Nature Whisper

Effect of uninostril yoga breathing on brain hemodynamics

2025-01-13T07:18:00.003+01:00

These Are the Things I’m Into These Days

I’ve always been curious about breathwork. I’ve tried it a few times here and there, but it was never something I stuck with consistently. It felt like one of those things you know is good for you but always gets pushed to the back burner. Lately, though, I’ve decided to take it seriously. In fact, I’m committing to a 30-day breathwork challenge, and it’s already making a difference.

Why Breathwork?

Breathwork has been around for centuries, rooted in practices like yoga, meditation, and even ancient healing traditions. It’s all about controlling your breathing to influence your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The beauty of it is that it’s so simple yet incredibly powerful.

In the past, I used breathwork as a way to calm myself during stressful situations or to add a little mindfulness to my day. But now, I’m discovering just how transformative it can be when you make it a daily practice. The idea of committing to 30 days felt daunting at first, but I was ready for a change—and I love a good challenge!

The 30-Day Breathwork Challenge

For this challenge, I’m dedicating at least 15 minutes a day to breathwork. I’m exploring different techniques, including:

Box Breathing: A simple yet effective method where you breathe in, hold, exhale, and hold again for equal counts.
Wim Hof Method: Combining deep, rhythmic breathing with cold exposure to supercharge energy and focus.
Alternate Nostril Breathing: A calming technique often used in yoga to bring balance and clarity.

How and Why to Practice Alternate Nostril Breathing

Alternate nostril breathing, or Nadi Shodhan pranayama, is a yoga breathing exercise where people breathe through one nostril while holding the other shut, then change nostrils and repeat the process. This practice helps focus on the act of breathing, which is typically automatic, and can promote relaxation and grounding.

Benefits of Alternate Nostril Breathing

Studies suggest that practicing alternate nostril breathing regularly can:

Ease stress and anxiety
Help people relax
Lower blood pressure and heart rate
Improve lung function
Enhance brain function, including memory and movement skills

Risks of Alternate Nostril Breathing

Fortunately, alternate nostril breathing appears to be safe. A 2017 review of 44 studies found no side effects among participants, making it accessible for most people to try.

How to Perform Alternate Nostril Breathing

To try alternate nostril breathing:

Sit on the ground with a straight spine and relaxed shoulders.
Place the tips of your right index and middle fingers between your eyebrows.
Use your right thumb to gently close your right nostril.
Exhale through your left nostril.
Inhale deeply through your left nostril.
Close your left nostril with your ring and little fingers.
Release your right nostril and exhale through it.
Inhale deeply through your right nostril.
Repeat the process for about nine cycles or as recommended.

Yoga International suggests practicing alternate nostril breathing twice a day or during moments of stress, anxiety, or overwhelm.

Early Benefits

I’m only a few days into the challenge, but I can already feel some changes:

Mental Clarity: My thoughts feel less scattered, and I’m able to focus more easily.
Reduced Stress: There’s a noticeable drop in my overall tension. It’s like hitting a reset button on my nervous system.
Improved Sleep: Falling asleep has become easier, and I wake up feeling more rested.
Enhanced Energy: I have more sustained energy throughout the day, without needing that extra cup of coffee.

Lessons Learned

One thing I’ve realized is that breathwork isn’t about perfection. Some days, my mind wanders, or the technique feels challenging. But that’s okay. It’s all part of the process. The key is showing up and being consistent, even if it’s not perfect.

Join Me!

If you’ve ever been curious about breathwork, why not try it with me? Start small, even if it’s just five minutes a day. Experiment with different techniques like alternate nostril breathing and see what resonates with you. I’ll be sharing more updates throughout the 30 days, including tips, insights, and my favorite resources.

Let’s breathe our way to better health and a calmer mind together!

Study:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4728953/

My Study/Work Hack: Unlocking Your Brain’s Potential with 40 Hz Gamma Binaural Beats

2025-01-11T14:22:00.001+01:00

Have you ever wished for a mental edge, whether to ace a test, stay focused at work, or simply boost your memory? The answer might lie in a fascinating area of neuroscience: brainwave entrainment. Among the most promising tools for enhancing cognition, focus, and memory are 40 Hz Gamma binaural beats.

Understanding Brainwave States

Our brains operate at different frequencies, which correspond to distinct mental states:

Delta (0.5–4 Hz): Deep sleep and restoration.
Theta (4–8 Hz): Relaxation, creativity, and meditation.
Alpha (8–14 Hz): Calm alertness and light focus.
Beta (14–30 Hz): Active thinking and problem-solving.
Gamma (30–100 Hz): Peak focus, memory consolidation, and high-level cognition.

Among these, Gamma waves—especially at 40 Hz—are associated with enhanced neural connectivity, memory, and information processing. Studies suggest that 40 Hz activity plays a key role in synchronizing neuronal networks, which is essential for high-level cognitive functions.

How 40 Hz Gamma Binaural Beats Work

Binaural beats are created when two slightly different frequencies are played in each ear. Your brain perceives a third frequency—here, 40 Hz—and synchronizes its activity to this beat. This phenomenon, known as brainwave entrainment, helps align the two hemispheres of the brain, fostering coherence and enhancing overall cognitive performance.

Benefits of 40 Hz Gamma Binaural Beats

Improved Focus: Gamma frequencies encourage laser-like concentration, ideal for tackling complex tasks.
Enhanced Memory: By stimulating neural communication, 40 Hz binaural beats support better memory retention and recall.
Cognitive Optimization: Research suggests a link between 40 Hz stimulation and the prevention of cognitive decline, making it a promising tool for long-term brain health.

Synchronizing the Brain

Sound, particularly binaural beats, can serve as a bridge to harmonize the brain’s two hemispheres. This synchronization fosters a state of "whole-brain thinking," which enhances creativity, problem-solving, and mental clarity. Essentially, binaural beats act as a tuning fork, aligning your mental state for peak performance.

How to Get Started

To reap the benefits of 40 Hz Gamma binaural beats, all you need is a pair of headphones and a trusted audio source. Incorporate these sounds into your daily routine during study sessions, work, or mindfulness practices. Over time, you may notice a boost in your mental sharpness and ability to focus.

By harnessing the power of sound, you can unlock untapped potential and take your cognitive abilities to the next level. Try it out—you might just tune into a smarter, sharper you!

Books: The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest

2025-01-08T09:29:00.002+01:00

The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest is a transformative self-help book that explores the powerful concept of self-sabotage and how to overcome it. Narrated in a reflective and relatable tone, this audiobook takes listeners on a journey to understand their deepest struggles, often represented as their "mountain." Wiest combines psychology, emotional intelligence, and personal growth strategies to help individuals identify and dismantle the barriers they've unconsciously built. Through thought-provoking insights, she encourages embracing change, healing past wounds, and stepping into your fullest potential. Perfect for anyone seeking clarity and self-mastery, this audiobook is a guide to conquering the inner challenges that hold you back.

Here are a few other books I’ve read recently that I recommend:

Atomic Habits by James Clear: A practical guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones through small, incremental changes.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle: A raw and empowering memoir that challenges societal expectations and encourages living authentically.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: A spiritual guide that explores the importance of living in the present moment for peace and fulfillment.
Daring Greatly by Brené Brown: A deep dive into vulnerability and how embracing it can lead to courage, connection, and creativity.

Recent Read: Dopamine Detox

2024-01-10T08:26:00.005+01:00

Here's a short list of steps for a basic dopamine detox:

Digital Detox: Limit screen time by avoiding social media, video games, non-essential internet browsing, and streaming platforms.

Minimize Stimulants: Reduce or eliminate intake of caffeine, sugar, and processed foods that can contribute to dopamine spikes.

Limit Pleasure-Seeking Activities: Avoid activities like shopping, excessive eating, or any other habitual behaviour that provides instant gratification.

Practice Mindfulness: Engage in activities that promote mindfulness, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to centre your focus.

Spend Time Outdoors: Connect with nature, take walks, or engage in outdoor activities to unwind and refresh your mind.

Read or Reflect: Replace screen time with reading, journaling, or engaging in hobbies that stimulate your mind without overloading it.

Set Goals: Use this time to set realistic short-term and long-term goals, fostering a sense of purpose and direction.

Review: Mendi - A Revolutionary Neurofeedback Device for ADHD, PTSD, Meditation, and Focus

2023-08-01T10:08:00.009+02:00

As someone who has struggled with ADHD and PTSD, I have always been on the lookout for innovative solutions to improve my focus, manage stress, and find peace through meditation. Enter "Mendi," a groundbreaking neurofeedback device that promises to do just that and more. After using Mendi for several weeks, I can confidently say that it lives up to its claims and has become an indispensable tool in my daily life.

Design and User Experience:

Mendi boasts a sleek and modern design, making it an appealing addition to any tech-savvy individual's collection. The device is easy to set up, and its accompanying mobile app is intuitive and user-friendly. The app not only guides users through the calibration process but also offers various neurofeedback info for specific needs like ADHD, PTSD, meditation, and enhancing focus.

Neurofeedback Training:

Mendi's core functionality revolves around neurofeedback training, a non-invasive technique that helps users gain better control over their brain activity. Through a combination of Electroencephalogram (EEG) technology and real-time visual feedback, Mendi allows users to actively observe and regulate their brainwaves. The device encourages the brain to shift into more balanced patterns, resulting in improved concentration, reduced stress, and better emotional regulation.

ADHD and Focus Improvement:

As an individual with ADHD, I was initially skeptical about Mendi's effectiveness. However, to my surprise, the device made a substantial difference in my ability to concentrate and stay focused. The neurofeedback exercises provided a clearer understanding of my brain's functioning during different tasks, helping me recognize when I was getting distracted and guiding me to regain focus effortlessly.

PTSD and Stress Management:

Dealing with PTSD can be challenging, and conventional therapies often take time to show results. Mendi, on the other hand, offers a refreshing approach by allowing users to actively participate in their healing process. By learning to modulate brain activity, I found Mendi to be an invaluable tool in managing stress and reducing the intensity of PTSD-related triggers, especially during nighttime.

Meditation Enhancement:

For those seeking to deepen their meditation practice, Mendi can be a game-changer. The device's neurofeedback exercises assist in achieving a more tranquil state of mind, making it easier to reach a meditative state and stay focused during the process. I noticed an enhanced sense of mindfulness and inner peace with regular use, which was truly transformative.

Pros:

Effective neurofeedback training for improved focus, stress management, and emotional regulation.

User-friendly app with tailored exercises for ADHD, PTSD, meditation, and focus enhancement.

Sleek and portable design, making it easy to use on the go. Non-invasive and drug-free solution for mental health and well-being. Long-lasting impact with consistent use and adherence to the recommended training.

Cons:

Initial calibration may take some time to get used to.

The device's effectiveness may vary from person to person, and results may not be immediate.

Conclusion:

Mendi is a revolutionary neurofeedback device that has left a lasting positive impact on my life. From managing ADHD symptoms to improving focus, reducing stress, and enhancing my meditation practice, it has proven to be a valuable investment in my mental well-being. While individual experiences may differ, I wholeheartedly recommend Mendi to anyone seeking a drug-free and proactive approach to address ADHD, PTSD, and improve overall focus and mindfulness.

In addition to its numerous benefits for individuals dealing with ADHD, PTSD, meditation, and focus, Mendi has gained recognition and widespread adoption in various professional fields. Notably, Mendi's efficacy has been recognized and utilized by esteemed organizations such as NASA and endorsed by several famous sports personalities.

Mendi's Association with NASA:

The credibility of Mendi received a significant boost when it caught the attention of NASA, the renowned space agency known for its rigorous scientific standards. NASA's interest in the device is a testament to the cutting-edge technology and the scientific basis behind Mendi's neurofeedback training. The collaboration between Mendi and NASA further validates the potential of this device to enhance cognitive performance and mental well-being. Details Here

Endorsement from Sports Celebrities:

In the realm of professional sports, peak performance and focus are paramount. Numerous high-profile athletes and sports celebrities have openly praised Mendi for its role in improving their mental game and overall athletic performance. Prominent sports figures have recognized the value of Mendi in honing their concentration, controlling anxiety, and achieving a calm mental state, all of which are critical elements in succeeding at the highest level of competition.

You can use this code to get 20% off when purchasing Mendi

Code: HIND15

HERE

A Meditation For The Real People

2023-01-11T23:11:00.001+01:00

I have always loved lighthouses. There is something about lighthouses espacially in heavy storms that always catches my attention, and fascinates me. One of my weird "bucket list" fantasies is to find a lighthouse hotel on a cliff and spend the night on a stormy day.

For the past few months, I have been watching these types of videos about lighthouses and lighthouse keepers me and Julia on youtube. And when we watched the Slumberland movie together about a month or so, we both loved the lighthouse's deep scenes and the representation of how a human's subconscious works.

This meditation has nothing to do with lighhouses, its my current daily meditation and fav channel to stay grounded. It also remindes me of these two books I read few years ago I will link here>

'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' and 'Severance'

2022-11-20T13:50:00.005+01:00

Sunday mom chill time 💻 🎥 while the little one is having a nap and the big one is at her weekend sports training.

This is for deep/silly movie lovers like myself. I love it when my random theories make sense 😅 I started watching #thesecretlifeofwaltermitty and I forgot most of its details except that the plot was deep and made a lot of sense. So I decided to watch it again and from the beginning, from the first few scenes, I realized how familiar the filming, the industrial architect focus, colours.. until #adamscott showed up in the scene.. I decided to google it. The whole vibe of the movie was like @severanceappletv my recent tv show crush. And once I googled it .. My assumption was right! 🤣🙌🏻

How 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' Walked So 'Severance' Could Run

10 MOVIES LIKE THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

#anticapitalism

Currently Reading: Kallocain

2022-08-21T21:40:00.002+02:00

With this #matchatea I was finally done reading the first book 🙌🏻

It’s funny seeing how the future was predicted during 1981 in this Swedish tv series #kallocain , based on the book. This is quite similar to the classic #1984georgeorwell but surprisingly was rewritten before in the year 1940 … also similar to #thehandmaidstale , I am surprised why no one was interested in remaking this to a new series since the technology, social norms and acting skills are much more advanced now. Because the plot is definitely timeless and juicy👌🏼

The book's plot 📖
Leo kall is a scientist, who is initially very loyal to the government and develops the truth drug Kallocain. It has the effect that anyone who takes it will reveal anything, even things of which they were not consciously aware.

Major themes include the notion of the self in a totalitarian state, the meaning of life, and the power of love. Another central theme is the criminalization of thoughts. Oneself is not an individual, but rather a part of the state. And through the effects of Kallocain, the last sanctuary of self is invaded. Apart from the laboratory work and testing by Leo Kall, much of the novel takes place in the home of Leo and Linda in a city intended for the chemical industry.

Year resolutions: Matcha Tea

2022-06-14T10:21:00.005+02:00

Isn't it good to be addicted to self-improvement and healthy life habits? but in moderation :-). In all my previous diets... and perhaps why I succeed in the fasting methods is that I always have a day or two "break" here and there to not be so hard on myself. Striving for total perfection is not healthy and we as complex human beings have other needs and self aspects than just the physical body. So doing everything in moderation is my key to a content lifestyle, with self-acceptance as the main base, followed by self-compassion and combined with the satisfaction that comes with self-discipline, it makes me feel I am doing the right thing. At least for this phase of life, until the new future, "updated version" of myself proves me wrong XD.

The tea ..... I am a herbal tea lover, and I always keep a big cup of tea nearby. I have a collection of tea sorts that are for different occasions. Morning tea, afternoon and before-bed tea are part of my sleep hygiene, to guarantee a good night's sleep that I have been lacking the past year and a half due to pregnancy and the newborn period. A good night's sleep keeps me balanced and calms the next day. As I mentioned before in previous posts I keep tracking my sleep with my watch and I see the quality of my sleep and what affects it.

For example, if I took the right bedtime supplement, drank the sleep herbal tea, and no alcohol, and kept good sleep hygiene by not bringing up sensitive topics before bed, watching tv or getting exposed to led light (see study here about led light effect on sleep, reducing the quality to 50%). I see great results the next day on my watch app. However, on the other hand, on the days I skip the mentioned sleep rituals, I get high REM sleep sometimes, sometimes more than 25%, which can be a sign of depression if it keeps happening continuously.

Matcha tea guarantees me a good relaxed day and helps me maintain a good mood with the kids. It affects my sleep routine positively each day. Here are some of the reasons why Matcha tea is good for us, from the health line website:

1. High in antioxidants

2. May help protect the liver

3. Boosts brain function

4. May help prevent cancer

5. May promote heart health

6. Helps you lose weight

7. Matcha tea is very easy to prepare

First swim this summer in Sidsjön lake

2022-06-13T10:09:00.002+02:00

Yesterday I woke up early before the kids again to do my morning meditation in peace and quiet. The weather was spectacularly wonderful so I checked the app to see how the day will turn out to make plans, and to my surprise, it was going to change around noon 13:oo ish to rainy and windy weather. At first, I was torn between staying home and just baking cookies with the kids as a usual Sunday activity, or taking the kids on an early trip to the nearest lake or seaside, literally seize the day.

And so it was, I first made a pancake breakfast for the girls, because I try to make the weekends slightly special since we lose the sense of time/weekdays when the kids are on summer holiday. Then I quickly made my usual summer outdoor fast meal "Tuna salad" with cold boiled rice, mixed beans, tuna can, corn, olives, shredded carrots, olive oil, mayonnaise or creme fraiche and salt and pepper. Together with bubbly soft drinks, fruits and snacks.

We were there by 9:45 and stayed there until the weather started changing around 12. We were so lucky we did not get any single drop on us. I took the umbrellas with me and we used them to get by from our current locations to the bus tops and back.

Alicia had her first natural water experience as a toddler, she jumped directly into the water as soon as we got there. I couldn't stop her, even though the water was a bit cold, she didn't seem to mind at all. The people passing told me, what a brave girl and "tough girl" is used in the Swedish language (stuffing) which sadly translates to tough guy in google translation :-/ as if a girl shouldn't be tough.

Anyway, my girls are brave and tough and I am proud of that. They love water so much it's hard to get them off the water, they did not mind the rain at all and honestly if I was not worried about our things getting wet I would have stayed there the whole afternoon regardless of the rain.

We had a lovely day, Julia on the other hand liked to watch the fish dare to come closer to her small feet. I told her about the fish spa thing and she was fascinated. She wanted to try it one day. She wondered why this type of fish did not do the same thing and feed on our dead skin too hehe ... as usual so many questions in her creative wondering mind.

Gratitude <3

Metta Meditation And Peace Treaty

2022-06-13T09:00:00.000+02:00

"writeen by audio /auto writing"

Metta meditation helps us become a friend with ourselves and with others, we begin with an aspiration "may I be" and we transcend the level of aspiration and look deeply at all the positive and negative characteristics of the object of our meditation. In this case the willingness to love is not yet love, we look deeply with all our being in order to understand. We don't just repeat the words it's not an autosuggestion. We look deeply in our body, our feelings by perception or mental formation and our consciousness and in just a few weeks, the aspiration to love will become a deep intention. Love will instruct our words and our actions and we will notice that we have become peaceful and happy. We embody it in our spirit by this love meditation.

We begin practising this love meditation on ourselves "may I". Until we are able to love and take care of ourselves, we cannot be of much help to others until we are done with ourselves, after that we practice another "may he-she" on someone we love and finally on someone who makes us suffer.

May I be peaceful happy and light in body and spirit.
May I be safe and free from injury and may be free from anger affliction fear and anxiety.
May I learn to look at myself for the eyes of understanding and love and I'll be able to recognize and touch the seeds of joy and happiness in myself.
May I learn to identify and see the sources of anger craving and delusion in myself.
May I know how to nourish the seeds of joy in myself every day.
May I be able to live fresh solvent-free.

May I be free from attachment to the version but not being different, love is not just the intention to love but it is the capacity to reduce pain at all for peace and happiness practice of love increases our forbearance. With the capacity to be patient and embrace difficulties in pain if our heart is large, we can embrace pain without suffering.

Forbearance does not mean that we try to suppress the pain we experience from our partners, or families. Not to be caught in blaming and fighting. We can sign a peace treaty we say:

"Darling I know there's a seat of anger in you I know that every time I talk to you (the person's name), I see that if you suffer then you make me suffer also. I will make this vow to refrain from watering the seed of angering you. I promise of course I also promise not to water the seed of anger in me please darling see if you can make the same kind of commitment in your daily life please don't read or view or consume anything that waters the seed of anger and violence in you.. you know that I have in me seed of anger that is big enough and every time you water that seed by saying something or doing something I suffer and I make you suffer so let us be intelligent and not water the seed of violence and anger in each other."

That is part of the peace treaty that we can sign with our beloved one our partner our parents our child. It is wonderful if we can have others in our family or community witness our signing according to the peace treaty every time anger comes up we don't say or do anything we go home to ourselves and take care of our anger and we practice looking deeply by mindful meditation.

Source: Reconciliation: Healing the Inner Child by Thich Nhat Hanh

Book snippites: Healing the Inner Child by Thich Nhat Hanh

2022-06-13T08:09:00.003+02:00

I finished the book last night and I wanted to have these precious words from the book, documented in my blog, for me, my daughters, readers and perhaps my daughters' children one day..As I mentioned in one of my recent posts, a conversation with my bestie Katrin about breaking the family pattern ( A pattern breaker role ) in the current generation is a significant and challenging role. It requires lots of self-control to and a high level of awareness to not repeat the previous patterns given to us by our parents/ancestors.

Healing our relationships with our family perhaps we had a father/mother who considered us to be his property, like a house a sum of money or a car. If we had a father/mother like this he/her may have thought he could do anything with us because we were his child. He/she didn't think of us as a person a human beings with the right to think to act and to follow what we believe to be beautiful good and true. He/she only wanted us to follow the path he had traced for us why are some fathers/mothers like that there are fathers/mothers with different capabilities of treating their children with a lot of respect as free-living beings.

If our father/mother treated us badly maybe it's because he/she was unlucky, his education and environment did not teach him how to feel or express love and understanding. If we blame him if he wants to punish him they will suffer more that's all we can't help him that way, when we understand them as unlucky our anger toward our father/mother dissipates. Our father/mother becomes someone who needs our love rather than our punishment. Of course, we need to keep ourselves safe and not be around our father if he's physically or emotionally damaging to us. But running away from my father/mother will only increase suffering for both of us.

If we don't practice being mindful with our parents, we create hell for each other. whenever parents and children fight, the children lose because children are not supposed to speak back with the language used by their parents. The parents beat their children but the children cannot beat their parents. They could have abused their children with words that children cannot do because they cannot express the violence they have received. Instead, they get sick, and the violence they receive stays within them and seeks a way to get out a way to be expressed.

As a young person, we don't treat ourselves well and we hurt ourselves it's because we have no other way of expressing the violence in us, we are the victims of the violence we have received from our parents and from society. Our parents were not wise enough to keep their violence from their children even if they intended to love us and make us happy. I know of a young man who study medicine his father was a doctor the young man sounded like someone of the younger generation who promises to himself that he will be different from his father but when he became a father he did exactly the same thing his father had done to him. He shouted at his children and criticize them daily.

As children, we vowed to do the opposite of what our fathers did, but just when we have children of our own we often repeat the habits of our parents which is the wheel of Samsara . The continuation of life suffering from generation to generation. We practice mindfulness/medetation in order to cut through that wheel, to stop our habits and prevent them from affecting our relationship with our children.

Both generations must recognize the violence that is destroying us and destroying the people we love,both parties have to seek the path of deep look because both generations are just victims. The children think they are victims of their parents and the parents think they are victims of the children we continue to blame each other we don't accept the fact that violence is inside of both of us.

Instead of fighting each other, we should come together as parents and children partner and partner to find a way out, just because we've suffered doesn't mean we have to continue to make each other suffer. So we each suffered very much as a result of the same causes therefore we should be allies rather than enemies. The amount of suffering enough is enough to instruct us how not to make the same mistake.

The Buddha said, "whatever has come to be practised" ...looking deeply into our nature, once we begin to understand its nature "how is come to be" then we are already on our path of liberation. The partner have to come to partner, friend has to come to friend, mother has to come to daughter..... together we agree on the fact that both of us have suffered that both of us have violence hatred and afflictions inside instead of opposing and blaming each other we should help each other and practice together with the help of a teacher and our community.

# Mindful parenting, breaking samsara wheel generation patterns..

Book Snippets: The wisdom of non-discrimination

2022-06-12T15:29:00.006+02:00

The wisdom of non-discrimination is there in each of us, for example, my right-hand writes poetry with a pen my right hand has the wisdom of non-discrimination, It never tells my left hand-left you don't seem to be good at anything . I have written all the poems and I practise calligraphy. My right-hands never consider herself superior to my left and that's why communication and collaboration between the two hands are perfect there's no feeling of superiority or inferiority or even of equality.

When we compare we see ourselves as superior, inferior or trying to be equal. With this kind of comparison, comes discrimination and suffering. The cells in our body collaborate with each other without discrimination. One day my left hand was holding a nail, and in my right hand a hammer. I was trying to hang a picture. I was not very mindful, so instead of pounding on the nail, I pounded on the finger in my left hand. My right-hand put the hammer down and took care of my left-hand as if she were taking care of herself, it didn't get angry at my right hand because she has the wisdom of non-discrimination. My right hand didn't say I'm taking care of you left hand you have to remember that my left hand didn't say to the right hand you've done me an injustice I want Justice to give me that hammer just so you know I know discrimination they are one it's like the trinity.

Meditation is to look at reality in such a way that the frontier between subject and object the longer be there, we have to remove the frontier between the inquirer and the object of inquiry. If we want to understand someone we put ourselves into his skin, in order for friends or families to really understand each other they need to become each other.

The only way to understand fully is to become the object of our understanding true understanding happens when we dismantle the barrier between the object of understanding and the subject of understanding. Suppose we give something to someone but with the wisdom of non-discrimination, we see that there is no giver and receiver. If we still think that we are "The Giver" and the other person is "The receiver" then that's not a perfect feeling we can use because the other person is in need of what we're using and the ACT is very natural.

If we're really practising generosity we won't say "he's not grateful at all", we won't have these kinds of ideas. If we practice mindfulness we can begin to recognise the presence of Manas within us hey we're aware of the tendencies of non-us we can use mindfulness concentration and insight to transform these tendencies and nurture the wisdom of non-discrimination. When we don't run away from our suffering but we recognize it and embrace it and look deeply into it begin to transform. peace, liberation and enlightenment manifest.

In our own life, we need to be able to see what we need for our happiness we also need to assess the needs of the people in our family our community and our society. When we know what is needed, so we know what to do, we have an aim. I know we act in ways that help bring enough food democracy and freedom to people. When we have an aim we define our actions and the work we have to do to help lead the family/society in a positive direction. To determine if fractions are good or bad? we have to see whether it will ease toward our ultimate vision.

The wisdom of non-discrimination in our store consciousness. There's a seed that can transform the wisdom of non-discrimination, the discrimination between this and that of this against that is the foundation of a lot of suffering. It's very important to our mind consciousness to recognize this seed of the wisdom of non-discrimination that lies deep in our consciousness and help it to manifest. With the practice of mindful breathing and looking deeply we will help it finally manifest. -

Source: Reconciliation: Healing the Inner Child by Thich Nhat Hanh book

Minimalist Living

2022-06-11T21:07:00.002+02:00

The silent space you leave is as important as the sound you make ...

Currently Reading: Reconciliation Healing the Inner Child by Thich Nhat Hnah

2022-06-10T22:22:00.005+02:00

“We produce ourselves, we product our own future. We have to offer our best thoughts, speech and actions. Mindfulness helps us to know whether we're producing the right thing for future and helps us remember that what we produce is us, is our continuation.”

“The reality is that we are safe and we have the capacity to enjoy the wonders of life in the present moment. When we recognize that our suffering is based on images instead of current reality, then living happily in the present moment becomes possible right away.”

“Sometimes our parents are full of love and sometimes they are full of anger. This love and anger comes not only from them, but from all previous generations. When we can see this, we no longer blame our parents for our suffering.”

“If we want to reconcile with our family or with friends who have hurt us, we have to take care of ourselves first. If we’re not capable of listening to ourselves, how can we listen to another person? If we don’t know how to recognise our own suffering, it won’t be possible to bring peace and harmony into our relationships.”

Birthday Girl Had a Birthday Week in Helsinki

2022-06-08T14:56:00.000+02:00

Back home after 7 days in Finland, including the 24-hour cruise. We had such a lovely time, and the girls were both exhausted with bathing and swimming, boat sightseeing and other kids' activities we did while there, which I will write about in another Mom life/family post.

This blog post is about me turning 36, a special number indeed, and it was celebrated in suite hotel rooms for two nights each. The first two nights were in Clarion Hotel Aviapolis near the airport, the second two nights Clarion Hotel in the city centre with sea view one where we moved on my birthday day and spent a cosy evening in and chilled out, stress-free and very kids/mom friendly plan.

David asked if I wanted to have dinner outside, but I thought that what a full-time mom needs is a peaceful break, ordering food, having a drink, and playing classics and Arabic music while the kids play in the bathtub is the best gift I can give myself.

After all, I did not expect the whole trip to turn out this way. A happy, relaxed, stress-free mom. Time to count my blessings and be away from all household tasks is the best gift one can get at this age. Gratitude!

Mother's Day

2022-05-30T19:13:00.004+02:00

We made such a beautiful day of mothers day! Julia decorated the banana and oatmeal pancakes for me and I started the day joyfully with my girls, singing and eating this lovely colourful breakfast with refreshing Mimosa :-)

Later we had dinner in the kid's favourite restaurant which turned out to be a gift from David, he surprised me by sending us a gift card on "Swish" to pay for the dinner. We continued having a cosy evening when we got home and watched a Mother's day movie with snacks, soft drinks and some wine after kids' bedtime.

Girls/Moms Night In Best Classic (Sisterhood) Movies

2022-05-29T11:11:00.002+02:00

When my bestie came over recently and we had one of our deep soulful conversations, she asked me what I miss the most about my homeland and former culture. I thought for a second and I realized the only thing that was very strong in my former life as "Sisterhood", it was traditionally the big bond between women in my family until today and old best friends in my life that played the missing family while living as an immigrant in Libya. Sisterhood is what I miss the most, and every reunion I have with my best friends, especially the old ones who know me before Sweden is a kind of soul revival to me and to my connection with my lost identity.

My eyes teared when I started talking about it because as I break the "toxic cultural religion/male domination" pattern in my ancestor's bloodline so it doesn't go further to my daughters, I end up isolated from my "relatives" sisterhood. Being a hypocrite to staying in touch, will not be true to myself and who really I am. I have a group of online friends like myself who are immigrants/multiple language keepers besides Arabic, religion-free and feminists. in different countries like; Malta, Italy, Holand, Germany, USA, Canada and even China whom I relate to and have our monthly chats to comfort each other, but I still do really grieve the sisterhood in my community very badly!

Here are some movie recommendations:

Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)

Thelma & Louise (1991)

Little Women (1994)

How to Make an American Quilt (1995)

The First Wives Club(1996)

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002)

The book club (2018)

Julia The knight

2022-05-28T21:30:00.002+02:00

Julia has been very attached to me for the past few months and refused all sleepovers with family members. Only when I really had to travel or have something important she accepted to sleep away but that involved a lot of drama and crying, and "mom guilt" when I faced timed her. But this week all of a sudden Julia managed to spend two days away with her grandparents; Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evening she came back without any complaints, in fact, she wanted to stay one more night with them and cried so badly when they left.

It's healthy for her to spend time in the suburbs there where her grandparents and cousins live. She spent quality time with the boys there doing outdoor activities and watched and supported them during their football matches. Then she did some horse riding and other social activities with grandma visiting the relatives.

I like the compensation of qualities she is learning from everyone else besides her parents, everyone she gets to spend time with is a bonus, so she can absorb people has various personalities and interests.. not only see the world from one perspective thought her parents, especially that the age before 7 is when the child shape her first subconscious base and perspective about the world and people/gender role, that will be the root of her future personality.

Mother's Day Simple Brunch Idea

2022-05-28T14:38:00.003+02:00

“Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary-It’s an act of Infinite optimism.”

Tomorrow is mothers day in Sweden, for me, it is mothers week :-) creating my own happiness I give myself small treats every now and then, whenever an opportunity is given! ...The other day I had this treat for my break-fast, yes! breaking a fast which became my regular routine now for almost a year now. I cooked a poached egg and styled it the lovely way seen in the photos with the veggies I had at home. Very simple and need no recipe. I also added some refreshment with the lemonade soft drink with rhubarb flavour and pieces of rhubarb in it, alcohol-free. It was also the first caffeine-free day that I started to relax my nervous system a week. Maybe more .. :-)

I have previously written a couple of blog posts about eggs for breakfast you might want to look at for inspiration. And here are 59 Easy mothers days breakfast ideas. Enjoy!

From the archive :

Mom's Night In (Besites Reunion)

2022-05-27T21:00:00.001+02:00

Fridayyyyy blessing! This was a last-minute plan. My former art school colleague and friend since 2013 with whom I only meet rarely since we both became mothers, even if we live in the same city. The gap got bigger since the pandemic because she isolated herself since then. Spountlosly she called and offered to come over with Thai dinner and snacks and some alcohol-free treats since she doesn't drink and I am on a detox period except for Mothers day and my birthday ;-)

However, I did expect the evening to turn into a real feast, and to my surprise, she brought me an early birthday gift, a collection of things I love which means she really knows me well hehe... The outdoor wine glasses she bought were exactly what I am googling a few days ago because our neighbour bought similar ones and I thought of having a new collection for our picnics because I forgot my old ones in Egypt ( The freak I am haha I took my own outdoor glasses with me on vacation because I do not like drinking in the wrong glass).

We enjoyed catching up on our lives, share our recommendations since we both specify in the UX and digital design field and enjoying the balcony view and movies I will share later in another post.

The alcohol-free cocktail contained: cranberry juice, sparkling alcohol-free lemon cider and egg white, shaken very well in a cocktail shaker with ice and served in a martini glass.

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe

2022-05-26T22:06:00.002+02:00

“I wonder how many people don't get the one they want, but end up with the one they're supposed to be with.”

“You know, a heart can be broken, but it keeps on beating, just the same.”

“The ones that hurt the most always say the least.”

“Face it girls. I'm older and I have more insurance.”

“It's funny, when you're a child you think time will never go by, but when you hit about twenty, time passes like you're on the fast train to Memphis. I guess life just slips up on everybody. It sure did on me.”

“What was this power, this insidious threat, this invisible gun to her head that controlled her life . . . this terror of being called names?

She had stayed a virgin so she wouldn't be called a tramp or a slut; had married so she wouldn't be called an old maid; faked orgasms so she wouldn't be called frigid; had children so she wouldn't be called barren; had not been a feminist because she didn't want to be called queer and a man hater; never nagged or raised her voice so she wouldn't be called a bitch . . .

She had done all that and yet, still, this stranger had dragged her into the gutter with the names that men call women when they are angry.”

Currently Reading: The Courage To Be Disliked

2022-05-26T16:41:00.002+02:00

“If one really has a feeling of contribution, one will no longer have any need for recognition from others. Because one will already have the real awareness that “I am of use to someone,” without needing to go out of one’s way to be acknowledged by others. In other words, a person who is obsessed with the desire for recognition does not have any community feeling yet, and has not managed to engage in self-acceptance, confidence in others, or contribution to others.”

“A healthy feeling of inferiority is not something that comes from comparing oneself to others; it comes from one’s comparison with one’s ideal self.”

“The courage to be happy also includes the courage to be disliked. When you have gained that courage, your interpersonal relationships will all at once change into things of lightness.”

“It’s that you are disliked by someone. It is proof that you are exercising your freedom and living in freedom, and a sign that you are living in accordance with your own principles.”

“Do Not Live to Satisfy the Expectations of Others”

― Ichiro Kishimi, The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness

First Outdoor Grilling This Spring

2022-05-24T21:49:00.001+02:00

These are photos from our first grill dinner this spring, the weather was sunny and warm and I had to rush to the supermarket to put together this feast:

Meat
Fresh potato salad
different types of veggies for the grill
Sauces and a delicious lemonade soft drink made of rhubarb and lemon I had to garnish it and treat it like a real cocktail ;-)

Days To Remember

2022-05-24T19:22:00.000+02:00

After a hectic day full of household responsibilities, entertaining and being a 100% caregiver for two I found myself entitled to some entertainment to stay saint and in good mood for the kids, until the next time dad comes back again.

Although both girls took some time before they went to bed, I made sure to stay awake and use some time for myself, to just breathe and listen to my own mind. I usually get tired after the bedtime routine and putting them both to bed and I just call it a day as well. Especially when the little one wakes up around 5-6.

Anyway, I put together a snack plate, my favourite dark chocolate and some lemonade while watching "My fair lady" musical classic. It was funny to watch it after reading the book during my latest course.