Of the Mind,Massage ,Emotions and Floc Floc or the Obvious Ululante

drawing by marguerita

A massage from a loved one can not only ease pain

but also soothe depression and strengthen a relationship.

A warm touch seems to set off the release of oxytocin,

a hormone that helps create a sensation of trust,

and to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.In the brain, prefrontal areas, which help regulate emotion, can relax, freeing them for another of their primary purposes: problem solving. In effect, the body interprets a supportive touch as “I’ll share the load.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/23/health/23mind.html?em

No flower can lift spirits quite like sunflowers can.

Bright and cheery, bold yet comfortable, the sunflower

is a warm and caring gift. With brilliant

yellow petals that surround the flower's center,

sunflowers have an unmistakable sun-like

appearance that has made

them a passionate flower choice for many.

Sunflowers come in a number of varieties,

ranging from small to large and from

daylight yellows to sunset reds.

Sunflowers originated in

the Americas in 1000B.C.,

where for centuries they were

cultivated as a valuable food source.

The use of sunflower images

as religious symbols has also been

documented in some native so

cieties. With the European

exploration of the New World,

the sunflower was brought to

new areas, and the flower's

popularity eventually spread

as the rest of the world began to

appreciate its beauty

and sustenance. Artists throughout

history have appreciated the

sunflower’s unique splendor,

and those of the Impressionist

era were especially fixated on the flower.

Today, sunflowers continue to

provide a resource for commonly

used seeds and oil, but they have

also become recognized as a

floral symbol of great significance.

the sun itself. Wild sunflowers are

often photographed with their tall stalks

and bright petals stretched towards the sun.

This unique behavior,

known as phototropism, is a motif

that has appeared in many

ancient myths and is viewed as

a symbol of loyalty and constancy.

Their physical resemblance

to the sun has also influenced

their meanings.

The sunflower’s petals have been

likened to bright yellow rays of sunshine,

which evoke feelings

of warmth and happiness.

In addition, the sunflower

is often associated with

adoration and longevity.

For a flower which reflects

so many of the sun's

positive characteristics,

it is little surprise that people

enjoy basking in the

sunflower’s warmiing

glow.

With the sense of brightness

and warmth that sunflowers

naturally impart,

they have become an ideal

choice for sending sentiments

of cheerfulness and

and sunny thoughts.