Characteristics of SOUL

At the dawn of spring, I am reminded by my children the joy of anticipating new life.

They will usually see a flower or two that has made its way through the soil to a world beyond itself. What starts out as a seedling or bulb is transformed by nature's capacity to evolve.

Yellow flower of Gazania rigens  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Inside each of us lies dormant an awareness, an identity, an ability to grow beyond what we appear to be. Every moment, we are being challenged by others and by circumstances to create a life that exceeds our present state of living.

To move toward our highest good takes a willingness on our part to let go of what we know to what can be known in and through us. You and I are part of the Created Order we see around us, and we are participants in Creating Order out of what we have been given to care for.

With this in mind, let us turn to ways our soul can be described in the characteristics that make up a flower:

1. The Ground.

The ground nurtures, protects, and gives birth to a flower. Inside the womb of the ground, life is taking root long before we can see it. Because we cannot see a flower that has been planted in the earth, does not mean life is not being created. To be full participants in our world means to be fully connected and rooted in the world we have been given.

2. The Stem.

The stem begins its growth in the earth below and into the sky above. This part of the flower is the connecting characteristic of the plant. Much like humanity, we are in this world without being fully of it. This creates a sacredness to our lives. It is our unique ability to live and grow in a way no one ever has, is, or ever will.

3. The Flower.

In full bloom, a flower is the illumination of all the life that has preceded it. The radiance and color that pour out of it create life. Notice the next time you look at a flower how you are affected by it. You may notice your heart open and be filled with joy. Or, you may notice more energy and clarity in your vision for being blessed with great beauty.

4. The Spirit of a Flower.

The spirit of a flower is the life force moving in and through it. It is the essence of a flower that identifies with your spirit. This part of you opens from the inside out and becomes ONE with the spirit of a flower. It is the same energy that runs in and through you. Like a flower, you begin to radiate your own soul from the essence of your own being. 

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Each spring, take the time to notice the part of you opening up to new life. Just like flowers, we grow from the inside out. What illuminates in our life began inside us. We nurture these inner qualities of attention until they eventually take root and grow into our daily lives. The growth that follows is created from what we attend to or hold our attention on within us.

Like the pedals of a flower opening to the world around it, we create a presence of awareness. In full bloom, the beauty or the lack thereof touches the lives of everyone around us. As our inner patterns of attention move through us, the world illuminates the seeds of awareness contained within us for so long. Here, a life is created. It is the life of our soul.

                                                                                                                 Samuel Oliver, author of, "What the Dying Teach Us: Lessons on Living"

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Why Use a HOUSE ENERGY SHIELD

We all know how dangerous lightning can be. In fact, the Discovery Channel’s Mythbusters have proven through some experiments just how dangerous having your house hit by lightning is.

Lightning, when it hits a house, actually travels through a home’s electrical system. The lightning tries to find the quickest way to the ground. It can travel through your plumbing and even through the phone.

That is just the reason why you should avoid the phone or the computer during a thunderstorm. A lightning bolt traveling through your phone into your body can actually kill you in less than a second. You might reason out that there are a lot of stories circulating about people who survive being struck by lightning. However, you have to ask yourself one question: do you feel lucky?

In the same note, you should also avoid the shower, as water plus electricity equals very bad news. 

Now that you know at least the basics of home lightning safety, let’s move on to your stuff. As said before, Lightning can travel through the house electrical system. This would be no problem for simple appliances like electric fans or light bulbs. 

Don’t breathe easy yet, because the appliances that lightning does damage are the ones containing microchips. That’s right: lightning will damage your precious high tech equipment. 

What do you do? Well, they always say that preparation is always the best thing you can do. Here are some tips:

1) Unplug all damageable appliances if you think a storm is coming – This would disconnect all the appliances from your house’s main electrical circuit and will save your stuff from being fried.

2) Get a lightning rod – Of course, almost everybody has heard about a lightning rod. This simple device attracts the lightning and diverts it from the house. This device is also grounded. This means that the lightning rod actually makes a pathway for the lightning to reach the ground as quickly as possible without damaging your equipment.

3) Get a house energy shield – This is a relatively new concept built for the sole purpose of preventing surges from frying your appliances.

House energy shields are often installed by electronics companies who specialize in accessories. If you are imagining your house covered by futuristic energy shields that deflect lightning blasts, you may have been reading too much science fiction. A house energy shield is a system provided by some companies that will protect your electrical circuit from damage in case of energy surges.

A house energy shield composes of a number of surge protectors that protect specific appliances. This prevents lightning from doing any real damage to your precious stuff.

Another component of a house energy shield is the UPS or Uninterruptible Power Supply. This piece of equipment actually provides clean power when you experience a power surge or brownout.

We all know the risks of not properly shutting down your computer. A UPS actually gives your system the proper time to shutdown before running out of power. Another problem with sudden brownouts is data loss. Don’t you just hate it when a brownout suddenly turns off your computer and you remember that you forgot to save a document you were working on?

Well, this part of the house energy shield system will allow you to save your files even when you experience a brownout. Now isn’t that just amazing?

House energy shield systems can actually be found in the internet. There are all sorts of equipments and accessories which you can use to protect your electrical system from being damaged due to unfortunate incidents.

You may also choose to buy different types of surge protection equipment and design your own house energy shield. Whatever your choice, you need to know that technology today can let you do whatever you need.

So, there you go, those are some things you may want to know about house energy shields. Remember that a thing doesn’t have to look good or even be visible in order to be effective. This is the case with a house energy shield. Sure, your house may not be enclosed in a force field, but you are protected.

And in the end, protection really does matter, right?

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Abundance and Prosperity REIKI

Everyone deserves to be happy. In fact, this can only happen when there is abundance and prosperity which happen to be the basic principles of Reiki.

Abundance and prosperity Reiki can only be achieved by following the five principles namely give cheerfully, change your voice if you want to desire, know your life’s purpose, be aware that there must be no mistakes or regrets and living the mantra.

Dr. Usui believed that by having these in our thoughts and what we say, we are able to live positive lives. If we dwell in doubt and other negative things, our dreams will never happen.

As Reiki practitioners, we should use our talent not only to heal ourselves and those around us but also the world at large. This is because attunement strengthens our thoughts making us realize that we have a potential to do more in our life.

But you have to admit that words have different meanings for each of us. For some abundance and prosperity means more money and wealth while some may see it as success in business or in one’s career.

Of course this definition may also mean having a loving marriage and a loving family. It just goes to show that it does not always mean material things.

This is probably one of the things that make us extraordinary among the other species in the planet because we have the creative power of divine heart and mind connection. We just have to tap this gift and use it so we may be able to fulfill or even find our purpose in life.

So what are money, love and peace? Such things are energies that we see as reality. But such a belief is not pointed in just one direction when Reiki’s energy is universal and we can use that power to change what is happening around us.

One thing we have to remember is that there are universal laws that govern abundance. Seasons come and go and despite everything, we are just limitless beings. This is why man must strive for the highest good and hold on to things that are only of value to ourselves.

When we feel that things are not going our way, this is the time that we must reflect and see if the things that are considered to be important hold the same priority as they did before. If they do not, this must be removed and then changed to a positive energy that can produce something better. In essence, we let go of the old to make room for the new.

How do you begin this journey? By creating a list of what is important in your life, reviewing each one and then figuring out which of these have to go. It is best to pay attention to how you feel about each one and then only keep those that add value to your quality of life.

This is probably the most important part in any level of Reiki as you are undergoing the 21 day cleansing process. Afterwards, you can move on with our life because Abundance and Prosperity can be achieved by using Reiki as your guide.

If you need references, look at the manual that was given to your during the 2 day training because this is not something you read and throw away.

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Uses Of ALOE VERA In Modern And Folk Medicines

The healing benefits of aloe vera have been recorded throughout the world's history for thousands of years, but only recently has modern medicine placed the "miracle plant" under laboratory investigation and began to unlock the deep secrets of aloe's amazing chemical composition.

Aloe vera (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Aloe has such unique healing abilities, proven scientifically, like no other plant. There have been many studies on aloe. The key ingredient in aloe vera is mucopolysaccharides [MPS] (long-chain sugars) that have very strong antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory properties proven scientifically. Many articles on aloe's remarkable healing abilities were published in the most prestigious medicinal magazines.

Even if you think it is easier just to buy a commercial aloe product, like gel or juice, it is still not going to be the same as aloe gel squeezed from a fresh aloe leaf because many aloe products on the market are either diluted or improperly processed. While traditional medicine has been using aloe as part of some drugs or cosmetic products for decades, folk medicine has been using aloe for a few thousand years and has built up an impressive collection of home remedies for many ailments.

There are two ways to prepare aloe gel at home: a regular method and a biogenic stimulation method. The biogenic stimulation method is very easy to do at home. It is a powerful weapon against tumors and serious illnesses, like stomach cancer, tuberculosis, radiation burns and mastopathy. This method was proven scientifically in 1930s and has already been successfully used by traditional and folk medicines in treating various diseases in the last 70 years.

Aloe vera can be used externally and internally.

Aloe vera gel used externally helps with acne, sunburns, thermal and radiation burns, boils, dandruff, gum sores, dermatitis, edemas, hemorrhoids, inflammation in the eyes, insect bites and stings, psoriasis, skin rashes and irritations, ulcers, varicose veins, warts, wounds and wrinkles. When you apply freshly squeezed aloe vera gel on the affected area of the skin, it creates a protective coating which speeds up the healing process, decreases swelling and redness, reduces inflammation, relieves pain, promotes synthesis of collagen in tissue and prevents blisters in case of burns.

Taken internally, it reduces inflammation which is involved in such diseases as ulcerative colitis, arthritis, and gastritis, helps with the reduction of blood sugar with both type I and II diabetes and has a powerful healing effect on AIDS, cancer, tumors and many different immune system disorders. Mucopolysaccharides found in aloe vera are very effective intracellular antioxidants which is very important in preventing and treating arteriosclerosis, heart disorders and Parkinson's disease.

Today home remedies have become more and more popular because people have become aware of the harmful side effects of synthetic drugs.

If you are interested in treating your health problems naturally, with home remedies that cost just pennies, download today the report Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor, which is filled with over 150 tested home remedies.

By Yulia Berry Yulia Berry is a professional makeup artist. It has been her passion to collect the most interesting natural home remedies, healthy diet plans, and beauty and makeup tips from different countries. She spent a few years researching alternative cures and healthy dieting. A part of her huge collection has been published on the website Great Home Remedies. In September 2007 she released her ebook Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor where over 150 unique and tested home remedies based on an aloe vera plant were published for the first time. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Drawbacks to PILATES

Instruction in the Pilates method can be quite costly. These costs are justified by instructors due to their expensive education, the cost of equipment and also the cost of studio rentals.

Sometimes a person new to Pilates will be given individual supervision until the instructor believes that the trainee has developed enough knowledge to continue his or her training in a group or a class.

Curso de Instructor de Pilates (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here is another less obvious drawback to consider. While Pilates can serve to tone the transverse abdominis and rectus muscles, when it is performed to often or wrongly, it can cause an over-development in the internal and external oblique muscles of the abdomen.

This usually results in a flat stomach but sometimes a wider waist. This is because a lot of the Pilates exercises are practiced through flexion while the torso moves in a linear, forward fashion.

Exercising during pregnancy has been found to be important for preventing musculoskeletal problems and for maintaining muscle strength.

When Pilates is used in pregnancy, it has been found to have many benefits both physically and mentally.

However, many exercises during pregnancy are contra-indicated. The use of Pilates when a woman is

pregnant should first meet with the approval of her doctor. Then it should only be used if one is being guided by a qualified expert.

Legal action

In recent years, the term -Pilates- came under fire and resulted in a lawsuit. However the U.S. federal court ruled that this term was generic and was free for unrestricted use.

This has caused confusion among consumers because many people do not know what Pilates really is and what credentials they should look for in an instructor.

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Effective ACUPUNCTURE Treatments before Surgery

There are times in which our health necessitates us going in for surgery for one reason or another.  For some of us, it may be what is referred to as a routine procedure but for others, the surgery that we are going through may be life altering and very severe.  Regardless of why we are going in for the surgery or of how severe the treatment, acupuncture is one way that has been used to help us to get through the process easier.  What different things can acupuncture do for us when we need to have surgery?

Acupuncture needles
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Acupuncture has actually been used for thousands of years but it is only recently become popular in the westernized world.  As more people are using the procedure, they are finding that it benefits us in many different ways.  One of the ways in which it benefits us is through pain management and by keeping our body in a balanced state.  The entire concept of Chi, the energy that flows through our body and of the balance that needs to exist in all things is what brought about the art of acupuncture.  Now, they're using this ancient Chinese medicine in order to help us when we are undergoing surgery.

Acupuncture can be administered before and after surgery as a way to reduce the amount of pain that an individual is feeling.  As a matter of fact, it is sometimes administered during surgery in order to keep the individual from feeling some of the pain of the surgery itself.  Not only is it available to block pain to a certain extent, it is able to help us to heal so that we have a shorter recovery time that involves less pain.  It also keeps us from having to take too much pain medication during that time.

Another thing that acupuncture is able to do is to reduce the amount of nausea that is experienced by women who are undergoing breast surgery.  Nausea is a fairly common side effect that is felt by these women but acupuncture is able to overcome some of the discomfort and negative experiences that they may have.

As we continue to learn more about the benefits of using acupuncture during surgery, it's hard to tell how frequently it will be used in order to control pain and to help keep the body in a balanced condition.

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Vitamins Used To Treat ACNE

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What vitamins can be used to treat acne?

Due to the incredibly unhealthy diets that have become the norm in modern day America, it is no wonder that vitamin deficiencies are so rampant. Only about 10-20% of Americans consume the recommended amount of the important vitamins and minerals on a daily basis. This vitamin deficiency has led to many problems in the bodies of Americans, and obviously the skin, the largest organ of the body, is affected by this deficiency as well.

There are many vitamins that can all contribute to fighting and preventing the formation of acne on the skin. Different vitamins have different uses ranging from antioxidants (clearing the skin of harmful toxins) to antibacterial (fighting bacteria which can cause acne, helping to prevent it from forming) and more. This article will help to point out and explain which vitamins can be used to help against acne and what it is that they do.

The main vitamins that help to combat acne are Vitamin A, the B Vitamins, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Chromium and Zinc. Each of these vitamins helps to fight acne in a different way and when used in conjunction they can help greatly to reduce the affects of acne and even prevent its breakout altogether. If you decide to use these vitamins, most likely through form of supplements since trying to consume the right amounts through dieting can be difficult, it is extremely important to follow the dosage instructions and to never take too much of any vitamin. Taking too much of many vitamins can be toxic and can lead to illness and worse problems, so always be careful and patient.

Vitamins A and E are strong antioxidants and help to promote healthy skin. Zinc is also an antioxidant but more importantly it helps to regulate the production of oil in the oil glands. Chromium aids in reducing the infections in the skin which can prevent acne from spreading. The B Complex vitamins and Vitamin C are more like super-vitamins. Both of these have countless functions in maintaining a healthy body and involving these in your daily diet is only too important.

The main reason that each of these vitamins is so important is not only their assistance to fighting and preventing acne but also the simple fact that a deficiency in any single one of these vitamins can lead to acne breakouts. Because of this, the importance of consuming the correct amounts of these vitamins every day through either diet, which can be very difficult, or in supplement form is simply undeniable. By being knowledgeable of these vitamins and by attempting to meet the recommended amounts each day, a person can combat acne much more effectively and help to prevent it from occurring altogether.

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A Gift of Sight: Visual Perception Treatment for AUTISTIC CHILDREN

A little autistic girl. 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Autism effects every child differently, so it is difficult to find the exact treatments your child needs to cope with his or her symptoms. One thing that effects some autistic children (though, not all) is problems with visual perception. By using some standardized methods to help improve visual perception, you can give your child the ability to see the world more clearly, making learning and comprehension easier and possibly curbing some behavior problems as well.

Autistic children mainly have problems with sensory overload and distortion. These are some of the same problems many people not suffering from the disorder develop, and so many treatment options have become available. Individuals with autism often find, however, that the sensory overload of the world due to light, colors, contrast, shapes, and patterns, is too much to handle, causing them to act out or shut down in general.  This is sometimes a genetic condition that is simply enhanced by the autism, so if the child's parents have trouble with reading or have been otherwise treated for visual perceptive problems, there is a good chance that the child needs help as well. 

The Irene Method is one effective way to treat visual perception disorders. This method uses color to create a more harmonized world. You may have heard of these methods if anyone has ever suggested using a color filter over the page when reading to be able to read better and more quickly. This method is proven to work, and if your autistic child is at the maturity level of reading, you may want to try these color filters to see if there is a difference in speed and comprehension. However, it is more likely that your autistic child will benefit from color filters during the entire day, not just when reading. Special glasses have been made using colored lenses to conquer this problem. Not every child responds the same way to every color, so it is a process of trial and error to find out which color is the one blocking the harmful light. You can also choose to use colored light bulbs in your home to help autistic individuals with their visual perception problems. 

This method mainly helps children in 4 areas: depth perception, social interaction, learning, and physical well being. The colors help the child determine how far he or she is from an object, and the world becomes more three-dimensional, helping depth perception. Social interaction also improves because the child feels as though he or she is in a calmer world and can more clearly see and interpret facial expressions. The colors make it possible to learn, especially when reading, and overall, the child will feel better, because it helps reduce headaches and dizziness. By testing this technique and others to help visual perception problems, you can help your child better cope with the world and his or her autism. 

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DHYANA

Almost everyone has experienced the fact that when one starts concentrating his mind on any immediate object or an idea, the mind starts wandering. It is very difficult to keep the mind busy with a single thought. The ancient sages too encountered the same problems. Arjuna, in Gita had mentioned that controlling the mind is an impossible thing on earth. Hence, he was advised by Krishna that though mind control is difficult, it can be made silent and steady by regular practice of vairagya and abhyasa. However, he has warned that yoga is very difficult for people whose minds are not steady and controlled. Pantanjali, in Yoga Sutra has emphasized these two qualities to achieve mind control. Hence ,these are the very qualities that make the essence of yoga.

Lord Krishna instructing the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna in Kurukshetra.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mind is like a disturbed pond with many impurities. First you need to stop the inflow of fresh impurities and then remove the existing impurities to clean the mind. Abhyasa is one of the practices for purifying the mind. Dhyana is one of the sub practices of abhyasa. This is a stage that a person reaches after practicing concentration for some time. At the start of dhyana, the mind is steadier and only a single thought about an object arises in the mind. Now it is safe to say that the state of dhyana is reached. Here, the mind becomes very stable like the flame of a lamp in a calm atmosphere and its contact with the object of experience becomes intense and complete.

There are two varieties of dhyana called sagunadhyana and nirgunadhyana. In the first dhyana, the stillness of mind is associated with an object of experience which can be experienced through the sense organs. The second one is completely mental. It implies complete absorption of mind into itself. Here, the mind is not associated with any external object. It becomes completely still in this state. This mind is supposed to remain still, silent and sensitive such that it can understand any past, present and future event that might have happened anywhere in the universe.

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VOODOO and WITCHCRAFT - Parallel Histories and Modern Spell Casting

Witchcraft and Voodoo are fundamentally very similar. Each is a venue for spirituality. Both reach out to the divine.

The motivation behind both Voodoo and Witchcraft is also similar; not evil or malicious, Voodoo and Witchcraft at their core are made to help real people solve the real problems that occur in their daily lives. These are holistic spiritual practices meant to touch every aspect of a person's life; they promote spiritual development, personal enrichment, and love.

Voodoo Altar, French Quarter, New Orleans
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The history of Voodoo and Witchcraft also has parallels. While Voodoo is an African magical tradition, Witchcraft is primarily a European tradition. However, both Voodoo and Witchcraft have been severely repressed. Many Witches suffered torture and death at the hands of religious authorities throughout Europe and the Americas. Similarly, when Voodoo Priests were stolen from Africa as slaves and brought to the Americas, slave masters feared the power of Voodoo magics and attempted to stamp it out at every turn.

Nonetheless, Voodoo and Witchcraft have survived. This is a testament to the power and love that lives within the hearts of devout practitioners of both traditions. Despite many centuries of severe persecution, both have retained their traditional beliefs, spells, and practices. Each has emerged stronger and more powerful in this modern world. And both are still readily available at the fingertips of those who need help from the modern Witch or Voodoo Priest.

Aside from this parallel history, the thing Voodoo and Witchcraft have most obviously in common is the practice of spell casting. As both have retained ancient magical practices the mainstream world has forgotten, they are able to offer something to us in this modern world that virtually no other venue can. It is these traditions, as well as others - such as Santeria, Candomble, Obeah, Kabbalah,

Ceremonial Magic, and more - that have retained the secrets of the ancient world and the mysteries therein. The most common workings of these - spells - can take many forms.

Voodoo and Witchcraft share many elements when it comes to spell casting. Although the rituals are very different, the purpose of the rituals is what is similar. Voodoo and Witchcraft can certainly be used for high spiritual ends, but they are also very practical. People frequently visit the Witch or Voodoo Priest for love spells, spells to help out with money, and other types of workings that generally make life easier. This is one of the amazing things about both Voodoo and Witchcraft that many mainstream religions miss out on - they understand you. They are very down to earth, understand your specific problems as a human being, and can proscribe spells and rituals that will actually help them.

The choice between Voodoo and Witchcraft is largely a matter of personal taste. When you are seeking someone to help you with spells, spiritual matters, energy work, or anything else it is important to find someone you are comfortable with. Many people have an affinity for Voodoo; if Voodoo calls out to you, by all means you should find a Voodoo Priest to help you. If Witchcraft appeals more to you, you should find a Witch. As spiritual beings first and foremost we know what is best for us; listen to your heart and find the tradition that speaks to you.

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The History Of TATTOOS

Tattoos have a rich history of tradition, dating back thousands and thousands of years.  Throughout the course of time, there has always been an important role of tradition and ritual behind tattoos.  In the past, women in Borneo used tattoos as a way to mark their skills.  Tattoos were also used in the past as a way to ward away illnesses and disease by placing the tattoo around the fingers and on the wrist.  Throughout history, tattoos have also been used to symbolize a clan or society as well.

Tattos of Cross on Croatian women in Bosnia and Herzegovina
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The purpose of tattoos has differed from culture to culture throughout the course of time.  Research has shown that the earliest tattoos come from Egypt during the time of the pyramids, although most believe they started much earlier.  Egyptians at this time were believed to use tattoos as a way to mark the slaves and the peasants.  Around 2,000 BC, tattoos spread to China and then on to Greece, where the Greeks used tattoos as a way to communicate among spies.

Along the way, Japan also incorporated the use of tattoos as well.  The Japanese people used tattoos for religious and ceremonial rites.  During this era, Borneo women were the artists.  They produced the designs that indicated the individuals point in life and the tribe that he was affiliated with.  Tattoos were very popular during these days, although infections were quite common.  Tattoos were a long way from being perfected – which showed in the way they were done.

Tattoos were shown in the western regions as well, although they weren’t well accepted at first. William Dampher, who was once an explorer, was the man who re-introduced tattoos to the western areas.  During the year 1961, he brought a heavily tattooed Prince to the area, showing off his tattoos with exhibitions.  He made quite a bit of money with these attractions, which in turn made tattoos very popular and well desired throughout London and surrounding areas.  Before then, it was nearly 600 years since tattoos had been witnessed in the area.

Chatham Square, which is located in New York City, was the first place to feature American styled tattoos.  During the turn of the century, Chatham Square attracted people from all over the United States, especially those with money.  A man by the name of Samuel O-Reily set up shop in Chatham Square, becoming the first man to use an electric tattoo gun.  In the beginning, the now popular tattoo gun was based on Thomas Edison’s electric pin that used a needle point to puncture paper.

The electric tattoo gun features moving coils, a needle bar and tube, which are common components of today’s guns.  The electric gun was very popular, allowing those who wanted a tattoo to get one at a great price.  These guns helped to revolutionize tattoos and allowed the tattoo artists to give tattoos fairly fast as well.  People took to this new technology in flocks, making it by far the best and most efficient ways to get tattoos.

During the late 1960s, tattoos really began to take off.  They were featured in magazines, television, and talked about everywhere.  These days, tattoos are very common, with nearly ½ of the population in the United States having at least one tattoo.  They are still common with bikers and clans, symbolizing that one is a member.  There are millions of designs out there for tattoos – including different color combinations that have helped to make tattoos the phenomenon they are today.

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10 Important Concepts of TAI CHI

Practicing Tai Chi is not merely a swing of the arm and the movement of the feet. There is a reason behind every movement and style that is made. These concepts paved the way to building every form of Tai Chi. So you have to pay close attention on the things that are not brought up every once in a while because even though if things seem so basic, they are indeed important.

Picture: Wikimedia

Here are 10 of the most important concepts of Tai Chi that you should never take for granted. Remember these and it will make you appreciate more the forms that are performed.

Concept #1

Tai Chi is done with emphasis on every movement and the fashion of every pattern must be in connected with one another. Meaning every motion made must always start from the spine, going down to the waist, then moving lower to the legs and the feet, then it is simultaneously going up to the body then the arms, hands and last, the fingers. 

Concept #2

Maintain your shoulders dropped so that any tension will be eliminated. Shoulders that are always propped are said to have overflowing tension.

Concept #3

Your wrists must always be straight in order to form a lady’s hand if you are performing the Cheng form. All points apply to all forms of Tai Chi but the lady’s hand is basic and a very important trait of the Cheng form in order to cultivate the energy flowing in the body.

Concept #4

Moving slowly should always be done every step of the way. It can never be overemphasized because the slow smoothness of your motions will improve the connection of your body and your environment.

Concept #5

Never let anything disconnect you. You should always stay connected with every instruction. If you have been disconnected, continue to perform the movements and listen carefully to the instructions so that you can overcome any distraction.

Concept #6

Your knees must always be bent during the entire form. Your height must not bob down and up. There are some considerations but all the while, your height must always be maintained at a level that is constant.

Concept #7

The power of Tai Chi travels differently from the movement of Tai Chi. Power of Tai Chi will start from the feet going up to the legs, controlling the shoulders, and will be expressed by the fingers and hands.

Concept #8

Your head must be maintained as if it was suspended on air.

Concept #9

Your chest must be depressed and your back should be raised but this must be done without exerting any force.

Concept #10

Your breath must be focused on your dan-tien but force must not be exerted. As time in the program may pass, there will be accomplishments that will fulfill you like synchronizing your breathing with the movements that you make.

You should always consult your teacher when to exhale or inhale. 

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AURA: Unravel the Mystery

Aura or etheric human bioenergy field 
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Are there times when you feel uncomfortable in crowded places? Are there moments when you  feel as if your space is being invaded?Some people can only come so close to you. This is a reaction triggered by your aura.

It’s possible that someone else’s aura is intruding  upon yours.

At times, you feel uneasy in the presence of a certain person. You enter a room, you have this sense that something is wrong. The human aura  is a strong electro- magnetic field. We give off electrical energy and  absorb magnetic one.

You can feel this energy force in a room full of people, where varying energies, positive and  negative are being intercharged.

The aura is an extension of our energies, be it strong or weak, fair or otherwise, light and bright or dull and dense.

It is a band of energy that surrounds us, a life energy that can be sensed around every living thing, plants, trees, animals, birds and people.

There are seven layers of aura, but the most accessible to the human perception are the first three layers surrounding the human body.

Auras can be seen with the eyes wide open. It can also be seen psychically with the eyes closed. Auras can be best seen under a soft light. You can check your own aura by looking at a mirror against a light color background with dim lighting.

Look beyond the object and do not focus on it.Auras are observed more prominently around the hands, between the shoulders, neck and head area.

Those who can see aura mostly observe the mental and etheric layers or planes. These are the colorful layers of aura.

Physical Aura 

Closest to the body is the physical aura. It represents the body’s physical growth, strengths and weaknesses, physical sensations, pleasant and unpleasant. This band is very strong in athletes and people who are in touch with themselves- enjoy life’s pleasures like food, comfort , sex, etc.

Mental and Emotional Aura 

Moving away from the body is the second layer. This reflects the person’s  emotional moods and mental feelings, about how one feels about oneself. Any block in this area slows down the flow of energy. This part of the aura is changeable and fluctuates through the day,  depending on the mental and emotional stimulations one feels.

Spiritual Aura 

This part of the aura reflects the energy of the spirit  and its development. The color on this level is most distant. Mental sluggishness shows in this area.

Negative thoughts accumulated over time shows in this area. It is believed that yellow is predominant in at this level.

                         

Reading the Aura 

These levels can be read separately or in conjunction with each other.The colors are not physically  separated by a line or space between them. They seem to fuse or change into one another. One color  may be more dominant than others. As one develops the ability to read auras, viable information can be derived from the different levels.

There is no hierarchy of judgement involving the colors and their placement in the aura. The colors are only indicators of the person’s current state, can be read to strengthen the positive and / or help alleviate problems .

Remember, as living things change, so do the energy fields. As we develop, as we solve our problems, as we work through inhibiting blocks, we continue to balance our energies.

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Exercise: 

When reading an aura, do no stop yourself after sensing the colors. Recognizing the colors is the beginning of the aura reading. Verbalize what you see, this not  only defines what you see, it enhances  the flow of your intuition and helps with an insightful reading.

You could see one color, or a combination thereof. The colors may grow  stronger or brighter as the reading progresses. Rely on your ability to interpret responsibly with a clear mind what you see or sense.

When people are comfortable with one another,their aura tend to compliment each other in an attractive manner.

Learning about aura helps you to raise your intuitive faculties.

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Essentials of a SOLAR GREENHOUSE

Plant breeding and plant production is a very productive hobby and livelihood. It is good way to earn some living by producing high-valued crops. It is also a good way of contributing to the environment. The best way to sustain this endeavor is to get a solar greenhouse. Read on to learn the basics of the solar greenhouse.

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What Is a Solar Greenhouse?

The very purpose of any greenhouse is to collect solar energy whenever the sun shining high. However, solar greenhouses serve a more specific purpose. It is able to do more than collect the solar energy. The solar greenhouse is able to store heat that can be used during nighttime, cloudy days or the cold season. It provides adequate heat that the plants will need for their growth even during the night time or the cold seasons.

The good thing about solar greenhouses is that there are choices to choose from and to suit the needs of the owner.

They can stand alone. This is very ideal for big production greenhouses.  The freestanding ones are ideal for commercial production. These are used to produce ornamentals or vegetables. They have two primary designs, the shed type and the Quonset type.

The shed-type has a long axis running from the east to the west. It has a south-facing wall glazed to collect maximum amount of the energy from the sun. The north-facing wall on the other hand is very much insulated to avoid heat loss. These features are what contrast a solar greenhouse from the ordinary ones.

The Quonset type can sometimes look like an underground pit. This is a low-cost greenhouse. It has a Quonset-shaped frame and looks like a tunnel. It has a layer or two of plastic film. This can save as much as 40% of the heating fuel.

They can also be merely attached to the greenhouses, very ideal for backyard use. The attached solar greenhouses are structures that form some sort of a room protruding from a house. This is a good space for transplants or herbs.

Passive or Active

The solar greenhouse is classified into two. It can be the passive solar greenhouse or the active. These two makes use of different resources, but still serve a same purpose.

The Passive Solar Greenhouse

In some places, where colder seasons tend to endure longer, there may be a need to resort to passive solar greenhouse, using gas or electric heating system. This is the only way to protect the plants from getting too much cold.

This is very ideal for growers as it can still give way to so much productivity despite the conditions. The use of heating systems for greenhouses to be cost-effective is best utilized if there are high-value crops to be produced.

The Active Solar Greenhouse

The active solar greenhouse makes use of supplemental energy. It transfers the solar heated air from the storage area to the other parts of the greenhouse.

Designing a Solar Greenhouse

Most would claim that managing and maintaining an ordinary greenhouse does not differ much with the solar greenhouse. However, there are a number of ways that they differ. These are significant distinctions.

Solar greenhouses, unlike the ordinary ones, have oriented glazing to get utmost solar heat, even during winter. Its materials are designed to minimize loss of heat. It uses heat storing materials. It also has insulation especially useful when there is no sunlight. The solar greenhouse also depends heavily on natural ventilation for cooling during summer.

Solar Heat Storage

This is one main feature in designing a solar greenhouse. To remain warm even during cool nights, there must be sufficient amount of solar heat stored. One common method used to store this energy is to put rocks or concrete directly receiving the sunlight to absorb the heat.

Cinder block walls at the north side of a greenhouse are also used as good heat storage. Dark-colored ceramic floorings can also be used to store the heat. Any wall or flooring not used for heat absorption is supposed to be colored light. This should be designed to reflect the heat and light and distribute it to the plants.

The management of a greenhouse can also determine the amount of heat stored. A greenhouse that is full of plants and structures can store heat easier compared to an empty one. Composts can also complement the heat storage goal as they help produce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Furthermore, the microorganisms in the compost also contribute to the increase in plant production.

Some would rely on any structure that would resemble a greenhouse to accommodate the plants. However, to be efficient and cost-effective, aim for the optimum setting in your solar greenhouse.

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