Never Forget

September 11, 2001 - September 11, 2026

 

Image: 2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor 

Information about the lights project here  

Happy 250th Birthday America!

We The People 

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Happy Birthday America! 

 

AI Image by wirestock from magnific

Miracles

People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child - our own two eyes. All is a miracle. -  Thich Nhat Hanh in "The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation" 

 

 

Image source: freepik 

Happy Year of the Fire Horse

Year of the Fire Horse February 17, 2026 - February 5, 2027

A horse loves freedom, and the weariest old work horse will roll on the ground or break into a lumbering gallop when he is turned loose into the open. - Gerry Rafferty

Happy Lunar New Year! We are moving into the Year of the Fire Horse. The predictions are that this will be a year where things will happen fast. You will have to be a careful yet daring and determined rider to stay in the saddle at such a quick pace.  

In 2026 the restlessness of the Chinese zodiac animal horse combines with the intensity of the fire element. This is not a time to stand still. The New Year will bring transformation, speed and passion, new ideas, bold solutions, and a quick-paced change. It is the time to break free from old constraints, habits and thought patterns that hold you back. Prepare for action but choose your own direction if you can, and move with purpose. 

As you embrace the fast moving horse, understand that the fire element brings some danger with it. Fire brings light and warmth but it can also bring destruction to an established order. Plan and prepare wisely but move without fear. If you need a breakthrough in your endeavor, now is the time for action. You may have to walk and trot before you move into a full gallop, but move you must. 

No matter what the predictions for the Year of the Fire Horse may be, remember that you are the ultimate master of your fate.  

Wishing everyone Happy and Auspicious Lunar New Year - Dominique

 

   新 年 快 樂 

Dominique Allmon©2026

A Life's True Gift

Eternal Thread 

When twilight whispers secrets to the stars,
And moonlight dances soft upon the sea,
I think of fate, its ever-winding scars,
That led my soul through time to find thee.

Life's winding road, so rugged and unclear,
Held shadows deep, where dreams would fade and fall,
Yet through the dark, your light drew ever near,
A voice of hope, a whisper through it all.

Two hearts once lost now beat in perfect rhyme,
As if the heavens wove our paths as one,
A thread unbroken, stretching out through time,
Bound by the stars, beneath both moon and sun.

For life’s true gift is love we cannot see,
A timeless vow: "You are my destiny." 

Poem by American poet Bryan Taylor  

~ Happy St. Valentine's Day to all ~

 

Image: Eternal Love - Scupture by the Polish sculptor Igor Mitoraj (1944-2014)

On Being Mindful

 

The habit of ignoring our present moments in favor of others yet to come leads directly to a pervasive lack of awareness of the web of life in which we are embedded. 

 

This includes a lack of awareness and understanding of our own mind and how it influences our perceptions and our actions. It severely limits our perspective on what it means to be a person and how we are connected to each other and the world around us. 

 

Religion has traditionally been the domain of such fundamental inquiries within a spiritual framework, but mindfulness has little to do with religion, except in the most fundamental meaning of the word, as an attempt to appreciate the deep mystery of being alive and to acknowledge being vitally connected to all that exists. 

 

By Jon Kabat-Zinn

Planting The Seeds Of Excellence

By cultivating the beautiful we scatter the seeds of heavenly flowers, as by doing good we cultivate those that belong to humanity. - Robert A. Heinlein

For James

We may never know how many dreams may have been destroyed by the words of others or how many lives took a different turn because of lack of encouragement.

What if you could have been a very different person if only someone did not repeat it to you over and over again that you were useless? What if you gave up a long time ago because people who loved you told you that you would never make it in life? What if someone told you that you were too stupid, too ugly, too poor, too young, too old, to even make it in the big world? What if that person was someone you loved and trusted?

What if the chronic seed of insecurity was planted in your heart a long time ago and today you still struggle to become a respected human being?

I know people who had chosen "smaller" lives because their wings were cut off when they were young. Like many others I also gave up some dreams because I was told that people so much "better" than me could not make it in a particular field. Why would I even want to waste my time and energy when so many others have failed. This was back in high school and when I look back today, I still regret that I listened to my teacher who, instead of motivating her pupils, implanted in them the seeds of self doubt.

Don't get me wrong. One can still have a very successful and fulfilled life even if one gave up his early dreams, but this is not what I want to talk about in this article. Instead, I want to concentrate on the fact that everything we say has consequences.

Words carry enormous energy. It doesn't matter whether it is your private self talk, or whether you voice your opinions and criticize others. Every time you say something you plant a seed. Why not plant a seed of excellence? Sometimes a good word is all a person needs to see the light. A good word might be all a person needs to feel worthy again.

You may realize that sometimes your good words may be falling on a barren ground, but this should not discourage you from trying to motivate others. Some people have such strong beliefs about themselves that no amount of encouragement will help them change the direction of their lives. But there are many others who simply cannot believe that what they've got is all they deserve in life.

Imagine that you have met someone who was constantly discouraged and forgot to believe in himself. In a short time you realize that this person is a goldmine of knowledge and has some hidden talents. Imagine that your words of encouragement wake up his old desire to do exceptional things. Imagine that this encounter could change that man's life forever. 

This happens over and over again when people meet up with motivational speakers or success coaches. The good word sparks a wave of enthusiasm and a will to change. If this can happen to adults, why not encourage kids when they are still full of hope. Why not teach them to dream big? Why not plant a seed of excellence?

And remember to plant a seed of excellence in your own heart because you too are good and worthy and no one can take this away from you. But if you have nothing good to say to others or to yourself, do not say anything at all because your vitriol may cause more harm than you can even imagine. 

Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2026 

This article was first published here 

AI generated image source here 

Aloka And The Buddhist Monks' Walk For Peace

“Let us walk with open hearts, with respect for every life, every path, every faith. May every footprint we leave behind bloom into flowers of peace, so that wherever these steps have touched the earth, there remains a quiet fragrance of loving kindness.” - Tue Nhan Bhikkhu known as the Rev. Nguyen, the vice president of the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center 

In a Buddhist tradition of peace activism, on October 26, 2025, a group of Buddhist monks in Fort Worth, Texas embarked on a 2,300 mile (3,700 kilometers) long journey for peace. The pilgrimage leads through ten states and Washington, DC is set to be the final destination. The monks are accompanied by a dog named Aloka. On route to the US Capitol the monks will be stopping at state capitols, historic landmarks and community centers to share their message of peace and invite people to join them for prayer and reflection.  

Aloka - an Indian stray Pariah dog that marches with the monks became a social media sensation in his own right. In India the dog followed a group of Vietnamese-American wandering Buddhist monks for one hundred days. He was with them despite the hardships he experienced. He was injured when a car hit him and was very sick, but rejoined the monks over and over again. Eventually, the monks adopted him and brought him with them to the United States. Now he bravely and cheerfully follows them on their journey through the United States. The puppy has a distinctive heart shaped mark on his forehead, wise eyes and very cheerful disposition. His name Aloka is quite fitting. In Sanskrit it means light, brightness or radiance and symbolizes knowledge and enlightenment. This name is often associated with hope and guidance suggesting a bringer of clarity and joy to all around them. 

Accompanied by Aloka, the monks will be following the practice of self-discipline that involves humility, endurance and spiritual focus. They will be eating one meal a day and sleeping outdoors in tents pitched on public or private grounds provided by churches, temples, private persons or local communities. Some of the monks walk barefoot. Some are over sixty years old. No community and no individual that comes in contact with the monks will remain unaffected by their motivation, wisdom, humility and serenity. Their pilgrimage will end on February 13, 2026, with a message of healing, compassion, mindfulness, renewal, and peace. 

"The Walk for Peace is a simple yet meaningful reminder that unity and kindness begin within each of us and can radiate outward to families, communities, and society as a whole.” - Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra

The Walk for Peace is a journey that is meant to bring blessings to individuals and communities in a world that is filled with restlessness and uncertainty. 

Our world was never a perfect place but there were at least some short periods of peace in some regions. The new millenium began with a beautiful vision for the planet but the New York attack on September 11, 2001, destroyed our hopes for a better, more enlightened world. Belligerent ideologies seemed to be spreading around the world and by 2025 there were more regional conflicts than ever. Many people feared the possibility of another world war. The never ending conflict in the Middle East and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine gave us little hope for peace on Earth in 2026.

In the United States and in many European countries citizens experience extreme violence on daily bases, often perpetrated by people of different cultural backgrounds that were once invited to live in their communities. Cultural incompatibility and different moral values make harmonious coexistence impossible. Rape, murder, robberies, arson, vandalism, and violent attacks seem to dominate the daily news cycle in mamy urban centers. Many people live in fear. 

At the same time, the social fabric, the respect for life or property, the respect for individual rights and the right to one's own opinion, are completely disappearing in so many places. This process began with totalitarian measures imposed on many societies during the 2020 pandemic. The decline of civility is appalling. Social media allows the spread of verbal aggression never seen before and allows that aggression to spill out to our streets. The belligerence and intolerance seem to be spreading through our societies like cancer and that "cancer" is often exploited for political reasons. Many tormented souls live their aggression out in the real world. Mental disease and drug abuse are prevalent and often remain untreated. Financial instability and lack of perspective aggravate the situation. 

Can this downward spiral be stopped? Is there hope for our societies? Is there any hope for the world?

A practicing Buddhist would understand the current conditions as a reflection of inner chaos and suffering. Buddha himself believed that true peace comes from within when the mind is free from greed, anger and delusion. It can only be achieved by profound introspection and the practice of mindfulness. This however is difficult if not impossible in a world where people are slaves to their electronic devices; in the world where people have time to insult and abuse others but have no time for introspection and self-reflection; in the world where people demand respect for their opinions without acknowledging that others have the same right. People no longer agree that it is all right to disagree and demonize others for having their own mind. 

Peace is not a mere idea. It is a practice. The path to peace begins with a single step within. 

Mindful walking and a quality time spent in nature might be the first step to inner healing. There is a beautiful practice in Japan called Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing where a practitioner consciously relaxes and engages with nature focusing all the senses on the experience. The practice is known to improve mood and reduce stress. Quality time spent away from electronic devices and the noise of discord and argument may help calm the troubled souls, induce inner peace and a completely new outlook on things that matter. 

Our societies, our world will not change overnight and suddenly become peaceful but each of us has the potential to bring peace to our immediate surroundings, to our homes and the workspace. We can refuse to get triggered, we can refuse to get angry and judgmental and instead, lead by example. Mindful detachment, mutual respect, loving-kindness (mettā), and the understanding that we all are on a journey, is a good place to start. 

"What we think, we become" - Buddha 

By Dominique Allmon

Post scriptum

On November 19, 2025 a car slammed into the escort vehicle that accompanied the monks. One of the monks, the Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan, abbot of the Wat Lao Buddha Khanti in Snellville, Georgia, was seriously injured and taken to hospital. The damage was very serious and the bhikkhu's left leg had to be amputated. He is no longer able to continue the Walk For Peace in person but follows the monks in spirit. 

Today, on January 12, Aloka underwent surgery at the Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) in South Carolina for a flare up of an old injury he sustained to one of his legs back in India. In order to heal the veterinarians, who performed their services free of charge, advised the monks that Aloka should stay in the clinic until he has healed completely. This sweet puppy needs some rest in order to heal. He will be taken care of for at least one week and as soon as it is safe for him, he will join the monks and walk with them again. 

On January 17, 2026, after 84 days on the road, the Venerable Samma Maggo, 68 years old Vietnamese monk from France terminated his pilgrimage and will be returning to his temple in France. 

"The Venerable never spoke of endurance, yet that solitary figure along the long road became a teaching in itself - quiet, unheroic, without drama - simply walking on, and enabling those who followed to stand more upright within their own lives." - Venerable Baro Beso

I wish I could be there to meet these monks on the road. Since this is not possible I follow their progress online. It is very touching to watch these men walking with such determination, dispensing blessings to all and sharing the message of peace. We can only hope that all the people who meet the monks will have the strength to hold on to the wisdom imparted on them. 

"May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace." 

Dominique Allmon©2026 

To learn more about the Walk For Peace and to support the monks in their endeavor please click here 

Follow Aloka the Peace Dog on Instagram 

A "gofundme" page was set up for the Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan.  

Images source X 

Is Your Healthy Food Making You Sick?

There is nothing more difficult than to write about food in connection with health. The subject is vast and controversial. Countless nutrition experts, thousands of health influencers, hundreds of books, dozens of fad diets, and still so many unhealthy people trying desperately to figure out why they are not getting any better despite religiously following the latest health and nutrition advice. 

When you take two experts with conflicting views, both will argue that their way of obtaining nutrition is the only way and everything other than that is either completely wrong, or just misguided. What complicates things even more is the fact that both experts base their statements on latest research and often on their personal, real life experience. Nutritional "converts" who "have seen the light" are the worst since they seldom leave any room for deviation from the method that worked for them.

How to make sense of it all? Just look at the macro-nutrients: carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Some experts will tell you not to eat any carbs at all, others that you should not to touch any fat. There is a whole fitness movement telling people to eat only red meat, bacon, eggs and butter. Some experts suggest that fish and seafood should be consumed as the only animal protein. Others swear that a fat-free vegan, raw vegan, or even the fat-free raw vegan diet is the only way for you to have a long, healthy life.

How about the micronutrients - vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids? It is a well known fact that vegans often lack vitamin B12, DHA omega 3 fatty acid, and the amino acid taurine, while those on a strict carnivore diet often lack magnesium, vitamin C and fiber, and may have increased risk of colorectal cancer. People who embraced the fat free diet, on the other hand, have difficulty absorbing fat soluble vitamins from their food.

Food is problematic for many reasons. Some foods, like peanuts, shrimps, celery, or strawberries are potent allergens. People with celiac disease cannot eat anything containing gluten. People who cannot digest lactose should stay away from cow's milk and cow's milk products. And so on, and so on... but food is more complicated than that. Animal fats like butter and lard are high in saturated fat that is considered to be detrimental to heart health. There is also a big concern about the hormones and antibiotics that might have been used in the animal husbandry, not to mention the ethical, environmental, cultural or religious concerns.

So, how about fruits and vegetables? Here things get even more complicated. Many plants produce endocrine disruptors and goitrogens. During their evolutionary history plants developed survival strategies. Unlike a deer that can escape a hunter, a carrot or a cabbage is completely stuck in the spot it grows. In order to survive and carry their genetic information to the next generation, plants developed compounds that make them indigestible or even poisonous to humans or animals thus preventing their extinction. Although these anti-nutrients can cause serious upset in some people, plants are generally considered "healthy" food choices since they carry such vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fiber, protein and beneficial bio-active compounds like pycnogenol or resveratrol, that act in synergy to reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.

While some of the plant anti-nutrients can have beneficial, anti-oxidant effects in the human body, some can cause 

• altered microbiome 
• serious damage to the digestive system 
• inflammation
• potential auto-immune response 
• malnutrition since they interfere with nutrient absorption
• severe allergies
• and even poisoning. 

Soaking, sprouting, cooking, or fermentation are the strategies many cultures use not only to improve nutrient availability but also to make the otherwise problematic foods more easily digestible. 

Here are some of the anti-nutrients found in plants: 

• alcaloids - naturally occurring nitrogen-containing compounds that are found in plants, fungi, bacteria and animals, some being extremely toxic, some used by humans as hallucinogens, aphrodisiacs or medicines (ex. quinine, morphine, ephedrine)
• cyanogenic glycosides - cherries, peaches, corn, almonds
• gluten - grains
• glucosinolates - goitrogenic compounds in cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale and broccoli
• glycoalkaloids - plants in the nightshade family like tomatoes and eggplants, as well as  potatoes (skin, sprouts, the "eyes")
  
• histamine - histamine containing foods and histamine liberators including bananas, strawberries, papaya, citrus fruit, tomatoes, spinach, almonds, pistachio nuts, cinnamon, cloves, but also fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, miso paste
• lectins - raw beans, peanuts, whole grains, nightshade vegetable such as tomatoes and potatoes, pecan nuts, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, sprouts such as alfalfa or mung bean sprouts 
• oxalates - spinach, Swiss chard, rhubarb, beets, cacao, almonds, cashew nuts, dried apricots, kiwis, raspberries, cinnamon and turmeric as a spice
• phenols - most berries, grapes, apples, spinach, red lettuce, broccoli, and citrus fruit
• phytates (phytic acid) - grains, seeds, nuts
• protease inhibitors - grains and legumes 
• pyrrolizidine alkaloids - hepatotoxic and genotoxic compounds that are found in some flowering plants and herbs like borage, traditionally used as medicine; honey, bee pollen, grains, milk, eggs and organ meats (offal) can contain these toxic alkaloids.
• salicilates - most fruits and vegetable, especially blueberries, cherries, peaches, grapes, avocados, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, spinach, zucchini, pine nuts, spices such as curry powder and garam masala, and herbs such as rosemary and thyme
• saponins - legumes, especially peanuts; grains especially quinoa; licorice root, spinach
  
• sulforaphane - cruciferous vegetable such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, arugula, watercress
• tannins - red wine, tea, cacao but also grains such as barley, corn and quinoa; beans, lentils, chickpeas; nuts such as hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, pine nuts and Brazil nut; seeds such as chia, sesame, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds; red skinned apples and kiwis

People who are sensitive to one or more of these compounds should avoid foods that have the potential to make them sick. 

Some people report almost miraculous healing from chronic diseases when they stop eating fruits and vegetables. Others improve considerably when they stop eating grains. Those who have chosen raw food or the raw vegan diet report incredible improvement in their health. They have more energy, lose weight (where necessary), sleep and look better. Many stay healthy for a very long time, especially if they supplement with the nutrients that are missing in their diet, but some people get very sick when they start juicing and eating large amounts of fruit and leafy greens. The raw food diet may include too many nuts and too much fructose. Too many dates, too many bananas and other sweet fruits in your diet can cause blood glucose spikes and energy crashes. 

A store bought vegan milk alternatives often contain added sugar, added seed oil and the gut lining damaging carrageenan. I don't even want to talk here about the rather common contamination of crops with heavy metals, nor about the pesticides in conventionally grown produce, not even about the genetically modified crops. This is a subject for another article.

Results of a small, three-day study involving 14 people was published recently and surprised some in the raw food community. The participants were divided into three groups: one group was given whole plants, the second group was doing a juice fast, and the third one was given a mix diet of whole plants and juices. Those who did the juice fast had the biggest changes in their microbiome and showed an increase in inflammation causing bacteria. The problem with the study is that it wasn't a double-blind study and involved only fourteen people. Also, I did not find any information on what kind of juices were given to the participants. The only information was that the juice did not have any fiber and contained too much sugar. My questions: Was the juice freshly pressed? And! Who tries to do a cleansing juice fast with sugar loaded fruit juices? This is not how it should be done. Another question, if you are unhealthy and have distorted microbiome, what happens to you when you go on a green juice fast?

Interestingly, many raw food lovers who perform a green juice detox annually report increased stamina, improved digestion, and a healthier looking skin. An alternative cancer therapist Dr. Thomas Lodi suggests a long term green juice fast to his patients. The alkalizing and detoxifying properties of chlorophyll from green plants cannot be underestimated. 

Before I start a food fight on this blog, I would like to state that we are all individuals with individual genetics, individual metabolism and individual food preferences. Some of us tolerate certain foods better than others. If you experience unexplained symptoms and are not sure whether your healthy diet makes you sick there are a few things you can do:

• have a food allergy test
• have a comprehensive food sensitivity test (secondary food allergies) and remove all the foods you are reacting to; the sensitivity often disappears after a few months, when the immune system had enough time to "recover" and the gut lining is restored
• test for anti-nutrient sensitivity (histamine, lectins, tannins, etc.)
• have a fructose intolerance test
  
• if you eat tree nuts, peanut butter or grains such as quinoa, test for aflatoxin sensitivity
• test for nutritional deficiencies and supplement accordingly 
• test for parasitic infestation and candida no matter whether you are a vegan, carnivore or omnivore
• have a leaky gut test
  
• help your immune system and implement food rotation allowing three to four days before you eat the same food again - if you had a carrot on Monday, wait till Wednesday or Thursday before you have a carrot again. If you detect some sensitivity to one or more foods, you might want to stop eating them for a longer period or remove them from your diet completely. Learn to make meals with only a few ingredients if you want to determine what is upsetting your system, and, as mentioned above, test for secondary food allergies/sensitivities (ELISA IgG test) if you observe symptoms like bloating, indigestion or unexplained weight gain
• do some research to find alternatives to the food that causes upset in your body - for instance, if oxalates are your problem, eat arugula, Romaine lettuce or even kale instead of spinach or Swiss chard
• a food diary may be very useful - write down what you eat during the day and record any symptoms you observe short term and long term; consult a certified nutritionist if the process seems too overwhelming to you
• completely avoid foods that cause problems.
  

I am aware that articles like this one may cause confusion and anxiety. This is not my intention. I simply wish to bring some clarity to all those who embraced a very healthy lifestyle but somehow feel that the food they are eating daily is not working to their advantage. 

As we strive for biological optimization of our bodies, trying to stay as healthy as possible and to look fabulous all the time, our food choices matter. However, when our healthy food is making us sick, we need to learn how to avoid it and why, and to look for less problematic alternatives. There is no such thing as one size fits all. We might be similar metabolic types but your body chemistry is unique to you. Your health and longevity depends on what you put into your body. Keep this in mind and eat to thrive.

By Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2025

Interesting read: Natural Toxins in Food 

*Information in this article is for educational purposes only. it is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease. Always consult a certified healthcare practitioner before making any changes in your diet. 

AI generated images. Source here

Brigitte Bardot Dies at 91

"I gave my beauty and my youth to men. I am going to give my wisdom and experience to animals." - Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Bardot, an icon of French cinema and an avid animal rights activist passed away on December 28, 2025 at her home in Saint-Tropez, France. She was 91 years old. 

Bardot began her acting career in 1950 and rose to stardom in the 1960s with movies like "And God Created A Woman" directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim, "Le Mépris" (Contempt) by Jean-Luc Goddard, "LaVérité" (The Truth) by Henri-Georges Clouzot, or "Viva Maria!" by Louis Malle. 

Bardot's involvement with animal rights began in 1962 when she saw pictures from slaughter houses. The actress left her cinematic creer behind in 1973 and dedicated her life to the protection and welfare of animals. After receiving a letter from the French writer Marguerite Yourcenar, Bardot publicly denounced the massacre of baby seals and the ignoble fur trade. In 1977 she traveled to Canada and was filmed on an ice floe with baby seals. The images went around the world. Her action would lead to a ban of trade in seal skins. 

Bardot, a vegetarian, opposed the use of animals in laboratory experiments, fought against whaling, bullfight and fur trapping. She abhorred fox hunting, the consumption of dog meat in Korea and horse meat in France, the exploitation of wild animals for circus shows, and the ritual slaughter of animals. She fought tirelessly to end suffering and animal abuse. She believed that animals were some of the most defenseless and vulnerable victims of the cruel, and often barbaric, practices in modern societies.  

In 1986 she established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation dedicated to the protection of animals and a few animal sanctuaries. She auctioned her jewelry and personal belongings to raise the money for the foundation. Between 1988 and 1992 Bardot led a French television series "S.O.S. Animaux" that exposed animal cruelty. Her activism was not meant to be comfortable for her audiences. The shock treatment was meant to influence public opinion and set a change of attitude in motion. Animal welfare became her moral imperative. 

"In a democracy one must have the right to express oneself and that's what I do, even if it displeases." - Brigitte Bardot 

Bardot's political views were subject to controversy. She openly opposed mass immigration and the islamisation of France and was associated with the French far right movement. 

Despite her radical political views most people will remember B.B. for her love of animals and her devotion to animal welfare around the world. 

A beautiful, courageous, caring woman went over the rainbow bridge...

Dominique Allmon 

 

Christmas Eve Glow

On Christmas Eve, a peaceful light,
Shines over the world, so soft, so bright.
The stars above, the earth below,
Reflect the love that we all know.

This quiet night, we feel His grace,
As we celebrate His holy place.
A Savior born to bring us peace,
A gift of love that will never cease.

By Catherine Pulsifer 

~ Merry Christmas ~ 

Happy Winter Solstice

After the longest night, tomorrow we sing up the dawn. There is a rejoicing that, even in the darkest time, the sun is not vanquished. As of tomorrow, the days begin to get longer as the light of day grows. While the gentle winter sun slowly opens its eyes, let us all bring more light and compassion into the world. - Dacha Avelin

Happy Winter Solstice!

Image: Winter Solstice - Sky in the Morning. Dominique Allmon©2025

My Angel...

Wlastimil Hofman - Eloé over Anhell's Corpse, 1917.  

"Angels are visible to those who accept the light and break the pact made with darkness." – Paulo Coelho 

Today is the second anniversary of my husband's passing. We only had sixteen short years together but it was a happy time. 

We met in 2007 when James was in a very dark place. We were aware of the fact that things would have been very different for James and I, if we never met. He did not want to think where he would be without me. To him I was his angel. The angel who brought light back to his life and gave him the strength to go on. He revived his passion for art and discovered new talents and became very creative. 

Unfortunately, our happiness was cut short by a dreadful disease that was diagnosed when it was already too late. The cancer was stronger than my husband's love for life. 

"My Angel, you are truly my angel." - These were some of the last few words James uttered while he was still able to communicate with me. 

A different reality opens to the dying. James felt that his mother, who passed away when he was very young, was calling him and he had to follow that call. She seemed to be telling him that it was safe to let go of life. She might have been the new angel that waited for him on the other side.

Dominique Allmon 

In memoriam

 James Allmon 1953-2023

How to Boost Your Immune System

Preparing for the cold season

For those of us living in the northern latitudes winter may be a very challenging season. With lower outside temperatures we may experience colds and flu as well as other unpleasant illnesses and symptoms.

There is, however, a way to protect yourself from infections. You simply have to boost your immune system and implement a few simple strategies that will help you stay fit and healthy during the winter months.

By preparing your immune system and strengthening your immune response, you will be able to pass through the cold season without an infection and if you catch a cold, your symptoms will be less severe and you will recover much faster.

Your immune system acts like a protective shield that thwarts harmful pathogens from attacking your organism. In contact with pathogens a series of reactions are taking place within your body. Cells, organs and tissues of your immune system are mobilized to disable the pathogens. The symptoms you may experience (fever, for instance), although very unpleasant, are the signs of a well functioning immune system. Using medication to suppress these symptoms will only weaken your immune system. Instead, you should support your immune system with herbs and natural remedies, get enough rest, and let your body recover from infection all by yourself. You may want to take natural supplements to ease your symptoms, but as the common wisdom goes, it takes a week to cure the cold with drugs, but only seven days to recover without them.

 

In order for your immune system to function properly, you need to support it with proper nutrition, nutritional supplements and herbs. It is important that you eat more fresh fruit and vegetables (preferably organic) that are rich in vitamins, esp. vitamin C, and minerals, esp. zinc. Zinc may be the most important micronutrient for your immune system. It is needed for the stimulation of the white blood cells that are important elements of your defense system. People who are deficient in zinc are more susceptible to infections. Zinc works in synergy with vitamin C and in order to be effective in your body it must be taken with its cofactor amino acid Histidine. Taken alone, zinc may be ineffective as the foods you eat interfere with its absorption, especially when you are a vegetarian. The recommended dose is 15 mg per day with up to 1000 mg vitamin C and 100-500 mg Histidine. Zinc acetate lozenges are very effective for the sore throat.  

 

The other important vitamin for the immune system is the vitamin D3 which works in the body as a potent antibiotic. Vitamin D3 helps the body to increase the production of the body's own antimicrobial peptides. The body uses these peptides to destroy pathogenic organisms, including the influenza virus. The suggested dose is 2,000 IU. 

 

Another very effective supplement is the polysaccharide beta glucan. The insoluble beta glucans 1,3 and 1,6 derived from medicinal mushrooms and from yeast are very effective immune system modulators and do not overstimulate the immune system. There is no established daily dose of beta glucans, but manufacturers suggest 500-1,000 mg as an effective dose for the enhancement of the immune system.

Nature supplied us with very effective herbs and power foods that have the ability to boost the immune system and help us stay healthy during winter. They have unique immune enhancing properties and can be used in many different situations to support our overall immune response. They are time tested in many cultures and can be purchased in the form of capsules, teas or tinctures in any health food store or pharmacy. Some can simply be used as foods and may be used to enhance your winter cooking.

Here is a list of my favorite winter remedies in random order. You may already know most of them, or maybe wish to try something new this winter:

• andrographis
• manuka honey
• astragalus
• raw apple cider vinegar
• German chamomile taken as herbal infusion 
• lime flowers taken as herbal infusion
• citrus fruit
• colostrum
• lactoferrin, vitamin C and zinc
• eleutherococcus
• echinacea purpurea 
• Umckaloabo (South African Pelargonium Root)
• garlic
• onions
• lacto-fermented, unpasteurized sauerkraut 
• unpasteurized kimchi, preferably home-made
• ginger
• turmeric
• hot peppers
• raw local honey
• propolis
• royal jelly
• elderberry sirup
• rose hips
• sea buckthorn
• olive leaf extract  
• medicinal mushrooms, such as chaga, reishi, maitake, cordyceps, hericium, and shiitake
• traditional, nutrient rich chicken soup 
• essential oils of cinnamon, thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, mint, and lavender used in aromatherapy lamp 

The list does not end here since each culture has its preferred remedies. These, however, are the best known, most widely used and time tested winter remedies. Some of them are to be taken as tinctures or infusions, as pills, liposomal solutions, or capsules; others are simply added to your daily meals, or used in aromatherapy and for inhalations to clear the sinus congestion. They all have strong antiviral and anti-bacterial properties and are known to activate and support the immune system. Choose the ones you feel comfortable with and take them systematically to build up your immune system.

In addition you may want to implement some lifestyle changes during the winter:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water as soon as you come home from your errands or work.
• Avoid sick people if possible. 
• Avoids big crowds whenever you can.  
• Dress up for winter - keep your body warm, especially your head, hands and feet.
• Keep your blood circulating! The idea of taking alternate warm and cold showers in the morning may sound outrageous, but you will soon notice that your body feels warm even in the coldest weather. Use ginger and hot peppers to spice your meals and drink spiced chai instead of ice tea.
• Put as much vitamin C rich fresh fruit and vegetables on your plate as you possibly can.   
• Reduce the consumption of mucus producing foods such as dairy products, white bread and pasta.
• Exercise moderately and spend some time outside.
• Supplement with best possible immune supporting products.
• Take high quality multivitamin and bioavailable minerals formula.
• Rest, relax and pamper yourself.
• Get enough sleep. Remember that your immune system recovers during the night.
• Stay hydrated but avoid ice cold drinks. 
• Reduce your caffeine and alcohol consumption, and if you smoke, stop smoking as this habit deprives your body of the vitamin C which is so important to your immune system.
• Take precautions not to pass your infection on to others.

Preparing your immune system for winter and implementing a few simple strategies will help you enjoy the beauty of this season and pass through it without infection.
 
Be gentle with your body and take time to relax and contemplate the changes in nature. And no matter how cold and dark it is outside, always let the sun shine from inside out.

By Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2025

This article was first published on my raw food blog Passionately Raw! that is full of wholesome, immune system supporting recipes.

 

*Information in this article is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease. 

Image featuring Stags And The Northern Star Nordic Style Pullover Sweatshirt by Jimmo Designs on Redbubble. I do not receive any royalties from ElJimmo or Jimmo Designs. 

Beautiful Excess

There is no better excess in the world than the excess of gratitude. - Jean de La Bruyère 

~ Happy Thanksgiving ~ 

 

AI generated image. Source here

Health Benefits of Beets

“The beet is the most intense of vegetables. The radish, admittedly, is more feverish, but the fire of the radish is a cold fire, the fire of discontent not of passion. Tomatoes are lusty enough, yet there runs through tomatoes an undercurrent of frivolity. Beets are deadly serious." - Tom Robbins

The beet (Beta vulgaris) is a herbaceous biennial plant in the Amarathaceae-Chenopodiaceae family that is best known in its numerous cultivated varieties, of which the beetroot, or the garden beet, is the most popular.

Medicinal use of beets dates back to Ancient Rome where the bulbous roots and the leaves were used to cure variety of ailments that included fever, constipation, blood conditions and law libido.

The roots come in a variety of colors that can range from deep purple to golden yellow and white. The roots are round or oblong and are attached to purple-green leaves that are rich in vitamins, minerals  and carotenoids and can also be eaten.

Health benefits of beets:

• anti-aging
• hormonal rejuvenation
• antioxidant
• anti-inflammatory
• cardiovascular support
  
• detoxification and liver support
• bone health
• brain health
• blood glucose regulation
  
• digestion support
• cancer prevention
• great source of energy

Beets are a unique source of phytonutrients called betalains. Betanin (which is a betacyanin pigment) and vulgaxanthin (a betaxanthin) are two best-studied betalains from beets, and both have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They also support the body's own detoxification processes. Although these betalain pigments are also present in such foods as the stems of chard or rhubarb, concentration of betalains in the peel and flesh of beets is the highest.

Pectin - a fiber in beets - helps clear the toxins that have been removed by the liver from the body and prevents their re-absorption.

Beets are an excellent source of folic acid and a very good source of manganese, potassium, magnesium, copper and iron. They also contain high levels of boron which is responsible for optimal levels of sex hormones in the body.

Raw beets are rich in vitamin C, B1, B3, B5, and B6. They are a great source of dietary fiber.

Betain present in beets helps lower homocysteine levels in the blood and reduce inflammation. High levels of homocysteine are responsible for the development of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular diseases.

The leaves are rich in carotenoids, flavonoids  and vitamins A and K, and can be eaten raw or cooked. 

Researchers found that the combination of phytonutrients in beets may help prevent a number of cancers including breast, prostate, and colon cancers. They also support healthy vision and overall health of the nerve cells. With an ORAC value of 800 they are fairly good antioxidants.

Although high in sugar, beets do not cause sugar spikes. They have a very low glycemic index which means that the sugar is released very slowly into the blood stream.

Beets are perfect for people who wish to lose weight. They are low in calories and almost fat free. High in fiber, vitamins and minerals, they provide optimal health support. They can be eaten raw, cooked, grilled or marinated.

By Dominique Allmon

A word of caution 

Beets and, especially, the beet leaves, contain oxalic acid that has been implicated in the formation of kidney stones. Oxalates also interfere with the absorption of calcium within the body. Individuals with a kidney stones history should eat beets in moderation or avoid them completely.

 

Some people may have difficulty in metabolizing betanin. This results in red or pink colored urine and stools. It appears that people with iron deficiency may experience such side effects of beet consumption. 

*ORAC - Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity is a method of measuring antioxidant capacities in biological samples in vitro.

*This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease.

Health Benefits of Beets by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

All Saints' Day

The saints were not superhuman. 

They were people who loved God in their hearts 

and shared this joy with others. - Pope Francis

  

Quote of the Day

László Krasznahorkai - master of the apocalypse

"You have every cause for anxiety. We are on the threshold of a more searching, more honest, more open society." -  László Krasznahorkai in "The Melancholy of Resistance" 

László Krasznahorkai (born in 1954 in Gyula, Hungary) is the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature. He writes in the tradition of European modernism. Master of the absurd and the grotesque, Krasznahorkai is often compared to Franz Kafka and Thomas Bernhard. After having read "The Melancholy of Resistance" in 1989, American writer Susan Sonntag called Krasznahorkai the "Hungarian master of the apocalypse".

Krasznahorkai received numerous literary awards including the Man Booker International Prize in 2015. He is best known for such novels as the "Satantango" (Sátántangó), "Melancholy of Resistance", "Baron Wenckheim's Homecoming", "Seiobo There Below" and the "Herscht 07769". His works have been  translated into forty languages. 

The author received the good news from the Swedish Academy while in Frankfurt, Germany. He admitted that he did not expect the Nobel Prize but stated that he was very happy and very proud to be in a line that includes so many truly great writers and poets.

 

Quote of the Day

 

“How beautifully leaves grow old. 

How full of light and color are their last days.” 

- John Burroughs

Image by Dominique Allmon©2025

Quote of the Day

The discovery of a new dish does more for the happiness of the human race than the discovery of a star. - Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin in "The Physiology of Taste: Or, Meditations on Transcendental Gastronomy"

 

Image:  Risotto al Limoncello by Dominique Allmon©2025