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EFFECTIVE BREATHING EXERCISES TO HELP YOU CALM DOWN AND RELAX

To many, breathing is merely a process of taking in oxygen through the nose and bringing out carbon IV oxide through the lungs. While this is correct, there is more to it than just taking in O2. In this article, we will be analyzing different breathing exercises and their benefits.
Calming Breathe Exercise

The calming breathe exercise is an effective breathing exercise for reversing panic and restoring calm. This exercise comes handy whenever you are feeling under pressure. It can be employed as a distraction before an important presentation or speech. Calming breath exercise helps to take your mind off whatever is making you feel stressed or tensed. With your eyes closed, think of something – say paradise. Take several deep breaths and allow your breaths to follow where you are present – paradise.
Breath Counting Exercise

This is a simple but effective breathing technique used in Zen practice. It is an important exercise that will help to calm your nerves. All you have to do is to count progressively while you exhale. For instance, when you exhale, count 1. The next time you exhale, count 2… and on. Follow this step up to the count of 8. Once you are done with this, repeat the cycle again but this time, count up to 12 (only while you exhale). Try to do it for up to 15 minutes per session if you can. But if you are a beginner, you are advised to start small and increase your limit from time to time. Make sure your sitting upright and comfortable with your head inclined towards the sky.
Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing exercises are highly recommended for everyone who wants to achieve their singing goals and also those who suffer from anxiety/panic attacks. This exercise may be quite difficult to hone but determination and consistency will make things work out. In order to practice deep breathing exercises effectively, you need a quiet and comfortable place to spend time. The simplest technique is sitting in a chair with the back completely straight. Your arms need to be properly placed on the armrests before taking a slow, deep breath through the nose. The best posture is sitting or standing uprightly with both of your feet standing firmly on the ground. While sitting, it is recommended that you practice correct posture. Your back should be kept straight and your chin tilted. This is very important as it ensures that all of your air passages are open.

Nadi Shodhana

Nadi Shodhana is another form of breathing that is perfect for beginners. This yoga exercise will help you calm down when you feel tensed or pressurized. A good start is to hold your right nostril and inhale through your left one. Make sure you breathe slowly and wait until the next fifteen seconds before you switch nostrils. Now, press your left nostril and inhale through the right one. Repeat the entire process up to fifteen times.

Why do you practice breathing exercises?

• To increase awareness.

• To help you calm down when you are experiencing an anxiety attack.

• To balance the autonomic nervous system.

• Improve concentration on any subject or object.

• Relaxation.

• Balancing the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

CONCLUSION

Breathing exercises require a lot of practice. The more you practice, the more positive results you get. Applying yoga will help you learn how to breathe efficiently while the meditation will help you clear your mind and make you focus on your performance. For more information and tips, please visit Zen Spiritual.

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NEW YEAR’S WELCOMING TRADITION AROUND THE WORLD

Celebrating the New Year is one of the biggest events of the year. There are many New Year’s welcoming traditions around the world. While some take out time for the holidays with their family, others observe welcoming traditions in their various countries. What is the New Year’s 2019 welcoming tradition in your country?

NEW YEAR’S WELCOMING TRADITION IN CHINA

The welcoming tradition of celebrating the New Year in China is so old that its origin is untraceable. But according to Zodiac signs, the year 2019 represents the year of the pig for the Chinese. Chinese New Year comes with many traditions that are practiced to celebrate the New Year. Those who celebrate the Chinese New Year believe it brings good luck for the coming New Year.

Little Year

In China, preparations for the New Year begin on January 28th, 2019.

Spring Festival

Chinese New Year celebration officially begins on February 5th, 2019, and ends on February 19th.

NEW YEAR’S WELCOMING TRADITION IN BRITAIN

The New Year’s welcoming tradition in Britain usually involves dancing, singing, and drinking on New Year’s Eve. In Scotland, Hogmanay is often celebrated with a ceilidh, a tradition that involves the first person to set foot across the threshold of a friend or family to bring gifts bread, whiskey, and coal to that friend or family.

NEW YEAR’S WELCOMING TRADITION IN ROME

Rome is a great place to spend New Year’s Eve. The city is beautifully lit up with street decorations and trees at the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia and Saint Peter’s. Candles are usually lit across the street and from midnight, there will be fireworks going off all around Rome.

NEW YEAR’S WELCOMING TRADITION IN MEXICO

The Mexicans celebrate the New Year by eating 12 grapes – one representing each toll of the bell which is used to make 12 wishes for the coming year (12 months). Also, wearing yellow underwear is thought to make them prosperous in the New Year while red pants are worn as it symbolizes good luck in love.

NEW YEAR’S TRADITION 2019 TIPS

Get Ready to Break Plates!
While this may sound weird, it is actually how the inhabitants of Denmark celebrate their New Year. The people of Denmark save all unused plates until the 31st of December. On this day, they shatter it against the doors of their friends, families, and neighbors. What a great way to celebrate the New Year!

Dressed in Old Rags
On New Year’s Eve, Junkanoo parades in Bahamas and various Caribbean countries. Junkanoo consists of people dressing up in old rags and animal skins.

Take Joy in Ringing Bells
The New Year’s Tradition in Japan is usually associated with the Buddhist belief. One of their traditions involves smiling – people are urged to smile into the New Year as it is believed to bring good luck. Also, bells are rung 108 times in alignment from different angles. Why 108? The Buddhist believes that there are 108 human sins so it is believed that ringing bells bring cleanness.

Buying New Clothes
Buying new clothes and giving out old ones is a popular New Year’s welcoming tradition in China. The ladies buy red dresses because black is not acceptable during the Chinese New Year celebration. The Chinese believe that the color red makes the occasion healthier.

Visit Zen Spiritual to learn more New Year’s welcoming traditions.

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WHY BUY 100% NATURAL CANDLES?

One step to making the world a better place is to promote a healthy environment. Natural candles are a great way to promote a healthy environment. They are becoming more popular as they offer several health benefits without any negative effects that are produced with paraffin candles. People are now switching to natural candles because they now realize how toxic and dangerous commercial candles can be. These dangerous chemicals can cause severe reactions in the body so you’ll be making the right choice in buying natural candles. Natural candles can be found in nature, making it more beneficial for you and your family. On the contrary, traditional paraffin wax is made from petroleum, making it more dangerous to the health.

All natural candles such as beeswax candles, bayberry candles, palm candles, and soy wax candles are all natural candles that are becoming more and more popular by the year.

Beeswax Candles

Beeswax candles are gotten from beehives. They are one of the oldest types of candle waxes. Beeswax require no additional fragrances or scents because have a naturally sweet aroma.

BENEFITS OF NATURAL CANDLES FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

When you buy palm wax, soy wax, beeswax or bayberry wax from a reputable store, you will enjoy enormous benefits for your environment.

  • The natural candle waxes contain no pesticides or herbicides, making them beneficial for the environment.
  • Natural candle waxes are biodegradable, easier to clean, and burns cooler.
  • Natural candles have a longer lifespan than synthetic candles.
  • Natural candles have a completely natural fragrance, each type with its unique scent – no additional fragrance is needed there!

Though, natural candles still take some refining to make them useful in candle making, yet, they still retain their natural properties. They can be used at home without you giving to worry about burning a petroleum stick inside your house. Natural candles can also make a great gift item for friends and family during the Christmas and New Year season.

If you are looking for a place to buy all natural candles, you best destination would be Zen Spiritual.

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HIMALAYAN SALT – HOW TO USE IT AND ITS BENEFITS FOR YOUR HEALTH

HIMALAYAN SALT – HOW TO USE IT AND ITS BENEFITS FOR YOUR HEALTH

The Himalayan Salt is a 100% pure and beautiful salt that can be found on Salt Mountain. It comes in pinkish, reddish, whitish or transparent color – one of the most sought after all over the world. Just like a diamond, the higher the transparency, the higher the clarity. This Salt contains a total of 84 minerals and trace elements that are important to the human body. Himalayan salt crystals are as natural and unpolluted today as they were millions of years ago.

What Are the Benefits of Himalayan Salt?

Himalayan salt is a mysterious wonder that has been in existence for centuries.

  1. Fights Certain Health Conditions

Himalayan salt helps to fight allergies, respiratory problems, and certain health conditions. It aids the supply of oxygen to the respiratory system to get your body healthier and fresher.

  1. Detoxification

The trace minerals and elements present in Himalayan salt can be used for detoxification purpose. When taking a crystal salt bath, your skin starts to produce detoxification and cleansing of Himalayan salt.

  1. Dental Hygiene

Using a Himalayan salt brine to brush your teeth every morning will not only give it a sparkling look but also help maintain fresh breath and prevent tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. By simply adding two teaspoons of Himalayan salt to a glass of warm water and swoosh it around in the mouth, you cleanse your mouth from oral infections.

  1. Good Vibe/Energy

When Himalayan salt combines with water, the positive ions in the salt get attracted to the negative ions of the water molecules. This ionizes both elements and produces energy that makes it beneficial for stress, anxiety, and negative energy.

  1. Relaxing

Whether you use this salt to bath or you mix it in water and drink, the end product is relaxation. More so, using this salt causes an improvement in the blood circulation.

  1. Flu/Cold Remedy

When added to tea or juice, it can be a good home treatment for flu and cold.

 

 

HOW TO USE HIMALAYAN SALT

Body Scrub

Simply mix three or four tablespoons of Himalayan salt with a tablespoon of natural oil e.g. Olive oil. Apply this mixture mildly on the pores of your skin after taking a warm shower. This solution purifies the skin, improves blood circulation, and produces the good energy needed to kick-start your day. This therapy is recommended for psoriasis and skin condition patients.

 

Himalayan Salt Bath or Sole Bath

Himalayan salt bath also known as sole bath helps to restore your body and focus your mind. When having a sole bath, your pores will absorb the minerals and trace elements and it will help you replace electrolytes and rebalance energy. It is a sure remedy to various skin diseases, recurring infections, gynecological conditions, and rheumatism.

Himalayan salt crystal lamps consist of attractive glow or candles and lights. They are great additions to any home as they offer the ambiance of mood lighting; enhance mood, and purifies the natural air.

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Aromatherapy

AROMATHERAPY: REFRESHING YOUR MOOD WITH A GOOD SCENT

We are made to understand that aromatherapy has been a proven method of caring for the body, mind, and soul. Many people go through a lot of stress on a consistent basis. For these people, aromatherapy can be a great way to create the comfortable environment they need to get back up. Aromatherapy uses oil to promote the overall wellbeing of the body. It developed from the ancient practice of using different scents of natural plants to promote human health and well being as well. These oils can heal the body by fortifying it and giving it the nutrients required to replenish and enhance the immune system that helps relieve stress, combat disease, and regenerates the system.

HOW DOES AROMATHERAPY WORK?

As you inhale certain scents of aromatherapy scent, your hypothalamus gets stimulated. Aromatherapy triggers certain biochemical responses in the brain that activates a certain function of the mind and body. Upon stimulation, the hypothalamus transports the scent into the hippocampus (essential for brain memory) through your limbic system. Certain scents are associated with a specific memory which energizes and regulates basic bodily functions such as sleep and emotional responses.

WHO CAN USE AROMATHERAPY

Aromatherapy can be used on a regular basis by everybody to induce relaxation, prevent anxiety, and relieve stress.

Exploring the option of aromatherapy should be considered by those:

  • suffering from joint or muscle pain
  • having skin concerns such as acne or cellulite
  • regularly having trouble sleeping
  • suffering from menopausal symptoms or PMS
  • experiencing anxiety, stress or depression

 

BENEFITS OF AROMATHERAPY

  1. Aromatherapy Will Improve Your Skin

Studies have shown that aromatherapy aids several skin conditions. Those suffering from dry skin and flaky complexion, aromatherapy can help you maintain a youthful skin. Eczema and psoriasis are other serious skin conditions that can be aided too.

  1. Aromatherapy Will Improve Your Mood

Rosemary is an essential oil that has been proven to boost the mood. This essential oil helps in uplifting one’s mood and also regulates the production of a stress hormone called cortisol. Just like meditation, aromatherapy is an effective healing therapy that can ease the body and relieve any discomfort (such as pains and headaches) from your body. Rosemary in aromatherapy provides a positive benefit in overall mood and performance.

  1. Aromatherapy Can Reduce PMS Symptoms

PMS is associated with women; it is something that most women struggle with on a monthly basis. PMS symptoms can often lead to a series of physical and emotional problems. Women struggling with this symptom get a massage with essential oils or take an aromatic bath to reduce symptoms like mood swings, bloating, depression, and irritability.

WHERE CAN I FIND AROMATHERAPY SUPPLIES?

With its increasing popularity today, there is no shortage of places to find aromatherapy supplies. You can grab as many as you need at Zen Spiritual.

 

 

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Cowrie shells reading

Cowrie Shell (Buzios) reading is the art of foretelling the future used by traditional African religions. It is how we can communicate with the Orixas (nature Gods). The shells come in various colors and are used by Babalorixas (priests) and Yalorixas (priestesses) to answer questions as well as receive messages from the Olorichas – it is thought of as the mouth of Olorichas. History tells us that these shells are the doorway through which we commune with the world of the ancestors; one which is connected with the strength of the ocean and represents Goddess protection which is very powerful. Commonly used by African astrologers, these cowrie shells are used for divination. Each of the shells has a meaning which can be interpreted only by the Olorichas in foretelling the future.

BRIEF HISTORY

The cowrie is actually the shell of a snail or mollusk. They originated from Africa (a continent rich in history and tribal tradition) as an age-old art before spreading out to India and ancient China. These shells of cowries were used for centuries as a form of currency but it was used for other higher purposes such as meditation and divination. Historically, the African traders preferred cowrie shells to gold and silver as currency. In ancient Egypt, cowrie shells were thought to contain magical properties that hold infinite wisdom and knowledge as well as timeless view in which ordinary men cannot access. In Africa and major parts of North and South America, the cowrie symbolized the power of wealth, prosperity, and even destiny. It also is believed to have taught stories of humility and respect. In Europe, these shells were often worn as necklace amulets to bring good fortune for barren women or/and to ward off the evil eye.

HOW IT WORKS

Spiritually, according to African legends, it is said that those who are attracted to cowrie shells could be family to an ocean spirit of wealth and earth. First, this ritual isn’t carried by mere men or women. In fact, cowrie shell reading requires specific procedures that only skilled men and women are able to carry out. These skilled men (priests) and women (priestesses) known as Olorichas, go through intensive training to learn how to communicate with the spirits. When tossed on a mat or sacred cloth, cowrie shell reading opens a portal between the human world and the spiritual realm. It then allows for communication between the Olorichas and the ancestors to obtain solutions to people’s problems.

THE MAJOR AIM OF COWRIE SHELL READING

The sole aim of cowrie shell reading is to communicate with spiritual realms to obtain answers or guidance to questions regarding specific situations.

 

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Meditation: start your day with it and note the difference throughout the day

How do you start your day?

Do you know how important meditation is to your life?

Did you know that meditation can help you to remove anxiety and develop an inner peace needed to kick start your day?

After reading this article, I challenge you to start your day with meditation and note the difference throughout the day.

While sleeping, your body is idle for several hours. When you are awake, it is still not fully active. How you treat your body at this stage will go a long way throughout the day. The kind of meal you eat and the simple exercises you undergo can make the difference. However, the greater benefits can be explored with a simple meditation routine. Starting your day with meditation allows you to re-align your body, re-connect your muscles, and commune with your inner self. It also enhances your physical flexibility and other amazing benefits will last well after you’ve stepped out the door.

How Do I Go About Starting My Day With Meditation?

Starting your day with relaxation and meditation doesn’t necessarily mean you need to wake up a few minutes or hours earlier. It is as simple as separating yourself from the real world for around 10 – 15 minutes when you wake. This routine can calm your mind, refresh mood, and provide good energy to start your day off. You can simply say your daily prayer, activate “silence mood” on your gadgets, turn off your PC and TV, and avoid other interruptions and distractions. Make sure you are alone and uplift your surrounding with soft instrumental music. In your meditation, you can see, feel, observe, and accept your thoughts. You can also navigate every moment of your life, feel your body and relate to your inner being. It is the best time to set a particular goal or task for the day. This set goal will be the driving force of your day. You’ll discover that with a clear path in mind, it will be much easier to direct your focus towards achieving your goals.

Giving thanks to God every morning helps you to realize how grateful you are and give you the courage to kick-start the new day. Exercise helps to unwind your muscles and also oxygenates the cells in your body. This removes toxins and helps to improve the quality of your blood. Controlled breathing lowers your blood pressure thus releasing tension in the body. If you make this a daily routine, you will forever enjoy the several benefits it can produce to your body, mind, and soul. In the end, you will feel inner comfort arising, your mind will be clear thus preparing it for all the tasks it will have to do later in the day.

Now you see what to do the first thing in the morning – calming your mind to start your day off right. Once again, I challenge you to try this out! For all the benefits it will provide you, learn how to meditate.

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Himalayan Salt and its benefits

One of the health products that have become more popular in recent years is Himalayan salt. Himalayan salt is the purest and healthiest salt on earth. Yes, it is healthier and purer than sea salt!  This is quite different from the traditional salt because it is 100% natural without any pollutants or harmful toxins. It is widely used for the health benefits associated with it. One of the amazing benefits of this salt is that it provides a natural remedy for skin diseases, respiratory problems, and even menstrual cramps. Continue reading Himalayan Salt and its benefits

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The best ways to relax and re-energize this new year!

There comes a time when taking a break is inevitable. It is important because it makes us relax and re-energizes our body in a way that alleviates stress. Living and working daily in this stressful world will make us unhealthy in no time. Stress is the main cause of several illnesses. As we approach the New Year, it is important that we learn how to relax. This article highlights how you can go about it. Continue reading The best ways to relax and re-energize this new year!