Open Eye Meditation

Many people like to close their eyes during meditation because it will somehow force them to try to quieten down and focus. However, for some of us, closing our eyes means escalating the number of thoughts darting through our minds or it makes us fall asleep in the midst of meditation. 

Have you heard of Open Eye Meditation? What if I told you that you can practise meditation with your eyes open? Would it interest you? Ultimately, the purpose of meditation is to help us relax and destress while bringing our focus back. There is no “one size fits all” style of meditation, rather, you choose the one that you are most comfortable with or the one that works best for yourself. 

Candles and singing bowls are props that are commonly used in meditation. But these do not need to be the mandatory focus points of your meditation. If you are out on your balcony and staring at the sunrise, keeping your eyes open for this beautiful sight would make sense. If you practise meditation with loving kindness, maintaining open eyes aka Open Eye Meditation can provide a powerful blessing.  

Open Eye Meditation

Open Eye Meditation gives us the opportunity to practise irregardless of where we are and how much time we have to spare. If you actually take some time to think about it, you would realize that Open Eye Meditation is perhaps the most powerful form of meditation in existence.

Why is that so? In order to do this, we expose ourselves to the surroundings and allow ourselves to be susceptible to interruptions, causing us to rein in a stronger focus instead. Open Eye Meditation is found in Tibetan and Zen Buddhism as well as Trataka Meditation so it is not completely new or unknown.

Some benefits include:

  • Ease of staying awake during states of sleepiness
  • Build strong concentration skills by focusing on a single object
  • Helps you merge it with your daily routine, making it a lifestyle
  • Develop powerful observation skills, helping you to cope well in social settings and in many areas of life

Now that you know about Open Eye Meditation, let’s start on the practice!

 

1. Choose An Object To Be Your Focal Point

The object could be something that  is currently available in your surroundings or it could be something that you always keep by your side. The best option is to pick an everyday item that is able to help you rein in your focus during Open Eye Meditation. 

Eg. You may choose either a pen instead of a watch as the latter might remind you of deadlines. Choose an item that will not distract you and keep you free from distractions. 

2. Check Out The Floor

Some people might find it challenging to focus on an object when there are so many distractions in the surroundings. Therefore direct your attention to the floor or your own feet to help you increase focus. 

When you divert your attention to the floor, you limit the amount of visual material you can see so this alternative method will work well for those who get distracted by objects or their minds tend to wander off into La La land easily.

Open Eye Meditation

3. Practise Your Breathing

Once you have found a focal point for Open Eye Meditation, you can start on breathing exercises. There are 3 different types of breathing exercises and you can choose one you feel most comfortable with. The most important is to pace your breathing during these exercises. 

As you are controlling your breathing, relax your mind and body. Make yourself comfortable by sitting in a relaxing position and remember to keep your focus on your chosen object. 

4. Be Aware

After a few rounds of breathing exercises, allow your eyes to travel across the room. Take a quick glance at your surroundings and be aware of them. When you are doing this, it is important not to let your focus dwell on an object for too long. Simply acknowledge their presence as you are doing this.  

Let the images flow as they are and as you are observing your surroundings, empty your mind of lingering thoughts. Choose to be present in the moment and just notice what is around you.  

5. Re-Focus Internally

Now that you have finished observing your surroundings, bring your focus back to yourself. If your breathing has slipped, resume control of your breathing. Notice the rate of your heartbeat and slowly observe how your body is feeling. 

Start from your feet and work all the way up to your head. Notice the surface your feet are resting on, the chair you sit on or even the bracelet that is clasped on your wrist. Take note of any body pain you might be experiencing at this time too.

Open Eye Meditation

6. Be Open And Accepting

Allow yourself to soak in the present and accept the events that are happening around you. Slowly connect your presence with them. Simply acknowledge that you are a part of this cycle and you are simply responding to its effects.

Take this time to pay attention to what is really happening. More often than not, we are too focused on how we see our surroundings that we neglect to see from others’ perspectives. By reconnecting with our surroundings, we will become more mindful of our actions after Open Eye Meditation. 

7. Learn To Detach

As you reconnect with your surroundings in the present moment, you might begin to feel the pressure of all its demands and expectations once again. Simply accept this as part and parcel of reconnection. This is normal and is a reflex response to your surroundings. 

Learn to detach yourself from negative thoughts and emotions. Learn to accept them and not resist in the current situation before releasing them. Then you can truly move forward and be open to any possibilities with a positive attitude. This is very important during practice of Open Eye Meditation.

8. Find Your Lighthouse

Direct your focus back to your chosen object and treat it as a guide to help you find your lighthouse. Use it to increase your focus or to reconnect with the present without investing too much of yourself. 

Be like a watchman and simply observe events as they come and go. Try to incorporate and integrate this into your daily routine. You would be amazed that it will help you focus so much better and you can find inner peace wherever you are. 

Now that you know Open Eye Meditation can be so easy even in the open surroundings, we hope you can find the inner strength and peace to deal with the daily grind no matter what you are doing. Have fun with Open Eye Meditation!

 

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Walking Meditation For Beginners - 4 Step Basic Guide

The benefits of meditation are many and there are different types of meditation to suit every individual’s needs. For those who love walking and natural scenery, walking meditation is the recommended form of meditation. There is no special prop required for walking meditation (cushion and singing bowl etc). 

Walking meditation is mindful meditation in motion and a perfect complement to the usual seated meditation practice. Walking meditation is also great for beginners since walking is a familiar and necessary part of everyday life.  

Walking Meditation For Beginners - 4 Step Basic Guide

Walking meditation is not just about strolling, it is about being mindful as much as possible while we are walking. It is about being aware of our bodies and physical sensations as we move. Our bodies and minds are rooted in the present moment. 

When you are practising walking meditation, you should imagine and visualize yourself as imprinting peace, serenity and happiness on the ground as you walk. That way, it also uplifts your spirit, soul, mind and body psychologically at the same time because when you visualize positive feelings and emotions, the result will be a return of the very same feelings and emotions; thereby helping you to release stress and negative feelings as well as emotions. 

Here is how you can get started on walking meditation:

Walking Meditation For Beginners - 4 Step Basic Guide

Choosing Your Meditation Spot

1. Before you start, look for a location where you can walk slowly and quietly without obstacles. The location needs to be devoid of traffic and ideally, the ground should be flat enough without worrying about falls. 

If you are walking in a public space, you will need to take care not to get in the way of others. Alternatively, you can do it indoors and it is a good option to help you stay more focused on mindfulness than get distracted by your surroundings when practising outside.  

Starting Your Walk Of Mindfulness

2. After you have found a suitable spot for walking meditation, you can begin each session by anchoring yourself. Take a minute to breathe deeply as you bring your full attention to your body. Wind down and focus on how stable the ground feels beneath your feet, sensing the many and varied sensations within your body. Take note of your thoughts and feelings too. 

Start walking slowly. In walking meditation, the focus should be on the movement of your feet and legs as well as the motion of your body instead of your breath. As you walk slowly and mindfully in a circle or back and forth, turning a corner etc, be as mindful as you can of the position of your feet and the accompanying feelings, thoughts and sensations. 

An advisable duration will be to walk for at least 10 minutes. Walk at your own pace and do not rush. You can always take a break and stretch or simply stop moving with the natural flow of things.

Walking Meditation For Beginners - 4 Step Basic Guide

Maintaining A State Of Mindfulness

3. As you sense and observe the various sensations as you walk, do take note of the feelings and thoughts that come into play as well. Just note them mentally as they arise and there is no need to analyze, accept or reject them at all. Remember to maintain a state of mindfulness as you walk. Most importantly, walk naturally with an open mind and heart as you go with the flow. 

Speed And Posture

4. The pace of walking meditation can range from slow to extremely slow. You can do whatever you feel comfortable with as you walk – letting your hands and arms swing loosely by your sides, clasping them in front of your body or holding them behind your back. 

Your body should be relaxed as you walk, moving in a natural and comfortable manner. Walk with poise, keeping your body posture upright and aligned. It might prove challenging for starters but with practice, you will definitely get the hang of walking meditation!

In summary, walking meditation helps you to sharpen your senses for mindfulness in everyday life so even when challenging situations suddenly arise, you can be in a state of calmness anywhere and anytime.

 

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Movement Meditation - 10 Step Basic Guide

There are many types of meditation available and their benefits are plenty. Depending on your personality and objective for practising meditation, you will find one that suits your needs. If you have tried sitting meditation and find that it does not work for you because your mind just keeps drifting or you find yourself getting restless after a short while, movement meditation will be a good alternative.  

This is definitely for the highly energetic people who find it hard to sit still or take a pause in their lives! In some monasteries and meditation retreats, participants alternate between sitting meditation and moving meditation (usually walking meditation) in order to exercise the physical body, release tension and stimulate blood circulation.

Movement Meditation - 10 Step Basic Guide

Mindfulness is the biggest part of movement meditation. When you are mindful of the body, it means that you are mindful of how your muscles move and the feeling of how your feet brush against the floor when you walk. You begin to pay attention to the body and how it feels as it moves, turns and twists. You will feel even conscious of your breathing, heartbeat and other sensations. 

Movement meditation focuses on the movements of the body rather than the goal of the movement. Eg. Picking up a bowl from the table is not usually registered by your mind but being mindful of the process makes the movement very different. You feel the bend of the legs and arm as you reach out to pick up the bowl and you notice the movement of the head as you look towards the bowl. You feel and notice the extra weight in your hand as you lift the bowl. All of these are done in a state of awareness during movement meditation. 

Sounds fun and interesting? Let’s get started on this basic 10 step guide to movement meditation:

 

Relax into rhythm

1. Sit in a comfortable position and align your breath with your body. Try to relax and make your movements and breath into one, like someone moving in tune with a pendulum.

2. Put your hands on your body and feel the movement of breath as you breathe in and out. Notice how your arms extend and return slightly.

Movement Meditation - 10 Step Basic Guide

Tune in with your sensations and feelings

3. Start to stand up and observe what happens. You will feel your hands touch the ground, your legs begin to extend, your spine straighten and your neck strengthen as you move from a sitting position to a standing one.   

4. Once you are standing, observe the sensations and feelings in your body and take note of any uncomfortable ones. Adjust your body to make the uncomfortable sensations and feelings disappear. If you are unable to do so, then just take note for now and move on to somewhere else.  

5. Start at the top of your head and look out for any sensations or feelings that come into mind. Once you felt the sensations and feelings at the top of your head, move on downwards to your forehead, eyes, cheeks, nose, ears, lips, chin neck etc. Take your time, do not rush and move at your own pace. Keep moving through your whole body, taking note of any feelings and sensations you have until you reach the tips of your toes. 

6. Bring your whole body back into focus and begin to move with your heartbeat. Feel your body as it moves side to side or back and forth. 

Movement Meditation - 10 Step Basic Guide

Visualized Imagery

7. Stretch an arm into the air and visualize that you are picking a pretty flower off a plant that is slightly out of reach. Notice how your arm lengthens as you reach out for the flower and how you tip your toes in order to maximize the length of your arm to reach the flower. Notice all the movements of your body as this simple act takes place.

8. Repeat with the other arm. 

9. Leave your standing spot and move around the area you are in. Notice the feelings and sensations that take place as you start to move. Your legs, hips, and spine all work together to create movement. Take your own pace to observe the individual feelings and sensations in those areas. 

10. Now, sit back and pay attention to your body as it bends. End as you began, aligning your breath with your body.

In summary, this is just an example and variation of movement meditation. There are a few variations of movement meditation – dancing, walking, shaking, cleaning and running. Isn’t that simple and easy to do? It is a part of everyday life for many of us! The most important is to be mindful of your body and look out for any sensations and feelings that occur as a result of practising movement meditation. Meditation has never been easier!

 

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Sound Meditation For Beginners - 7 Step Basic Guide

Meditation is highly popular in today’s society norms and should come as no surprise, given the fact we are being subject to so much stress nowadays. Work assignments, health issues, family obligations, relationship problems….you name it.  

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, how do we find time to destress and rejuvenate ourselves? Here comes sound meditation to the rescue, a different “noise” from the outside world! 

Sound meditation aka sound bath, is the use of a tool to cultivate and induce deep relaxation. Its purpose is to create a gentle but yet powerful experience that clears the mind, heals the physical body and helps pull your focus back to the present. 

So how is this different from regular meditation? Regular meditation requires you to count your breaths, visualize something or repeat a mantra in your head. However, for sound meditation, it gives you sound and vibrations to focus on so you quieten down faster easily. 

Sound Meditation For Beginners - 7 Step Basic Guide

Many research studies have shown that music can have a profound effect on both your emotions and physical body. Upbeat music can make you feel more positive about life while a slower tempo can help your mind to quieten down and muscles to relax. It is effective for stress management and relaxation. 

Sound meditation is particularly useful for sales executives or busy professionals who are always on the go and find it difficult to quieten down as they are used to so much noise and data they receive through their five senses every day.

So how do you get started? Here is a step by step guide to help you release stress and relax:

 

Pre-Start Cleansing Ritual

1. Have a Tibetan singing bowl ready. It is an effective and useful healing tool in sound meditation. It is a great idea to have at least two to three singing bowls at home. 

Sound Meditation For Beginners - 7 Step Basic Guide

2. Start by clearing out negative energy from your space. Hold a singing bowl in one hand and use the other hand to strike your bowl with the mallet as you move around your house or office.

Hear The Symphony Of Sound Meditation

3. Once the cleansing ritual is completed, sit in a comfortable position and surround yourself with the singing bowls. If you only have one singing bowl, hold it in your hand.  Light an aromatherapy candle to set the mood and kick the relaxation up a notch as well as to increase the flow of spiritual energy. 

4. Set your intentions or thoughts on good, happy and positive thoughts of love, peace, hope or joy and play your singing bowl by striking it. Hold the bowl in the palm of your non-dominant hand and the mallet in your dominant hand. 

Hold the mallet like a baton and strike the bowl lightly with the padded side of the mallet on the bowl’s mid-exterior wall. Striking will produce a pleasant, rich and soothing tone. Wait for the sounds and vibrations to dissipate completely before striking the bowl again.

Sound Meditation For Beginners - 7 Step Basic Guide

Relax And Experience Inner Calm

5. Take a deep breath and focus on your intentions. Let the sound vibrations help you relax, bringing inner calm and indescribable harmony.

6. Singing along with your singing bowls can give you empowerment and allow your intentions to guide you. When you surrender yourself completely to the practice of sound meditation, you will have a wonderful experience of deep cleansing, healing and rejuvenation. 

7. When you are finished, sit silently for a few seconds and express inner thanks for the practice. Show your gratitude for your singing bowls and for your own effort. 

Alternatively, if you are in the office and do not have a singing bowl, you can create a sound bath by listening to digital recordings of singing bowls or other sound bathing tools. The most important thing is that you can go into complete stillness and tranquility while listening to the digital sounds. 

We are surrounded with so much noise every day. Sometimes, we just need to give ourselves a little time to sit quietly so we can filter out the unwanted noise in our minds, hearts and bodies; becoming renewed and rebalanced in energy and soul. Have fun with your singing bowls!

 

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White Light Meditation - Powerful Guide To Natural Healing

Have you been suffering from insomnia or pain, feeling down or felt unmotivated to do anything at all? Maybe you have been seeing the doctor or even tried to read some motivational materials to pull your focus back again but seem unable to get the healing or results you want?

If this sounds like you, perhaps you may like to try light meditation. Meditation is a technique widely used to bring about inner calm, focus and stress relief. Did you know that it can even bring healing especially with light meditation?

White light meditation, or Jyoti Dhyana as it is called in Sanskrit, is an intense meditation technique that allows you to tap on and maximize your natural healing capacity and wellness potential. 

Each of our bodies has the capacity and ability to self heal. It is part of our genetic ability. Using white light meditation will allow you to focus your energy into the holy aspect of healing which will expand and purify through your mind, body and spirit. 

Sounds mystical? Let me explain. Think about what you would do when you get hungry. You will think of food, how to get the food either by making it or buying it and then eating it finally! Did you realize that you just do it naturally like breathing without thinking too much? Your inner thoughts lead to verbal expression and then physical action. 

White Light Meditation - Powerful Guide To Natural Healing

Just like how human thoughts can lead to certain positive or negative habits, we are focusing our energy inwards and deeply into this white, healing light that embodies and purifies us. The more we focus on this intense healing light, the more we manifest ourselves into wholeness! Our minds, bodies and spirits will be aligned harmoniously as one. 

One plus point about this light meditation is that it can be practiced just anywhere and if you are a very busy individual with very little time, this form of meditation works the best for you! You can do it whenever you feel you have a need to de-stress or increase your focus. 

The benefits of light meditation are many and some of them include improving your focus and overall well-being, increasing your motivation and confidence as well as empowering you for better endurance. Want to nail these benefits?

Let’s start right away with an easy step by step guide to light meditation!

 

A. Warming Up

1. Before you get started, find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed for an hour or so and play some soft and soothing background music. You may like to use a cushion to make yourself more comfortable.

2. Begin with sitting or lying down in a comfortable position. Place one of your hands on your solar plexus, right below the chest and the other hand on your sacral chakra, where your belly button is. 

3. Close your eyes and turn your attention towards your breath, allowing your body to relax as you take the deepest breath that you can. 

4. Slowly inhale through your nose and then release it out of your mouth. 

5. Imagine a warm healing white light that is shining brightly around you and each time you inhale, you are absorbing this healing white light of peace and tranquility. Allow this to flood through your entire being.

White Light Meditation - Powerful Guide To Natural Healing

B. Deeper Focus

6. Release the negative emotions by exhaling slowly. Whatever has been weighing on your mind, body and spirit – let them go. The worries, stress, pain, discomfort and sadness etc. As you exhale this negativity, inhale and embrace the healing white light. 

7. Imagine this healing white light coming from the heart of the universe and it is being channeled through a pair of warm, healing hands. Whatever resonates most strongly with you will be the perfect visualization scenario. 

8. Allow the healing white light to enter into your body, right through the top of your head. Let it penetrate your skin, bones, organs and blood. Allow it to pierce and purify every cell in your body. 

9. Let the warmth of the healing white light to expand through you, allowing it to penetrate and purify each individual chakra. 

10. Start back at the top of your head and guide the light through each individual part of your body. Through your head, neck, to your arms, chest, hips and then to your thighs, knees, calves and feet. Relax and let the light work its magic. 

11. Allow the white light to flow upwards from your feet. Back through your calves, thighs, and up through your stomach and chest. Then back to your head, filing your headspace with the white light. Let it swirl around in your head clockwise and then explode out through the top of your crown.

White Light Meditation - Powerful Guide To Natural Healing

C. Total Release

12. You might feel a peaceful, tingly sensation throughout your body. You might also see images, different visualizations or experience different auditory sensations. All of these are good things.

13. Let go of any negativity and things that do not make you feel happy or serve you in any way. Push them into the radiant white light and watch as the healing white light dissolves them into nothing.

14. Embrace the growing lightness in your body as the white light purifies and dispels the darkness within you. 

15. It is alright to feel emotional at this point of healing. If you feel like crying, just go ahead without holding back. Accept these emotions and allow them to wash through you. Release them – you will feel so cleansed, light and free!  

16. As the meditation comes to an end, allow yourself to relax and feel the warm healing light within your solar plexus. Place your hands against your solar plexus and feel the energy here. Move your hands in front of your heart in Namaskar Mudra (hands clasped in prayer above the heart) and offer thanks for the healing.

17. The meditation has ended and you may go to rest or sleep. 

There are so many things we face everyday – household chores, work assignments and health issues etc. When left unattended in the realm of darkness, the effects of the daily grind become disruptional to our lives. Practising light meditation regularly helps us to manage our daily lives better and more effectively. You will feel a complete sense of peace, calmness, confidence and acceptance with yourself. Keep meditating and move on!

 

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7 Benefits of Cloves: A Deep Insight Into It

Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of an evergreen tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum. They are available throughout the year due to different harvest seasons in different countries. A common spice used in cooking and medicine since the ancient times – many benefits of cloves can be found. They lend aroma and flavour to meats, marinades, curries and even hot beverages. They also contain medicinal properties and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine as well as ayurvedic medicine. 

As early as 200 BCE, envoys from Java to the Han-dynasty court of China had to chew cloves to perfume their breath during audiences with the emperor. Cloves were also traded by Omani sailors and merchants from India to the mainland and Africa during the Middle Ages. In the 18th century the French smuggled cloves from the East Indies to Indian Ocean islands and the New World, breaking the Dutch monopoly. Indonesia became the world’s largest producer of cloves, followed by Madagascar, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka by the 21st century.

Cloves contain a major chemical compound called eugenol that composes 72% to 90% of the essential oil being extracted. Eugenol is responsible for aroma and you will be surprised to know that it also has a number of health benefits.

Here are 7 benefits of cloves:

A deep insight into 7 benefits of cloves

1. Contains essential nutrients

According to nutrition research, one teaspoon of ground cloves contains 30 percent of the daily value (DV) of manganese, 3 percent of the DV of vitamin C  and 4 percent of the DV of vitamin K. It also contains trace amounts of vitamin E, calcium, magnesium and is a good source of fiber. 

2. High in antioxidants

The benefits of cloves include antioxidants and they are compounds that inhibit oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases; thereby leading to chain reactions that may damage the cells of organisms. Free radicals can be caused by a number of factors such as diet, smoking, poor air quality, emotional stress or extreme physical exercise. 

Cloves are full of powerful compounds and ranks #6 on the ORAC Scale for antioxidant value among all of the foods and beverages across the world. These compounds include vitamins (K, C and E) and eugenol. Vitamin C has been known to react extensively with free radicals and reduces the oxidative stress. Studies also have shown that eugenol is 5 times more effective in combating free radicals than vitamin E.

3. Alleviates toothache and dental pain

Other benefits of cloves include also reducing toothache and dental pain, believe it or not. As a matter of fact, Cloves have been used in Chinese medicine some 2000 years ago as an anti-inflammatory agent against tooth pain and decay. It produces a numbing effect and has been shown to treat gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. Eugenol is the main active compound in cloves and is also used extensively in the manufacture of dental materials. It reduces the erosion of teeth and helps to remineralize them.

4. Kills bacteria

Cloves contain anti-microbial properties that help to stop the growth of microorganisms. One test-tube study showed that clove essential oil killed three common types of bacteria, including E. coli, a common strain of bacteria found in food poisoning cases. 

A mouthwash study tested herbal remedies containing cloves, tea tree oil and basil for 21 days. Results showed improved gum health, decreased plaque build up and mouth bacteria.

A deep insight into 7 benefits of cloves

5. Regulates blood sugar levels

Cloves are used in many traditional remedies to treat various conditions including diabetes.  Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used for energy. Having too much blood glucose can cause major health problems. 

An animal laboratory study looked at the effects of clove bud powder on laboratory markers in a rat model of diabetes. They found that blood sugar level was lower in rats that received the clove powder compared to those that did not receive the clove powder. Overall, cloves keep your blood glucose in check.

6. Anti-cancer agent

Cloves have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which play a role in eliminating carcinogens. Carcinogens are substances that cause cancer. Some carcinogens are found in our food intake and lifestyles such as processed meat and smoking etc. 

One test-tube study found that clove extract helped stop the growth of tumors and promoted cell death in cancer cells. A similar study was done, showing the effect of clove extract on tumour growth in mice. Tumors grew significantly less in the mice treated with clove extract compared to those in the control group. The health benefits of cloves are many and not exhaustive to these only. 

7. Promotes beautiful skin

Cloves can clear and draw out existing acne and impurities due to their anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, thereby reducing the pores and preventing future breakouts. 

Skin is found everywhere on our physical bodies and many factors such as overexposure to the sun and stress can cause us to age tremendously. Cloves work as powerful anti-aging agents and are useful especially for the reduction of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. Hence they are used in the manufacture of many skincare products.

 

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Healing

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” – Dale Carnegie 

In the millennial age, many health or emotional problems are actually caused by stress. Stress comes from many factors – unhappiness in your job, discrimination, financial issues and family problems etc. Our innate immune response helps us to cope with stress in everyday life. However, when left undiffused over a long period of time or when we are subjected to sudden high levels of stress due to circumstances, this auto-response system breaks down and we start having health and/ or emotional problems. 

Some common symptoms of stress include migraine, weight fluctuations, insomnia, eczema, anxiety, agitation, lack of focus, poor memory and flu etc. According to Statista, at least 55% of the world population suffers from stress in some way. At times, you won’t know how much the compounded stress is affecting you until a heavy toll hits and affects yourself or the people around you. Therefore it is important that we learn to be aware and recognise the warning signs of stress overload so we can deal with it better. 

Healing

So how do we handle stress? We use natural healing methods that are simple and effective to apply in daily life, even for beginners. The healing journey begins when our physical health improves day by day and/ or when we start to cope better with our emotions.

Here are 6 healing tips you can use to deal with stress whenever you feel bogged down by the troubles of life. 

1. Candles

They have been used since ancient times for various purposes like weddings, rituals. meditation and healing. As they are being lit, it represents a renewal of energies and healing of the body, mind and soul. The shape and colour of the candles have a major impact on the energies that are channelled out. White purifies and gives peace; red brings healing, strength and love while yellow improves communication and memory as well as promotes happiness. 

2. Aromatherapy Massage

A combo of using the healing properties of essential oils and massage therapy, it helps to de-stress your body and mind. These essential oils are usually hot favourites. Lavender treats insomnia, depression and eczema; bergamot elevates your mood, relieves stress and pain while eucalyptus boosts your immunity, clears your mind and soothes nervous tension. 

3. Sleep

It might seem so silly but sometimes we just need to get adequate sleep or simply rest to heal our minds, bodies and souls. Anyone who has ever pulled an all-nighter for a deadline or exam knows the post-event results are not glamorous at all. You feel fatigued, see “double” and even feel irritable. What more when this accumulates over time? Everything goes into overdrive. While sleep requirements may vary from person to person, most healthy adults will need at least 7 hours of sleep to function well. 

4. Visualised Imagery

This technique is widely used in healing meditation today. It is recommended to listen to soft meditation music and turn off any gadgets that might distract you. You can dim the lights and sit in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and stare at a focal point while imagining your problems as clouds and go away to reveal the sun. Carve out 10 to 20 minutes a day for meditation and you will reap the positive benefits in due time. 

5. Art

Art therapy is to utilize the creative process to help people explore self-expression which in turn improves their mental, physical and emotional well being. Techniques used include colouring, painting and drawing etc. Through creation, it helps individuals to focus on their imagination, identify what issues are affecting them and how these make them feel. The end result is that they are able to release their negative emotions through the medium of art and at times, even gain personal insights or solutions to resolve the issues they are facing.  

6. Nature

Research studies have shown that regardless of age and culture, human beings find nature relaxing and more than two-thirds of people choose a natural setting to retreat to as their sanctuary during times of stress. By simply taking a walk in the park, going to the beach or taking a hike in the forest – it reduces fear, anger, depression and stress. Exposure to nature uplifts our mood and improves our physical health like reducing blood pressure, regulating our heart rates and easing muscle tension.

 

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