BODY ART: It's Cool To Be Safe

piercings and tattoos (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It may seem like a cool idea to use your body as a medium for artistic expression.  Body art has become the “in” thing to do among today's generation, young and old alike.  One cannot walk down the street, go to the mall, or watch TV without seeing somebody with a tattoo on the arms, nape, navel, ankle or piercings in the ears, lips, nostrils, eyebrows, belly buttons, tongues, and cheeks.  Piercings can now be done on just about any part of the body.

But before you think of getting one for yourself to ride on the bandwagon of being “cool” --- you might want to know first how safe it is and the things you need to be aware of if you do decide to have one.  A tattoo or piercing may take only a few minutes or hours to acquire but may cause possible risks of bacterial infections which may lead to long-term medical conditions.  Getting a tattoo should not lead to health complications and lifetime of regret.

So here are a few short notes on some of the more popular types of body art:

Body Art

Body art is considered an extension of performing arts where the artist makes use of his or her own body for the purpose of artistic expression.  Body art comes in different forms, the most common of which are tattoos and body piercings. Other types of body art are called scarification, branding, “scalpelling”, shaping, full body tattoo and body painting.

Tattoos

A tattoo, also known as dermal pigmentation, is a permanent mark or design made on the skin by inserting pigments through pricks into the skin's top layer for decorative purposes.  The procedure entails repeated piercing of a needle into the skin.  With every puncture of the needle that is connected to a small machine with tubes containing dye, it injects ink droplets into the skin.  There is a small amount of bleeding involved in this process which may last for several hours depending on the size of the tattoo design.  The process may cause slight to moderate pain.

The skin acts as the human body's main protective barrier.  Getting a tattoo puts a person at high risk of skin infections, allergic reactions, blood-borne diseases, skin disorders, as well as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) complications.

After getting a tattoo, healing usually takes several days.  When it becomes itchy, avoid picking at scabs.  It may increase the risk of bacterial infections and can also damage the design.

Some people may decide to have their tattoos removed when the design becomes faded or when the design no longer appeals to them.  However, complete removal may be very difficult as tattoos are intended to be permanent marks.  Though there are many tattoo removal techniques nowadays, scarring and skin discoloration are likely to be left on the skin.

Body Piercing

Body piercing is the insertion of jewelry into any parts of the human body.  Body piercing poses certain risks similar to those when you get a tattoo. However, modern improvements in safety procedures and equipment have made earlobe piercing very popular as it is generally less risky than other body piercings.

Traditional body piercing is done with no anesthesia and, as such, is a painful experience.   But modern techniques in earlobes-piercing make safe use of ear piercing gun with sterilized, disposable cartridges. This single-use piercing device or gun includes one earring stud and clasp and comes in individually wrapped sterile packages.

For other body piercings, a hollow needle is pushed through a body part to insert a piece of jewelry into the hole.  The use of a reusable piercing gun for these types of piercings can put a person at risk for bacterial infections.  These devices are difficult to sterilize and can easily damage the skin.

Choosing a reputable piercing and tattoo studio minimizes your chance of getting complications.  These establishments employ trained and licensed tattoo and piercing artists.  You can be assured of quality service as well as a clean environment.  Remember, anytime the skin is punctured, there is a risk of skin infection.  More than just getting an intricately designed tattoo or sporting that diamond-studded nose piercing, it's important to know that it's cool to be safe.

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NUMEROLOGY and its benefits

youtu789numerologiya (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Random House Unabridged Dictionary defines Numerology as the study of numbers as the figures designating the year of one’s birth to determine their supposed influence on one’s life, future etc. American Heritage Dictionary defines numerology as the study of occult meanings of numbers and their supposed influence on human life. So, from these definitions, we can say that numerology is basically numbers that have the potential to influence our life. It has been in practice since time immemorial, but of late, it is gaining popularity because of the hectic modern lifestyle and the unpredictable nature of life. So, people are looking for ways to predict their future. Numerology is one part of Astrology which has worked wonders on some of its ardent believers.

Numerology can be considered as a part of Astrology. Numerologists believe that the numbers for 0 to 9 are ruled by the different planets. For example, the digit 0 is governed by the planet Pluto, 1 is ruled by the Sun, and the number 2 is ruled by the Moon etc. As a result of that, the numbers in the name has different influences on the human beings. So, by changing the numbers in one’s name it is very much possible to change the impacts of the planets on the persons. There are instances in which the fortune of individuals has changed totally for the better merely by changing the numerical values of their names. These “successes” have proved time and again that numerology works in spite of the lack of scientific basis of this field.

Numerology has some relationships with alphabets of the names as well. Each alphabet is assigned a value. So, the total numerical value of the alphabets in a person’s name is calculated and the numerologists will determine the impacts of that numerological value on the person. If needed, he will also suggest corrective measures. Thousands of customers will testify to the positive effects of numerology on their lives. Celebrities around the globe have benefited from corrective measures prescribed by their numerologists. Numerologists affirm that this science of Numerology has a scientific basis. 

Scientists do not agree on this, even though thousands of users will vouch for its effectiveness. Numerologists say that by checking and changing the name a person’s fate will totally change. It will also bring good luck to the person. Changing is done by rectifying the name by adding or deleting alphabets in the name. It is also important that the name of the individual and the date of the birth match in order to have positive effects and must have a positive power of planets in the horoscope. Otherwise, the person may not have desired luck. He or she may have to suffer financial losses, business losses, health problems, the enmity between partners etc. Predictions through Numerology can be done with the help of a few documents like the correct name, correct date of birth, Horoscope copies of Kundali Rasi and Navamsa. If Horoscope is not available, correct time of birth, and the place of birth is required for numerological predictions.

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Sustaining Life: SUSTAINABLE POWER

BioEthanol for Sustainable Transport (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When we speak of energy, power, and development, we all think development, industrialization, advancement; all these leads to pollution and degradation of the environment. You hear advocates say that our environment was a lot purer in long gone ages because people do not use energy.

Who’s Liable?

That is not necessarily true; you see an ancient man used fire to cook things, and then the sun to warm them up. Even humanity itself uses energy to be able to move and go about life each day. We cannot survive without energy and yet we blame it for the destruction of our planet. It is us who use energy to no ends, it is us who abuse its use, therefore, we are liable to find the solution to pollution. It is our responsibility to our selves and the future generation to seek ways of supporting our way of life without harming the environment.

The Scope and Definition of Sustainable Power

Generally, sustainable power is thought to be any renewable kind of energy. Meaning it is any puissance whose source cannot be depleted and does not contaminate the environment on a long-term basis.

Although sustainable power maybe confused with alternate or green energy the two are distinctly different. Sustainable power is conducive to nature but it is set apart from green or alternate energy because its source is unending, it cannot be exhausted.

Power Source

Sources of sustainable energy vary. It can be as simple as hydrogen to as complex as nuclear energy. When we speak of sustainable development we must consider the basics before heading off to the complex, after all, we haven’t used the newly scientifically discovered energy long enough to know its possible effects. The first things to consider are those that nature itself supplies; like the air, wind, solar, tidal, and water resources.

Techno Speak

With all the media hype surrounding this idealism, you’d think that we aren’t already using sustainable energy! Yes, we already are using alternative energy resources. We have water dams, the waterfall power plants, windmills, geothermal plants, and the nuclear power plants.

There are three technological classifications for the technologies that help us attain sustainable power; these include biomass combustion, hydropower, and geothermal plants. First generation power automatons arose during the industrial revolution. This is the time where people discovered that manufacturing will become faster thru the use of machines, and faster output means larger sales. In a way, sustainable power was researched and invented not for the future but for the moment; to improve lives, industry and the economy.

Second Generation energy resources comprise wind power, various forms of modern bioenergy, solar photovoltaics, and solar energy. These technologies emerged from the need to depend on oil so much. Research and Development were massively funded during the 1980’s and we are now reaping the benefits.

Third Generation sustainable energy resources are those that relatively new; biorefinery technologies, ocean energy, hot dry rock energy, biomass gasification, concentrating solar thermal power and even nanotechnology may make future appearances that will hopefully end our quest for continuous energy sources. On the stage of research and experimentation, these resources are still under development but raise the hopes of those who continually seek sustainable power.

All that have been mentioned are technological advances and discoveries of everlasting energy source, but in the end like everything in our lives, the future is in our hands. Even when we are provided with more nature-friendly energy resources if we don’t conserve and use it wisely we will still end up damaging the very planet on whose existence and well being we very much depend on.

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The TAROT - An Introduction

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What is the Tarot?

The tarot is a deck of 78 cards, featuring illustrations that can be interpreted in various ways. The deck is divided into two sections, called the major arcana and minor arcana.

The major arcana features the 21 trump cards, and the minor arcana is divided into four suits (wands, pentacles, cups, and swords) each with cards featuring the numbers 1-10, an ace and four court cards (the Page, Knight, Queen, and King).

Origin of the Tarot

The oldest known tarot cards originated in 15th century Italy. The tarot appears to have started life as a card game and was at first restricted to the wealthy upper classes, although after the invention of the printing press, the cards became more widely available. 

Some writers have claimed (despite the apparent lack of evidence) that the imagery of the tarot cards suggests a more ancient origin, and have connected the tarot with such cultures and traditions as the ancient Egyptians and the mystical Hebrew Kabbalah.

Later Developments

It was not until the 18th century that the cards became associated with the occult and mystical activities for which they are often known today. This began in 1781 when the freemason Antoine Court de Gebelin made the claim in his work 'Le Monde Primatif' that tarot cards contained hidden meanings (which he associated with the ancient Egyptians) that could be used for divinatory purposes.

Since then other mystic and magical traditions, such as the Order of the Golden Dawn, have claimed that the tarot has ancient roots, together with hidden wisdom to impart to those seeking enlightenment. The tarot was especially popular among such groups in the 19th century.

The tarot became more widely known with the publication of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot in 1910. Arthur Edwards Waite was a Golden Dawn member, and in this new deck, drawn by the artist Pamela Colman Smith, images with occult symbolism were included on the numeric cards, as well as the trump cards. This deck was very successful (and remains popular today), and since then, hundreds if not thousands of diverse new decks have been published, with many enthusiasts creating their own. 

Uses of the Tarot

The tarot has several distinct uses, including:

1. Games

This was its original use, and it is still used for gaming purposes in some European countries. 

2. Psychology

Carl Jung was the first mainstream psychologist to attach meaning to the tarot cards when he associated them with the fundamental archetypes that he believed to reside in the collective human unconscious. Several therapeutic techniques involving the tarot have developed from this insight.

3. Inspiration

Many artists and writers have produced works inspired by the tarot.

4. Divination

Fortune telling is perhaps the most common use associated with the tarot. The images on the cards may help the person seeking the reading to tap into their own subconscious knowledge. Others believe that the cards themselves hold some kind of inherent divinatory power, which may be read by a skilled person. For this reason, handling another person's cards is generally frowned upon in occult circles, as their energy could become contaminated. 

Doing a Reading

There is no set method for performing a divinatory tarot reading. However, there are several popular layouts or 'spreads', with perhaps the most well known being the Celtic cross. This is usually the first method taught to beginners, although it is by no means the most simple.  Experienced tarot readers will often invent their own spreads, with their own means of interpretation.

Rider-Waite-Smith deck. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Once the cards are selected by the person receiving the reading, the reader lays them out in a spread and analyses them, taking into account the positions relative to each other, the symbolism of the individual cards, and their position (upright or reversed).

Meaning of the Cards

There is no generally agreed upon interpretation of the tarot cards. They all have imagery of varying degrees of compexity, and the wide range of decks available makes the situation even more difficult.

Nevertheless, there is a huge amount of writings available on the symbology of the tarot, and on the most basic level, the 22 major arcana cards are thought to represent the journey of the Fool from ignorance to enlightenment. 

In addition, the minor arcana cards have their own symbolism. The numbers are most obviously associated with numerology, and the suits are linked to the four elements (Swords=Air; Cups=Water; Wands=Fire; Pentacles=Earth). The tarot has also been linked with other mystical and occult systems such as the I Ching, astrology, and the Kabbalah.

Choosing a Tarot Deck

There is a huge range of tarot decks to choose from. The symbolism-rich Rider-Waite deck remains extremely popular, as does Crowley's Thoth deck. The early Marseille deck (used by Gebelin to illustrate 'Le Monde Primitif') is another important deck, also. There are also many less conventional decks to choose from. 

Feminists, for example, might like the Motherpeace Tarot with its round cards and exclusively female imagery, whereas some of those interested in Paganism might enjoy the Witches deck or the DruidCraft Tarot. Tarot decks can be found representing animals too, as well as various sports, natural imagery and other common activities. In fact, there's a tarot pack available to suit every taste, and most can be bought online as well as from bookstores, new age shops etc.

Where to Start?

If you're interested in learning more about the tarot, I recommend checking out some of the numerous excellent tarot-related sites on the net, as well as online and local bookstores and new age stores. One thing's for sure - there's no shortage of information available!

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Why Study SHAMANISM?

Chapito, a Seri shaman from Punta Chueca, Sonora, Mexico. Chapito wanted to be photographed this way, pointing toward the mountain caves.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is probably the most common question asked today. And you know why so many people ask it? Because we are brought up in a society that does not have Shamanism. Worse than that we are brought up without community.

In the old days, we were raised with a strong community around us. We lived together, played together, grew up together and sometimes even died together. We had elders and doctors and teachers and medical advisors right within this strong close-knit community. Think of the Klingit tribes of Indians who live in Alaska. Although they may seem isolated from the outside, they are completely self-contained with a very strong sense of communal identity.

But today, we are lucky to have a strong family or church community and in many ways, we are less fortunate than long ago.

In the old days, the elders would watch the children and find what each child was strong in and had a knack for. Then that gift or gifts were encouraged and the child grew into whatever came naturally to him or her. If a child seemed good with numbers, that talent was grown and the child might become the treasurer for the community. If the child was given to visions he or she may be groomed to be the community's visionary. If the child could speak to the animals, perhaps the child would become the communicator to the spirit world. Each child would have one or more gifts he or she was born with. It was the community, the elders, the teachers, and the parents who realized the blessings and were happy to help the child be what he or she was meant to be in life.

Today we have no such possibility for ourselves or for our children. For the most part, we are raised to fit into a box; to learn what everyone else learns and to ignore or abandon anything that does not fit into society's box. If our parents see us talking to the birds we are taken to a psychologist and told not to do that. In fact, there is very little encouragement to develop the gifts and talents that we were born into. And so our society is losing out on the largest talent bank ever assembled on this planet today.

This is the problem. Shamanism could disappear from the face of the earth because children of today are not allowed to study it and to grow their own special gifts of healing for themselves and for society. It doesn't have to be this way. We have a choice. It is not too late to look inside and find those special gifts we were born with. We may have pushed them down and buried them deep inside because our parents, our family, our society said they were wrong or worthless or should not be used. But they are still within us.

What are these gifts?

Healing the spirit is the primary function of a Shaman.

This includes

Soul-extraction,

Soul-retrieval,

Soul-restoration

Herbal healing

Hands on healing

Divination

Dream Work

Soul Leading

Soul extraction involves the Shaman extracting psychic darts or chords that have intruded upon the soul or etheric body of the patient. This is sometimes an attack from someone who has attempted to harm, maim, or kill the patient. The classic dart attack will often manifest as pains where no wounds exist. This involves, according to Michael Harner, author of The Way of the Shaman, a literal "sucking out" of the intrusion. This sucking out of the intrusions is done both psychically and mentally. There are other methods of soul extraction as well.

Soul-retrieval is the process by which the Shaman retrieves pieces of the person lost soul. This is often accomplished by journeying to the spirit world and requesting assistance from the spirits, ancestors, and guides that dwell in Other Realities or Worlds. These beings assist the Shaman in discovering what is wrong with the person and often help the Shaman fight a battle with the being now possessing those parts to win them back and bring them to the patient. Some of the classic symptoms of a person in need of soul retrieval would perhaps include those suffering from a mental illness; those abused as children, or those who sense that something is missing in their lives.

This is a dangerous act and often the Shaman if he or she is not trained well enough can fall into physical or mental traps laid by the possessing entities that may cause illness or psychosis for the Shaman.

Soul restoration is the literally restoring of one's soul. This occurs when a person is near death and his/her soul seeks to move on. This "death" could be the result of a psychic attack or an accident from which the body has recovered physically, but not spiritually. Again the Shaman will journey to the place where the patient has lost his or her soul and barter for that soul to bring it back and restore it to the patient. It takes much strength and power by the Shaman to deal with these otherworld entities and the Shaman must know how and where to wield that power for the good of all. Shamans are not in the business of destruction but rather healing. I cannot emphasize the role of personal power and education for the Shaman enough.

Hands-on healing or bodywork is most certainly a part of what a Shaman does. This technique is still widely used today by Reiki masters, massage therapists, chiropractors, and Shamans. Shamanistic hands-on healing involves the energy or spirit of the Shaman working with the energy or spirit of the patient.

Divination is the means by which a Shaman can foretell the future, describe the illnesses of people and find their cure. Divination shows the path to the Shaman; which direction the patient should walk to receive healing. This is accomplished in varying ways and the method used often depends on the teaching the Shaman received from his particular tribe or elder. The most common shamanic method is journeying to the Otherworld and requesting information from elders, guides, and spirits who live there. It is been said that Genghis Khan used his shamans that way. There are many other beings who are greatly involved in your life and wish to see you whole and happy. A Shaman has an intimate relationship with these wise ones and uses this gift on the patient's behalf.

Herbal healing gives credence to the true belief that a Shaman is a medicine man or witch doctor. Herbal healing began at the beginning of the earth. Many of the hunting and gathering tribes had the ability to heal with plants indigenous to their area. Today this knowledge is fast disappearing and Shamans everywhere try to support the preservation of indigenous plant life and the lore surrounding them. Many Shamans spend their entire careers discovering and recording these plants for the future of us all.

Herbalism is used in conjunction with spirit healing to facilitate recovery. All Shamans are herbalists.

Dreamwork or dream interpretation is another Shamanic tool to assist with healing. Shamans will listen to the dreamer's dream, sometimes for several days, until they fully connect with it. Then they will dream the dream themselves and resolve the conflict to the highest good of the dreamer. This again is a difficult task and requires rigorous training by the Shaman in his or her apprenticeship to accomplish.

Soul leading is another important function of a Shaman. This is the process by which the Shaman will escort the newly dead to their place in the Otherworld. This is done because the Shaman who is familiar and a frequent visitor to the Otherworld will be able to find the "soul" its proper place.

Not all Shamans are all of the above but a good Shaman is all this and more. What a Shaman is according to Eliade is a "Master of the Ecstatic." This is true for it is in the mastery of the ecstatic that the Shaman garners his or her power.

Each of us had one or more of these gifts buried somewhere inside our spirits. It is our gift, our right, actually our duty to find the gift, study the gift, gain power over the gift or gifts and use the gift to heal ourselves and others. Can you imagine how beautiful this world would be if each of us took responsibility for the gifts we were given? Who would be left sick? Or poor?

There is a course available called Shaman Apprenticeship 101 to help unlock those gifts and remember the skills and the power to make one's life everything it is meant to be! Studying Shamanism will bring back the harmony in one's life and create a strong connection to spirit. Come Home! Allow yourself to be who you truly are! Find your personal power. Take charge of your situation. Find your sense of purpose in this world. Give that gift that is uniquely yours to give.

By Maggie Wahls You can find out more about this course by going to http://www.shamanelder.com As a Shaman Elder, Maggie Wahls has spent years working with children, observing them in constructive and purposeful play activities designed to discover those gifts and talents within each child. As a community, we can then encourage and nurture those gifts into the powerful skills that they can be for happiness, self-fulfillment, motivation, excellence, achievement, and success. And so, she is also creating an experiential self-discovery course for children. Maggie is available for counseling in this area and would be happy to offer assistance in helping your child find his or her own true potential. It is the job of a Shaman.  Aho! Shaman Elder Maggie Wahls is one of America's most loved teachers of Shamanism for today's modern society. Her classes are ongoing online and in 5-day intensives in New Mexico. She is currently writing a book on the art of Shamanism and also offers free counseling to anyone who wishes it. Learn more at http://www.shamanelder.com Article Source: EzineArticles

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Feiki REIKI

The Reiki Distance Healing symbol Honshazeshonen also spelled Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen and abbreviated HSZSN. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Reiki is an ancient method of healing that has been used for centuries. Since it's reintroduction in the early 20th century, various methods have been produced and one of them although considered by some as radical is called Feiki Reiki. 

But why is it a radical form of Reiki? This is because the technique not only recharges your energy but it also awakens your senses.  This makes you realize that nothing lies outside ourselves when the power and everything else we need is within us.

We have to tap that power to become better individuals and that can only be done by learning from a master and then improving who we are. 

Regardless of what you choose to use, the purpose of Reiki is still the same. This technique teaches you to use the surrounding energy to heal your body and give you or whoever you are helping inner peace. 

By practicing this regularly, you will be able to clear your body of negative energies that are mental blocks and causes of illness. This keeps you healthy and strong as well as gives your more creativity to flow through your mind. 

One thing that you can't miss even in radical Reiki is a balance. This includes not only physical balance but also for the mind and spirit which gives you time to relax and revitalize your body. 

If you want to learn conventional or radical Reiki, you have to start at level 1 training. The instructor will first teach you about the symbols and then after going through a cleansing period, you may choose to learn the other levels to the point that can even make you become a master. 

There are a few attributes that go with Feiki Reiki. First is the purification that is associated with a pure form of energy. It is often said that this can move into one that causes a higher vibration of energy to move through that person and thus causes healing. The second attribute is being able to transform fear and negative thoughts into an attribute. In short, you face your fears until you are no longer afraid of them. 

Once you have mastered them, you will be able to call on a specific universal energy to help with your healing. 

Feiki Reiki is often online. You can find it by typing this in a search engine or maybe look it up in your local area so you don't have to travel very far to learn this but if you have no choice, you can just opt for distance learning. 

The use of Feiki Reiki is not very common compared to the other forms available. Just the same, its focus is still to help you heal from any emotional, physical or spiritual problem that you or others may have. By using it regularly and making this a part of your daily life, you will realize that it can also serve as a guide. 

After all, life is meaningless without a purpose and this may be the key to help you on your way. So read up on it to find out if Feiki Reiki is the right technique for you. If possible, talk to an instructor. There are plenty to choose from and that is something you have to find out for yourself.

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INSOMNIA: Causes and Cures

Insomnia smiley (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you've been counting sheep till the wee hours of the morning quite regularly, you're a victim of insomnia. This condition can not only make you dread the night but also disturb your normal flow of life. And it’s common enough to afflict around 3.5 million people in the US alone! 

What causes Insomnia?

There are some known causes of insomnia, like chronic pain, restless legs syndrome, nocturnal disturbances, too much coffee, and the like. But, today, mental stress is one of the main culprits for this problem. Worries and tensions keep the mind engaged at night, keeping you wide awake. If you're stressed only for a few times, you can cope with sleeplessness. But, if you're a chronic worrier, chances are you're an insomniac too. 

How it can be cured? 

Of course, there are sleeping pills to put you to sleep. But, you know how harmful they can be if taken in excess. These over-the-counter pills do more harm than good, because of their terrible side effects. However, certain alternative therapies and exercises have proven effective against sleep disorders caused by stress, depression or other psychological factors. 

A non-drug therapy, showing promising results, is called cognitive behavioral therapy. The therapy basically trains the patients to calm their mind and regulate their thought patterns for a sound sleep. 

There are many breathing and relaxation techniques too that can promote relaxation and relieve stress. These techniques teach you how to breathe deeper and slower to become more relaxed and sedated. 

However, the cure making waves is a product called the All Natural Sleep Patch Rest Quiet™. This new approach to getting a peaceful night's sleep is really a godsend for insomniacs. Read what one of the users has to say, “The sleep patches are nothing short of amazing. They are going to help millions who, especially after the age of 35, have trouble sleeping. I used one. I slept more deeply and soundly than I have for years. I could not be more enthusiastic about them.”

The method allows a natural organic material to interact with the human body to improve relaxation and well being. The good news is it’s non-invasive, that is, nothing enters the body. Its new organic nanotechnology structures allow energy transfer between you and the patches. It’s believed that Rest Quiet™ helps the body in balancing its own natural meridians by the application of the Rest Quiet™ Patch to specific acupuncture points. And the result is a quiet, restful sleep!

Conclusion

Insomnia affects millions of people around the world.  There are many causes and solutions but for those interested in natural organic solutions, Rest Quiet™ is safe, effective and without any side effects. You may also try natural ways but don’t forget to consult your physician before you opt for any such remedies.

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Knowing the basics of AIKIDO

Ueshiba in Tokyo in 1939 - Photo: Wikipedia

Aikido is one of the oldest forms of martial arts. Founded by Morihei Ueshiba, aikido came about through the studies of many different kinds of traditional martial arts. In fact, is often perceived as a form of exercise or a dance because of some of its forms. It is also viewed by some quarters as some form of martial mesmerism.

Aikido is even confused with Daito Ryu Aikijutsu, it is different in its essence. Still, its founder attributed his creation of aikido to the way, his master Sokaku Takeda, grandmaster of Daito Ryu, opened his eyes to the nature of Budo.

What is aikido?

Despite its many perceived forms, aikido is a Budo or martial arts. It is the refinement of the techniques that are being taught in traditional martial arts and is combined with a philosophy that calls on for the power of the spirit. In its essence, it is a blending of the body and the mind.

Its philosophy is basically derived from the belief that deceptions and trickery or brute force will not make us defeat our opponents. Instead, a concentration that involves the spirit will be enough to strengthen us.

Aikido is also used as a way to discover our true paths so that we can develop our individuality. It also teaches its practitioners to unify their body and their mind so that they will become in harmony with the “universe” and with nature. Their power and their strength will come from this balance and harmony.  

The word “universe” in aikido is not some obscure concept that one cannot achieve. It is actually quite concrete and is even within the grasp of the person. In aikido, “universe” can be achieved through actual experiences and everyday life.

Aikido’s movements and techniques are circular. When a circle is created in aikido, the person is said to be protected from a collision from an opposing force. A firm centre, however, is needed to create this circle. An example of a firm circle is a spinning top that turns at a fast speed. Without a firm centre, the speed of movement will only create an imbalance. The stillness of the spinning top while in speeding motion is what is called sumikiri in Aikido language. This is achieved only by what Aikido founder calls “total clarity of mind and body.” However, this is not so easily achieved. It takes a long time of study and practice in order to find this intense concentration and centeredness.

Training is important in aikido as well as concentration because while it may be easy to create a centred being when inside a martial arts gym, the same cannot be said of situations and circumstances outside. It will not be easy to keep one’s composure when faced with extraordinary circumstances. This is actually one of the goals of Aikido training. It aims to teach its practitioners to maintain their composure and their centeredness even in panic situations such as danger and calamities.      

One method taught in aikido is to breathe with what is called the seika tanden point. This is the part of the body that can be found two inches below the navel. Controlled breathing is one key to being one with the universe and to centre oneself with nature. When a person learns to do this, he or she will feel the extraordinary calmness that they can use in the practice of aikido.

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Using HYPNOSIS To Get Mind Power

Mahasati Meditation Basic Rhythmic Movements
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The 12 steps to acquire mind-power is intended to build positive visuals, acquire mind power and help you achieve your dreams and desires that may be as varied as improving your personality, increasing your wealth, attracting love and making yourself attractive.

Follow these steps I have specifically found to help anyone who is new to Power of Creative Visualization.

Step One: Choose a quiet place, which is free from all distraction, interruption or disturbance. This may even be inside a bus or in your own room. The idea is to be able to concentrate in an environment that you find is suitable. The idea is to be able to concentrate in an environment that you find is suitable. The ideal time, however, I have found to be is, early in the morning or before going to bed. The ideal place, however, may be anywhere as long as you can concentrate.

Step Two: Feel comfortable. Wear loose clothes or else loosen your belt and tie.

Step Three: Be comfortable. Keep your spine straight. Loosen your hands. Relax! This eases your body tension and helps your blood circulate efficiently.

Step Four: Close your eyes. That way your physical world does not interrupt you and you can concentrate on your mental world. But avoid quenching your eyes. Close them gently. In fact, once you focus on your images, you may find your eyes closing naturally.

Step Five: Breath normally. Let your body roll with the rhythm of your breathing. Listen to that rhythm.

Step Six: Now begin the process of visualization. Create the key images of the subject you have chosen. Form the shape. Add color. Build the sound. Sense them! Focus on them. See them as sharply and clearly as you can with your mind's eye.

Step Seven: Put yourself in the images you have created. You must be inside the picture so as to let your subconscious mind know that the image you see that leads to your goal is actually meant for you, and not for anyone else.

Step Eight: Feel the image you have created. Now that you are inside the picture imagine yourself to be leading

the time you see. Feel the environment. Watch how different it feels to lead a life that you had desired. Bring your images alive.

Step Nine: Experience the images with all your emotions. See! Hear! Smell! Feel how it feels to have achieved your goals. Let the excitement and happiness of success flow through you. Let the thrill of success building in you. Feel your success.

Step Ten: Once you have experienced your images with emotion, let your mind go blank. If you hold on to your images for too long, the images might disappear due to overexposure. So, let go of it.

Step Eleven: Create a space in your mind to receive what you desire. Say to yourself that what you desire - like, "I deserve to be healthy", "I deserve to be rich and famous." By doing this, you not only let your subconscious mind support the picture, you literally achieve your success.

Step Twelve: Feel creative while creating the images. I have given you the basic guidelines in the following pages to create visuals that will help you achieve your goals. You may change them accordingly to suit your needs. The more the images meet your specific needs, the more effective they will be.

These then are the twelve important steps to mind-power. Remember, it is better to visualize 2-3 times a day for a shorter duration than to visualize for a long stretch during the day. Doing this, the quality of visuals remain fresh instead of becoming stale and plaid and draining all energy out of you.

Steps one to ten might take you anything between 5-10 minutes. It is better if you do not prolong it. Instead, repeat it at another time of the day.

When you release the image after this brief exercise, your mind will become free of the mind-power you had activated. But your subconscious mind keeps on supporting the image you had seen. This helps your goal and your dreams to be a reality.

The twelve steps to Mind power that I have explained above is the most powerful tool in this world. When you switch on your mind power and extend it to creative visualization for turning your dreams into reality - then, that is exactly what will happen. Your dreams will become reality.

Remember, with your mind, you can rule the world.

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Controlling Disease in HEALTHY AGING

Photo  by Hernan Piñera 

Once you have learned that you have an illness like cancer or heart disease, it can be hard on you mentally and emotionally. At this time, you want to take control of your disease. When you feel like giving up, you only allow the disease to take control of your life. Remember you have people who care about you, and when you give up you give up on them too.

How you can help you live through healthy aging:

The first thing you have to do is to accept the fact that you are sick. This can be hard for you but if you are mentally able, you have to do this. Once you accepted it is easier to move ahead and take the next step. Acceptance will help you to better understand your disease. Remember, you are not the disease the illnesses is something that is reducing your abilities to function healthily in life. Still, you can function healthily by taking necessary actions.

You can get the information off the Internet if you would like to learn more about your condition. Learning will help you by allowing you to understand your disease. In fact, learning will help you to find interventions, preventions, and perhaps cures for your disease. You can talk to your doctor as well. Learn what you can from your family doctor. Once you have accepted what you have and have learned about it then you can move on to the next step. Which is to, to live your life to the fullest? Do what you can do while you can, go see places that you would not normally.

How will my disease affect me emotionally and mentally?

It depends on the disease, but most illnesses we can safely tell you causes depression. You may feel like being alone. At times, you will endure mood swings and not feel like having anyone near you. You may feel hopeless.

How would I get a second opinion?

Getting a second opinion is always important if you’ve been diagnosed with any disease. You can start with talking to your family doctor and see what he/she may think. Although a second opinion is good for you to have if you are not feeling comfortable, you want to continue seeking advice. It is in your best interest to find a qualified doctor to give you a second opinion. Sadly, you may have to visit a few doctors to find one that makes you feel comfortable.

What can I do to help myself?

We all have the power to help ourselves. We can take action by eating right. We can improve health by taking vitamins and supplements intended to help fight disease and make you stronger. You want to socialize and avoid isolating you. Be social and don’t stay in your room crying to yourself. Doctors persistently ask their patients to express their feelings. Expressing your feelings is helping you to fight for healthy aging.

Make sure you make all your family doctors appointments. You want to stay on your toes when dealing with a disease. Visiting your doctor regularly will help you stay in control. When you feel blue, walk. If not outside maybe, you can walk around your house. Walking will help you to stay strong.

You may benefit from participating with a support group of some sort. We all need support; yet having someone that understands your disease makes better friendship. At meetings, you can vent your emotions. What a wonderful way to follow doctors orders, thus expressing your emotions. You also want to consider friends who will allow you to express your emotions.

If you don’t want to go out and be around your friends then why not get a pet as a friend they can help you through this as well they will walk with you and play with you and be your best friend through all of this.

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Three miles in 30 days RUNNING program

Photo  by buffalotriathlonclub 

This running program consists of three main parts, first fat burning this program will for sure burn fat. Second endurance you will have a much better breathing pattern during and after this workout over the next 30 days. Third, the shape of your body will change regardless of whatever it looks like now, after 30 days you will see a noticeable difference. Every day is a 30-minute workout to be complete 4 - 6 times per week. So you will need a stopwatch or a watch if you miss more than three days per week you will need to go back and repeat that week. But whatever you do do not give up.

DAY #1 Though DAY #4 

#1) Walk for five minutes, and then jog for 1 minute

#2) walk for five minutes, and then jog for two minutes

#3) walk for five minutes, and then jog for two minutes

#4) walk for four minutes, and then SPRINT for 8 seconds

#5 walk for two minutes to cool down.

DAY 5 Through DAY 9

#1) walk for four minutes, and then jog for two minutes

#2) walk for four minutes, and then jog for three minutes

#3) walk for three minutes, and then jog for three minutes

#4) walk for three minutes, and then jog for three minutes

#5) walk for two minutes, and then SPRINT for 10 seconds

#6) walk three minutes for cool down.

DAY 10 Through DAY 13

#1) walk for three minutes, then jog for three minutes

#2) walk for two minutes, then SPRINT for 15 seconds

#3) walk for two minutes, then SPRINT for 15 seconds

#4) walk for two minutes, then SPRINT for 10 seconds

#5) walk for two minutes, then SPRINT for 10 seconds

#6) walk for two minutes, then jog for three minutes

#7) walk for two minutes, then jog for three minutes

#8) walk for two minutes, then jog for two minutes

#9) walk two minutes for cool down

DAY 14 Through DAY 17

#1) walk for three minutes, then jog for six minutes

#2) walk for three minutes, then jog for four minutes

#3) walk for two minutes, then jog for three minutes

#4) walk for two minutes, then jog for three minutes

#5) walk for one minute, then jog for one minute

#6) walk for two minute cool down

DAY 18 Through 21 

#1) walk for three minutes, then jog for eight minutes

#2) walk for three minutes, then jog for six minutes

#3) walk for three minutes, then SPRINT for 15 seconds

#4) walk for two minutes, then SPRINTS for 15 seconds

#5) walk for two minutes, then SPRINT for 10 seconds

#6) walk for two minute cool down

DAY 22 Through 24 

#1) walk for two minutes, then jog for ten minutes

#2) walk for two minutes, then jog for eight minutes

#3) walk for one minutes, then jog for two minutes

#4) walk for one minute, then jog for one minute

#5) walk for two minutes cool down

DAY 25 AND DAY 26

#1) walk for one minute, then jog for sixteen minutes

#2) walk for two minutes, then jog for ten minutes

#3) walk for as long as you need for cool down

DAY 27 AND 28 

#1) walk for one minute, then jog for twenty minutes

#2) walk for two minutes, then SPRINT for 15 seconds

#3) walk for one minute, then SPRINT for 15 seconds

#4) walk for one minute, then jog for three minutes

#5) walk for two minutes for cool down

DAY 29 

JOG FOR 30 STRAIGHT MINUTES EASY do not over do it just a nice easy pace.

DAY 30 

JOG FOR 30 STRAIGHT MINUTES AGAIN BUT TIME PUT MORE INTO IT, AT THIS POINT YOU SHOULD BE AT THE THREE MILE IN 30 MINUTES.

Dale Dupree Brown, Copywrite (7) 2007 Former pro boxer and Delaware state champion, who enjoys helping others obtain their goals in any sport or personal activities. He has trained many athletes from track, football, boxing and has always enjoyed it. Anyone who desires their own personal daily workout plan can join our membership a or email me at davaldupree@yahoo.com include your age, height, weight, and your desires, and date you plan to reach your desires.

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The Wonderful Colors of FENG SHUI

Zentao symbol as an evolution of the Tao (Yin Yang) and the Five Elements of Feng Shui.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Colors affect people in different ways. By using the right colors, you can strengthen the elements of Feng Shui. These wonderful colors are divided into cool which is Yin and warm which is Yang. There must a balance at all times because everything possesses these two components.

Aside from Yin colors being cool, it also represents healing and relaxation. To give you an idea, here are the colors.

• Blue has yin energy because it reflects love. It also creates a feeling of peace and trust. Since it is the color of both the sea and sky, Feng Shui experts associate it with adventure and exploration. Among the different shades of blue, navy blue is the color that best describes intellect and wisdom.

• Black symbolizes money and income. It is great for those who are focusing on their careers especially when this color is combined with metal. In Feng Shui, it is the color of emotional protection and power.

• Next is purple that lies at the end of the spectrum. In Feng Shui, it is associated with spiritual awareness as it is excellent for physical and mental healing.

• White represents confidence, poise and purity. Feng Shui experts use this color in combination with gold and silver as it generates a calm atmosphere.

• You also have green which is represents balancing, normalizing, nurturing and refreshing. It is the color of balance, harmony, healing and health in the emotional, physical and spiritual aspect of things.

Yang colors tend to be fire and wood elements. It is these colors that provide you with positive energy or enthusiasm and here are the colors.

• Yellow represents cheerfulness and friendliness. However, too much exposure to this color can be bad because it often leads to anxiety.

• Orange helps you strengthen your concentration especially in times when your creativity runs dry.

• Tan or being represents the colors of the earth. It portrays neatness and helps conceal emotion.

• Lavender is the color of sexual indecision. Feng Shui experts believe this color suggests an ability to be manipulated.

• Maroon is one of the shades of red. In Feng Shui, this represents indecisiveness.

There are other colors aside from those mentioned that represent Yin and Yang in Feng Shui. If you want to know more about it, do some research as this is written in books and also posted online.

As mentioned, these colors should be used in different combinations with other Feng Shui elements in order to balance the Chi. These elements are namely earth, water, fire, wind, and metal.

Each of the colors above represents one of these elements and by making sure there is a balance, you will be able to bring prosperity wherever you need it like in your home or for your business.

For instance, if you want balance in the bathroom, you shouldn’t add the color black as there is enough water already there. Doing so will cause an imbalance and surely you wouldn’t want that to happen.

The wonderful colors of Feng Shui can be used to your advantage depending on the energy you need. For you to achieve prosperity, you have to bring them into your home or office not only in the colors of the wall but also the furniture and décor as well.

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Back to the Plants: CHINESE MEDICINE and Herbal Remedies

The Pen ts'ao, 1249 C.E. Printed with woodblock, this illustrated book discusses Chinese herbal medicine.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In Chinese medicine, everything has a place and a structure in order to help with healing.  All of these are natural approaches to bringing holistic health in an individual.  One of the concepts that Chinese medicine uses in relation to this is herbal remedies.  By combining a variety of elements, there is the ability for the herbs to help in healing everything.

The basis behind herbal remedies is to combine a series of herbs in order to bring about the desired effect.  Usually, there will be a formula of four herbs used in combination with each other.  This is done in order to treat secondary illnesses that may have been affected by the primary illness.  It also helps to balance and strengthen the body while it is healing.

When Chinese medicine begins to divide the various herbal remedies, they will do so by a hierarchy.  At the top of this hierarchy is the emperor herb.  This will be used to cure the major illness that is taking place.  Underneath this is the ‘ministers’ of the herbal remedy.  This is used to treat any secondary illnesses that are taking place.  After this, herbal ‘assistants’ will be used to support the other two herbs.  The last set of herbs will be the messenger herbs, which will tell the primary and secondary herbs where to go and how much of an effect to take on the body.

The herbal remedies that are placed together after this will be divided by the specific symptoms that are being seen.  Like all other parts of Chinese medicine, these will first be found through the five elements and how they relate to the body.  For example, some herbs will be spicy in order to relate to areas of the body that need this extra element to begin a better flow of Qi.

The last part of herbal medicine from ancient Chinese remedies is to determine the type of energy that is needed by a person.  This is found by diagnosis and examining the Qi that is in a person.  After this, a specific mixture of these four hierarchies will be mixed together in order to help change the energy flow that is in someone.

By examining the Qi and finding respective remedies through herbs, one is able to find the best solutions using a holistic method.  This allows one to benefit from the use of Chinese medicine and herbs in order to fight off an illness or a block of energy in their system.  

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