August 15, 2005
Focusing On The Best You
Comparing Yourself To Others

Each of us has been blessed with unique qualities. No one else has lived through precisely the same circumstances, possesses exactly the same qualities, or thinks just the same thoughts. We love, appreciate, and hold dear vastly different things. Because of this, it is nearly impossible to justly compare oneself to others and yet so many people stake their happiness on how they fare when measured against a neighbor, a coworker, a sibling, or Hollywood star. It is easy to think that if you had her eyes, his house, her job, or his money, that you'd be truly happy. Your value as a person has little to do with what you look like or what you possess and comparing yourself to someone else denies your own wonderful gifts and talents. Everyone has worth, but the source of that worth is individual. Learning to stop comparing yourself to others begins with accepting your worth, because your own acceptance is the most important.

Regularly assessing your worth in terms of other people's gifts, be they talent, money, looks, or material wealth, can lead to dissatisfaction, even when you're on top of your game. It's important to remember that you are you and will always be you, not someone else. Your individuality is something to take pride in. When you get the urge to compare yourself to someone else, meditate on the fact that you are lovable, capable, and special the way you are. Instead of focusing on traits you don't possess, and others do, or vice versa, concentrate on what you yourself have. You may be a great painter, very funny, or physically fit. Or you may be exceptionally organized, a capable parent, or profoundly patient. Usually, when we compare ourselves to others, we come out feeling devalued. In noting the positive differences both in yourself and the other party, you appreciate and foster distinctiveness.

The gifts which you have been given can be used for the benefit of everyone you come into contact with. Realizing and embracing such a concept enables you to focus on bringing out the best in yourself, so that you can celebrate your own achievements as well as those of others.

Nuro's Wife~ that is so true. Thank you for sharing that because there are many of us who forget that we are in fact blessed . . .daily!

August 16, 2005
Petals Of Unity
Flower Communion

Through the passage of time, flowers of all types have gained meaning and their significance has ranged from the simple to the profound. A single rose can impart love, a bunch of daisies can show friendship, and a mixed bouquet can express shared sorrow. In the context of a flower communion, however, flowers of all kinds become symbols of community, diversity, and shared esteem. The ritual involved in the flower communion is basic, but the symbolism runs deep. And yet, it can be a part of many different types of celebrations, to commemorate a birthday or season, or be a celebration in and of itself. A flower communion can take place in the height of summer, when flowers are at their richest and most colorful, or even in the autumn, winter, or spring.

In its simplest form, the flower communion is an exchange of flowers. Each member of a gathering brings a single stem with a blossom. The flower may have some significance to the bearer, being a favorite or something from their personal garden. As you arrive to the function, you place your flower in a communal vase, signifying a joining. When every flower has been placed, an individual or the entire group can arrange the diverse blossoms into a bouquet. Once the arrangement is complete, the host of the gathering may feel compelled to say a blessing or a few words about how each flower represents a single individual. No two are alike, as no two people are alike, yet all are able to come together to form a beautiful bouquet. The bouquet formed at any flower communion is unique, and would not be the same without the contribution of each person involved.

At the end of the ritual, each participant is invited to take home a different flower to show their willingness to walk with their fellows. But a flower ritual need not be between members of a group. Two people can recreate the flower communion by thoughtfully arranging a shared bouquet while contemplating humanity's uniqueness. Through the flower communion, people come together to share something of themselves. They leave with a token from the gathering and with the spirit of communion.

August 17, 2005
Being Frank
Constructive Confrontation

Pointing out a fault or misstep in someone is often uncomfortable, draining, or stressful. It can be easier to overlook a problem than to confront the individual behind it. But just as everything in the universe has a positive and negative side, confrontation can be beneficial when handled one way or detrimental when handled in another way. If you accept that there is no winner or loser in a confrontation, and that it is merely a step in reaching a constructive solution, you can harness confrontation as a means of inspiring positive change. Sometimes the only way to show a person how they are doing you or themselves harm is to candidly express the consequences of their actions. In fact, confrontation, when handled in a calm and timely fashion, can be an act of caring.

If you find you shy away from confrontation, seeing it as an opportunity to help someone else may make it more bearable. To be willing to confront someone demonstrates your desire to maintain an open discourse with them, even if they don't initially see it as such. Naturally, in confronting someone, because you are openly discussing negative aspects of their behavior, you run the risk of offending them. But there are steps you can take to remove the sting from a confrontation. Remember that confrontation is nothing more than an opportunity for frank communication. Prepare beforehand by compiling a mental list of the facts surrounding the issue behind the confrontation. You may want to rehearse your opening statement to yourself, if it will make you feel more at ease. Finally, after discussing the behavior you are unhappy with in clear terms, give the other person a chance to respond without interrupting.

Maintaining a calm demeanor can turn a confrontation into a constructive conversation. Positive confrontation can be a learning experience for both parties, because it involves openly and bravely facing an issue. When most effective, both parties will come away from a confrontation feeling satisfied that they can move forward, changed for the better.

August 18, 2005
A Measure Of Success
Emotional vs. Intellectual Intelligence

Not many years ago, the intelligence quotient, or IQ, was seen as a strong indicator of the level of success one could attain in life. The standard IQ test measured raw intelligence, including abilities such as logic and reasoning skills, reading, writing, and analyzing. Research, however, soon proved that the IQ could not predict academic and professional performance as once had been thought. There was another element involved: emotional intelligence, also known as the EQ. Emotional intelligence measures one's understanding of emotions, the ability to empathize and work with others, and manage under stress. IQ seldom changes and most people fall into the top 10% of intellectual intelligence, while EQ can change through self-discipline or a profound experience. Nonetheless, they function in tandem and are both important to personal development and success.

If IQ defines how smart you are, EQ determines how you use that blessing. Individuals with high EQ's are better equipped to make use of their cognitive abilities. They are often chosen for advancement in their professions or volunteer experiences because they possess the ability to inspire people to action and to make others feel more confident. People with high IQ's but low EQ's sometimes sabotage themselves because they are unable to relate to their peers, cannot handle stress constructively, and find emotional connections difficult to maintain. Developing your EQ can help you access your innate intelligence and amplify your empathy, which can lead to career advancement and better relationships. Practice embracing your uniqueness and the uniqueness of others, expressing your feelings and interpreting those of your friends and family, and being decisive - all of which can help boost your EQ.

Experts say that a heightened EQ can bring happiness because it lets you focus on feelings as well as facts, whereas the IQ is concerned with logic. A strong EQ also makes you more able to access the benefits of your IQ because it takes both to build a successful career, strong relationships, and a fulfilling life.
What do you think?

August 19, 2005
Embarking On A New Path
Changing Careers

What we do for a living can be intimately intertwined with who we are. Often, people expect to grow and thrive in one career over a period of decades. For others, however, that expectation is unrealistic. As they themselves change, they become dissatisfied with the profession that once brought them joy. This is not unusual in modern times, where more and more people are changing careers not just once, but many times over the course of their lives. Because your career is a part of who you are, switching to another can be a long and involved process that requires courage and determination. The challenges, which can include stepping into unfamiliar territory, going back to school, or learning to live on less income, are very real, but the rewards can trump them. Changing careers, if done thoughtfully, can be one of the most richly satisfying and exciting experiences of your life.

If for years your soul has been telling you that you would make a skilled lawyer, a talented sculptor, or a brilliant electrical engineer, it's worth investigating the possibilities. Or, you may be desirous of a more soulful and fulfilling career but haven't figured out what it is yet. In either case, explore. If you have identified a passion, research it. Talk to people in that field and find out how they got there. Ask about the ups and the downs. If you're unsure of a career path you might like to pursue, look toward your passions, abilities, hobbies, and values. Determine what your ideal work hours, income, commute time, and working situation would be. If you love the idea of flexible hours or working from home, decide whether you would be willing to earn less as a trade off. Look for careers that offer the type of work environment and benefits you are looking for. Creating a new future takes time and effort, and a willingness to delve deep into the positives and nega! tives of a variety of careers.

Focus on your strengths, rather than skills you may be lacking. Seeking skill training or the help of a career counselor can be helpful. It's normal to be nervous when seeking out a new career, particularly if you are established in your current profession. But the payoff can be true satisfaction in finding work that you can love, and, it's never too late for change.

August 22, 2005
Creating Roots
The Nesting Instinct

The desire for a place to put down roots is nearly universal. There is a natural instinct that guides us toward a comfortable sanctuary that we ourselves have created or can call home. This is the nesting or cocooning instinct. It is this drive that calls to us after a day of work or play, that counteracts the chaos of the outside world by bringing us somewhere we belong. Your nest, be it home, apartment, or single room provides a safe haven from uncertainty and a sense of comfort and control. It offers you a space that is welcoming, nurturing, and meets your demands. In nesting, you are expressing yourself, fulfilling your needs, and giving substance to your intention to live the way you want to live.

The means of nesting are as individual as each of us. Some people consider their home their refuge. Others see it as a safe place for relaxing and spending time with family and friends. It is human nature, much like it is for animals, to have the desire to nest. Many women feel the instinct to put down roots and to raise a family in a consistent and nurturing setting, and nest to fulfill this instinct. Men may feel more driven to forage, or focus outwardly, but still want to create a safe haven for themselves.

The more effort you put into creating a home or space you enjoy, the more you will be drawn to it. Try using all-natural cleaning products in scents that are pleasing to you. Soft lighting can be a welcome relief after a day spent under fluorescent lamps. Candlelight and music can add warmth and feelings of safety to your home. An easy way to create a welcoming home is to make sure your furniture is comfortable and cozy, and your home has some color that makes you feel good. Making even minor changes can stimulate the nesting instinct.

Part of the nesting instinct lies in your home's ability to counteract stress. After a busy day, returning to your personal space will lower your blood pressure, relax your muscles, and help you clear your mind. The act of "building your nest" can give you a sense of accomplishment that is bolstered each time you come home and a space that makes you feel good is the ideal background for a centered life.

August 23, 2005
Steps In The Right Direction
Tools For Balance

The drive to improve oneself and one's life is never ending. Therefore, it can be helpful to have useful tools for general, everyday improvements in life. Whatever your need for change and whenever it arises, open your toolbox and integrate one or more of these tools into your life.

Each day, ask the universe how you may be of service.

Because all people are intimately connected with the universe at large, we both work for it and benefit from it. When you give to the universe with positive intentions, you naturally reap abundance. Instead of waiting for opportunities to be of service to present themselves, ask what service you may provide. Ask each morning upon waking or meditating. Be assured the universe will ask nothing more of you than that which you are equipped to give.

Cook with intention and bless all you consume.

The life force and that which nourishes the spirit is closely intertwined with what take into our bodies. A Zen tale tells us to see the pot as our head and the water as our blood. The art of cooking involves preparing foods mindfully and projecting positive energy into what we eat. And part of bringing out the life force is showing loving respect for the labor involved in the cultivation and preparation of food. Speak a simple blessing over your food before every meal to reinforce your connection with the circle of life.

Do unto others.

Promoting unselfish love in your life involves expressing spontaneous and unprovoked kindness toward all people. Pleasant and gracious behaviors feed the soul of the giver and the recipient, who will often respond with similar kindnesses. Treat others how you wish to be treated with simple gestures like a smile, an offer of assistance, a please or thank you, or gift. Taking the time to be kind will make your life and the lives of others more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Take time to center yourself daily.

Both in times of strife and in times of calm, remember to direct your focus inward for a few moments each day. Pay attention to your body, determine where you are retaining tension, and let it go. Breathe deeply, close your eyes, and slip into a brief period of meditation. Allow yourself to be stabilized and strengthened by the earth's energy. When you have found a calm place, open your eyes and offer gratitude before continuing your day.

Take time to enjoy the community of others.

Fellowship is a joyful part of being alive, though easy to neglect is this busy world. Make time to spend with close friends or people who share your interests. Talking to a special friend can be therapeutic while gathering in a group can be a potent stress reliever. Remember, shared joys are increased while shared pain is lessened.

August 24, 2005
Gathering Support
Rallying The Troops

When a crisis strikes, we often feel compelled to go it alone. It may be that we view seeking out others in times of trouble as a weakness or believe that it is our duty to handle problems alone. But dealing with extremely stressful situations single-handedly can create a sense of isolation leading to even more stress, which in turn can lead to depression and anxiety. Utilizing your personal support network, or rallying your troops, helps you maintain a sense of belonging, determination, and self-esteem in times of crisis. Your friends, family, and your spiritual guardians can be a source of comfort, guidance, and simple practical help. Calling on not one friend, but all those who care for you, can help you persevere through innumerable trying situations.

You may or may not want advice, but simply letting your support network know what you are going through and knowing that they are there to support you will make a positive difference. In doing so, you will have an entire team bolstering your spirit. Your troops may be just a passive source of positive energy or they may be more active helpers, offering solutions to your problem, commenting on your choices, or sharing their own experiences in a similar situation. They can also be an impartial sounding board from which you can bounce ideas before coming to a conclusion. You can rally your spirit guide, favorite angel, or other ethereal troops by contacting them in your customary way and asking for help. Support will come from all sides when you rally your troops, giving you great strength, encouragement, and the will to move forward, even when the necessary action is a difficult one.

You can rally your troops during all manner of tough times big or small. When you feel the need to do so, e-mail or call everyone in your support network and ask for help in the spiritual realm. Having your team behind you can make such a difference because the feeling that others are with you is a poweful one.

August 25, 2005
A Fresh Perspective
Giving Yourself Advice

When considering a difficulty faced by a friend, the solution frequently comes to us easily. In looking at our own troubles, however, our vision can become clouded because we see our problems through the veil of our emotions, opinions, worries, and personal experiences. Because of this, it is no simple matter to give yourself advice. It is hard to step out of your mindset to view your conundrum with a fresh eye. One technique that can aid you in examining your problems from multiple, objective angles, involves imagining yourself helping a friend work through the same difficulty. In doing so, you have the opportunity to formulate a thoughtful, and a caring course of action that is often easier to follow than advice from another source.

Begin by looking at your circumstance by stepping outside of yourself, and then shift your perspective to look at it as you would if a treasured friend was in the same situation. If you like, you can even go so far as to have an imaginary conversation with the "friend", speaking gently, reassuringly, and uncritically. Think about what reaction their problem evokes in you. If you are you driven to tell them that things will look up or that good will come from it eventually, do so. Offer advice rooted both in common sense and in compassion. After you have looked at the problem from a remote perspective, let yourself once again view it from your personal perspective. Offer the same reassurances to yourself that you offered to your hypothetical friend. Your encouraging words and suggestions will likely feel like they came from a trusted advisor and an impartial observer.

All in all, your advice to yourself, even if difficult, will be easier to take if conceived of objectively. Giving yourself guidance in this manner is a way to contemplate a problem without strong emotional involvement, to come up with confident solutions, and to soothe your troubled soul.

August 26, 2005
Waiting In The Wings
Spirit Guides

Sometimes we have a sense that someone is near, offering comfort or support just when we need it, even though there is no one visibly around. We may be having difficulty making an important decision when we are given a "sign." Something catches our attention, a message in graffiti or a song on the radio, and we feel guided in making the right choice.

Our spirit guides are waiting in the wings to offer their assistance whenever we need it. Different from angels who watch over and protect us, spirit guides are just as their names imply, beings that guide us on our spiritual path. Often, they have lived earthly lives and are now able to share their wisdom and spiritual knowledge from another realm.

Spirit guides come in many forms. The "imaginary" friends that children so often have, may indeed be spirit guides. They are the ever constant playmate, always there to keep a child company, especially when they are lonely, scared, or mad at the world. We have only to open ourselves to their presence as children do and they will offer their support.

We can invite our spirit guides into our lives through meditation or simply by asking and being more spiritually aware. Yet, guides rarely inject themselves into our lives without being asked, though they will try to get our attention, at times, especially when we are in need. Sometimes if the guide is someone we were close to, they'll surround us with the scent of their favorite perfume, or a spice they often cooked with. Sounds are also often used to get our attention, chimes or a familiar tune will run through our mind. When we listen, our guides have much to tell us. They are here to help us learn, guiding us so that we too can grow in spirit as they have. For we too, may one day be spirit guides ourselves.

This is just what I needed to read today , Thank You!

August 29, 2005
Inner Access
Transcendental Meditation

The complexity and variety of meditative techniques can be awe inspiring. There are a great many to choose from and various aspects of each to be learned. But at the heart of them lies transcendental meditation (TM). A practice rooted in ancient times but outlined by Maharishi Mahesh in 1957, TM is as beneficial for the novice as it is for the experienced practitioner. It is simple, neither a way of life nor a spiritual belief, and can be practiced by anyone of any age or lifestyle. The strength of TM's effectiveness is in one's personal mantra, which, according to Mahesh, can be any word, name, or syllable that has meaning for you. Practicing TM twice daily, in the morning and evening, has been shown to increase concentration, memory, learning ability, and creativity, as well as to reduce stress, anxiety, and incidents of illness. It is a very personal meditation, and so your results will be unique.

Beginning TM is as straightforward as sitting comfortably with your eyes closed. Do not try to relax or control your breathing. Wait thirty seconds and then begin thinking your mantra. You may want to experiment with different mantras, but keep in mind that the goal is not to focus on the mantra or even to think it clearly. The mantra needn't have a rhythm. If thoughts interrupt your mantra, don't push them away, but instead let them pass. After fifteen to twenty minutes, stop thinking the mantra and sit quietly for another two minutes before opening your eyes. During the meditation, you will find that your mind will settle down and you will enter a period of deeply relaxed alertness in which your consciousness transcends its normal boundaries. Your creativity will thrive while accumulated mental fatigue is washed away. Your body will also have settled into a state of deep restfulness.

Some believe that TM can help one attain a higher consciousness, while others see the meditation as a route to self-knowledge and physical and mental health. In TM, however, there are no right or wrong goals. The practice simply provides you with a way to access all facets of your existence - mental, physical, spiritual, individual, and universal - in a natural and nurturing way.

August 30, 2005
Peeling The Onion
Breaking Through Barriers

The human psyche is almost infinitely complex, made up of layers upon layers of thoughts, experiences, emotions, fears, loves, and goals. Those who seek to find the true essence of being or to move past a fear find that there are many intermediate steps along the way. When we first look inward, we look at ourselves as a whole, when in fact we are only seeing the surface. Like an onion, if we move past the surface, we will find another layer. Moving past that, we find yet another layer. These layers are barriers and everyone has them. You may work past one fear only to be confronted with a deeper, underlying fear. Or you may fully assimilate a revelation only to find other aspects of that revelation that you had not discovered. How many layers you will confront before finding a resolution is unknown. This is the journey, this is life.

But the journey to the center of the onion - what they called sunyata in Sanskrit or mu in Chinese - can be an enlightening experience in and of itself. As you break through each barrier, you gain a more profound understanding of your own mind and come to learn the unique facets that make up who you are. You will become intimately acquainted with your needs and wants, reactions, aversions, pleasures, and pains. You will discover qualities within yourself that have been buried by the years or by old hurts. This knowledge is cumulative. As you break through one barrier and confront the next, oftentimes more powerful, barrier, you will be equipped with the knowledge of self that you have gained during your searching.

During the "peeling of the onion," you may feel frustrated because it can seem like progress is slow or nonexistent. But don't let the multitude of layers bother you. Many of the qualities that make us who we are may be hidden at first. The process can continue indefinitely, for with self-discovery comes growth and thus further discovery. The more you learn, the more you will inevitably find, as you travel deeper and deeper within your soul.

August 31, 2005
Unexpected Fear
Panic Attacks

The symptoms of panic attacks can vary from person to person and chances are you know somebody that has them, or maybe that somebody is you. Symptoms can be a feeling of impending doom or terror, loss of control, heart attack-like symptoms, and some peole hyperventilate or feel they're choking or are going to pass out.. Many of these symptoms are those of the instinctual "fight or flight" response that arises in when the mind perceives a dangerous situation. But during a panic attack, there is often no danger at all. Panic attacks may come unexpectedly or during predictable situations such as driving, being in crowds or riding in an elevator. Many people hide the fact that they suffer from panic attacks, but it is important to remember that they are common, survivable and treatable.

Though panic attacks can be terrifying, they are not deadly and can be controlled with practice. Any strong or suppressed emotion can trigger a panic attack, so one way to combat them is to deal with fears and feelings as they arise, rather than holding them in. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help eliminate the source of panic attacks by changing the way the brain responds through various calming techniques. When a panic attack comes, accept that it is happening but will pass, and ease yourself through it while remaining as relaxed as possible. If necessary, try to focus on the fact that nothing bad is going to happen to you and that you are not crazy or about to die.

If you suffer from panic attacks, these are some tools that can help you. As an example, this is a situation involving driving:

1. Before you get into your car, take time to write about what you are scared of, it is important to reach to root of what is causing your attacks.

2. If you have a cell phone, prepare it with a headset and dial a friend and tell them they don't need to speak to you but you just want them on the line while you are driving, just to know they are there.

3. If you start to panic, take a moment to realize what is happening - you aren't going to die. Breathe deep and take a drink of water. Ground yourself by seeing yourself connected to Mother Earth by a cord coming down through your tailbone into the earth. Have your friend speak to you in a calm manner. Keep an object with you that is grounding such as a rock, crystal, or something else from nature that you can hold or keep in your lap.

4. When you get to your destination, reward yourself. You worked very hard and deserve recognition for stepping into your fear.

It can be helpful to view panic attacks as a cue that your body or mind is trying to tell you something about the way you experience stress or negative emotions. Panic attacks can be traumatizing, but they can also be shortened or eliminated over time. The key is controlling your fear rather than letting it control you.

September 1, 2005
Sounds Of Health
Sounding

It is known that sound has the power to change us. It is used in meditation, ritual, prayer, and as a natural healing technique. Sound itself encompasses most auditory phenomenon and sound healers may practice their craft with recorded classical music, drumming, chanting, instruments, or electronically synthesized sounds. Sounding, however, is unique in that the practitioner uses only his or her voice projected onto the body through loosely cupped hands or a cone of wood. The resonance of the voice permeates tissue and bone, positively impacting physical and spiritual health by causing unbalanced areas to begin once again resonating at their natural frequencies.

The human voice has the natural ability to affect both the body and mind. Just as a beautiful melody or powerful drum beat can inspire and energize you, a sound healer's voice stimulates your systems' natural integrity, helping you to achieve deep relaxation and well-being. A sounding session most often starts with the healer directing sounds toward various parts of the body to determine what areas require stabilization and strengthening. This technique is called 'overtoning.' He or she may sigh, sing, or vocalize in various frequencies while listening for a change in the tone that indicates the sound interfacing with the body's energy field. As each area of the body vibrates at its own unique frequency, this helps the healer identify the precise systems where the sounding needs to be directed. The healer will then cup his or her hands over the area in need of treatment and vocalizes in specific frequencies. The pure harmonic vibrations emitted by the healer ripple and echo ! through the body, correcting the out-of-sync rhythms and resonance, relieving tension, and creating energy impulses that help the body heal itself without medication.

In sounding, the healer's voice becomes a winding river upon which healing energy is conveyed into the body. Plato called music the "essence of order," and when, through the miraculous abilities of the human voice, the body, spirit, and emotions are vibrating at their intended frequencies and in perfect harmony with one another, the result is perfect health.

September 2, 2005
Giving Of Herself
Mother

Mothers throughout history have been worshipped, revered, analyzed and even criticized. Every one of us was created through the wondrous workings of a woman's body; each of us has a mother. But being a mother is more than a biological concept. In India, women who are profoundly nurturing, compassionate, and wise are publicly acknowledged by the title "Holy Mother." Those who have never met their biological mothers often have mothers nonetheless in adoptive parents, relations, and friends. There are human mothers and spiritual mothers, Mother Earth, and mother goddesses. The role of a mother is infinitely complex and one of pure tenderness, compassion, and unflagging loyalty. The mother represents fertility, stability, creation, and sacrifice.

Our mothers determine who we become because they are not only the life givers, but the most influential person in our young lives. Before we are old enough to understand that influence, mothers give us the beginnings of our spirituality and value systems. A mother lauds accomplishment and ignores minor faults, she both teaches and shields her children from misfortune, and hides her own tears, preferring to laugh so her children can laugh with her. She is both a sharer of grief and a healer of many pains. And every mother gives of herself knowing that someday her progeny will leave her. For these reasons and more, motherhood is a sacred institution, not limited by narrow constraints. It is also not unusual to seek the guidance of a mother in a wise woman or a grandmother because each woman is taught to be a mother by her own mother, whether she chooses to have children or not. Other ways to see Mother is to find a source of motherly nurturing in the earth, which gives us so ! much and demands little in return. Earth mother continually blesses us with her bounty and we are even born and eventually go back to the universal mother.

The definition is necessarily broad because mothers of all types exist in part to put a smooth veneer on the rough edges of life for those they love. A mother never stops growing, never stops becoming more motherly. Though some may argue that a mother is a woman who gives life with her womb and nourishment with her breast, it is important to remember that a mother, any mother, is also one who gives life with her tenderness and nourishment with her love.

September 5, 2005
A Balanced Stone
Turquoise

Whether seen as a bridge between water and sky, or a piece of the sky itself, turquoise has captured the imagination of generations. Revered by cultures from across the globe, this smooth, blue gem remains a talisman of health, wealth, good luck, and protection from sickness. In the ancient Middle East, turquoise was believed to change color when its wearer was ill and the stone was considered sacred and powerful by the Egyptians, the Aztecs, and Native Americans. Traditionally, the stone, either set into jewelry or loose, was carried as protection to ward away the evil eye. Today, turquoise is still considered an effective means of healing the body and soul. Its presence is said to benefit the entire body and to deflect negative energy that might be harmful. The stone can also have a positive affect on your mind, increasing your creativity, empathy, wisdom, and serenity.

Turquoise, which simply means Turkish stone, comes in many colors, ranging from intense sky blue to greenish to almost white. You may feel drawn to a particular hue, but the shade of the stone will not increase or decrease its latent powers. Some crystal healers also use it as a detoxification aide. When you have obtained your stone, wash it in pure water and bless it. Afterwards, you may simply want to hold it and focus on its energy in order to draw positive vibrations from it. Laying or rubbing the stone on the part of your body, such as a muscle or the chest, in need of healing can also be effective. Or, if you prefer, have the stone set in a piece of jewelry so you can keep it close to you throughout the day.

Many people believe turquoise to be associated with cleansing, protection, and spiritual balance. The stone is also said to have the ability to simultaneously open and stimulate the chakras, letting beneficial energy flood the body. In healing, it bridges the gap between the physical, spiritual, and emotional parts of us, lending strength and healing to those parts of us that need it most.

What do you think?

September 6, 2005
Opportunities to Grow
Life Lessons

While we may not recognize it at the time, every challenge we face is ultimately an opportunity to bring more love and higher consciousness into our lives. The obstacles we encounter every day - whether great trials or minor bumps in the road - provide us an opportunity to learn and to grow. By placing obstacles in our path, the universe focuses our attention on life lessons that, on a deeper level, we wish to comprehend more fully. If we choose to, we can view any disharmony in our daily lives as an invitation to shed an old belief or behavior pattern in favor of a more enlightened one.

The challenge is to recognize the lesson being offered by a given situation. Often we learn about a positive quality by experiencing its opposite. An impulse toward anger may teach us about love or acceptance. A sense of constraint may teach us about freedom. A situation that appears beyond our control may prompt us to discover our own role in its creation. The lessons presented to us may encourage us to develop soul qualities such as humility, patience, or forgiveness.

Sometimes we are too involved in our present difficulty to find that higher perspective is more easily recognized in hindsight. Yet this doesn't mean we are without the tools to deal with it. Regardless of the size and nature of your difficulty, an attitude of love and gratitude will move you through it more easily and bring resolution more quickly. When difficulties arise, hold a loving thought for yourself and for whoever else is involved. Challenge yourself to find something in the situation to be grateful for, no matter how small, and thank the universe for it. This shift in attitude will shift the situation and your perspective, and it will bring you closer to that deeper understanding your soul is seeking on your behalf. Life lessons don't always come packaged the way we expect them to, and it is sometimes these lessons that ultimately bring us the greatest joy.

September 9, 2005
Taking Time
Remembering To Live

Many present-day cultures are busy ones. Wanting it all, we look always forward, striving to live optimally and successfully, improving ourselves, and immersing ourselves in the hustle and bustle of great achievements.

To read full reading, please click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/507.html

September 12, 2005
Ascending Upwards
Life's Stepping Stones

All of nature is in a continual state of growth and evolution. We are no different. Each stage in our personal evolution paves the way for the next.


To real full inspirational click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/508.html

September 13, 2005
Seeing Yourself Through Different Eyes
How Others Perceive You

Each time we look in a mirror, we choose the lens through which we view ourselves. We choose which aspects of ourselves - of our bodies and of our beings - we focus our attention on.


To read full inspirational http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/581.html

September 14, 2005
Patient Perseverance
Drawing Strength From Plants

Each season, grasses, flowers, shrubs, and trees let a part of themselves go in the form of seeds.


To read full inspirational click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/582.html

September 15, 2005
Conscious Idle
The Art of Inactivity

Our world is one of cycles. Tides ebb and flow, one season gives way to the next, night follows day.


To read full inspirational click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/583.html

September 16, 2005
Centered Silliness
Laughing Meditation

Many people might be surprised to think of laughter as a form of meditation. Yet not only is laughing meditation one of the simplest forms of meditation, but also it is a very powerful one.


To read full passage click here http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/584.html

Waking To Goodness
Mornings

At the start of each new day, the first sliver of dawn paints the horizon, and gradually the color spreads, brightening dew, illuminating the world, and inspiring birds to song.


To read full passage click here http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/585.html

September 20, 2005
Awakening The Serpent
Kundalini Energy

In the classic Hatha yoga and Tantra traditions, each person is believed to possess a great reservoir of dormant feminine energy.


To read full passage click here http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/622.html

September 26, 2005
Walking Your Path
Living A Spiritual Life

Throughout the journey from birth to death, many people choose to question life, strive for improvement, seek out knowledge, and search for the divine. Simply put, this is the essence of spirituality. One's spiritual practice can take on many forms, because embracing the spiritual is a very personal pursuit.


To read the entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/display/printerfriendly.cgi?articleid=626

September 27, 2005
Giving To Receive
Generosity

The most difficult time to be generous is when we ourselves are feeling poor.


To read the entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/631.html

September 28, 2005
Healthful Slumber
The Importance Of Sleep

When life gets busy, sleep is often the first activity that we sacrifice. Considered a luxury by many busy people, sleep is actually as vital to sustaining a balanced life as are breathing, eating, and drinking.


To read full passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/632.html

September 29, 2005
Harmony With Nature
Organic Earth

The earth is our nurturer, giving us life, land, and sustenance. Because of population growth, the demand for her gifts is ever increasing and simply living from day to day can now have a negative impact on the balance of nature.

To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/633.html

September 30, 2005
Averting Conflict
Dealing With Difficult People

We encounter a wide variety of people throughout our lives. Many of them touch us in some positive way. Occasionally, however, we encounter those individuals who, for whatever reason, can be difficult to deal with.


To read entire message click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/634.html

October 3, 2005
Emotional Freedom
Denying Your Feelings

Dealing with powerful emotions can be challenging, especially when we are going through chaotic, sad, or cruel experiences in our lives. Often, it can seem like we have only two options for dealing with our feelings so they don't become too overwhelming.


To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/635.html

October 4, 2005
Stillness In Motion
Doing Things Slowly

Life can often feel like it's zipping by in fast forward. We feel obliged to accelerate our own speed along with it, until our productivity turns into frenzied accomplishment.


To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/636.html

October 5, 2005
The Power Within
Energy 101

There is an undercurrent of energy thrumming through the Universe. Like the wind or a whisper, we can sometimes hear it and often feel it. Most of the time, we sense this energy unconsciously without any tangible proof it is really there.


To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/637.html

October 6, 2005
Elegant Blessings
Living A Life Of Grace

Grace exists inside of all of us and around us. It is our inner beauty that radiates outward, touching everyone we meet. It is that unseen hand that comes from the divine, raising us up when we most need it.


To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/638.html

October 7, 2005
Unplugging The Noise
Taking A Media Break

In this modern age, we seldom question the pervasive presence of the media. Television, radio, newspapers, magazines, telephones, and websites are part of most people's everyday experiences. They enable us to stay informed while sometimes taking us on amazing journeys.

To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/639.html

October 10, 2005
Overcoming Obstacles
Nothing Is Insurmountable

When our next best course of action seems unclear, any dilemmas we face can appear insurmountable. Yet there is nothing we cannot overcome with time, persistence, focused thought, help, and faith.

To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/640.html

October 11, 2005
Accepting Loss
The Cycle Of Grief

When we experience any kind of devastating loss, whether it is the loss of a loved one, a dream, or a relationship, feelings may arise within us that are overwhelming or difficult to cope with. This sense of grief can also come up when we are separated from anyone or anything we have welcomed into our lives.


To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/641.html

October 12, 2005
Burnt Offerings
Incense

It could not have been long after humanity learned to have power over fire that they discovered that simple fragrant wood, resin, herbs, or roots can do more than produce pleasing aromas. The first forms of incense were simply fragrant plants tossed into fire, and it was only later that pastes, oils, powders, joss sticks, and cones were created. Incense has soothed, excited, aroused, and centered us for thousands of years.


To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/642.html

Unhindered Movement
Getting Out Of Your Own Way

When you find yourself facing obstacles that appear to be blocking you from your goals, it is important to try not to get discouraged. It can be easy to feel "stuck" or that "life" is creating circumstances preventing you from getting what you want.


To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/643.html

October 14, 2005
Small Wonders
Little Things That Make You Happy

Life is full of little wonders that can make us happy. The sound of a baby's laughter, a good book, the comforting smell of a favorite old sweatshirt, and the warmth from a cup of hot tea are simple pleasures that can easily put smiles on our faces.

To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/644.html

October 17, 2005
Borrowed Vision
Somebody Believes In You

There are times in our lives when we may find ourselves facing challenges that can seem overwhelming. The situation or task we are struggling with seems hopeless, and it is easy to stop believing in ourselves, our goals, and our dreams.

To read the entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/645.html

October 18, 2005
Avoiding Negative Vibrations
Taking On The Energy Of Others

There are times when you may find that being around certain individuals or groups of people leaves you with feelings of discomfort. It may be that spending time with a particular friend feels draining or that dealing with a specific coworker exhausts you.

To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/647.html








October 19, 2005
Emptiness Becomes Openness
Sometimes A Loss Can Be A Gain

When we lose anything that we cherish, the sense of emptiness we are left behind with can be overwhelming. A space that was filled, whether in our lives or our hearts, is now a void, and the feelings of pain, loss, and separation can sometimes be difficult to bear.

To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/648.html

October 20, 2005
Letting Your Soul Be Heard
Being Witnessed

When we allow ourselves to be witnessed by another, we cannot help but be transformed by the experience. Whether we are sharing a personal experience, standing in front of friends to celebrate a special occasion, or expressing our unbridled joy or sorrow in front of a loved one, we are allowing ourselves to be seen and experienced in a very intimate way.


To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/649.html

October 21, 2005
Nourishment For The Soul
Breaking Bread Together

As we rush to keep up with the speed of our busy lives, one of the first activities we tend to sacrifice is the sharing of a meal with other people. We may find ourselves eating alone at the kitchen counter or hurriedly drinking a cup of soup while driving in our cars. Yet taking the time to share a meal with family or a close friend not only feeds your body, but also it can nourish your soul.


To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/650.html

October 24, 2005
Answering The Call
Taking Responsibility For Your Destiny

There are those of us who believe that our lives are predestined and that we should resign ourselves to our lots in life. Yet the truth is that it is up to each one of us to decide what that destiny will be.

To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/651.html

October 25, 2005
Checking Your Emotions
Why We Lash Out

Each one of us has experienced situations where we've found ourselves lashing out at someone without meaning to. We later berate ourselves for losing control and feel guilty for treating the other person badly. And while it is human nature that our emotions and moods will get the better of us from time to time, we can learn to navigate our feelings and negotiate difficult situations without losing our center.


To read entire message click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/652.html

October 26, 2005
A Grounding Embrace
Hugging A Tree

Trees are among the world's greatest givers. Their slow and gentle life cycles provide the world with clean air, their roots filter water, and their majestically spreading branches provide shade. Full of vibrant, natural energy, trees can also give us the gifts of peace and nurturance.


To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/653.html

October 27, 2005
Cherishing You
Falling In love With Yourself

Many people, in seeking out love, tend to look outward rather than inward. Yet falling in love with yourself can be just as wonderful an experience as falling in love with someone else. While the idea of falling in love with ourselves may be perceived as conceited or selfish, choosing to fall in love with who you are is a powerful act of self-love.


To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/654.html

October 28, 2005
Composing Bliss
Poetry As Meditation

The creation of any kind of art can be as much a form of meditation as a vehicle for self-expression. Energetically splashing colors of paint onto a canvas can be like casting the weight of the world off your shoulders, while raising your voice to hit the high notes of a song can inspire you to release your fears so you can reach new heights in your own life.

To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/655.html

October 31, 2005
Clear Horizons
Blue Skies On A Cloudy Day

When we refer to a "beautiful day," we are often describing a day that is sunny, clear, and without a cloud in sight to mar a sky that is a brilliantly perfect blue. We find ourselves bouncing along, light in spirit, free from worries, and enjoying the moment.

To read entire passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/656.html

November 1, 2005
Sharing Your Genius
Your Special Gift

Each of us is born with a specific genius that was bestowed upon us so we can do our part to make this world a better place. All of us have a role that we're uniquely suited for. Imagine our planet without trees, oceans, or clouds. In this same way, when one of us doesn't develop or use our special gift, a cosmic void takes place.

To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/729.html

November 2, 2005
Getting On Track
Trains Are Like People

The rails that crisscross the countryside and cut through cities have long captured people's imaginations. Just the idea of taking a ride on a luxury train, an express commuter line, or a cargo train can evoke a sense of freedom, adventure, or romance. Trains are like people in that they must inevitably arrive at their destinations.

To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/730.html

November 3, 2005
A Liberating Goodbye
Cutting Cords

In every relationship, people are constantly exchanging energy that can become a chord connecting two people. This energetic cord forms just below the breastbone and can remain long after a relationship has ended. This unbroken cord may leave an open channel between you and another person, through which emotions and energy can continue to flow.

To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/731.html

November 4, 2005
Bathing In Hospitality
Foot Cleansing Rituals

In most contemporary cultures, where there aren't many opportunities to go barefoot, few acts are as intimate as touching the feet of another person. Our feet are our primary means of connecting with the earth, yet they usually remain confined in shoes or sandals.


To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/732.html

November 7, 2005
Fresh And Unfixed
There Is Only Now

It can be easy for us to walk through the world and our lives without really being present. While dwelling on the past and living for the future are common pastimes, it is physically impossible to live anywhere but the present moment. We cannot step out our front door and take a left turn to May of last year any more than we can take a right turn to December 2010.


To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/733.html

November 8, 2005
Lotus Of Love
The Fourth Chakra

The human body, according to ancient Vedic texts, is the seat of a network of cooperating energy fields also known as chakras. At the very center of these fields, unifying and filtering them, lies the heart chakra. This chakra is located over the chest and is often called the heart lotus because its influence radiates outward like the petals of a flower.

To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/770.html

Spoken Imprint
The Human Voice

Whether listening to the low muted murmur of a confidential whisper or the proud declarative boom coming from behind a mike on the podium, there are few sounds more evocative than the human voice. Each human being's voice has a unique tone that is all its own. Carrying its own signature traits and idiosyncrasies, no two voices are alike.


To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/807.html

November 10, 2005
Smoothing Transitions
10 Steps To Making Change Easier

1. Begin by making small changes or break up large-scale changes into more manageable increments. This can make you feel better about handling the changes you are about to make while making you more comfortable with change in general.

To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/820.html

November 11, 2005
Beyond Words
Body Language

So much can be revealed to us when we listen to the language of our bodies. Our bodies are always speaking, sending us messages through the way we move, the sensations that arise from within, and the gestures and expressions that we make when we are communicating with others.

To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/821.html

November 14, 2005
Stepping Into Consciousness
Being Aware

Life is a journey comprised of many steps on our personal path that takes us down a winding road of constant evolution. And each day, we are provided with a myriad of opportunities that can allow us to transform into our next best selves. One moment we are presented with an opportunity to react differently when yet another someone in our life rubs us the wrong way; on another day we may find ourselves wanting to walk away from a particular circumstance but are not sure if we can.


To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/870.html

November 15, 2005
In All Kinds Of Weather
Being Happy For Friends

When we are close friends with someone, we intuitively know when they need a hug, a helping hand, or a sympathetic ear. Likewise, when we are going through bleak periods in our lives, we count on friends to support us through loss, illness, and other setbacks, both big and small. And while part of being a good friend means being there when the other person needs us, it is just as important to be there for our friends so we can share in their joyous celebrations and triumphs.


To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/871.html

November 16, 2005
Evolution Of The Soul
Life Lessons Through Reincarnation

You meet someone for the first time and feel as if you know them already. You're in a town that you've never been to before, yet you recognize streets and buildings. You start playing a new sport and amaze everyone, including yourself, at your natural abilities and intuitive knowing of the rules. We often describe such experiences as déjà vu: the experience or feeling that a new situation has happened to us before.


To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/872.html

November 17, 2005
Ask Yourself
The Answers Within Us

Many of us seek the answers to life's questions by looking outside of ourselves and trying to glean advice from the people around us. But as each of us is unique, with our own personal histories, our own sense of right and wrong, and our own way of experiencing the world that defines our realities, looking to others for our answers is only partially helpful.

To read more http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/873.html

November 18, 2005
Winged Formation
Birds Fly In A V

As they swoop, drift, and glide, inscribing magnificent patterns across the sky, birds are serene displays of grace and beauty. Long a source of inspiration, birds can be messengers from the spirit realm, or a symbol of the human soul, as they cast off their earthly mooring and soar heavenward.


To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/946.html

November 21, 2005
Personal Tales
Writing Your Story

Everyone, at one time or another, has wanted to express his or her story. Writing a memoir to read privately, share with family or friends, or publish is an emotionally satisfying way to gain perspective on your experiences while sharing your unique voice. We've all experienced feelings and events in our lives that we are longing to write down. Giving in to that urge can give you an outlet for purging any frustration, anxiety, or long-dormant feelings.


To read more http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/947.html

November 22, 2005
Embracing Unpredictability
When Life Throws You A Curve Ball

In life, we are always setting goals for ourselves and working to make them happen. This gives us focus and ensures that we use our time and energy efficiently and effectively. It also provides us with a sense of purpose and direction. We know where we are going and what we want to do. But quite often, due to forces outside our control, things do not go as we had planned-the flat tire on the way to the wedding, the unforeseen flu virus-and we have to adjust to a postponement or create a whole new set of circumstances.


To read more http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/948.html

November 23, 2005
Burning Brightly
Allowing Your Soul To Shine

At times, we've all wanted to crawl under a rock and hide away from the world. We may have preferred to be invisible rather than let other people see us or notice that we exist. This desire not to be seen often happens when we are feeling very hurt, angry, or simply weary of the world. And while we may console ourselves with the defense that we are shy, an introvert, or a loner, we may actually be hiding.

To read more http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/949.html

November 24, 2005
Savoring Ceremony
Tea Rituals

Coffee may be the power beverage that gets us revved up in the morning and fuels us when we're burning the midnight oil, but tea is the drink we turn to when we want to relax and be refreshed at the same time. Black, green, white, herbal, hot, or ice cold, tea is more than a soothing beverage. It can be a ritual, a cultural experience, and even a spiritual practice.

To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/998.html

November 29, 2005
Plunging Into The Deep
Life Can Be Scary

Life can take us on a roller coaster ride full of highs and lows and twists and turns. Even for those of us who enjoy unexpected thrills, it's frightening to suddenly find ourselves heading for a deep plunge. Yet, it happens to all of us. At these moments, it is important to remember that you are not alone in your experiences. No matter how brave, strong, or levelheaded we are, sometimes, we all get scared....remember you are not alone.

To read full passage click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/1001.html

November 30, 2005
Let Yourself Be Carried
The Flow Of The Universe

The flow of the universe moves through everything. It's in the rocks that form, get pounded into dust, and are blown away. It is the blossoming of a flower born from a seed planted in the spring. The growth cycle that every human being goes through is part of this natural flow. The current that takes us down life's paths is this flow. When we move with it, rather than resisting, we are riding on the universal current that allows us to flow with life.

To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/1002.html

December 1, 2005
Unfolding To Others
The Journey Of Finding A Relationship

Before we embark upon the journey of finding the relationship that is right for us, we may want to take the opportunity to refine our concepts of who we are and what we want from life. That way, we are clearer on the kind of person we want to attract into our lives. Part of the journey of finding a mate is learning how to become our own mate. When we can learn to meet our needs without relying on someone else to complete us, we don't have to form relationships from the space of needing our emptiness to be filled.

To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/1003.html

December 2, 2005
Going Away To Go Within
Retreat

Occasionally, we need to pause - and step away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. One way to do this is to get away from our daily life and go on retreat. Far more than a vacation, a retreat offers us time to ourselves to rest, heal, reflect, and renew our spirit. It is a time to cocoon so that we may emerge renewed, refreshed, and ready to return to our everyday lives with a new perspective.

To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/1004.html

December 5, 2005
Peeling Away The Layers
Trees Shedding Their Bark

Trees grow up through their branches and down through their roots into the earth. They also grow wider with each passing year. As they do, they shed the bark that served to protect them but now is no longer big enough to contain them. In the same way, we create boundaries and develop defenses to protect ourselves and then, at a certain point, we outgrow them. If we don't allow ourselves to shed our protective layer, we can't expand to our full potential.


To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/1041.html

December 6, 2005
An Honest Voice
The Fifth Chakra

Firmly situated between our heads and our hearts, the throat chakra, also known as the Vishuddha chakra, acts as a bridge that helps us draw from our internal logic and emotions in order to sincerely and eloquently express ourselves. This is the fifth chakra, and it is the center from which self-expression combined with dynamic creativity can emerge.


To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/1042.html

December 7, 2005
Power Of Union
Entering Into Partnership

The purpose of partnership is to create something greater than we can create alone. Not because of any deficiency or incompleteness in us, but because each of us is unique, with our own talents and abilities, and in partnership we increase the efforts and talents available for creating something meaningful together. All partnerships, whether romantic, creative, or professionally-based, can be powerful relationships for personal growth. In partnership we harness the power of union.


To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/1043.html

December 8, 2005
Inner Guides
Seeking Advice From Yourself

Since we probably know ourselves better than anyone else does, then we may very well be the best person to ask for advice when we are in a quandary. One interesting exercise is to try asking for advice from your past and future selves. There is the younger self that you used to be and the older, more mature self that you will become. You can gain a different perspective when you view present situations through your younger self's eyes or your mature self's more experienced point of view.

To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/1128.html

December 9, 2005
Light Of The Party
Confidence In Social Situations

If you've ever been to a social gathering where you've felt awkward and uncomfortable, chances are you are not alone. While social gatherings can be very enjoyable, especially when we are surrounded by people whose company we enjoy, there are social events that we attend where we sometimes find ourselves wishing we were someplace else.

To read more click http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/1129.html

December 13, 2005
An Invitation To Comfort
Creating A Serene Home

Your home is your oasis. Through your efforts, your house or apartment can become both a private sanctuary and a welcoming, serene, and healthy place to live in and visit. An organized and comfortable home can have a calming effect on you, your family, and guests, as well as be your personal escape from the rest of the world. Creating this nurturing space isn't difficult. Even a household that includes young children or multiple animals can be a serene and peaceful place. In just a few minutes, you can make a number of changes that can turn your home into a safe and comfortable haven that you can be proud to share with your loved ones and friends.

To read more click here (http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/1155.html)

December 14, 2005
Knowing Too Much
Ignorance Can Be Bliss

These days, we can know too much. And while sometimes it can be a great benefit to us to know the tiniest details of events, both bitter and sweet, there are also times when knowing less about the future, our situations, and the world, in general, can be beneficial. Being blissfully ignorant does not mean ignoring vital information or shutting out the world's tragedies. Rather, it is a way to step away from knowledge that may only needlessly have a negative impact on your life experience.


To read more click here (http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/1156.html)

December 15, 2005
Finding Encouragement
Your True Inner Voice

Within each of us, there are numerous voices often that compete for our attention. It can be difficult to decide which one to listen to, particularly when their messages are all quite different, sometimes conflicting, and even alluring. One voice, however, is the speaker of truth. Among all your inner voices, your true inner voice is the one which encourages you, gives you hope, and pushes you to trust and believe in yourself.

To read more click here (http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/1229.html)

December 16, 2005
Intertwined Fates
We Are All Connected

There are times when we may feel disconnected from the world. Our actions can seem like they are of no major consequence, and we may feel like we exist in our own vacuum. Yet, the truth is that our simplest thought or action - the decisions we make each day, and how we see and relate to the world - can be incredibly significant and have a profound impact on the lives of those around us, as well as the world at large. The earth and everything on it is bound by an invisible connection between people, animals, plants, the air, the water, and the soil. Insignificant actions on your part, whether positive or negative, can have an impact on people and the environment that seem entirely separate from your personal realm of existence. Staying conscious of the interconnection between all things can help you think of your choices and your life in terms of the broader effect you may be creating.

To read more click here (http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/1230.html)

December 19, 2005
Beings Of Light
Human Angels

During each of our journeys, there are those inevitable moments when someone comes into our life at precisely the right time and says or does precisely the right thing. Their words or actions may help us perceive ourselves more clearly, remind us that everything will turn out for the best, help us cope, or see us through difficult situations. These people are human angels - individuals designated by the universe to be of service to those in need at specific points in time.

To read more click here (http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/1231.html)

December 28, 2005
Creative Cuts
Editing Your Life

Our lives can be compared to an ongoing movie script over which we have complete creative control. Within us lies the power to examine what works or isn't working in our lives and make "edits" to our life's script, accordingly. Choosing to actively edit your life can be incredibly empowering. As you evolve, you have the choice to accept the script you've written thus far or edit it so you can create a life that fulfills you. You can cut out from your life's script what is no longer working for you. Acknowledging that you are responsible for the experience you create gives you the ability to create the life you've always longed for.



To read more click here (http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/1671.html)

December 29, 2005
A Gift Of The Heart
Letting People Know You Love Them

It's easy to take our feelings for granted and to assume that the people we care about know how we feel about them. But while those we love are often quite cognizant of our feelings, saying "I love you" is a gift we should give to our loved ones whenever we can. Letting people know you love them is an important part of nurturing any kind of loving relationship.


To read more click here (http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/1672.html)

December 30, 2005
Reversed Perceptions
Projecting

We all have issues, as well as undesirable qualities or traits that we don't like about ourselves. Most of us realize that we are not perfect and that it is natural to have unpleasant thoughts, motivations, desires, or feelings. However, when a person does not acknowledge these, they may ascribe those characteristics to someone else, deeming other people instead as angry, jealous, or insecure. In psychological terms, such blaming and fault finding is called projection.



To read more click here (http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2005/1673.html)

January 2, 2006
Universal Timing
Life's Natural Rhythm

Nature's natural rhythms orchestrate when day turns to night, when flowers must bloom, and provides the cue for when it is time for red and brown leaves to fall from trees. As human beings, our own inner rhythm is attuned to this universal sense of timing. Guided by the rising and setting of the sun, changes in temperature, and our own internal rhythm, we know when it is time to sleep, eat, or be active. While our minds and spirits are free to focus on other pursuits, our breath and our heartbeat are always there to remind us of life's pulsing rhythm that moves within and around us.

To read more click here (http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2006/1669.html)

January 3, 2006
Growing Pains
Initiations For Growth

Life is about growth, which is wonderful, though not always easy. Indeed, many of life's lessons can be painful or difficult. Yet, such challenges are often the ones that present the most opportunity for spiritual growth. Initiations for growth come in many forms. In fact, we can view every challenge in life as an opportunity to learn and grow. While these disruptions in life are not easy, they are necessary.

To read more click here (http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2006/1674.html)

January 4, 2006
Universal Feelings
Everything Is Relative

Every day we hear stories of personal suffering and loss that far exceed our own. When we compare our situations to those of people living in war-torn countries or those who have lost their homes and livelihoods to natural disasters, it is tempting to minimize our own experiences of suffering. We may feel that we don't have a right to be upset about the breakup of a relationship, for example, because at least we have food to eat and a roof over our heads.



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January 5, 2006
Gut Response
In Touch With True Emotions

So often, emotions that we long to express get stored in our bodies instead. The space where this most often happens is in our bellies. Rather than telling people, our even ourselves, the way we truly feel, we may stuff our true feelings deep inside of us, where they take up space until we are ready to let them go. Stuffing our feelings in our bellies may feel like the "safe" response, since we then don't really have to deal with our emotions. Yet, doing so can actually be detrimental to our emotional well-being and physical health.

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January 6, 2006
Heart Beats
Drumming

That rhythm renews us is no secret. Drumming is the oldest form of music on the planet. Virtually every culture that exists or has existed on earth has practiced some form of drumming. In Africa, the beating of a drum continues to be an important part of significant ceremonies and holiday celebrations. Native American cultures use drumming as a means to reconnect an individual's mental and physical selves. Throughout history, drumming has been a part of performing rituals, marking significant transitions, and celebrating life's cycles. Our lives are infused with rhythm beginning at the very moment we first sense our mother's heartbeat in her womb.

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January 9, 2006
Inspiring The Flow
Carnelian

Throughout history, human beings have been fascinated by artifacts representing surrogate flesh and fire. One such item, a simple red quartz known as carnelian, has traditionally not only been perceived as a means to heal the body, but also as a bearer of life-giving iron, which is said to stimulate the flow of blood. This crystalline gem, which can vary in color from translucent red to a bright opaque orange, has signified many things to many cultures. To this day, however, carnelian represents drive, success, and inner strength.

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January 10, 2006
Warning Signs
Paying Attention To Red Flags

Just as the universe wants to provide for our needs, it also seeks to protect us from dangerous situations, destructive relationships, and even minor inconveniences. Frequently in our lives, perhaps everyday, we encounter psychic red flags warning us of potential problems or accidents. We may not always recognize the signs. However, more often than not, we may choose to ignore our intuition when it tells us that "something just isn't right."

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January 11, 2006
The Joy Of Being
Celebrating The In-Between Times

While celebrations are intended to honor life's more momentous occasions, much of real life tends to happen during the in-between times. While moving from one moment in time to the next is seldom considered a significant occurrence, it is during those in-between times that we are most in tune with life's most profound, albeit simple joys. Between birth and death, triumph and sorrow, beginnings and endings, we enjoy innumerable experiences that often happen unnoticed. These times are just as worthy of celebration.

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January 13, 2006
Letting Your Feelings Flow
Tears

How wonderful it feels to give in and let tears flow when we are overwhelmed with emotions, whether we are happy or sad. Tears come from the soul, from our well of feelings rising from deep down. When we give in to the prickling behind our eyes and the lump in our throat to let teardrops fall from our eyes, we allow our feelings to surface so they can be set free.

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January 16, 2006
Fully Committed To Now
Why We Are Not Shown The Big Picture

Sometimes, we may find ourselves wishing we knew what our lives are going to look like or what gifts and challenges are going to be presented to us in the coming months or years. We may want to know if the relationship we're in now will go the distance or if our goals will be realized. Perhaps we feel like we need help making a decision and we want to know which choice will work out best. We may consult psychics, tarot cards, our dreams, and many other sources in the hopes of finding out what the future holds. Usually, at most, we may catch glimpses. And even though we think we would like to know the whole story in all its details, the truth is that we would probably be overwhelmed and exhausted if we knew everything that is going to happen to us.



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January 17, 2006
Focused Value
Quality vs. Quantity

We live in an age of quantity. The media shapes us with the notion that larger, faster, and more are often synonymous with better. We are told that we need to find more time, more possessions, and more love to be truly happy. A smaller quantity of anything that is high in quality will almost always be more satisfying. A single piece of our favorite chocolate or a thin spread of freshly made preserves can satisfy us more than a full bucket of a product that we aren't very fond of. Similarly, one fulfilling experience can eclipse many empty moments strung together. It is not the quantity of time that matters, but the quality that you experience during each moment. Every minute is an opportunity to love yourself and others, develop confidence and self-respect, and exhibit courage.

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January 18, 2006
Intimate Reflections
Soul Seeing

When we want to see deeply into the heart and mind of another person, soul seeing, also called soul gazing, allows us to see their soul. The soul is the purest expression of an individual and is not bound by physical forms or fleeting emotions. Through a simple art that involves looking deeply into a partner's eyes, soul seeing can show you a person's inner beauty that you might otherwise miss. It is possible for someone who appears cold to have a warm, giving, nurturing soul or someone of average appearance to have a beautiful soul. Soul seeing is a way of looking past shapes, sizes, attitudes, and behavior to see the real individual that lies beneath the surface. It allows you to see the true essence of another person, the radiance of their being, and their spirit within.



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January 20, 2006
The World In A Bright Light
Grateful

Everyday is a blessing, and in each moment there are many things that we can be grateful for. The world opens up to us when we live in a space of gratitude. In essence, gratitude has a snowball effect. When we are appreciative and express that gratitude, the universe glows a bit brighter and showers us with even more blessings.


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January 23, 2006
Do Unto Others
The Golden Rule

All over the world, there exists a simple precept that, when followed, has the power to end conflict and banish strife. It is the Golden Rule, a key concept in many philosophies and spiritualities that admonishes us to "do unto others as we would have them do unto us." Its meaning is clear: treat others only in ways that you would want to be treated. However, the golden rule is not always easy to follow. It can be a challenge to honor others as we wish to be honored. Yet, when we do so, we bestow a gift of loving kindness on our fellow human beings. And, in honoring others, we honor ourselves.



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January 25, 2006
Freeing Yourself
Knowing When To Let Someone Go

Just as a good relationship can have a positive impact on your life, stressful, draining, or imbalanced relationships can have negative effects on your health and well-being. It's common to maintain a relationship because we feel the other person needs us or we believe that they will eventually change. We may also be afraid of hurting the other person or feel insecure in our ability to find new relationships. But knowing when to end a relationship and acknowledging that the pain will pass can often prevent greater pain and feelings of loss in the long run.



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January 31, 2006
Regardless Of Outcome
There Are No Wrong Decisions

Many of us have a hard time making decisions. We fear that if we choose the wrong partner, then we'll be stuck in an unhappy relationship. Or, if we make the wrong financial decision, we'll make a bad investment. Yet, there are no wrong decisions. Perhaps we could, at times, make different choices regarding our relationships, personal pursuits, careers, or the right color of paint we should buy for our bedroom. Yet, regardless of the outcome, we always gain valuable experience or insights from any choice we make.



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February 1, 2006
Time To Play
Taking A Snow Day

With so much to do all the time, it can be difficult to find time to simply breathe, think, and explore our inner landscapes. It is still possible, however, to feed your soul and to briefly separate yourself from life's frenetic pace by taking a snow day. Personal snow days are best taken when you feel like you are running on empty with no chance of respite in sight or when you begin to resent the life you once loved.

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February 3, 2006
Reflections Of Self
We Are All Mirrors For Each Other

When we look at other people, we see many of their qualities in innumerable and seemingly random combinations. However, the qualities that we see in the people around us are directly related to the traits that exist in us. "Like attracts like" is one of the spiritual laws of the universe. We attract individuals into our lives that mirror who we are. Those you feel drawn to reflect your inner self back at you, and you act as a mirror for them. Simply put, when you look at others, you will likely see what exists in you. When you see beauty, divinity, sweetness, or light in the soul of another, you are seeing the goodness that resides in your soul.


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February 7, 2006
The Music of This World
Natural Sounds Meditation

The tool most commonly used to focus our minds in meditation is the breath. When we sit down to meditate, drawing our attention inward counteracts our habitual tendency to be scattered. Meditation on the breath helps us gather our energy into our bodies, centering and grounding us in the present moment. Almost as readily available as our breath are the sounds of the natural world. From rain to wind to the ocean and birds, meditating on these aural manifestations brings us not only a sense of peace, but also an experience of connection to the physical world.

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February 9, 2006
An Empty Vessel Can Be Filled
The Power Of Not Knowing

There is wisdom in not knowing, and it is a wise person who can say, "I don't know." For no one knows everything. There are many types of wisdom - from intellectual to emotional to physical intelligence. Yet, even deemed experts in their fields do not know all there is to know about mathematics, yoga, literature, psychology, or art. It is a true master who professes ignorance, for only an empty vessel can be filled.

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February 14, 2006
Eye Of The Beholder
Beauty

Beauty speaks to us in soft whispers or bold declarations. She calls on us to gaze in awe at her splendor. We are enticed by beauty. We adore her, idolize her, and even court her. Beauty seduces all of our senses. Beauty's seduction can be as obvious as the striking good looks of a man or woman or as subtle as the charms of a shaggy dog with loving brown eyes. We find beauty in the wonders of nature. Beauty offers us a symphony of colors with every sunrise and sunset and reveals to us her brash power through a storm at sea.

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February 15, 2006
Going Deep
Self-Examination At Depth

There are times when life urges us to seek more. Small changes to our comfort zone may fail to alleviate any sense of stagnancy or frustration, and we may need to examine our lives and ourselves more deeply to find the right place to start. Everything we need for success and joy lies within. But so often, life's debris accumulates, building layers around our core that makes it difficult to access the truth that resides within. To reach the depth we wish to access, we must dive below these layers to the deepest parts of ourselves.

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February 16, 2006
One Foot Forward
Finding Your Next Step In Life

Our lives are made up of a complex network of pathways that we can use to move from one phase of life to the next. For some of us, our paths are wide, smooth, and clearly marked. Many people, however, find that they have a difficult time figuring out where they need to go next. Determining which "next step" will land you on the most direct route to fulfillment and the realization of your life purpose may not seem easy.

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February 20, 2006
Making Fun
Finding Joy In Meaningless Tasks

Spending an afternoon working on the car, gardening, or even cleaning the house can be fun when we have an interest in the project. Yet, we can also find joy in the chores and tasks we don't especially like. All we need is a change of attitude, a different approach, a little music, or some help from friends, and the tasks or responsibilities that we perceive as tedious can become a source of pleasure.

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February 21, 2006
The Weight Of Objects
Clearing Your Space For Change

In life, we tend to have an easier time acquiring possessions than we do getting rid of them. Just as we harbor emotional baggage that is difficult to let go of, our lives can tend to be filled with material objects that we may feel compelled to hold on to. Most people are not conscious of how much they own and how many of their possessions are no longer adding value to their life.


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February 23, 2006
Evolution Through Exploration
Purpose

Most living things belong to a particular soul group and are born knowing their purpose in life. An animal will spend its day foraging for food, taking care of itself and its young, and creating a home. No one tells an animal to do this, yet it instinctively knows how. Humans, for the most part, are not born consciously knowing what their purpose is. Purpose gives our life meaning. When you discover your purpose, you can live your life with intention and make choices that serve your objective for why you are here on the planet. Finding your purpose is not always easy. You must embrace life wholeheartedly, explore many different pathways, and allow yourself to grow.

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February 24, 2006
Spiritual Imprints
Aboriginal Dreamtime


Everything in the natural world leaves its mark on the earth. The Australian Aborigines, who have one of the longest continuous cultural histories of any group on earth, know this. Dreamtime, the spirituality and culture of the Aborigines, explains the origins and culture of the land and its people. In Aboriginal Dreaming, every meaningful activity, event, or life process is believed to leave behind a vibrational residue.


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March 1, 2006
Gift Of Solitude
When Isolation Is Ok

We all need time alone. Even those of us who are social butterflies need some time to ourselves. Solitude is necessary for meditation and quiet reflection. We also may choose to isolate ourselves when we are busy and need to meet a deadline. We may cherish time alone when we want to give ourselves over to art or music, lose ourselves in a good book, or delve into a personal project. Having time to ourselves allows us to focus completely on our yoga practice or get into the zone while running or strength training. Sometimes we need to be alone to simply do nothing but enjoy the sound of silence. Our alone time revitalizes and replenishes us, grounding us in our own company.



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March 6, 2006
A Concrete Dream
Goals

Our desires act as fuel, propelling us toward new horizons. Without something to strive for, we stagnate and become stuck in ruts of our own making because we are unsure of what to do next. Goals are the dreams that we are willing to work for. When we set goals, we take responsibility for our lives and choose to wholeheartedly devote ourselves to our aspirations. Even if we only take the smallest steps toward achieving our ambitions, it is vital that we actively pursue our goals rather than just daydreaming about them. Having goals makes us feel good because it adds a sense of purpose and direction to our lives.

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March 10, 2006
Why Me?
Pity Party

We all have days when the bad things seem to outweigh the good ones and we begin to think that life isn't fair. You get stuck in traffic, which makes you late for an important meeting, and then your car gets towed. You might ask yourself, "Why me?" Events like this one can test anyone's ability to be grateful and feel optimistic. If you have a tendency to feel sorry for yourself, and many of us do, things usually progress to the next stage: the pity party. You begin to feel like the innocent victim of a dismal fate because you are seeing your life through inaccurate lenses. Most of the thoughts that run through your mind at times like these are not helpful, and they mainly serve to increase your indignation and feelings of powerlessness. What these feelings and thoughts don't do is change your circumstances or make you feel better.



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March 13, 2006
Memories Of The Soul
Past Life Regression

Inside our subconscious lie our memories from past lives. Though we seldom remember even having lived these past lives, the experiences we had living them have had a hand in shaping who we are today. The effects of a past life can manifest in a later lifetime in many ways - phobias, self-limiting beliefs, physical problems, or innate creative abilities. Violence, death, and trauma in a past life may show up as fear, uncontrollable anger, or low self-esteem in this one, while positive experiences from an earlier lifetime may cause you to feel strongly drawn to certain people, places, or objects without knowing why.

To read click here (http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2006/2311.html)

March 16, 2006
Power Of Empathy
Being Afraid Of Opening Your Heart

It is not easy to have an open heart in a world that offers us a full plate of experiences. This life gives us much joy, love, and light, but it also shows us a fair amount of pain, sadness, and suffering. When our hearts are open, we take everything into ourselves, and we are deeply affected by what we see. We do not hold ourselves separate from the pain of others. In addition, our own personal disappointments may begin to take their toll. We may feel small, alone, and overwhelmed. Most of us may feel like we are not up to the task of living with our hearts open, and we might begin to close down, little by little, so that we can get through our days without having to feel too much.

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March 20, 2006
Beginnings And Endings
Cycle Of Life

As we walk through the world, the people we encounter appear so different from one another. We see babies, old men, pregnant women, and teenaged boys. We know couples on the verge of marriage and lonely widows. We interact with toddlers and the terminally ill. As different as each person seems, they are all living the human experience. They are just at different places in the cycle that begins with birth and ends with death. Every phase of the cycle of life has its gifts and its challenges. Each stage is temporary and ultimately gives way to a new phase. This ephemeral quality makes each phase precious, because it will never last.

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March 21, 2006
The Road To New Beginnings
Completion

Life is a collage of beginnings and endings that run together like still-wet paint. Yet before we can begin any new phase in life, we must sometimes first achieve closure to the current stage we are in. That's because many of life's experiences call for closure. Often, we cannot see the significance of an event or importance of a lesson until we have reached closure. Or, we may have completed a certain phase in life or path of learning and want to honor that ending. It is this sense of completion that frees us to open the door to new beginnings. Closure serves to tie up or sever loose ends, quiets the mind even when questions have been left unanswered, signifies the end of an experience, and acknowledges that a change has taken place.

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March 28, 2006
Sweetening A Sour Fruit
When A Bad Apple Spoils The Bunch

Because life requires that we interact with different personalities, it is not uncommon for us to encounter a situation where there is one person whose behavior may negatively impact the experiences of others. Someone who is loud and crass can interrupt the serenity of those who come together to practice peace. A disruptive worker can cause rules to be imposed that affect their colleagues' professional lives. A team member who is pessimistic or highly critical may destroy the morale of their fellow members. And one "bad apple" in your personal life can be a potent distraction that makes it difficult to focus on the blessings you've been given and the people who love you.



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Keeping Conscious
Staying Grounded In A Busy World

1. Live simply and live deliberately. By choosing not to get caught up in the details of this fast-paced world, you are doing your part to slow down the . You will also discover that you have more time to enjoy being alive.

2. Stay in touch with yourself. Soul searching, meditation, and journaling are just a few of the many activities you can take part in to stay aware and learn as much as you can about your emotions, reactions, likes, dislikes, dreams, and fears. Having a solid sense of self gives you a firm foundation for living in this world.



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April 10, 2006
Words Of Wisdom
Affirmations

The words we speak and think hold great sway over the kind of life that we create for ourselves. Many people live their lives plagued by negative thoughts and never even realize this. They tell themselves and others that they are doomed to fail, not good enough, or not worthy of love, yet they are amazed when their reality starts reflecting these words. Just as the subconscious mind accepts as truth the critical statements we tell ourselves, however, it is also equipped to instantly accept the veracity of our affirmations.



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April 13, 2006
The Practice Of Serenity
Personal Peace

In our noisy world, we often find ourselves longing for peace and searching to find it somewhere else. While it's true that there are places we can visit where we can experience peace, such as sacred sites or buildings, we do not need to wait until we get to one of these places to feel at peace. Instead, we can learn to locate the seed of peace inside ourselves and cultivate it so that it grows into a reliable source of serenity that we can always access, no matter where we are.



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April 18, 2006
The Dance Of Intimacy
Coming Back To Center In A Relationship

Anyone in a long-term relationship knows that the dance of intimacy involves coming together and moving apart. Early in a relationship, intense periods of closeness are important in order to establish the ground of a new union. Just as a sapling needs a lot more attention than a full-grown tree, budding relationships demand time and attention if they are to fully take root. Once they become more established, the individuals in the union begin to turn their attention outward again, to the other parts of their lives that matter, such as work, family, and friendships. This is natural and healthy. Yet, if a long-term relationship is to last, turning towards one another recurrently, with the same curiosity, attention, and nurturance of earlier times, is essential.



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April 20, 2006
Feeding Your Spirit
Taking Time For Yourself

Modern life compels us to rush. Because we feel pressured to make the most of our time each day, the activities that sustain us, rejuvenate us, and help us evolve are often the first to be sacrificed when we are in a hurry or faced with a new obligation. It is important we remember that there is more to life than achieving success, making money, and even caring for others. Your spiritual needs should occupy an important spot on your list of priorities.


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April 21, 2006
Grateful Living
Home And Land Meditation

Just as we take care of our friends and families, our homes and Mother Earth take care of us. Our homes give us a place of refuge-a sanctuary that stands between us and the elements of nature and the rest of the world. The earth is an unselfish giver of life and the steward of our physical and spiritual needs. The earth's bountiful plant life nourishes us, gives us air, and offers us cooling shade. Her waters quench our thirst, and her beauty stirs our souls. Yet it is easy to take both of these wonderful sources of our blessings for granted. Expressing the gratitude you feel toward your home and the earth for the blessings each provides you can help you stay conscious of where many of the gifts in your life come from.


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Apr