Catskill, New York - Where to Stay, Where to Go?
Catskill Mountains provide a perfect environment for people who seek reflection, challenge, inspiration, creativity and beauty. Majestic landscapes include streams, mountains, rivers, forests and even lodge accommodations for country clubs. Many different places and lodges have been appreciated by most visitors. Among the best places are as follows: Mohonk Mountain House Mohonk is surrounded by forests and winding trails. The house is a rambling Victorian castle with 251 rooms beside deep blue waters of Lake Mohonk. The place is great for outdoor activities. Emerson Place Lodge This lodge was formerly known as Lodge at Caskills Corners. It is 20 minutes away from Woodstock, featuring spacious rooms...
Darjeeling - The Queen of Eastern Himalayas
Famed as "Queen of the hills", Darjeeling is one of the famous hill resorts of West Bengal. This tiny summer destination is nestled coyly in the lap of Eastern Himalayan ranges and boasts gurgling rivers, lush meadows, blooming valleys, cascading water falls, rolling mountains and the most important - glistening peak of Kanchenjunga. Thanks to its temperate climate, Darjeeling was treated as a popular summer resort in the colonial British era. Here in Darjeeling one can enjoy all the five seasons like summer, winter, autumn, spring and monsoon at its best. Attractions Of Darjeeling: Darjeeling is a perfect gateway for those who wants to enjoy some leisure moments in harmony with nature. This...
Hot Travel Deals And Destinations To Tour Eastern Europe
When people travel to Europe, they normally visit Western Europe countries such as England, France, Spain, etc. and they fail to remember that Europe also has an eastern side. Eastern Europe is often overlooked as a possible travel destination when in fact it should be the focus of the trip. Eastern Europe has much to offer travelers looking to explore the other side of Europe. Although influence for years by Communist influence, Eastern Europe is filled with hidden treasures and beauty that can't be seen anywhere else. Broaden your European horizons and explore the beauty of Eastern Europe. Hot Travel Deals and Destinations Budapest A great place to start your Hungarian journey is on the Western...
Where Thoughts Come From and What You Can Do With Them
="body"> Who we are and who we become are dependent upon the thoughts we persistently think. Since they are so important and influential in the development - or stunting - of our lives it begs the question, "Where do our thoughts come from? The fact that human beings are able to think raises some additional intriguing questions. To what degree is thinking under the control of the thinker? Is the act of thinking under the sole discretion of the one doing the thinking? Are thoughts the unique expression of the pure volition of the individual mind or are there other factors at play, as well? Every adult human being experiences life within two distinct realms that together comprise and define...
Why Russia! Reasons to Visit the Land of the Tsars
It comes as no surprise that Russia, a country considered to be the largest in the world and beating its closest rival by a huge margin, is a mystery to most people. With an area spreading over 10.5 million square miles, the most people know is what they have studied in textbooks; the Tsars and their bloody rule, Mongolian invasions and the horrifying tales of their looting and Marxists lead revolutions. This is a very narrow view of a country that by sheer mass of its border qualifies as one of the most versatile destinations in the world. However, before embarking on your adventure across Russia, remember to look for the best bargains in airfare as there are quite a few available options. Some of...
The Everest Base Camp Trek starts in Jiri or Lukla. Buses leave Kathmandu for Jiri (cost about 4 dollars) between 5.30 am to 8 am and take around 10 hours. There is an express bus that leaves the Kathmandu Bus Station for Jiri at 6 am (cost about 4.5 dollars). Make sure you guard your luggage well on such bus trips. To start the trek from Lukla (shorter trip), either fly from Kathmandu in domestic airlines, like Yeti air to Lukla airport or walk from Jiri to Chablung, the nearest place on the trail from Lukla. The trail from Jiri to Chablung requires 7 days to complete. If you are flying in to Lukla, walk past Chablung to Phakding for the overnight accommodation. Day 1: Jiri to Shivalya (If you...
Good Health Requires Good Balance
If you are in good health, you're balanced. If you are sick, you've lost some balance, temporarily I hope. Hang with me here. Picture yourself swinging between Yang and Yin over a precipice. When you stop swinging you see a ledge. You stand on it, safely. Now, if you're unfamiliar with Eastern medicine, consider the Aristotelian Mean. Aristotle advocated following a path between two extremes. If you swing too far in either direction you are apt to get sick. Since I have skimmed the surface of Eastern Philosophy, Aristotle, Stephen Hawkings' string theory, brain research, religions, meditation, and Western medical science, I am no authority, but I can show you how they relate to good health...
Stress Management For Nurses
There are huge amounts of stress in nursing but what can nurses do about this? The following stress management for nurses article goes into some depth to explain some stress relief techniques. Please note that these techniques can be applied for the reduction of stress at work in any other field. There are many techniques and tips when it comes to stress management for nurses. The trick, as always, is to actually implement these into your work life. I have found the best way of integrating things into a work practise is getting a routine going and through trial and error. By getting a routine going you carry on doing something beneficial even when you don't feel like it. It's a habit, you do it...
The 5 Brainwave Frequencies
You most likely already know that brainwave frequencies are grouped together into bands: delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma. Although boundary states between these bands exist, in this article I will focus on these five groups of brainwave frequencies and describe the mental states and functions associated with each group. The 5 brainwave frequencies are: Delta Waves Brainwaves of a 4hz frequency or less are classed as delta waves. These are associated with deep sleep, and are thought to be generated by the thalamus (a part of the brain that integrates information from the different senses, and use it to direct attention). Most of a baby's brain activity is in the delta range, but by adulthood...
Summer Vacations in India
India is an incredible country, privileged with various treasure troves of nature such as water falls, snow cloaked glaciers, mountainous rivers, trekking trails and passes. Also India is blessed with all the four seasons. Summers in India are the time to visit the salubrious hill stations which are blessed with scenic beauty. People from all parts of the world comes to this wonderful land to enjoy a fantastic holiday in the nature's lap amidst the snow covered mountainous region of India. India has various mountainous regions mostly situated in the northern and north- eastern part of India which houses many beautiful hill stations, which enhances the glory of India. Some of the summer halts in...
Kulu Manali Hill Station in Himachal Pradesh
At the northern end of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh lies the beautiful hill station named Kullu Manali. This hill station is located at a height of about 6398 ft above sea level. The Beas River and the snow clad Himalayan peaks make Kullu Manali a preferred travel destination for many national and international tourists who travel here every year during summers to spend some quality time away from the hustle & bustle of city life. Travelling to Himachal Pradesh will also allow you to participate in a number of adventurous trekking tours along the Beas Kund, Chandrakhani Pass and Hamta Pass. In addition to this you can even take part in other fun filled activities like white-water rafting...
Shangri-La Dinnerware For Your Asian-Inspired Table
For classic dinnerware with an Asian-inspired feel, you would do well to go in search of a pattern called Shangri-La. Shambhala is a mystical Tibetan city which the story of Shangri-La is based upon, as written in the 1933 novel Lost Horizon by British novelist James Hilton. He described it as a serene, mystical valley somewhere in the Kunlun Mountains, where the inhabitants live forever. Many now equate it with Heaven, Nirvana and every other mystical utopia throughout history. A Shangri-La pattern typically shows red and blue Asian flowers and birds or butterflies, things that represent the serenity and peacefulness of a mythical happy place cut off from the worries and stress of the outside world...
Cremation: A Sometimes Difficult Subject
"body"> Cremation of Ones Remains is Not an Appealing Topic, But it's an Important One, Both Financially And From a Family Standpoint. A Little Knowledge Will go a Long Way to Help You And Your Family Members to Understand What Everyone's Preferences Are. Today, about a quarter of all deaths in the United States are followed by cremation. A new national survey indicates forty six percent of Americans plan to choose cremation, up fifteen percent from 1990. In some states, the choice of cremation is rising very rapidly. About thirty percent of those choosing cremation state that they do it to save money; fourteen percent because it is simpler, less emotional, and more convenient; about the same...
Little Know Shangri-la - Zhongdian
Zhongdian is also known as Shangri-la and is a bright pearl mounted in the "Great Triangle" connecting Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet. Shangri-La is depicted as the Eden in dreams, a fascinating land out of this world. Lofty and continuous snow-covered mountains, endless grasslands, majestic canyons, azure lakes and very quaint villages promote the reputation of an eternally pure and tranquil land to this ideal home of dream. Many people can not find a place as the spiritual home until they arrive at Zhongdian. On the Shangri-La tour most visitors mainly intend to get in a close touch with this wonderland by car, cycling or even trekking. Songzanlin Monastery - reportedly the biggest Tibetan monastery...
Classical Sikkim Tour Package: For Those Who Seek Peace Of Mind
It's holiday time! Is north-east India still unexplored? Extract a week from your hectic schedule and fly to the divine land of north east India. If you start from Delhi, the capital of India, the flight will first take you to Bagdogra airport, which is 110 km from Darjeeling. Starting your exploration from Darjeeling – the Queen of India's hill stations – you will come across several Victorian attractions that were first 'discovered' by the British. Surrounded by aromatic tea gardens, Darjeeling is one such destination where you can spend at least two days. Tiger Hill(offering magnificent views of Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest & other eastern Himalayan peaks), Ghoom (a...
Kundalini – A View
KUNDALINI – A VIEW Kundalini Yoga is a meditative discipline - or a system of meditative techniques and movements - within the yogic tradition that focuses on psycho-spiritual growth and the body's potential for maturation. The practice of Kundalini Yoga consists of a number bodily postures, expressive movements and utterances, characterological cultivations, breathing patterns, and degrees of concentration. The movements and the body-work should not - according to some scholars of religion - be considered mere stretching exercises. The concept of life-energy - pranotthana - is central to the practice and understanding of Kundalini Yoga. It also gives special consideration to the role of the spine...
Lhasa - Kathmandu Overland Tour
This overland tour connects two old capital cities, Lhasa in Tibet and Kathmandu in Nepal. The tour begins in Lhasa and ends in Kathmandu. En route, you cross over several high mountain passes with spectacular mountain views, including those of the majestic Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu and Shishapangma. This tour gives you an insight into the rich culture and history of Lhasa. Most popularly known as 'Sunlight City', Lhasa is regarded as the heart and soul of Tibet. It is the most sought after tourist destination in Tibet. As you drive across the Tibetan plateau, you can visit all the Tibetan monasteries, temples, monuments and important tourist sites. In Lhasa you can explore the Potala Palace...
Backpacking Information on Macau
MACAU Macau from A-Ma-Gao, the Chinese goddess of the island, is one of the two special administrative regions of China separated from Hong Kong by the Pearl River Estuary. The former overseas Portuguese island territory is granted with a high-degree of autonomy under "one government, two systems", endowed with its own government structure, political and legislative power, currency, passport and visa. China steps in, however, for matters involving foreign relations and defense. The city is Asia's best known gambling destination, generally referred to as "The Oriental Las Vegas". The gambling scene is so phenomenal that the label does not befit anymore as its casinos make more revenue than anywhere...
Deep Zen - Where Can You Turn For More Resources?
ation is an integral part of the Buddhist practice and ritualism. Basically, meditation consists of deep breathing exercises that help alleviate stress and increase focus or concentration on whatever you are doing or contemplating. Zen meditation is not just a group of breathing techniques. There is much more to it than that. Meditation in the Buddhist religion is as old as the hills and it does help bring in much needed balance and concord in a person’s life. The zazen is the key to Zen meditation. It is a collection of positions, breathing techniques and mind clearing exercises that is a fundamental part of the life of every Buddhist. The zazen is used by both Tibetan Buddhists and Nichiren...
Which Path Is The Way To The Truth - The Simple Path Or The 8 Fold Path?
What is truth is the question that Pontius Pilate is said to have asked Jesus of Nazareth before handing him over to be crucified. Pontius Pilate may have heard of Buddha's eight-fold path to the truth. This is kind of like a maze which people must work their way through to discover the truth about themselves and therein attain enlightenment. The eight-fold path talks about getting things right. There is: Right Understanding, Right Thoughts, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. This suggests there must also be a wrong understanding, wrong thoughts, wrong speech, wrong action, wrong livelihood, wrong effort, wrong mindfulness, and...
Olympia 2008 - The Olympic Flame On Its Way
The Olympic Torch was lit on Monday, March 31st, in the Chinese capital of Beijing. The flame was at first brought from the antic Olympia to the Panathinaikon Stadium in Athens. With the hope that the message of peace will be carried through the whole world the president of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Minos Kyriakou, handed the flame over to the principal of the Chinese Olympic Committee, Liu Qi. There were around 10.000 spectators at the ceremony. From Athens the flame was brought to Beijing on a special flight of the airline Air China. The plane had the inscription “Journey of Harmony” and the Chinese national colors red and yellow. The national TV and hundreds of school kids with Chinese...
Rinchenpong, The Place Where Heavens Descend
Rinchenpong, the Place where Heaven Descends! Driven by the incessant spur of WIS [wanderlust infestation syndrome] we head on to west Sikkim, the area from where the mighty snow clad Mt. Kangchendzonga peer at you from every corner of the hill coves. The scenic beauty of the place came to dawn upon us as our vehicle took a sharp turn on the road-bend along the silent valley on the approach to the cool settlement of Rinchenpong [1700 meters above sea level]. The world's third highest peak [28,028 feet] captured the horizon with its mid-day glory of snow-white against the blue sky. It was a surreal effect of the colossal, blending into the beguiling surrounding in the foreground, etching an intense...
The Five Types Of Dreams That Induce Lucidity
re five main types of dreams besides lucid dreams - daydreams, normal dreams, false awakenings, nightmares and psychic dreams. Take a look at the features of these hypnotic states and how each one can introduce you to the phenomenal world of lucid dreaming... Type of Dream #1 - Daydreams Scientific studies reveal that most people daydream for a whopping 70-120 minutes per day. During this time, you are only semi-awake - not asleep, but not fully checked-in with reality, either. It starts with a compelling thought, memory, or fantasy about the future, and your imagination runs away. The longer you daydream, the deeper you becomes immersed in your private fantasy land. Contrary to popular belief...
His Holiness - The Dalai Lama
So the name resulted from translation more than a bestowed title, but with Sonam being a lama and having assumed wisdom, the name conveniently implied 'Ocean of Wisdom'. The 14th Dalai Lama is a spiritual leader for the Tibetan people and he is also their head of state. His Holiness is the proper title of respect for this respected and beloved man who promotes the causes of justice, humanity and freedom. Although he is human just like everyone else, he is also revered as a soul who has embraced the highest levels of understanding and enlightenment. In Tibet, it is believed that a Bodhisattva chooses to be reborn repeatedly so that they may further be of service to others. The Dalai Lama is a person...
Lucidity and the Five Types of Dreams
In addition to lucid dreams, there are five main types of dreams - normal dreams, daydreams, false awakenings, nightmares and psychic dreams. Consider the features of each of these hypnotic states and how each can take you into the phenomenal world that is lucid dreaming. 1. Normal Dreams While the term "normal dreams" may seem like a contradiction, it simply refers to your usual types of dreams when you don't know that you are dreaming. A typical dream is when you could be having coffee with the President and not think anything is out of place; you accept your dream as reality. Every single night individuals have a normal dream. These dreams come from your REM sleep and are necessary to your...
One Of The Seven Treasures Of Buddhism - China Coral
Coral is a marine cylindrical coelenterate, called "coral." Larval stage in the white ancestors automatically fixed in the calcareous coral remains heap. Coral on their own tentacles to capture food, and secretes a calcareous (calcite mineral components) to build its own shell. Coral in the growth process, in order to capture more food and sunlight, in addition to upward growth, but also forward, the left and right extension, like the formation of dendrites in the three-dimensional biological group. Accessible to a bouquet that is graceful, beautiful, natural works of China gemstoneart. Coral species have red coral (outside "the cow's blood," "Angel Face"), black coral, blue coral, Mediterranean...
Ladakh In India
Ladakh is a section of Jammu & Kashmir, the northern most state of the democracy of India. It deceit between the Kunlun mountain series in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south, colonized by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan ascent,It is one of the mainly thinly populated region in Kashmir.modern-day Ladakh boundaries Tibet to the east, the Lahaul and Spiti to the south, the hill of Kashmir, Jammu and Baltiyul regions to the west, and the trans–Kunlun field of East Turkistan to the distant north. Ladakh is famous for its remote mountain loveliness and traditions. It is occasionally called "Little Tibet" as it has been powerfully predisposed by Tibetan ethnicity. Since 1974, the...
Impermanence and Zen - Three Examples
Must I be a recluse to understand Impermanence? No, you do not. Though not everybody wants to live as a recluse, I found you can learn many lessons from them. Some will be of help in our lives. We can apply the lessons we learn from them to be better citizens. You do not need to be a religious fanatic to see why you can benefit from their beliefs. Three sets of clothing A monk may only have three sets of clothing I was told, but I think it is very close to the truth. He is not allowed to get attached to it and thus his room is simple without too many possessions. Earthly good can hold us prisoners without us knowing it. The more we seem to have, the more we need to protect. The Haiku in the...
Visit Dharamshala-Mcleodganj, India
DHARAMSHALA Dharamshala is a quaint hill station and home to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, and the spiritual and political head of the Tibetan Buddhists. The beautiful hill city Dharamshala established in 1849, when a search for a civil location other than military regiment started. The search ended and an ideal location was traced at the slopes of the Dhauladhar, where an old Hindu sanctuary was situated. The name Dharamshala is the synonym of Hindu Sanctuary. Dharamshala has a lovely view of snow peaks, lush green forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills. The snow peaks are easily accessible. It is possible to make a same day trek to a snow-point for an early morning starters. At present...
How to Have a Lucid Dream
What are Lucid Dreams? Lucid dreaming means dreaming while you know that you are dreaming, and when you know you are dreaming within a dream you can also alter the dream course, with practice you can also develop full control over your dreams. You will be able to create anything the mind can imagine, change the environment even change your own appearance, have a chat with Abraham Lincoln or fly to the Grand Canyon. The earliest recorded lucid dreams date back to the fifth century, the record came from a written letter by St. Augustine in 415 A.D. Another well-known recorded example of lucid dreaming came from eight century Tibetan Buddhists in the Tibetan Book of the Dead. The Buddhists wrote of a...
African Black Soap Vs Sea Buckthorn Soap - The Secret End to Eliminating Hyper Pigmentation
Hi, in my name is Rene. I have the condition called hyperpigmentation. For those of you who don't know what Hyper Pigmentation. For people who do have dark skin, hyperpigmentation is a common problem for them. People with dark skin have more melanin and more melanocytes. A person with dark skin experiences discoloration, it looks like they have brown spots or dark black spots or patches on their face. For people that are lighter skinned, since lighter skinned people have fewer melanin or less active melanocytes, they tend to get more red and pink spots and patches on their face. In this article I will share with you what my experience was using both; Ghana's Alata or African Black soap as well as...
Is a Course in Miracles a Cult?
A topic of sometimes heated discussion in regards to A Course in Miracles is the question of it being a cult. Several prominent authors have made such a claim, but is it true? Before we can definitively say one way or the other, first we need to determine what we actually mean by the word "cult." Webster's defines a cult as: 1: formal religious veneration (i.e. worship) 2: a system of religious beliefs and rituals 3: a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious There are a few more, but for our purposes this will suffice. Let's take the first one, formal religious veneration. Veneration is simply another word for worship. As you can quickly see, this definition doesn't really help us answer what we...
The Symbolic Meaning of the 'Lotus Buddha' Or 'Meditation Buddha'
A Buddha statue is often used as a tool for meditation. Buddha statues are symbols of Buddhism's founder Siddhartha Gautama, who taught us that by eliminating all desires from our lives we are able to reach Nirvana. This is a state of existence where suffering does not exist. When one has achieved Nirvana the cycle of rebirth and death ends. The key to achieving that Nirvana is mental discipline and the ability to comprehend and follow the eightfold path. Buddha statues come in a variety of poses and styles from the more classical Tibetan and Nepali Buddha statues to the whimsical laughing Buddha also known as the happy Buddha. Meditation, dispelling fear, teaching pose, reclining Buddha, and earth...
Self-Evident Truth
My title this week was inspired by a post on Timothy Johnson's "Carpe Factum," and of course Timothy lifted his own title from the U.S. Declaration of Independence. A quick Google search on the exact phrase "We hold these truths to be self-evident" turned up roughly 802,000 results. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the Founding Fathers should be feeling pretty good about themselves by now. I'm grateful to Timothy for reminding me this evening of these words, which I have pondered over and again. Framed as a question, they have formed the defining inquiry of my life for over a decade: "What are the truths I hold to be self-evident?" I am not examining the question as one of choice, but...
Could We Exist Without War?
Recently, I was asked, "Could we exist without war? Or is war the opposite of peace in same way as death is the opposite of birth? Are birth, death, peace, and war, 'divine connections?' " My answer. Are these things, "connections?" No. I don't think so. But philosophical opposites? Perhaps this is the best we can say for now. So to answer your question, could we exist without war? It seems the answer lies in resolving this pair of opposites. What am I saying? The Bhagavad Gita of the Hindus seems to say war is simply in our nature. Even war against our brothers and relatives. A Layer 4 idea to be sure. Yet the Buddhist teachings seem to say that war is wrong and that we can become conscious enough...
A Simple Solution to a Stress-free, Healthy Day
Whether you're a busy mom at home or at home and the office, chances are you and your health could benefit from less stress in your day to day life. Juggling family, work and taking care of yourself can seem like a game that you will never win. Maybe you have found yourself saying things like...o I am always doing several things at once but have noticed that I am making silly mistakes, lack patience with others or just don't really enjoy anything when I am doing it.o My day feels like a long to-do list, one that never get's completely done. Adrenaline has become my main source of fuel.o I am too busy to make healthy choices. If this describes you, don't despair. A little insight and a new healthy...
Five Most Common World's Religions
Religion has played an important part in the history of our world. Religious knowledge has bent the lives of people since prehistoric times. Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism have been major powers in the creation of Western culture. They have also played a vital role in the expansion of Middle Eastern life. Asian civilizations have been affected by Buddhist teachings. Religion has been a major basis of inspiration for the arts. Houses of worship are some of the world's most beautiful buildings. Many paintings, sculptures, books, dances, and motion pictures have been created with religious themes. The five religions listed in this essay have a joint membership of 3 1/2 to 4 billion...
Why Does This Keep Happening? - Using Mirroring to Understand Attraction
p>How many times have you wondered: Why does this keep happening to me? Or Why do I keep attracting this kind of person? Maybe you've read The Secret or studied the Law of Attraction and you're wondering how on earth you've attracted what you have. Well, there's a very informative practice, called Mirroring, which can give you powerful insights into why you attract the people and experiences you do. It's easy to start to use and has endless depth that can really give you a better handle on what's happening and how you can better manage what shows up in your life. Mirroring is simply choosing to recognize the world around you as a reflection of your inner being and world view, sort of a window to...
Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs - Your Ultimate Guide
Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs could probably top the list of the most preferred tattoos by women. One cannot deny the beauty and delicate nature of every cherry blossom, perhaps being the reason why they are wanted by many aside from the fact that they have a very deep meaning both in the Chinese and Japanese culture. If you're considering getting a tattoo, and have already found a design that you like, it's best to find the meaning behind it before having it done. The worst thing that could happen is for you to regret the tattoo that'll be there on your skin forever. In Chinese culture, the cherry blossom signifies feminine power and dominance. It exemplifies the beauty that women possess and the...
One of my favourite meditations is tonglen. Those of you who are familiar with it will know that tonglen is a compassion meditation. Briefly, this meditation consists of taking in suffering and then transmuting it to light. Those of you who are familiar with Buddhism and practice Buddhist teachings will appreciate the immense benefits of learning compassion for all sentient beings. Feeling compassion for others is a way to experience oneness. When you experience oneness you fee el incredible calm and peace. In this place the entire universal field unfold with its immense potential, which is infinite. This state is also the most fertile ground on which the seeds of manifestation are sown. However...
Conflict and Resolution - Empty Your Mind of All Thoughts Let Your Heart Be at Peace
Conflict occurs when your mind has a thought about something that happened and it did not agree with your belief about it. Conflicts occur at all levels of perception. Conflicts can be very subtle. You cause conflict any time you use "would, should or could" as a prefix to your thoughts. For example, if you think you should have gotten up earlier this morning so you would not be late for work. This is minor conflict with the reality of what actually happened. The reality is that you got up at a certain time and you got to work late. Any other belief about the sequence of events causes conflicts with reality. Major conflicts are the same process only they involve more emotions and complex beliefs...
The History of Flower Arrangements
The earliest form of flower arranging begins with the ancient Egyptians and dates back as far as 2,500 B.C. This is illustrated with the carved stone relief's that were left behind as well as the painted wall decorations. Historical records indicate that the ancient Egyptians placed cut flowers in vases. In addition, flower arrangements were an important component of their culture, and highly stylized arrangements were used during burials, for processions, and simply as table decorations as well. The flowers used for the arrangements made by the ancient Egyptians were carefully selected according to their symbolic meaning, with an emphasis placed on religious meaning. The lotus flower or water...
Why Attaining Happiness is So Elusive - Part 2
In this second article of the series The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom by Jonathan Haidt, I share with you more fascinating psychological theories and observations I discovered. Although I realize that knowing about happiness will not make me or you more happy, it may help me and you understand how elusive attaining happiness can be. In Part 1, I described Haidt's description of the role of the unconscious mind or the "elephant" in our ways of thinking and acting. I briefly explained the three concepts of the Like-O-Meter, negativity bias and affective style. Lastly, I looked at three recommendations Haidt gives for influencing our affective style: practicing mediation...
Guided Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a process that can help you get in touch with yourself and your mind. This practice, a series of meditation techniques and philosophy, descends from Buddhist teachings. Basically, mindfulness involves having a total awareness of one's self, their mind and body and consciousness, as well as having a completely open and curious mindset. Most importantly, mindfulness involves slowing the mind down so as to be aware only of the immediate present. Before attaining this mindset, one must clear away all thoughts of distraction. How can you start doing this? Start by finding a quiet and comfortable place to relax. You don't have to lie down; in fact, you can sit in a chair or on...
Most of us are so conditioned that we have no idea what we really are like, or whether we are doing the very thing that expresses ourselves best. Think about it: You went to school, where you were told the essential knowledge that will get you a job and make a useful member of society out of you. Nobody bothered to asked you what would really make you happy. Let's face it, that would be a very dangerous question, because you might come out with some nonsense, like: I just want to speak to my plants all day. Common social norm puts us in fixed categories. If you fit in one of the boxes, great, but if you don't you will be considered as odd eccentric or a dreamer. Paradoxically in a time where...
It's Karma, Baby - and It Goes Around
p>A man is greedy. He is materialistic. He is a successful and very savvy businessman, and secretly gloats over his ability to charm or manipulate others so he can continue to accumulate money and material things. Then one day he finds himself a pauper, having been outdone by another with greater charm or manipulation skills. Is this karma? It certainly is. Where one's trouble can be traced directly to one's own actions in this lifetime, is an example of karma. Not karma: A car accident, where one is driving down the highway, rounding the curve and finds himself in a head-on collision. Did the victim cause this accident somehow? It was simply a matter of time and place, a matter of chance. These...
Real Compassion
Let's talk about the "C" word. And let's not hold back, no conservative restraints, no bleeding heart Hallmark card like bombastic drivel; just plain honest talk. No I have not changed the flavor of The You Revolution I'm just having some fun. The "C" word I'm referring to here is Compassion. What comes to mind when you hear that word? Do you see the sad faces of children who suffer with poverty and disease? Is it homeless, rail-thin, animals that float across your gray matter? We all have the capacity for compassion. Do you include yourself when you think compassion? Are there pictures of all the people you come in contact with daily? Yes, even those who most annoy you or serve to bring up feelings...
One of the most popular trends and designs in the world of tattoos right now are koi fish tattoos. It is pretty obvious to see why these designs are so sought after. They are deeply symbolic, mysterious and beautiful all at the same time. They are bright and colorful and when they splash in the blue water behind them they can make for a dynamic tattoo that is full of power, symbolism and movement. If you are considering getting a koi tattoo design then you should really know what the symbolism and meaning is behind them first. The StoryThe koi have long been a part of the Japanese life. At almost every temple and sacred place there is a small koi pond. The koi also know as Carp fish is known...
Just For Today - Reiki's Little Understood Precepts
The Healing Power of the Five Reiki Precepts Just for Today, do not worry. Just for Today, do not anger. Just for Today, honor your parents, teachers and elders. Just for Today, earn your living honestly. Just for Today, show gratitude to every living thing. Reiki energy is a powerful healing tool, and can help you to come into alignment with your own inner truth. There have been a large number of people around the world learning Reiki. Many of those people use the precepts lightly, as a way of thinking about the work, but these precepts contain a powerful healing mystery in and of themselves. Contained in the precepts is a pattern for living a life of constant peace and harmony. They are not...
With its oriental culture shaped immensely by the Buddhist teachings, China possesses more than a few sacred places of worship. The Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai is one such creation, (replica), containing awe inspiring statues of Lord Buddha within its sacred walls. Also known as Yufo Si, the temple is most famous for its two large Buddha statues, both immaculately crafted from white jade. Even though the temple was founded in 1882, its architecture doesnât reflect that era, simply due to the fact that it has been rebuilt around 1918 following previous destruction and abandonment. The temple stands quietly and unobtrusively close to the intersection of Dairy Ashford Road and Bellaire...