Class is a Fragrance-Free Zone
(i.e., Free from Synthetic Chemicals)
The forest is a peculiar organism of unlimited kindness and benevolence that makes
no demands for its sustenance and extends generously the products of its life activity; it affords
protection to all beings, offering shade even to the axe-man who destroys it.
― Siddhārtha Gautama
Please take note that the Instructor is easily disabled by synthetic fragrances that tend to be a mixture of toxic chemicals. She never knows which symptoms will manifest. One of them is "brain fog." Please refrain from any scent, especially fabric softeners so that she can deliver the class teachings without a reaction and possible anxiety. Thank you kindly.
Fragrance in the Workplace is the New Second-Hand Smoke"Today a wide range of products are sold using the same general theme as the "Marlboro Man" commercials: Life is better; and your clothes, body and house are cleaner, fresher, and more desirable if they smell nice. However, the invisible and unlabeled ingredients that make you or your house cleaner, or more desirable are not listed on any product." What you do not know, in this case, can hurt you and others.
"A recent analysis of six top selling laundry products and air fresheners found 'nearly 100 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were emitted, and five of the six products emitted one or more carcinogenic, hazardous air pollutants which the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) considers to have NO safe exposure level...." Fragrances, synthetic in particular, pose health risks. "They are known to be respiratory irritants and neurological toxins. One in five people in the United States experiences adverse health effects from these synthetic fragrance exposures. For many people, exposure to synthetic perfume can pose serious health risks such as migraines, nausea, tightening of the throat, high blood pressure, dizziness, and the like. Moreover, these VOCs exacerbate the hay fever and asthma conditions found in 15-20% of U.S. citizens. The following list of common products in which synthetic fragrance is found can vary widely. Multiple people working in the same work environment use many of these products thus creating a “chemical soup” of the indoor air. Some are associated with people, materials, buildings, and products. Some are introduced by an individual knowingly, many are not. A sampling of these products includes: Lotion and cream Prescription and nonprescription medications (e.g., inhalers and sports creams) Hairspray Soap (bath soap, dish soap and laundry soap) Shampoos and conditioners Deodorant Aftershave Air fresheners and deodorizers Sunscreen Anti-acne products Insect repellants Potpourri Candle Industrial and household chemicals Furniture polish Mouthwash Dental floss Toothpaste Nail polish and removers Scented pens and pencils Diapers Powder Fabric softener Oils Paper (magazines, newsprint, and stationery) Cosmetics Disposable razors with creams and softeners added Some foods (buttered microwave popcorn) Some scent-free industrial products have higher volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to mask their naturally offensive smells Building, construction and renovation materials — formaldehyde, asbestos, paint, varnish, urethane finishes...." For the full study by Christy L. De Vader of Loyola College and Paxson Barker of the University of Maryland, click on link: http://www.national-toxic-encephalopathy-foundation.org/fragsmoke.pdf How Toxins Make You Sick
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Meditation: Breath CountingThe Importance of the Encounter with Buddhism for Modern ScienceAccording to Francisco J. Varela and others, there is growing evidence that Buddhism can potentially have an important and productive influence on modern science, primarily at two levels: (i) the detailed research level evident in the study of mind, and (ii) the epistemological impact on the foundations of science, especially physics.
The following videos are from the Mind and Life XXIII sessions on "Ecology, Ethics and Interdependence." Session 1: Human Impact on Global Systems for Sustaining Life Session 2: Interdependence Between the Environment and Our Health: Risk and Opportunities Session 3: Industrial Ecology - Connecting Everyday Activity to Planetary Crisis Session 4: Environmental Ethics - What is at Stake? Session 5: A Role for Theology - Models of God, the World, and the Self Session 6: A Buddhist Perspective and Open Discussion Session 7: The Psychology of Action and Behavior Change Session 8: A Buddhist Perspective on the Psychology of Action and Behavior Change Session 9: The Skillful Means of Activism Session 10: Discussion among participants and His Holiness's final remarks Produced by the Mind and Life Institute (www.mindandlife.org) and the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (www.dalailama.com). |