She Called

As the years passed by and I grew to an adult, looking at the alternative aspects of life was a passion that grew stronger every moment. The questions of What Why When How Where??????????? never seemed to cease and am lucky they didn’t or else I wouldn’t have a source of sustenance.
Many a times trying to figure out the nuances of the voices within and around, would put me into a state of flux, despair and sadness.However, I also understood that someday when the time is right the voices would guide me to understand myself better than before.
The voice and the shadows would guide and lead me, the intense energy and vibrations would call out to me………Oh! Would someone please please help me with an answer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is what would run in my mind twenty four seven, believe it or not even if I said every breath and moment of my life.
Now I believed always that MAGIC WAS AROUND US AND IN US.
“Mind your language” is what my parents and the elders would always tell us at home, well apart from the decency quotient hidden in those lines, I have also understood why they would say that famous line, irrespective of wether they knew it or not. The reason being simple, “thoughts change into actions “and that is so true. If you say something means you thought about it at some point and hence it was out of your mouth directly intentionally or unintentionally, hence it at most times changes into actions.
From the family that I come, an orthodox Roman Catholic denomination, I have been lucky and am to date allowed following and believing in my instincts.
The circle does go round and around, and sometimes in a state of confusion with no one to guide and those who were there to do so would often mis lead me. Hence trying to find the Teacher was a major challenge for me. It is said that when the disciple is ready the teacher appears……….. now this sentence is very true, because with all the experiences I gathered in the past few years with spells and magic and the understanding of the connection I have with the universe I finally did find My Wiccan teacher, and I didn’t have to travel the seven seas for it.
I feel blessed and honoured to now be under the protection and guidance of Lady Ipsita Ray Chakraverti. In the beginning I was a bit apprehensive since I had been ditched and mislead a number of times by many so called Psychics or Spiritual tellers.
But let me tell you Lady Ipsita is not a person who would want to claim the THIS and THAT of the Wiccan world. A true Wiccan is what she is who allows the universe to guide her and allow her to help fellow Wiccans and the Youth. What I really find interesting is the method of her teaching, not loud, not theoretical, but something you would identify with, rather everything you would be experiencing in your life, and you would learn ultimately what it means to have those experiences.
After my first meeting with Ipsita, I understood myself better, and under her constant guidance I also have become a better person and yes needless to say, life has changed for the better.
This is why I named this article “She Called” , She as in the Mother Goddess, She as in the Universe, She as in Lady Ipsita.
No wonder they say correctly Wicca Chooses you and you don’t choose Wicca.

Blessed Be

Chocolate Easter Basket

“Forget love -- I'd rather fall in chocolate!!!” The very thought of chocolate sets our mouth watering. There are a few stuffs that people feel very passionate about and one among them is chocolate. For the true chocoholic, just thinking about chocolate can evoke an enjoyable and delightful response. Be it a normal chocolate fan or a crazy chocolate enthusiast, chocolate
gift is an absolute delight for all of them. A chocolate gift basket is always overwhelming and satisfying for all the chocoholics for weeks, or may be for months. So, on this Easter delight all your loved ones who are chocoholics with Chocolate Easter Basket.

Chocolate Easter basket is a nice way to celebrate the springtime family. Overflowing with delightful treats, a gourmet chocolate gift basket suffices all your personal as well as corporate gift giving needs. Expression of love and affection is possible in a number of ways and one commonly followed method is gifting of chocolates. Chocolate Easter customized gift boxes personalize your special day, leaving a lasting impression with your loved ones. For instance, a chocolate gift box dressed in ribbon and bow and overflowing with drinking chocolate, Tanzania dessert sauce, dark chocolate raspberry bar, almonds and sweetened coconut dipped in milk chocolate, milk chocolate bar, dark chocolate mint signature bar, apricots pretzels, Jamaican rum caramel filled bar, cashew turtles and many more treats will surely delight your chocoholic recipient.

Dgreetings provides us with information on Chocolate Easter Basket.

Easy Crafts for Kids

Easter is a fun time for kids. They eagerly wait for the spring season with great excitement and thrill. So, on this Easter add a bit of spice to the celebrations of Easter with Easy Crafts for Kids. Dgreetings offers you a huge selection of crafts and activities to keep any child happy. These mentioned crafts are easy and fun ways to decorate and create beautiful treats. So, settle in and read some of the Easy Craft for Kids.


Painted Stones

Supplies:

Acrylic paints
Smooth flat stones
Markers
Paint brushes
Water

Method: Firstly wash and dry off the stones. Mix the paints and pour into paper cups. Then make your kid paint the dried stones. Continue until all stones are colored. Keep the colored stones aside to let the paint dry. Then your kid can draw simple designs with the marker pens. If they commit any mistakes use the water in the jar to wipe off. The water can be used to clean brushes. These beautifully painted stones can be used as paper weights or ornaments.

Easter Invitation

Supplies:

Construction paper
Scissors
Bunny cookie-cutters
Cotton balls
Markers
Pencils
Glue

Method: Firstly help your kid trace bunny cookie-cutter shapes with a pencil on the construction paper. Cut the shape out with scissors. Decorate the bunnies with ribbon or bow. Glue a cotton-ball tail on all the bunny invitation cards. Write all the party information on the inner side of the card.

Easter Gifts for Men

Easter is the time to be with friends and loved ones and the time to share the warmth of your love and care. Exchanging gifts is an important aspect of Easter celebrations. Buying Easter gifts for men is not an easy task for all of us. We have to keep in mind the likes and dislikes of the man who will receive the gift. Whether you are a man or a woman, you need to keep in mind certain points before you set out to buy any Easter gifts for men.


Most men are gadget freaks. They are considered to be more rational and less emotional than women. Their emotions are supposedly attached with logic and common sense. At any occasion, even on Easter, men would love to have gifts which they can use. Anytime you can gift an iPod to a man, as it would enable him to refresh his mind with his favorite songs as he drives to office, or on the way back home. It is one of the ideal Easter gifts for men who love music. Buy him a standby for his mobile phone or for his iPod. It won’t require wall socket and it will be a blessing when his mobile phone or iPod runs out of charge.

Given below are some more interesting Easter gifts for men –


Cordless drill – men don’t mind getting it as a gift more than once. You can safely gift him one even if he has got a few of them.
Themed Easter gift baskets – - If he is a sports lover then gifting sports themed Easter basket would be a brilliant idea. Such a gift basket may contain items such as a book on sports, sports water bottle, sports ball gift box, etc. - Gourmet Easter gift basket filled with all the yummy things he likes. - A beer and wine gift basket is sure to add a smile to his face.

Hope these ideas on Easter gifts for men would come handy for you. For more information on Easter gifts, surf through the pages of Dgreetings.

Easter Lunch Recipes

Easter Lunch Recipes will make your Easter lunch hassle free. Easter Lunch is eaten both with family and friends. Easter lunch is a gala feast and is served with lamb, ham, fish, sliced meats, cheese, potatoes and other delicious dishes. So, settle in and read some delicious Easter Lunch Recipes.


Easter Lamb

Ingredients:
5 lb leg of lamb -- boneless
Black pepper
1/2 c dill -- chopped
2 tbs garlic -- minced
1/2 c parsley -- chopped
4 tbs oregano -- rubbed
1/2 c red wine vinegar
1 c olive oil
Salt according to taste

Method: Preheat oven to 425F Blend together the vinegar, oil, parsley, garlic, dill, oregano, and pepper. Butter the lamb and pepper generously on both sides. Make some slits in the lamb. Marinate the lamb for 2 hours. Then squeeze the lamb and drain the marinade from lamb. Put lamb in the oven in for about 45 minutes. Let lamb rest before serving.

Easter Ham:

Ingredients
2 cups packed brown sugar
8 pound cured, bone-in picnic ham
Salt according to taste

Method: Spread about 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar on the bottom of the slow cooker jar. Then lay the ham flat side down into the slow cooker. Use your hands to rub the remaining brown sugar onto the ham. Cover, and cook on low for 9 hours.

Baked Chicken & Potatoes

Ingredients:
3-4 pound chicken cut into serving pieces
2 tbs Parsley
3 tbs Vegetable oil
6 Potatoes, peeled & quartered
Crushed tomatoes
1 ts Basil
2 Cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Method: First pour enough oil in a large roasting pan to cover bottom of the pan. Place chicken in the pan and place potatoes between the chicken pieces. Sprinkle evenly parsley, basil, garlic, tomatoes, salt and pepper over the chicken and potatoes. Lastly, sprinkle with the grated cheese and the oil. Bake in 375 degree F. oven until chicken is done.

DGreetings gives you an account of Easter Lunch Recipes.

easter blessings

Easter Blessings
As the deep Purple sunrise comes across the sky
Easter Morning is here and it makes me cry
This Holiday is sacred, the Resurrection of the King
Even in Heaven the Angles do preciously sing
This holiday has been commercialized, do you really see
A Parade in New York City, Egg Hunts with Baskets will be
The Children chasing Rabbits and eating Jelly Beans
Marshmallow chickens and expensive Bonnets by all means
Praising the Savior is what I will always do
The Inflatable sensations of the world holds so true
Jesus told us that, in every thing He did and said
The world then took Him and crucified him dead
So on this Easter Morning remember our Jesus Christ
Dresses might be pretty, yet they are quite so over priced

Depression - hidden causes in the diet

Depression is a state of mind characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity. It can range from a mild affliction to a point where it severely affects the social functioning and activities of daily living of an individual. There are multiple causes of depression ranging from complex psychological and physiological factors such as lack of self-esteem, or perfectionsim to hormonal imbalances as seen in postpartum depression.

There is increasing evidence that diet may play a causative role in some cases of depression. The food production in industrialized societies uses intensive farming and processing techniques. This can contribute to depleted levels of omega 3 fatty acids, certain amino acids and other essential nutrients in the food we eat. Also over time our food choices and preferences have changed, which has led to a skewed ratio of fats in out diet.

Omega 3 is an important essential fats for the body. Its deficiency has been linked to depression, anxiety, aggressiveness and even insomnia. In some studies it was observed that patients suffering from depression have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their cell membranes. More startlingly, its deficiency worsens the conditions of ADHD children considerably. Research has shown that patients with bipolar depression who increased their consumption of foods containing omega 3 showed remarkable improvement in mood, which supports the role of omega 3 fatty acids in the treatment of depression.

Omega 3 is required in the diet and cannot be made within the body. Foods rich in omega 3 include oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, flaxseeds walnuts, olive oil, pumpkin seeds. Ensuring 2-3 portions of oily fish per week should provide adequate omega 3 in your diet.

Amino acids are also not produced within the human body. Tryptophan is an amino acid which is converted into serotonin in the body and is a natural relaxant. This can be used in the treatment of depression to assist with a good night’s sleep, treat migraines and even boost the immune system. Deficiency in the essential amino acid Lysine may cause fatigue, irritability and a lack of concentration. Good sources of lysine include meat, chicken, and eggs and legumes.

Carbohydrates are important in the fight against depression. They help to release the chemical monoamine serotonin. This chemical is found in the brain and is a mood-enhancer. It induces sleep and brings on relaxation. Depression seems to stem from reduced serotonin in the brain. Hence the feeling of satisfaction as soon as a person eats a meal with carbohydrates. Increasing complex carbohydrates that are absorbed slowly such as brown rice, whole grain wheat, bran, fruits and vegetables may be important in the treatment of depression, as this will help ensure a steady supply of serotonin.

Depression can also be intensified or even caused by deficiencies of folate, B12 and vitamin C and magnesium. In a major study, a direct link between low folate levels and neuropsychiatry disorder was established. It has also been suggested that an increased intake of folate can help reduce the high levels of homocysteine often present during depression. Foods rich in folate and vitamin c include spinach, broccoli, tomato juice, kidney beans, lentils and asparagus and increasing amounts of these foods in the diet could be useful in the treatment of depression.

Vitamin B12 is found in animal products such as milk, meat, cheese and yogurt. Vegans and strict vegetarians who do not drink milk products can be lacking in Vitamin B12. Elderly people often suffer from malabsorption of this vitamin due to a lack of acidity in the stomach (which assists in its digestion) and this can lead to mood disorders or even depression. Vitamin B12 is therefore a key vitamin to consider in supplementing for the treatment of depression.

A deficiency of magnesium is sometimes associated with forms of depression. A diet rich in magnesium such as nuts and grains, spinach, and meat may be beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of depression.

Depression is sometimes caused by the increased intake of alcohol and narcotic substances. We are all well aware of the initial euphoria that occurs with alcohol intake, however in the long term, alcohol abuse can contribute heavily to a depressive state.

Diet and depression may well have a cyclical relationship. Depression may be exacerbated by dietary deficiency in the first place and can go onto lead to a loss of appetite or apathy towards food and wellbeing. A dietary approach to the treatment of depression is by no means the whole answer but it could play an important role.
By James Balch

Detox Diets - the 24 Hour Detox Revitalization Diet

Much has been written and said about diets and detox, but here we are going to present a simple 24 detox diet to cleanse your system, make you feel better and revitalise you with energy, its simple and very effective.

This 24 hour detox diet can be used after a period of over-indulgence, or when you awake feeling poorly and will revitalize you quickly.

This detox diet should not to be used everyday.

24 Hour Detox Diet Basics

The basis for this detox diet is 4 glasses of ‘fresh' pomegranate juice, slow-cooked brown rice, a high-power vegetable salad, and 200 grams of raw almonds.

The combination will give you all the vitamins and minerals you need for your day, clear your body of toxins and oxidants, and give you plenty of energy to face the world. You will also lose a minimum of 600 grams to 1 kilo depending on your height and body weight.

Detoxing to cleanse your body

The pomegranate is a very powerful (the most powerful) anti-oxidant we know of in any food.

It has been shown to reverse and even prevent some cancers and heart disease.

The almonds will supply all the calories, oils, and proteins you need, without feeling hungry.

The salads are for bulk and all the vitamins and minerals that are gained from the eating of salads and vegetables.

The brown rice is also a wonderful antioxidant, and source of many vitamins and minerals that can be readily absorbed by the body.

The rules of this detox diet are simple:

1. No coffee or tea, or any soft drink. The ONLY liquids that are allowed are the 4 glasses of pomegranate juice and much water as you can drink.

2. If you are a smoker, try to stop for the 24 hours, or if you cannot, limit the cigarettes to as few as possible, and try not to inhale, but smoke the cigarette as you would a cigar.

3. Take a hot shower or bath both in the morning and in the evening, scrubbing the skin with a brush, loofa, or special skin cloth that will stimulate good blood circulation. Also going to a sauna is a wonderful idea. Spend as much time there as possible, taking your food with you.

4. Do not cheat; follow the diet plan. Eat ONLY when you are hungry, not by the clock.

5. Exercise by any means (walking may be the best) for at least 45 minutes during the day. This is very important.

Detox diet Morning Meal

One glass of pomegranate juice, with a handful of the raw almonds. Do not overfill your stomach; when you are about 50% satisfied, stop.

Detox diet Mid-morning Snack

One bowl of the brown rice, with some natural soya sauce, and some tofu if you feel you need protein. One glass of water.

Detox diet Lunch

One glass of pomegranate juice and a mixed green salad, as much as you wish. A dressing of virgin olive oil, wine vinegar, and salt may be used.

Detox diet Mid-Day Snack

One glass of pomegranate juice, with a handful of the raw almonds. Do not overfill your stomach; when you are about 50% satisfied, stop.

Detox diet Diner

The last glass of pomegranate juice and a large bowl of brown rice.

No more food should be consumed with this detox diet.

You will have taken over 1200 calories, and a host of wholesome and healthful nutrients with this detox diet if followed exactly.

Moreover, you body will have had 24 hours to rid itself of the toxins absorbed by over-indulgence, or simply daily city life (stress, pollution and processed food products).

During the day When using this detox diet feel fantastic and alert.

We advise to not follow this detox diet more than one day weekly, as it is not effective as a general everyday diet. It is however highly effective as a quick pick me up and cleansing diet.

For more sensible diet and nutrition advice visit our website for free articles, downloads, features and magazines.

Aromatherapy to Overcome Your Financial Fears

By Francoise Rapp

For many people, the menacing and overpowering awareness of their financial state is enough to keep them awake at night. And it's no wonder, since we spend so much of our daily lives doing mental accounting of our finances, paying bills, and watching our paperwork pile up. This financial anxiety can be paralyzing for some, keeping them in an endless poverty consciousness cycle that actually prevents them from attracting the abundance they so desire.

If you suffer from these self-sabotaging fears, it's time to learn how to release their hold on you. And you may be surprised to learn that the remedy is really no different than treating a physical ailment.

When you are sick, you take herbs and nurture yourself in order to regain your health. Apply this principle to your emotional state and use action to relieve your symptoms. Include a simple ritual and a customized aromatherapy blend to your daily routine and you will soon find yourself free from the financial fears that were holding you back.

Start by taking the following actions to welcome prosperity into your life:




-- Clear the Clutter --

Are you apprehensive about your accounting, allowing it to pile up and clutter your life? Consider the negative message that sends about your abilities to manage your finances. Eliminating clutter is a major principle in Feng Shui. When you clear it, you also eliminate the emotional clutter as well. Do a major de-cluttering this week. Make it a point to organize your papers, file your receipts, etc. Then, make sure to maintain your new sense of order.

-- Change Your Perspective on the Situation --

We are often reluctant to address our finances because we are afraid of what we will find. Will we find more debt? Will we discover we have less money than we need? Change your perspective today by doing an inventory of your life. Make a list of all your goods: possessions, relationships, success stories, health, etc. See how much you have on hand instead of how much you lack. And remember, no matter how bad it gets, there is always a way out.

-- Aromatic Blend to Transcend Your Financial Fears --

This blend will boost your confidence, willpower, and courage.
In a 10-ml bottle, add the following essential oils and fill with an organic vegetable oil:

· 5 drops Bay leaves Essential Oil
· 5 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
· 4 drops Cinnamon Essential Oil

Anoint the solar plexus, lower back. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and breathe it in deeply. Use it in the morning, when feeling scared or anxious about a financial situation.

Order the oils you need to prepare your blend:
===> http://www.aromalchemy.com/aromatherapy/ouroils.html

-- Your 10-Minute Ritual --

This exercise will replenish your body and mind in positive energy, thus helping you attract abundance into your life.

Sit silently in a quiet place for several minutes. Visualize yourself surrounded by and absorbing a golden color within your entire body, each organ, each cell. Imagine it radiating out. Hold this vision for at least 10 minutes. Feel how your body is full of this golden color.

Pour a few drops of the aromatic blend into the palms of your hands and breathe it in deeply. Say the following affirmation three times aloud:

"I am the creator of my own wealth and take action today toward abundance."


Source: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/fr_financial.html

Battle With Burn-Out

By Tracy Brinkmann
Letting yourself reach the point where you are burnt out, worn down and used up is a threat to your dreams, goals and your life's happiness. The physical manifestation of burnout, or an overload of stress, is your body's natural response to the pressures you are placed under and that place it under during the course of your day. Worse yet when you place yourself in a stressful situation in your mind through worry and fret, your body reacts as if physically placed in that situation. Your body's natural defenses go into action.

Perhaps you are stressed and anxious about an upcoming interview, big presentation or sales meeting. But your body's natural defenses are reacting as if a gang of thugs cornered you in a dark alley. Your heart quickens, you become sweaty, and your thoughts are broken and scattered. Too much stress can actually wear you down, as your body fights to keep up this level of defense. You can easily see how this will negatively impact your effectiveness towards accomplishing your goals.

But at the root level the cause of the stress is more the issue than the stress itself. This root cause is what really can generate a sense of hopelessness, a reduction in productivity, bear a heavy weight on relationships, shatter dreams, and in some cases even result in chemical dependency.




However, you can learn to response to your stress and anxiety in a manner that will avoid these horror stories and stop the disaster before it destroys your road to success.

Signs that your stress is reaching the danger zone:

Bored (not just when there is nothing to do)
Do not feel appreciated/loved/cared for
Overly Tense
Aggravated/Frustrated
Short Fuse - quick to get angry
Frequently/Constantly tired or exhausted
Hate getting up in the morning (often don't)
Frequently being late to work, meetings, etc.
Skipping work
Frequently ill
Frequently Forgetting things (tasks, items, date etc.)
Resist change
Procrastinates
Feeling hopeless (no light at the end of the tunnel)
Alcohol or drug consumption increasing


Having trouble with a number of these signs? Well then you could be doing battle with burnout. Burnout is a slow burn and can come upon you so leisurely that you do not even realize it. Listen to your body (and your friends). Knowing is step one to winning the burnout battle.

This topic does not go over well with some. Often it goes over the least with the determined, go-getters of the world. They say, "Bah, I'm just doing what I do best. Getting ahead, getting things done. Sure I burn the mid-night oil but that's how I get ahead." These highly motivated and un-wavering people are at the highest level of risk. They become inundated with their high expectations of themselves and their enthusiasm to achieve their dreams.

If you are passionate about being a success. If you feel the need to be in control all the time. And if you frequently over commit yourself with tasks and responsibilities, then you too are at risk of becoming a contender in the burnout battle.

Attitude and a positive viewpoint of your life will positively influence your vulnerability. As I said earlier, it is your attitude toward a demand or pressure rather than the actual demand or pressure that causes the stress. Learn to manage your stress. Now this sometimes means making the tough decisions. Remembering to take care of yourself, both mentally and physically. Accepting responsibility for your well being and making positive life choices. Take the time to list the things that are causing you undo stress (the root causes. List them all - even the ones that you enjoy but still result in stress. Once you complete the list, break it into two categories; conditions you can change and conditions you cannot change.

Sit down and work out a plan to resolve the stressful conditions that you can change. Then work the plan. Remember, coming up with the plan alone won't do it. You have to work the plan and remove the stress from your life and from you list.

As for the conditions that you are unable to change. Look at better ways to react to them. The conditions themselves aren't causing the stress; your attitude/reaction to the conditions is causing the stress. Some of the material I have shared with you in the past (last issue on Attitude for example) can prepare you to better react to these conditions positively. You can't stop these waves of stress, so learn to surf them.

Think Successfully.
Tracy
(C) Tracy Brinkmann, all rights reserved


SOURCE: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/tb_burnout.html

Herbal and Ayurvedic Remedies for Dark Under Eye Circles

By Tom Alter
Dark circles are formed under the eyes. They are dark blemishes that surround the eyes and thus spoil the appearance of the face. They are also known as eye circles and are sometimes referred to in slang as bags under the eyes.

There are many reasons why dark circles may occur. Knowing these reasons will help to avoid them and thus get protection from these ungainly blemishes on the face. These causes are:


1. Lack of sleep

2. Extreme tiredness

3. Improper diet and nutrition

4. Stress

5. Hormonal problems

6. Advancing age

7. Hyper-pigmentation of the skin

8. Exposure to heat and sunlight

9. Excessive intake of some drugs




Dark circles are caused due to vitiation in the vata and the pitta doshas. These are the elements governing the air and the fire elements in the human body respectively. It has been found that yoga is very beneficial in reducing dark circles. Pranayama and shavasana help the mind to de-stress. Such asanas are prescribed for people with dark circles.

Once the dark circles have appeared, it is very difficult to get rid of them. There are many cosmetic creams in the market that claim to eliminate dark circles, but dark circles can be only removed by a healthy lifestyle. There are some ways in which dark circles can be reduced. These methods are mentioned in this article.



Useful Herbs/Plants in the Treatment of Dark Circles

1. Apple (Malus domestica)

Apples contain tannin which helps in reducing dark circles. In addition, apples also contain potassium and the water soluble vitamins B and C which can replenish the lost nutrients in the skin under the eyes.

2. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

The cucumber is a very cool vegetable. For this reason it is used widely as a treatment for eye circles. The cool juices of the cucumber help the eyes to de-stress, which makes the dark circles disappear within a few days.

3. Potato (Solanum tuberosum)

The starchy content of the potatoes helps in the treatment of dark circles. Both the peel and thin slices of the potato can be placed over the eyes to get good results.

4. Rose (Rosa cordifolia)

No other treatment for dark circles is as common as the extract of rose petals, known as rose water or gulaab jal. Rose water soothes the eyes and removes their redness. It also rejuvenates the skin around the eyes. This reduces the eye circles. Rose water can completely eliminate the dark circles if used persistently for a few weeks.

Dietary Treatments for Dark Circles

Keep your diet very healthy if you want to get rid of your dark circles. Many Ayurvedic doctors would agree that the first treatment of dark circles begins with correcting the diet. The diet must not be too dry. Use lots of water in the preparation of dishes in the form of gravies, daals, soups, etc. Cook your food in a little fat to reduce the vata vitiation. Drink lot of water throughout the day. Also consume fresh fruits that have high water contents.

Home Medications

1. Cucumber is very beneficial in reducing dark circles due to its cooling effects. Cut thin slices of cucumber and place them directly over the eyes. Keep them for about fifteen minutes. Do this every night before going to bed. It will give a restful sleep and will reduce the dark circles in the morning. Cucumber slices are very beneficial when the dark circles are caused due to stress.

2. Another simple method is to dip cotton pieces in water and place them over the eye. Here water is the treating agent. Its coolness soothes the eyes. A better effect can be achieved by using rose water instead of simple water.

3. The peel of a potato can also be placed on the eye. Do this every night before going to sleep. Since potato peels can attach better to the eyelids, this method is preferable over cucumber slices.

4. Almond oil massage is beneficial in case you are suffering from dark circles. Ideally, the massage must be done at night time, and the eyes must not be opened after that until morning. So, this must be done when going to bed.

5. Prepare a paste of nutmeg in milk. Apply this on and around the eyelids before going to bed.

6. You can even put used tea bags around the eyes to get good results. The alkaloids in the tea help to renew the skin around the eyes.

The most important thing to remember is that you must not stress your eyes too much. This is a sure way of getting dark circles. Even when you are working throughout the day, take some time out (even ten minutes will do) to wash your eyes with cool water and then keep them shut. Do not think about any stressful thoughts when your eyes are shut. Divert your mind in thinking about beautiful things in nature. When you open your eyes after the ten minutes are over, you will feel as refreshed as though you have had a siesta.


Source: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/ta_eyecircles.html

The Power Within Us

By: Robert Elias Najemy
Do You Seem to Get Caught Up in the Same Old Reactions?

Through His example, Christ gave us the message that there is a great power within us and that we can do wonders if we believe in ourselves and the Divine. With that faith we even conquer death.

This divine power is within each of us. We are the temples of the living God. His power resides within us. Our lesson is to use it properly in
harmony with the universal laws of creation, so as to create harmony in our personal and communal lives. As manipulators of divine power, we are co-creators with the Divine.

Until now, we have been doing a poor job of using that power. We have created a world with a considerable amount of pain, injustice, inequality, loneliness, violence and famine.

We need to re-find that power again within us, and use it now together with its proper companion - love. Power without love, as man has used it until today, is destructive and ugly, similar to many of our cities. Power with love is harmonious and beautiful like nature.

The Power to Forgive

That power allows us to transcend our «small human egos», which hold on to our little resentments, hurts and anger. Christ gave us clear message with his attitude towards those who harmed him. As he spoke these words, «They know not what they do», he taught us the need to understand.




All negative behaviors are a result of our fear, insecurity and ignorance. When people harm us with their words or actions, they are acting out of insecurity and in ignorance of their and our unified divine nature. They are controlled by their programming and are not capable of doing otherwise.

As we grow into higher levels of consciousness, we will feel more secure and understand and forgive them. He forgave and prayed for those who killed him. This message has failed to seep into our hearts, even though two thousand years have passed since that powerful event.

The other who has done us harm, was simply bringing to us the results of our past choices, present beliefs and the lessons which we have chosen to learn at this time. It is a test. It is our opportunity for spiritual growth.

We need to understand that the other is acting out of ignorance, insecurity and fear.

We need to understand also that this event is happening to us for a reason to test our wisdom, strength and love.

We have everything to gain by forgiving that person.

We forgive not for the other's sake but for ours. We are the ones who suffer as long as we do not forgive and forget whatever has happened. We are immersed in our own negative energy, which deteriorates our emotional harmony as well as our nervous, endocrine and immune systems.

There is, however, a great difference between suppressing anger and transcending it through wisdom and love.

In the first case we ignore reality. In the second case, we need to connect to the Truth.

Source: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/ren_powerinus.html

Beauty and Skin Care

The Maharishi Ayurveda Approach
By: Nancy Lonsdorf M.D.



“Every person is born perfect. Inferiority is a mistake of the mind, a cloud covering the light. Dissolve the clouds by observing a balanced life with healthy habits. Nourish your mind and body. Connect with your own inner self. Celebrate your own magnificence and your beauty will always shine through.” - Dr. Rama Kant Mishra, renowned Ayurvedic physician and dermatologist

The Three Pillars of Beauty

Maharishi Ayurveda (MAV), the modern, consciousness-based revival of the ancient Ayurvedic medicine tradition, considers true beauty to be supported by three pillars; Outer Beauty, Inner Beauty and Lasting Beauty. Only by enhancing all three can we attain the balanced state of radiant health that makes each of us the most fulfilled and beautiful person we can be.

Outer Beauty: Roopam

The outer signs of beauty - your skin, hair and nails - are more than just superficial measures of beauty. They are direct reflections of your overall health. These outer tissues are created by the inner physiological processes involved in digestion, metabolism and proper tissue development. Outer beauty depends more on the strength of your digestion and metabolism, the quality of your diet, and the purity of your blood, than on external cleansers and conditioners you may apply.




General Recommendations for Outer Beauty

As we will discuss, the key to skin care is matching your diet and skin care routine to the specific skin type you have. Meanwhile, there are some valuable recommendations for lustrous skin, hair and nails that will be helpful to everyone, regardless of skin type.

1. Diet: Without adequate nourishment, your collagen layer thins and a kind of wasting takes place. Over time, your skin can shrivel up like a plant without water from lack of nourishment. To keep your skin plump and glowing:

A. Eat fresh, whole organic foods that are freshly prepared.

Avoid packaged, canned, frozen, processed foods and leftovers. These foods have little nutritional value and also they are often poorly digested which creates impurities that localize in the skin. The resulting buildup of toxins causes irritation and blocks circulation depriving the skin of further nourishment and natural cleansing processes.

B. Favor skin nourishing foods.

1. Leafy green vegetables contain vitamins, minerals (especially iron and calcium) and are high in antioxidant properties. They nourish the skin and protect it from premature aging.

2. Sweet juicy fruits like grapes, melons, pears, plums and stewed apples at breakfast are excellent for the skin in almost everyone.

3. Eat a wide variety of grains over different meals and try mixed grain servings at breakfast and lunch. Add amaranth, quinoa, cous cous, millet and barley to the wheat and rice you already eat.

4. Favor light, easy to digest proteins like legume soups (especially yellow split mung dhal), whole milk, paneer (cheese made from boiling milk, adding lemon and straining solids) and lassi (diluted yogurt and spice drinks).

5. Oils like ghee (clarified butter) and organic, extra virgin olive oil should be included in the diet as they lubricate, nourish and create lustre in the skin.

6. Use spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and black pepper to improve digestion, nourish the skin and cleanse it of impurities.

7. Avoid microwaving and boiling your vegetables. They lose as much as 85% of their antioxidant content when cooked in this way. Steaming and sautéing are best.


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