At this point , the most recent opening date for the museum is planned for 2021 .
The museum will feature an entire hall dedicated to the sarcophagi that were found in the region , and this hall will reportedly hold the new discoveries .
Saqqara , where the discovery was made features numerous pyramids , including the world-famous Step pyramid of Djoser , which is sometimes called the Step Tomb due to its rectangular base , as well as a number of mastaba @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Abusir and Dahshur suffered damage by looters during the 2011 Egyptian protests .
Storerooms were broken into , but the monuments were mostly unharmed .
A series of discoveries have been made at the site in recent years .
Some findings have been dated back to as far as 4,000 years ago .

(TMU) – 59 well-preserved and sealed wooden coffins were recently discovered by archeologists in Egypt, and it is possible that there could be even more waiting to be discovered.
Three weeks ago researchers first announced that they found 13 coffins, and then further searches in the area revealed that there were even more. Scientists estimate that the coffins were buried over 2,500 years ago, and some of the remains were wrapped in burial cloth that showed hieroglyphic inscriptions.
The discovery was made in the burial ground of Saqqara, which is located just south of Cairo, near the 4,700-year-old pyramid of Djoser.
“We are very happy about this discovery,” said Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in the Egyptian government.
Egypt says archaeologists unearthed dozens of ancient coffins in a vast necropolis south of Cairo. An official says most of the at least 59 sealed sarcophagi had mummies inside. They were buried in three wells more than 2,600 years ago. https://t.co/c2pYwG9iHi — The Associated Press (@AP) October 3, 2020
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani said that the coffins can be dated back to the Late Period of ancient Egypt, which is estimated to be from the sixth or seventh century BC.
59 coffins were discovered at a BURIAL site in Egypt. Lol is this a teaser of 2020’s season finale?? Photos from @Reuters pic.twitter.com/MImzlXqELy — jules guiang 🇵🇭 (@JULESguiang) October 4, 2020
“I have witnessed the opening of one of the coffins … the mummy seems as if it was mummified yesterday,” al-Anani said, according to Aljazeera.
Other artifacts have been discovered as well, including a bronze figurine depicting Nefertem, an ancient god of the lotus blossom, as well as mummified animals like snakes, birds, scarab beetles. Dozens of statues were also found in the same area that the coffins were discovered.
It is suspected that the coffins belonged to high ranking figures in ancient Egyptian society, likely from the 26th dynasty.
The coffins will be taken to the Grand Egyptian Museum on the Giza Plateau, which is currently being built. The museum is expected to open soon, but the opening has already been delayed several times. At this point, the most recent opening date for the museum is planned for 2021.
Major #archaeological #discovery in #Saqqara❗
59 sealed sarcophagi, with #mummies inside most of them, were found that had been buried in three wells more than 2,600 years ago. The decorated coffins were made for priests, top officials and elites from the Pharaonic Late Period. pic.twitter.com/RD4tnZzu1a — INSIDE EGYPT (@InsideEgypt) October 3, 2020
The museum will feature an entire hall dedicated to the sarcophagi that were found in the region, and this hall will reportedly hold the new discoveries.
Saqqara, where the discovery was made features numerous pyramids, including the world-famous Step pyramid of Djoser, which is sometimes called the Step Tomb due to its rectangular base, as well as a number of mastaba tombs.
Saqqara and the surrounding areas of Abusir and Dahshur suffered damage by looters during the 2011 Egyptian protests. Storerooms were broken into, but the monuments were mostly unharmed. A series of discoveries have been made at the site in recent years. Some findings have been dated back to as far as 4,000 years ago.


consciouslifenews--2020-10-06--New Study Suggests Binge Drinking Could Damage Brain and Cause Lasting Anxiety

( TMU ) – A recent study suggests that binge drinking alcohol could seriously damage the brain in ways that increase the risk of cognitive-behavioral issues like anxiety .
The study , which was conducted by researchers at the University of Porto , found that just ten days of binge drinking cause immune cells in the brain to destroy connections between neurons , which leads to anxiety and other mental health issues .
It is important to note that these were not human studies , as the test subjects were mice , but these types of experiments typically give significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brains of humans .
Study co-author João Relvas told Inverse that , “ [ We ] don ’ t have any reason to believe that the same mechanisms will not be operating in the human brain .
Even for a short period of time , excessive drinking is likely to affect the brain , increasing the level of anxiety , a relevant feature in alcohol abuse and addiction.
” “ The dangers of alcohol drinking , especially amongst the younger population , have been widely underestimated and excessive alcohol drinking is socially relatively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education of the young can , together with other measures , change the way society looks at alcohol intake , ” Relvas added .
In the study , the researchers broke the mice off into two groups .
One group was given alcohol over a 10 day time period , while the other group was not .
Half of the mice were given 1.5 grams per kilogram of ethyl alcohol each day , which is the equivalent of five drinks for an adult human that weighs 165 pounds .
After 10 days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s brain tissue and found that the mice who consumed alcohol had significant damage to the area of the brain that controls complex cognition and decision making , which resulted in increased anxiety .
The researchers also determined the process that caused this damage in the brain .
They believe that alcohol boosts the production of an inflammatory molecule called TNF .
In further experiments , they used a drug called pomalidomide to block TNF and found that it prevented anxiety and reduced the impact that the alcohol had on the brain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased secretion of TNF by microglia , as we show that reducing its production either pharmacologically or genetically can prevent synapse loss and anxiety , ” Relvas says .
Relvas also said that this drug could potentially be used to treat alcohol addiction .
“ This study suggests that regulating the levels of TNF might eventually be useful when treating alcohol addiction , ” he said .
However , the team does not recommend that anyone use TNF inhibitors while binge drinking , because further studies need to be done to confirm the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the purpose .
Furthermore , TNF inhibitors would not prevent any of the other damage that alcohol can do to the rest of the body .
“ Alcohol abuse is a leading cause of disease with a massive impact on human life and should be treated as so , ” Relvas says .
Tags : `` featured , binge drinking , binge drinking alcohol , binge drinking and anxiety , binge drinking and brain damage , dangers of binge drinking , dangers of binge drinking alcohol , featured

By John Vibes | TheMindUnleashed.com
(TMU) – A recent study suggests that binge drinking alcohol could seriously damage the brain in ways that increase the risk of cognitive-behavioral issues like anxiety.
The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Porto, found that just ten days of binge drinking cause immune cells in the brain to destroy connections between neurons, which leads to anxiety and other mental health issues.
It is important to note that these were not human studies, as the test subjects were mice, but these types of experiments typically give significant insight into how different substances affect the brains of humans.
Study co-author João Relvas told Inverse that, “[We] don’t have any reason to believe that the same mechanisms will not be operating in the human brain. Even for a short period of time, excessive drinking is likely to affect the brain, increasing the level of anxiety, a relevant feature in alcohol abuse and addiction.”
“The dangers of alcohol drinking, especially amongst the younger population, have been widely underestimated and excessive alcohol drinking is socially relatively well tolerated. Increasing public awareness and education of the young can, together with other measures, change the way society looks at alcohol intake,” Relvas added.
In the study, the researchers broke the mice off into two groups. One group was given alcohol over a 10 day time period, while the other group was not. Half of the mice were given 1.5 grams per kilogram of ethyl alcohol each day, which is the equivalent of five drinks for an adult human that weighs 165 pounds.
After 10 days, the researchers looked at the mice’s brain tissue and found that the mice who consumed alcohol had significant damage to the area of the brain that controls complex cognition and decision making, which resulted in increased anxiety.
The researchers also determined the process that caused this damage in the brain. They believe that alcohol boosts the production of an inflammatory molecule called TNF.
In further experiments, they used a drug called pomalidomide to block TNF and found that it prevented anxiety and reduced the impact that the alcohol had on the brain.
The symptoms are “ultimately driven by increased secretion of TNF by microglia, as we show that reducing its production either pharmacologically or genetically can prevent synapse loss and anxiety,” Relvas says.
Relvas also said that this drug could potentially be used to treat alcohol addiction.
“This study suggests that regulating the levels of TNF might eventually be useful when treating alcohol addiction,” he said.
However, the team does not recommend that anyone use TNF inhibitors while binge drinking, because further studies need to be done to confirm the safety and efficacy of the drugs for the purpose.
Furthermore, TNF inhibitors would not prevent any of the other damage that alcohol can do to the rest of the body.
“Alcohol abuse is a leading cause of disease with a massive impact on human life and should be treated as so,” Relvas says.


consciouslifenews--2020-10-06--Libra New Moon October 2020 + Zodiac Forecasts

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consciouslifenews--2020-10-06--Eight Ways to Ease the Pain of Loneliness

Loneliness hurts .
Most of us have experienced this .
Especially in this time of quarantine , many can feel lonely .
With the advent of technology and social media and the ever-increasing speed of life , we may feel more connected in some ways , but , on the other hand , “ human moments ” of actual face-to-face exchange without interruption can become rarer .
A sociological study shows that the disconnect seems to be on the rise , with one out of four Americans feeling like they have no one to talk to about personal problems .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out therapy , and one study suggests that loneliness is a risk factor for mortality .
As I have written about in previous posts , social connection is critical to our health and well-being , as is vulnerability , an essential ingredient to intimacy .
We thrive in community , in connection , in giving and receiving love .
In a survey I conducted with Stanford students , when I asked what single activity brought them the greatest fulfillment , the most commonly given answer was spending time with friends and loved ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurts .
A brain imaging study showed that feeling ostracized actually activates our neural pain matrix .
In fact , several studies show that ostracizing others hurts us as much as being ostracized ourselves .
We can hypothesize that , similarly , loneliness is associated with the pain matrix .
From one perspective , we are all fundamentally alone .
We come into the world alone , and we leave it alone .
We are all independent entities with thoughts , feelings , and emotions that no one else can fully understand or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On the other hand , we are always completely interconnected no matter how few of our friends .
We are connected to millions of people all over the world through the intricate web of economic and social relationships that bring food to our table , clothes on our bodies .
We are literally connected to every other human being who shares this same ecosphere with us simply by the air we breathe .
We are in touch with every other person and animal on the planet by the ground we walk on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connected .
When the pain of loneliness takes hold of you , here are some tools that can help build resilience .
Most of us have learned to distract ourselves the very moment that we feel an uncomfortable emotion such as loneliness surfacing .
We may engage in “ healthy ” forms of distraction such as reading , exercising , or working , or “ unhealthy ” forms of distraction such as overeating , drinking or watching hours of television .
While these options may provide temporary relief , they often lead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the case of overeating or drinking , exhaustion and burnout in the case of overexercising or overworking , and even addiction .
Moreover , as explained by Harvard ’ s Dan Wegner , when we try to resist something , it tends to persist all the more .
Distracting ourselves from a core problem does not get at its root .
Children , on the other hand , often give free rein to their emotions .
Though this may seem immature to adults , children also get over negative emotions extremely quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next thing as if nothing had happened .
Adults , in an attempt to bury and control their emotions , often carry them with them for years .
Allowing the emotion to arise and giving it our full attention may be a key to letting it go .
Here are three exercises for embracing loneliness : 1 .
Give the emotion full expression .
Let the emotion take center stage .
Especially if you are used to distracting yourself from your feelings , this exercise may feel uncomfortable .
But if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it may just move through you more quickly : Observe the sensations of the emotion , notice the thoughts that it triggers , cry if tears come .
Be with the discomfort fully .
2 .
Go into silence .
Silence can be difficult and even scary for some people .
We are used to televisions blaring background noise , car radios jingling , iPods playing , text messages beeping , cell phones ringing , Facebook notifications pinging , tweets tweeting , and emails downloading .
Set yourself a time limit for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour .
If you wish , you can take a walk during that time or engage in a relaxed form of exercise like swimming .
Makes sure that the activity is not one that becomes a distraction .
Choose to do something that simply allows you to be in silence .
Be as present as you can with everything around you and within you .
3 .
Engage in mindful meditation .
No longer deemed an exotic , esoteric , or mystical activity , meditation has become mainstream .
Though meditation is very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courage .
Simply be with the sensations , thoughts , and emotions that arise without trying to control or change them .
Observe them with the kindness of a mother watching her child at play .
Be patient .
If the emotions get uncomfortable , muster up your valor , strength , tenacity , and patience .
Set yourself a time limit and do not get up until the time is over .
You can start with five minutes and eventually work up to sitting for 20 or 30 minutes at a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jump to the next point because the very sound of being 100 % present with your feelings sounds too difficult , remember that being present allows the emotion to pass whereas , in distraction , you may just be holding on to and extending the feeling .
Moreover , in a recent study , researchers found that being present with what is happening , no matter how unpleasant that experience , tends to be more pleasant than not being present .
These findings suggest that we are actually happier if we do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of how much we dislike it .
Research shows that we reap the psychological well-being and physical health benefits of social connection not from the number of friends we have , but from our toward others .
In other words , we could have only one friend or no friends at all , but if we feel connected from the inside , then we reap all the benefits thereof .
This research finding is empowering because whatever starts from within is within our hands .
4 .
Take care of the body .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we often don ’ t listen to our bodies .
We eat the wrong foods , drink , stay up too late , and forget to exercise or over-exercise .
We also carry around the false notion that our body ’ s well-being is independent of that of our mind .
This is not the case .
As anyone who has started a healthy diet or exercise regimen knows , when we start to take care of our body , we naturally feel better and , with a positive state of mind , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a friend of mine who was going through a divorce once told me , “ If my mind is OK , then everything is OK. ” One of the best ways to take care of our minds is to take good care of our bodies .
5 .
Serve .
“ Be kind , for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle ” is a quote that resonates with us all .
There is always someone suffering more than we are .
This gives us the opportunity to approach others with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No matter what our capabilities , we can always contribute to others with as little as a smile or more .
The service is very simple .
“ Help one person at a time , and always start with the person nearest you , ” said Mother Theresa .
Whether it is the person working the cash register at the grocery store or your neighbor , even one small act of kindness can brighten someone ’ s day .
We can be of service to people , animals , or even nature .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ act of service is an act of connection that will help lift your loneliness .
Research shows that compassion and service can be of tremendous benefit .
Often , when we feel down or alone , our vision and universe become very narrow .
Helping others can immediately change our perspective and re-energize us , which is why compassion has been linked to well-being .
As Mahatma Gandhi wrote , “ The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
” 6 .
Connect with nature .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , connect with nature .
A recent study shows that taking walks in nature can increase our well-being , even in the case of depression , and another study showed that exposure to nature increases our sense of connectedness and closeness and even makes us more caring and ready to share with others .
Connecting with nature can help broaden that vision and inspire an experience of awe at the view of a landscape .
Cultivating awe through nature can also help broaden our perspective .
Research on awe , which is often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a starlit sky or a vast horizon , suggests that it slows our perception of time by bringing us into the present moment and enhances our well-being .
7 .
Practice loving-kindness meditation .
This exercise is a meditation designed to increase our sense of love and kindness toward others .
A study I ran at Stanford showed that even seven minutes of this exercise can make us feel more connected to others in a deep-seated way .
Read instructions for loving-kindness meditation here .
8 .
Fall in love with yourself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you will never be alone , ” wrote Maxwell Maltz .
We often run from solitude for the same reasons we run from loneliness .
We fear being alone .
But being alone also means doing what you please .
You can dance at your own rhythm , eat whatever you fancy , watch the movies you wish to watch , and make choices that are entirely your own !
Being alone is often the only time we can truly rest , undistracted , unstimulated by the environment and other people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be alone very often .
I ’ d be quite happy if I spent from Saturday night until Monday morning alone in my apartment .
That ’ s how I refuel.
” Being alone can be a great source of replenishment and even bliss .
Beneath the thoughts and emotions are a vast ocean of silence , peace , and well-being .
We all access it at times : Sometimes it can be experienced when you lose yourself in a sunset , or just as you wake up before thoughts flood the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service or love , in meditation or prayer .
The more we can access that space , the more that well-being also permeates the rest of our day .
Finally , know that you are not alone .
We are all deeply vulnerable .
This knowledge alone may open your heart and make you feel connected to all .
Moreover , the pain of loneliness is also one that gives you tremendous depth and empathy .
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross , who worked with dying patients all of her life in the depths of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat , known to suffer , known struggle , known loss , and have found their way out of the depths .
These persons have an appreciation , a sensitivity , and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion , gentleness , and deep loving concern .
Beautiful people do not just happen.
” Every difficult experience can make us deeper , wiser , more compassionate and grateful , and , ultimately , happier , and more fulfilled .
This article @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the original article .
Tags : `` featured , coronavirus loneliness , featured , feelings of loneliness , health risks of loneliness , how to ease the pain of loneliness , pain of loneliness

By Emma Seppala | Greater Good Magazine
Loneliness hurts. Most of us have experienced this. Especially in this time of quarantine, many can feel lonely. With the advent of technology and social media and the ever-increasing speed of life, we may feel more connected in some ways, but, on the other hand, “human moments” of actual face-to-face exchange without interruption can become rarer.
A sociological study shows that the disconnect seems to be on the rise, with one out of four Americans feeling like they have no one to talk to about personal problems. Loneliness is the leading reason people seek out therapy, and one study suggests that loneliness is a risk factor for mortality. As I have written about in previous posts, social connection is critical to our health and well-being, as is vulnerability, an essential ingredient to intimacy.
We thrive in community, in connection, in giving and receiving love. In a survey I conducted with Stanford students, when I asked what single activity brought them the greatest fulfillment, the most commonly given answer was spending time with friends and loved ones.
It is not surprising that loneliness hurts. A brain imaging study showed that feeling ostracized actually activates our neural pain matrix. In fact, several studies show that ostracizing others hurts us as much as being ostracized ourselves. We can hypothesize that, similarly, loneliness is associated with the pain matrix.
From one perspective, we are all fundamentally alone. We come into the world alone, and we leave it alone. We are all independent entities with thoughts, feelings, and emotions that no one else can fully understand or experience no matter how numerous our friends.
On the other hand, we are always completely interconnected no matter how few of our friends. We are connected to millions of people all over the world through the intricate web of economic and social relationships that bring food to our table, clothes on our bodies. We are literally connected to every other human being who shares this same ecosphere with us simply by the air we breathe. We are in touch with every other person and animal on the planet by the ground we walk on. We are both alone and deeply connected.
When the pain of loneliness takes hold of you, here are some tools that can help build resilience.
Connect with yourself 100%
Most of us have learned to distract ourselves the very moment that we feel an uncomfortable emotion such as loneliness surfacing. We may engage in “healthy” forms of distraction such as reading, exercising, or working, or “unhealthy” forms of distraction such as overeating, drinking or watching hours of television. While these options may provide temporary relief, they often lead to other problems, such as weight gain in the case of overeating or drinking, exhaustion and burnout in the case of overexercising or overworking, and even addiction. Moreover, as explained by Harvard’s Dan Wegner, when we try to resist something, it tends to persist all the more. Distracting ourselves from a core problem does not get at its root.
Children, on the other hand, often give free rein to their emotions. Though this may seem immature to adults, children also get over negative emotions extremely quickly and are able to move on to the next thing as if nothing had happened. Adults, in an attempt to bury and control their emotions, often carry them with them for years. Allowing the emotion to arise and giving it our full attention may be a key to letting it go.
Here are three exercises for embracing loneliness:
1. Give the emotion full expression. Let the emotion take center stage. Especially if you are used to distracting yourself from your feelings, this exercise may feel uncomfortable. But if you let yourself feel the emotion 100%, it may just move through you more quickly: Observe the sensations of the emotion, notice the thoughts that it triggers, cry if tears come. Be with the discomfort fully.
2. Go into silence. Silence can be difficult and even scary for some people. We are used to televisions blaring background noise, car radios jingling, iPods playing, text messages beeping, cell phones ringing, Facebook notifications pinging, tweets tweeting, and emails downloading. Set yourself a time limit for the silence, such as half an hour. If you wish, you can take a walk during that time or engage in a relaxed form of exercise like swimming. Makes sure that the activity is not one that becomes a distraction. Choose to do something that simply allows you to be in silence. Be as present as you can with everything around you and within you.
3. Engage in mindful meditation. No longer deemed an exotic, esoteric, or mystical activity, meditation has become mainstream. Though meditation is very simple, it also can require great courage. Simply be with the sensations, thoughts, and emotions that arise without trying to control or change them. Observe them with the kindness of a mother watching her child at play. Be patient. If the emotions get uncomfortable, muster up your valor, strength, tenacity, and patience. Set yourself a time limit and do not get up until the time is over. You can start with five minutes and eventually work up to sitting for 20 or 30 minutes at a time.
For those readers who want to jump to the next point because the very sound of being 100% present with your feelings sounds too difficult, remember that being present allows the emotion to pass whereas, in distraction, you may just be holding on to and extending the feeling. Moreover, in a recent study, researchers found that being present with what is happening, no matter how unpleasant that experience, tends to be more pleasant than not being present. These findings suggest that we are actually happier if we do not distract ourselves from the present, irrespective of how much we dislike it.
Cultivate inner and outer connection
Research shows that we reap the psychological well-being and physical health benefits of social connection not from the number of friends we have, but from our internal and subjective sense of connection toward others. In other words, we could have only one friend or no friends at all, but if we feel connected from the inside, then we reap all the benefits thereof. This research finding is empowering because whatever starts from within is within our hands.
4. Take care of the body. As part of our distracted lifestyle, we often don’t listen to our bodies. We eat the wrong foods, drink, stay up too late, and forget to exercise or over-exercise. We also carry around the false notion that our body’s well-being is independent of that of our mind. This is not the case. As anyone who has started a healthy diet or exercise regimen knows, when we start to take care of our body, we naturally feel better and, with a positive state of mind, our whole outlook on life changes. As a friend of mine who was going through a divorce once told me, “If my mind is OK, then everything is OK.” One of the best ways to take care of our minds is to take good care of our bodies.
5. Serve. “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle” is a quote that resonates with us all. There is always someone suffering more than we are. This gives us the opportunity to approach others with kindness and a sense of service. No matter what our capabilities, we can always contribute to others with as little as a smile or more.
The service is very simple. “Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you,” said Mother Theresa. Whether it is the person working the cash register at the grocery store or your neighbor, even one small act of kindness can brighten someone’s day. We can be of service to people, animals, or even nature.
Whatever you are drawn to, your act of service is an act of connection that will help lift your loneliness. Research shows that compassion and service can be of tremendous benefit. Often, when we feel down or alone, our vision and universe become very narrow. Helping others can immediately change our perspective and re-energize us, which is why compassion has been linked to well-being. As Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
6. Connect with nature. If connecting with people is a challenge, connect with nature. A recent study shows that taking walks in nature can increase our well-being, even in the case of depression, and another study showed that exposure to nature increases our sense of connectedness and closeness and even makes us more caring and ready to share with others. Connecting with nature can help broaden that vision and inspire an experience of awe at the view of a landscape. Cultivating awe through nature can also help broaden our perspective. Research on awe, which is often inspired by beautiful natural sceneries such as a starlit sky or a vast horizon, suggests that it slows our perception of time by bringing us into the present moment and enhances our well-being.
7. Practice loving-kindness meditation. This exercise is a meditation designed to increase our sense of love and kindness toward others. A study I ran at Stanford showed that even seven minutes of this exercise can make us feel more connected to others in a deep-seated way. Read instructions for loving-kindness meditation here.
8. Fall in love with yourself. “If you make friends with yourself, you will never be alone,” wrote Maxwell Maltz. We often run from solitude for the same reasons we run from loneliness. We fear being alone. But being alone also means doing what you please. You can dance at your own rhythm, eat whatever you fancy, watch the movies you wish to watch, and make choices that are entirely your own! Being alone is often the only time we can truly rest, undistracted, unstimulated by the environment and other people.
Audrey Hepburn said, “I have to be alone very often. I’d be quite happy if I spent from Saturday night until Monday morning alone in my apartment. That’s how I refuel.” Being alone can be a great source of replenishment and even bliss. Beneath the thoughts and emotions are a vast ocean of silence, peace, and well-being. We all access it at times: Sometimes it can be experienced when you lose yourself in a sunset, or just as you wake up before thoughts flood the mind, or in an act of service or love, in meditation or prayer. The more we can access that space, the more that well-being also permeates the rest of our day.
Finally, know that you are not alone. We are all deeply vulnerable. This knowledge alone may open your heart and make you feel connected to all. Moreover, the pain of loneliness is also one that gives you tremendous depth and empathy.
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, who worked with dying patients all of her life in the depths of their vulnerability, wrote: “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known to suffer, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” Every difficult experience can make us deeper, wiser, more compassionate and grateful, and, ultimately, happier, and more fulfilled.
This article was originally published on EmmaSeppala.com. Read the original article.
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consciouslifenews--2020-10-06--Morning Inspiration: Never Stop On Your Dream (Motivational Video)

It 's a surety that once you work hard enough and stay committed you can achieve much more than you 'd ever imagine .
Putting in continued effort is a major determinant of success in any area .
“ I feel very strongly that we are who we choose to be.
” “ You 're not going to outwork me !
It 's such a simple basic concept .
The guy who is willing to hustle the most , is gon na be that guy that just gets that loose ball.
” Will Smith “ Number one , that hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that dreams come true ” Conor McGregor “ If other people are putting in a 40 hour work week and you 're putting in 100 hour work weeks , then even if you 're doing the same thing , you will achieve in a month what it takes them a year to achieve.
” Elon Musk Tags : `` featured , featured , how to accomplish goals , how to accomplish more in your lifetime , How to achieve your dreams , how to approach dreams and goals , never stop on your @

Source: Mulligan Brothers MOTIVATION
It's a surety that once you work hard enough and stay committed you can achieve much more than you'd ever imagine. Putting in continued effort is a major determinant of success in any area.
“I feel very strongly that we are who we choose to be.”
“You're not going to outwork me! It's such a simple basic concept. The guy who is willing to hustle the most, is gonna be that guy that just gets that loose ball.” Will Smith
“Number one, that hard work pays off and number two, that dreams come true” Conor McGregor
“If other people are putting in a 40 hour work week and you're putting in 100 hour work weeks, then even if you're doing the same thing, you will achieve in a month what it takes them a year to achieve.” Elon Musk
Watch and be motivated today!!


consciouslifenews--2020-10-06--Toxic Employees: How To Deal With Them

Toxic Employees: How To Deal With Them

A toxic employee can drag the whole team down with them .
However , with the right guidance and leadership , this can be avoided .
It ’ s often a case of identifying their toxic traits and working with them to overcome these behaviours .
Here are just five types of toxic employees and how you can manage them .
Employees that are always late or absent could be making the workload greater for the rest of the team .
Such employees aren ’ t always late or absent as a result of laziness or disorganization .
Sometimes there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behaviour – and it ’ s important to get to the bottom of this in order to find a solution to the problem .
For instance , an employee that is a mother may be late or absent because of issues surrounding her kids .
An employee that lives far away may deal with transport difficulties .
In other cases , substance abuse may be to blame – in these cases , may be needed .
In other cases , employees may be battling chronic health problems that they have not disclosed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you can get to the bottom of the cause .
If an employer is just being late or pulling a sickie because they feel that they can get away with it , the solution could be to make company policy stricter surrounding lateness and absenteeism .
The employee that chats too much Chatty employees can sometimes be good for , however some can become a distraction to their colleagues – or may even slow down productivity by talking to an individual customer for too long .
It ’ s important to rein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re starting to have a negative impact on the team .
If you can ’ t put them in more social roles , you ’ ll simply have to remind them whenever you think they ’ re being too talkative .
Try to focus their attention towards work whenever they go off-topic and make them aware of the consequences of being too talkative .
The employee that always makes mistakes When one employee constantly makes mistakes , it ’ s often up to everyone else around them to pick up the pieces .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an employee doesn ’ t own up to the mistake or tries to hide it .
Employees that constantly make mistakes may require more training and possibly more surveillance .
It ’ s important not to treat them as an inconvenience , but to work with them to solve the problem .
They could be overworked , they could have an attention deficit or they may be better suited to other roles .
Whatever the case , – make them feel comfortable asking questions or admitting to weaknesses .
The employee that shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no effort or enthusiasm for the job .
They may even openly complain about their work .
This bad attitude can rub off on colleagues , leading everyone to feel demotivated .
Consequently , it ’ s important to deal with these toxic employees .
It could be a case of scheduling a one-on-one meeting and getting them to open up about the things that are making them disgruntled .
It ’ s possible they could be in the wrong role or that they may feel they have no support .
Only by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the answer .
Also make sure that you yourself are motivated and enthusiastic .
A senior employee may adopt a grumpy demeanour if you are frequently in a bad mood .
Motivation often needs to come from the top .
The employee that bullies other employees are the most toxic of all the toxic employee types .
Bullying tactics can take many forms from verbal harassment to pranks to sabotaging work to starting gossip .
Usually directed against an individual ( or several individuals ) , bullying can cause other employees unnecessary stress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You may notice cliques starting to form and this could then lead to a lack of communication within the team .
Make sure to take any reports of bullying seriously and reprimand those who you know are responsible .
If you see any bullying happening yourself , call it out there and then .
Encourage a workplace culture of inclusiveness and acceptance by leading by example .
Bullies may be the types of people that try to challenge your authority so be prepared for this and don ’ t let them turn the @ @ @ @

A toxic employee can drag the whole team down with them. However, with the right guidance and leadership, this can be avoided. It’s often a case of identifying their toxic traits and working with them to overcome these behaviours. Here are just five types of toxic employees and how you can manage them.
The employee that’s always late/absent
Employees that are always late or absent could be making the workload greater for the rest of the team. Such employees aren’t always late or absent as a result of laziness or disorganization. Sometimes there’s a legitimate reason behind their behaviour – and it’s important to get to the bottom of this in order to find a solution to the problem.
For instance, an employee that is a mother may be late or absent because of issues surrounding her kids. An employee that lives far away may deal with transport difficulties. In other cases, substance abuse may be to blame – in these cases, Reasonable Suspicion Training may be needed. In other cases, employees may be battling chronic health problems that they have not disclosed with you.
Arrange a one-on-one meeting so that you can get to the bottom of the cause. If an employer is just being late or pulling a sickie because they feel that they can get away with it, the solution could be to make company policy stricter surrounding lateness and absenteeism.
The employee that chats too much
Chatty employees can sometimes be good for team morale , however some can become a distraction to their colleagues – or may even slow down productivity by talking to an individual customer for too long.
It’s important to rein in these chatty employees if they’re starting to have a negative impact on the team. If you can’t put them in more social roles, you’ll simply have to remind them whenever you think they’re being too talkative. Try to focus their attention towards work whenever they go off-topic and make them aware of the consequences of being too talkative.
The employee that always makes mistakes
When one employee constantly makes mistakes, it’s often up to everyone else around them to pick up the pieces. The damage can be particularly great if an employee doesn’t own up to the mistake or tries to hide it.
Employees that constantly make mistakes may require more training and possibly more surveillance. It’s important not to treat them as an inconvenience, but to work with them to solve the problem. They could be overworked, they could have an attention deficit or they may be better suited to other roles. Whatever the case, encourage communication – make them feel comfortable asking questions or admitting to weaknesses.
The employee that shows no effort or enthusiasm
Some employees show no effort or enthusiasm for the job. They may even openly complain about their work. This bad attitude can rub off on colleagues, leading everyone to feel demotivated.
Consequently, it’s important to deal with these toxic employees. It could be a case of scheduling a one-on-one meeting and getting them to open up about the things that are making them disgruntled. It’s possible they could be in the wrong role or that they may feel they have no support. Only by talking to them can you find out the answer.
Also make sure that you yourself are motivated and enthusiastic. A senior employee may adopt a grumpy demeanour if you are frequently in a bad mood. Motivation often needs to come from the top.
The employee that bullies other employees
Workplace bullies are the most toxic of all the toxic employee types. Bullying tactics can take many forms from verbal harassment to pranks to sabotaging work to starting gossip. Usually directed against an individual (or several individuals), bullying can cause other employees unnecessary stress and possibly result in them resigning. You may notice cliques starting to form and this could then lead to a lack of communication within the team.
Workplace harassment prevention training needs to be made compulsory by the employers. They should also take any reports of bullying seriously and reprimand those who you know are responsible. If things get worse, support your employees who have been affected by these acts by seeking help from the best sexual assault victim lawyer NYC.
If you see any bullying happening yourself, call it out there and then. Encourage a workplace culture of inclusiveness and acceptance by leading by example. Bullies may be the types of people that try to challenge your authority so be prepared for this and don’t let them turn the team against you.