St Amvrosy of Optina

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Barbara
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St Amvrosy of Optina

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St Ambrose of Optina is a perennial favorite Saint. But did you know that he often counseled by means of rhyming verse ? Besides demonstrating the Elder's creative flair for poetry, the idea of this style of presentation was to make his teaching stick in the mind of the inquirer.
Also, in case the Elder had to reprimand that person, the verses softened the criticism. Thus, the student would be more receptive to what otherwise might be a painful revelation about himself or herself. [Especially if the later 19th century disciple was as prone to narcissism as a modern one would be !]
A variant on the theme was that :

"Father loved sometimes to make the names or surnames of the persons he was talking to rhyme, with some humorous reproach; superficially, it would be a joke, but there was always some underlying meaning and serious instruction.
"Watch, Melitona," he said to one nun, warning her against haughtiness,"keep a medium tone :
if you go too high, you'll cry.
if you go too deep, it will be creepy.
But you, Melitona, keep a medium tone."

Melitona is such an unusual name that I looked it up. Two meanings appeared : a resident of Malta, which we can safely discard in this particular situation, and an old Greek name meaning honey [ as in the European word "miel" ] or sweet.

Many of us who study herbs are familiar with the name melatonin, which may or may not be related. Melatonin, as is well known, is a hormone that adjusts sleep cycles. But rather than bearing any relation to sweetness, it turns out that one of the top natural sources for melatonin is Tart Cherry ! [ A fun fact to know ]

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Barbara
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Re: St Amvrosy of Optina

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A cardinal feature of Elder Ambrose's adult years was that he could not go outdoors at ALL when temperatures were 63 degrees F. [is the number I remember.] Thus he had to stay inside through the chilly Russian winter ; even indoors, be bundled up.

Well - i was uncharacteristically watching an interview of a popular, outspoken anti-feminist American convert to Orthodoxy named Rachel Wilson. Unfortunately, there was so much swearing by her and the interviewer that I could barely continue listening. Nor did I care for the lengthy discussions of 'working out at the gym' - boring for anyone who is not on that wavelength.

I felt, though, to listen to just one section about her health problems.
Rachel W. mentioned that as part of her symptoms of being [extremely, in her case] LOW THYROID, she could not stand temperatures less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

That clicked in my mind, for this was Elder Amvrosy's condition as well.
Could the great Elder have been "hypothyroid" as the condition is termed ??
Readers of his biography are familiar with his long-lasting problem with his blood vessels. But could insufficient thyroid output have been part of this problem with his vascular system ? It sound likely to me from this article :


Thyroid Function and Cold Intolerance
Tips to manage feeling cold as symptom of hypothyroidism.

2/17/2022
Written by:
Katie Wilkinson
Medically Reviewed by:
Kimberly Langdon M.D.

Low body temperature can be an uncomfortable and painful symptom of hypothyroidism.

The thyroid gland is the body's equivalent to a home's thermostat. Heat regulation is one of the critical roles of the thyroid gland. As the body's thermostat, the thyroid sends signals (hormones) to generate heat from stored energy. When thyroid function is compromised, the body does not receive appropriate signaling to increase heat generation. Thus, for patients living with hypothyroidism, it is common to experience cold intolerance.

How the thyroid regulates heat

Temperature regulation is one of the most important biological processes our bodies perform. Thermoregulation occurs primarily by thyroid hormones signaling various systems in the body to increase available energy resources. Typically, fat cells store energy. Specifically, brown fat cells play an essential role in converting T4 into the active form of T3. The body requires T3 to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the active form of energy that is utilized by cells. ATP is essential for generating heat.

Increasing body temperature also requires an increased need for oxygen. Consequently, the heart and cardiovascular system must function well to deliver oxygen-rich blood to various systems in the body for heat production.

What is Basal Body Temperature (BBT)?

Basal body temperature (BBT) is the body's temperature when it is at rest. Typically, BBT is the lowest temperature your body will experience each day. While thyroid function tests are the primary tool for diagnosing hypothyroidism, BBT may be another way to assess for low thyroid. Indeed, some studies have found that people with symptoms of hypothyroidism may have normal TSH, T3, and T4 levels, but their BBT is lower than average.

Maintaining BBT is one of the most costly energy processes the body performs. Thyroid hormones regulate and determine how to utilize and expend energy. Therefore, when a person has hypothyroidism, their body is lacking in available energy to regulate temperature.

It is important to note that while thyroid hormones are the primary regulators of body temperature, many other hormones play a role in temperature regulation, too. For example, studies have found that insulin, glucagon, estrogen, progesterone, leptin, ghrelin, and epinephrine can temporarily impact basal body temperature.

What causes cold intolerance?

People with hypothyroidism suffer from cold intolerance because they do not produce enough thyroid hormone to convert and utilize stored energy effectively. Therefore, there is less energy available to regulate body temperature compared to individuals with normal thyroid hormone levels. Indeed, when people with hypothyroidism experience cold temperatures, their bodies mount defense mechanisms to preserve heat, such as by drawing blood away from the hands and feet. For this reason, people with hypothyroidism are more likely to suffer from hypothermia, which can be life-threatening.

Strategies to manage cold intolerance

If you find that you are always colder than everyone else or you find yourself bundled up when the outside temperature does not warrant winter gear, it may be valuable to test your thyroid function. If your levels are evenly slightly irregular, it can create life-impacting cold intolerance.

Ahead, a list of suggested strategies to improve the discomfort and pain caused by cold intolerance:

Thyroid medication can help regulate body temperature

If you have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's, your body may require synthetic thyroid hormone to operate effectively. With thyroid hormone replacement therapy, your body will be able to use stored energy and convert it to ATP to increase your body temperature. Without thyroid medication, your body lacks the necessary signal to turn up the heat.

The first step to getting thyroid medication is to meet with a thyroid specialist to assess your thyroid levels. Your specialist will be able to determine the appropriate thyroid medication and dosage for you based on your symptoms, medical history, and lab results. Many times, the dose of thyroid medication will need to be adjusted to improve your thyroid function and relieve symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Some people who live in seasonal environments with colder winters may need to adjust their thyroid medication to counteract the chill outside. It would be best to discuss any changes to thyroid medication with your doctor.

Enhance your sleep

If you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland is working overtime to try to maintain homeostasis. The high energy demands required by your thyroid to operate at sub-optimal levels leaves most people with hypothyroidism tired and sluggish. Furthermore, your body may need more rest in colder months to recover from the increased demands of thermogenesis. Try to improve your quality of sleep, as well as increase the number of hours you allow your body to rest.

Many people with hypothyroidism find they cannot sleep at night because they are so cold. There are specific strategies you may want to try if you have sleep disturbance for cold intolerance:

Turn up the thermostat at night to prevent cold intolerance from waking you up.
Layer on warm...bedding such as a down comforter and flannel sheets.
Consider putting a heat pack near you for added warmth. A spouse or a pet can also make an excellent heater.

Avoid unnecessary exposure to cold

Plan your outings ahead of time by checking the weekly weather report. Similarly, turn the thermostat up to get more comfortable. If your place of work is unusually cold, see if you can get a space heater or increase the temperature in your area. You may need to get a note from your doctor to implement these strategies. If you cannot make environmental changes, consider bringing a hot bag that you can heat and place on your back or neck.

Eat healthful foods

Certain foods are considered thermogenic. That is, they create heat when food converts to energy. Thermogenic properties are in certain fruits and legumes, meats, dairy products, and spices.

It is imperative to monitor your blood glucose as it plays a crucial role in maintaining body heat. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can further weaken your thyroid.

Ensure you receive adequate amounts of foundational nutrients, including omega-3's, and vitamin D. Omega-3's are in certain fish, nuts, seeds, and dairy products. In winter months, vitamin D from the sun can be hard to come by, so you may need to consider taking supplemental vitamin D.

Create your own warmth

Soaking your hands and feet in warm water is a beautiful way to heat your entire body. Similarly, hot baths can also do more than increase your body temperature. They help with relaxation, joint pain, and reduce tension and stress.

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/thyr ... ntolerance




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Barbara
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Re: St Amvrosy of Optina

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It's too late now, but if only someone had given Elder Amvrosy a simple nutrient, kelp, his condition might have improved.
For, thyroid medication is not probably necessary unless someone is a true believer in allopathic [conventional Western] medicine.
Organic kelp - from ideally the Atlantic Ocean, which was not polluted by the Japanese disaster some years ago that had repercussions through the Pacific - would help tremendously.

It's a good idea to take ANYWAY, no matter in what situation one's thyroid may be ! Not terribly delicious, but it does tremendous good for one's overall health too. Dulse would be a tastier alternative; it's manageable added to salads, etc.

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Re: St Amvrosy of Optina

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While everyone digests that new theory [!], some recommendations from Elder Amvrosy about what children should read:

"It is my opinion that a young mind should be occupied with sacred history and readings of the Lives of Saints of your choice, which will unnoticeably sow the seeds of the fear of God and Christian life. You especially need to make them understand, with God's help, how important it is to keep God's commandments and what disastrous consequences follow breaking them.

All of this will lead them away from the example set by our first parents, who ate the forbidden fruit and were therefore exiled from Paradise. You can put Krylov's fables [ ie children's stories ] away until later, for now teaching your child some prayers by heart, like the Symbol of Faith and certain Psalms, for example : He that dwelleth in the help of the Most High (Ps. 90), The Lord is my light (Ps. 26), and the like.
The main thing is that the child himself be occupied, according to his strength, and directed toward fear of God.

Everything good and kind comes from this, while, to the contrary, idleness and not being instilled with the fear of God are often the cause of all evil and misfortune.

When the fear of God is NOT instilled, children will not bring forth the desired fruits of good morals and a well-ordered life, no matter what you occupy them with.

When the fear of God is instilled, all occupations are good and profitable."

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Re: St Amvrosy of Optina

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Image

Notice that in Elder Amvrosy's cell, he allocated a fairly prominent place for a nun [ see left of the Elder. ]
Surely the nun is not readily identifiable today, but probably was a holy eldress from the early or mid 1800s.

The fact that Elder Amvrosy had put her photo up on the wall gives us today a clue about the Optina Elders' attitude toward women : it was one of respect.

 

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Barbara
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Re: St Amvrosy of Optina

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Why did i write the post above ? Because I fear that the likes of Sarah Riccardi and Meagan Saliashvili will feel emboldened at some point to start criticizing the Optina Elders and maybe Valaam Elders. These liberal-leftists or others might insist that the monasteries were "misogynistic" because they didn't admit women. And women were only allowed into the Optina Skete to visit the Elders only by some Skete Abbots ; plus they had to use a separate entrance from male pilgrims.
Hopefully, this attack on TRUE Eldership won't happen, but in case so, I'm already building evidence to prove that the Optina Elders were in fact highly respectful of women.

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Re: St Amvrosy of Optina

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Meanwhile, a good ghost story for Forgiveness Sunday :

Hieromonk Dorotheus related the following about himself:
"After my entrance in 1874 into the Optina Monastery, the obedience of working as a cook was entrusted to me.

A half year passed, and then I began to have fears at night in my cell, induced by the enemy. It seemed to me as though some old man came to me and pronounced the
[Jesus] prayer indistinctly.
Dishes began to rattle in the cell for no reason. My bed shook and the enemy attacked me.

And when, in the midst of this fear, I would begin to cry out or take a breath, then I would clearly hear a voice and the words:"There is nothing WORSE than THIS, ach!"

I went to Fr Anatole and told him about these enemy-induced frights, but he sent me to Batiushka Ambrose. The Elder, having heard me out, said that I must not be afraid and that for the chasing away of demonic fear I must pronounce the Pray of Jesus.

After this, all fear ceased and I always remained peacefully in my cell."

 

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