zenator

When there's something desirable, something truly meaningful on the other side of the challenge, you'll find a way through the challenge. Give yourself that powerful advantage.

Instead of complaining about how bad it is, envision how good it can be. Then get busy bringing that vision to life.

Don't be afraid to examine your weaknesses. In them you'll find some of your greatest potential.

Therapists Charlie and Linda Bloom share some of the secrets and tips that they learned from the 27 happily married couples that they interviewed for their new book, 'Secrets of Great Marriages: Real Truth from Real Couples about Lasting Love.'

Persistence is the way you prove you really want it. Persist, and you will have it.

The weather outside is frightful, but the produce is so delightful! Nutritionist Sara Ryba shares the joys and health benefits of treating yourself to the best of winter's fruit and veggie wonders: winter squash, cabbage, artichokes, broccoli rabe, kiwi, pears and clementines.

Dr. Mark Hyman recommends a comprehensive lifestyle approach to stop heart disease before it starts

Your kids are going back to school. You’re in empty nest. You’ve just returned from traveling. You’re starting a new job. Whether you are experiencing any of these transitions or other changes in your life, they all have something in common. They cause us to shift gears or reorient ourselves ...

Feel how good it is and feel how empowering it is to fill yourself with gratitude. With a thankful heart, you'll lovingly and successfully make your world an even better place.

I love the section some magazines have where they list interesting and fun statistics, like... 48: The Number of bugs eaten per year in your sleep.

Stress is the result of our reactions. Stress can be positive and stimulate us to be productive and live a full life. Stress can also be negative, and studies and experience tell us that 75 % of most illnesses have their root cause in stress. Prolonged stress depresses the immune system and ...

For a lot of eco-minded vagabonds there is a temptation to dismiss a Hawaiian vacation as too packaged and predictable: tourists in leis and aloha shirts, skyscrapers and beach-goers crowded into Waikiki or chi-chi resorts where the main activity is sitting by the pool sipping mai-tais with a little umbrella poking out of a pineapple slice.

There are many things to say about City-Traveling. Normally people tend to plan their vacation, using the usual so-called stereotype relaxation offers, coming from normal travel agencies. These can be about beaches, cruises, mountains, lakes, rivers and lots more. The good part on these vacation ...

Life is good, but for some people life could be better. This article will show the benefits of music therapy using binaural beats, that helps relieve stress and anxiety, to help make your day a little better. Music therapy or binaural beats have been around for a long time, over 170 years. ...

You'll be amazed at how much you can get done if you'll just get busy and do it.

Rings, bars, or studs pierced through belly navel skin are not for everyone and may interfere with exercise or clothing stretching skin or becoming infected.

Hamstring Quest 2010 (see Making Lemonade) begins (and sometimes ends) with uttanasana. In class, I find that although I do this pose often, I don't get the longer holding time that seems to be required for my hamstrings to start to open up. It's great to hang out here for awhile when I'm doing my home routine. Standing Forward Bend - Uttanasana Is the Yoga Pose of the Week originally appeared on About.com Yoga on Sunday, February 7th, 2010 at 23:01:19.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Long time yoga blogger, YogaDawg, announced yesterday that he is calling it quits to pursue his passion for painting. For years his blog, My Itchy Third Eye, and website, YogaDawg.com, have provided us with hilarious yoga satire that  reminded us not to take our yoga too seriously. We'll miss you, YogaDawg! You are a true ARTIST in every way.

A step-by-step guide to performing effective yoga ball core exercises to strengthen the stomach muscles and thereby enhance one's posture.

Today, The New York Times City Room blog posted that Bryn Chrisman, a vinyasa flow yoga teacher in New York City, will be responding to readers' questions "about her path to yoga, her current job, her practice, kirtan and other matters of interest." I think anything like this that gives yoga teachers exposure and lets them explain their story is great. But when I scrolled down to look at the questions that were asked I was a little surprised to see questions seeking answers to serious medical questions (how to lower high blood pressure?), spiritual guidance, and how much meditation practice is required to be "be a good yoga practitioner." (Check the City Room blog again on Wednesday to see her answers to some of these questions.)I'm sure Ms. Chrisman is very knowledgeable--but surely she doesn't have the answers to all of those questions! Who does!? It just makes me wonder, why is there such a big misconception out there out there that all yoga teachers are experts in all things medical and spiritual? Do you trust your teacher enough to ask him for medical advice? Where do you draw the line?

A reader recently wrote me to ask the difference between pyramid pose and what I call straight leg lunge (which I know isn't a great name, since a lunge just isn't a lunge without a bent leg, but this pose is what happens when you are in a lunge and then straighten the front leg). These two positions are quite similar, but in pyramid pose, the stance is a little shorter to allow for an emphasis on forward bending over the front leg. In the straight leg lunge, the emphasis is more on straightening the front leg rather than forward bending. Also the back heel is placed down in pyramid, with the foot turned out 45 degrees, while the heel stays up in the lunge. These small differences allow for a subtly different stretch. Pyramid Pose - Parsvottonasana Is the Yoga Pose of the Week originally appeared on About.com Yoga on Sunday, January 31st, 2010 at 22:02:26.Permalink | Comment | Email this

The key to meditating is to focus on the breath. The mind has to follow your command and nothing else when you focus on the inhale and exhale. It cannot focus on doing two things at once. Breathing in a seated comfortable position on the floor or chair, if you cannot manipulate sitting ...

This article talks about the benefits of the World Sacred Music collection offered by Spirit Voyage. The article also discusses about how an individual can relax his mind, body and soul with this music.

Apart from organic gifts, handmade gifts are also extremely popular. Handmade gifts are particular as they're a sign of your attention and painstaking efforts.

Did Your Whirlwind Life Turn into a Raging Tornado in 2009? Here’s What You Can Do for 2010. In 2009 with the birth of my new children’s yoga book “What I See, I Can Be: A Guided Yoga Flow for Children” I felt like a new mother. Just like a new mother, my busy schedule left me feeling ...

This is the Ohm Meditation, part 3 of 3. This is an evening meditation. Dr. Dyer reveals a technique for connecting to the infinite power in the Universe, using the Gratitude sound--"OM". In this meditation, you'll release your desires, and instead focus on giving thanks and gratitude for everything in your life.

Our "Sit-a-Long with Jundo" daily Zazen netcast is MOVING TO BELIEFNET.COM, the large and widely respected spiritual community on the web. STARTING FROM TODAY, please sit with us at the following link:http://blog.beliefnet.com/treeleafzen/What does the move mean? Well, nothing really!All will be the same format, same Zazen, same Universe, same Timeless Wisdom and Compassion, same Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path, same Shakyamuni "The Boss Man" Buddha, same Master Dogen & All the Ancestors ... (same ol' silly Jundo) ... same "Just Sitting" Shikantaza ...... only the address is changing!Truly, All is Constantly Changing ... and this is a very good change! The move will allow access to better resources for the netcast, plus aid greatly in carrying out our original purpose .... namely, to provide Zazen sittings, instruction, Retreats, discussion, interaction with a teacher, and all other activities of a Zen Buddhist sangha ... all fully online for Zen practitioners who cannot easily commute to a Zen Center due to health concerns, living in remote areas, or childcare and family needs.So, I hope that you will join us for Zazen as always ... just there instead of here. After all, as I asked on our very first "Sit-a-Long with Jundo", way back when ...Where are you at the instant all thoughts of "here" and "there" are dropped from mind?Gassho and Much Gratitude to All!

On April 21st, 2008 my partner gave birth to our son. As you might imagine, the experience was profound in many ways - some expected ways, and some not. Prior to the big day, we felt that we had prepared as much as one can prepare for such an experience: we took childbirth prep classes, we read book after book about the possibility of this or that happening, we watched movies on birth, and we educated ourselves in whatever other ways we could. One of the movies that we watched was the newly released 'The Business of Being Born'. In it, the trend of commercializing the birth process is looked at closely and critically. If you do ever intend to have a child, I highly recommend watching this film. In addition to this movie's supportive information, our plans from the beginning of pregnancy were to have a natural, unmedicated birth experience. In our efforts to have a natural childbirth, we selected a hospital setting that supported the model of midwifery - a hospital that recognizes the value of having a highly educated attendant, and if all things run smoothly, also recognizes that a 'medical doctor' is not necessary to the birth experience itself. It seemed immediately as if all of our best intentions were met with resistance and fear, both of which were apparently being disguised as 'safety and care'. Who would argue with 'safety and care'? We did, and we're so very glad we did. Let me explain further. We arrived at Labor and Delivery and were admitted to our room. Part of what makes a childbirth 'natural' is that there are minimal interventions; that is, the birth process is honored as a sacred and natural process, and that unless there are unexpected complications, it is allowed to proceed on its own schedule, to its own natural rhythm. Our initial examination was anything but natural. We expected the nurse to give my partner an examination that determined how dilated her cervix was, as the contractions were coming quite rapidly. Instead what happened was the nurse reached so far into my partner that the baby's bag of waters ruptured. Whether or not rupturing the bag of waters was intended by the 'caregiver' is truly beside the point - this act was executed with little communication, and poorly done to say the least.Yes, the bag of waters does need to rupture eventually, but nature knows this and it happens in its own time. This first experience was in some ways the 'signal marker' of things to come, a signal that speaks to the mind's desire to 'control' experiences it fears. At nearly every turn in our process of birth, we felt as if we were fending off the fear of the hospital staff.     One would think that they were the ones who knew how things went, that they would know how to remain patient and calm based on their extensive experience with birth. They were not experienced in the natural process of birth, but instead they were experienced and educated in the 'systems' of surgery, fear, control, and intervention.Is there a time to intervene? Of course there is: when the mother or child's well-being is truly in danger. Our staff seemed to think that pregnancy and birth were inherently dangerous - they are not; they are natural.Labor progressed somewhat slowly for my partner, and as this hospital was also a 'birthing center', we requested that she be able to soak in a birthing tub to help her relax. After repeated requests for 'the tub', three hours later it was brought. It was no more than the size of a garbage can and we didn't end up using it - but what took three hours? An hour maybe. We weren't asking them to build a swimming pool. Early on in our visit to Labor and Delivery we were asked to sign a release form. Normal, right? But on the form it said 'vaginal birth, possible cesarian'. What? We've nearly just arrived and they were already 'making space' for a cesarian - 'just in case' they said. We refused to sign the release and had them rewrite it to say 'vaginal birth' only. Truly, it felt like once we held our ground in this way, the staff backed off quite a bit. But who knows to call off the hounds in this way - we did, because we did our homework ahead of time.Once we truly established our firm commitment to letting nature takes it course, the staff changed completely; they relaxed a bit, but more importantly they gave us the space we needed to give birth. Why would the staff not give someone the space to give birth in the first place? Good question. Perhaps for efficiency's sake, or for economic reasons. Again, I highly recommend the 'The Business of Being Born' as a starting place to begin educating yourself about birth in hospitals, but to also learn about what is viewed as 'health' in the westernized world. What is health? Health is our natural state. Yes, imbalances do occur, but our body's wisdom acts naturally to bring us back into balance. This view of health is not widely recognized in western culture, as in western culture there is a model of pathology, one of 'treating disease' rather than promoting and supporting each being's natural health. Ask yourself: do you believe that you have all of the necessary tools to live a fully realized and healthy life? Or, do you think that somewhere there are people called 'experts' that are necessary to your happiness? Yes, people who are skilled in certain things are needed when complications arise - but not unless they do actually arise. If complications do not arise, then why intervene? Women - do you believe that you can have a natural, unmedicated childbirth? Or has western culture convinced women that the pain of labor is 'too much' for them to handle, or that their bodies can't do it for some reason? Women - ask yourself honestly, 'Can I give birth?'. And if for some reason you doubt that you can, ask yourself where you think that doubt came from. In conclusion: Overall our birth experience was incredible and joyous, and truly every staff member was kind and loving beyond belief (it was the automated system that seemed unkind). We thank gratefully our doctor and nurses, and all of the after-care staff for supporting us to have the birth that we wanted. We have a beautiful, healthy son. In some ways the discussion I've proposed is one of 'ends and means'. Most people might say that as long as the baby is born, who really cares how it happens. But the process does matter: a baby that goes through the vaginal canal is 'squeezed' (literally and figuratively) into this world - it is a right of passage; the mother's body during natural childbirth is lucid, responsive, awake - and this is what facilitates the post-birth bonding that seems to be 'mysteriously' disappearing in the western world. Perhaps nothing is more controversial nor more natural than birth; all the more reason to look deeply within yourself to discover the real truth. Please watch 'The Business of Being Born'. I welcome your comments on this topic. Thank you.

"Zen" is the Japanese word and "Ch'an" is the Chinese word derived from the Sanskrit word "Dhyana" meaning "meditation." Zen began in China back in the 6th century CE. Zen is practiced all around the world and has recently found a huge following in the United States. Zen Buddhism focuses on gaining enlightenment through meditation. Zen is a means to reaching enlightenment. Zen declines the study of scriptures, devotional practices and any religious rites (Source: Encyclopedia Britannica). Some of the key beliefs of Zen focus on The Four Noble Truths and The Noble Eightfold Path: (More) Source: ABC7News.com

Today, we are celebrating having a new home for our Zazen netcast, right here on Beliefnet!For folks new to our sittings ... I'm Jundo, a Soto Zen Buddhist priest living in Japan. Our community, and these meditation sittings, are all meant especially for folks who wish to sit Zazen (Zen style meditation) together with others, but can't do so easily:  maybe due to health concerns, living in remote areas,  super busy work schedules, childcare and family needs and such.

This article is about a recent occurrence in my life and culture that bewilders me. For a couple of years now my partner and I have been leaving birdseed in a flower box outside of our apartment's backside windows. From time to time we have had anywhere from a few visiting birds to what I would consider as many as 10+ resident ones. Mostly doves and smaller chickadee type birds, but recently we have had the occasional pigeon. Well, last night I received a phone call from my landlord saying that he had received a complaint from the neighbor, and that our beloved birds have been leaving droppings on the neighbor's deck; I can understand (sort of) the neighbor's concern. After telling me of the neighbor's complaint, and then asking me if I in fact was feeding the birds out of the window box, there was then a long pause on the other end of the phone... I said 'yes, and is there anything else?' The landlord then went on to say that 'feeding wild birds is illegal' and he made it seem as if this was a clear matter of fact that I should know fully about, and that my feeding the birds could only be occurring 'under cover', as if such a thing were something someone should be hiding. What? So, my partner and I decided to do some research on our own to see what foolishness our society was up to now. We did discover that feeding wild birds in public areas in San Francisco is technically against the law, but from what we found there was no compelling statements about the illegality of feeding birds in one's own back yard. The landlord intends to come over today with the 'proof' of his statements. Truly, for me the issue at hand is indeed both the birds, but is also not. All of nature is on trial, and the disconnection that westerners feel with regards to it is blatantly evident and out of balance. Regardless of the droppings on the deck (perhaps one could be grateful to have a deck that might have the occasional droppings?), what has our culture come to that feeding birds is even potentially considered illegal? In any setting? And, whose time is so very wrought with confusion that this sort of 'stand' seems like a good use of one's life and time? Yes, I am sad for the suffering that our neighbor's ignorance has brought them, and that this issue seems important enough to them to say something - but much of the world is at war, and bird poop is the call to action?For me feeding the birds and other simple pleasures are the things that make life truly worth living. These things are even more central to cultivating freedom than all of the various mindfulness practices I've learned, than my life's closest friends, and even more central to life than my home. For without nature and its care and nourishment, these other various things cease to exist - nature is essence, it is essential; and this is exactly what our culture seems to be blind to. I can live without practices, friends, even a home - albeit a sad life indeed, but the one thing that I cannot live without is life - nature herself. This seems so very obvious to me; am I the one confused? In San Francisco, the 'champion' of mindfulness in the United States, I find this most disturbing. It's not as if there were five hundred birds clawing at the neighbors window. Perhaps he or she might even consider the birds a welcome guest, seeing the benefits of their occasional company largely outweighing any cleaning inconvenience that may arise?I welcome your comments on this post, as I am at a bit of a loss with our culture (What defines our culture, what characteristics does it have?) - will it take away even the most basic of our innate qualities and caring? In the past I've chosen to be less of an activist and more of a teacher/practitioner, but what now to do? What would you do?

How persons handle and carry themselves through instances of stress and trouble generates a massive defining element in their lives. Frequently persons just sadly crumble and cease to muddle through at all, as a substitute of taking charge and working in conjunction with the collection of ...

By now you may have you heard about the startling breakthroughs in brain science that have turned our ideas about how the brain works upside down. For years we were told that we were born with all the brain cells we would ever have. If we lost one it was gone and would never be replaced. ...

About: Mini Tarot Affirmations are positive statements using the Tarot, to center ourselves while energizing our Mojo! My goal is to help invigorate higher vibrations with creative visualization for self-awareness, while enhancing one's perspective, confidence, and productivity. Becoming part of ...

To some people, meditation means sitting in a dark cave on top of a mountain in a loin cloth, burning incense and chanting some foreign Sanskrit word while eating nothing but tree bark. Other people define meditation as a state they experience while participating in an activity they are ...

As many of us know, our feet can get to a point where they ache so bad that only a foot massager with heat seem like will heal the pain. After long hours of standing, miles of running, and your feet holding so much pressure, they are bound to be sore from time to time and in much need of some TLC. When you invest your money into a foot massager with heat you will be able to relax and your feet will feel so much better from the attention that you will be getting from your heated foot massager.

"Sports massage" is a specific branch of the overall world of massage. Specific techniques utilize deep muscle manipulation that aid in the elimination of toxins in the muscle tissue. Sports massage techniques fall somewhere between Shiatsu and Swedish styles of massage. Sports massage falls into two categories: pre-event or post-event massage.

Especially when people pursue activities they enjoy doing, like gardening, tennis, backyard basketball or bicycling, they can get so caught up in their enjoyment that they tend to overdue it. And then the next morning, ouch! They can barely crawl out of bed because their back muscles are sore, their neck muscles feel tense, their shoulder muscles feel tender and their leg muscles are sore and crying out for some sweet relief.

One of the most uncomfortable everyday discomforts that a lot of people suffer from is that of neck pain. Whether the reason is from a strained muscle or more serious neck injury, it can have a very severe impact on daily activities. By discovering how to give a massage you can have the skill to soothe the discomfort felt and work on the source of the pain to start eradicating it.

Massage provides a number of physical and emotional benefits. Combing it with hot stones intensifies and increases the effects to promote healthier bodily functions, stress relief and more. Discover how you can learn hot stone massage in the comfort of your own home.

If you feel bogged down by cold and gloomy weather, you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD (yes, ‘winter blues’ is officially a clinical disorder). Just like its abbreviation, Seasonal Affective Disorder is not a pleasant state to be in. You may be a victim if you suffer ...

Sleep seems to be one of the things that most people don’t do enough of. Adequate sleep can make an lasting impact on your life and assist you with handling daily stress with much more ease. Writer Gretchen Rubin provided the following effective tips for getting the sleep you need. Good habits for [...]

Here’s a simple solution that I often suggest to clients to address that nagging foot and heel pain: Press out the bottom of your foot with a spiked rubber ball—a common massage tool sold at health food stores—to ease tightness, break up pain and relieve plantar fasciitis. Stand or sit as you roll your foot over [...]

The following are some helpful tips that you may have known before but forgotten and stopped practicing (like I had). That is until Shape Magazine published these gems to keep in mind, especially during your frequent grocery store visits. Mistake #1: Produce overload Sure, making one big grocery run at the start of the week seems [...]

There’s new word that those yummy, antioxidant rich blueberries–that are a wonderful, handy snack–may also be the link to controling weight and cholesterol. Read on: cholesterol, diabetes, healthy, nutrition, weight loss

Originally posted on La Vida Locadore (cross posted with permission) This is a timely post from outside the aromatic community to introduce Cropwatch’s recently updated List of Endangered and Threatened plants which is now in its 17th upgrade UPDATE: Tony...

For a limited time, From Nature With Love is offering generous discounts on two of our favorite ingredients!  Blueberry Seed Oil is a true pleasure to work with.  It's delightfully light texture makes it great for hair care, facial, care, and massage, but it can be used in many different kinds of formulations.  Blueberry Seed Oil is also packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids.  Try using Blueberry Seed Oil in our Fruit & Vegetable Hair Oil recipe.  Natural Jojoba is a classic ingredient, and an essential addition to any natural skin or hair care pantry.  Though it behaves more like an oil, Jojoba is actually a liquid wax with a composition that is remarkably similar to human sebum, a natural liquid produced by our skin and hair that helps to moisture and protect us.  Jojoba makes a great addition to skin and hair care products, but is also a useful ingredient for lip balm, perfume oils, and massage blends.  We use Jojoba quite a bit on The Natural Beauty Workshop.  Here are some recipes that include Jojoba: Red Apple Scrub Jojoba Salt Scrubs Organic Body Oil Visit our Sales & Specials page to view products and sale pricing!

I thought we had cleared up this misconception years ago, however, it seems there are a number of essential oil purveyors claiming to carry essential oils that are specifically certified as therapeutic grade by the FDA and show this seal...

Having trouble finding a particular handmade beauty or skin care product?  Looking to find new artisans to purchase things like candles, mineral makeup, or even green home care products from?  Then check out The Artisan Directory at Beauty By the Batch.  The Artisan Directory makes it easy for shoppers to find just about anything they may need.  And because the Directory only features products that are made "by the batch", you can be sure to find something special.   You can browse artisans by specialty and product range, or in alphabetical order.  While you are visiting Beauty By the Batch, make sure the stop by the Personal Care Article Section.  Beauty By the Batch features informational articles on a wide range of subjects, including baby care, aromatherapy, hair care, and more. 

A recent study has confirmed that yoga could be just the right exercise to reduce age-related curve of the upper spine (known as dowager’s hump). A group of elderly volunteers, who participated in study, were asked to do yoga for six months. It was noticed that they upper spine curve lowered by 5 percent, compared to [...]

Today, on a walk I was taught an important lesson by some late migrating geese. In the late summer and autumn, we get a whole lot of geese flying overhead in my neighborhood. We live pretty close to a couple of wildlife refuges, one being specifically devoted to waterfowl. In general, in Portland, the autumn [...]The sages of Chinese antiquity stood facing South Related posts:A lifelong student: Eric’s journey to Classical Chinese Medicine – Part II (1997-2004) The Year of Sagely Living: 12 months of Classical Chinese Medicine habits Still learning Chinese medicine : through the birth canal Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

New research suggests that sipping tea may shield you from endometrial cancer. A type of cancer that forms in the tissue lining the uterus, endometrial cancer is estimated to have caused 7,780 deaths in the U.S. in 2009. For a recently published review, researchers sized up several studies on the role of black tea and green tea in the prevention of endometrial cancer. Results revealed that increasing tea consumption by two cups daily was linked to a 25 percent reduced risk for endometrial cancer. Furthermore, the protective effect of green tea on endometrial cancer seemed more evident than that of black tea. Although their analysis indicates that tea - especially green tea - may help guard against endometrial cancer, the review's authors warn that more research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn. Rich in antioxidants, green tea may protect against other types of cancer, according to a previous research review. Publishing their findings last year, scientists analyzed 51 studies and found "limited moderate to strong evidence" for green tea's ability to help prevent lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer. Green Tea May Guard Against Endometrial Cancer originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, January 28th, 2010 at 06:00:54.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Low levels of vitamin D may play a role in African-Americans' increased risk for heart disease, a new study shows. According to the American Heart Association, African-Americans are disproportionately affected by heart disease. Cardiovascular problems are estimated to account for 33 percent of all deaths among blacks in the U.S. For the study, researchers analyzed 12 years of data on more than 15,000 people. Their findings revealed that the quarter of study members with the lowest vitamin D levels had a 40 percent higher risk of dying from cardiovascular events (compared to the rest of the participants). What's more, African-Americans were found to be 38 percent more likely to die from cardiovascular problems than non-Hispanic whites. According to the study's authors, the black participants' comparatively lower vitamin D levels may contribute to their excess cardiovascular mortality. Past research suggests that vitamin D may protect against high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease. Low Vitamin D Levels May Raise Heart Disease Risk originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 at 06:00:27.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Taking up yoga may help ease inflammation, a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and a host of other aging-related health problems. In a recent study, scientists discovered that women who regularly practiced yoga had lower levels of interleukin-6 (a marker of inflammation). For the study, researchers divided 50 women (average age: 41) into two groups: yoga novices and yoga experts (defined as having practiced yoga one or two times weekly for at least two years and at least twice weekly for the previous year). The researchers then conducted a series of experiments in which the women performed tasks designed to increase their stress levels (such as solving difficult math problems). Analyzing blood samples from the participants, the researchers observed that the novices' interleukin-6 levels were 41 percent higher than those of the yoga experts. What's more, yoga practitioners showed smaller increases in interleukin-6 after undergoing the stressful experiences. Yoga May Curb Inflammation originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 at 06:00:57.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Few Hong Kong researchers have reported evidence that green tea, the most popular beverage worldwide, now considered to be the best dietary supplement, can improve bone health. The researchers noticed that the tea contains a group of chemicals that stimulate bone development and reduces breakdown. The beverage has the ability to prevent and treat osteoporosis and other [...]

Buying a house can be a fascinating experience, even if at times filled with fear and doubts. Applying feng shui to the process of buying a house is a wise investment on many levels - it will give you peace of mind, as well as assure that your house is a good financial investment. Good feng shui means good energy, and people are always attracted to it! This will sure help with the house sale in the future. Good feng shui also means good health, happiness and prosperity, and are those not the very hopes you have for the new home? This easy feng shui checklist will assure you make the right choice. Study it well. Read more Before You Buy A House: Feng Shui Checklist More : What To Look for Before You Buy or Rent a New Apartment | How To Do A Feng Shui Space Clearing Session | Easy Feng Shui Decorating Tips | Photo: Ivan Hunter / Getty Images Stay up to date on feng shui by signing up for Rodika's weekly feng shui tips newsletter. Need help? Ask your question at the feng shui forum! What To Look for Before Buying a House originally appeared on About.com Feng Shui on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 00:00:18.Permalink | Comment | Email this

If you live in the city and even in the early hours of the morning you can still hear the background hum of traffic then you are being affected whether you know it or not. However there are Feng Shui strategies you can employ to reduce your stress.

Feng Shui decorations involve many of the aesthetic, geographical, mathematical and religious concepts. They have a strong belief in the complex mixing of these concepts. Feng Shui is pronounced as (fung schway) which means wind and water is the literal translation in Chinese words. Decorating according to Feng Shui actually is a discipline by itself that consists of decorating themes that are based on the mystical elements as far as philosophy of the Chinese is concerned. Feng Shi decorations – in harmony with nature: Objects and layout of Feng Shui decorations have to be in harmony in nature. The designs are also influenced by the people themselves, where the designs are either subtracted or added from Feng Shui surroundings. The environment around the people is asserted with inner energy, which is also called chi. Chi as well as the life force helps in affecting the surrounding that people live in. Not many people knew that feng shui existed until the twentieth century. It was only through oral methods that Feng Shui was known to people then. Gradually even books were written and on the common beliefs of Feng Shui. The writings of Chui His who belonged to the Song dynasty and belonged to the early philosophy of the Chinese have been responsible for writing a lot on the common beliefs of Feng Shui. Till then the knowledge available on Feng Shui was only less tribal and not much known to people. The flow of nature’s energy to create harmony in the surroundings: Much interested was generated amongst the westerners about Feng Shui. Initially they were skeptical but gradually they became interested in it. In Feng Shui it is believed that has a lot of chi or energy is focused in wind and water. It is essential hence that all the possessions, landscaping, dwellings etc should be maintained according the flow of nature’s energy that is chi. There are a number of guidelines which need to be followed in Feng Shui. Clutter should be avoided pools of water, mirrors and crystals need to be used as they help in moving energy forces and help in redirecting energy in certain directions. If you are lying in bed or are sitting at your table, you should be able to have a clear view of the entire room. Doors should be in certain directions only, mirrors and water needs to placed in certain parts of the room only etc. Chimes also need to be hanged at the doors and windows accordingly. Phil Caxton is the editor of different articles with reference to interior design for Home-Decorating-Reviews.com . A website with tips on feng shui decorating and decorating styles. Submit this to Script & Style Share this on Blinklist Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Share this on Reddit Buzz up! Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Share this on Mixx Post this to MySpace Submit this to DesignFloat Share this on Facebook Tweet This! Email this to a friend? Suggest this article to ToMuse Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on Linkedin Seed this on Newsvine Share this on Devmarks Add this to Google Bookmarks Add this to Mister Wong Add this to Izeby Share this on Tipd Share this on PFBuzz Share this on FriendFeed Mark this on BlogMarks Submit this to Twittley Share this on Fwisp Moo this on DesignMoo! Share this on BobrDobr Add this to Yandex.Bookmarks Add this to Memory.ru Add this to 100 bookmarks Add this to MyPlace Submit this to Hacker News Send this page to Print Friendly Bump this on DesignBump Add this to Ning Post this to Identica Save this to Xerpi Share this on Wikio Tip this to TechMeme Sphinn this on Sphinn Post this to Posterous Grind this! on Global Grind Ping this on Ping.fm Submit this to NUjij Submit this to eKudos Submit this to Netvouz Submit this to Netvibes Share this on Fleck Share this on Blogosphere News Blend this! Add this to Wykop! Engage with this article! Share this on Hyves Push this on Pusha Bookmarks this on Hatena Bookmarks Store this link on MyLinkVault Submit this to SlashDot Add to a lense on Squidoo Submit this story to Propeller Submit this to FAQpal Clip this to Evernote Submit this to Meneame Submit this to Bitacoras Submit this link to JumpTags Share this on Bebo Submit tip to N4G Submit this to Strands Promote this on Orkut Share this on Tumblr Add this to Stumpedia Post this to Current Blog this on Blogger

What is a lucky feng shui direction? What is the meaning of water flow in feng shui? Do you understand the compass directions? How about the meaning of poison arrows and feng shui oven mouth? Here comes a quick and easy feng shui glossary tip sheet with over 60 feng shui terms. All you ever wanted to know about the most popular terms used in feng shui applications, from bagua extensions to good luck symbols, from lucky directions to feng shui elements and feng shui protection symbols. Each term has an option of a further description plus visual illustration. Go for it. Read more Feng Shui Glossary Quick Tip Sheet More : Mystic Know Feng Shui Cures | Can Feng Shui Help You Create Good Luck? | About.com Feng Shui for Love eCourse: 5 Lessons | Photo: (c) Algia Mil Stay up to date on feng shui by signing up for Rodika's weekly feng shui tips newsletter. Need help? Ask your question at the feng shui forum! Feng Shui Glossary is Here originally appeared on About.com Feng Shui on Monday, February 8th, 2010 at 00:00:12.Permalink | Comment | Email this

The basic principle behind Feng Shui informs us if you change your environment to reflect your aspiration for something, you can improve you chances of obtaining it. As a result, Feng Shui techniques can be implemented to try to attract love, push your earning power to the next level or to gain ...

One of the more controversial buildings in Hong Kong is the Bank of China. The tower was completed in 1989 and officially opened on May 17, 1990.

There are several walls that can create potential feng shui challenges in your home and in your office. We will look at them one by one. As with most walls in most cases, you want to make them disappear, especially if they are too close to your body. Now, how do you make a wall disappear without actually tearing it down? You make it a carry, or represent, a specific quality of energy. A quality of energy you need, want or crave for. Read more Remove Blockages with Feng Shui: Challenging Walls and Feng Shui Solutions More : Excellent Feng Shui Solution: Wall Murals | How To Choose Color for Good Feng Shui: FREE Video Tip | Photo: (c) Target.com Stay up to date on feng shui by signing up for Rodika's weekly feng shui tips newsletter. Need help? Ask your question at the feng shui forum! Let It Flow: Remove Blockages with Feng Shui originally appeared on About.com Feng Shui on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 at 00:15:57.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Weight gain is something that many people battle with, especially during the holidays. Beginning with Thanksgiving, and continuing through Christmas and the New Year, you may find yourself experiencing weight problems. What most people haven't considered is that Feng Shui and weight loss can often ...

The philosophy of Feng Shui relies on several key focal points, used in a cohesive manner. The five elements (water, earth, fire, wood and metal), proper use of colors in certain areas to encourage a certain vibration, directional mapping of furniture placement and creating a chi (or energy) flow that will bring balance into your life.

Whether you are already a true believer or think the whole philosophy of Feng Shui is a hoax, it is worth the time and effort to implement the principles of this ancient Chinese practice to improve the quality of your life. Many people believe creating a Feng Shui home and/or office would be too ...

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Food of the Week: Cauliflower

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Recipe of the Week: 5-Minute Healthy Sauteed Cauliflower

Dry skin is a very common condition which happens most often during the winter months. This is when the dry cold outside air and use of indoor heat robs your skin of its natural protective moisture faster than your body can replace it. Symptoms of dry skin may include roughness, redness, ...

This months blog party is a fun and unusual one in which all these amazing herb folk will explore and share with us their favorite morning beverages and ritual drinks, ranging from the morning cup of joe, to herbal creations and anything in between, it is sure to be a feast worth waking up for!! Hosted by Tansy at Dancing in a field of tansyMost mornings I fix myself a nice cup of really fine chinese tea. I'm lucky to live within walking distance to Seven Cups Tea House in Tucson, AZ. There I purchase the finest imported chinese and some japanese teas I've ever tasted, smokey puer tea, to bright floral jasmine pearls, to chinese herbal combinations like Eight Treasures Tea. My favorites though are the oolongs, which land somewhere between green and black in flavor, but have a depth and capacity for unique flavors that I just love. My favorite of late has been the Golden Water Turtle Oolong. Here's the description from Seven Cups."This medium roasted tea has a strong dark chocolate aroma but sweet floral aftertaste and flavor that never goes bitter. Compared to other medium roasted tea, which have a heavy concentrated taste, Shui Jin Gui gives you a clean slippery feeling that allows you to appreciate the character of this bush. A story tells of exceptional tea bushes cultivated by monks living high on the slopes of WuYi Shan. A torrential storm washed a few of these cliff-dwelling bushes down onto another farmer's land. The monks wanted the bushes back but the farmer refused. The local court decided in favor of the farmer claiming natural forces had favored him. The bushes grow on two square meters with a constant stream of water following through resembling a turtle thus the name "Water Turtle" was given to these bushes. Although there are still three original bushes remaining, no tea is picked because of the age of the bushes. All Shui Jin Gui was cultivated from these original bushes."My other favorite cup of tea for morning wake up in a simple green gen maicha, with toasted brown rice. Simple, delicious and suits me perfectly, it never needs sweetening and that toasty flavor lends a heartiness and warmth that green tea alone doesn't quite manage.But on the days when a cup of tea doesn't cut it, I mean those mornings when I have to be up and at work at 5 am long before the sun is up, I resort to something slightly more stimulating, and more creative! My famous ChocaMacaMateLatte!The variations on this are endless, and I come up with something new almost every time I make some, but the the basics are thus:1 qt jar2-3 tbsp mate leaves (how strong do you like the flavor and the buzz?)1 tbsp maca powder1-2 tbsp Cocoa powderMilk, cream or non dairy milk of choice. I use almond most often, but coconut is extra creamy and yummy.Honey to your taste.Mix all the ingredients, and pour hot boiled water over the whole mess, top with your milk of choice. Stir well, and grab a bombilla and a lid and go! Clearly this is a buzz buzz buzz of a drink, with two sources of caffiene, mateine, theobromine and numerous other stimulating alkaloids, but the maca powder really smooths out that buzz, makes it last much longer, evens out the plateau, and helps prevent a caffiene crash. I never feel jittery from this combination, but your mileage may vary. More or less mate, milk, or maca may influence your experience, and I definately vary the proportions depending on my morning.Often times I'll turn this into something of a chai latte with the addition of cardamom, ( which an ayurvedic practitioner once told me protects the adrenals from the caffiene), cinnamon, ginger, black pepper and clove. Or some extra cocoa and some chile powder. Sometimes I throw in some tulsi leaves, or some orange peels. Sometimes I even drop a scoop of coconut oil into the jar for extra goodness.I definately don't reccomend this as a regular every day drink, but it is yummilicious and works better for me than coffee when I need some even and long lasting energy without the jitters!

Please join me for an evening exploring the world of the plant spirits. Learn about communicating with and understanding the messages and guidance the plants have for us, and using the plants as spiritual healing allies. We will use various techniques to guide us into the ways of the plant spirits, including drum journey, plant essences, sensory experience, and plant oracles. No experience necessary, this circle is open to all, regardless of experience with plants, herbalism or shamanism. We will explore and experience the plants together. We will delve deeply in how to approach and use plant spirit medicine as a healing tool for yourself and loved ones, including how to prepare plant essences, work with plant spirits in journey work, medicine bags, oracles and more.This workshop is offered by Spirit Guided Donation.Oct 23 2009 @ 6:30pmNov 5 2009 @6:30 pmOffered at the Healing Cave @The Institute for the Shamanic ArtsWoman Kraft Art Center388 S. Stone AveTucson, AZ 85701

Kids and Herbs is Live! This is what I have been working on for the past few months! This is why the blog has been so slow! Only so much time with 2 little ones!There is tons of info and over 7 hours of instruction!This was so much fun!Kids and Herbs- a naturally simple course for parents herbalist Angie Goodloe The coolest part of this is for one week only, Kimberly and John Gallagher the creators of Wildcraft are giving away a FREE Wildcraft game with the course! The launch is at 9 am PST this morning!We had so much fun creating this course. I have to thank John Gallagher, L.Ac., CCH from herbmentor and learning herbs for all of the work he put into this, as well as putting up with my TOTAL ignorance when it comes to technology!If you are not a member of the learning herbs email list, and you have not heard about this course, you can check out the details HERE (plus learn how to make Elderberry syrup just in time for flu season!). If you love herbs you should definitely sign up for the learning herbs list, the offer free recepies and videos, all about herbs and health- it is an awesome resource!Subscribe in a reader

Headaches are one of the most common complaints within our society. Almost every day you will encounter someone who complains of a headache that day and looks for a way to make the pain go away. Why is it so difficult to truly make one headache free? What can we do about them? Thing that most ...

I want to invite you to the ACHS 4th Annual Herb Day Celebration this Friday, October 9. Come join us from 11 am to 3 pm to learn more about using herbs with children, antioxidants and herbs for the immune system, and an introduction to traditional Chinese medicine.To RSVP, please call 503-244-0726 The ACHS Campus is located in John's Landing at:5940 SW Hood AvenuePortland, OR 97239You'll hear from Master Herbalist Angela Goodloe, Herbalist and Aromatherapist Amanda Lattin, and ACHS & Acupuncturist Scott Stuart.Schedule for the day: 11:00-12:00: Introduction & Welcome and Overview of ACHS Holistic Health Programs with ACHS Dean of Admissions Tracey Miller and Senior Admissions Advisor Chris Fierro.12:00-1:00: Herbs and Children with Angela Goodloe, MH Angie will be discussing creative ways for parents to incorporate herbal remedies into their everyday lives at home. Examples of safe and effective herbal remedies to include in your home apothecary, how to prepare them, and their uses will be discussed. Fun and creative ways to include your child in the process as well as approaches to holistic healing in the home will also be discussed.1:00-2:00: Basic Concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine:Qi, Yin & Yang and the Five Elements with ACHS Instructor Scott Stuart, L.Ac.Scott will provide an overview of basic concepts in traditional Chinese medicine as well as present information about a few herbs from the traditional Chinese medicine perspective.2:00-3:00: Herbs and Antioxidants with Herbalist and Amanda Lattin, BA, MA, Dip.Aroma, MHHerbs and antioxidants - what are antioxidants and what do they do for and against the body. This lecture will include herbal sources of antioxidants and how their actions can help aid the immune system. Amanda will also discuss why these herbs are important at this time of the year.Subscribe in a reader