Search Results

Don't Just React to Life, DESIGN Your Life I was Compelled to Write a Memoir on Resilience A brilliant young man I met recently succinctly summed up for me why I wrote a memoir and corresponding guide. He said, "So you want to say in a book what people ask you about and how you've survived and you tell them verbally over and over again." "YES, that's it!" I exclaimed with relief someone understood. It was just the right time to share my story, philosophy and resilience guide in the format of two books. I did it to create the foundation for all of the work I have done and continue to do that which constitutes creative expression as an Empath and Spiritual Coach. But Who is the Memoir For? I want to say my book is for all avid readers. But it is more than that. It is for anyone who has interest in reading about someone who had to overcome, survive and thrive after repeated traumas. I wasn't suppose to be here, alive. Two failed attempted abortions, and a domestic violence relationship where I was almost killed is the reason. Trying to do all the right and proper things leading to failure after failure. This led to the loss of everything I had. This includes my health, career, role as a person/woman, and my purpose in this life. All of this while feeling and being a complete oddball with strange quarks like needing at least 12 to 16 hours of sleep to function and being an empath. Tragedies happen and can happen to anyone, anywhere at any time. If we live in a place of balance and awareness. (and that takes effort) we will make it through difficult times by way of resilience, while others will fall apart and suffer unnecessarily. Self-care has a lot of loose definitions out there. Let’s tighten that up and talk about Self-care for chronic stress and pain. General self-care ranges from being aware of your daily needs and working on creating balance. Self-care is about something we forgot to do: that is to listen to our body, mind and spiritual needs. It consists of actionable, conventional and unconventional tools and techniques, including using beauty to relieve chronic pain and stress (Beauty Heals Pain). This includes consciously establishing new and healthy habits of self-care while working on eliminating unhealthy ones with a specific plan. This includes my passion to helping people find ways to sleep better and make their homes sanctuaries. Self-care has to be customized and crafted to meet your specific needs. There is no one-size-fits-all in self-care. The care of one’s self or what is commonly known as SELF-CARE it is all important to me. I realize that at the moment the "self-care" is a trendy term overused and misused by various industries. But for me it is a fundamentally part of my life that gives me a semblance of relief from extreme and chronic physical, emotional and spiritual pain. Stay in the know and join my list and subscribe below.

Back to Real Yoga Make Magic Happen... Millions of people do yoga. But many don't know about one of the secrets of the movement of energy lie in your hands. They are the hand postures called Mudras. What are Mudras? Did you know you do Mudras everyday? Unbeknownst to many of us, we use what is defined as hand gestures. But it gets more interesting. These hand gestures have symbolic meaning and also the ability to move the energy within us and around in certain ways. In other words, they are connected to yoga. In addition to physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation and vocalization, mudras can enhance your ability to yoke and balance your life in an elegant manner. You don’t have to be an expert in any religion or science to enjoy the benefits mudras can bring. In fact, it’s a great way to enhance any meditation or relaxation practice. Mudras can also be used in physical hand therapies and help in the process of emotional healing. In fact, madras can be used to manifest certain outcomes. The beauty of mudras is that they can be practiced anywhere and be held as long as you like. With practice, an innate knowledge usually develops on which gestures work best for each individual. Like the rest of our bodies, the hands process quite a bit of physical and subtle/non-physical energy. Whether we mean simple circulation or a person to person communication tool, our hands are incredibly powerful. Mudras can be used to promote healthy and optimum energy flow to and from our hands. We are mostly familiar with mudras that have a so-called neutral meaning like pointing your finger or crossing our fingers. We also are familiar with mudras that have an insulting intention, like giving someone “the finger”. However, there are mudras that we actively do on the regular basis that have an incredible power potential once we are attuned to it. The Linga Mudra Linga Mudra Here is an example of one of a commonly used mudras; but this time with intention and purpose. We’ll work with fingers crossed mudra. It is called upright mudra or Linga mudra as seen in the above illustration. Place both hands together with one thumb remaining upright. This has benefits that make worth doing it on the regular basis. The Linga Mudra: Can help assist in your weight loss goals when used in conjunction to a healthy diet, drinking lots of water and increase in physical activity. Increased resistance to colds, coughs and any infection of the chest. And if you suffer respiratory problems, this mudra can help loosen mucus in the lungs. It can be done several times a day and held for 5 to 15 minutes per session. This can be done when the opportunity arises or a specially selected time. Worth giving a shot isn't it? There is so much more info out there on postures you can use and I trust you are excited to find out more. Want to know more? Schedule a coaching session on this and other issues at This is Diana. Also check my book with much more on yoga, spiritual awakening and the paranormal.

Feng Shui is the ancient art of placement. According to this ancient and effective practice, moving certain objects in your environment affects you very directly positively or negatively. Here is an opportunity to give this incredible philosophical and practical process a try. Many people, too many, are incredibly unhappy in their careers and jobs. To gain clarity and ignite the fires of positive change, let’s concentrate on our career corner. Many careers are tied to our ultimate purpose during our lives. When combined, work CAN be play and life is enjoyable and livable; not just bearable. We will use the word “career” which will include profession, purpose and life’s work. Now, let’s give this a go. Check our reliable bagua (photo above), and find your career area. As in any other area, you can have multiple career spaces. For example, you can have one in your office space and another in your home as a whole or within one of your rooms. As with your other areas you can have your career area in a small space like a desk. We will continue to emphasize that the point is the intent and energy you use within that space is what matters. You can usually find your career area on the “north” corner geographically speaking or your personal lower, middle/center spot of any of your spaces. Once you’ve identified your career area, you can create and make adjustments that work for you. We can’t say it enough but the more creative you are and fun you have, the more enjoyable and effective it will be. Use the our Bagua as a guide. Let’s review examples of what we can use. You can place objects and use colors which are of various deep tones such as deep blue or black, in this space. The color white can indeed also be used as well as metal as a secondary element. Items that symbolize what YOU identify as professional success and happiness which are balanced with the rest of your life are strongly recommended. Try to use what is for your highest and greater good and what is truly meant for you. Symbols like fish, seascapes can be placed here. Also, conditions and ideals that are of personal significance can be used. For instance, you can put on a piece of paper pictures or written words of ideal salary, working conditions, schedule style, travel or lack of it, etc. Use general descriptions of qualities you want as well as values. The element for this space is WATER. You can use a small water fountain or clear/white bowl of water in your corner too. Have fun and be creative. As always remember not to let the North, South, East, West directions confuse you. You simply go by the bagua and the space you are in. Not the outside world. So for instance when you enter a room or are looking at a specific space, see yourself in the center of the map. In front is Recognition, reputation and fame, to your right in the upper corner is romantic relationship, to you right/center is family, right lower corner helpful people, etc.

Let's Get Back to Real Yoga I have some good news and I have some bad news. I'll start with the bad news. There has been an attempt to hijack and kidnap yoga from us. And now the good news, you can take it back. Many practitioners call themselves yogis or yoginis but they have taken the sacred practice of yoga and changed it to an inaccessible and inauthentic practice. They are who I call Shmogis(ginis), or phony yogis! Many of these Shmogis have tried to take yoga away from the masses by spreading myths about the practice and I want us to take yoga back. Yoga is over 4,000 years old and practiced by men, women and children all over the world. Yoga is the yoking or weaving together of mind, body and spirit. So why would it suddenly be subject to rigid formulations, mysterious rituals or incredible physical feats? Yoga encompasses many aspects including physical postures, study of sacred philosophies, mindfulness, discipline, meditation, and acknowledges wholeness, to name a few. I personally believe that there are benefits to the suggested general guidelines and paths to yoga. But as you will see below, some of these have morphed into myths that seem to keep yoga exclusive only to those who follow very specific paths and keep all other seekers away. We must ask, why do some insist on portraying yoga as something to be done by the young, physically beautiful, fit and acrobatic? How I discovered Yoga and You Can Too Back in 2000, I was grieving the sudden death of my mother from a rare cancer, adjusting to moving across the country from New York to San Francisco. During that time, I had no permanent job or resources, and was dealing with other crises that lead to my physical, emotional and spiritual breakdown. I decided to try yoga as a stress management strategy. I practiced alone in my apartment because I didn't have the money to go to a studio and didn't want to expose my broken self to others. Slowly I realized and discovered that yoga was much more than physical poses. (You can read more in my book Your're Not Crazy, It' Paranormal At a certain point I became confused because I didn't understand its philosophical or spiritual components very well. I learned through watching videos, reading books, and other literature the different ways to practice that would work for me. I'm pretty stubborn so I decided to do my own practice and customize it to fit my physical and financial limitations. It's been more than a decade and I still consider myself to be in the beginning phases of my yoga exploration as an integral part of my life. I have also learned that yoga as practiced in the western world has taken in few meandering turns away from TRUTH. I want to prevent others from feeling the discouragement I felt at times by exposing the myths and propaganda perpetrated by the shmogis and industries that have over-business-fied yoga. Many well meaning practitioners earnestly believe these myths and perpetuate them further exacerbating the issue. You may have completely different reasons and desires to explore yoga and everyone's path is individual. But if any of the myths below dissuaded you in the past, perhaps you can now return to what is your rightful place in the world of yoga. Myths That Discourage the General Population From Practicing Yoga Paying for Yoga--I believe in energy exchange and compensation for any goods and services. But you should be able to practice yoga even if you can't afford it. There are some studios that allow you to pay what you can. As long as you can give something with honor and within your means you can have access to their yoga studio. This arrangement obviously works better than paying sky high prices. It is also possible to be a solitary practitioner. You can practice by yourself using various resources that are available and some are listed below. When your circumstances change you can then choose to try a studio that charges Elusive and mysterious practices-Some individuals or groups try to cloak yoga in mystery rituals and jargon and that frightens many seekers away. Yoga brings so many benefits, physical, emotional and spiritual and like anything with so many opportunities, it should be open to anyone at any level. Yoga can be as simple as finding a place to sit for 5 minutes a day to be still or as complex you wish. The point is YOU choose not others You have to be thin, super flexible and sinewy-Yoga can be done by anyone of any age, size and physical condition. Yoga is more than just physical poses. So even when doing certain hand gestures called mudras, or simple breathing exercises, you are in essence doing yoga. Convincing you to do yoga only ONE specific way-There are many types of postures, breathing techniques, meditation levels, philosophical depths that can be explored in yoga. But yoga is about life and it's all in the balancing, yoking and going at your own pace. Different yogic practices today emphasize different things. Some focus on reaching enlightenment, another on mastering control over one's mind and body, others on loving kindness, and various other focuses. So it is best to find what needs balancing in your life hence which type of yoga to begin exploring. Insisting group yoga is superior to solitary practice-- Why is group yoga emphasized? Be in a group if you so choose to but not because you think it is absolutely necessary or superior to practicing on your own. Yes it is imperative to know how to do certain poses correctly and to understand the philosophy and history. Many people who practice yoga in groups do indeed feel it is useful, helpful and a very positive. However doing group yoga is a way not the only way to practice yoga. Gender-izing yoga-An illusion has been created that yoga practice is mostly for women. By featuring mostly woman in the media, magazines, and advertising, this myth is perpetuated. Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years by men, women and children of all ages. Sadly many men shy away from yoga feeling silly for even contemplating practicing it. Also men may fear feeling out of place going to classes which are female dominated. But that is not fair to anyone. Yoga is for all and all can benefit from it, Over-commercializing-Just one look at any yoga related material will quickly take the searcher to a world where s/he is drowned in specialty advertisement of yoga-specific clothing, jewelry, fancy props, philosophies, clubs, travel spots, retreats and events. But this unnecessarily monetizes a sacred practice. Many of these "things", devices and such do have their benefits and place but the cost and placement is indeed suspect. Insisting yoga be done with a guru-A guru is someone that has undergone the right of passage, so to speak, in a particular path in life. Someone who has ascended to a place of wisdom and hence the ability to lead others who are inexperienced and students into the same passage of growth and learning. But is it an absolute necessity? Likely not. Having a guru is very personal and only you will know if and when you want one. Exotic retreats that are treated as requirements-Retreats are lovely and a nice way to get centered, relaxed, and rejuvenated. It is not a requirement for finding spiritual enlightenment. Hence it is not a fair or honest way to sell a very high priced luxury travel plan, Quoting fancy pose names and philosophies in Sanskrit-Sometimes some people use fancy names, terms and philosophies to intimidate the average person from practicing yoga and diving deeper into its philosophies. Thanks to technology, the good old fashion library or book store you can translate most terms yourself. Even pronunciation has become a big hoopla. Just check with the original Sanskrit when possible or call it by its translated name. For example don't worry of saying Tadasana, just remember it is also called Mountain Pose. With time it all comes together like any other language. Featuring advanced poses as the ideal to attain to be a true practitioner-The truth is that one has to move within the limits of one's own body. Some believe, and I agree, in the idea that it is healthy to push one's self beyond what we believe to be our imitations. As long as we are careful and listen to what our body wants and needs, you will be living yoga. Complicating the process needlessly with naming types of yoga practices and gurus associated with each.-There is a huge list of the different types of yoga you can practice. It can be very overwhelming. It is both interesting and beneficial to learn about the history of yoga, philosophy, branches, persons who are influential in the yoga community, etc. As long as you don't let this determine whether you'll practice at all or become snobbish once you do learn a specific way that works best to you. It all depends on what your goals are at any given point during your exploration of yoga. Over-Sexualizing Yoga-One of the most interesting things that has happened to yoga is the over sexual-ization of it. Tantric yoga is very ancient and revered branch of yoga. It is also complex and interesting. But if you ask the average person or do a simple search on the internet, it is considered and treated like a sexual practice akin to the Kama Sutra. Sexuality is an integral aspect of Tantric yoga, as is breathing, meditation, right action, and so on. Sexuality is part of our humanity but doesn't have to dominate it, otherwise we become unbalanced and fall into the myth trap. Making it into competitive events-There is yet another movement to create yoga competitive events. These events would have persons competing for form, complexity, flexibility and all sorts of acrobatics. Perhaps it would be interesting and entertaining but I'm not sure it would be in the spirit of yoga's intention, which is whole and abundant living, Introducing circus type equipment-there seems to be a unlimited way in which yoga seems to develop and evolve. A lot of people use props, which is equipment to aid the practitioner in his/her ability to move into certain postures. But in a funny way, more "props" have been introduced and their function seems to be in the creating more of a circus-like atmosphere instead of aiding or expanding the yoga practice. That's fine as long as it doesn't discourage anyone from focusing on their own yoga process no matter how simple or complex that process may be. Certification in Yoga- To be considered a yoga teacher, there is a certification process. That is quite different from being adept at yoga. Again, the ancients we read about today who brought us yoga didn't go through the official certification process that exists today. But the process does exist and again has its benefits like ensuring postures are done correctly, knowing some of the philosophy, encouragement and guidance on certain issues. But ultimately when you see how much it costs to get certified, it is clear the real reason this certification process exists. I respect the time, money and energy certified practitioners have put into getting to being yoga teacher certified. But are they "the" way to yoga salvation? No YOU are. You decide that you want to find a way of living your life in a holistic, compassionate, balanced way and you are yogic. Only you can make yourself a yogi or yogini not a piece of paper of approval from an organization that is profiting from your money. Taking Yoga Back Now that you have read of some of the myths you can take control back and explore yoga to the extent that you wish. There is so much information available but weeding through the fluff will make the process easier. So if you purchase a magazine and go through several pages of ads on yoga wear, studios, retreats etc., you can still enjoy the essence of what yoga is meant to be in some of the articles included in the periodical. Sure you will find all kinds of writers subscribing to the myths, but you will know better. At least we have the freedom to look at the material and choose what works for us and what does not. I find exploring yoga can be so enjoyable and there so many resources to learn. Sources of information on yoga include online streaming videos, books, yoga classes (there are free introductory or donation-based classes), Magazines, and Websites/blogs/newsletters. I don't claim to be a yoga master by far. However, I do know what I have learned throughout these years and that yoga is available to everyone and anyone who chooses to explore it with an open heart and open mind. If we keep stay flexible in the guidelines instead of making them inaccessible, VIP only routes to enlightenment, then yoga remains in the spirit of what I think is its real purpose. That is, to serve as a gift to us and the path to liberation, truth and awakening. Whatever your reason is for exploring yoga, I believe you should have the freedom to pursue it in a way that is most compatible for you. As I like to say, life liberty and And Yoga for All. Fun fact: Gentle Yoga Stretches can help you sleep better. Here are some for you to try Make sure you're in the know,. Subscribe below if you're not already on the email list. Wishing You Wholeness Diana Navarro, Empath, M.S.in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Certified Sleep Science Coach, Interior Designer, Dip.Int.Des. Certified in Content Management Feng Shui Consultant Diana Navarro and This Is Diana accepts no liability and/or responsibility for any actions and/or decisions any client/reader chooses to take or make based on his/her information provided here.

Why Aren't we Happy? As an Intuitive consultant and trained observer I have consulted, counseled, taught and advised thousands of people. By far, the biggest issue people talk about is that they are just not happy. There is mass depression, anxiety and despair out there. That's the bad news. The good news is that much of this oppressive emotion can be shifted to acceptance, joy, contentment and feeling moments of happiness more and more frequently. If your desire for happiness includes what is for the highest and greatest good of all, you are already on your way. Would you say no to that? Many people do in many ways and every second of every day. It's called resistance to happiness. But by being aware of the resistance, knowing what factors to consider and with a slight shift in mindset, (e.g. opening your mind to the possibility that there is more out there) we can achieve a different perspective. We can begin to feel this elusive happiness and find it isn't so elusive after all. We are creatures of habit and habits take time to create, break and change. So it is likely that it took years for you develop the habit of feeling defeat, frustration, lack of power, pain and think that this is the normal way of life. But habits can be broken. There are few things to think about should you want to explore ways to attain happiness. We are going to experience resistance almost immediately the moment we want to try to change the habit of feeling unhappy. This resistance will show its familiar head in various areas of our lives. To be aware is key. Then you can develop the stamina and determination to break through the resistance and push your way through your birthright which is to be joyous. Resistance 1 You don't deserve happiness The first and largest form of resistance is the belief that we don't deserve to be happy. The reasons are endless. Perhaps someone told us this once as a child, cultural beliefs say we must suffer to be good, we've tried and failed so we think we are meant to be miserable, or we have no context of what happiness is so we just assume that it is normal to be unhappy and on and on... I say you are entitled to happiness. It starts with the decision to use your free will to find ways to explore happiness and joy in your life in endless ways. Resistance 2 Your relationships are going to be affected Once you choose your path to happiness, people around you will most certainly react. Not all will be "happy" for you. It's not their fault. It just means things will change and too many people just don't like change. Family members, romantic partners, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, will find ways to convince you that you should stay the way you were. Some will even be blunt enough to ask "who do you think you are? Do you think you're better than me to actually be happy?" Be prepared for a true shift in many areas of your live. Those who truly want the best for you (and themselves) will join you on your path to joy and support you. You will also naturally as if by magic (but actually by the simple laws of the Universe), attract like minded people in to your life who will want to share your goal t happiness for all. Another issue is that some people often feel that happiness lies in finding the perfect relationship with someone or something else. But this will and have left billions well, unhappy. This will lead to great disappointment. Because nothing or no one is perfect and if we depend on others for happiness, this dis-empowers us. Begin with your-SELF. Show love, compassion, and acceptance of your humanity. For many of us, deep down and sometimes not so deep down inside, we have unresolved traumatic issue(s). In turn, we tend to repeat the same patterns over and over again in an attempt to resolve them, most often unsuccessfully. With increasing self-evaluation some of these issues will bubbles to the surface. THEN we can begin to heal, deal and release them for a happier life. Resistance 3: Life will be boring People often confuse happiness with stagnation. Or put another way, they believe that troubles, problems, drama, is what makes life interesting. Well the fact is that things in life will always happen to offer us challenge so I wouldn't be too worried about life getting boring. Happiness is action, dynamic living, along with deep down inner peace. Resistance 4: Health improvements are too much work Sometimes people believe making healthful changes is too much work or uninteresting. That gorging on food, drinks, sex, salt is more fun. While some things should be avoided all together. We know we should watch our weight, quit smoking, increase fitness, eat healthier, drink less sugar, eat less salt, drink less alcohol, sleep more (YES sleep more), use sunblock, and so on... but we just don't commit to these healthy changes to improve our lives. Often we will find a landmark day like a New Year's resolution, a birthday, or anniversary are a good time to begin our road to something better for our health. But old habits and busy-ness quickly set in and our plans go awry leading us to give up before we really try. The reality is that it is much more work to fight illness, be in pain, complain, suffer and struggle with the result of not treating this precious vehicle called our body, with respect, and love. While some things should be avoided all together. others done in moderation is a much better way to enjoy the good things in life. Resistance 5: Emotional/Spiritual development is for dummies Many have been trained to believe that logical, linear, left brain "scientific"  reasoning (even if it's made up), and following what authorities say is THE right way to live and believe. That people who believe in spirituality, emotions, sacred living are weak and silly. Wouldn't it make sense to have a balanced life? To contemplate the option that we don't know everything and never will? That to keep an open mind and explore different possibilities keeps  us alive and growing? Resistance 6: Life changes are going to happen This is when acceptance is crucial. Acceptance, however, does not equal giving up. Aging, health, relationships, moving, natural disasters, cultural beliefs are all ever changing. Much of this may not be under our control but since change is inevitable anyway, why not drive the force of change in the direction of whole living? Be in the moment. In other words, don't spend so much time in the past or the future because those are two things you absolutely cannot change. Now is where you can take action, shift your mood, create, love, laugh, and simply BE PRESENT. Resistance 7: Feeling Disconnected There is tremendous resistance to accepting we as humans are connected. This makes us feel isolated at times and unnecessarily lonely. But the question is, connected to what? Foremost, connected to ourselves, then each other, animals, our spaces, and places in this complex, beautiful and yet still-to-be understood matrix. No matter how lonely you may feel, there is a way to reconnect. Just know that for now, the rest will follow. Resistance 8: Knowledge and truth are unattainable so why try Some say the Truth is out there and that it will set you free and by free we mean happy. But what is the truth? The truth about what? Being human, what works to create happiness? If there is a truth then why are there so many different views and people passionately believing their truth to the point of killing and dying for it? Even if we don't know the truth, I think the search for it is worth living for. We are physically mortal so why not live the best life we possibly can while we are still here? Resistance 9 To cooperation Too many of us were conditioned to believe that life is about competition. Though competition does have its place in our society, it is too often used to hurt each other. Believing that competition is the only way to succeed causes people to think that the norm is to compete for resources, jobs, relationships, and well everything. This creates a winner versus loser society. However, we all have the potential for something great in our own way. It can be a great untapped talent while for others is to simply do our part as human beings in this world and take care of ourselves and the environment we all share. If we put competition in its place by keeping it friendly, we can go a long way on the road to happiness. Important things to consider on your path to happiness: There is no panacea to happiness. But every effort counts, so keep on trying. It's worth it. If you complain, you will continue to receive that which you are complaining about. If you explore the gifts in your challenges, disasters, adversities and problems, you will begin to experience a shift in perspective and see things more objectively, e.g. find the big picture. A step closer to TRUTH. If you stop blaming others and  yourself while taking rightful accountable, you can see the truth a bit clearer. Forgiveness is NOT easy but worth trying over and over again. With time, you WILL notice a difference in your own inner-self of freedom and peace. Gratitude for the good and the bad is one of the biggest ways to experiences glimpses of happiness. If you express compassion to yourself (which is separate from stroking the ego) you will feel something larger and better than pain you've become used to. No one has all the answers. If you are stuck believing you know it all or someone else does, you are heading to trouble-ville (that's place that's full of trouble). Don't forget to play and laugh. As adults someone, somewhere told us that playing is just for children. The shared a lie that being serious all the time is adult and mature. Oh what a shame, for laughter is a gift we should all partake in and doesn't interfere with our ability to be mature or make important life decisions. Being OPEN to new ideas keeps you alive, not just living. If you believe you've learned all there is to living, then say hello to the coffin because here come death of the mind, spirit and body. Why rush it, live in the present and live with joy. It is truly your choice.

Meditation For Those Who Struggle to Meditate If you're like me, it is very challenging to quiet that chattering brain. I find that anyone who is constantly stressed, has anxiety and/or is new to mediation may find it very difficult to meditate for very long. When I first started I would read about all these great people who could meditate for hours at a time. I felt miserable because I couldn't do five minutes without thinking about that bagel I shouldn't have eaten or if I cleaned the litter box. However, the more I learned, the more I realized that there are so many different types of meditations and strategies I didn't have to feel pressured to do something that I felt was nearly impossible for me to accomplish. If you have done some research yourself, you may find it a bit daunting as well. But there is wonderful hope. I always say, there is no wrong way. Try different methods and times until the right one clicks for you. I created for myself 30-second meditation bundles. It's amazing how long it can seem for those who struggle to quiet their mind. But guess what, it's worth every second of trying. This is how simple meditation works As you are exploring which type of meditation works for you, and don't worry we'll have other posts exploring this as well, you can release the pressure by just trying it in 30 second increments, hence the name Zen-conds. Zen is often used when we reach a state of calm and centered-ness. For instance, if you just want to do breath awareness, use a timer set for 30 seconds: Choose a place, ideally a place you won't be disturbed for a while and get comfortable. Sit in a chair or lay down. Relax your body from your feet up to your head. Or from the bottom up (for anyone who may not have a disability or missing limbs). As you focus on each part of your body moving upward simply say in with every inhale and out with every exhale. Every time a random thought or two comes in, simply sweep it away gently with an imaginary broom. Continue to do this until your timer goes off. If you find 30 seconds too short, then that's great. Set for 60 seconds or up to five minutes. Do this until the time seems just right for your current needs. Once you do find the right timing for you, you can try this short meditation technique while doing other activities so you can become more mindful and aware throughout your day. Of course use common sense and do not do this while driving or operating machinery. Below is a short refresher on some ways in which meditation works. How does Meditation Work Basically, thе word 'meditation' refers tо а range оf techniques whісh control уоur thoughts, іn order tо strengthen уоur mind аnd improve уоur physical health. In order tо clear off thе various misconceptions аbоut meditation, аnd understand іtѕ benefits, one has tо understand how іt works. Thеrе аrе different types оf meditation techniques, each оf whісh differ slightly frоm each оthеr, аnd have certain benefits оf thеіr own. Even thоugh аll thеѕе techniques work оn thе mind оf thе person, іtѕ beneficial effects саn bе seen оn thе mind аѕ wеll аѕ thе body. A self directed practice оf relaxing thе mind аnd body, meditation has bееn іn practice since quіtе а long time (at least thousands of years). It works оn а single principle thаt thе mind іѕ thе key tо уоur оvеrаll health, аnd thеrеfоrе keeping уоur mind іn control саn ensure уоur оvеrаll wеll-being. Whіle ѕоmе forms оf meditation involve focusing оn а particular subject, others involve simple relaxation аnd allow thе mind tо do whаtеvеr іt wants, wіthоut conscious efforts. Whіle meditating, а particular pattern оf breathing can be followed, whісh іѕ known аѕ controlled breathing (pranayama in yogic traditions). People whо аrе wеll versed wіth thіѕ concept suggest thаt meditation іѕ nоt аbоut finding solutions tо thе problem, but аbоut changing оur attitude towards thеm. Thе effects оf meditation tend tо differ frоm one individual tо аnоthеr. Given bеlоw аrе thе details оf thе effects оf meditation оn оur mind аnd body. Effects оn thе Brain A simple search can take you to many sites that show what kind of effect mediation has on the brain. Depending on thе changes іn thе breathing pattern, thе supply оf oxygen tо thе brain іѕ reduced or increased significantly. Often times you will find that with stress and anxiety our breathing is very shallow, decreasing the oxygen to our brain and causing all kinds of havoc in our bodies in general. With meditation we can have better intake of oxygen which increases our overall well-being. Scientific studies have аlѕо revealed thаt meditating regularly саn асtuаllу alter thе way уоur brain іѕ wired, аnd thеѕе alterations іn turn helps thе individual tо tackle а range оf health problems, including stress аnd insomnia. Effects оn thе Body Meditation tends tо decrease thе activity оf thе nervous system, аѕ thе supply оf oxygen іѕ reduced or increased. Many оf uѕ саn't stop wondering аѕ tо how meditation reduces stress symptoms оr how іt helps depression-affected people. Basically, thеѕе health problems аrе caused due tо underlying factors associated wіth оur mind. Whеn wе successfully treat thеѕе factors wіth thе help оf thе meditation techniques fоr stress оr depression, іt indirectly helps іn getting rid оf thе symptoms оf thеѕе ailments. Regular meditation helps іn healing а range оf ailments, including insomnia, anxiety, еtс. In fact, ѕоmе оf thе more recent studies even claim thаt thіѕ relaxation technique саn help іn keeping various ailments, including certain types оf cancers, аt bay. Thеѕе scientific explanations оn thе effects оf meditation оn оur mind аnd body have helped іn changing thе popular belief thаt meditation іѕ оnlу associated wіth religion аnd spirituality. Thе scientifically backed health benefits оf thіѕ practice have even prompted several medical practitioners tо advise thеіr patients tо practice various techniques оf meditation tо maintain оvеrаll health. Wіth аll thеѕе benefits, meditation іѕ undoubtedly one оf thе most effective tool оf wеll-being - а necessity fоr thе people іn thіѕ fast paced world.

Meditation Helps the Process of Creation and Zen Evеrуоnе wіth а creative passion knows thаt thе worst part іѕ nоt thе critiques, nоt thе constant practice, but thе blank page. No matter how creative, skilled оr inspired уоu might bе, thеrе іѕ ѕоmеthіng аbоut sitting down tо work аnd feeling thаt vast expanse оf nothing stretch bеfоrе уоu аnd erase еvеrуthіng уоu аrе аѕ а writer, painter, illustrator оr sculptor. Know whаt makes іt worse? Thе fact thаt wе know thе opposite side оf thе coin, tоо. Wе know whаt wе’rе capable оf. How many times have уоu lost уоurѕеlf іn thе midst оf creation, time slipping bу аnd уоur emotions ѕееmіng tо flow effortlessly frоm уоur fingertips? Thаt feeling іѕ thе reason wе create - іt’s like а high, аnd wе аrе just junkies after оur next fix. Sоmеtіmеѕ, thаt fix doesn’t come. It’s uѕuаllу оnlу temporary, but іt саn turn chronic аѕ wеll - even turn уоu frоm уоur passion fоr good. It іѕ absolutely imperative thаt уоu break thе dry spell аnd allow inspiration tо flow, аnd meditation саn help. It took me nine years to complete a book. When I started it I used traditional ways of trying to write. Very recently I had to practice what I preached since the book has a spiritual topics. I used meditation as a technique and I completed the in less than 6 months. See below. Set thе Scene Get оut thе tools оf уоur trade. Place еvеrуthіng уоu need tо create wіthіn easy reach. Don’t bе stingy - get оut аll оf уоur paints аnd brushes, canvases, paper, clay, stone, оr whаtеvеr. Get оut уоur best pens, уоur laptop, уоur dictionary, thesaurus, оr аnу reference book уоu might uѕе. I love pend and decided to get colored pens of all sorts, placed them in a special place to practice these techniques. Now, your turn to get ready. Set uр fоr а meditation. Get оut уоur mat, уоur pillow, уоur comfy chair. Light thе candles аnd incense, turn down thе lights. Or, turn thеm uр - create thе feeling уоu want tо see іn уоur work. Turn оn thе colored lights аnd disco ball іf thаt’s whаt уоu want tо express. Involve аll уоur senses. Play ѕоmе music. Mауbе ѕоmеthіng quiet, mауbе ѕоmеthіng loud. Mауbе ѕоmеthіng structured, like а march, mауbе ѕоmеthіng more ephemeral, like а whale song. Thе music ѕhоuld reflect whаt уоu’rе feeling аbоut whаt уоu’rе аbоut tо create. You can easily use the internet to find sound that matches your needs. Settle In Get comfortable аnd begin thе journey wіthіn. Inѕtеаd оf blocking оut thе scents аnd sounds аrоund уоu, lеt thеm guide уоur mind. Or, block thеm оut initially, tо get deep wіthіn уоurѕеlf, аnd allow thеm tо creep bасk іn one аt а time. Pay attention tо how уоu feel, whаt уоu see, аnd аnу sudden pictures оr flashes thаt occur. Thеу mау bе pieces оf оld memories associated wіth thе mood уоu’ve set, оr thеу mау bе totally irrelevant. Eіthеr way, thеу саn bе inspiration. Meditate аѕ long аѕ уоu need tо. Don’t try tо keep tо а schedule, bесаuѕе ending thе session tоо early wіll оnlу make thе creation process take longer. Take уоur time аnd absorb еvеrуthіng уоu’rе experiencing аѕ іf уоu wеrе а tourist оn аn alien planet. Allow thе feelings tо get inside, rip уоu араrt аnd build уоu uр. Harvest Slowly work уоur way bасk tо thе here аnd now, like waking frоm а deep sleep. Don’t rush thіѕ part еіthеr, оr уоu run thе risk оf losing еvеrуthіng уоu just discovered. Drift уоur way bасk tо thе surface аnd awaken. Turn tо уоur materials аnd get еvеrуthіng оut. Lеt іt flow. It doesn’t have tо make sense - уоu’ll sort іt аll оut lаtеr. Fоr now, just brain-dump еvеrуthіng оntо а medium. Uѕе whаtеvеr materials оr techniques come tо hand. Don’t worry аbоut perfection, except іn places whеrе іt rеаllу ѕееmѕ tо matter. Don’t try tо create а final work, just create а data bank frоm whісh уоu саn draw lаtеr. Yоu mау feel а bit frenzied аt thіѕ point - thаt’s good, іt means уоur creative high іѕ returning. Ride thе wave untіl іt ends. If уоu’rе still struggling, simply focus оn getting thе gist оf whаt уоu experienced оn paper, аѕ іf уоu hаd tо describe іt tо ѕоmеоnе wіthоut words. Create Whеn things begin tо slow down аnd уоu run оut оf steam, уоu mау find уоurѕеlf returning tо а particular item оvеr аnd оvеr. Take thаt piece аnd develop іt. Or put multiple pieces together untіl ѕоmеthіng moves уоu. Add аnd subtract, change, flip, rotate tо find ѕоmеthіng real. Eventually уоu’ll hit іt - whеthеr уоu choose tо continue thе development immediately оr lаtеr, уоur creative block wіll have bееn cleared. See more techniques to get your creative juices flowing and how to create your own sacred space in my book.

What do you most want if you suffer from relentless , stress, trauma symptoms and pain? Relief! And…to know the cause, effective treatment and permanent cure. Pain depletes your vital energy It negatively affects your ability to move, your ability to care for yourself fully, the ability to care for others, your ability to work, the ability to sleep, your ability to enjoy your life, to enjoy your family, and friends. It also lowers your emotional and spiritual well-being, can cause depression and other emotional distress. Trying the typical remedies can leave you feeling hopeless when you see it is not providing enough relief to even think clearly. From the top of our head to the tip of our toes, should we be lucky enough to be physically whole, we can have pain anywhere in our physical, emotional and spiritual system. Acute pain is pain caused by a particular incident that usually resolves within a period of time. When it does, we can safely say we have healed. When pain turns into chronic pain and continues for extended periods of times (including as long as one’s lifetime), we want to know what is happening and how find relief and healing. But we’ve been doing it all wrong. If we weren’t, wouldn’t we found a way of ending chronic pain and stress already? These are some suggested requirements when entering a contract with one’s self to find pain and stress relief: We need to re-learn how to listen to our bodies and various needs again. We need to be ready, willing and able to find the right customized treatment. We need a comprehensive plan of action (more below).We must be our own advocate. We have to become experimenters (with the proper, safe, guidance). We need discernment to determine what is a truly potential, time-tested option versus, a scam, for pure profit “quick fix”, and unnecessarily risky option. We need space and places for treatment (including privacy). We need a trusted support system. In summary, we need to take care of ourselves by Using Beauty to Heal Pain via Power-Self-Care. Beauty Heals Pain--Power Self-Care is about something we forgot to do: that is listen to our body, mind and spiritual needs. It consists of actionable, conventional and unconventional tools and techniques, including using beauty to relieve chronic pain and stress (Beauty for Pain). You can use these tips anytime, anywhere and are customized specifically for anyone suffering from chronic stress and pain. This can be any of the following: general mindfulness, conscious breathing, water, shelter and rest, addressing family, financial, professional, social and spiritual issues that are causing chronic distress.  This includes consciously establishing new and healthy habits of self-care while working on eliminating unhealthy ones with a specific plan. Chronic pain and stress is pain and stress that does not go away.  With Chronic pain, the pain and trauma signals continue for weeks, months, and years after the original cause has occurred. The pain varies in intensity and location. The pain can be emotional and equally, if not more severe, than physical pain. Chronic pain often interferes with quality of life in very important ways as stated above. It is also interconnected in many ways. One area of your life spills over into another. For example, the pain causes sleep loss which lowers your immune system which can lead to other compound infections and illnesses. This doesn't have to continue. There is hope and there are options. Pain and stress are going to happen, but with the right tools and options, you can live again!

What is Self-Care, Exactly? There is a lot out there about what Self-Care is. Yet no one seems to really know. Certain industries are taking advantage of this and using it to market certain products like the beauty industry, or medical devices services, even the anti self-care movement that believe you should stay within the confines of the status quo. Self-care is exactly that, caring for your "self". Your body, your mind, and your spirit. They are all connected. You care for one it flows over to other parts of our--selves. So why the confusion or debate about what self-care is? We have been conditioned to believe that caring for yourself is inherently wrong, selfish, bad and worst of all, unimportant. This is incorrect. Every living creature must care for themselves, otherwise we are unable to effectively do anything worth doing in life including caring for others. Don't fall for the I DON'T HAVE TIME myth.  You can make the time. Who's the boss of you? Something or someone else? Take your power back. Start small, but take it back and stop making excuses. Don't fall for the I CAN'T AFFORD IT myth. Self-care is so wide-ranging the some of the most basic forms are free and fundamental. Conscious breathing, watching your posture, scheduling your time, hygiene, etc. Don't fall for the I DON'T NEED IT myth. We all need it or we'd wither away. Once we find the value in ourselves, everything falls into place. Don't fall for the IT'S FOR WOMEN ONLY (OR MEN ONLY) myth. Self-care is for everyone. We all need it to nourish ourselves in various ways. This ranges from what we eat, to how we sleep, or who we spend time with oh and so much more. The best part about self-care is the use of our creativity to find ways of doing it. And yes, there are self-care routines that are luxurious. That's okay, in fact, that's fantastic. there are choices and that's why we are here to exercise our free will and make choices. The myths go on, so let's dispel them and work on what is true... I invite you to take the challenge and learn more about self-care

Be Aware of thieves, scammers, cheaters, Liars! Good economy, bad economy, to take something that does NOT belong to you is wrong at every level. This applies to money, physical property, intellectual property, and stealing another person's romantic relationship who is involved with someone else. What motivates anyone to take something that isn't inherently theirs, or they didn't earn? Greed, exhilaration of getting away with it, desperation? The answer is...who cares? Energy is energy and once someone knowingly takes something from someone else, that is sure to some how equal out one way or the other and in its own time. Recently, I got an email from my bank saying there was a fraud alert. Well, sure enough someone got access to my checking debit card info and decided to help themselves to some gaming merchandise. This caused my card to be blocked for my protection but a huge inconvenience and most important, a sense of violation. I ask again...who sits there and decides to happily use something that isn't theirs? ATM Skimming is bigger than ever http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/8-ways-protect-against-atm-skimming-1282.php Not too much longer after the above incident I got another bank alert ( I was fortunate to have a bank that does this) saying my balance was low. I check and there are tons of purchases to fast food in Europe. I haven't traveled to Europe and I don't eat fast food. It turns out someone, somewhere, got my account information. I am careful when I put my password in but there are so many chances to have your info stolen it's bound to happen. This isn't to scare you but to ask you to look at your purchases carefully. If you see a small amount that you don't recognize as in a $1 or $ 3 purchase, that is a test from the thieves to see if your account is active. Next, they wipe you out completely...

Suspecting Your Partner is Cheating is one of the worst feelings any one can feel--betrayed As a Empath and Spiritual/Certified Coach, one of the most difficult sessions I can have is related to a person cheating on their partner. The pain of suspecting, investigating and confirming is immeasurable. The effects are devastating. But there are things you can do to be proactive and begin the healing process as soon as possible. What you are about to read is an except of my book that provides unconventional ways of relieving the pain of the mind, body and soul during a heartbreak. The first step however is to tune in to all your resources and learn how to learn if the cheating is actually happening. Take a deep breath, take two more. Take solace that you can get answers and healing can happen. Read and learn how being empowered with information can help in the healing process. The Event So, you met someone you were romantically attracted to. You had great chemistry, were getting along fabulously, and you were even having amazing sex! Everything was going along swimmingly with your partner, but then it happened—something changed. You felt a knot in your gut. The interest your partner had for you changed or diminished. But not only did it diminish; it’s now towards someone else. You lost your lover to someone else. But the key here is s/he hasn't been honest or had enough integrity to tell you about it. It doesn’t matter if you were just dating, not fully monogamous, committed, engaged or married. When you know you are losing your partner, the feeling is undeniable. Everyone experiences these feelings slightly differently but the signs are there. There are telltale behaviors to look out for in your wayward partner. It’s important to be attuned this in order to be prepared and heal as soon as possible, bounce back and continue to live your life fully. Know that you are entitled to be loved truly and loyally. You may feel and see the signs of losing their lover but it is still incredibly shocking when it is actually confirmed. Some people call it a “woman’s intuition” but both genders have the ability to sense the changes in their partner. In other words, intuition is gender-blind. But does knowing the signs your lover is leaving you helpful? Will it change the outcome? What’s the point if all? Why did you two even meet? And how will you deal with your partner’s change of heart? How will you deal with the betrayal? These are important questions to consider with no easy answers. It will take time and self-inquiry but the answers are there. Being aware of the signs of your lover’s wondering eye will not necessarily make it less painful but can serve as an incredible learning lesson in trusting your own intuition and finding ways of coping that are healthy for you to heal faster and remain whole. The Signs of Cheating There are definite changes that occur when a partner is about to leave a relationship for another lover. Some of these changes are subtle and some are more obvious. Even if we don’t know the person very long, there are things they do that signal they have lost interest in us. Sometimes the person being left behind has no clue for awhile or is in denial. But then the outward signs come creeping in. Before you jump to conclusions, use common sense, do your research, communicate openly but non-confrontational with your partner and trust your intuition. There is no definite sign of losing your lover to someone else, but some of these by themselves or in combination can give you clues. It will take your partner admitting or you catching him/her in the act to have actual proof so proceed with caution and again, trust your intuition. Here are some signs and behavioral changes to consider. 1. You experience an unexplained gut instinct and sinking feeling and when you notice differences and point them out in your partner. When you do point them out your partner lashes out or denies defensively. 2. There are sudden changes in your lovemaking—unusual increase in desire/decrease in desire/wanting to try new things in bed. 3. Changes in frequency of communication, talks much less or shows unusual interest in your activities. 4. Asking you to suddenly change things about you or wishing things about you were different. 5. Environmental changes in your partner’s home/office space. 6. Changes in their fitness, eating, dressing habits. 7. Changes in speech, sayings and social interests—especially with no reference connected to you. 8.. Your communication styles change and your partner doesn’t confide in you anymore. 9. Becomes secretive about activities. 10, Projection, sometimes the one about to be left is accused of a wandering eye. 11. Strange marks, cuts, bruises in your partner’s body. 12. Your partner starts looking for excuses to argue about random things. 13. Unusual and extra time on their social network Facebook, Twitter, email, IM (whatever the trending social media is). 14. Missing time; your partner disappears and is secretive or defensive about it. 15. Finding Intimate apparel that wasn’t there before and isn’t yours. Your partner receives gifts from either an unknown person or someone you already suspect, e.g. a work colleague. 16. Your partner “smells” different. 17. Suddenly your partner has a bounce in their step, similar to the one when they met you. 18. Asks questions related to loving more than one partner. 19. Sudden interest in different music and social activities never discussed by you. 20. The meaningfulness of your relationship is minimized. 21. What was special is reduced to more of an uncommitted dating or even friendship in some cases. You Were Left For Someone Else, Now Begin To Heal You Will Heal Your self-esteem has taken a huge hit, so it’s triage time. You are going to ask yourself a lot of serious questions. Why did it happen? Who is responsible? What do you do next? There are no easy or quick answers. But know this, this is a universal experience. It’s happened since the beginning of time. And although that’s no consolation, you will heal. Give Yourself a Time Out Even if the state of your relationship is undetermined, the feelings you will experience will be intense and stormy. The first thing to do is take a time out. As much as you may want to, do not lash out at your partner violently or whomever they left you for. It this easy? Hell no!!!! But it is necessary to have a cool head in order to make the best possible decision for you and yes, everyone involved because whether we like it or not, we are all connected. Be Patient You will ask yourself a thousand questions and the same question a thousand times. Be patient with yourself but do be prepared to move on at some point. In over 21 years of advising, consulting and counseling I can tell you that blaming yourself is not going to help. And being in a position to advise has not made me immune so I can speak from experiential perspective too. Be Honest With Yourself and the New You Often you will feel immense humiliation and the feeling of inadequacy as a partner. You may feel your partner’s new love is sexier, hotter, smarter, more interesting than you. But this is far from the truth. The truth is no one really can predict why a lover may suddenly find someone else attractive. Take inventory of yourself and your relationship Can you use this experience a golden opportunity to do something that’s actually good for you? There may be something you’ve always wanted to do for yourself and this may be the reason, albeit a painful one, to do it. This does not imply you did anything to deserve being left, but there is always room to expand and improve. So why not use this as a reason to better yourself while staying true to yourself? For instance get a physical and see if you are healthy overall. Consider a make-over of hair, wardrobe, eating habits, social network, etc. It doesn’t have to be extreme but it should be a gift for yourself. Re-acquaint yourself with YOU. Get to know yourself as human, friend, and yes lover. Feel what you must feel. To ignore your feelings of betrayal, anger, shame and loss will only bite you in the behind if you don’t take the self care time to feel them. Seek Support But Do Move On There comes a time when you have to lick your wounds and move on. There is a true grieving process that has to occur so again, read on the subject and see what phase you may be experiencing. It’s not linear and everyone reacts different. Also, no one can say exactly when the right time to move on is, but you will know intuitively. If the rest of your life is being adversely affected and months have turned into a year or longer, it’s time to evaluate your situation honestly and objectively. Help yourself in anyway you can. Read books, and articles on your situation, seek counseling, attend workshops find yourself a support system if you need one. Time really does heal all wounds. Sometimes we need to do a little extra work to move the healing process along. There are so many tips, ideas, and even healthy rituals to do to make your achy heart heal faster and be the whole beautiful you, you always were, you are and will continue to be. Don't hesitate to get help if you need from a professional who knows about this topic and can help you in the process of healing. Wishing You Wholeness