Are You Giving Yourself A Hard Time?

 

Are You Giving Yourself A Hard Time?

Word Count:
409

Summary:
Are you constantly criticizing yourself for every little time you do wrong, for example saying things to ourselves like…."I should have said this"… "Look I can't even do this simple thing"… "Everyone thinks I'm stupid" etc, etc.

Keywords:
breath,yoga,fitness,self development

Article Body:
Are you constantly criticizing yourself for every little time you do wrong, for example saying things to ourselves like…."I should have said this"… "Look I can't even do this simple thing"… "Everyone thinks I'm stupid" etc, etc.

I put my hand up too, I know I'm guilty of this as well as everyone, I often say things like "I wonder will anybody read this article" or "maybe they will think it stinks" blah, blah, blah.

But when you think of it if you had a best friend and you talked to them like this how long would they stay with you?.. Or would they even want to be around you? But we do this everyday and, when you really think about you'll never be able to escape from "you" no matter how far you run, so today give yourself a break!!

We often go through our day to day life being constantly stressed out and on edge but when you think about it how much stress is actually coming from the outside and how much are you actually making yourself through negative thinking and letting your imagination run away with you?? So, today treat yourself and give yourself a pep talk

Try out this exercise on yourself when you have some quiet time to yourself. Put your left hand on your heart chakra (this point is in the middle of your chest) and slowly focus on your breathing as you do this, imagine your breath coming in through your hand and into your chest and with every inhalation feel a wave of relaxation entering with it.

And as you breathe out feel the stress going out of your body back out through your hand. When you find yourself starting to relax, start to say some positive affirmations to yourself out loud. Congratulate yourself for all that you've done that day and anything positive else you'd like to say.

If you find it a bit awkward to think of things to say to yourself …. mentally step back and think of you as a small child or a friend you really like and imagine what nice things they'd like to hear you say to them and then say these to yourself.

You'll definitely start to feel a lot better about yourself and probably in the future you'll catch yourself before you call yourself something nasty or start to pick on yourself!!

 

Yoga: The Holistic Treatment for Arthritis Pain Relief

 

Yoga: The Holistic Treatment for Arthritis Pain Relief

Word Count:
512

Summary:
Yoga is an ancient practice using a system of postures and breath controls, which aim to achieve the perfect union of body, mind, and spirit. Yoga can be customized to help with a wide range of specific conditions including chronic pain conditions such as arthritis. This article shows why yoga can be an effective arthritis pain relief method.

Keywords:
arthritis pain relief

Article Body:
Living with arthritis pain is not something that anyone would like to happen to them. Many people suffer the aches and pains of damaged or inflamed joints. Some are just uncomfortable, and some become crippled as a result of a disease that has been recognized since prehistoric times but understood only in the past few decades.

Arthritis affects the joints, specifically where the areas in the body where two or more bones meet. There are several different parts of the joint that may be affected by arthritis, such as cartilage, synovium, tendons, and muscles. The neighboring ends of bones that form the joints are covered by a soft, protective material called cartilage that cushions the bones and keeps them from rubbing together. The joint is also enclosed in a capsule and lined with a tissue called synovium.

The term arthritis covers a group of more than 100 diseases that involve inflammation of joints and discomfort in connective tissues throughout the body. In many parts of the world, the disease is called rheumatism.

Arthritis is a frequent conversational topic because it affects so many people. It is estimated that about one out of every seven people in America have arthritis in some form and the need to find arthritis pain relief is on top of most sufferers' minds. It could mean taking a pill, performing gentle exercises, stretching or trying some other means to obtain relief such as yoga.

Yoga is an ancient practice using a system of postures and breath controls, which aim to achieve the perfect union of body, mind, and spirit. Yoga can be customized to help with a wide range of specific conditions including chronic pain conditions such migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic pain and arthritis.

Yoga for arthritis pain relief does not necessarily mean bending and contorting the body into weird and impossible positions just to get comfort from the pain. It is enough that a person suffering from arthritis may practice breathing and self-awareness, the core of yoga practices. While stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits. The poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement (vinyasa-style yoga) or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the alignment of the pose. The poses are a constant, but the approach to them varies depending on the tradition in which the teacher has trained.

Yoga poses can be tailored for different joints. A common arthritic problem is swelling of the fingers and knuckle joints. In this case, if the condition is not too severe and the person suffers mild to moderate pain, a series of poses can be worked on that lengthen and spread the fingers. Hand stretches also create energy flow to the area that eventually moves to the fingers. Experts say that the heat is really good to the joints.  As a therapeutic practice, yoga helps a person create heat through deliberate breathing and movement.

 

Yoga: The Alternate RouteTo A Stress-Free Street

 

Yoga: The Alternate RouteTo A Stress-Free Street

Word Count:
582

Summary:
Attaining a peaceful and stress free life can be very difficult. But one technique that can help one achieve tranquility is the time tested practice called yoga. Yoga exercises are proven to be stress relievers. Yoga exercises develop elasticity in the diaphragm that will address this problem so that when it is stretched, it can handle any amount of stress.

Keywords:
yoga, stress

Article Body:
If you are searching for a proven means to attain a healthy body in a healthy mind, then this time-tested system is for you. It is intensively researched and molded into a combined system by the Indian gurus down the ages. Be it spiritual, mental or physical, this technique can be practiced by anybody at any age to gain discipline.

Yoga deals with all levels of your being. It includes your relationship with the world and with yourself. It deals with the senses, body, breath, all the levels of mind, and that which is beyond your mind, often called spirit, soul, consciousness, or Self. 

There are many forms of yoga, and all have a spiritual component. Most Westerners practice hatha yoga, which focuses on the physical aspects. Yoga teaches you a series of stationary and moving poses called asanas and a form of breath control known as pranayama, as well as concentration techniques.

Yoga postures are designed to balance the different systems of the body, including the central nervous, the endocrine, glandular, and the digestive systems. By slowing down your mental activity, taking your mind off the causes of stress, and having you gently stretch your body in ways that massage your internal organs, yoga helps you create dynamic peacefulness within yourself.

Some of the health benefits of Yoga are: 

·     Increases stamina
·     Strengthens and tones muscles
·     Improves flexibility and joint mobility
·     Improves digestion
·     Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels
·     Boosts immune response
·     Improves circulation

 

Yoga has also its mental benefits such as: 

·     Relaxes the mind and body
·     Relieves chronic stress patterns in the body
·     Increases positive body awareness
·     Centers attention
·     Sharpens concentration
·     Frees the spirit.

The Eastern practice of yoga is also an excellent and effective stress-reducing forms of exercise. According to the science of yoga, the diaphragm is the seat of the intelligence of the heart and the window to the soul. However, during stressful situations, when you inhale and exhale, the diaphragm becomes too tight and alter its shape. Yoga exercises develop elasticity in the diaphragm that will address this problem so that when it is stretched, it can handle any amount of stress, whether intellectual, emotional, or physical.

The slow and effortless breathing during the practice of yoga, triggers a sense of calm and well-being to the body cells. It relaxes the facial muscles and releases all tension from the organs of the senses such as the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin. When this happens, the brain, which is in constant communication with these organs learns to relax and become still and rested.

When you attain this state of control, invading fears and anxieties can not penetrate the brain. When you develop this ability, you perform your daily activities with efficiency and ease. You do not use up all your valuable energy but you enter a mood of true clarity of intellect.

If somebody wishes to have a better quality of life, stop complaining and start to make better decisions. It has been proven that negative emotions can trigger illness and even death. When one is in tune with himself, his body, mind and soul, there are a lot of reasons to actually live the life you always want. Yoga is the spiritual path through which one will have to tread to reach one's destination. And, to reach that goal, one should be dedicated to follow the road signs. Yoga is an alternative route where your mind can be filled with calm and tranquility and be stress-free!

 

Yoga, Tai Chi, and the State of Zen

 

Yoga, Tai Chi, and the State of Zen

Word Count:
611

Summary:
The article talks about the benefits of Yoga and Tai Chi in one's lifestyle. These exercises and meditative activities may help ease stress, anxiety, and other related illnesses.

Keywords:
anxiety and stress, anxiety relief, stress, anxiety attacks

Article Body:
Some people have a foolish way of not minding, or pretending not to mind, what they eat. For my part, I mind my belly very studiously, and very carefully. For I look upon it, that he who does not mind his belly will hardly mind anything else.--Samuel Johnson  (poet, essayist, biographer, lexicographer)

 Nowadays, people are so conscious about their health and body figure. Many people regularly visit the gym for weight training, cardiovascular exercise, or to simply have friends who share their passion for fitness.  Many fitness gyms offer the latest in weight and cardio-machines. Others specialize in special fitness programs or routines like Pilates, Tae-Bo, Belly Dancing, Hip-Hop Exercises, and even Pole Dancing. 

 But lately, Yoga and Tai Chi classes have been gaining popularity especially among women and above-40 fitness buffs. These Indian and Chinese methods of meditation and exercise are popular due to the health benefits experienced by those practice them.  Many health buffs claim that they now enjoy a stress and anxiety-free lifestyle because of their Tai Chi and Yoga lessons.

 Studies show that these kinds of exercise do have beneficial effects on the mind and body. These religious-philosophical movements gave emphasis to the state of Zen.  According to Buddhism, the term "zen" refers to the attainment of a stage of "awakening." This belief was introduced in China by a Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma in A.D. 520. According to studies, people who cling to the teachings of Zen endeavor to achieve "satori" which is also called "nirvana". "Satori" in general can only be reached through a meditation called "zazen" which, in turn, leads to a state of mushin or "no mind". Mushin is the ability to see things more clearly mentally. It means that one's judgment will not be blurred with negative thoughts. Although this belief originated from the south, many Western students and practitioners of Yoga and Tai-Chi are satisfied with the health and vitality it brings.

Yoga benefits

 Practicing yoga increases flexibility because stretching exercises the different tendons, ligaments, and joints of the body. Studies also say that yoga is probably the only form of activity that massages all the internal organs and glands in the body. These may include the prostate, which according to medical specialists hardly receives stimulation. This massage or stimulation may keep certain individuals from diseases and other forms of illness. Yoga ensures the best supply of blood to the body. This helps detoxify the body of toxins and, in the process, delays aging and renewed energy. Muscles are also toned because of repeated stimulation through yoga.

Tai Chi benefits

 Medical researchers and Tai Chi practitioners claim that immediate benefits occur from day one of practice. These may include a more relaxed and clearer mind. Clinical studies in the US show that improved balance and peace of mind took place after only eight weeks of training. These benefits were immediately evident after performing very simple set of movements taken from different Tai Chi styles. Other benefits of this "soft" martial arts include improved internal organ functions, improved breathing, and better sleep. Additional reports show that people who practice Tai Chi enjoyed improved strength and  reduced stress, aside from gaining the ability to better deal with anxiety attacks.

 However, people with a history of heart disease, back injuries, and those who have undergone recent surgery should consult a physician before starting a Yoga or Tai Chi routine. In general, Tai Chi and Yoga are very effective routines to bring back health and a sense of peace of mind to a devoted practioner. Done properly, these ancient arts of exercise and meditation can help provide anxiety relief and alleviate other forms of stress.

 

Understanding Your Dreams

 

Understanding Your Dreams

Word Count:
467

Summary:
The meaning of dreams has been of interest to mankind throughout history.  Dreams come to us in a variety of forms that range from frightening to erotic.  We experience images, sounds, sensations, and voices in our dreams that we are unable to influence or control.  Do our dreams have special meanings?  Are they brought on by incidents that have affected our lives today or possibly sometime in the past?

Keywords:
dreams,understanding your dreams,dream dictionary,dream interpretation

Article Body:
The meaning of dreams has been of interest to mankind throughout history.  Dreams come to us in a variety of forms that range from frightening to erotic.  We experience images, sounds, sensations, and voices in our dreams that we are unable to influence or control.  Do our dreams have special meanings?  Are they brought on by incidents that have affected our lives today or possibly sometime in the past? 

There are many theories why we dream, where in the brain dreams originate, or even why dreams occur at all.  It is not clear what the neurological cause is, or in what phase of sleep dreaming takes place.  Many believe dreams are reflections of the unconscious and some that they are predictions of the future or even messages from God.  Dreams often inspire artistic and other forms of inspiration.  Many dreams of a bizarre or strange nature have been interpreted by some as divine gifts, messages from the past, or predictions of the future.

According to most scientists dreams occur with equal frequency in most people.  The ability to recall the dream varies greatly with individuals however.  Most dreams it is believed occur during the (REM) sleep, which is a form of sleep that is experienced in the latter portion of the sleep cycle.

According to http://www.wicipedia.orghttp://www.dreams.budsbestbuys.com , both Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung identify dreams as an interaction between the unconscious and the conscious.  Jung argued that the dream's bizarre quality is an efficient language, comparable to poetry and uniquely capable of revealing the underlying meaning.  While Freud felt there was an active censorship against the unconscious even during sleep.  They both agreed that the unconscious mind is the dominant force of the dream.

Lucid Dreams
Many books, charts, dream dictionaries, and even dream software programs are available today for those wishing to understand the meaning of their dreams.  The most popular and by far the most intriguing books are about lucid dreaming.  A lucid dream is one where the dreamer recognizes they are in a dream and can take control of it.  Lucid dreamers have the power to control their dreams and are capable of creating many fantasies such as making new objects appear, change their form, or even fly.  There are many forms of lucid dreams, having in common the fact that at some point in the dream the dreamer recognizes the experience as a dream.  While lucid dreaming has been proven to exist, frequent lucid dreaming requires much practice and dedication.  Many people practice specific techniques of lucid dreaming for personal or spiritual purposes.

For more information about dreams and their meanings, a complete A to Z free dream dictionary, and an outstanding book about lucid dreams, visit The The Dream Dictionary  at:http://www.dreams.selectionsguide.com

 

Use The Power Of Your Thoughts

 

Use The Power Of Your Thoughts

Word Count:
538

Summary:
We have been created to live our life in freedom, health and wealth. If our life doesn't look like that, it means we block ourselves by our thoughts. Our thoughts are very powerful instruments we use to either create happiness and wealth, or sickness and poverty.
If your life doesn't look like what you're dreaming of, it means you have thoughts which go against you. Your thoughts create your life. If you want to change your life, change first your thoughts.

Keywords:
thoughts, power, creation, happiness, success, wealth, dreams, mastery

Article Body:
The greatest power we ever got is the power of our thoughts.

There is an Intelligence inside us that can elevate our life at the highest level.

Everyone should learn to collaborate with this Intelligence which is organized to react on our intentions and to create with us a life of abundance and happiness.

Freedom, happiness, richness, love, friendship, health and wealth are our birth right.

We have been created to live our life in freedom, health and wealth. If our life doesn't look like that, it means we block ourselves by our thoughts. Our thoughts are very powerful instruments we use to either create happiness and wealth, or sickness and poverty.

If your life doesn't look like what you're dreaming of, it means you have thoughts which go against you. Your thoughts create your life. If you want to change your life, change first your thoughts.

You can choose your thoughts. Nobody in the world can put a thought in your head without your permission. Your mind belongs to you!  It's your job to control your thoughts! You are the master of your head, you are the gaurdian of your thoughts. You can change them. Choose those thoughts who will bring you the results you want.

Never think a thing you don't want to happen.

Read that again : never think a thought you don't want to become true.

It means : don't think anything negative about yourself if you don't want this thought to become real. If you don't want to be stupid, stop thinking you are. If you don't want to be fat, stop rehearsing in your head how fat you are now. If you don't want to loose your boyfriend or girlfriend, stop thinking about this possibility.

Instead of these destructive thoughts, choose thoughts which reinforce you. Choose to think how intelligent you are, and you will be! Choose to think how beautiful you are, and you will shine like a star! Choose to think you are loved, and you will!

Thoughts are energy. Every thought carries an energy level. Your choice : or you choose thoughts which lower your energy level, or you choose thoughts which increase your  energy level.

It's in your hands! Or better : it's in your head! How you will feel and act depends on what you think. Every action and emotion is preceded by a thought.

You can choose thoughts which block you, or even paralyze you.
It isn't any more difficult to watch your thoughts to be able to choose them consciously. It's just a matter of exercise and consciousness.

Once you've learned how to become the master of your thoughts, you become the master of your life!

If checking your thoughts seems too difficult for now, you can start watching your mouth. Never let come out of your mouth something you don't want to happen! Never wish a bad luck to anyone if you don't want this to realize. Watch your mouth, watch your words, watch your thougths, and become the creator of your own life!

Your life does not depend on others. It depends on your own ability to master your thoughts.