The word chakra originally came from Hindu texts which spoke about tantric traditions of Buddhism and Hinduism. The word was derived from In Sanskrit it means “wheel” or “turning” in Hindi. They are thought of as “wheel like vortices which can be found in the various points of the body of living things. They are seen as “force centers” that are filled with energy. Human bodies for example hold hundreds of these.
However, there are seven major energy centers which function as transmitters, receivers as well as processors of life energies. Every single point relays to our levels of consciousness. The different types of energies -physical, spiritual, emotional and mental all have distinct traits correspond to their respective functions, their connection to the many glands of the body’s endocrine system and the seven colors of the rainbow. These forces form a network within the body, mind and spirit which interrelates as a holistic system.
Understanding the various chakras enable us to understand ourselves and make use of these to build harmonious relationships and improve our selves including our physical and spiritual relationships. In a way they function as entrances where emotions flow into so that they are felt and expressed. The beliefs and attitudes we have created in our minds run through these chakras and then they are scattered to our organs and even the cells and tissues that comprise them.
Knowing how these influence our bodies and minds enable us to make better choices and decisions which are based on balance and awareness instead of running like a headless chicken when we are affected or swayed by forces we cannot control.
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Crystal therapy is a therapeutic method of healing which enables spiritual healing and growth. Records show that it was used thousands of years ago inn Ancient Egypt, traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.
It is believed that crystals resonate unique vibrations based on their mineral content, intrinsic geometry and color frequency they radiate. They are placed around or in key areas of the body to help clear and release negative energies in order to heal and restore balance. They can also be swept over the body, carried or worn.
Our bodies have an electromagnetic system also known as a vibrational energy system. Crystals on the other hand function as great electromagnetic conductors which have the capability to interrelate with our energies. They carry vibrations that can activate energy midpoints in our system, thus giving off positive effects such as restoring a person’s well-being.
During therapy, a variety of crystals or stones are used to release imminent obstructions that block the flow of energy in the body in order to reduce mental and nervous stress. Afterwards, individuals feel a profound state of calmness. It becomes easier for them to let go of negative attitudes and habits and they become more in tune with themselves and their lives.
When using crystals, it is important to cleanse them before usage because they may carry negative vibrations as well. They can be cleaned with running water or placed in direct sunlight or moonlight. The latter is considered the most powerful cleaner. Pure sound vibrations such as the sound of a bell or gong can also cleanse a crystal’s energies.
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Lifestyles have changed in the past decade. For most of us it is like living in the fast lane every day. There is so much to be done and there is so little time. As a result, we become stressed and this results in many illnesses and even death.
Studies show that stress is the common cause of anxiety. It damages our body and mind, causing panic attacks, lack of sleep, phobias and many more. Apart from these, it also triggers health diseases such as heart problems, high blood pressure, asthma, eczema, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and alopecia.
Other signs of stress include headaches, palpitations, wheezing, irritability, low energy, poor memory and increased emotions.
Stress is often caused by finance, work and relationships. Treatments vary and drug induced ones can sometimes cause more problems instead of fixing it. We must keep in mind that in the end it is up to us. Our perspective and choices lead us to the kind of life we choose.
Here are some tips to reduce stress:
Identify what causes you stress and do something about it. It may be easier said than done, but let’s face it, we only get stressed if we let it get to us.
Reduce stress by being more organized. Make a list of personal and professional priorities and make time for them. Keep an organizer, so that you won’t forget anything.
Allow yourself to be emotional at times. You are human and it is normal to laugh or cry when needed. Keeping these emotions can result to long term issues.
Learn how to value yourself. Make a list of your positive qualities and go through it whenever you feel down.
Find your passion. It may be a hobby, a sport or even volunteering for a cause. Outlets help you cope and make you feel good about yourself.
Learn to relax wherever you are. If you feel like losing control, take deep breaths until you feel better. Meditate when you can. Simply close your eyes and imagine yourself in a beautiful spot where you would want to be.
Write down how you feel. It lets you release your feelings and makes you feel better. Keep a journal. It is always nice to look back and know how you were able to cope.
Take a break. Go on a holiday whenever you can. It allows you to recharge. It also helps you learn new things and gather new experiences. Plus it gets you away from stress.
Lastly, learn how to do nothing. Keeping quiet and still helps you think clearly.
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Confucianism is a philosophical and ethical system or a way of life taught by Confucius in the 5th-6th century BC. Some see it as philosophy or religion, as an “all-encompassing humanism that neither denies nor slights heaven”.
Confucianism is known to be a combination of ren also known as “benevolence or humaneness” of people within a community. It is a reflection of excellent character in accordance to li or ritual norms, yi or the moral disposition to do good, zhong which is loyalty to one’s nature, shu or reciprocity and xiao filial piety. Altogether they are seen as de or virtue. Confucius also believes that it is necessary to give up one’s life “passively or actively for the sake of upholding cardinal and moral values.
These beliefs are all characteristics of a positive view of human nature and faith that all human beings are gifted and can do wonderful things. They are all capable of improving, being taught and reaching a certain level of perfection through ‘self-cultivation and self-creation’.
Confucius saw heaven or T’ienas a personal universal force and he regarded it as positive. This belief was contrary to what people assumed that he was a skeptic or agnostic who did not believe in a higher power.
Confucianism does not have specific rituals or practices apart from its ‘ethical principles’. Most of these so called practices are a combination of Taosim, Buddhism and Chinese religion.
This way of thinking has a huge following. It has become a moral compass, even influencing political and spiritual life in China. It has even spread out to neighboring Asian countries such as Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam and Japan.
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Meditation is a state where the made goes into a deeper level of thinking or awareness. Through meditation you gain a better hold of your emotions and reactions towards things and situations. It helps you become more patient and allows you to easily let go of negative attitudes such as anger.
The first thing you should do is to make time to meditate. Set a certain time of day, preferably in the morning to meditate. Making it part of your daily routine will yield better results. A friend once told me that meditation is spiritual hygiene –a way to let go of negative feelings.
Next, find a quiet and relaxing environment that is free from noise or other distractions. It will help you calm your mind and clear your thoughts. If you have a strong sense of focus and you can meditate amidst the hustle and bustle then feel free to do so.
Sit on level ground preferably on a cushion with your back straight so that you can breathe easier. Let your arms fall freely on your sides or put them on your lap. Make sure every part of your body is relaxed. Find a better posture or position if needed.
Focus on how you breathe. Get into the rhythm and recite a mantra such as “uhm” repetitively if needed. You may say it out loud or in your mind. Visualize a relaxing place and allow yourself to be there. Calming thoughts and images make meditation easier.
Lastly silence your mind. Let thoughts and feelings flow without judgment. Send off the negative things and keep the good thoughts and feelings. Let it envelope you. Maintain the fuzzy and warm feeling from the positive energies and allow them to flow.
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Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the entire world, and has been around since 6th century BC. There is no doubt that you have seen the statues of chubby-bellied Buddha. They are everywhere, from cheap shopping mall gift stores to sacred temples, and many people have Buddha statues in their homes, “for good luck.” But is that what Buddha is all about? And just what is Buddhism, anyway? It’s likely that there is much you don’t know about Buddhism, and that much of what you do think you know is an inaccurate spin based on Westernized ideals. Here are five things you didn’t know about Buddhism:
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Meditation is one of the most commonly used forms of natural stress relief. The process of emptying your mind and simply focusing on your breathing can can help you rationalize whether or not the stress is justified. In other words, it can open your mind to how little things don’t have to affect you so negatively. If you’ve never tried meditating, the following are just a few of the basics to help get you started. Below you’ll find information on the benefits of meditation, different types and techniques you can try to make your experience more beneficial.
The Benefits of Meditation
Meditation has a number of great health benefits. Not only can meditation help lower your blood pressure and heart rate, but it can also enhance your immune system and reduce PMS symptoms. Of course, health isn’t the only beneficial reason to use meditation. Meditation is also used for psychological and spiritual reasons. Continue reading »
Philosophy is a complex subject. As a matter of fact, even those who are well-acquainted with philosophy can sometimes be hard-pressed to articulate an exact way of defining philosophy. Perhaps the broadest and most general way to describe philosophy would be to say that it is the art of thinking. Of course, there is much more to thinking and thought than can be described in only one book, and those new to philosophy may feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of philosophy texts available. If you are interested in learning about philosophy and wondering where to begin, then this list of five awesome books about philosophy for beginners should get you on the right track.
The Beginner’s History of Philosophy by Herbert Ernest Cushman. This book starts at the birth of philosophy and takes the reader through all of the three major periods of philosophy: ancient philosophy, medieval philosophy, and modern philosophy. It’s a great starting point for understanding how the collective mindset of man has changed over the ages, and how deeply philosophy is ingrained in culture and society.
A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell. As the title suggests, this book provides a basic overview of Western philosophy’s growth and evolution over history. It contains a thorough analysis of must-know Western philosophical views, such as those of Kant, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Dewey and Nietzsche. Russell was an extremely educated man, with a well-rounded knowledge of everything related to philosophy, and his writing is clear, easy to follow, and never obscure. Continue reading »
Many people who have heard of modern philosophical movements like “The Secret” scoff at the idea that just changing your thinking can change your whole life. What they don’t understand is that the way you think DOES affect your life journey, and in a major way. It’s not a matter of just magically making things happen because you think and believe them to be true; rather, it’s a matter of using your thinking to CREATE positive changes and accomplish the things that are most important to you. How does this work? Here is a guide to changing your mindset to achieve success.
Block out societal pressures. This doesn’t mean you have to go live in a cave somewhere. However, you must learn to focus in on what your inner voice is telling you, and discard societal pressures to live up to material definitions of what is expected of you. YOU know best what is best for you, and you are not a cookie-cutter creation. You are an individual with unique strengths, talents, and potential. Discover them by listening to YOU.
Continue reading »
