The Philosophy of SAMURAI SWORDS

Traditional Samurai swords and fittings (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Decorating your 21st-century interior in a Japanese manner has become very popular. The Japanese artifacts, like the samurai swords, are proof of great taste not only because of their eye-catching colors and shapes but because they hold a lot of meaning. They represent moral values like patience, discipline, honor, loyalty, and determination. The modern world has forgotten some very important codes, but their symbols still exist as a reminder in the Japanese works of art that distinguish some homes or offices.

The samurai swords, for example, are very used objects of decoration. People who appreciate martial arts or the Japanese lifestyle often hang them on walls. Owning samurai swords means you appreciate Japanese history and the virtues that this object stood for in an antique society. For those of you with a good idea of buying samurai swords here are some hints about these beautiful and meaningful objects and their philosophy. Knowing how they are made and their value will make them more treasured decorating objects.

The value of the samurai swords comes not only from their handcrafting but also from the fact that they are a symbol of the worrier. The samurai swords define power, duty, responsibility, self-defense, and ethics. The samurai swords were weapons used by a class of people who cherished their freedom above all and defended it with great skill. The samurai swords were used in hand to hand combat which was a very demanding perhaps the most, form of combat. Having to fight with a sharp weapon required the skill of body and mind, abilities, reflexes and technique. Only through a lot of practice, exercise and patience one could become able to handle the samurai swords in order to protect the code of honor.

The Samurai (knights-retainers) were also called Bushi (warriors) and their most treasured weapons were the samurai swords. They considered the swords a part of themselves and sometimes believed the swords were the soul of their worriers. They gave their samurai swords names and awarded them medals. Some samurai worriers even died trying to retrieve their treasured samurai swords for their Shogun (the most powerful samurai worrier for a period). Bushido means Way of the Warrior and the heart of the Bushido philosophy, which lead their beliefs and conduct, is freedom from fear. This meant they had no fear of dying. They were able to use their peace of mind to give themselves the power to serve their master faithfully to the death. Therefore, duty and loyalty were a great part of their philosophy. Their way of life ranked them at the top of the social hierarchy in Japan for hundreds of years until the 19th century. 

Artisans of ancient time put a lot of thought into the creation of samurai swords. They had to create weapons that were not too heavy to handle, nor too rigid to break off. They discovered sharp samurai swords, used against an armor, broke and that samurai sword made of soft steel were flexible and light. So, they considered the most appropriate weight for samurai swords would have been around 2-3 pounds. However, to create such samurai swords would have meant a lot of work. 

There were many methods used to handcraft samurai swords. Some used the repeated and tiring process of heating and folding of steel. The blades had to be polished afterward carefully and the smiths engraved their signature on their work of art. The samurai swords were proof of great handcrafting skills, which meant that the person who created them possessed some unique virtues. Like for any art object, to create samurai swords meant to put soul in your creation, to invest patience and will together with intelligence to obtain the best results possible. A lot of artists worked on their detailed ornaments of the hilt, on their handle bindings and sheaths and the results were samurai swords worth being worn by worriers. 

These virtues have been forgotten as the modern society no longer cares, respects or praise the military man as much as in the past. The samurai was (and still are) highly appreciated figures of history. The samurai swords were priceless and were identified with the worrier class. Made from the heat and pounding of skilled smiths, the samurai swords brought honor and the spirit of the true worrier to those who carried them. Because of this, many modern people buy samurai swords as a reminder of that time and those values. Samurai swords decorate today's homes, as symbols, for those who know what true beauty means virtue and honor.

---

---

---

High BLOOD PRESSURE (Hypertension)

For controlling your hypertension, there are two effective yoga exercises that help lower the blood pressure:

Inverted Yoga

Inverted yoga reverses the action of gravity on the body. The most profound changes brought about by Inverted Yoga is in circulation. In inverted poses, legs and abdomen are placed higher than the heart.

Lengthening up through the legs and keep them very active so your spine opens and the entire body actively involved in the pose.

One of the reasons for this is simply because the force of gravity is reversed and venous return becomes significantly greater.

Normally, the muscles of the calf and other skeletal muscles in the lower extremities must contract in order to pump unoxygenated blood and waste back to the heart through the veins.

In inverted poses, gravity causes the blood to flow easily back through the veins and this brings the blood pressure in the feet to a minimum. This in effect gives skeletal muscles a chance to rest.

In Inverted poses, drainage of blood and waste from the lower body back to the heart is increased and disorders such as varicose veins and swollen ankles are relieved.

Rhythmic Breathing

It's time to learn about breathing because inhaling and exhaling have the power to nourish the body and calm the mind.

Not just any old breathing will do. If you're like most people, you take shallow breaths, pull in your stomach when you inhale and never empty your lungs of carbon dioxide when you exhale.

Here's the physiological explanation: Long, slow breaths are more efficient than short, fast ones.

To take in a good breath, your lungs must first be basically empty. Thus the key to efficient breathing lies in exhaling completely. A full exhalation begins with the upper chest, proceeds to the middle chest and finishes with tightening the abdominal muscles.

Only after a good exhalation can you draw in a good lungful of the oxygen-rich air your blood needs for nourishing cells.

---

---

---

7 Important Rules For Self Hypnosis Scripts That Really Work

Self-hypnosis is an effective way to re-program your mind by communicating directly with the emotion-based subconscious mind. You can change your behavior and alter your deep-set beliefs and habits by making direct suggestions to your subconscious mind while under a state of hypnosis.

However, to make self-hypnosis (or hypnotizing others) work, you must communicate using the language of the emotion-based subconscious mind.

The 7 critical rules for writing self-hypnosis scripts that really work are presented below:

1. Always word your self-hypnosis scripts for positive change. Saying you will stop, lose, or not do something is negative; your mind first has to visualize doing something and then take the negative to comprehend this kind of commands. This means the mind first reinforces doing the undesired activity before it can interpret not doing it. Instead of saying you will lose weight, eat less, or stop eating sweets, say you will become lean, eat healthily, or increase your metabolism.

2. Repeat suggestions frequently to maximize effect but avoid clichés. Find multiple ways to reiterate the same concept several times throughout your self-hypnosis scripts.

3. Personalize suggestions to deal specifically with current goals. In your recorded self-hypnosis scripts, do not say "you are"; instead say "I am". To increase effectiveness, direct the subconscious mind to repeat your suggestions quietly to itself in the first person.

4. Use a detailed, progressive approach that flows along a logical growth path when creating your self-hypnosis scripts. For example, - I am steadily losing weight every day to reach my ideal weight of 115 pounds - is better than saying - I will lose weight. The first case presents a progressive suggestion with a time factor and an end goal as a target. The second case is negative and has no definitive goal. This is one of the most important rules for self-hypnosis scripts that really work.

5. Ensure all suggestions are simple, clear, & in the present or progressive tense. Never refer to past conditions, and use progressive case (i.e., using action verbs ending in -ing-; becoming, growing, & getting are a few goods examples) to bypass the critical conscious mind.

6. Use visualizations; make the subject see himself or herself after the change has occurred (or as the change is occurring). Also use words that engage emotions such as vibrant, sparkling, thrilling, wonderful, powerful, radiant, loving, generous, exciting, delightful, and beautiful. The more vivid and dramatic the image, the more effective it will be since visualizations are suggestions.

7. Direct the subject to reflect on the results of the change after your self-hypnosis scripts have finished making all the suggestions. You can direct the subject to reflect while still in a hypnotic trance or immediately after waking up. Either way, the subject should sit quietly and envision himself or herself after the change while the hypnotist says nothing.

All 7 of these rules are not required to succeed with hypnosis, and you may find most self-hypnosis scripts commercially available do not contain all these elements. However, if you follow all 7 rules in the scripts you write for yourself, you will see dramatically improved results from your self-hypnosis scripts.

By Dr. Bryan Stoker Now, you know how to write your own self-hypnosis scripts, but you still do not know if self-hypnosis will even work for you. If you want to reap the benefits of self-hypnosis, stop by my website and watch my free video. By the time you finish the FREE VIDEO, I promise you will know if you can be hypnotized. you can also join my free newsletter and get 3 self-hypnosis downloads for free. Click Here Now: http://www.Autopilot101.com/hypnosis. Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

---

WITCHCRAFT - The Witch of Today

For centuries, the practice of witchcraft was considered an evil and foul tradition, and witches were hunted and killed, often by cruel and painful methods, usually by being burnt alive at the stake. Fear of witches and witchcraft was widespread throughout several areas of Europe and in some areas of a newly settled America. The witchcraft delusion was an epidemic affecting everyone, and even a simple accusation of being a witch, despite the absence of any real evidence, was often enough to condemn an individual to torture and death.

Thankfully, modern society has moved beyond such superstition and insanity, and today, witches are free to practice varying traditions of witchcraft openly and without fear of persecution. The Wiccan religion is perhaps the most well-known form of modern witchcraft, thanks in part to movies and media attention. However, there are several forms of modern witchcraft being practiced today, though most have roots in ancient cultural traditions.

Modern witchcraft in western culture can be largely attributed to the influence and practices of three specific individuals. The first is Gerald Gardner, sometimes referred to as the Father of modern Witchcraft. In the late 1930s and during the 1940s, Gerald Gardner began establishing several covens throughout Britain in an attempt to revive the foundations of the old religion, which is closely related to modern Wicca.

Gerald Gardner was a public figure who wrote several books on the subject of witchcraft, helping to cast the old traditions in a new and positive light and reshape society's perspective of witchcraft.

Another individual of note is Margaret Murray, a British scholar who studied ancient witchcraft and also wrote of old religions, preceding Gerald Gardner's work by over 20 years. Her books are considered essential reference sources for practitioners of modern Wiccanism.

The third individual credited with influencing the contemporary witchcraft movement is Alexander Sanders. Alexander studied witchcraft as a young boy, as it was a family tradition passed down by his grandmother. Alexander also established several covens throughout Britain, and proclaimed himself the "king of witches."

While Wiccanism might be the most popular tradition of witchcraft studied and followed by modern society, other old traditions still exist. Native Americans and indigenous tribes located in Central and South America still practice shamanistic magic. Similarly, tribes in Africa and Australia look to their tribal witch doctors whenever tribal magic might be needed, whether it be asking the gods for a good hunt, or seeking to expel a sickness from a tribe member.

In Louisiana and Haiti, Voodoo is practiced, and similar traditions such as Santeria in the Spanish Islands, as well as other offshoots of voodoo such as Hoodoo and Macumba.

Most forms of witchcraft share common denominators -- rituals, spellcasting, and calling upon the gods for help or wisdom. Typically, most forms of witchcraft are also considered "white", or good, and are meant for healing and positive effects, rather than to induce harm, curses, or ill will towards an individual.

While many books and resources are available for those interested in Wicca and other forms of witchcraft, individuals should also take care not to treat witchcraft lightly or as a form of entertainment. Spells and rituals are best left to professional witches who have several years of experience and have studied extensively.

Considered a Gythia (Asatru High Priestess) among her Coven, Julia Roslyn Antle is a master of divination and dream interpretation. Her wisdom is sought-after by her peers, her colleagues as well as the public. http://www.7witches.net Article Directory: EzineArticles

---

---

---

Men and Women TATTOO Design Ideas

Photo   by torbakhopper 

Do you find it hard to decipher which design is best for you? That is why it is highly advisable for one to ponder on the idea over and over again as well as to go over a collection of designs before finally deciding on anything. More so, the tattoo artists are also fond of presenting you with other choices.

Take note that you are the one who is having it inked on your skin and therefore, it is your own call. Hence, it follows that you look for your prospect tattoo design ideas, trims down your list, and then finalize your decision.

Men vs. Women's Ideas

It is but natural for the men to have a different choice over the women. Most of the men are likely to prefer the designs that spell masculinity whereas the women are more into the pretty and dainty concepts. After all, the choice of a tattoo design comes with the sense of expression.

As it goes, many men profess their undying love for their girlfriends or wives by employing a tattoo with their names on the heart designs. Some of them even extend their efforts of coming up with personalized and creative designs.

Many people agree at one point and that is to refrain from having these tattoo designs inked on their skin as there is a large possibility for the relationship to go on the rocks and then end up for nothing. A tattoo can only be removed by undergoing a surgical procedure, so to speak.

For the women, the most common choices include the tiny and interesting feminine designs of hearts, flowers, and butterflies, to name a few. They also love having them on their hips, leg, shoulder, lower back, and ankle. They are also easier to hide.

Photo  by Parker Knight 

So much more, the tattoo is something that can be very personal. It is oftentimes thought of as a reflection of the person's personality and also a way of showing off something that is very dear to him or her.

It is necessary to take note that there is nothing such as a universal tattoo for men or for women. It all depends on the understanding, choice, and preference of the individual. What matters most is that you should take time to browse through the catalog either online or that which is owned by the tattoo artist so that you may understand which one will best suit you.

Suggestions for Tattoo Designs

Your preference highly depends on your gender plus your style. Making up your mind may be difficult but all that you should do is to look at several prospects and finally pick out one.

For the women, the most popular choice is the butterfly design. The cross and fairy tattoos are typically used as the symbols of a person's faith. They can also be used as dainty, attractive, discreet, and sensual signs of the body. Other common selections are the flowers and rose tattoo designs.

For the men, the tribal tattoos rank as the number one choice. They mainly spell the masculinity of a person. Other popular preferences include the sleeve designs, the dragon tattoos, the lion, Celtic, eagle, and those designs that spread over the shoulder blades.

Going over the tattoo design ideas is not that hard especially if you have a clear idea in mind.

---

---

Skeptics View On REIKI

Many believe Reiki to be a pseudoscience.

Much medical personnel thinks it is a waste of time. Doctors express concern when people with serious diseases such as heart problems, stroke, and cancer choose Reiki over conventional treatment. The practitioners are playing on the patient's fear and just stealing their money, doing nothing in the process.

Photo  by Nathaniel_U 

Reiki practitioners maintain that while you should still get the treatment your doctor has planned, you can use Reiki as a complement to that therapy. The Reiki community would never advocate causing harm to anyone.

There are also many controversies about the different Reiki schools and how they differ. Some use different symbols. Some use energy healing instead of laying on of hands. Some go through each degree in one year, whereas others can take up to ten years to get to Master.

The churches have issues with Reiki as well. The Catholics believe it opens the door to evil. Some religions don't even recognize it as a healing force. They believe that there is no way that a universal force could flow through one person at any given time. The best way to help these skeptical people understand Reiki is for them to have one treatment before they claim it as bunk. They would find that they are very wrong.

Treatments are very relaxing and very gentle with soft music playing in the background. They would lay on the table while the practitioner makes a circle of their entire body with the Reiki force. They would start at the patient's head chakra and go all the way down to the root chakra opening any that have closed. They do each knee chakra. Then you flip over, and they work on your back chakras. After that, they give you an affirmation and anchor it in with a symbol and you are done. It takes about an hour to go through the whole process.

---

---

---

The Heart and HEALTHY AGING

As we grow older we, experience higher risks of heart disease, cholesterol increase, weaken joints, muscles, and so on. Most people who experience illnesses often feel frustrated and experience feelings of despair. People who suffer illnesses or tragedies unfortunately set themselves up, saying, “It can’t happen to me.” It can happen to any of us, which is why we should take the steps in our youth to prevent illnesses and tragedies. 

Many of us fail to take the steps in our youth. It hinders us to a large degree, yet we have options regardless of what we endure. 

According to experts in aging and heart disease is rising higher these days than ever. The aging progression alone slowly builds up through impulsive changes of the body and mind. The maturity phase carries on starting at childhood as the person works through puberty, teenage and so on. At this time the body and minds start to decline. As the person reaches mid-age or moves into advanced aging, the person starts to decline its natural physical functions. 

Aging alone starts as we are born and carries throughout our life. Through the process, the body has positive reflections on our bodily components and development, yet as we age negative effects take fold, which includes the declining phase. 

According to experts in medicine, no one can determine when our body becomes aged. At one time people 65 and older were considered the aged, yet today people are working further on than 65 years of age. In short, people are working in the 70s, 80s and even 90 years of age today, which returned a different view of the aged. 

Still, millions of American citizens are falling victim to heart disease, strokes, etc. What can they do? 

How to relieve emotional strikes after a heart attack: 

If you’ve experienced a heart attack, likely you feel frustrated, hopeless, etc. The emotions are common after any illnesses, yet you must take steps to control these negative emotions since it only causes stress on your body. The stress will wear you down and perhaps lead to another heart attack. Let’s stop it now. After illnesses, including heart attack learn to focus on the day, instead of yesterday and tomorrow. You only have control of each day you live. Instead of sweating weeks ahead, try doing something you enjoy. Walking is a great way to reduce the risks of heart attacks. You can also visit friends or family members that make you feel good about you. 

Support is essential. If you have support, you will have friends and family members who will open their minds to your feelings. You should never allow your feelings to linger in your own mind without expressing what you feel. Express your feelings to people you trust. Take time to listen to them and let these people know what you need. For instance, if you just need a friendly ear, then let them know. Holding back emotions leads to soaring complications. 

If you can find support groups in your area that is experiencing the same thing as you, then join the team. The support will help you to share information with people who understand what you are going through. It is frustrating to express feelings with people who have not experienced similar illnesses or experiences as you. Try to find someone that you can relate to and speak your feelings. 

Exercise: 

Exercise is the leading element we have offered to us in life that helps to reduce any disease, emotional reactions and so on. When you sit around feeling anxious, depressed, or despaired, you are working toward worse health conditions. Reverse your actions and take the steps to live longer by exercising each day. 

---

---

---

Hormones and All that Good Stuff in HEALTHY AGING

Photo  by LlGC ~ NLW

Stomach weight is associated with making the arteries age. Your arteries supply blood throughout your whole system and if these become blocked it can cause many problems for you. Obesity can lead to a heart attack, memory loss, the skin will wrinkle and strokes can occur too, which is all caused by the blocked arteries. Your diet plays an important role in helping to keep these arteries clear. You need to include a certain amount of goods fats in your diet if nothing else eating nuts for a snack.  

Keeping the mind busy and enjoying activity helps the brain and it will help prevent depression, anxiety, and stress. Everyone seems to get these three things as we age because we slow down and don’t get out enough. It is very important to be with people and get that exercise to keep your mind from thinking and worrying so much. 

Watch your diet keeping it under control and enjoy many activities. You’ll feel and look better as you age. We can consider all these aspects, yet to find a clear vision of what healthy aging means to you, we have to consider hormones. 

The glands produce several hormones, including the Human Growth Hormone. (HgH) Science shows the body produces enough but it doesn’t release all of it as we age. The low levels of human growth hormone cause wrinkling of skin, reduction of energy and sexual performance. Gray hair is incurred from hormonal deficiencies. The hormone will also cause increases in body fats and puts you at the risk of heart disease. You will lose muscle mass from deficient HgH, which can lead to shrinking of bodily organs. 

Studies were conducted that shown results from 26 men. These men were between the ages 61 and early 80s. The studies have shown that the supplement of Human Growth Hormone slowed the aging process 10-20 years total. After giving HgH, these men showed improvements, which enhanced muscle strength. The skin tone was enhanced as well as the memory. The overall of aging has not been stopped but important signs of maturity are improved.

Vitamin A is known to help the eyes but in recent studies, it was discovered that it also helps release the human growth hormone. Just remember when buying supplements in a health food store the labels are not always accurate. 

When taking any hormone replacement supplements make sure that you consult with your doctor, only he or she knows what is best for you. Since supplements, Vitamins, or replacement therapies may include side effects, you want your doctor's advice first before administering these remedies. 

Women rely on estrogen to maintain healthy bones. Women need these hormones to reduce the risks of shrinking in bone density. Women will often experience symptoms that form into osteoporosis when estrogen is deficient. Estrogen will often slow as a woman ages, and usually, after menopause, the woman’s lipid levels drop. 

This can cause high cholesterol also, since LDL increases. In addition, lipid levels when increased can lead to blocked arteries, or coronary blood vessel/artery disease. After a woman goes through menopause she, starts to age for the reason that the ovaries begin to slow the production of progesterone and estrogen. These major hormones control menstrual cycles, which stop at this point. 

Men rely on testosterone to maintain their youth. This hormone controls a male’s sex drive, facial hair growth and so on. We all have our hormones that perform many actions, yet in some instances, we need replacement, especially as we grow old. Sometimes replacing the hormones will slow the aging process, thus promoting healthy aging. 

---

---

Benefits of WHEY PROTEIN

In recent years, the subject of whey protein has come up often in health discussions. Know what whey protein is, its possible benefits and side effects and more as you read on.

What is Whey Protein

Whey protein is actually a term used to describe a group of globular proteins that can be separated from whey. When cow’s milk is used to manufacture cheese, it also leads to the production of whey, which may or may not is discarded. It is a mixture of lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, and serum albumin.

Similar to a protein found in egg white, whey protein can also be irreversibly changed by heat. When made part of the pasteurization process, it becomes less bio-active. If not, whey protein naturally becomes bio-active which basically means it contains a high concentration of cysteine and consequently glutathione, an antioxidant that is essential to improved fitness and health.

Bio-active whey protein is an active source of protein but exposure to extreme heat can easily reduce the amount of cysteine in it without affecting its protein content and basic food value. Native whey protein

What Makes It Good for the Body

Because whey protein contains an inordinate amount of essential and non-essential acids, it frequently plays a prominent role in most low-carb and high-protein diets. Another reason for this is because of its low content of fats and of course, carbohydrates.

Why Pregnant Mothers Love Whey Protein

A number of OBs have advised their gravid patients to increase their intake of whey protein because it will provide the basic amount of amino acids needed by the growing infants inside their bodies. An increased intake of whey protein will naturally improve and speed up the development of the baby. Also, increased intake of whey protein will indirectly improve the immune system of the baby. In its growing stages, it is highly vulnerable to different types of illnesses. With the help of whey protein, it grows faster and better and more equipped to defend itself against any health complication.

Whey Protein for Bodybuilding Enthusiasts

For bodybuilders, muscle growth is everything and that’s why they love whey protein so much. Studies have satisfactorily proven that whey protein can lead to an acceleration of muscle development. This is welcomed news especially for bodybuilders who are only a few weeks away from the date of competition but is still in high need of muscle growth.

How it Helps Athletes Busy Recovering from Old Injuries

In this case, whey protein saves the day once more because it can be used to supplement diets of individuals who are suffering from compromised immune systems. Basically, it helps athletes heal faster and feel better.

A Weapon against Degenerative Diseases

Although you can’t truly say that any disease is less painful than the other if both have life-altering consequences, it is an inarguable fact however that degenerative diseases are one of the worst health complications to suffer from. These illnesses tend to subject people to a protracted form of suffering and with symptoms with increasing levels of severity. They commonly affect three systems in particular: the nervous system, the muscular system, and the skeletal system.

Although rarely curable, degenerative diseases can be treated with chemotherapy, surgical operations, and the proper diet. Whey protein is often a part of this diet because of its rehabilitative benefits especially when it comes to muscle growth. Cancer, diabetes, and AIDS have symptoms that cause muscle strength and growth to deteriorate – an undesirable effect that can be combated with increased intake of whey protein.

Where to Buy Whey Protein

Are you sufficiently convinced of the benefits of whey protein then? If so, you should be happy to know that you can avail of commercial whey protein product in most supermarkets and specialty food stores specializing in healthy food.

Ending with a Warning

Whey protein is good for the body – no doubt about it – but too much consumption of anything is never beneficial. Too much intake of whey protein can lead to unnecessary complications of your liver. And need we remind you that the liver is the next most important organ in the body? Lastly, lactose intolerant individuals must consume whey protein isolate rather than the normal variety as the former has less lactose content.

---

---

Controlling High BLOOD PRESSURE Is The Easiest Thing To Do

Measuring blood pressure at home with an electronic meter.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Controlling blood pressure is the easiest thing to do, provided you know the fundamentals. It has to do much with your eating and drinking habits.

Look into the mirror. Do not see only your face. Look at your entire figure. There lies your future. How long do you think your body can go on accepting all that you stuff in, without applying any thought, just because of your taste-buds like it? Do you know that overweight people have a higher chance of suffering from a stroke? Do you check your weight at regular intervals?

When you saw the weighing machine marking a fat gain of 16 pounds within a period of two months, why did you simply ignore it? It should have shocked you into action. The least you can do is find out what your weight is now and what your weight should be!

You need to be careful about what you eat as it is directly and proportionately related to your blood pressure. I agree that ‘one has to be true to the salt,’ but this does not hold true for you. You have to cut down on your intake of salt drastically before your doctor tells you - no more salt! Avoid salty, and fried food. Adopt a diet that is low in saturated fat.

Two local remedies well known, to control high blood pressure are buttermilk and lemon. Take buttermilk regularly. It is good for both - low as well as high blood pressure. Lemon peel is also equally effective in high blood pressure. A shredded lemon peel may be added to soups and stews or sprinkled over your salads.

And tell me, have you stopped drinking or are you still contemplating the decision? If you have already made that decision, then let me congratulate you. But, if you think that you can not do it all at once, reduce the intake of alcohol. Just take a drink a day. If you are already under the watchful care of your family doctor, please follow their instructions sincerely. Let there be no holidays for the medicine and please keep sufficient stock in advance. If your doctor has called you this Sunday for a check-up, then make sure that you reach there this Sunday itself and not, the next Monday.

Also, the doctor must have given you certain indications about the schedule of exercise that is necessary for you, such as, morning walk, light stretching exercises or light aerobics. Follow the schedule strictly. Your doctor treats hundreds of patients like you every day. He has more practical wisdom about high blood pressure than you. Go as per his advice and understand his treatments.

Regular check-up of blood pressure is a must. You need to have such an arrangement at your home. Charts of your regular checkups will help your doctor tremendously in treating you. Let all the members of your family, your wife, and your children go for the check-up, along with you, even if they do not have this ailment.

If you are taking basic precautions like controlling your diet and doing proper exercises - keep aside all imaginary worries and live a normal, relaxed life!

---

---

---

Profiles of FENG SHUI Enthusiasts

Peacock - Photo Pixabay

Feng Shui enthusiasts have different niches. Different personalities and cultural backgrounds are incorporated into the Feng Shui attempts. The good thing is that you do not have to limit yourself to a certain make to be able to apply Feng Shui. However, it may do you a lot of good if you are able to find the groups of people who have the same interests as yours as far as Feng Shui is concerned.

If you are after the more rigid type of the loose application of Feng Shui, these are all possible depending on your preference, for Feng Shui is really all a matter of channeling the right energy to make the environment work to your benefit. 

The best thing about Feng Shui is that it attracts a huge variety of people. You don’t even have to look too far and you will easily find a person who is into Feng Shui. And with the many challenges facing the world today, it is understandable that we seek help in various places, including Feng Shui aid. But different persons breed different motivations for applying Feng Shui, and here are some of the profiles of people who engage in Feng Shui. 

The Business Tycoon

The business tycoon is completely focused on profits. He or she will be most likely to ponder positioning and orientation of his office building in relation to the directions of prosperity. He may even alter the numbers of his landline and address if at all possible, to tailor to the lucky numbers for a given season. But more often than not, the business tycoon won’t have time to think all about these things and will be most likely to hire a Feng Shui expert to do it all under his approval.

Big-time business people who like Feng Shui can afford the most expensive form of Feng Shui help there is and actually uses the profit to leverage in more profits with proper design and good Feng Shui. 

The Pad-Owning Bachelor and Bachelorette

The bachelor’s priorities include adjusting to the adult world, getting financial stability and having fun socially. Typically, they are the ones who buy Feng Shui charms, remove flowers in the bedroom to avoid unfaithfulness in relationships. Fun-loving and modern, they may find that they are heavy on electronic or metal objects and may opt to balance it with a Zen fountain or two. 

The Housewife

The housewife is the one who pores through magazines and seeks out Feng Shui tips online and offline. She may also derive the techniques from other fellow housewives and friends within the neighborhood. Her common focus on Feng Shui would most likely be oriented on home and family matters. The housewife who likes Feng Shui is most likely into interior designing of home whether on an amateur or a professional level. 

The Striving Employee

The striving employee who likes Feng Shui aims to make a miniature balance of earth elements in his cubicle. This may involve him or her putting a small mirror for water, a jacket to ward off the excessive metal in the corporate workplace and many others. The striving employee may also invite relaxation and peace of mind by means of a plant ornament or any lovely fixture that doubles as a Feng Shui charm and a form of aesthetic display. 

---

---

---

MEDITATION technique of perception

Photo  by Ian Sane 

One Answer….for all questions - This too will pass...

   This meditation technique is quite different from the conventional meditation techniques. This technique is actually a contemplation exercise and involves thinking over life. Though people of all age can try this technique, it is basically suitable for people with mature age (I mean 18 & above). The reason is that only those who have lived a certain (substantial) duration of life can reflect back on their past. Very young people who are still in the initial phase of their life are less likely (though not impossible) to analyze their life from the angle which this meditation demands. Nevertheless, this meditation technique is very useful for knowing our true self.
Method:   

First, read this thought-provoking story:- 

Once a king called upon all of his wise men and asked them,

" Is there a mantra or suggestion which works in every situation, in every circumstance, in every place and in every time. Something which can help me when none of you is available to advise me. Tell me is there any mantra?"

All wise men got puzzled by King's question. One answer to all question? Something that works everywhere, in every situation? In every joy every sorrow, every defeat and every victory? They thought and thought. After a lengthy discussion, an old man suggested something which appeals to all of them. They went to the king and gave him something written on paper. But the condition was that king was not to see it out of curiosity. Only in extreme danger, when the King finds himself alone and there seems to be no way, only then he'll have to see it. The King put the papers under his Diamond ring.

After a few days, the neighbors attacked the Kingdom. It was a collective surprise attack on King's enemies. King and his army fought bravely but lost the battle. King had to flee on his horse. The enemies were following him. His horse took him far away in Jungle. He could hear many troops of horses were following him and the noise was coming closer and closer. Suddenly the King found himself standing at the end of the road - that road was not going anywhere. Underneath there was a rocky valley thousand feet deep. If he jumped into it, he would be finished…and he could not return because it was a small road…From the back, the sound of enemy's horses was approaching fast. King became restless. There seemed to be no way.

Then suddenly he saw the Diamond in his ring shining in the sun, and he remembered the message hidden in the ring. He opened the diamond and read the message. The message was very small but very great.

The message was - " This too will pass."

The King read it. Again read it. Suddenly something strikes in his mind- Yes ! it too will pass. Only a few days ago, I was enjoying my kingdom. I was the mightiest of all the Kings. Yet today, the Kingdom and all his pleasure have gone. I am here trying to escape from enemies. However, when those days of luxuries have gone, this day of danger too will pass. A calm comes on his face. He kept standing there. The place where he was standing was full of natural beauty. He had never known that such a beautiful place was also a part of his Kingdom. The revelation of the message had a great effect on him. He relaxed and forget about those following him. After a few minute, he realized that the noise of the horses and the enemy coming was receding. They moved into some other part of the mountains and were not on that path.

The King was very brave. He reorganized his army and fought again. He defeated the enemy and regain his lost empire. When he returned to his empire after victory, he was received with much fanfare at the door. The whole capital was rejoicing in the victory. Everyone was in a festive mood. Flowers were being thrown on King from every house, from every corner. People were dancing and singing. For a moment King said to himself," I am one of the bravest and greatest King. It is not easy to defeat me.: With all the reception and celebration he saw an ego emerging in him.

Meditation from Miguel Costa Photography on Vimeo.

Suddenly the Diamond of his ring flashed in the sunlight and reminded him of the message. He open it and read it again: "This too will pass"

He became silent. His face went through a total change -from the egoist, he moved to a state of utter humbleness.

If this too is going to pass, it is not yours.

The defeat was not yours, the victory is not yours.

You are just a watcher. Everything passes by

We are a witness of all this. We are the perceiver. Life comes and go. Happiness comes and go. Sorrow come and go.

Now as you have read this story, just sit silently and evaluate your own life. This too will pass. Think of the moments of joy and victory in your life. Think of the moment of Sorrow and defeat. Are they permanent? They all come and pass away. Life just passes away.

There were friends in past. They all have gone.

There are friends today. They too will go.

There will be new friends tomorrow. They too will go. 

There were enemies in past. They have gone.

There may be an enemy in present. They too will go.

There will be new enemies tomorrow and......they too will go.

There is nothing permanent in this world. Everything changes except the law of change. Think about it from your own perspective. You have seen all the changes. You have survived all setbacks, all defeats, and all sorrows. All have passed away. If there are problems in the present, they too will pass away. Because nothing remains forever. Joy and sorrow are the two faces of the same coin. They both will pass away. Who are you in reality? Know your real face. Your face is not your true face. It will change with the time. However, there is something in you, which will not change. It will remain unchanged.  What is that unchangeable? It is nothing but your true self.

You are just a witness to change. Experience it, understand it.

Every day for 10-15 minutes is in silence. Just think over the sentence, " This too will pass." Pondering over your own life will make you realize the true meaning of this sentence. Everything passes yet your real identity remains the same. That real you is your true self. To know that self is true meditation.

---

---

---

Common Knowledge About Gestational DIABETES

A kit used by a woman with gestational diabetes. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I did not become familiar with gestational diabetes until recently when my sister-in-law and my best friend were both diagnosed with it within a week. Many women I know, myself included, have made it through pregnancies without having any serious problems like gestational diabetes.

Basically, gestational diabetes is a disease that can come on during pregnancy but that usually disappears once the baby has been born. In some women, pregnancy results in their blood sugar levels getting out of balance. A pregnant woman might realize that she is having blood sugar problems on her own or it might take a doctor to determine that her levels are not normal. Regardless of how it is discovered, gestational diabetes is a serious issue that needs to be handled with caution and care throughout a woman's pregnancy and after.

When my sister-in-law and my closest friend were struggling with feeling abnormally up and down during their pregnancies, their doctor took blood tests and determined that their blood sugar levels were being affected by their pregnancies and their food choices. They were both diagnosed simply by having this blood work done. At first, they were hesitant and scared because gestational diabetes sounded huge and they didn't know how relatively simple the treatment process could be.

Gestational diabetes, because it is primarily an imbalance of blood sugar, can often be regulated by changes in diet and levels of exercise. The number of changes that are necessary is dependant upon how poor of habits the women have to begin with. My sister-in-law and my friend had to make different levels of changes to their diets, but neither had to make such significant changes that their lifestyle was radically altered. Mostly their changes consisted of going on a low-sugar and low-carb eating plan. Gestational diabetes brings a risk of the baby getting too large during its gestational period and needing to be delivered early or by c-section. The more the pregnant mother cuts down on sugar intake, the less likely it is that the baby will get too large to be delivered vaginally.

If you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant in the near future, take some time and learn about ways to prevent gestational diabetes. It is the best for you and your baby. Prevention is always a better option than having to find a solution to high blood sugar levels. Be wise with your food and exercise choices from the start and you should be able to avoid dealing with gestational diabetes in your pregnancies. Talk with your doctor and take every possible precaution.

---

---

---