Majon.com Article Directory - New-age-self-help-do-it-yourself

Self Defense Products Could Safe Your Life

admin — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 19:00:00 -0500

It makes sense to invest in your own safety. Most people would agree that women and senior citizens should be able to defend themselves, including with self defense products such as stun guns, tasers and pepper sprays. Even strong, physically able men are sometimes in a position where they need a little something more than their physical strength to keep them safe. When and where can self defense products help keep you safer? Protect Yourself in Parking Lots and Parking Garages Thieves and criminals lurk in mall parking lots and parking garages with the intent of mugging, car-jacking or abducting motorists returning to their automobiles. People with bundles and packages are notoriously easy prey for such criminals - they're often distracted and have their hands engaged trying to juggle bags or push their shopping cart. Drivers who park in remote areas of parking lots are especially at risk, and parking garages, with their multiple levels, make it far too easy for criminals to catch a motorist in an isolated area with no one else in sight or earshot. The solution to being safe in such a situation lies in small self-defense products that can be held in one hand or hung on your belt loop within easy reach. Pepper sprays rolling around in the bottom of your purse or in your pocket somewhere are no use. A belt loop hook with a quick release latch puts the spray cartridge at your fingertips where you can reach it at need. A second option is a small stun gun with enough voltage to disable your attacker and allow you to get away. There are a number of self-defense products manufacturers who make stun guns that masquerade as lipsticks or cell phones, making them easy to carry and have at the ready when you're entering an unsafe area like a parking garage. Other times when these self-defense products come in handy include: Jogging By Yourself Don't let your morning run turn into a tragedy. Protect yourself with one of the many stun guns that have contoured grips. Many of them look like hand weights that many runners use for strength training while running. No one will know you're carrying a self-defense weapon - except the mugger who attempts to attack you. Waiting at Remote Bus Stops and Train Stations If you're a commuter who ends up standing on an empty train platform or at a remote bus stop, you're a prime target for an attacker. Keep yourself safe with a small stun gun, taser or pepper spray at the ready. Walking at Night Whether you step outside to take your pooch for a walk or walk home from work after dark, nighttime walks make you a target for thieves, muggers and worse. Protect yourself by keeping a pepper spray, stun gun or taser in your hand or on your belt or purse loop where you can reach it quickly. For more information on self-defense products that help keep you and your family safe, visit a website devoted to self-defense and safety and explore the wide range of self-defense products available today.

From Personal Alarms to Stun Guns Self-Defense for Women

admin — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:00:00 -0500

When it comes to self-defense, what you don't know could hurt you. What do you know about personal alarms, pepper spray and stun guns? Women are more often victims of violent crime than men, and they are most often assaulted by a man. Being able to defend yourself in a violent situation could literally save your life. Every year, millions of American women become victims of violent crime. Women are most likely to be assaulted when they are alone, either inside or outside the home, and while there are ways to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of assault, there is no way to completely eliminate that risk. That's why any woman who travels alone - even between the home and work or the home and the grocery store - or who is ever in her home alone should be prepared to defend herself against attack. There are many different kinds of self defense tools available to help you prevent and escape a violent attack. Understanding the differences and capabilities of stun guns, alarms, mace and pepper spray can help you choose the self defense tools that will work best for you. Personal alarms are the least confrontational type of self defense tool. Attackers usually will attempt to attack when there is a high likelihood that they can grab you undetected. Statistics show that making a lot of noise will often scare off an attacker by alerting passersby and frightening the attacker off. People may ignore a scream, but alarms are much harder to ignore. Personal alarms are designed to be carried with you when you're out of the home and can alert others that you're in danger. If you're usually within earshot of others for example, when you're walking along busy streets rather than through deserted parking lots, an alarm can be a good choice as a self defense system. What You Need to Know About Pepper Spray Pepper spray and mace are designed to disable an attacker. The spray units are filled with chemicals that sting the eyes and temporarily blind the attacker so that you can get away. Pepper sprays are legal in all 50 states, though a couple of states and cities have some restrictions. In order to be effective, you must spray directly into your attacker's face from 8 inches to 10 feet away. If it's windy or rainy, you could get a face full of the spray yourself. If you're sure that you can get the pepper spray canister out, facing in the right direction and close enough to be effective, pepper sprays or mace could be the right self defense product for you. What You Need to Know About Stun Guns Stun guns incapacitate an attacker by sending a jolt of electricity through his muscles. This results in a muscular spasm that usually disables the attacker for several minutes, giving you time to get away. You can press the stun gun to any part of your attacker's body, making it easier to "aim" than a pepper spray. On the other hand, you also have to be in close enough to actually make physical contact with your attacker. Stun guns are also bulkier and more difficult to conceal than a pepper spray canister. There are many different styles of pepper spray canisters and stun guns on the market. If you're concerned about your personal safety, do some research into the different types of self defense tools available and select the one that works best for you.

Learn Yoga in India and Help Children, Too

admin — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:00:00 -0600

If you practice yoga, you may be interested in yoga vacations and retreats. Such ventures have become a common business in India, but yoga is not a business according to many who practice the ancient Indian exercises in self-awareness. There are not many traditions of yoga, there is only yoga. Many Western practitioners who want to further their understanding of yoga and other related disciplines travel to India with the intent of living in an ashram and learning yoga as a way of life. There are hundreds of schools, programs and ashrams in India that accept and even encourage Western visitors and students. Often, the visitors pay their way as well as pitching in with the duties and responsibilities of living in the ashram. Others teach yoga as a profit-making venture, or advertise themselves as resorts where one can learn about yoga, Ayurvedic medicine and cooking and other disciplines. A few, though, remain true to the openness and sharing that is a part of yoga tradition. In India, the word ashram has two meanings. The first definition is "the usually secluded religious retreat or community that is home to a guru or holy man." The second is "a house that provides accommodation for destitute people." In the truest sense of the word, an ashram is a community where people come together to live their beliefs, which often include living a life informed by the principles of yoga. In Vrindavan, Jaisiyaram Ashram is both a community that offers yoga retreats and yoga vacations to the public, and a community that cares for the destitute among its people. The ashram offers yoga teaching courses and lessons in Ayurveda cooking and Ayurveda massage, as well as operating a school for local children. People from around the world are welcome to come and take part in the community through a number of programs where they can learn yoga positions or take yoga teacher training. The ashram also invites people to sponsor a child in their ashram school, in effect offering that child a way out of poverty through education. Yoga retreats and yoga vacations have become so popular that the New York Times profiled the phenomenon in July 2009. The article focused on U.S. ashrams that offer yoga retreats, which, the article suggests, are always more popular during difficult economic times. Ashrams have always attracted those who live lives that allow extended time away, one ashram coordinator told the newspaper, but unexpected unemployment has made ashram pilgrimages more attractive to those who find themselves with time on their hands and want to do something profitable with it. Yoga retreats at Indian ashrams offer additional attractions. They are more exotic, simply by virtue of being in India, of course. They also offer authenticity that ashrams in other parts of the world can't come close to providing. Most importantly, though, a yoga retreat at an Indian ashram offers a chance to disconnect from the world and reconnect with the smaller community and with your inner self.

Unexpected Ways to Give to Charity Car Donation and Six Other Methods

admin — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:00:00 -0500

Even in today's economy, most of us in the U.S. live a lifestyle that is head and shoulders above those living in the rest of the world. We have abundant food, warmth, clothing, clean drinking water, access to medical help, and a stable and fair government. Not everyone in the world is so lucky ... yet most of us give less than 1% of our yearly income to charity! It's easy to feel that you aren't able to pay your own bills and give enough to charity to make a real difference ... however today we look at 8 unexpected ways that you can do your part and help out those less fortunate other than the standard cash donation, from car donation to spending on your credit card. 1. Car Donation For those of you that simply can't bring yourself to buy a new car and see a quarter of its value wiped off as you drive out of the showroom, you'll understand that used cars have their dilemmas too! Once they need more than a certain value worth of repairs, there is simply no point keeping them. Yet at this stage you can't sell them (they aren't worth enough), breaking them down for parts takes time and even taking them to a wreckers can cost money! Car donation is a fantastic way to help charities if you have a car like this. When you donate your car, children charities and other charities will either break it down for parts (on donated time), or fix it up using donated labor and other car parts and sell it as a complete package. 2. Raising Online Awareness Add your chosen charity into the signature of your emails and online forum posts ... and then make sure you send only nice, well-behaved messages! You'll inevitably get a few click-throughs - if it a worthy charity, then people will start telling their friends about it, and the charity gains a broader supporter base. 3. Donate Your Time Most of us have worthy skills that charities can use. For example: * If you can talk to somebody on the phone, you can help man call centers * If you can do admin work, you may be able to help out with paperwork * If you can write, do web design or SEO, you can donate your skills for their website * Many charities need on-the-ground volunteers as well as admin-type staff 4. Sell on eBay, Donate to Charity eBay has a program called Giving Works, which allows you to donate the proceeds of the things you sell directly to a charity. You also get a statement to prove your donations at the end of the year for the IRS. 5. 'Buying' Address Labels Most charities send out things like address labels and Christmas cards to their regular donors. Instead of buying your address labels and printing cards, donate the cash to a charity, and you'll be sent them for free! 6. Donate Food Noticed a fantastic special at your local grocery store? Did you get a bunch of coupons that allowed you to get more food than you could use, almost for free? Donate the excess to a frontline charity. 7. Donate Your Clicks There are many sites across the Internet where you can click a button, have ads displayed, and the money that advertisers paid for the space is donated to charity. If you have a spare second while listening to podcasts, this is a great way to give. The charities will often get more if you actually click through to the advertisers. Almost as easy as car donation!

Online Dating Tips for Seniors Essential Advice

admin — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:00:00 -0600

Once upon a time, couples married for life. When that was the case, dating for people over 50 years old was rarely considered. But now, as single, divorced, and widowed senior citizens enjoy healthier and longer lives, they are looking for companions to share their golden years. The age of adults who are seeking mates is not the only difference in 21st-century dating. The Internet has transformed how people find the perfect match; in just a few years online dating has taken over the job of matchmaker. If, like most over-50 daters, you have not dated for many years, your skills may need upgrading. If you plan to explore the world of dating, especially online dating, do yourself a favor and brush up on your dating skills. Here are seven important online dating tips to help you get you started: 1. Make sure you have a good Internet connection. You can use Safari, Netscape, Firefox, etc. 2. Before you even start your Internet search, think carefully about what type of relationship you want. Be honest with yourself and realistic. Are you looking for someone to join you for dinner and a movie once in a while? Do you want a long-term, serious relationship-maybe even marriage-or would you prefer a more casual arrangement? Maybe you mostly want a physical connection. 3. Picture the type of person you want to date. The person you find may not be anything like your image so you need to be flexible in your expectations, but it's still helpful to approach dating with an idea of who you are looking for. Do you want a quiet person or an extrovert? Is your ideal date someone who likes to dance, or someone who likes watching football? What values are important to you? How do you feel about children? What age person is right for you? Do you care about education, profession, or finances? 4. When you sign up for an online dating service, you will need to prepare a statement about yourself and what you are looking for. Both what you say and how you say it give an impression of who you are. Make sure your statement gives an honest and accurate picture. Above all, do not lie to try to attract a certain type of person; it won't work, and will only make it harder to find a person who is right for you. 5. Most online daters communicate electronically before meeting in person. When you are ready to meet someone face to face, set up a short date-for a cup of coffee, perhaps-in a safe, public place. If you click you can make another date. If you don't click, you won't have to spend a long uncomfortable evening together. 6. Relationships between people who date are not the same as they were decades ago. Because roles are not as straightforward as they used to be, you may need to talk about issues such as who pays, who initiates dates, and who opens doors. Don't make assumptions. 7. Use your instincts. If something doesn't seem right to you, back off. Use the wisdom of your years to make sound dating decisions.

Living a Well Rounded Life Three Secrets of Success

admin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:00:00 -0500

What evidence would you expect to see if someone told you he considered himself to be a well-rounded person? Would you look for a keen intellect, plenty of friends and a fat bank account? Those are the things many people associate with a well-rounded life. But those things are the result, not the foundation, of a balanced lifestyle. Here are three foundational keys to living a well-rounded life. Develop Wisdom: To keep your life in balance, it's essential to live wisely. Knowledge is important, but knowing what to do with that knowledge is true wisdom. One of the secrets of success often named by people at the top is the ability to take in new information and discover how it can be used to improve your life. To develop wisdom, you must be willing to discover, experience and absorb new knowledge in many areas. It helps to find people you can trust to point you to reliable sources of information. As you gain new knowledge and build your own recipe for success, your newfound wisdom will contribute to a well-rounded life. Develop Prosperity: Achieving your personal definition of prosperity is another key to living a well-rounded life. Whether it's through investing wisely, building a successful Internet marketing career or some other form of wealth building, you must first define what you consider to be "living prosperously". Without that personal definition in place, you might wonder constantly if there's more to be achieved. Once you've defined prosperity for yourself, begin looking for ways to achieve it. Always be willing to learn from successful people in order to shorten your learning curve. No matter what route you take to success, it's important to keep your life in balance. Neglecting the development of wisdom as you prosper will make you a fool with money. Failing to maintain your physical well being while growing rich takes the joy out of prosperity. Develop Physical Well Being: There's little point to gaining wisdom and prosperity if you're too unhealthy to enjoy it. A well-rounded life must also include physical well-being. Even if physically handicapped, it's possible for someone who purposely takes care of themselves and monitors their physical condition to operate at their highest capacity. Again, some research is in order. Read, listen and learn from others with special wisdom in this area. Study about supplements, fitness routines and nutrition. Experiment until you develop the habits that will help you achieve physical well-being. You'll enjoy the wisdom and prosperity you've accumulated much more when operating at peak physical condition. The well-rounded person has placed a high priority on wisdom, prosperity and health in her life. Take steps to align your own priorities with these goals. By incorporating these three key areas into your daily routines, you, too, can learn the joys of a well-rounded life.

Becoming a Well-Rounded Person - And Staying Well-Rounded

admin — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 19:00:00 -0500

I like to think of myself as an informed and well-rounded individual who continually tries to keep my life in balance with the world around me. Of course, this is often easier said than done as life can throw many a curve ball. It seems as though my recipes for success, whether they're investing strategies, nutrition and fitness awareness, or career goals, can always use a little tweaking. It is also no secret to admit my well-being does not always coincide with my personal wealth of aged wisdom. In this vein, I am forever searching for the secret of success while attempting to maintain a well-rounded life. As an avid reader, I am constantly on the hunt for informational material that will help guide me in my quest to becoming a well-rounded person. My library consists of hundreds of self-help books I have either read from cover to cover or used as reference guides. Always in search of material to aid my well-rounded journey, I recently discovered one of the most informative online websites that provides comprehensive reviews for books and products targeted for the self-help field. This progressive website is a virtual fountain of information for those seeking guidance materials to broaden their perspective on how to achieve a well-rounded life. The intelligent product and book reviews on this website allow me to cull through a vast amount of information in a short period of time. The product descriptions also provide detailed facts that help the consumer make an informed purchasing decision. Steve, an incredibly well rounded guy, is always looking for valuable resources aimed at investing and finds the book reviews under the prosperity section of this site to be extraordinarily helpful. Several of the books he has purchased are used as daily referral guides as Steve continues to build a successful Internet marketing business. The free monthly newsletter and special reports offered through this site are something to look forward to as they are always packed with information and resource links. I also enjoy reading the updates on hot new products and books entering the market. Since this website is partnered with Amazon, it are able to bring a wide selection of helpful tools, audio program, books and more. Working with Amazon, a leading provider of literature and products, this website's e-store has handpicked products specifically designed and written for those people seeking a well-rounded life. Additionally, by purchasing your choices at the discount prices offered, you will save considerable money. Whether seeking guidance on how to jump-start your career or looking for the right nutrition supplements, this information site is the place to start. As a society, it is my personal belief we should all work towards becoming well-rounded individuals. With the right tools, resources and determination we can achieve a higher level of self-awareness. Strength comes in many different forms, but none as great as wisdom and understanding. These are the traits a well-rounded person possesses and continually strives to enhance. Start your personal well-rounded journey today and allow that person to shine!

Reach Your Goals through Coaching

admin — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:00:00 -0500

Coaching involves instructing, directing, and training individuals, groups, or organizations in order to improve skills or reach a goal. Coaching can be applied to sports, life, business, health, dating, and conflict, among others. This article focuses on business and life coaching. A business coach is very much like a sports coach. A sports coach pushes an athlete to achieve optimum performance. The coach provides support and encouragement when the athlete is exhausted. The sports coach also teaches the athlete how to carry out moves the competition does not anticipate. Overall, a coach makes athletes focus on the game they are playing. A business coach teaches business owners and executives how to improve their businesses through support, encouragement, and guidance. A coach may help the businessperson with sales, leadership, marketing, advertising, time management, teambuilding, communication, and/or business systems. Business coaching teaches how to increase profit more efficiently and effectively. Overall, the business coach shows business execs how to identify and overcome roadblocks in order to focus on their businesses and their profits. A life coach helps people achieve their personal goals. The coach listens, gives feedback, and acts as a sounding board. Life coaching may focus on any of several areas such as time management, personal growth, relationships, health, spirituality, family, finances, or career building. Overall, life coaches help people improve their lives. Unlike a consultant, who does the work for you, a coach teaches you how to do it yourself. Coaches may use many different methods and materials for doing this, including one-on-one meetings, self-coaching forms, group sessions, large seminars, telephone and email communications, motivational speakers, books, and innovative coaching tools such as games and interactive workbooks. Coaching games can be powerful tools to help you learn clear, quality communication. Through the use of coaching cards, a coaching game allows each player to choose ways to participate, communicate, and share. In the light-hearted environment of game playing, participants feel safe, so they expose their true communication styles. Games stimulate thinking, cooperation, and discussion. Participants learn how effective their methods of communication are and how to make crucial improvements. This non-threatening teaching tool works well for individuals, groups, businesses, and organizations. Individuals and organizations often turn to coaches when problems arise-a relationship ending or business profits declining, for example. Lately there is more and more recognition of the value of coaching when things are going well, also. Coaching can help sustain the momentum of good times, helping people and organizations move forward and reducing the likelihood of setbacks. Whatever your goals, coaching can help you learn what you need to do to reach them. A good coach helps you overcome fear, procrastination and other obstacles to progress. While some people need to be inspired and validated in order to change, others need to be challenged to become avoid procrastination and stay on track. Whether you seek improvement in business or personal life, coaching provides the support you need to reach your goals.

Well Rounded Reviews Can Improve Your Well-Being

admin — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:00:00 -0500

What will make your life healthier, more prosperous, and wiser? What does it mean to be well rounded? These are questions with many answers. Improving your life means different things to different people. Today, many people have ideas and success secrets about how to increase wellbeing. The huge variety of self-improvement products and information means there's something for everyone. But with so many resources out there, how do you decide what's right for you? One way to sort through the available resources is to divide them into categories. Improving your life means different things to different people. It may mean improving your physical health through nutrition, fitness, or supplements. Or it may mean increasing your financial wellbeing through better investments or more lucrative career choices. For some people, wisdom through knowledge and understanding is the secret of success. Whether you are looking for ways to improve your health, finances, or wisdom (or all three!), you can find resources online. Websites can help you find information and products that will help you create and maintain a healthy, prosperous, and full life. They help you sort through the available resources to find the recipe for success that's right for you. How do they do this? Of course, different sites take different approaches, but here's a typical approach. A website has a staff of people with experience in the different areas of wellbeing. They may be an expert in nutrition, a financial wizard, or a person well-read in the field of self-improvement. These staff members examine new products-diet plans, supplements, business opportunities, career options, books, etc.-and write about them. The reviews describe the products and detail what's good about them and what's not so good. A good site has well rounded reviews; that is, the reviews give you the pros and the cons. The reviews don't tell you whether you should buy a product or not; that's up to you to decide using the information from the reviews and what you know about yourself. The important point to remember is that you are not alone. Most of the self-improvement products and information available today are based on the experience of people who have found themselves in situations similar to yours. At some point in their lives they faced a problem, decided they needed to change some aspects of their lives. Maybe they weren't earning enough money to make ends meet. Perhaps their health was failing. Or maybe they were confused about the meaning of life. The self-improvement methods you see online are often what these real people found worked best to increase their health, prosperity, or wisdom. Whatever you want to change, there are people willing to share success stories that will help you. Their success may be based on learning new information, on changing the way they live their lives, or on using special products. Well rounded reviews can help you decide what resources will do the most to help you improve your life. Don't wait-start now!

Change that Makes a Difference Business Coaching

admin — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:00:00 -0500

Here's an interesting philosophy that a friend of mine once told me: that every person is right about half the time and wrong about half the time. My friend's perspective has given me food for thought over the years, because I'm generally the type of person who takes a position and tends to dig in. I can convincingly and vociferously argue my point of view, substantiating it with examples and "facts," until the proverbial cows come home. What I began to realize, though, was that for every person I converted to my way of thinking, I alienated two or three. Moreover, I discovered that, when I began to actually listen to others' perspectives, I had a keener understanding of how they arrived at their points of view. As a result, I found that I began to modify some of my firmly held beliefs about issues great and small. Like most people who become less rigid, I didn't have a single "light bulb moment." My change was gradual. Looking back, I can see that the seeds of change were planted when I wasn't moving forward in my career as quickly as I had hoped. I thought I was a stellar performer, and could efficiently and effectively complete the tasks assigned to me. However, my workplace evaluations, while generally favorable, noted that I had difficulty working in teams and motivating those around me. Eventually, my frustration led me to engage the services of a business coach. I know that some people swear by business coaching and life coaching, but I was resistant at first. A former colleague, who had really moved up the corporate ladder with the help of a life coach, was instrumental in getting me to visit my coach. Early on, I recognized that self-development and self-improvement were critical to my success. I don't usually go for the self-help gurus, but I have to say that my business coach really helped me. In large part, this was due to the coaching tools he used. Although he used a variety of strategies and coaching games to help me with introspection and self-development, the one that really changed my perspective involved associative playing cards. These coaching cards helped me to understand how specific issues were manifesting in my career, and taught me that there were multiple ways to view a situation. They weren't at all like tarot cards, but rather were a launching point for me to examine the ways in which my rigid framework was holding me back. My business coach guided me through these exercises, and shared with me a book that had sections corresponding to each of the cards. For each card, there was a story, relevant quotes, questions, and associative thoughts. Afterwards, he'd work with me to compile insights that arose from the coaching cards, and them to devise an action plan to integrate those insights into my career and my life. Since then, I've changed employers and have been thriving in my new position. I find that I'm more open to other people's perspectives and that I'm a much better team player. I've also realized that my friend was correct: I'm only right about half the time, so it pays to listen to what others have to say.

Astrology Improve Your Life and Your Future

admin — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:00:00 -0600

Benjamin Franklin wrote, "Astrology is one of the most ancient sciences, held in high esteem of old, by the wise and by the great." Throughout the ages, astrology has been used to help us understand the alignment of stars and planets. Archaeological findings from the earliest of civilizations indicate man was inspired by the stars, shaping beliefs around a primitive understanding of the constellations. Astrology has certainly been interwoven into religion, science, psychology and even the arts. The study of astrology has been mastered by cultures from the Greeks to the Chinese and continues to be the science many rely upon for helping understand their life course. In a sense, astrology can be considered a language that, to be used, must be learned. It can be a great means of communication among people and is widely used as a method for better understanding human conditions. It has been said, "Astrology is a kind of spiritual language to talk about what we already know deep down." Used as a tool to understand how people can better negotiate life, love, and the universe, astrological readings have long been relied upon by all of humankind. As Plato once wrote, "Perhaps there is a pattern set up in the heavens for one who desires to see it and having seen it, to find one in himself." Well beyond newspaper sun sign horoscopes, there are dedicated astrologists who study birth charts, life path charts, birthday forecasts, and even love compatibility charts. Understanding your own birth chart can reveal mental and emotional aspects of your personality as well as areas where you struggle or excel. The natal report can give great insight into the nuances of your character. Exploring your own life path chart can give you a better understanding of your spiritual and psychological tendencies. When you have a life path report written, you get a better sense of how you relate to the world around you and how to get the most from your life. It can be said that having accurate astrological readings at your fingertips is a positive and reassuring way to negotiate through life. The availability of astrological interpretations is abundant; however, finding reputable, quality astrologers can be hard. Whether you are looking for a physic, medium or someone to explain your zodiac sign, it can be a difficult search. Reading a horoscope or a prediction of one's future can be ominous if the information is not correct. Understanding love and compatibility with another person can be very confusing if the reading is not comprehensively explained. No doubt, finding a premium service with highly trained and skilled astrologers should be the first course of action when seeking astrology related questions. Fortunately, there are some great websites dedicated to sharing the wonderful world of astrology. Websites dedicated to astrology services can help with your life, relationships, health, and career. Begin searching for the site that will give you analytical astrological readings from highly skilled professional astrologers. The stars will shine brightly when you begin to gaze upon them!

Julien Aklei and Psychfolk Music

admin — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 19:00:00 -0600

When it comes to liking some music and disliking other music, there seems to be no rhyme or reason to it. And there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it either. I don't follow music because someone is famous or a title tops the charts (though it's all too easy to fall for a song if you hear it on the radio over and over again). In the olden days I sometimes fell in love with album art, back when vinyl albums were large enough to provide enough room on a cover. Sometimes I watch a movie and end up loving its music better than the movie itself. Other times it just happens. I am in a certain mood, and along comes a song or a singer that matches that mood. The latter is pretty much what happened with my discovering Julien Aklei and her psychfolk music. She's a 30-something singer and songwriter that also plays the guitar. I've never seen Julien play life onstage, but that's the case with most of the bands I like. Given my taste in music, most of the groups I like have either disbanded or their rare concerts have become unaffordable. If I do get a chance to see Julien perform life, I'll definitely go. A life performance always adds another dimension to music. At least it does for me. When I first began listening to Julien Aklei, it was the somehow sweet, peaceful and innocently presented sound of her voice and music. It's a lot of high notes; a kind of pleasant trilling that can really get to you, in a nice and friendly way. Unlike a lot of singers whose volume and diction is such as to be unintelligible to the audience, Julien's voice is clear and strong and dominates without taking over. When that happens with a singer, lyrics become more important as you can hear them and listen to the story or the message. This is where it gets interesting, as Julien's lyrics are unconventional to say the least. That's because unlike many lyrics out there, Julien's are deep, meaningful and often downright shocking. They're a stream of consciousness that's etheric and emotional, sort of a multi-layered quest for inner discovery. Her style varies from song to song, and album to album. Sometimes it's poetry and rhymes, other times it's ballads and stories, and sometimes things get pretty surreal. Only, they're not surreal but very real. Her songs speak of pink and pagan and fairie, colors that are friends, the need to make love, and of the Goddess. She's a painter, too, and a poet, and all that shows in her music where Julien's painting with words. Does it all make sense? Does it matter? Does any music matter? Music is a door to the inner self, an emotional journey where logic yields to the swells and currents of one's innermost psyche, where altered states of consciousness rule, and nothing is real. Sometimes I listen to Julien's psychfolk songs and wonder what she means and what she's trying to say. Then her sweet voice takes me away and simply makes me feel, which is as music should be.

Tarot and Meditation Go Hand in Hand

admin — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:00:00 -0600

Both Tarot and meditation are tools that enable us to access the subconscious and the higher self, as well as acquire knowledge and information from our guides and the Universe. That's why they go hand in hand. The Tarot can be used to facilitate a focused (or guided) meditation and is a valuable tool for gaining insight into the subtle messages received during meditation. Or, for someone just learning the Tarot, meditation is an excellent method for discovering the deeper meaning of the cards. There are several ways to choose a Tarot card for meditation. You may choose a card randomly, allowing the Tarot -- and the Universe -- to guide your meditation, or you can select a specific card on which to meditate. You can also choose randomly among Spanish cards that represent specific topics or issues on which you wish to meditate, thus combining the two by allowing the Universe to guide you in an area you choose. Finally, there are decks available that specifically combine Zen, Tao, and even Christian faiths with Tarot, if that is more to your liking. If you are choosing a card to represent a specific topic or issue, you'll need to have some knowledge of the different energies and life experiences each suit represents. Cups represent the energy of water: emotions, feelings, love, friendship, and joy. Wands represent the energy of fire: enthusiasm, enterprise, action, struggle, and optimism. Swords represent the energy of air: intellect, logic, conflict, frustration, and control. Pentacles represent the energy of earth: work, money, health, relationships, and the fruits of our labor. For instance, to attract marriage or a close committed relationship, you could choose The Lovers, the Two of Cups, the Ten of Pentacles, the Four of Wands, or all of them. For a meditation to gain insight into a health problem you could choose the Hermit, The Chariot, and/or the Five of Pentacles. For a career change you may choose The World, The Fool, the Ace of Pentacles, or all three. Prepare for your meditation as you normally would: candles, incense, comfortable chair, or just focused breathing. As you feel yourself beginning to relax, consider the card, topic, or issue of your meditation. Then choose the card or cards that you will use as the focus of your meditation and place the card(s) in front of you face up, or hold them in your hand - whichever feels comfortable. Take a little time to study the card(s), the colors, the images, and the life experiences represented. Think about what the card or card(s) symbolize(s) to you. When you feel ready to move to the next step, close your eyes while keeping your focus on the card(s), and open your mind to new insight and understanding. It may be helpful to write about the subject of your meditation and the card(s) you have chosen. Then, when you have completed the meditation, write about your new insight and understanding. Keeping a meditation diary may prove to be a very valuable reference for future meditations, for therapy, or even for astrology readings.

Promoting and Discussing Atheism and Freethought Online

admin — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:00:00 -0600

All too often, freethinkers such as those who practice naturalism or atheism are pushed to the sidelines and are rarely able to voice their opinions using mainstream media. But with the Internet, times have changed. Atheists and other freethinkers have been able to break out of their shell and use the Internet as a medium of voice and expression for their frustrations. The Web enables a freethinker to not only express an opinion, but to put it in writing for millions to see. It gives voice to the so-called infidel, heretical person, godless society, or whatever term our society wants to label those who refuse to join the millions of people involved in organized religion. An Open Door to Science and Anti-Theology The Web not only gives atheists and other freethinkers a voice, but also gives them the ability to post documentation, photos and resources for their beliefs. One website alone can host thousands of images as well as page after page of written content. A site's content can be promoted all over the Web to millions of people through main search engines, pay-per-click methods, e-zines, banner ads, and other forms of marketing. This creates a terrific opportunity for anyone to make their case to a broad audience without fear of backlash from conservatives in the religious arena. Photos and photo essays of earth or science documentation can be created at minimal costs. A website at the lowest monthly pricing possible can hold many images and words. But even those more elaborate sites with thousands of pages can be hosted for very little when compared to other forms of advertising. A free thinker can create his/her own website with very little start-up costs and build it over time to a develop very large, effective Web presence. Bringing Freethinkers Together Another advantage of the Web is it brings freethinkers together from around the world. Those who otherwise would have never known one another can unite online to chat, exchange ideas, share information and resources, and sell products related to atheism, naturalism, heresy, and other forms of freethought. Chat rooms, discussion forums and blogs give everyone a voice, typically with no strings attached. So ideas about atheism and other freethought ideas can be expressed free from persecution. Freethought and atheism websites also make it easier to promote a political agenda, whether one wants to promote on a local, state or national scale. There are many opportunities to rally together online to promote a certain bill in Congress or local and state amendments during election campaigns. Websites can be used to offer promotional campaign materials such as signs, buttons, hats, shirts, bumper stickers, etc. to other freethinkers in the local area or around the country. Products freethinkers can find online are numerous. There are hundreds of books promoting atheism, science and freethought such as Abusing Science by Philip Kitcher, The Portable Atheist by Christopher Hitchens (and various authors), Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer, Science on Trial by Douglas J. Futuyma, and many other titles. There are also promotional products such as mouse pads, mugs, posters, tiles, stickers, shirts, and sweatshirts to promote the cause of freethought or to use in fund raisers. One atheist alone might find it difficult to make a difference and spread his/her views, but the Internet makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of freethinkers to come together for their cause!

A Life Coach Can Help When You're Feeling Stuck

admin — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:00:00 -0500

Everyone feels as though they're stuck from time to time. Some people describe it as a feeling of suffocation, while others portray it as feeling like they're spinning their wheels. Still others describe a feeling that they're lacking fulfillment, or that they feel like they're wandering around, lost. Often, these people lead full and busy lives, but find they're going through the motions without really moving their lives forward. If you're feeling stuck - regardless of how you describe it - a life coach can help you get on the right track and release your potential. The process that a life coach uses to help her clients is similar regardless of the issue. Her clients could be a couple with a relationship problem, a recent college graduate ready to embark on his career, a woman who is ready for a job change, or a man who is looking for more financial success. Why you're stuck isn't as important as the process of clearing away the clutter that gets in the way of living life to the fullest. Once that happens, you're free to pursue your dreams. There are a number of ways that a life coach can help launch you to the next level, including: 1. Impartiality. Unlike a friend, family member, or spouse, a life coach doesn't have a personal stake in the choices you make for yourself. This doesn't mean that loved ones can't be helpful; it only means that they're not impartial. If you're faced with a decision, your life coach wants to help steer you toward the choice that is in alignment with your goals. 2. Objectivity. Great athletes have great coaches. This is because a coach sees the big picture and can more clearly see where you are versus where you want to be. To one degree or another, we all wear blinders, and often can't think outside of the proverbial box. A life coach can. 3. Creating a Vision. We might fully realize that we're stuck, but it's just an amorphous feeling. We might know what we want to move away from, but not what we want to move toward. A life coach will help you define your values, your strengths, and your vision for the future. Once you have that vision, she can help you plan to achieve it. 4. Conscious Living. Many of us live our lives on autopilot - going to work, taking care of the kids, taking care of the house, and so forth. All of these things are important, but we're only effective if we perform them consciously. A life coach can help you review and reframe what's happening in your relationship, in your career, and in your life, so that you can begin to live consciously. 5. Accountability. Some of us know what we want and are wonderful planners, but we fall down when it comes to follow through. A life coach can move you toward accountability by, for example, having you report on your progress. In the process, she can help you celebrate your successes and be a source of strength when you come up short.

Salvia Dispelling Five Common Myths

admin — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:00:00 -0500

The use of salvia divinorum is increasing around the world. The plant's ability to open the gateway to profound spiritual experiences appeals to seekers who are curious about their connections to this world and beyond. Although the use of salvia is growing by leaps and bounds, there is quite a bit of misinformation about salvia. Here, we dispel five common myths: 1. Salvia is illegal. This is simply not the case. Currently, salvia is legal in almost every country and in 43 of the 50 states in the United States. That's not to say, however, that it will remain that way forever. Over the past several years, there have been many legislative attempts to make salvia a controlled substance. Because salvia is legal to purchase, it's easy to buy salvia online from a reputable distributor. 2. Chewing and smoking salvia produces the same effects. Because the body's gastric juices destroy the psychoactive element in salvia, those who ingest it orally must hold it in their mouths and chew it sporadically for it to take effect. When compared to smoking salvia, chewing the plant produces a much milder effect. 3. Smoking salvia leaves will lead to an altered state of consciousness. While in some instances this is true, the leaves themselves have low concentrations of the psychoactive ingredient. To truly experience salvia effects, you should purchase a concentrated form of the plant and smoke that. 4. Salvia is the new marijuana. In truth, salvia and marijuana have little in common. The psychoactive mechanisms in the two are completely different, and marijuana is illegal in most places. More importantly, marijuana is considered by many to be a recreational drug, while salvia is usually consumed with the specific purpose of spiritual awakening. Unlike with marijuana, using salvia is generally a solitary experience; it is by no means a party drug. In addition, the peak effects of smoking salvia typically last only between 5 and 30 minutes. 5. Salvia is addictive and/or bad for you. Salvia has been studied extensively, and there is no evidence that it is addictive. Although it is contraindicated for pregnant or nursing women, and certainly for children, there appear to be no long-term health consequences. Of course, since salvia is most often ingested via the inhalation of smoke, there is a chance that the smoke could irritate the lungs. When used in its proper context, salvia divinorum can lead you to have any of a number of experiences. In small doses, people usually experience a mild level of relaxation that helps them concentrate. As the dosage increases, a variety of cognitive and sensory experiences usually occur. These can range from out-of-the-box thinking to true out-of body experiences. Full visual or auditory hallucinations may take place, as can astral travel, time travel, and even the sense that you are merging with a greater consciousness. In contrast to common misconceptions, salvia is generally a safe, effective way to enter an altered state of consciousness for a short period of time. Used this way, it can be tremendously helpful to spiritual growth.

A Beginner's Guide to Expanding Your Consciousness with Salvia

admin — Tue, 27 May 2008 19:00:00 -0500

You're not alone if you've only recently heard about salvia divinorum. Although this member of the sage and mint families has been used by Mazatec shamans in Mexico for ages, its use as an adjunct to modern day spiritual practices has spread like wildfire in recent years. Those who are interested in experiencing a new breadth and depth to their consciousness are finding that salvia offers a gateway to previously unexplored territories of the mind. If you're new to salvia, this primer will help you get the most from your experience. Legal Issues First things first. Although salvia is often grouped together with other consciousness-expanding drugs, it is significantly different on a number of levels. For many people, the most relevant distinction is that salvia divinorum is legal is virtually every country (except Australia). Within the United States, salvia is legal in 43 states. The exceptions are Delaware, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Where to Buy Salvia Because it is legal, you can easily buy salvia online. In fact, an online source that has a reputation for quality products and reasonable prices is definitely your best bet. You should be able to find packages ranging from $30 to $100, and that include salvia divinorum leaves and/or concentrated forms that can be 10, 20, or even 60 times stronger than the leaves. You should look for a site that offers free shipping and that offers a 30-day money back guarantee. Getting Started As with anything in life, everyone takes a different approach to trying new things. The same holds true for salvia. Some experts recommend starting slowly, by chewing salvia divinorum leaves. You will probably experience a mild effect that will give you an idea of things to come. Because the stomach acid counteracts salvia's effects, it's important to keep the leaves in your mouth, so the active ingredient can be absorbed through the membranes in your mouth. Other people want to skip chewing leaves and proceed directly to smoking salvia. Because the substance needs high heat to activate its psychoactive properties, and because some people find hot smoke to be an irritant, most people use a water pipe when smoking salvia. Although generalizations can be made, every person's experience with salvia is unique. For that reason, it's helpful to ask a friend to sit with you while you have your first few experiences. Your friend, of course, should not partake, and should sit quietly in the room to watch over you. What to Expect While each person's experience is unique, you can expect salvia effects to last between five minutes and a half hour. Many people report feeling a loss of physical coordination, so it's helpful to lie down or recline in a comfortable chair. Beyond that, you may experience astral projection, divination, traveling to other times and places, a dream-like state, visual distortions, and a sense of becoming one with the universe. Many people recommend starting with a small dose and then increasing your dose once you understand salvia's effect on you. Wherever your journey takes you, you can be sure that your spiritual growth will be enhanced.

Salvia Divinorum Can Lead to Spiritual Awakenings

admin — Tue, 20 May 2008 19:00:00 -0500

Throughout human history, we have used plants in order to enter altered states of consciousness and accelerate our spiritual quests. Shamans, healers, and spiritual seekers have used peyote, psilocybin mushrooms, cannabis, and salvia divinorum to tap into the collective unconscious, experience astral projection, and find peace and tranquility. Despite the negative connotations associated with the use of plants in spiritual quests - largely by detractors of the so-called "psychedelic movement" in the late 1960s and early 1970s - there is a considerable body of research that substantiates the psychological benefits of ingesting psychoactive plants. In fact, there are many corollaries between the experiences of those who use plants in their spiritual quests and those who spend years engaged in meditative practices. The Role of Salvia Divinorum Although many of the substances that have been used for thousands of years are now illegal, there is one plant that can legally be used to enhance spiritual growth. Salvia divinorum, which is more commonly known as Diviner's Sage, is a little-know entheogen that comes from the sage and mint families and that was originally used by the Mazatec shamans of Mexico. Those who buy salvia report a variety of experiences. Some experience leaving their bodies and traveling in the astral world, while others report traveling back in time or to a point in the future. Sometimes the experience includes empathy with other beings, including seeing the world through their perspective. Scientific research has substantiated a number of benefits associated with smoking salvia, such as increased insight, self-confidence, and mood, as well as improved concentration. Overall, many users reported common salvia effects like feelings of calmness and peacefulness. Ingesting Salvia Although salvia leaves may be chewed, the most effective way to reap the plants benefits is through smoking salvia. Although the dried leaves can be smoked in a water pipe, they must be heated to a very high temperature in order to release the psychoactive properties. For that reason, most people choose to extracts or preparations that are more highly concentrated. So, for example, they might buy salvia 10x, 20x, or 60x, with the numbers signifying the level of concentration. Where to Buy Salvia If you think that salvia is a tool that can help you in your spiritual quest, you are probably wondering where to buy it. It's best to buy salvia online, from reputable sites that have experience in both selling the plant and using the plant. The best online salvia sources offer a few different packages. They may, for example, offer a package containing six grams of salvia 10x, 20x, or 60x that will supply you with 12 to 15 doses, as well as one ounce of premium salvia divinorum foliage. Buying salvia is legal in virtually every country except Australia. Within the U.S., salvia is legal in 43 states. It is illegal in Delaware, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. If your life path is taking you on a spiritual journey, salvia can help you achieve the altered states of consciousness that lead to revelations and breakthroughs. Once you try it, you'll understand why the literal translation of salvia divinorum is "sage of the seers."

A Tarot Reading Can Provide Insight and Action

admin — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 19:00:00 -0600

We must understand the traits we have that motivate us and that can cause us to interact with the world in a certain way before we can change our life. In order to create positive change, we need to acknowledge the path that we've been on and make a conscious decision to fulfill our potential. This process of discovery and commitment can be a winding road, but there are several tools available to help guide us in learning to live a full and productive life. Everything from psychological counseling to healing arts like massage therapy to visualizations can move us to a greater understanding of our life and our destiny. One of the most useful tools in the journey toward living a full live is a tarot reading. For those who are not familiar with tarot cards, there are 78 cards in a deck that are divided into what are known as the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana is comprised of 22 cards, and includes cards like the Magician, the Emperor, the Star, the Chariot, Judgment, Strength, and Death. The Minor Arcana cards are divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Pentacles, and Swords. Within the Minor Arcana, there are numbered cards, Queens, and Kings. Reading tarot cards involves divining the meaning of each card in the context in which it is dealt. Tarot spreads (the way cards are dealt) include the Celtic Cross, the Astrological spread, and the Horseshoe spread. Each tarot card has a meaning, a certain appearance, and a symbolized interpretation. It also has correspondences to a certain path, trump, Hebrew letter, and Zodiac element planet, as well as deities, animals, and plants. For example, a card in the Major Arcana is the Lovers. The meaning of the card could be related to finding a soulmate, or to a current relationship. It can pertain to love, harmony, trust, optimism, or even a missed opportunity for love. Its meaning can be interpreted to relate to a pending decision about a relationship, a romantic temptation, or choices between two love interests. The Lovers card corresponds to the Hebrew Letter zain, to Gemini, to the gods Janis and Castor, to the magpie, and to orchids. Some might think that a person reading tarot cards is a fortune teller, but it is more accurate to think of a tarot card reading as a peek into the way you perceive and interact with your internal and external world. A tarot reading can provide you with valuable insights into your past or your current situation. And, thanks to the Internet, it's relatively easy to find someone who is gifted at reading tarot cards. You can also find online tarot sites that provide free tarot readings. While some sites leave you to interpret the spreads, the better sites read the cards for you. Tarot can be an eye-opening experience, and one that can help you more clearly see your current life and the paths that are open to you. It's an invaluable tool that can help you live your life to the fullest.

Women in the New Age Spiritual Awakenings

admin — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 19:00:00 -0600

Elizabeth Gilbert topped the New York Times Best Seller List with "Eat, Pray, Love," and "The Secret" still creating a sensation around the country, there's little doubt that women are on an individual and collective journey to discern their life's purpose and awaken their spirituality. Although women continue to believe and participate in traditional religious practices, it's clear that many women are seeking tools that help them define themselves and inspire them to live the best life possible. New Age or a Certain Age? While about 20 percent of women identify with one or more elements of the New Age movement, a much higher percentage are on metaphysical quests - even though they might not define them as such. If you were to break down the demographics, the pattern that emerges is a snapshot of a woman over 40 who has spent most of her life excelling in her career, taking care of her husband and children, or both. It seems as though women of a certain age begin to question their assumptions about their lives, reflecting upon careers spent trying to get ahead and caregiving roles that might not fit as comfortably as they once did. Taking Stock and Stepping Out What triggers women to step outside of their lives and critically assess where they've been and where they're going? Perhaps, like Gilbert, they are coming out of a divorce and trying to build a new life. Maybe their children are all in college or married, and they need to redefine themselves. It could be that a parent has died, and they are faced with their own mortality. Rather than the hackneyed "mid-life crisis," these women are experiencing a "mid-life assessment." They might have a deeper understanding of who they are, their dreams may have come more clearly into focus, and perhaps they are better able to articulate their priorities. Above all, they are open to utilizing all available tools to help them both achieve their goals and achieve inner peace. The Inner Journey Gilbert may have traveled to Italy, India, and Bali, but women across the country are finding that they don't have to travel outside of the city limits to visualize and realize their newfound goals. Instead, theirs is an inner journey, taken alone or in the company of like-minded women. At the heart of women's spiritual quests is the understanding that the mind, body, and soul are inextricably intertwined. For example, the New Age belief of synchronicity often comes into play. This synchronicity is at the heart of "The Secret," which outlines the ways in which our thoughts create our circumstances. Simply put, "like creates like," so when we think positive thoughts, we create positive energy that, in turn, creates positive opportunities and events in our lives. Some women use meditation to create an inner quietness and piece, while others integrate yoga or other spiritual-physical practices to bring harmony to the mind, body, and soul. Many women give themselves permission to get regular massages to release tension and connect with their bodies, or participate in other self-care activities for the first time. Healing and Happiness Spiritual quests - in whatever form they take - often lead women on a healing journey and a path to greater fulfillment and happiness. No matter what event or events trigger introspection and the longing for metaphysical wholeness, the outcome is invariably positive.

Aromatherapy Candles Can Lift Your Mood

admin — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 19:00:00 -0600

It was only a few generations ago that candles were purely utilitarian, serving as a source of light. Today, we view candles as decorative, enhancing the appearance of our table settings, our living room decor, and our bathrooms. All too often, however, we neglect to light our candles, whether because we feel that actually using them will spoil their appearance or simply because it never crosses our minds. While beautiful globe candles and vase candles can indeed be objets d'art, you're doing yourself a disservice if you simply admire them and never burn them. Candles - whether they're jar candles, tin candles, or taper candles - can help you to get in touch with your innermost feelings, create a soft glow that you can share with those you love, and lift your spirits. The Power of the Flame There's something about the process of lighting a candle that puts us in touch with our primal feelings. While fire is a meaningful and powerful aspect of human evolution, we are rarely exposed to the power of the flame. After all, today's fireplaces are either fueled by gas or the fire is contained behind a screen. A candle flame is exposed and powerful, reminiscent of the ages when having fire meant warmth and survival. For some people, lighting candles is almost ritualistic, but almost everyone who burns candles feels at least a twinge of awareness about the power that fire holds. The Power of the Scent Beyond the symbolism of the flame, though, candles can exert other powerful influences. Today's aromatherapy candles can help calm us down, re-energize us, and help us achieve inner harmony. That's because aromatherapy candles incorporate what are called essential oils - oils that have been extracted from herbs, flowers, trees, and plants that have healing properties. Here are some of the essential oils used in aromatherapy candles, and the properties they are thought to have: Cedar - Used to build many old church doorways, the scent of the wood from the cedar is thought to open the mind and increase longevity. Orange - Both bright and soothing, the scent of orange is thought to lift the mood. Cinnamon - The warm spiciness of cinnamon is thought to be revitalizing and refreshing. Ginger - The sharpness of ginger is thought to be energizing and stimulating. Lemon - The astringency of the lemon's scent is thought to be stimulating and purifying. Vanilla - For many people, the scent of vanilla triggers warm childhood memories and conveys calming properties. Lavender - Lavender is thought to be a powerful healing scent for both the body and the mind. There are many other essential oils used in aromatherapy candles, each conveying special properties. Best of all, these candles are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, such as pillar candles, tealight candles, travel candles, votive candles, and ball candles. Beautiful colors combine with subtle yet powerful scents that can positively impact your mood and your life. Given the emotional power of candlelight, when you purchase and display decorative or aromatherapy candles, don't forget to light them!

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy Making the Law of Attraction Work for You

admin — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 19:00:00 -0600

You've no doubt heard about "The Secret," a popular DVD and book that are based upon the Law of Attraction. People all over the world are using the Law of Attraction to redefine their lives and to begin walking the path to fulfillment, well-being, and wealth. The Law of Attraction is a universal force that rules our lives. At its heart is the premise that the thoughts you have radiate a vibrational energy (sometimes known as the Law of Vibration) that attracts similar matter and energy. Put in simple terms, it can be summed up as "like attracts like." In less abstract terms, the Law of Attraction is about self-fulfilling prophecy. If you think you are going to fail a test, for example, you set yourself up to fail the test. If you think you are going to marry the partner of your dreams, you will find and marry that person. The bottom line is that, whatever we want, we receive. Of course, many people say they want things like health, wealth, and happiness, but few actually achieve it. The operative word here is "say." While we might sometimes wish for these things, wishing doesn't make it happen. Indeed, when we delve deep into ourselves, we may discover that the things we say we want don't reflect our deepest desires and beliefs about ourselves. Anyone who has engaged in personal growth activities, either going the self help route or though the help of a motivational coach, knows that what we say we want and what we truly want are often very different. For example, we may say we want to get out of debt, but find ourselves buying things we can't afford. We may think we want a genuine, loving relationship, but consistently choose to date people who are duplicitous and dismiss dating solid, trustworthy people as boring. Living our lives according to the Law of Attraction isn't a choice; it's something that happens whether or not we are aware of it. However, the beauty of it is that it also allows us to take an active role what we attract, and in the process shape our lives. Personal growth instructors like Bob Proctor, who is featured in "The Secret," focus on helping people to create and manifest the desires that can make them both wealthy and fulfilled. They use a variety of tools, such as CDs, books, home seminar courses, lessons and exercises, personal vision boards, whiteboards, and goal cards, to help motivate and direct people to pinpoint their current desires and develop new visions and goals. Motivational coaches then help people move beyond the "thinking" stage to the "action" stage. According to the Law of Attraction, while thoughts create vibrational energy, you must also consciously act upon your desires in order to have them manifest in your life. This may mean quitting your job, dumping your boyfriend, or even moving. Some may think that this requires a leap of faith, but those who understand the Law of Attraction know that they are currently reaping what they have sown in the past. So, to move on to achieving their goals and dreams, they have to begin sowing new seeds. Ultimately, when the Law of Attraction is seen as the immutable force that it is in the universe, it's relatively easy to shift paradigms to make that force work for you rather than against you.

The Law of Attraction Can it Make You Wealthy?

admin — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 19:00:00 -0500

The media has given a lot of attention to the DVD and book, "The Secret," over the past year, yet many people remain unclear about the nature of the Law of Attraction and the role it can play in creating wealth. Indeed, Rhonda Byrne, Bob Proctor, and others involved in "The Secret" were inspired by the 1910 book, "The Science of Getting Rich," by Wallace D. Wattles. The Law of Attraction, which some people refer to as the Law of Vibration, forms the basis of "The Secret," and is used daily by those who wish to not only improve their financial circumstances, but who wish to become rich. What is the Law of Attraction? In essence, the Law of Attraction presumes that your thoughts and beliefs manifest themselves in the physical world. In other words, if you put positive thoughts out into the universe, positive events will come to pass. On the other hand, if you put negative beliefs and thoughts out into the universe, you will attract negative events. Where Did the Law of Attraction Originate? Some people think that the Law of Attraction can be traced back to Buddhist concepts like karma vipaka (the result of past action) and Christianity's corollary, "as you sow, so shall you reap." Others attribute it to the early twentieth century, when Wattles and his contemporaries, all of whom would be considered self help and motivational experts today, put forth the idea that you become that which you believe. What Elements Comprise the Law of Attraction? The premise of the Law of Attraction is that like attracts like. Therefore, you need to know what you truly desire, make a decision to pursue it, ask the universe for it, believe in your ability to create your destiny, then work toward achieving your goals. For example, if you truly desire a loving relationship, you need to get rid of negative thoughts like, "I only attract losers," and instead focus on the attributes you want in a mate, meditate or pray about it, tell others about it, and believe that the ideal relationship will come to you. Most importantly, you have to take concrete action to allow the Law of Vibration to resonate within you. This might mean putting yourself in situations where you are more likely to meet the person you desire, inviting friends to introduce you to potential mates, and so forth. Action is a key component of the Law of Attraction, because, as the adage goes, simply wishing doesn't make it so. How Can I Attract Wealth? There are several programs available that use the principles of the Law of Attraction to create wealth. The foundations of the most successful programs include the success of "The Secret," the concepts set forth in "The Science of Getting Rich," the credibility of personal growth instructors, and the Internet as a distribution medium.

Making the Law of Attraction Work for You through Manifesting Destiny

admin — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:00:00 -0500

There are two types of people in the world: those who think things happen to them and those who believe that they make things happen. Psychologists say that people who view themselves as passive players in the game of life have an external locus of control, whereas people who see themselves as influencing their life events have an internal locus of control. Within the last year, "The Secret" has created enormous popular buzz around the world. Both a book and a DVD, "The Secret" is convincing people who have an external locus of control - those who view life events as happening "to" them - that they can take charge of their lives and create their own destinies. Manifesting destiny isn't a new concept, but thanks to "The Secret," it has enjoyed an astonishing surge of interest. More people than ever before are beginning to believe that, anytime and anywhere, they can create positive change in their lives. What is "The Secret"? In essence, it says that people can use the Law of Attraction to discover and realize their deepest desires, and in the process become a positive force of change in the world. The Law of Attraction can be summed up as follows: the energy you put out into the universe draws that same energy to you. Here are two concrete examples: Financial Security - Let's say that a man named Jack has racked up enormous credit card debt. When someone asks him how he's doing, Jack's response is, "I'm just getting by." According to the Law of Attraction, Jack's response serves to reinforce his mindset and sets him up so that he continues to "just get by." Relationships - Let's say that a woman named Lucy has had a succession of boyfriends who emotionally abuse her. She laments to anyone who listens, "I'm a magnet for losers." According to the Law of Attraction, by defining herself as a "magnet for losers," Lucy will continue to attract emotionally abusive men. How can Jack and Lucy use Law of Attraction to change their situations? First, they must visualize what they want their lives to look like. For Jack, that means envisioning a life of prosperity, and for Lucy, it means visualizing a long-term relationship filled with mutual respect and love. They can use a variety of tools to discover their visualizations, such as writing a narrative or creating a poster board with images and words that reflect what they want to attract to their lives. The instant Jack and Lucy understand what they want to attract to their lives, they need to change their language - both their inner dialogue and what they say to others. Instead of saying he just gets by, Jack must start telling people that he's doing wonderfully. Instead of telling people she's a "loser magnet," Lucy needs to say that she's in the process of finding a loving, respectful mate. Initially, it's not effortless, but over time changing your language gets much easier. It helps to have visualizations - such as a poster board or narrative - close at hand, since the Law of Attraction is based upon knowing exactly what you want to attract. The last step in manifesting destiny is creating an action plan. The Law of Attraction isn't about wishing and hoping; it's about creating a concrete vision and taking proactive steps to achieve that vision. For Jack, that may mean consulting with a financial advisor and coming up with a debt consolidation plan. It may also mean finding a way to earn additional money so that he can retire his debt. Lucy's proactive steps might include no longer going to the places where she met the "losers" she attracted in the past, or saying yes when a man she wouldn't normally be attracted to asks her out on a date. The Law of Attraction is incredibly powerful. With it, a person is taking back control over his or her life, creating a life that reflects his or her deepest desires, and manifesting destiny in the process.

A New Outlook on Life Will Help You Battle Depression

admin — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 19:00:00 -0500

If you've ever suffered from depression, you know that it's a serious condition that can affect you in all areas of your life. About 25% of all people experience some form of depression at some time in their life. Statistics show that women are affected slightly more often than men. Depression can be caused by different contributing factors. These can include physical problems, lifestyles, behavior, and relationship problems. Recognizing Depression Everyday life can cause ups and down in emotional health, which are completely normal. Elation comes from good experiences and happiness from joyful events. Normal sadness and grief come from loss and disappointment. But a person who suffers from depression doesn't just feel down for a while. It is a distressing illness that causes a person to feel lonely, trapped and incapacitated. Many times a person does not know how to battle depression because they are not aware that they are suffering from it. The common symptoms include changes in appetite, sleeping habits, lethargy, and loss of interest, fatigue, lack of concentration, feelings of worthlessness, and maybe thoughts of death or suicide. When you have been diagnosed with depression or recognize that you have it, you need to do something about it. Sometimes doctors will prescribe a prescription to help but the side effects and dependency may not be worth it. It may be up to you to battle depression and find a new outlook to help yourself. Battle Depression Besides emotional causes, physical deficiencies and bad health can also contribute to depression. If you really want to battle and overcome depression you may need to take charge of your fate. A healthy diet will improve your outlook and exercise will give you renewed confidence. Another way to battle depression is to do something nice for someone else. This takes your mind off yourself and your problems and makes you feel better. Even if you feel unhappy you can make someone else feel happy because of your thoughtfulness. Your heart and mind will be comforted as well. As we do things for others we might see deeper into ourselves and discover things we did not know. Staying busy is also a good way to battle depression. When you are depressed, you don't feel like doing anything, but you should make yourself do something. You may not feel like finishing a task but it is better than being idle and having too much time to think self-defeating thoughts. Seek Help from Others around You Trying to figure out the answers to questions such as "who are we" and "why are we here" without help from others will not encourage healing thoughts. Sometimes we need others to shed light on our situation and to help us get through the depression. This may be a friend, spiritual mentor, or someone else. There are even self-help books to help you overcome moments of depression such as the Human Operations Manual that was written by Lyndon Allicock (distributed by NUCOM Systems). Don't Give in to Depression In our modern civilization there are many ways to get help. We can do our part to bring peace and goodwill to others and help redesign civilization. If we battle depression in our lives, we may make a difference in someone else's life or future. Find a way to be productive and have a purpose for living each day. Who knows which one of us could contribute to peace on earth and alter the fate of the world?

Aromatherapy with Reed Diffusers Provides a Variety of Benefits

admin — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 19:00:00 -0600

Increasingly, Americans are creating sweet scents in their homes through the use of aromatherapy with reed diffusers. It's nothing new; reed diffusers have been around for centuries. Europeans have been using reed diffusers for aromatherapy purposes for hundreds of years. The early practices of aromatherapy involved filling bottles with scented oils and using reed sticks to wick the fragrance. Sound familiar? Reed diffusers have become more popular in the U.S. since the new millennium began. Many people are discovering the numerous untold benefits of reed diffusers and aromatherapy in general. Described below are just a few of its many benefits. Sweet Fragrance for Every Room of Your Home Aromatherapy with reed diffusers is a safe way to create wonderful fragrances in every room of your home. Reed diffusers can burn safely for hours without the risk of harmful flames. They add beauty and a touch of luxury to your home decor and make great centerpieces. Reed diffusers also add a relaxing "feel" to every room. They are easy to maintain and can last as long as several months. Unlike candles, reed diffusers offer aromatherapy without fire risks in apartments, office buildings and dorms. Home Decor Aromatherapy for the Holidays Invigorate your guests during the holiday season with aromatherapy. There are many scents to choose from no matter what time of the year. During the holidays, you can spice up every room with scented reed diffusers created specially for the occasion. Your guests will be relaxed and will enjoy their stay! Aromatherapy Gives Inspiration The sense of smell is powerful in that it affects the way we think and feel. How do you feel when you smell a sweet floral fragrance or a food-type fragrance? How do you feel when you smell licorice or smoke? The affects of aromatherapy are amazing! Studies show that patients who lose their sense of smell often become depressed or develop anxiety. Why? They are unable to relate to the environment around them. It also affects the taste of foods. Imagine visiting your favorite restaurant with no sense of smell. You would probably not feel like eating at all because you would not be able to relate to the foods that are being cooked. When you want inspiration, use reed diffusers to create an inspirational aroma in your home or office. Use fragrances that are appealing to you and those that make you feel relaxed or inspired. Health and Beauty with Aromatherapy Various types of aromatherapy are available on the market, including bath and skin oils, lamps, massage oils, inhalation products, etc. Aromatherapy is believed to help improve a number of health or skin conditions such as depression, grief, fear, panic attacks, dermatitis, varicose veins, eczema, burns, bruises, motion sickness, colds, flu, sore throat, and more. Check with your doctor before using aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is not designed to replace professional medical care, but it can help supplement certain treatments. It's a way to take control of your own well-being and create balance in your life. As you can see, there are many fabulous benefits of using aromatherapy with reed diffusers. They are a great alternative for scented candles while still providing the wonderful aromas you desire!

Give a Spiritual Pick-Me-Up With New Age Gifts

admin — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 19:00:00 -0500

The meanings of "New Age" and "Metaphysical" vary from person to person. Generally speaking, New Age has a connotation of eclectic spirituality, embracing aspects of many ancient traditions and religions as well as modern rituals and beliefs about, for example, the importance of environmental stewardship. People who follow a New Age path may be drawn to its musical, psychological, healing, or scientific aspects, or may simply seek an individual approach to spirituality. If there's someone in your life who embraces the metaphysical, they will be delighted to receive one of any number of New Age gifts. Here, then is a synopsis of some of the possibilities for New Age gifts. New Age CDs and Books: There are any number of New Age artists who bring beautiful instrumentals and compelling vocals to their songs. Yanni and Enya are two of the more popular New Age musical artists. Books that are considered to be "New Age" can range from astrology and divination to self-help through spirituality. Rocks and Crystals - Many New Age practitioners believe in the power of rocks and crystals. Each type of rock or crystal has unique properties that are related to spiritual or psychological conditions. Fluorite, for example, may help one to tell the difference between infatuation and love, while amethyst helps one to enter a state of calm peacefulness. A particularly unique gift would be wire wrap jewelry, where the artisan begins with a rock or crystal and creates pendants or earrings from it using sterling silver or gold-filled wire. Fetishes - Fetishes are typically small carvings that depict animals, such as buffalo, wolves, bears, and horses. Like rocks and crystals, each animal has a set of qualities that are believed to assist the owner of the fetish. For example, a horse is thought to have healing powers, while a wolf is a sign of guidance and protection. Fetishes may be carved out of stones, and may be embellished with beads or shells. Bodywork - Although it is certainly not confined to those who hold New Age beliefs, massage and bodywork often plays an important role in the lives of those who practice metaphysical or New Age philosophies. A gift certificate for a therapeutic massage or a gift certificate from a metaphysical practitioner would be most welcome. Even if you've never explored New Age philosophies or metaphysical beliefs, you may be surprised at the number of people you know who do. New Age gifts are special not only because they are often unique, but also because giving them is an acknowledgment that the recipient is understood and that his or her beliefs are respected.

Psychic Readings Available to All Via the Internet

admin — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 19:00:00 -0500

For millennia, people have consulted soothsayers and psychics to see into the future and guide their decisions about work, love, and other matters, or to connect with loved ones who have passed on. Until recently, however, access to psychic readings was restricted by geography. If you didn't live in an area with a sizeable psychic community, your choices were limited. Now, however, the Internet has brought together psychics from around the country and throughout the world, and psychics - and even free psychic readings - are available online. The beautiful thing about online psychic communities is that people who obtain psychic readings, including free psycic readings, can rate the psychics, so that you can have a sense of an individual psychic's strengths and weaknesses. You can also obtain psychic readings live, either through text chat, video chat, email, or over the phone. Whether you're seeking advice about love, romance, health, dream interpretation, career, finance, or the passing of a loved one, it's important to find a psychic with whom you feel a connection. Different psychics have individual gifts and use different tools, but you should choose a psychic with whom you feel comfortable. Depending on the kind of information you're seeking, you may wish to consult a psychic with a specific set of gifts. For example, if you wish to reconnect with a loved one who has passed on, you would want to consult with a medium. If, on the other hand, you wish to see what opportunities and challenges will come up for you in the near or distant future, or how to deal with the challenges you're facing today, you should schedule a reading with a psychic. Two of the tools psychics use in readings are Tarot Cards and Astrology Charts. Tarot cards use archetypes and symbols to lay out a path or narrative of the future. Tarot doesn't purport to lay out a future set in stone, but rather tells you what may lie ahead so you can make the choices that determine your destiny. Although many people read their daily horoscopes, an accurate natal astrology chart can help you see your strengths and weaknesses more clearly. As a result, you can optimize your choices in life and create an awareness of when you are most likely to be successful. Many psychics, however, rely on their natural insight, which they've honed and trained, to perform psychic readings. When trying to find the psychic that's right for you, go online, read their profiles and reviews, and take advantage of the free psychic readings that are offered on some sites. These first steps will bring you that much closer to finding the proper connection with the person who has gifts that can help you lead a more fulfilled life.

Stress Management New Age Solutions

admin — Fri, 30 Dec 2005 19:00:00 -0600

With the hectic pace of life today, most people experience stress on a daily basis. The debilitating effects of stress are such that corporations provide employees with free stress management programs, an increasing number of people are seeking treatment for an anxiety disorder, and medications are being dispensed for people who experience an anxiety attack. In this age, new therapies for stress relief are being developed, such as hypnosis and self-hypnosis. There are those who believe that Americans aren't actually experiencing more stress, but rather that we just can't handle it as well as our forefathers. While it's true that the rate of anxiety attack and anxiety disorder is increasing, there's also scientific evidence that there are a greater number of stressors today than there were in years past. About 20 years ago, a study was performed to gauge how stress had increased in the prior 100 years. In a nutshell, the study found: * You have over one thousand times the number of stressors each day that your great grandfather had. * You experience over 300,000 individual stressors daily that your body processes unconsciously. * Only ten percent of those stressors are psychological or social; the rest are physical, chemical, and electromagnetic. * There are 500,000 synthetic chemicals in our environment that didn't even exist 100 years ago. They permeate our food supply, water and the air inside and outside our homes. * There are over 200,000 electromagnetic frequencies in our environment that didn't exist in nature 100 years ago. Combining stressors like chemical pesticides, electromagnetic smog, impossibly busy schedules, a demanding job, family obligations, and accelerating change creates a cascade of physiological responses that will lead to disease if not properly removed or discharged. Stress relief is crucial, but it doesn't have to take the form of pharmaceuticals to ameliorate anxiety disorder and anxiety attack. New Age stress management techniques can lessen anxiety and provide stress relief. The first step in utilizing New Age stress management techniques is to have a thorough understanding of why our minds naturally cling to old ways of dealing with stress. When you encounter situations or people that threaten or challenge you, you experience stress. When you experience stress, a change occurs in your brain chemistry that favors quick thinking over rationality. This same response dampens what you feel within your body. Although this fight or flight mechanism served our ancestors well when they were living in the wild, today it can cause serious health disorders and disease. When you're stressed, you move unconsciously and continuously into a state of readiness (for the "attack" that never happens) that prevents you from noticing the stress and strain you are under. Your conscious mind denies the effects of stress and relies on the powerful subconscious mind to defend against the onslaught of imagined physical harm. As a result, your mind sabotages any real progress toward deep and skillful relaxation, as this seems dangerous to a mind under perceived threat. Ironically, you find yourself fighting against your own self-defense mechanism. And there's no way to win the battle until you retrain yourself to respond differently to those things that cause an anxiety attack or anxiety disorder. Retraining yourself does not require a change in external circumstances. It simply means that you must alter how the external situation affects your inner world of thoughts and feelings, since these directly affect your physical body and health. This is where stress management new age solutions come into play. In this age, new stress relief techniques can alleviate the harmful effects of stress through relearning a new response to stress triggers.

New Age Gifts have Transformative Properties

admin — Fri, 23 Dec 2005 19:00:00 -0600

The New Age movement recognizes the transformative power of stones and crystals. The giving of New Age gifts, however, has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. Amethyst, for example, played significant roles in Greek and Egyptian history, and makes several appearances in the Old Testament of the Bible. Quartz was utilized by the Chinese Ming Dynasty, and was an integral component of Aztec, Mayan, and Incan societies. The next time you have an occasion to give a gift, you may want to consider visiting a New Age store or Metaphysical gifts store. A New Age rock shop may have the perfect crystal or stone for your gift recipient. Often, New Age stores set crystals and stones in wire wrap jewelry or other types of accessories. Your recipient will surely be pleased with the thought you put into his or her gift. Different stones and crystals have different healing properties. Use this guide to find the appropriate gift for your recipient. Agate allows you to perceive situations clearly and is a conduit for inspiration from the spiritual world. Amethyst helps you find and maintain your spiritual center and tap into your inner peacefulness. Aquamarine helps clarify your intellectual powers and assists your reasoning and spiritual awareness. Calcite amplifies your energy and can help your recall when doing astral work and channeling. Celestite assists in bringing harmony to your energy, your charkas, and your life. It can also help you communicate with your angels. Citrine can help you attract prosperity and release your anger. Fluorite brings discernment to matters of the heart and can help you remain calm during confrontations. Girasol can help with your psychic healing and assist in dream work and visualization. Jet can help with an array of physical ailments, including depression, migraines, colds and autoimmune problems. Labradorite can assist in eliminating self-doubt and fear, and can protect your aura. Malachite can help you clarify your emotions and reasoning, and helps smooth difficult transitions. Pyrite has many protective qualities, and can help keep negative energies at bay. It also promotes physical, intellectual, and spiritual well-being. Quartz is the key to harmony, and focuses and transforms energy. It can be used to strengthen your aura. Selenite can help bring clarity to your sense of self-awareness and to your surroundings. It can also attract prosperity and be used in past life and future life awareness. Using this guide, appropriate New Age gifts for business owners might include citrine or selenite. If your friend is going through a difficult transition, you could find a gift that incorporates malachite at a Metaphysical gifts store. New Age gifts of jet could help a sick friend make a speedy recovery. And those who do spiritual work would surely appreciate a gift of wire wrap jewelry that includes girasol.