Then Excellent Life Lessons from Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama is one of the most inspiring people around the world, know by his quotes, books, and speeches. The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, which is the 14th Lama of Tibetan Buddhism. He was born in July 1935 and his key social stances and poses that are known are the democracy, nonviolence, religious harmony. He is a lightworker and a great teacher of self-discipline, empathy, unconditional happiness, peace and love, acceptance and forgiveness. The wise Dalai Lama always described himself as a "simple Buddhist monk" regardless of all the wisdom and good works that he has done and all the greatness he achieved to all that he teaches by his simplicity and kindness. Here you can find just a pinch of his wisdom and inspiring quotes that I invite you to read and think about for a moment, let it inspire and enlighten your mind and soul and create happiness in your life. I have added my interpretation and thoughts to each quote and I hope you will enjoy that as well.

1 - My religion is very simple, My religion is kindness. 

Kindness is the base of all spiritual teachings, being kind and passionate needs a strong, happy, and peaceful character and being kind means archiving all those levels and have a valuable self-discipline and self-awareness. many may interpret kindness as giving up, or less powerful and that is not what kindness is, the true kindness is given by a person who has reached their high-level potentials who does not hurt themselves while enjoying on supporting others. who is so powerful and string that can support and be kind to their enemies even without getting hurt or harming anyone while standing their ground and fighting against any attack peacefully. Kindness is the key to connect to each other and the universe within and out, the path to the kindness is the religion that would be better for all of us to choose and take on our life.

2 - Love is absence of judgment.

You may hear from religious or spiritual people that judgment serves no purpose in our life, and the truth is whatever we do and we think has a purpose in our life, it is a strategy to serve a core desire in our subconscious and thoughts. Unfortunately, many of us may have used this strategy to feel that they are gaining power, growing, taking what is theirs and even feeling of teaching others what they think is right, while none of these are real and will be achieved by judgmental strategy and behavior, it could be a temporary feeling and it last as that moment and create craving of getting more, therefore the person became more eager to get good feeling so they do the wrong more, judgment. This causes to get away from kindness and peacefulness which creates Love and compassion, give yourself a chance to create, endorse and expand, feel the power and witness, by changing your strategy from judgmental to giving and loving.

3 - Positive and negative actions are determined by one’s own motivation. If the motivation is good, all actions become positive; if the motivation is wrong, all actions become negative.

It happened to may that they try to do and be positive and it felt hard to, or even sometimes impossible to be positive. Well here is the secret of being and doing things positively, the term positive is to do and be good, which can be understood to not harm others and yourself and do as you desire. All our actions are depended on our intentions and goals when our intention and goal the urge of reaching to a point or position requires negativity or we are thought to use harmful ways to reach then it is hard to be and do positive since all our motives are leaded by our intentions and goals. we either need to change our motives and intentions or learn a new strategy that will have positive actions in it to reach our goals.

4 - Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.

Perhaps you have heard that saying, be careful what you wish for, sometimes we don't and cant sees the exact path to get to what we want therefore lots of unwanted things happens without our acknowledgment while deep inside we did wish for it. Well on this particular situation which we want the good for us but not getting it could have more bad and negative affects afterward than what we thought or not. Basically having faith in the universe, god, higher source, the energy that connect us all which is the most wisdom master will ease our life, having faith that things didn't happen because of a reason, and as Steve Jobs said one, we only can connect the dots when looking back, and we should have faith that dots will connect to each other in future. we will release the reason in the future when we look back and connect the dots :)

5 - We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves

Remember everything grows within out not from outside, the seed is the beginning of a tree and the fruit is the result of a healthy tree, same as the tree we are with our physical and emotional body, when we are healthy and peaceful then we can create a peaceful space, room, home, family, friends, and environment. We only can connect and feel the peace when we are in peace. there is no way to get to something with acting opposite of it, that means we cant get to peace by force.

6 - Sleep is the best meditation

When meditating the highest that we can achieve will be closer to when we are going to sleep because then is when we access our subconscious the highest. This doesn't mean that we should not meditate or sleeping is enough meditation, it means we can use the sleeping as the longest meditation and deepest that we can have every night constantly, and how we might do that? remember our subconscious knows the most about ourselves and every data we collected during the day, it is the most active part because it keeps us on track of what we really want and dream of. Before going to sleep clean your mind by clearing your day, check what worked what didn't work during the day, then start appreciating with things that happened or you have this will calm you, give you a joy of living and clear your low vibration and thoughts you may hold and pass to the next day and have a bad sleep. After you cleared your mind, focus on something you want to do, or wish for, create a positive and happy image of what you want in your mind and own it as it is your reality, let it go to our subconscious and sleep. this technique is very powerful that you can try when you have issues to solve and are frustrated, be careful to clear your mind first and you will find next morning you already know what to do or what is the solution to your challenge.

7 - The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred.

Many people want to be happy and yet not paying attention to their own inner anger and hatred toward people, God, and the world also most of the time toward themselves. Acceptance is the first step to conquer the self-anger and frustration. One a person had that cleared they become their own lives hero.

8 - Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.

Ignorance is the biggest challenge and enemy that we have within ourselves, once we realize this and choose to not follow and take the ignorance as the master step and choice everything become more clear and visible, we start taking responsibility and get rid of expectations. That's when we step in the world based on possibilities and peace.

9 - It is very rare or almost impossible that an event can be negative from all points of view.

In reality, it's almost not possible for an event to be pure negativity, if we just change our perspective and see things from a different point of view then we can see even most of the time there were a benefit for us, although it could be a temporary or a hidden one and there is. Do your best to detach yourself from that event and acknowledge the reality of it, then review all aspects of it, perhaps you can learn and find a shift, and that by itself is positive. Remember every failure is a step to success.

10 - True spirituality is a mental attitude you can practice at any time.

Believe it or not, the attitude is one of the keys to a successful life and business, the productive and peaceful conversation with others and ourselves. Start practicing to be loving and supportive to ourselves, then it will shine out to our outer world. Say that you love yourself, forgive and accept what you are. Be your teacher and hero by practicing on improving your mental attitude.

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Your Birthday and Celtic Tree Astrology

Find out that from which tree your soul has fallen from, although there is no known scientific study and proof behind these type of horoscopes yet it has a science behind it and in most cases the description matches the person, although many people do not believe in zodiac signs and the effect of time and date followed by the position of the moon on the newborn, in many beliefs and astronomy masters this is a well-known knowledge, like in Kabbalah and old Jewish people or Druids, they were known as great astrologists, and they even created rules and charts to guide them to understand people and their behavior so they can have a better interaction and communication. well, this article is not that deep about astrological science and still the fact that Celtic Tree Astrology can be considered an astrological knowledge is a wonderful topic to learn about.

Oath of Druids

Celtic tree astrology is based on the ancient concept that the time of our births is pivotal to the formation of our character and behavior. the spiritually savvy celts, especially the druids have been professional observers. over the years, they diagnosed that a child born within a positive season might develop certain qualities. further, the druids discovered styles in the color and form of someone's lifestyles in keeping with the motions of the moon primarily based on a lunar year calendar, and the season in which we are born. the system of Celtic tree astrology was evolved out of a natural reference and connection with the druid's knowledge of earth cycles and their reverence for the sacred understanding held by trees. the druids had a profound reference to trees and believed they were vessels of endless knowledge. sporting this concept a leap forward, we are able to companion the likeness and character of trees to our personal human nature. with the aid of doing so, we gather inspired insight and clarity into who we are.

Celtic Tree of Life

Below you may discover a precis of every of the thirteen Celtic zodiac signs and summary. why 13 instead of 12 signs? because Celtic astrology is based totally on a lunar system, which revolves around the thirteen phases of the moon. this is a unique system of astrology in that the meanings of each signal are bounded to both the power of the moon and the limitless magic inherent inside the trees/flora determined within the Celtic Ogham. in lots of ways, Celtic astrology based totally on ancient Ogham knowledge is a way greater dynamic than different astrological structures. Celtic druids, who created this special star-casting system, spent a long time looking at bushes. in reality, druids have been capable of see signs, omens and divine destiny activities just through the rustling of leaves. the similar form of severe invocations and divination had been done by meditating upon the moon and her motions. the moon and the trees/plants of the ogham dovetailed collectively to offer us a sacred and forcible tool in our forecasting bag of hints. those superb forces in nature are top notch in their effect upon every human life. through delving into Celtic tree astrology based at the druid ogham, we gain unusual perception into the human psyche, in addition to the variety nature gives us in super and cosmic methods. as you contemplate your Celtic tree astrology signs and personality bellow listed, please know there may be so much more to your personality and psyche. you'll find more insight into your sign in future posts for each Celtic Tree, keep posted and follow us.

Your Celtic Tree Astrology Signs and Meanings

Birch – The Achiever

December 24 – January 20

If you were born under the energy of the Birch you can be highly driven, and often motivate others they become easily caught in your zeal, drive and ambition. You are always reaching for more, seeking better horizons and obtaining higher aspirations. The Druids attributed this to your time of birth, which is a time of year shrouded by darkness, so consequently you are always stretching out to find the light. Birch signs (just like the tree) are tolerant, tough, and resilient. You are cool-headed and are natural-born rulers, often taking command when a situation calls for leadership. When in touch with your softer side, you also bring beauty in otherwise barren spaces, brightening up a room with you guile, and charming crowds with you quick wit. Celtic tree astrology Birch signs are compatible with Vine signs and Willow signs.

Rowan – Thinker

January 21 – February 17

Celtic tree astrology recognizes Rowan signs as the philosophical minds within the zodiac. If you were born under the Rowan energy, you are likely a keen-minded visionary, with high ideals. Your thoughts are original and creative, so much so, that other’s often misunderstand from where you are coming. This sometimes makes you aloof when interacting with others as you feel they wouldn’t understand where you are coming from anyway. Nevertheless, although you may appear to have a cool exterior, you are burning within from your passionate ideals. This inner passion provides inner motivation for you as you make your way through life. You have a natural ability to transform situations and people around you by your mere presence. You are highly influential in a quiet way and others look to you for your unique perspectives. Rowan pairs well with Ivy and Hawthorn signs.

Ash – The Enchanter

February 18 – March 17

Those born under the Celtic tree astrology sign of the Ash are free thinkers. Imaginative, intuitive, and naturally artistic, you see the world in water-color purity. You have a tendency to moody and withdrawn at times, but that’s only because your inner landscape is in constant motion. You are in touch with your muse, and you are easily inspired by nature. Likewise, you inspire all that you associate with and people seek you out for your enchanting personality. Art, writing (especially poetry), science, and theology (spiritual matters) are areas that strongly interest you. Others may think you are reclusive, but in all honesty, you are simply immersed in your own world of fantastic vision and design. You are in a constant state of self-renewal and you rarely place a value on what others think about you. Ash signs partner well with Willow and Reed signs.

Alder – The Trailblazer

March 18 – April 14

If you are an Alder sign within the Celtic tree astrology system, you are a natural-born pathfinder. You’re a mover and a shaker, and will blaze a trail with fiery passion often gaining loyal followers to your cause. You are charming, gregarious and mingle easily with a broad mix of personalities. In other words, Alder signs get along with everybody and everybody loves to hang around with you. This might be because Alder’s are easily confident and have a strong self-faith. This self-assurances is infectious and other people recognize this quality in you instantly. Alder Celtic tree astrology signs are very focused and dislike waste. Consequently, they can see through superficialities and will not tolerate fluff. Alder people place high value on their time, and feel that wasting time is insufferable. They are motivated by action and results. Alder’s pair well with Hawthorns, Oaks or even Birch signs.

Willow – The Observer

April 15 – May 12

If you are a Willow sign, you are ruled by the moon, and so your personality holds hands with many of the mystical aspects of the lunar realm. This means you are highly creative, intuitive (highly psychic people are born under the sign of the Willow) and intelligent. You have a keen understanding of cycles, and you inherently know that every situation has a season. This gives you a realistic perspective of things, and also causes you to be more patient than most tree signs. With your intelligence comes a natural ability to retain knowledge and you often impress your company with the ability to expound on subjects from memory. Willow Celtic tree astrology signs are bursting with potential, but have a tendency to hold themselves back for fear of appearing flamboyant or overindulgent. It is your powers of perception that ultimately allow your true nature to shine, and what leads you to success in life. Willow signs join well with the Birch and the Ivy.

Hawthorn – The Illusionist

May 13 – June 9

Hawthorn signs in Celtic tree astrology are not at all what they appear to be. Outwardly, they appear to be a certain persona, while on the inside Hawthorn’s are quite different. They put the term “never judge a book by its cover” to the test. They live seemingly average lives while on the inside they carry fiery passions and inexhaustible creative flame. They are well adjusted and can adapt to most life situations well – making themselves content and comforting others at the same time. You are naturally curious, and have an interest in a broad range of topics. You are an excellent listener, and people seek you out as an outlet to release their burdens. You have a healthy sense of humor, and have a clear understanding of irony. You tend to see the big picture, and have amazing insight – although you typically won’t give yourself enough credit for your observations. Hawthorn signs match up nicely with Ash and Rowan’s.

Oak – The Stabilizer

June 10 – July 7

Those born under the Celtic tree astrology sign of the Oak have a special gift of strength. They are protective people and often become a champion for those who do not have a voice. In other words, the Oak is the crusader and the spokesperson for the underdog. Nurturing, generous and helpful, you are a gentle giant among the Celtic zodiac signs. You exude an easy confidence and naturally assume everything will work out to a positive outcome. You have a deep respect for history and ancestry, and many people with this sign become teachers. You love to impart your knowledge of the past to others. Oak signs have a need for structure, and will often go to great lengths to gain the feeling of control in their lives. Healthy Oak signs live long, full, happy lives and enjoy large family settings and are likely to be involved with large social/community networks. Oak signs pair off well with the Ash and Reed, and are known to harmoniously join with Ivy signs too.

Holly – The Ruler

July 8 – August 4

Among the Celtic tree astrology signs the Holly is one of regal status. Noble, and high-minded, those born during the Holly era easily take on positions of leadership and power. If you are a Holly sign you take on challenges easily, and you overcome obstacles with rare skill and tact. When you encounter setbacks, you simply redouble your efforts and remain ever vigilant to obtain your end goals. Very seldom are you defeated. This is why many people look up to you and follow you as their leader. You are competitive and ambitious even in the most casual settings. You can appear to be arrogant but in actuality you’re just very confident in your abilities. Truth be known, you are quite generous, kind and affectionate (once people get to know you). Highly intelligent, you skate through academics where others may struggle. Because many things come to you so easily, you may have a tendency to rest on your laurels. In other words, if not kept active, you may slip into an unhealthy and lazy lifestyle. Holly signs may look to Ash and Elder signs for balance and partnership.

Hazel – The Knower

August 5 – September 1

If you are born under the energy of the Hazel, you are highly intelligent, organized and efficient. Like the Holly, you are naturally gifted in academia, and excel in the classroom. You also have the ability to retain information and can recall, recite and expound on subjects you’ve memorized with amazing accuracy. You know your facts, and you are always well informed. This sometimes makes you appear like a know-it-all to others, but you can’t help that; you’re genuinely smart and usually know the right course of action because of your impressive knowledge base. You have an eye for detail, and like things to be “just so.” Sometimes this need for order and control can lead to compulsive behaviors if left unchecked. You have a knack for numbers, science and things that utilize your analytical skills. You like rules, although you are typically making them rather than playing by them. The Celtic tree astrology sign of Hazel joins harmoniously with Hawthorn and Rowan’s.

Vine – The Equalizer

September 2 – September 29

Vine signs are born within the autumnal equinox, which makes your personality changeable and unpredictable. You can be full of contradictions, and are often indecisive. But this is because you can see both sides of the story, and empathize with each equally. It is hard for you to pick sides because you can see the good points on each end. There are, however, areas in your life that you are quite sure about. These include the finer things of life like food, wine, music, and art. You have very distinctive taste, and are a connoisseur of refinement. Luxury agrees with you, and under good conditions you have a Midas touch for turning drab into dramatic beauty. You are charming, elegant, and maintain a level of class that wins you esteem from a large fan base. Indeed, you often find yourself in public places where others can admire your classic style and poise. Vine signs pair well with Willow and Hazel signs.

Ivy – The Survivor

September 30 – October 27

Among other cherished qualities of the Ivy Celtic tree astrology sign, most prized is your ability to overcome all odds. You have a sharp intellect, but more obvious is your compassion and loyalty to others. You have a giving nature, and are always there to lend a helping hand. You are born at a time of the waning sun so life an be difficult for you at times. This sometimes seems unfair because it appears that obstacles are coming at with no prompting on your part. Nevertheless, you endure troubling times with silent perseverance and soulful grace. Indeed, Ivy signs have a tendency to be deeply spiritual and cling to a deep-rooted faith that typically sees them trough adversity. You are soft spoken, but have a keen wit about you. You are charming, charismatic, and can effectively hold your own in most social settings. Ivy signs are attracted to the Celtic tree astrology sign of Oak and Ash signs.

Reed – The Inquisitor

October 28 – November 24

Reed signs among the Celtic tree astrology signs are the secret keepers. You dig deep inside to the real meaning of things and discover the truth hidden beneath layers of distraction. When there is a need to get to the heart of the matter, most certainly the Reed sign will find the core. You love a good story, and can be easily drawn in by gossip, scandals, legend and lore. These tendencies also make you an excellent historian, journalist, detective or archeologist. You love people because they represent a diversity of meanings for you to interpret. You are adept at coaxing people to talking to you, and sometimes you can be a bit manipulative. However, you have a strong sense of truth and honor so most of your scheming is harmless. Reed people join well with other Reeds, Ash or Oak signs.

Elder – The Seeker

November 25 – December 23

Elder archetypes among Celtic tree astrology tend to be freedom-loving, and sometimes appear to be a bit wild to the other signs of the zodiac. In younger years you may have lived life in the fast lane, often identified as a “thrill seeker.” At the time of your birth the light of the sun was fast fleeting and so you take the same cue from nature. You are often misjudged as an outsider as you have a tendency to be withdrawn in spite of your extroverted nature. In actuality, you are deeply thoughtful with philosophical bent. You also tend to be very considerate of others and genuinely strive to be helpful. These acts of assistance are sometimes thwarted by your brutal honestly (which you openly share solicited or otherwise). Elder Celtic tree astrology signs fit well with Alder’s and Holly’s.

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The Tradition of Eggs at Easter, Ishtar and Eostre

Eggs occupy a special status during Easter observances. They're symbols of rebirth and renewal—life bursts forth from this otherwise plain, inanimate object that gives no hint as to what it contains. In this regard, it is a handy symbol for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but it is is a symbol that has held this meaning long before Christianity adopted it.

I lots or rummer goes on on the Facebook that states the following message:
 
"Easter was originally the celebration of Ishtar, the Assyrian and Babylonian goddess of fertility and sex. Her symbols (like the egg and bunny) were and still are fertility and sex symbols (or did you actually think eggs and bunnies had anything to do with the resurrection?) After Constantine decided to Christianize the Empire, Easter was changed to represent Jesus. But at its roots, Easter (which is how

Ishtar doesn't seem to be connected to eggs in any explicit way. However, there are plenty of other older traditions that involve the egg as a symbol of rebirth and feature it prominently in creation mythologies:


Clearly, we all know that Facebook memes are the ultimate source of information—particularly when they make a biting point about something or some group that is not particularly favorably viewed. But it is well known that under the Roman Empire, Christianity did indeed adopt the pagan rituals of conquered peoples in an effort to help convert them. It worked pretty well as a strategy as it allowed the conquered peoples to continue a semblance of their observances as they remembered, and with time the population would be replaced with those who only knew the new traditions. This is not a secret. However, there are a few things wrong with the Ishtar meme that a simple Google search will turn up:

• Ishtar was the goddess of love and war and sex, as well as protection, fate, childbirth, marriage, and storms—there's some fertility in there, but as with Aphrodite, there is also an element of power. Her cult practiced sacred prostitution, where women waited at a temple and had sex with a stranger in exchange for a divine blessing (and money to feed hungry children or pay a debt).
• Ishtar's symbols were the lion, the morning star, and eight or sixteen pointed stars—again, symbols of power.
• The word Easter does not appear to be derived from Ishtar, but from the German Eostre, the goddess of the dawn—a bringer of light. English and German are in the minority of languages that use a form of the word Easter to mark the holiday. Elsewhere, the observance is framed in Latin Pascha, which in turn is derived from the Hebrew Pesach, meaning of or associated with Passover. Ishtar and Easter appear to be homophones: they may be pronounced similarly, but have different meanings.
• Ancient Egyptians believed in a primeval egg from which the sun god hatched. Alternatively, the sun was sometimes discussed as an egg itself, laid daily by the celestial goose, Seb, the god of the earth. The Phoenix is said to have emerged from this egg. The egg is also discussed in terms of a world egg, molded by Khnum from a lump of clay on his potter's wheel (1).
• Hinduism makes a connection between the content of the egg and the structure of the universe: for example, the shell represents the heavens, the white the air, and the yolk the earth. The Chandogya Upanishads describes the act of creation in terms of the breaking of an egg:
• In the Zoroastrian religion, the creation myth tells of an ongoing struggle between the principles of good and evil. During a lengthy truce of several thousand years, evil hurls himself into an abyss and good lays an egg, which represents the universe with the earth suspended from the vault of the sky at the midway point between where good and evil reside. Evil pierces the egg and returns to earth, and the two forces continue their battle (2).
• In Finland, Luonnotar, the Daughter of Nature floats on the waters of the sea, minding her own business when an eagle arrives, builds a nest on her knee, and lays several eggs. After a few days, the eggs begin to burn and Luonnotar jerks her knee away, causing the eggs to fall and break. The pieces form the world as we know it: the upper halves form the skies, the lower the earth, the yolks become the sun, and the whites become the moon (3).
• In China, there are several legends that hold a cosmic egg at their center, including the idea that the first being or certain people were born of eggs. For example, the Palangs trace their ancestry to a Naga princess who laid three eggs, and the Chin will not kill the king crow because it laid the original Chin egg from which they emerged (3).

These are some of the stories that build the foundation for the tradition of eggs at Easter. Contrary to the assertion of our meme, eggs and bunnies actually do have something to do with the idea of resurrection: in these early stories, the creator often emerged from the egg itself in some form:

The cosmic egg, according to the Vedic writings, has a spirit living within it which will be born, die, and be born yet again. Certain versions of the complicated Hindu mythology describe Prajapati as forming the egg and then appearing out of it himself. Brahma does likewise, and we find parallels in the ancient legends of Thoth and Ra. Egyptian pictures of Osiris, the resurrected corn god, show him returning to life once again rising up from the shell of a broken egg. The ancient legend of the Phoenix is similar. This beautiful mythical bird was said to live for hundreds of years. When its full span of life was completed it died in flames, rising again in a new form from the egg it had laid (4).

The Phoenix was adopted as a Christian symbol in the first century AD. It appears on funeral stones in early Christian art, churches, religious paintings, and stonework. The egg from which it rose has become our Easter egg. As with many symbols, the Easter egg has continued to shift. When the Lenten fast was adopted in the third and fourth centuries, observant Christians abstained from dairy products, including milk, cheese, butter, and eggs. In England, on the Saturday before Lent, it was common practice for children to go from door to door to beg for eggs—a last treat before the fast began.

Even the act of coloring eggs is tied to the idea of rebirth and resurrection. While egg decorating kits offer a vibrant means of decorating eggs today, the link between life and eggs was traditionally made by using a red coloring. Among Christians, red symbolizes the blood of Jesus. Among Macedonians, it has been a tradition to bring a red egg to Church and eat it when the priest proclaims "Christ is risen" at the Easter vigil and the Lenten fast is officially broken (5).


I love the Easter traditions at Church. The lighting of the Easter candle reminds me of my childhood Diwali celebrations and the lighting of Christmas lights as they all represent means of driving away the darkness. Ishtar may well have some connection to the rites of Spring, and admittedly Easter itself is an observance of Spring, but in an age when so much wrong has been done in the name of religion, and religion is a focal point for criticism and debate, it's worth remembering that the overlap of time and history has given us richer traditions than any of us can truly be aware of—and that memes shouldn't be taken at face value.


Cited:
-Newall, Venetia. (1967) "Easter Eggs," The Journal of American Folklore Vol 80 (315): 3-32.
-RE Hume, ed. (1931) The Thirteen Upanishads. London: 214-215
-Krystal D'Costa research and article at Scientific American

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Empowering And Inspiring Quotes For Women

Of course I am not worried about intimidating men. The type of man who will be intimidated  by me is exactly the type of man I have no interest in. – Chimamanda Adichie

I like to see a young girl go and grab the world by the lapels. Life is a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass. – Maya Angelou

Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim. – Nora Ephron

There is a stubbornness about me that can never bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me. – Jane Austen

The thing women have yet to learn is that nobody gives you power. You just take it. – Roseanne Barr

I will not have my life narrowed down. I will not bow down to somebody else’s whim or to someone else’s ignorance. – bell hooks

Any woman who is sure of her own wits, is a match, at any time, for a man who is not sure of his own temper. – Wilkie Collins

Well-behaved women rarely make history. –  (Most likely) Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Being a woman is in an incredibly difficult task, since it consists principally in dealing with men. – Joseph Conrad

When a man gives his opinion, he’s a man. When a woman gives her opinion, she’s a bitch. – Bette Davis

Responsibility to yourself means refusing to let others do your thinking, talking, and naming for you; it means learning to respect and use your own brains and instincts; hence, grappling with hard work. – Adrienne Rich

The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud. – Coco Chanel

Women hold up half the sky. – Chinese proverb

A woman has to live her life or live to repent not having lived it. – D.H. Lawrence

I do not think, sir, you have any right to command me, merely because you are older than I, or because you have seen more of the world than I have; your claim to superiority depends on the use you have made of your time and experience. –  Charlotte Brontë

Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attended. –  Marie Curie

We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat, they do not exist. – Queen Victoria

I decided it is better to scream. Silence is the real crime against humanity. –  Nadezhda Mandelstam

When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak. – Audre Lord

A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water. –  Eleanor Rooselevelt

You can never be overdressed or overeducated. – Oscar Wilde

There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a great competition and rivalry between the two. There is a third power stronger than both, that of the women. – Muhhamad Ali Jinah

Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition. – Timothy Leary

One life is all we have and we live as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying. – Joan of Arc

When there is no enemy within, the enemy outside cannot hurt you. –African proverb

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Japanese Art of Kintsugi, Golden Joinery - Wabi Sabi

Kintsugi - The Centuries-old Japanese Art of Repairing Broken Pottery

Kintsugi is translated to "Golden Joinery" or Kintsukuroi  as "Golden Repair" is one of the centuries- old Japanese arts and philosophy, Originally the artist worked on broken pottery by filling the gaps and attaching the broken peaces by valuable material such as Gold, Silver or Platinum in new age art you may find lots of similar art works which are broken by purpose and shapes and filled by materials that are not valuable and it is just for showcase and art work purposes. Although this art is more than just a simple art and has its own philosophy and spiritual meaning.

History

Kintsugi workmanship goes back to the late fifteenth century. As per legend, the specialty initiated when Japanese shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa sent a broke chawan or tea bowl back to China to experience repairs. Upon its arrival, Yoshimasa was disappointed to find that it had been patched with unattractive metal staples. This spurred contemporary specialists to locate an option, stylishly satisfying strategy for repair, and Kintsugi was conceived. 

Since its origination, Kintsugi has been intensely impacted by pervasive philosophical thoughts. In particular, the training is identified with the Japanese logic of wabi-sabi, which calls for seeing magnificence in the defective or flawed. The repair technique was likewise conceived from the Japanese sentiment mottainai, which communicates lament when something is squandered, and also mushin, the acknowledgment of progress.

Wabi-Sabi: Embracing the Imperfec

In Japanese rationality there exists the possibility of "wabi-sabi," the demonstration of grasping the defective or the flawed. At the point when kintsugi is utilized to patch together broken earthenware, the breaks are featured, as opposed to covered up.

In our general public characteristics of shallow defect are disregarded. Flaws and age marks are evacuated with plastic surgery. Endless restorative skin medications surge the market. Flawlessness is a flat out must.

This mindset even invades our nourishment. GMO deliver is built in labs to be as huge, vivid, and, for the most part, stylishly satisfying as could be expected under the circumstances. In any case, to the perceiving eye, something about this "flawlessness" appears to be off.

Consistently we are advised to get new telephones, new garments – new everything – anything to remain associated with the transient flawlessness existing apart from everything else. In the meantime, little hugeness is put upon inward otherworldly development.


This viewpoint makes numerous inconsistencies. Also, said inconsistencies entangle our everyday lives, emptying the profundity out of a significant number of our associations. We turn out to be rationally exhausted and this empty multifaceted nature makes a rehashing cycle that abandons us aching for something more.

Philosophy, Perfection Through Imperfection

Numerous old Japanese expressions, including the pottery technique of kintsugi are revolved around very different theory and philosophy– simplicity and bringing out the beauty that is already present in the world around us.

Haiku, Ikebana, and customary Japanese culinary practices are for the most part old expressions based around these standards. Toning it down would be ideal and flawlessness is accomplished through bringing into center what is as of now present.

Perfection, as it is portrayed in the Western media, is not perfection. There is no perfect love, no perfect beauty. But, without the presence of imperfections, the wonders of the world would not be so breathtaking.

Imperfection is simply part of being, and perfection is all about embracing our imperfection as we strive to naturally better ourselves. Just as Kintsugi highlights the cracks in a piece of pottery, rather than hiding them, we should look at ourselves and the world at large and consider what we really want for the future.

Today the Earth and its biological communities are in peril, to a limited extent due to our relationship to flawlessness. Rather than acknowledging things with wear and tear as wonderful, or retouching broken things, we see those things as dispensable and supplant them with new things, making waste and putting more request on the Earth's assets. 

In the event that we move our relationship to the Earth and to flawlessness, grasping the logic of toning it down would be best and wabi-sabi, there exists potential to make a reasonable future for our planet and all the life that exists on it. Like bits of smashed ceramics, we are altogether associated. Through meeting up we can repair the Earth.

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Understand and Open your Sacral Chakra- Swadhisthana

To watch the video please scroll down, we suggest to read before watching.

What is Chakra, and why should I care about it?

To learn about Chakras please check the following link and read the article "Introduction to Chakras and Energy Vortex". Overall in basic chakras are energy vortexes positioned on our body which means physical and energy bodies and to learn more about energy bodies please read the following article "The Human Energy System and Energy Bodies". Chakras are absorbing and projecting energy from inside and out which effect our physical, emotional and mental health. So that if we learn about each chakra and their achar to our physical, emotional and mental bodies and health then we may have a way to fix, heal and recover from difficulties.

Sacral Chakra - The Second Chakra:

Sacral chakra or Svadhisthana is located below the belly button area and lower abdomen, and it is associated with color of orange. each chakras has their own color and frequencies and vibration that they get effect and get affected by so if we eat, watch and play with more orange color in our life it does direct link to our root chakra. The sound waves are vibrations and playing an specific note or frequency will affect corresponding chakra, and the frequency associated with root chakra is 417 Hz which in ancient solfeggio scale RE and playing it is known to produces energy to bring change, and it clears traumatic experiences and destructive influences of past events. This frequency puts you in connection with an inexhaustible source of energy that allows you to change your life. and it can be played as the note G#3 or Ab3 (Sol # or La b) in just intonation scale and tuning.

Properties Associated with Root Chakra:

Here are different properties and information associated with second chakra - The Sacral Chakra. It is somehow important to understand most of them to heal, feed and keep your chakra open and healthy, pay attention to physical and psychological function which is movement and connection as well as womb and genitals, have you felt powerless, unsatisfied ? too much worries and low self steam in some cases, this chakra is connected to emotional balance, sexuality and intimate relationships as well, lack of intimacy can affect this chakra and imbalance your sacral chakra. I will provide some affirmations which is great to practice in the morning or evening before bed.

• Sanskrit name: Swadhisthana - sweetness
• Element: Water
• Color: Orange
• Shape: Circle with crescent
• Petals of the lotus: Six
• Seed sound: VANG (Vam)
• Vowel sound: Oo
• Rights: To feel, to want
• Endocrine gland: Ovaries, testicles
• Physical association: Womb, genitals, kidney, bladder
• Psychological function: Movement and connection
• Identity: Emotional
• Developmental stage: 6 months- 2 years
• Challenge: Guilt
• Plane: Astral plane
• Planets: Mercury, Jupiter, Moon
• Deity: Indra, Rakini, Vishnu
• Mythological Animal: Makara (Mythical Crocodile)
• Animals: Crocodile, Alligator, Fish, Badger, Dolphins, Elephant
• Sense organ: Sexual organs
• Predominant sense: Touch and taste
• Incense: Gardenia, damiana
• Essential Oils: Rosemary, sandal wood, Jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang
• Herb: Fennel, Coriander
• Sephira: Yesod
• Tarot suit: Cups

Affirmations for Root Chakra:

• I am creative and adaptable
• I Love and enjoy my body
• I am passionate
• I am open to experiencing the present moment through my senses
• I value and respect my body
• I allow myself to experience pleasure
• I take good care of my physical body
• I am at peace
• Emotions are the language of my soul
• I am open to touch and closeness
• I have healthy boundaries
• I nourish my body with healthy food and clean water
• I feel pleasure and abundance with every breath i take
• I know how to take care of my needs
• My sexuality is sacred

Opening Swadhisthana Chakra and Activating your Sacral Chakra:

Choose a quiet place without distraction and extra noises that would interrupt your process, take a comfortable position which you won't feel any pressure of any kind and also can hear and see the video easily and clearly. We suggest that you use headphone or earphones for this purpose. Start with relaxing yourself and meditating before watching the video, very short and simple relaxation start with three deep breath and close your eyes, take a deep breath and hold for moments then slowly release through the mouth, count from 3 to 1 and by each count feel more relaxed, loose your facial muscles and jaw then your shoulders and so on, on the next count down feel the heavy and go deep, and tell yourself relax when you feel that you are losing focus or need to be relax, then make an intention of healing, opening and activating your sacral chakra, imagine an orange ball of fire under your belly button the lower abdomen on your second chakra cleansing and opening the flow of energy. then take a breath and slowly open your eyes, hit the play and listen and watch the video.

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31 Herbal Medicines Used by Native Americans

Herbal Remedies and Native Americans

Medical treatment using herbs has been recognized as being older than man's intelligence. Such herbal treatment has been seen in animals' instinctive use of plants to help cure certain ailments. For example, a dog hunted a special grass to eat when it has become ill, a mother bear has dressed a wound on her cub with leaves, and a horse lacking vitamins and minerals has eaten certain plants and bark from trees (Weiner,1972). Today people have continued to use herbs with medicinal chemicals daily, usually without realizing the values of such plants. Herbal tea, a popular drink, has contained fluoride, a chemical used in preventing tooth decay. Coca-Cola was originally based on an herbal remedy used for headaches. Aspirin was created from two plants: white willow and meadowsweet. Often, however, even with these examples, lack of knowledge has prevented health professionals and health educators from teaching or supporting herbal healing. Nevertheless, the World Health Organization has estimated that two-thirds of the world's population has 14
Herbal 3 depended on healing herbs for primary medicines (Castleman, 1991).

For thousands of years Native Americans have used herbs to, not only heal the body, but, also to purify the spirit and bring balance into their lives and their surroundings. Oral traditions indicate that they learned about the healing powers of herbs and other plants by watching sick animals. There are no written records of herbal use by the indigenous people of America prior to the first contact between Europeans and the tribes. However, this changed as Native Americans shared their knowledge of how to use nature's medicines with the new settlers.

While there were hundreds of herbs and plants used in Native American remedies, one of the most sacred was Tobacco, which was used healing numerous conditions, as well as in rituals and ceremonies. It was smoked pure and not mixed with any chemicals as it is today.

Another very important herb to the Native Americans was Sage, which was said to not only heal multiple problems of the stomach, colon, kidneys, liver, lungs, skin, and more, it was also believed to protect against bad spirits and to draw them out of the body or the soul.
I have listed 31 herbal remedies here hope you will add some useful herbal remedy information from this list to your library.

31 Healing herbs Used by Native Americans

1. Alfalfa:
Relieves digestion and is used to aid blood clotting. Contemporary uses included treatment of arthritis, bladder and kidney conditions and bone strength. Enhances the immune system.






2. Aloe:
A cactus-like plant. The thick leaves can be squeezed to extrude a thick sap that can be used to treat burns, insect bites and wounds.










3. Aspen:
The inner bark or xylem is used in a tea to treat fever, coughs and pain. It contains salicin, which also is found in willow trees and is the foundation ingredient for aspirin.







4. Bee pollen:
When mixed with food it can boost energy, aid digestion and enhance the immune system. If you’re allergic to bee stings you will most likely be allergic to bee pollen.






5. Beeswax:
Used as a salve for burns and insect bites, including bee stings. Intended to only be used externally.










6. Blackberry:
The root, bark and leaves when crushed and infused in a tea are used to treat diarrhea, reduce inflammation and stimulate the metabolism. As a gargle it treats sore throats, mouth ulcers and inflammation of the gums.






7. Black Raspberry:
The roots of this plant are crushed and used as a tea or boiled and chewed to relieve coughs, diarrhea and general intestinal distress.







8. Buckwheat:
The seeds are used in soups and as porridge to lower blood pressure, help with blood clotting and relieve diarrhea.





9. Cayenne:
The pods are used as a pain reliever when taken with food or drunk in a tea. Also used to treat arthritis and digestive distress. It is sometimes applied to wounds as a powder to increase blood flow and act as an antiseptic and anesthetic to numb the pain.
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10. Chamomile:
The leaves and flowers are used as a tea to treat intestinal problems and nausea.







11. Chokecherry:
Considered by Native American tribes as an all-purpose medicinal treatment, the berries were pitted, dried and crushed into a tea or a poultice to treat a variety of ailments. These include coughs, colds, flu, nausea, inflammation and diarrhea. As a salve or poultice it is used to treat burns and wounds. The pit of the chokecherry – much like apple seeds – are poisonous in high concentrations. Be sure to pit the cherries if you’re considering this for any use.

12. Echinacea:
Also known as purple coneflower, this is a classic Native American medicine that is used to strengthen the immune system, fight infections and fever. It also is used as an antiseptic and general treatment for colds, coughs and flu.




13. Eucalyptus:
The oil from the leaves and roots is a common treatment when infused in a tea to treat coughs, sore-throat, flu and fever. It’s used to this day as an ingredient in cough drops.




14. Fennel:
A plant with a licorice flavor, this is used in a tea or chewed to relieve coughs, sore-throat, aid digestion, offer relief to diarrhea and was a general treatment for colds. It also is used as a poultice for eye relief and headaches.




15. Feverfew:
Used to this day as a natural relief for fever and headaches – including severe headaches like migraines – it also can be used for digestive problems, asthma and muscle and joint pains.








16. Feverwort:
Another fever remedy that also is used for general pain, itching and joint stiffness. It can be ingested as a tea or chewed, or crushed to a paste as a salve or poultice.







17. Ginger root:
Another super plant in Native American medicine, the root was crushed and consumed with food, as a tea or a salve or poultice. Known to this day for its ability to aid digestive health, it also is anti-inflammatory, aids circulation and can relieve colds, coughs and flu, in addition to bronchitis and joint pain.



18. Ginseng:
This is another contemporary herb that has a history that goes back across cultures for millennia. The roots were used by Native Americans as a food additive, a tea and a poultice to treat fatigue, boost energy, enhance the immune system and help with overall liver and lung function. The leaves and stems also were used, but the root has the most concentration of active ingredients.





19. Goldenrod:
Commonly thought of today as a source of allergies and sneezing, it was actually considered another all-in-one medicine by Native Americans. As a tea, an addition to food and a topical salve, it is used to treat conditions from bronchitis and chest congestion to colds, flu, inflammation, sore throats and as an antiseptic for cuts and abrasions.
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20. Honeysuckle:
The berries, stems, flowers and leaves are used to topically treat bee stings and skin infections. As a tea, it is used to treat colds, headaches and sore throat. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.






21. Hops:
As a tea it is used to treat digestive problems and often mixed with other herbs or plants, such as aloe, to soothe muscles. It also is used to soothe toothaches and sore throat.




22. Licorice:
Roots and leaves can be used for coughs, colds, sore throats. The root also can be chewed to relieve toothaches.







23. Mullein:
As an infusion in tea or added to a salad or other food, this is a plant that has been used by Native Americans to treat inflammation, coughs and congestion and general lung afflictions. It is quite common and you probably have it growing in your backyard or somewhere close.

24. Passion flower:
The leaves and roots are used to make a tea to treat anxiety and muscle pain. A poultice for injuries to the skin such as burns, insect bites and boils also can be made from passion flower.






25. Red clover:
It grows everywhere and the flowers, leaves and roots are usually infused in a tea or are used to top food. It is used to manage inflammation, improve circulation and treat respiratory conditions.






26. Rose hip:
This is the red to orange berry that is the fruit of wild roses. It is already known to be a massive source of vitamin C and when eaten whole, crushed into a tea or added to food it is used to treat colds and coughs, intestinal distress, as an antiseptic and to treat inflammation.






27. Rosemary:
A member of the pine family and used in food and as a tea to treat muscle pain, improve circulation and as a general cleanser for the metabolism.





28. Sage:
A far-reaching shrub across much of North America, it is a natural insect repellent and can be used for the standard list of digestive disorders, colds and sore throat.





29. Spearmint:
Used consistently by Native American tribes for treatment of coughs, colds, respiratory distress and as a cure for diarrhea and a stimulant for blood circulation.





30. Valerian:
The root as an infusion in a tea relieves muscle aches, pain and is said to have a calming effect.




31. White Pine:
Ubiquitous and the needles and the inner bark can be infused in a tea. Used as a standard treatment for respiratory distress and chest congestion.





If you’re an expert on herbal healing procedures i’m certain you can add many to this list.  natural treatments are well worth considering each from an historical and potentially practical factor-of-view. just make sure you become aware of them well and test together with your medical doctor before any use. Please feel free to leave comments about your thoughts and knowledge about herbal remedies and Native American herbal medicine. If you can refer a book or suggest anything that will help and support someone that would be great, after all we all are here to share our skills and knowledge and care and support each other.

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