Skin irritation due to benzoyl peroxide (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Over the years acne has affected millions of people in their early teens and for many on into their adult life. Each year new acne treatments hit the market, each claiming to stop further acne breakouts. Yet no one medication for acne has been proven to do that.
If you're like so many acne sufferers, and have a medicine cabinet full of various acne medications that don't work, you need to stop and get back to the basics of acne care. Your first step is to become knowledgeable about what acne is and how it develops. Visit your doctor, or better yet consult with a dermatologist about your acne condition. Your dermatologist may recommend over-the-counter medications for acne or if your acne is severe, you may need perscription acne medication.
Much of the medications for acne available today consist of several products (systems for controlling acne), which includes an acne face wash, exfolliator or toner and some lotion. The combined use of these acne medications can have dramatic results in acne blemish control. Though they will likely not cure your acne, they will, when used properly, significantly lessen the number of acne breakouts.
These acne blemish control systems include:
Face wash or cleanser:
The face wash or cleanser is used to fight bacteria. Some are designed to combat bacteria, both on the surface and within the pores. At the same time many contain tiny granules to help exfoliate dead skin cells and impurities. The two most common ingredients of face washes is either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Each of these ingredients approach acne control in different ways.
Benzoyl peroxide used as an antiseptic to lessen the number of surface bacteria and skin yeasts. It is available as a gel, cream, lotion or face wash in varying concentrations.
Salicylic acid helps to slow down shedding skin cells inside the follicle, which in turn reducing clogging. It also helps breakdown, both blackheads and white heads. Salicylic acid is available in varying forms, like gels, lotions and medicated pads (Stridex) and in varying concentrations.
Exfolliator or toner:
The purpose of this gel or cream is to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and remove excess oil. This one step is essential to acne blemish control. While not visible to the naked eye, clogging of the pores are a major contributor to acne breakouts. Again, depending on the manufacturer, either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid or another medication for acne may be included in this step.
Lotion:
The final step is applying a lotion. These lotions are usually oil free and used to moisturerize, re-hydrate and reduce irritation of your skin. Some lotions may contain benzoyl peroxide to heal inflammation, which helps prevent future breakouts.
No matter which medication for acne you choose to use, following the acne treatment listed above will help to lessen your acne breakouts. Each step is an important step in active acne blemish control. The combined use of these medications can help to keep your skin clear and acne free. As with use of any medications, you should always consult with your doctor or dermatologists before starting any acne care treatment.
Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning spinning wheel. These are a system of seven energy centers located along the spine. Each chakra corresponds to an area of the body, a set of behavioral characteristics and stages of spiritual growth. Practicing yoga and focusing your energies during different postures can help you to align your chakras and get all the wheels spinning in the same direction and speed. Understanding how to fine tune and control your chakras through yoga and meditation can help bring balance and peace to your mind, body and spirit.
There are seven chakras, each associated with a different part of the body along the spine from the perineum to the crown of your head. Each chakra is associated with a particular body location, a color, a central emotional/behavioral issue, as well as many other personal aspects including identity, goals, rights, etc.
The seven chakras are:
Muladhara- base of the spine;
Svadhisthana- abdomen, genitals, lower back/hip;
Manipura- solar plexus;
Anahata- heart area;
Visshudha- throat;
Ajna- brow;
Sahasrara- top of head, cerebral cortex.
Through the movements and postures of yoga, you can learn to focus your concentration and energy to and from the various chakras in your body. This can allow you to compensate for areas that may be out of synch with the rest of your body or not active at all. By balancing the energy among all seven of the chakras, balance can be achieved. This spiritual energy is known as Kundalini energy. In its dormant state, it can be visualized as a coiled up snake resting at the base of your spine, the Muladhara chakra.
Since the chakras act as valves or pumps regulating the flow of energy through your system, controlled and purposeful movements such as yoga can be extremely beneficial in realigning your chakras in a way that can cause great benefits to you in your physical and emotional wellbeing.
Scotland children hard boil eggs and paint them on Easter Saturday. On Easter Sunday, they take the eggs to the top of a tall hill and have a race to see whose egg would get to the bottom first.
Hungarian kids trade hard boiled eggs and then see who can be the first to throw a coin into the egg. It must stay in the egg and not just chip off the side of the shell. Pennies and dimes work the best.
Bulgarians crack eggs after midnight on Easter Sunday. The first one is cracked against the church wall, then everyone chooses their own egg. Each egg is cracked against another person's egg and the one left with an unbroken egg will receive a year of good luck.
The Greeks have a unique tradition. Everyone gathers at the midnight service and all the lights in the church are turned off. A priest comes in the church doors with a lighted candle and goes to the front pew and lights one person's candle. In turn, the one candle lights the rest of the candles in the church. This represents the Light of the Resurrection and everyone receives it.
In Poland, the Easter basket is the highlight of the day. The older family members make them for the younger ones. They are filled with Easter eggs, homemade bread, ham, butter lamb, and Polish sausages.
The Finnish greet their friend and family by whisking them with small willow twigs. This is done to wish them luck in the following year. Everyone had a turn and then on Easter Sunday, they would exchange eggs, candies, or money to repay the favor.
There are many more traditions, but they are all done to honor the resurrection of Christ and celebrate his return to heaven.
When you think "witch", what comes to mind? A wart faced old woman in a black dress with a broom? Actually, all it took was a birthmark or freckle, or singing and dancing outside, or simply someone's accusation that could have you executed as a witch.
Although there have been stories of witchcraft since the beginning of time, persecutions didn't begin until the 1500s. The Witchcraft Act of 1563 made it illegal for anyone to be or consort with a witch. The first major persecution, the North Berwick Trials, began in 1590 with King James I and VI. Returning from Denmark with his new bride, a powerful tempest almost killed them. The King believed witchcraft was the cause of the storm and had nearly 100 people arrested. Many were tortured and burnt alive.
The Forfar Witch Hunt of 1661 and the Auldearn Trials of 1662 were prolonged by accusations made by "witches" in order to save themselves. At the Aberdeen Trials, 7 women were accused of using magic to murder others and using body parts from the victims to create potions. The Pittenween Trials of 1704 were based on the word of a 16 year old boy. Each of the accused was tortured. One was even crushed to death under large stones. It was later discovered that the boy had made it all up.
The Renfrewshire Trials of 1695 began when 11 year old Christian Shaw caught a housemaid drinking forbidden milk and threatened to tell her mother. The housemaid told the girl that the devil would take her to hell. Christian began having fits and visions, claiming that the maid was torturing her. She vomited up feathers, hay, wax, stones, even a hot coal. There were accounts of her floating around the room and moving things without touching them. She also accused several others of witchcraft. Over 20 men, women and children were imprisoned and examined by "witch prickers".
Several children and one minister were found dead on the morning of the trials. Fourteen of the charged were found not guilty. The remainder were hanged and burned. Christian was cured after the executions.
The Witchcraft Act was abandoned in 1736. It is estimated that over 4000 people were executed as witches in Scotland alone. Only 4 "witches" are recorded as being executed in Ireland, and only 3 in Wales. So for those of you with freckles or birthmarks (like myself), be thankful that things have changed!!
Rauncie Kinnaird owns Kinnaird Bagpipes & Reeds specializing in Celtic jewellery, food, Guinness clothing, gift items, pipe band supplies and Highland dress including kilts and tartans. Sign-up for free articles on Celtic history and events at http://www.kinnairdbagpipes.com Article Directory: EzineArticles
A fascinating form of airbrush art is the airbrush tattoos. These tattoos can be applied to any part of the body and last longer than most temporary tattoos. An airbrushed tattoo will last for 7 days unlike other temporary tattoo that start to come off when you are bathing. It takes time or baby oil to remove an airbrushed tattoo. Tattoos that are done with airbrush art look realistic compared to other temporary tattoos.
Henna as temporary body art does last for awhile requiring time and lots of exposure to water to fade and disappear. Henna though takes a long time to hand paint onto the body. The bigger the artwork the longer it will take the artist to pain the henna design on. Airbrush art goes on quickly thus saving lots of time compared to henna as well as airbrush art is waterproof. Unlike henna lots of exposure to water still will not fade your tattoo. Where it would take an artist 6 hours to pain on a large henna design the same artist could airbrush the design on in around 30 minutes. This is a major amount of time saved for the artist as well as the recipient that must stay still during this process.
Another great thing with using airbrush art to create tattoos over real tattoos, is that there is no risk of infection due to piercing of the skin with a needle. There is no healing time needed with airbrushed tattoos. The great part is there is no pain involved. Real tattoos come with pain and is one of the reason that some people do not get them. So using airbrush art to create a tattoo gives people the chance to have realistic tattoos without the pain.
Real tattoos are permanent and you are stuck with what ever you get. The only way to remove a tattoo that you do not like is to either do a cover up tattoo or go and have laser surgery to remove the tattoo. With airbrushed tattoos you can get rid of it with baby oil or just wait about 7 days and then it is gone. No need to go and get an even bigger tattoo to cover up the offending one or go through the hassle of laser surgery.
To do airbrush art in the form of tattoos you will need certain products. First off you will need an airbrush gun, 10' Hoses braded hose, stencils, glass airbrush bottles and an air manifold. Then off course you will need airbrush paints that are designed for the human skin. This is usually referred to as airbrush tattoo ink. To finish up the process you will need talc powder and 70 percent alcohol.
The stencils are available in a wide variety of designs thus giving you almost limitless creativity when using airbrush art to create tattoos. The talc powder is to be applied to the tattoo after it has dried. The powder helps to keep the tattoo from fading. The 70 percent alcohol is to clean the airbrush gun and glass bottles with after you are done.
Airbrushed art used to create tattoos will last for 7 days on the norm. Now if you have extremely oily skin it could start to fade in a couple of days. If you have dry skin it could last past the 7 days. To help keep your airbrushed art tattoo for as long as possible keep applying talc powder to it every so often. If you are ready to get rid of it then just rub it down with baby oil and it will come off.
The following is my ponderance on the Source of existence. It is not a definitive article. It is just an expression of my own thoughts.
The question for ponderance is: Can the Source of existence be a thing?
If the source of existence is a tangible thing, then who is the creator of this Being or thing call the Source?
So can the Source be a thing or an object? Can the Source be tangible? If the Source can be an object, then how can it be the ultimate? Because if it is an object/thing/Being, then who is the creator of this object/thing/Being? If it is an object, by conventional rationalisation, there must be a creator for this object. If it is not so, can a thing or an object be already self-existing? This is indeed a very profound and paradoxical question.
My opinion is that when we try to interpret the Source with our mind, we are in fact trying to imagine/conceptualise the ungraspable. And by this very action of our conceptualisation, Source becomes a concept/idea and in our mind it becomes 'objectified' and conceptualised. Metaphorically speaking, it is like a dog trying to bite its own tail. We will be going round and round in circles and still no sight of the Source can be seen.
From my understanding and opinion, there is in reality no creator-creation division. It is an optical, perceptual and experiential illusion...a matrix so to speak. Observer(me) and the being observed (other) is a hypnotic thought... creating the appearance of 'me and other'.. This is quite hard to explain. The closest analogy is that life experience is like a dream of an individual self. When in actual fact, the individual self is a dream character within the tapestry of existence. The experience of an individual interacting with his/her environment is an impression.
Thank you for reading. I hope it has been interesting for you.
Building green is one of the solutions to global warming that many people do not think about.
Building green is designing and constructing buildings with the environment in mind. It is these practices that can have an impact on stopping global warming.
Houses give off a high percentage of a country's total carbon dioxide emissions. In the United States, the figure is about 38%. Since carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases, houses contribute strongly to global warming.
Scientific studies on climate helped establish a consensus. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
One way to cut the greenhouse emissions of houses, and therefore help stop global warming, is to minimize the energy use needed to sustain comfortable living in a house. There are several ways to do this.
One way is to be careful about what building materials are used. Some building materials can be from quickly renewable sources. These include bamboo and straw. Also, building materials can be used that originates near the building site. This cuts down on transportation, and so cuts down on emissions of greenhouse gases and global warming. One example is stone houses built with local stone.
Buildings are also often built using recycled materials. Wood can be used from an older home that has been torn down. This will prevent the need to cut down other trees. Since the deforestation of the land contributes to global warming, this will help the situation.
Heating and cooling have a big effect on the amount of global warming caused by a house. Some ways to help this are very simple. One is to design the house to sit on the lot so that sunlight will come in through the windows and warm the house. It can also be oriented so that breezes will blow through the windows more naturally for cooling.
In this way, passive solar energy can be used to heat and cool the house. This will cut down on the greenhouse emissions from a house. Global warming will be lessened. Insulation is important to maximize on the cool or heat that is in the house. With good insulation, you will need a less intense heat or cooling source.
The main heating and cooling source in most green houses will be solar panels, wind power, or hydropower. Any of these sources will power a house with minimal effects on global warming. At the same time, these sources of energy will sustain a household in a comfortable style.
There are several organizations in the US that aid in the cause of stopping global warming by encouraging green building. One non-profit organization makes it their business to foster green building methods in both houses and commercial buildings. This group of people from the building industry is a part of the Green Building Initiative.
The state of Washington has required builders of buildings larger than 5000 square feet to use green building practices. Their law was enacted in 2005. It should help to keep a cap on global warming.
Green building is important for a number of reasons. One just happens to be that it can reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. If green building can help stop global warming, perhaps it is time for everyone to build green.
In the basic plot of the old Germanic heroic poem Sigrdrifumal, a richness of information regarding the details of the quest of the spirit to transcend the limitations of the conditioned mind can be found. Here we have a small portion of the saga of the Volsungs isolated into its own book for a reason which has been buried by history. Perhaps the ancient scalds who recorded it recognized its completeness. We can only speculate. The Codex Regius combines the two poems into one with no breaks, while other sources separate them. This is easy to understand considering the chaotic structure of Sigrdrifumal. It appears as though there a missing section may have been added from a later manuscript, and yet the end of the poem is still obscured.
While riding on Hindarfjoll Sigurð sees a great light coming from the mountain. He finds a structure made of shields containing a figure lying as if dead. He approaches, removes the armour and discovers that it is none other than a Valkyrie lying within (Valkyries are Oðin's 'shield maidens' who tap the slain warriors on the whoulder and carry their spirits to Valhalla upon their deaths). This is a familiar event in Scandinavian folklore. It seems to relate to the discovery of the Fylgja (Fylgja-'to follow'. It is an attendant spiritual servitor, or guide, cognate with the "holy guardian angel' of hermetic lore).
A light shining on the mountain reminds one very much of the iconography associated with a state of illumination that transpires once the sexual energy contained in the pelvic girdle is drawn up the spine into the head. The shield-burg could be the skull or the spirit seed that contains the part of the soul that connects the individual to the divine.
In one version of Sigrdrifumal, the figure is mistaken for a man before the helmet is removed, and then recognized as a woman as her golden locks spill out onto the pillow. This androgyny may indicate that Oðinic wisdom is similar to what in the martial arts is referred to as 'soft' power as well as 'hard'. Soft power in this sense is not weak or ineffectual, but rather that it attains its power through subtle means and chi rather than through muscle strength. This coincides with Oðin having been taught Seidhcraft by Freya, for which he was sometimes accused of being effeminate. The Fylgja of a warrior was also thought to come either in the form of an animal guide, or as a human of the opposite gender which may point in the direction of Jung's concept of the 'Anima'.
Sigurð goes on to cut open the figure's mail coat, which is as close as though it were skin. He inserts his sword and cuts from the neck downwards, then out through the sleeves. Anyone with any familiarity with the runes immediately finds this form familiar. Algiz is the rune associated with the Valkyries.
What begins to emerge from all this is the makings of a runic ritual.
As she awakens the Valkyrie asks who wakens her, then launches into the creation of a magical draught brewed in a meadhorn.
She blesses it with two stanzas of prayer to the spirits of light and darkness, the Æsir and Æsinjur (gods and goddesses) and the earth itself to give them wisdom, words, and healing hands.
The Valkyrie then tells Sigurð her history. We hear of times long ago, which may indicate a secret about the Fylgja connecting it with previous incarnations or genetic memory in the individual. If that is so, then Sigurð's fylgja being punished by sleep for disobeying Oðin may be related to his having become cursed for winning the Rhinegold from the dragon Fafnir, and thereby invoking the curse of the Rhinegold. Another reading gives the conclusion that the sleeping nature of the Fylgja may relate to Sigurð's own personal history, as psychology teaches us that the loss of the sense of divinity that children have as a matter of nature occurs due to social conditioning or trauma, which in this case manifested in the burying of his sense of personal wisdom in a wall of shields within him. This locked power becomes accessible after having destroyed the beast Fafnir and finding his power by facing this shadow. This is strangely reminiscent of Reich's 'character armour' and by cutting into the centre of the armour, we reveal the true nature of the soul as androgynous and wise.
The next several stanzas seem to deal with some various magical uses of the runes.
The first stanza begins with two lines relating to the offering of the magical draught to Sigurð. Then Sigrdrifa claims that the beer is filled with magical songs and Gamanrunar, or pleasure runes. This is interesting as it is a well known fact that beer recipes, up until the 17th century, when Germany passed the first purity laws against beer additives, included a variety of 'magical' herbs that may easily have been associated with magical songs and pleasure. That aside, the runes that might be associated with pleasure and song would be Ansuz, Wunjo, and Gebo.
The second stanza dealing with the runes lists the uses of the Sigrunar, or 'victory runes'. By their very title, the first of the Futhark to enter the mind is Sowulo, which is known in some systems as 'Sig' ('Victory'). Other runes that might fit the mold of 'victory rune' might be Algiz, Thurisaz, or Tiwaz, each of which have protective properties. This may be misleading, as protection and victory are very different things. In that case, the victory runes might be Othila, as it is Oðin's rune, the rune of completion of a long task. The feeling of being victorious might be encapsulated in Wunjo, the rune of joy. The only one we can know for certain from the text would be Tiwaz, as the last line of the stanza says to call on Tyr twice and that rune is named for Tyr. This might be instructions to place a Tiwaz rune on the sword twice, or once on each side.
The third stanza deals with Ölrunar, or "ale-runes". The text seems to suggest that these runes deal primarily with trust issues, though combining that with the fact that the persons being asked to keep one's trust are 'the wives of another' it follows that they are perhaps better known as "fling-runar". These runes are to be written on the back of one's hand or on 'horn' (either a drinking horn, or a phallus could be indicated here). Nauthiz is listed in the text as being drawn on the nails to ensure one's illicit secrets are kept secret. A moment of reflection would beg the question as to why the figurehead of a culture that believed that 'those who committed evil with other men's wives' would be chewed for eternity by serpents and wolves would be sending an emissary empowering one of his agents to do just that. It is either a mistranslation, or there is something we have missed. The stories seem to suggest that the typical attitude of the immortals towards human sexual dramas is taken in a lighthearted manner to say the least. Perhaps the many millennia of being disincarnate leads them to the conclusion that the pains and pleasures of incarnation are to be experienced in as much relish as one can muster, while there is still time. Perhaps, also, it provides the gods with some much needed entertainment. Perhaps there are a few of them up there who prefer soap operas to comedies.
The following stanza seems to also deal with ale-runes, but of a different sort. This type is more for protection against poisoning. The leek was a common charm against poison in ancient times. 'Leek' may also be a reference to the Laguz rune. It was known to be a common custom among Germanic peoples to bless the drink with a Thor's hammer sign before imbibing. This serves perhaps as proof against poison, as stated, but also perhaps as a means of dedicating the drink as an offering to Thor. As Thor is the warder of human kind, then it would make sense in both readings.
Bjargrunar are described in the next stanza. These are runes used to ease childbirth and protect the mother and child in the act of giving birth. Runes that might be suitable for birthing would be Berkana, Inguz, Perthro. They are to be 'risted' (written) on the palms and limbs of the mother. Also, the Disir are called in at this point. This makes perfect sense considering the role of the Disir as protectors of mothers and of the hearth and home. One translation refers to the Nornir (Fates) in place of the Disir. This coincides runically as Perthro is associated both with the Norns and with birthing. Inguz is here indicated due to its energetic similarity to a womb.
The next stanza deals with Brimrunar, or 'brine-runes'. These are charms relating to the safety of ships at sea, which must have been a very useful skill to know in times where boats were the primary method of distance travel. The first rune that immediately leaps to mind when dealing with the brine would be Laguz, the water rune. Considering its shape, Laguz might be considered a suitable candidate for the 'mast rune' mentioned in the text. The reference to 'laying fire' on the the oar might suggest Kano. It may also be that the runes are expected to be burned into the wood of the oars, which seems a suitable way of writing them on wood. Of course, another possible reading of the brine runes would deal with the water element on an emotional level. If this were the case, then the runes most likely to 'calm the seas' as it were might be Laguz, for its association with flow and water, Raido for bringing the errant mind back to the proper path and calming the fury, and perhaps ehwaz as it would be the rider on the horse of the emotions who wishes to get control and be the rider instead of the ridden.
Next is the Limrunar, or 'limb-runes'. These are runes dealing with healing. Leechcraft was thought to be a half-magical practice in ancient times, combining rune lore with hands-on healing and, one can assume, wound dressing. Runes that might be of use here are Uruz, which would give a definite charge of powerful health giving energy, Sowulo, who's positive energy and light would be greatly beneficial to the mental and emotional aspects of the patient, and Ansuz, which would call upon the powers of Oðin. These runes were probably written on the bark of trees to transfer the illness from the patient to the wood. In different translations the boughs to be used would either be to the east or to the west. This is confusing as it is therefore difficult to decide what the meaning would be without knowing for sure which direction.
Speech runes or "Malrunar" would be the focus of the next stanza. Here seems to be runes dealing with getting out of legal troubles. The 'thing' indicated here would be the annual meeting of the tribe where legal disputes between individuals were brought before the council. Having control over whether or not one was to be brought to trial seems to be a kind of astral 'get out of jail free' card. It seems to be a means of charging the whole thing with a field of magic that would be in one's favor. Runes that might work in this case would be Ansuz, Tiwaz, or Raidho.
The last stanza that deals with runes is about Hugrunar, or "soul-runes". They deal directly with wisdom and perceived wisdom. This is one set of runes that we have coming directly from Oðin in the form of Hroptyr ('maligned one' or 'hidden god').
He got them from the liquid that leaked from the head of Heiðdraupnir ('bright dripper') which may be Mimir's skull. It is fairly safe to assume that the source of this liquid is Mimir's well, as there are several references in the lore to drinking from his well in order to gain wisdom. The fact that the next stanza deals directly with Mim's head makes it clear that this is what we are dealing with: that the wisdom runes come from Oðin who learned them from drinking the mead of wisdom from Mimir's well.
Oðin is depicted here as holding 'Brimir's sword". Brimir may be another name for Ymir, in particular the aspect of him that comes from his blood, as 'brim' translates as 'surf' and as we know the sea was made from Ymir's blood. Why Oðin has Brimir's sword is unclear, though we do know that he killed Ymir, and would therefore have had rights to his arms.
Stanzas 15 to 17 of the poem seem to constitute a discreet unit. It seems to be a rune chant. The first line of stanza 15 tells one to write on the shield before the shining god, though in another translation it is goddess. This is perturbing, as it would very much change the meaning of the line. 'The shining As' is Heimdal, whereas the 'shining goddess' would be Sunna. The reference to the shield might point at Sunna more than Heimdal, as we know that Sunna holds the shield Svalin ('cooling') before the sun. The next line tells one to write on Arvak's ear and Alsvith's hoof, and this further supports the theory that we are talking about Sunna, as they are her horses charged with pulling the wagon upon which the sun sits. Line three continues the list of places to write the runes with a reference to Thor's cart (as Thor is Hrungnir's slayer), and Oðin's horse.
Stanzas 16 and 17 seem to be a list of uses for rune charms. They have mythological overtones, which leads one to conclude that they are archetypal images used to refer to many situations. Each phrase has several possible interpretations, which reflect the nature of the charms themselves. By extension, there may be very few situations where runes can't be applied efficaciously, for healing, warfare, or to incite poetry.
Stanza 18 seems to be a more direct indication as to how to use the runes. Carving them into an object, then scraping them into mead seems like a potent means to get the energy of the runes into the body and being of the intended. After that follows a list of beings who have power over the runes through association. It follows that those same beings would be under the influence of the runes as well. If they are identified with each other, then one is the other. To use a rune is to evoke the spirits that are associated with it. The beings listed are Æsir, Elves, and humans. The runes, when imbibed in drink make their way to these archetypal beings and the energies meld into a course of action.
Stanzas 20 and 21 describe a dialogue between Sigurð and Brynhild. Brynhild seems to give Sigurð an ultimatum of sorts. He is presented with a choice between swearing fealty to his destiny, or turning away. He chooses the path of the hero in following his Valkyrie and winning her love throughout his life.
Stanza 22 on the other hand seems to be a fragment from another poem. Its meter is different, and its content could be seen as incongruous with the previous lines. It is not hard to see why a copyist would have lumped them together at this point, as the lines constitute some sound advice and it is not inconceivable that the Valkyries would be giving Sigurð life lessons after he has sworn allegiance. These lines sound as though they would be better placed within the Loddfafnir section of Havamal. Whatever their heritage, I will comment on their import.
Stanza 22 speaks of being guiltless towards kinsmen. This means making an effort to follow one's word when dealing with those who one lives closely with. It is immediately obvious why this would be a good way of not only keeping friends, but also in maintaining a healthy self-respect which so often comes from having harmonious relationships with those one deals with on a daily basis. Wasting energy in pointless feuds on a daily basis has a negative effect on Hamingja and will quickly taint other situations in one's life. The last two lines refer to the increase in general happiness achieved through forgiveness, but it is relevant to note that in different translations there is a discrepancy between on one hand taking no vengeance at all and on the other lessening the extent to which one takes vengeance. Although it is easy to see how forgiveness can quickly lead to happiness, it also seems as though a Christian copyist may have translated the text differently than a pagan one. The Christian may turn the other cheek, and the pagan may pay back kind with kind. What actually occurs is up to the individual, however it is clear that more forgiveness means less resentment and that can only lead to less emotional self-poisoning over time.
Stanza 23 deals with oath taking. It is pleasing to have my own opinion on the matter clearly stated by such an ancient text. So often it seems easier to tell people what they want to hear in spite of one's true wishes only to disappoint them later when it was never one's intention to follow through on the oath. This only leads to disappointment in one's friends and that down the road may poison relationships. The strange thing is that if honesty where employed at the outset there may be an initial moment of conflict between wills, but in most cases that will be much less than the long term poisoning that results from the former situation. The "warg of oaths' or the 'wolf of his word' mentioned in the last line refers to the person who frequently disappoints their friends and family by not keeping their word. The text suggests that it is through this process that one comes to being shunned and mistrusted by those who would otherwise support one, leading to poverty and shame.
Stanza 24 is a warning against arguing with fools at the Thing. This is a way of protecting one's reputation against slander by choosing one's words and battles with care.
Stanza 25 tells of how one would be perceived if one keeps silent about the things that are of concern to you. This is seen as the way of cowardice in a society that values open discussion. To complain of things after one has left the situation when open conflict was called for is seen as the way of the weak and the coward. If one is wronged, speak up fearlessly and the truth will not be mistaken for the words of one's detractors. To keep silent is often seen a sign of guilt, whether that guilt exists or not. If the liars and the fools are able to speak their version of the story it will be believed unless contradicted openly.
Stanza 26 is a warning against staying with an evil minded woman. What more need be said. It is too easy to be robbed and killed in one's sleep, or entrapped emotionally. At times the unknown danger of the world at night is preferable bedding down with serpents. Becoming entangled with an evil minded person only leads to sharing in their bad luck.
Stanza 27 warns one to be focused on the task at hand, to have keen perception in the moment so that no fatal surprises will come on one when one is distracted in battle.
Stanza 28 warns against unhealthy sexual obsession. A lot of energy can be lost by being unable to let go of one's obsession.
Stanzas 29 and 30 tell of the dangers of taking the ire of a drunk seriously. It is unwise to get riled up over things said when the wine is flowing. Getting too involved in the brawls of the drunken only leads to sorrow and woe.
Stanza 31 tells that if one seeks to fight a strong enemy, it is better to have it out than to die secure in your home.
Stanza 32 warns against being false, lying, or beguiling maids and the wives of other men. These are seen as evil courses of action.
Stanza 33 tells one to bury those corpses one may stumble across in one's travels. This is not only sanitary, but respectful.
Stanza 34 deals with pre-burial rites of cleansing and prayers.
Stanza 35 warns against trusting the word of one of the family members of those you have killed. There is sure to be a smoldering resentment in such people, despite their outward appearance of civility.
Stanza 36 warns one to be constantly on guard against the evils of the world. They never rest, and so in order to conquer them, great efforts must be made towards being awake and aware.
The 27th and final stanza warns against being wrathful or treacherous towards one's friends. There are enemies enough in the world at large, and to make waves with one's allies is to shorten one's life all that much more.
As you can see, the meaning of this poem takes on new light when interpreted with an informed knowledge of the runes and their meanings. On one hand we have an apt description of the path of the spirit towards liberation, and on the other is a list of tools and ethical advice to aid the hero on that journey. Its value is incomparable when read with the right understanding. It is no wonder that it has retained so much influence over the minds of the ancestors of its originators. The mythic resonance is encoded in the forms that populate its lines. We would go so far as to say that a full understanding of the implications of this poem will lead to a spiritual awakening in the reader.
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Testing the blood glucose level yourself
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you are a vegetarian who has been diagnosed with diabetes, you can still maintain your diabetic diet. In some cases a vegetarian diet may be a healthy way to keep your blood glucose levels stable - that is if you are eating lean high-quality proteins and are following other rules for eating as a diabetic.
As a lot of vegans and vegetarians eat a larger amount of fruits and vegetables in a day than a non-vegetarian and their fiber intake is much higher too. An increased amount of fiber in a diabetic’s diet can help blood sugars because it slows down the process of the body digesting carbohydrates. A vegetarian’s diet is usually lower in cholesterol as well and it can help ward off cardiovascular disease including heart attacks and strokes.
If you are diabetic and are considering a switch to a diabetic diet some of the benefits you might derive include a higher rate of weight loss and better blood sugar readings. This is dependant on the types of vegetarian meals you choose as some meatless meals can be just as fattening as ones that contain meat.
Speak to your doctor and dietician before making the switch. You will need information on how to transition yourself to your new diet. You will also get a list of meat alternatives you should eat in order to get enough protein in a day. These can include tofu, nuts, eggs, and seeds.
As with any change, once your switch to a vegetarian diet give yourself and your body time to adjust. There are many recipes and ideas for vegetarian dishes and you will find a lot of variety and flexibility in the meals that you prepare. Check your blood sugars frequently to make sure your blood glucose levels remain stable during the change.
Meditation has been practiced around the world for thousands of years. It is a techiniqe used to quiet the mind and body, and release stress. It can also bring focus and clarity, and often, after meditating, problems that you have been struggling with, miraculously become solved. Meditation has also been known to inspire people to write, and to spur lucrative business ideas, as your subconscious comes to light.
One simple form of meditation, requires you to sit in a quiet room, either on a pillow, or cross-legged on the floor, or in a comfortable chair, making sure your spine is straight. It is advised that you use the same place every day. It is also suggested that you personalize your spot, by beautifying it with candles, flowers, and pictures of the people that you love.
The idea is to sit quietly, with your eyes closed, and focus on a point inside of your forehead. Try not to think of anything in particular, but don't try 'not' to think either, allowing your mind to become calm, and peaceful. If you find that your mind is 'chattering', don't try to control it, just let it finish what it is that it is working on, it will eventually quiet down. It is also recommended for beginners to begin with ten to twenty minute sessions, each day. After awhile of doing this, you will start to feel deep relaxation and joy during these sessions.
The first step to this self-hypnosis is to sit in a quiet, comfortable spot, making sure you are facing a wall about eight feet away from you. Pick a spot or object on that wall, and make that spot or object your focal point. Looking at your focal point, begin counting backwards from 100, one number for each breath you exhale. As you do this, imagine yourself floating, and feeling very relaxed. You will begin to feel your eyelids getting heavy, and may begin to blink. Let your eyes slowly close, and as you continue to count backwards, imagine yourself as limp as a ragdoll, totally relaxed, and floating in a safe and comfprtable place. Stop counting, and just float in your space. If any disturbing thoughts should come while in your space, just let them flow out again, and allow yourself to continue to feel safe and relaxed. This technique can help you to cope with stress, and discharge the tension that accumulates during stressful situations.
When you are ready to come out of this self-hypnosis, you can either let yourself drift off to sleep, or you can count from one to three and exit. First, count one, and get yourself ready to exit. At two, take a deep breath, and hold for a few seconds. At three, exhale and open your eyes slowly. As you open your eyes, continue to hold on to that relaxed and comfortable feeling.
You may then want to increase the length of your sessions to thirty minutes, or maybe even an hour. In our highly active lifestyles of today, it is imperative that we include a brief time for meditation in our daily schedule. For more self-help techniques and tips, please visit my website.
Reiki is another form of alternative medicine. Although it can cure certain illnesses, one that has never been thoroughly studied in humans is anemia.
Anemia is a common blood disorder and this happens when the person's red blood cells are below normal. This often leads to other health problems like fatigue and stress that affects the body's other organs.
Until such time that there is scientific proof that it can help patients who are suffering from anemia, Reiki should not be recommended or even attempted. The person should seek the help of a medical professional and then work with what is available.
But if Reiki cannot be used to treat those suffering from anemia, where can it be used? This technique has been known to energize the body and relieve it from stress, prevent physical disorders, maintain a balanced state of health as well as minimize a sense of helplessness when faced with a daunting situation. It can be used anywhere and at anytime that may also be used on plants and animals.
The medical community for its part has only done a few tests to check on Reiki's effectiveness. For instance, a random test shows that it has an adverse effect on the nervous system as it can lower one's blood pressure, heart rate and breathing.
Another suggests it can help the person fight the symptoms of depression. There was also a report stating that Reiki can aid in patients who are in stroke recovery since positive effects on both energy and mood have been noted.
The nice thing about Reiki is that it is completely safe. The patient does not have to be injected or required to swallow anything. He or she will just have to sit still and just relax while the practitioner puts the hand over the body.
It should also be pointed out that it does not attack the disease but rather supports the person experiencing the disease to encourage him or her to fight it in order to once again have a state of balance.
For those that want to try it, they can do so as long as they use their common sense. If the doctor tells them that they have to take certain medication, it is best that they do follow it and they use alternative forms of medicine like Reiki to help them out.
This is after it has been pointed out that doctors have taken interest with Reiki and other forms of complementary and alternative medicine or CAM which is already taught in most US medical schools.
Despite the lack of tests, some doctors also insist patients to try it out since these are low risk practices that do not have adverse side effects.
The difference between conventional medicine and Reiki is the approach. The traditional way focuses on detection on treatment while the other sees it from a holistic, whole person approach that extends way beyond the person's pathophysiology.
Is one better than the other? That is really hard to tell. So until such time that Reiki can cure anemia and any other disorder, patients and their loved ones are advised to approach this situation the conventional way given that this the most logical choice.
Just remember that there is nothing wrong thinking outside the box because you might just get lucky and find a cure.
A severe case of cystic acne. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Acne is cured by acne medication, right? The answer is: when you have acne, it is not always advisable to head on to the nearest drugstore and buy acne medication.
Store-bought acne products aren't usually the best choice, as they can contain various chemicals that may only irritate the skin. Since skin differs from person to person, there is never any guarantee that an acne product that worked for your friend would work for you. In fact, your friend's acne medication may even be detrimental to your skin's integrity, and might cause a new break-out.
The chemicals found in artificial acne products, even those that purport to make your acne disappear in a matter of days, are often too strong that in the long run, they will only be harmful to your skin and cause excessive dryness. Some acne medication will even make you dependent so you would have a breakout each time you attempt to stop using it.
Indeed, there are times when it's better to just opt for acne home remedies. They may take longer to take effect, but at least you will not have to suffer from any hidden long-term effects. Using acne home remedies is also much more affordable than using those acne products, which usually come with exorbitant prices.
The use of tea tree oil in treating acne has always been rather popular. Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol which makes it a good anti-bacterial agent. Applied on your skin, specifically on the lesions caused by acne, tea tree oil can kill the bacteria Propionibacterium Acnes.
Remember, however, that if you're going to use tea tree oil on your acne lesions, dilute the tea tree oil first in water before applying it topically.
Acne home remedy #2: Honey
Another acne home remedy with anti-bacterial properties is honey. Honey is most commonly used for the treatment of colds, but few people know that it may also be used to treat acne. All you need to do is to apply a film of honey on your face, let it settle and then rinse it off thoroughly. You only have to do this once or twice a week. Honey is an all-natural acne remedy, so you will not have to worry about irritation.
Kombucha tea is another popular natural treatment for acne. Drinking one glass of Kombucha tea a day can really improve your skin's immune system. Since this particular tea has antibacterial properties, it can also kill the infection in the red and inflamed pustules that are caused by acne.
What's great about Kombucha tea is that it's not just recommended for treating acne, but also for treating various other conditions. You're guaranteed to live a healthier life if you take Kombucha Tea everyday.
Acne home remedy #4: Facial Steam
Another good home remedy for acne is facial steam. All you need to do is to mix 2 to 4 tablespoons of dry herbs and 2 quarts of water in a pot. You can use herbs like lavender, red clover and strawberry. Personally, I prefer lavender since it has antibacterial properties and can stimulate the growth of healthy cells.
Allow the mixture in the pot to steam and then sit at a comfortable distance from the steam. Immerse your face in the steam for fifteen minutes. The heat will open up your pores and facilitate the removal of oil and bacteria.
When you're done with your facial steam acne remedy, pat your face with cool water to close up the pores and then pat your face dry with a clean towel.
Getting Acne Clear is no longer a pipe dream or reserved for those that can afford the latest laser surgery treatments. Use the four remedies in this article, and you could also clear your acne for good.
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Are you not satisfied with your present life? Are you dreaming that someday you will be able to live a rewarding life? Perhaps you're aspiring for a stronger marriage or a better job, gratifying relationships, and a happier family life; whatever your wishes and intentions are, all those things are realizable.
Most people would write down their dreams and goals hoping that someday all their dreams will eventually come true. Although all those things are important, it's not easy to pursue such dreams. This is because your everyday life is always crowded with routine demands from work, family, community, and etc. Oftentimes, you focus on other priorities and that's why you can't easily break away from all those things.
If you want to experience and break out and see what God has intended for you, it's really very simple. Try reading the scriptures and you can learn a lot. In fact there's the so-called scripture meditation. You can even find sites about it and by reading the scriptures or the Holy Bible you can greatly improve your way of life.
You can learn a lot from the scriptures. A simple verse from the bible can give a lot of meaning, and by meditating on it you can actually apply the words from the bible into real life situations.
Take for example Proverbs 12:11; it's about food and fantasies. Many people are easily tempted of fantasies because real life is sometimes uninteresting. The verse is indeed true and is applicable to real life. If only a person works faithfully on his land, then he will have food for his table. Whereas, persons who chase their unending fantasies and don’t plant crops, then they have nothing to harvest.
The important point in that verse is that people should stick to reality, and that each person should take risks not blindly. There are risks involved when you're pursuing your dreams, and if you lack knowledge, in can be very expensive in life's terms.
Different religions have different beliefs, but one thing that's common among them is that they trust one God although the name varies from one religion to another. They also have different bibles where the scriptures are written. These things are considered as food for the soul, and so one must not forget to live by what the scriptures say in order to live the best days of his life.
If you want, you can join certain organizations that read the scriptures, and reflect on them. By meditating on the scriptures, you will understand what God has planned for you. Your mind will be clearer and you can set your priorities straight. No more dreaming because you now know ways to achieve such dreams through God. If you only focus on your dreams and live by what the scriptures say, then perhaps you can have a rewarding and fruitful life. The best times of your life are waiting for you.
So don’t be left behind. Many people are also into scripture meditation. Try to find someone who can help you out. It's never too late, and who knows, the best times are just around the corner waiting for you. You have to start meditation now, and don’t postpone it for tomorrow.
