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.

Image from WilliamNoMates

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 5^th-6^th 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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About the Buddha. The word “Buddha” is an adjective, which translates to “enlightened one.” Therefore, Buddha should actually be referred to as “the Buddha.” The Buddha was a real person who lived in India around 400 BC. He was a famous teacher and social reformer, who owned slaves and died of diarrhea (no joke). His wise words were not printed until five centuries after his death.

Buddhist atheism. Those who practice Buddhism do not acknowledge any God, but rather stress that true spiritual enlightenment comes from practicing mindfulness, leading a moral life, and pursuing wisdom. They don’t worry as much about finding =installment loans online= or buying a new car as much as they are concerned with living a peaceful life free of burdens. Buddhism is not a religion as much as it is a philosophy of life, and Buddhists are tolerant of all religions.

War over Buddhism. Unlike most other religions (especially Christianity), there has never been one war fought over Buddhism. That is because Buddhism does not stake a claim in the world of religion, and does not acknowledge labels associated with religions.

The law of karma. Everyone has heard the common cliché that personifies karma as a not very nice woman. The truth is that many people don’t even know what the law of karma is all about. Karma is about intention. Therefore, those who hope or intend negative outcomes for other people in the name of karma are actually bringing negative karma to themselves.

The life of Buddhist monks. Pop culture would have you believe that Buddhist monks live high on some mountain temple where they are completely shut off from the rest of society, and that they live their lives completely ignorant of the ways of the modern world. Buddhism requires that monks actually maintain ties with the outside world, in order to maintain balance, and Buddhist colonies must rely on the population for food to force this interaction.

Hopefully these interesting Buddha facts surprised you a bit, and inspired you to see the world with an open mind. Things aren’t always what they seem, or what popular opinion would have you believe. There is more to Buddhism than meets the eye, and much that you could take away from this knowledge in order to better your life and the world around you.

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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. The psychological reasons behind mediation can range from increasing one’s willpower to decreasing the potential for mental illness. Those who work for places like payday advance lenders, correctional facilities, or other busy environments find their jobs stressful and need to rebalance themselves. Meditation has even been known to help those with aggression and phobias. When it comes to using meditation for spiritual reasons people find that it gives them a closer relationship God, but it can also be beneficial in helping people find themselves and understand their true purpose.

Choosing the Type of Meditation

Just as there are many types of benefits of mediation, there are also many different types of meditation. The type of meditation you use is based on what you hope to achieve from the practice. It is also believed that there are opposite forms of mediation for each type. The following are the types of mediation as well as their counterparts: upward/downward, mind-centered/heart-centered, monastic/in-life, observed/lover, passive/active, fantasy-based/reality-based, trance/awakening, denial or dualistic/inclusive and religious/heart-centered.

The Technique Matters

The first step is to determine what you hope to achieve from the process. You can then choose a type of meditation that best suits your needs. Next, it helps to meditate in a quiet and scenery atmosphere. While outdoor meditation can be more beneficial, it isn’t necessary. While it is recommended to focus on your breathing, you can also focus on a sound. The key is to empty your mind so that you can focus on the outcome you’re trying to achieve.

Meditation has many health, psychological and spiritual benefits. The exact type of meditation you need will depend on the outcome your hope to achieve, but there are a variety of techniques you can use to make the process easier to master.

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.

The Oxford Companion to Philosophy. No matter where you begin in your quest to understand philosophy, it will no doubt be a mentally taxing task. The Oxford Companion is the most comprehensive philosophy dictionary available, and should be readily available when you delve into any philosophy text.

Plato’s Five Dialogues. These expound on the basic arguments of philosophy, and are written as a discourse between student and teacher, making then not only educational, but also entertaining and easier to read than many of the other philosophical writings.

Reading Philosophy by Guttenplan, Hornsby and Janaway. This is a guide to reading philosophy. It primes the reader to the mindset and critical thinking skills that are necessary to effectively reading, understanding, and assessing any work of philosophy, using actual philosophical texts as examples.

If you want to learn about philosophy, then prepare yourself with the knowledge that getting acquainted with philosophy will be a real labor of love. However, it will be worth the effort, as philosophy can open your mind and life in ways you might’ve never imagined. Begin with these texts, be patient, and eventually you will have the mental foundation necessary to taking on any work of philosophy you choose.

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.

Believing is seeing. Look at this as an experiment, if you need to, until you’ve gotten the hang of it: believe that anything you desire is possible. Open your mind to these possibilities and make the conscious decision to acknowledge that the world will open up to you in return. Let go of the societally-imposed cynicism that dictates to you your limitations, and instead CHOOSE to believe that you have everything you need to accomplish what you want.

Make yourself available to opportunity. Once you believe anything is possible, you must make yourself accessible to the possibilities. They most likely won’t come knocking at your door (although sometimes they will). If you believe anything is possible, then you must be willing to try anything to open yourself to those possibilities. For example, if you’ve always fantasized about being an artist, then you must put yourself in a place to become an artist: join an artist’s club, take art lessons, attend art shows, etc. Open yourself up to the world of being an artist and that world will, in turn, open up to you.

Goals. Begin by setting some small goals, just to get into the habit of using your positive mindset to achieve success. Choose things that might’ve seemed too far off for you to focus on, and really focus in on them. Be conscious every day of your determination to live out those goals and you will subconsciously make choices that are in line with those goals, eventually seeing them to fruition.

There is perhaps nothing more satisfying in life than knowing you hold the key and the power to create your own success and happiness. You are NOT a victim of circumstance, but rather the master of your own experience. What an empowering realization Achieving success with your mindset is a skill that can be developed, so start today.