New Zealand Food Safety is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Organic Export Requirement: Organic Production Rules (OER: OPR) which forms part of MPIs Official Organic Assurance Programme. The OER: OPR sets out requirements that organic operators must meet if they are to export or supply for export, organic products under the program.

In July 2023, New Zealand Food Safety called for applications to proposed changes to the generic inputs that could be used by organic producers under the Official Organic Assurance Programme. One application to amend the generic inputs was received and assessed by a panel of technical experts, which recommended that New Zealand Food Safety consult on the inclusion of lignosulphonate for use in organic production.

New Zealand Food Safety is also seeking feedback additional amendments to the OER: OPR, including:

These changes are intended to provide organic operators, exporters and recognised agencies with additional clarity.

The proposed changes relate to the inclusion of lignosulphonate as an input in the OER: OPR and other amendments to clarify definitions, the requirements for the provision of official organic assurances and expectations for the registration of organic exporters.

Submissions close at 5 pm NZDT on 2 February 2024.

More information is available here.

Image credit: iStock.com/Smederevac

See the original post:

NZ Food Safety calls for submissions on organic exports - Foodprocessing

As the world grapples with environmental challenges, individuals and communities are increasingly recognizing the need for sustainable living, especially in our food choices. The heart of our communities lies in the sustenance we derive from the Earth, and organizations in Edmonton and Calgary are taking significant steps to promote sustainable practices. The Social Mission Commission of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton invites you to explore a variety of businesses and organizations in these cities that champion sustainable food choices, paving the way for a more environmentally conscious future.

Localize (Edmonton): About: Localize is an Edmonton-based organization dedicated to connecting consumers with local, sustainable products. By providing clear labels on grocery store shelves, Localize empowers consumers to make informed choices about the food they purchase.

Website: Localize

SPUD.ca (Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery Calgary): About: SPUD.ca is an online grocery store in Calgary committed to providing sustainably sourced and organic products. With a focus on reducing the environmental impact of food delivery, SPUD.ca delivers fresh, ethically produced groceries right to your doorstep.

Website: SPUD.ca

Farm Fresh Food Hub (Edmonton): About: Farm Fresh Food Hub connects consumers with local farmers, making it easier to access fresh, seasonal produce. By supporting local agriculture, this organization promotes sustainable farming practices and reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation.

Website: Farm Fresh Food Hub

Calgary Farmers Market (Calgary): About: The Calgary Farmers Market is a vibrant hub for local, sustainable food options. With a focus on supporting local farmers and producers, the market provides a diverse range of fresh, seasonal produce, meats, and artisanal products.

Website: Calgary Farmers Market

Edmonton Food Council (Edmonton): About: The Edmonton Food Council is a volunteer-driven organization that works to create a sustainable and resilient local food system. By engaging with the community and advocating for food-related policies, they contribute to a more sustainable and equitable food landscape.

Website: Edmonton Food Council

Avenue Living Communities Community Gardens (Calgary): About: Avenue Living Communities in Calgary fosters sustainable living through community gardens. By providing residents with the opportunity to grow their own food, this organization encourages a connection to the earth and a more sustainable approach to urban living.

Website: Avenue Living Communities

The Organic Box (Edmonton and Calgary): About: The Organic Box is a local grocery delivery service committed to providing fresh, organic produce sourced from local farmers. By supporting The Organic Box, customers contribute to sustainable agriculture and reduce their carbon footprint.

Website: The Organic Box

The organizations listed above are beacons of inspiration in the journey toward sustainable and responsible food choices. By supporting these businesses and organizations, we not only nourish our bodies but also sow the seeds of a more sustainable and resilient future for Edmonton, Calgary, and beyond. Let us celebrate and champion these efforts as we collectively strive for a more sustainable and compassionate world.

See more here:

Sowing Seeds of Sustainability: Organizations Supporting Sustainable Food Choices in Edmonton and Calgary - Edmonton Eparchy

The concept of toxic positivity has been gaining traction in recent times, casting a shadow over the idea of maintaining a positive mindset. Critics of toxic positivity argue that it encourages people to suppress or ignore their negative emotions, which can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. However, numerous studies and expert opinions have shown that optimism and positive thinking, when balanced with a healthy dose of reality, are linked to improved mental and physical health outcomes. This article aims to explore the benefits of positive thinking and provide guidance on how to harness its power while avoiding the pitfalls of toxic positivity.

Positive thinking does more than just make you feel good. It has a tangible impact on your mental and physical health, as well as your overall well-being. According to a LinkedIn article, maintaining a positive attitude can lead to reduced stress, enhanced immune function, and improved physical and mental health. It can even impact our longevity and act as a preventative measure against diseases.

But the benefits of positivity extend beyond our bodies. As per a Medium article, fostering a positive mindset can cultivate resilience, nurture positive relationships, and turn challenges into opportunities. It can shape a brighter and more fulfilling future, contributing to personal transformation and success.

So, how do we cultivate this positive mindset? There are several practical strategies that can be employed. Firstly, positive self-talk has been shown to have numerous health and wellness benefits. As Popsugar suggests, it can reduce worry, improve confidence, and even enhance physical performance. Techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy can help challenge negative core beliefs and reshape your mindset through affirmations and journaling.

Another recommendation is to practice gratitude. Recognizing and appreciating what we have can generate positivity and happiness. It reminds us of our blessings, shifts our focus from what we lack to what we possess, and ultimately contributes to a positive mindset.

While positivity is powerful, it is essential to recognize and avoid toxic positivity. This is when positivity is forced upon oneself or others, invalidating genuine emotions and experiences. It promotes the idea that any type of negative emotion is inherently bad, leading to the suppression of such emotions and causing more harm than good. A healthier approach is to accept that negative emotions are a natural part of life and to deal with them in a constructive way.

The key is to strike a balance between positive thinking and acknowledging negative emotions. It is about being optimistic, but also realistic. As highlighted in a Kathmandu Post article, while positive thinking plays a crucial role in mental health, it should be balanced with professional help and addressing negative emotions. A holistic approach to mental health that includes both positive thinking and dealing with negative emotions is the most beneficial.

In conclusion, positive thinking has immense potential in improving our mental and physical health and boosting our overall well-being. However, it is crucial to recognize the pitfalls of toxic positivity and to balance optimism with a healthy dose of reality. Embrace positivity, but remember its okay to not be okay sometimes.

See more here:
The Power of Positive Thinking: Exploring the Benefits and Practical Strategies - Medriva

As we go about our lives, we encounter various challenges that can wear us down. We tend to anticipate the worst, worry a lot and find it hard to break through the shackles of challenges.

So, in a world filled with challenges, maintaining good mental health is more important than ever. One key ingredient to achieving this is cultivating a positive mindset.

At its core, a positive mindset involves adopting an optimistic outlook on life. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, individuals with a positive mindset focus on the brighter side of situations. This doesnt mean ignoring problems but rather approaching them with a hopeful and constructive attitude.

Anjina Sapkota, a residential psychologist at Chaitanya Institute of Mental Health (CIMIH), discusses the subject more. She obtained her psychology degree from the Central Department of Psychology at Kirtipur.

How does a positive mindset impact mental wellbeing?

A positive mindset involves nurturing optimistic thoughts and focusing on personal strengths to tackle the uncertainties and challenges of everyday life with resilience. It greatly benefits an individuals overall mental well-being. However, having a positive mindset doesn't mean ignoring or denying negative emotions or challenges. It's not about unrealistic optimism or believing that everything will always be perfect. Instead, a positive mindset acknowledges difficulties but chooses to approach them with a constructive attitude, actively seeking solutions and navigating through them with resilience and an optimistic outlook.

This mindset can significantly impact mental well-being by promoting healthy coping mechanisms, reshaping negative thought patterns, fostering self-awareness and encouraging individuals to concentrate on their strengths and the positive aspects of life.

Are there practices that individuals can adopt to build a positive mindset?

Certainly, cultivating a positive mindset involves various therapeutic strategies that individuals can adopt independently. One approach is journaling, where individuals can document their thoughts, feelings and actions. The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique encourages staying present by engaging the sensesidentifying things seen, touched, heard, smelled and felt. Different breathing techniques help in relaxation, while self-affirmation, practised by looking in the mirror, fosters positivity.

Creating a gratitude list, praying and following hobbies like gardening or cooking contribute to a positive outlook. Additionally, maintaining social connections by reaching out to friends and supportive groups plays a crucial role. Its important to note that the effectiveness of these strategies varies among individuals, and a personalised combination tailored to specific needs often yields the most beneficial results in managing emotional intensity.

Are there any misconceptions about the relationship between positive thinking and mental health?

A common misconception about positive thinking is the belief that it requires maintaining a positive outlook at all times, even in the face of painful or heartbreak situations. This misconception is often fueled by messages that emphasise good vibes only and suggest that being happy is the only acceptable emotion, labelling expressions of vulnerability as signs of weakness. This phenomenon is associated with toxic positivity, where the projection of constant happiness overlooks the complexity of human emotions.

Suppressing genuine feelings, especially in the context of mental illness, can result in increased frustration, distress, self-criticism, feelings of isolation, denial of problems and an exacerbation of the stigma surrounding mental health issues, deeming them unacceptable or abnormal. Its crucial to acknowledge and validate a range of emotions for a more holistic approach to mental well-being.

For individuals facing mental health issues, can they incorporate positive thinking as a way to feel better?

Individuals grappling with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, mood affective disorders and psychosis often contend with disorganised and irrational thought patterns. Cultivating positive thinking in such circumstances can be challenging. However, therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), reality testing therapy, exposure therapy, and occasionally medical interventions are crucial, especially in severe cases. These therapeutic methods are designed to assist individuals in recognising distorted thinking patterns and beliefs, actively challenging them and fostering the development of more balanced and healthier thoughts.

By addressing the root causes and providing coping mechanisms, these interventions play a vital role in supporting individuals on their journey towards improved mental well-being.

Can maintaining a positive mindset help prevent or alleviate certain mental health issues?

Yes, maintaining a positive mindset plays a significant role in both preventing and alleviating certain mental health issues. It contributes to stress reduction, the development of healthy coping strategies, the building of resilience, mood regulation, enhanced motivation and facilitates engagement in daily activities and the pursuit of goals. Individuals with a positive mindset are more likely to seek solutions rather than adopt a victim mentality. Furthermore, those with a positive mindset tend to approach illness with progressiveness and insight, in contrast to individuals with a more pessimistic outlook. However, its crucial to recognise that a positive mindset is not the sole solution for mental health issues.

Mental health is complex and influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment, and life experiences. Given the variability of mental health challenges among individuals, professional help such as therapy or counselling may be necessary. Additionally, a balanced and realistic positive mindset involves acknowledging and addressing negative emotions instead of suppressing them. This holistic approach contributes to a more comprehensive understanding and management of mental well-being.

More:
What positive thoughts do to the mind - The Kathmandu Post

Looking at joy the Osho way  Times of India

Excerpt from:
Looking at joy the Osho way - Times of India

Economic Crisis, Great Flood, Spiritual Awakening: From Baba Vanga to Osho, top predictions for 2024  Republic World

Read more from the original source:
Economic Crisis, Great Flood, Spiritual Awakening: From Baba Vanga to Osho, top predictions for 2024 - Republic World

Black Stars of Ghanas Mohammed Kudus and England-born Nigerian defender Gabriel Osho were included in the Premier League Team of the Week.

The duo made the cut published by football facts and statistics website, whoscored.com.

Kudus continued his impressive form in front of goal as he netted West Ham Uniteds 2-0 win against Manchester United.

Kudus doubled West Ham Uniteds lead against Manchester United in the 78th minute with a superb solo effort.

It was his sixth goal in 15 Premier League games for the Hammers.

Also, he has now scored four goals in four games in all competitions for David Moyes side.

Also Read: U-20 WWCQ: FIFA Moves Falconets, Burundi Clash To Dar Es Salaam

After the game, the former Ajax star was named West Hams Man of the Match.

On his part, Osho played a key role for newly promoted Luton who edged Newcastle United 1-0.

Going into the game against Newcastle United which Osho played 90 minutes, Luton had lost their last three fixtures.

The 25-year-old has made seven appearances in the Premier League and has a goal to his name.

Here is the original post:
Kudus, Osho Make Premier League Team Of The Week - Complete Sports

For me, Jan.1 is like a sip of ice-cold stream water during a grueling hike it brings a surge of renewal, energy, and inspiration for whats next. Ive celebrated the New Year in various ways from champagne and clubs to tea and 4 a.m. world peace meditations. In the end, these are three of my favorite ways to start the New Year.

The first tradition is Write It All Down. Start by writing headings for each area of life (finance, career, relationships, adventure/fun, etc.). Under each heading, write down everything that you want to achieve, from tiny tasks (like buy a brown belt) to super-stretch goals (like travel to 10 countries). The key is to write it all down because we are 42% more likely to accomplish things when we do. To be honest, I usually dont even look at this list until the following year, yet a lot of things get checked off, even when Im not consciously focusing on it.

I love this practice because its a structure that is simple and easy to do. I have over 10 years of some version of this tradition in a Big Red Journal that I only pull out at the New Year. Its an easy way to track my desires and accomplishments over time that doesnt create pressure, overwhelm, or fear of failure.

The next New Year tradition is Theme Your Year. Think about the essence of what you want to experience or create in the next year. Roll it around in your head for a few weeks until you land on a word or phrase that captures it. Then, bring your theme to life. Create a playlist or piece of art that captures your word or phrase. Put reminders of it on sticky notes. Write about why its important to you. Share with your inner circle. Experience what its like to bring that essence into your year. Some examples from my clients are: Root & Rise; Cultivate Connection; and Let Go.

This tradition helps us clarify what really matters. And creatively bringing the concepts to life through music, art, journaling and sharing helps engage the right and left sides of the brain. I love this tradition because its a simple and playful way to set the course for the year ahead.

The final tradition I practice is Permission to Hibernate. The older I get, the more I lean into the cycles of nature. Even though society tells us that we should grind from coffee to wine, and that you can sleep when youre dead, I disagree. Theres a reason all living things go through cycles. Theres intelligence in periods of high activity followed by periods of rest.

Winter offers an invitation to slow down. To get under a blanket and watch snow fall. To read a book or write in a journal. To lay down in bed and sleep more. Especially after the flurry of the holidays, I lean into slowness and ease whenever I can in January. It is a time to restore, refuel, and reflect. So, while others may find joy and meaning in re-upping gym memberships and doubling down on fewer desserts, my best way to start the New Year is by carving out pockets of slowness, of quiet, of comfort and ease.

I love this unconventional tradition to opt out of the hustle for a while. After getting past the unfamiliarity and the persistent urge of I should be doing something productive, resting and slowing down have been the best ways for me to fuel an impactful and growth-filled year.

What do you hope for in 2024? If it feels like a stretch to create it, Id love to hear from you. Submit your question below, and Ill offer practical and evidence-based ways to get started.

Tiffany Skidmore is a mental health and life coach who specializes in anxiety. Email your questions and feedback to tiffany@tiffanyskidmore.com or submit them anonymously at tinyurl.com/thelifecoach. Visit tiffskidmore.com to learn more about Tiffany and her work.

The rest is here:
The Life Coach: Start 2024 right with these New Years traditions - Longmont Times-Call

Thank You And Goodbye To The Best Golf And Life Coach Ever  Forbes

Original post:
Thank You And Goodbye To The Best Golf And Life Coach Ever - Forbes

Job centres and bosses will refer people to therapy or running and gardening clubs to keep them well enough to work in an attempt to tackle long-term sickness in the benefits system.

In the first steps towards the creation of a national occupational health service, pilot schemes will begin in 2024 designed to swoop in on the sick and focus their treatment on staying in work.

Work coaches, physiotherapy and mental health treatment will be offered to people in danger of falling out of the workforce, as well as debt advice, therapeutic recreation and workplace adjustments.

Mel Stride, the work and pensions secretary, has expressed frustration that the NHS is not doing enough to deal with record levels of sickness absence and wants his department

Link:
Life coaches and running clubs to help get people back to work - The Times