Page 1073

How to Keep Toxic People Out of Your Relationship

August 11, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Some people don’t know how to mind their business. When these toxic personalities get involved in your relationship, it’s time to tell them to keep out. This article will look at the destructive ways others will try to butt in where they don’t belong. Also, we review how you can prevent yourself and your partner from the emotional drain of their toxic behavior.

How to Keep Toxic People Out of Your Relationship

Some people love a good story. So the intimate details of your relationship are like a juicy soap opera that they can’t get enough of. Naturally, they will keep asking you more about your feelings toward your partner. Then they get more into the nitty gritty of your affairs when they should be keeping out of your business.

If only all of the people we talk to could respect our privacy, be socially polite, and keep the confidences that we entrust them with, then we wouldn’t have to worry about the negative effects on our relationship. But when people use the information that you share to tell others, get entertainment value from your life, or use the details to manipulate your behavior, these toxic people need to be kept out of your relationship.

Why toxic people get involved in your relationship

We all love a good story, and a good non-fiction love story is exactly what your relationship has turned into for the toxic person who won’t let you have your privacy. Maybe some of these phrases sound familiar:

‘I’m just worried about you.’
‘When you won’t include me in your life, I just don’t feel like you care.’
‘Why won’t you trust me?’

If you’ve heard these phrases or something similar from a person you suspect of being toxic, it’s a sign that they are trying to get the gossip on your relationship. Don’t let these toxic people manipulate your relationship.

Research by the Queensland University in Brisbane, Australia, found some interesting facts about malicious workplace gossip. They note it can be an influential form of power, strongly contributing to counterproductive behavior. There are negative consequences of the rumors spread by toxic people for those who are the targets of their attacks, for example, intentionally excluding someone from a group because they are being talked about in secret. The researchers say, ‘This research highlights the importance of recognizing gossip as an effective, though dark, form of power.’

What can you do to keep toxic people out of your relationship?

Stop offering information about your relationship.
When a toxic person with questionable motives asks you questions about you and your partner, say this instead of giving them the gossip they crave. ‘Why do you ask?’
Confront toxic people about their need for gossip
Say this. ‘The details of my relationship are a private matter between myself and my partner and we would like to keep it that way.’
Set boundaries for the toxic person when they interact with you.
You never have to tolerate unacceptable behavior from a toxic person. Instead, say, ‘If you continue to ask me about my relationship, I will stop talking with you.’
Don’t make this an idle threat, if you set the boundary and the toxic person persists in asking you about your relationship, repeat what the boundary was and then state the consequence; that you are leaving, hanging up, or no longer speaking to them until they respect your privacy.
Ensure that your partner sets boundaries too
If you hold the toxic person accountable for their behavior, but your partner still shares your relationship information, your efforts will be wasted to keep the toxic person out. Make sure you act as a team to keep nosy people at bay.

Final Thoughts on Eliminating Toxic People From Your Relationship

Are you and your partner arguing about something? Sometimes your partner brings in a third party to confide in. Researchers at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah say ‘Rather than deal with problems more directly within the confines of the marital relationship, the spouse engaging in social sabotage chooses to expose and defame the spouse, bringing third parties into ongoing marital dynamics.’ Your partner or an outside person may use rumors and gossip about your relationship to collect information and to ‘recruit others to take their side in a dispute.’

The Provo study also says that a toxic person can use gossip as a tool to engage in ‘social manipulation and using circuitous means to harm a victim. In particular, they recognized how rumors and gossip serve as a unique brand of covert, non-confrontational behaviors in which the perpetrator (the original source of the rumor) may remain unidentified. ‘If your partner spreads rumors, you might not know whom they have talked to about confidential pieces of your lives.

7 Pieces of Relationship ‘Advice’ You’ll Want To Ignore

August 11, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Relationship advice can be found on any magazine you see in line for the register at any grocery store, but if your relationship is in crisis, there are some old gems of ‘good advice’ that you’ll want to ignore. In this article, we will look at 7 pieces of relationship advice to throw out with the recycling and why they are no good for you or your partner.

7 Pieces of Relationship ‘Advice’ You’ll Want To Ignore

It is hard to ignore the fact that our social culture has changed over time and has brought about some pretty radical changes in the way we find a partner, join our lives together, and sustain a relationship over time.

Researchers at University of California, Irvine and State University, Los Angeles reviewed women’s magazine topics on relationships since 1900. They found ‘a historical change toward equating love with self-fulfillment and advocating the expression of anger.’ There have been many changes from traditional relationship values to more modern ones and the research showed that these changes in relationship advice given by women’s magazines are related to waves of political liberation versus oppression.

The researchers say that ‘Emotion norms have become less rigid and more tolerant of diversity; but gender differences persist, and women are still responsible for maintaining intimate relationships. Historical trends in love and anger norms are nonlinear, not a continuous shift toward individualism, self-development, and free expression, as suggested by recent cultural theories.’

1. You can train your partner to be a better mate

No one can force another person to change their behavior, so this is an avoidable piece of relationship advice. Training is something you can do for non-human animals, not people. Although you can certainly communicate your preferences to your partner, and praise or reward them when they listen and respect your boundaries, you will never change the core of their personality.

2. Express your emotions, don’t repress them

‘Harry, you’re going to have to try and find a way of not expressing every feeling that you have, every moment that you have them.’ – Sally Albright, When Harry Met Sally

Should you tell your partner how frustrated you are by, for example, them humming along to the radio, now, or to ignore it? Is it better to bottle up your feelings, or express them right away? The best relationship advice is, it depends.

For example, if your partner is happy, and you can tell this by their body language and expression, then telling them that you are annoyed by their behavior is going to hurt them more deeply than if you can move to another location or plug your ears or just learn to be happy with them. No one partner in a relationship has the right to stop the other partner from being happy just because they find it annoying. You both have the right to happiness.

3. Don’t go to bed angry

Honestly, this piece of relationship advice should be ignored because some topics are too serious to come to a decision about before bed. An argument is usually a difference of opinion between you and your partner and if it’s important, and you’re still arguing about it before bedtime, sleep is probably the best thing you can do to gain some perspective on the situation.

4. As long as you are both honest about your feelings, everything will be fine

Honesty is key to building trust, and hiding things from your partner isn’t good, but you also know the difference between telling a little white lie to save your partner from having hurt feelings and a flat-out lie that is dishonest and could destroy your relationship later.

5. If the sex is good, then the relationship is healthy

Sex and intimacy is only one component of a healthy partnership. A strong libido doesn’t equal a happy relationship with excellent communication and a couple who work together to overcome obstacles and achieve goals. Sex does not equate to a deep emotional commitment either, unfortunately, so this is one piece of relationship advice you’ll want to ignore.

6. A good breakup is better than a bad relationship

If it’s truly a bad relationship, meaning that staying is emotionally, physically, mentally or otherwise harmful to one partner or both, then a breakup is indeed better. However, if you’re not hurting, it might be worth staying if the relationship problems can be solved. University of Buffalo researchers found that the physical health of both partners was a sign of a high-quality romantic relationship. So if you are fit and healthy, consider yourself to be in a healthy relationship.

7. You can always go to counseling to fix your problems

Couple’s counseling won’t fix anything unless you are both willing to work to fix problems with communication, trust, intimacy, or whatever else is ruining your relationship. It takes two to make a partnership and both partners are usually involved in the problems of the relationship as well as the solution. If each of you is blaming the other, this piece of relationship advice is never going to work until you take accountability for your own actions.

https://youtu.be/eGPrRQYZ-ms

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

5 Nutrient Deficiencies That Make You Overeat

August 11, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever thought that maybe the cause of your snacking and overeating could be that you are trying to make up for the nutrient deficiencies that you have from not eating the right things? It’s possible that your body has cravings because it’s trying to tell you to eat more of the essential nutrients that it needs to be healthy.

Overeating can lead to weight gain, which is something that most of us are trying to avoid. Your binge snacking or continuous grazing throughout the day is hurting your health, so let’s examine the 5 nutrient deficiencies that might be making you overeat.

5 Nutrient Deficiencies That Make You Overeat

Believe it or not, a nutrient rich diet allows you to practically eat as much as you want, without the kind of overeating that leads to gaining weight. The National Bariatric Center says that a 2004 study found that individuals who ate a nutrient rich diet were able to lose weight without reducing the total amount of calories consumed.

Study participants were placed on a nutritionally balanced diet of 2100 calories per day divided into seven equal servings. The participants were encouraged to eat all of the portions and even more if they were still hungry. Even with the additional food intake, they lost significant amounts of weight and also lost fat around the waist.

Let’s look at the 5 most common nutrient deficiencies that cause you to overeat.

1. Iron

Some vegetarians are surprised to find that they may occasionally experience meat cravings, and this is likely a result of an iron deficiency. Women who are going through certain phases of their menstruation cycle or pre-menopausal women also have these cravings.

Your best bet for when you crave iron to avoid overeating is to fill your plate with cashew nuts, pumpkin seeds, dried fruit, beans, or legumes. Iron is best absorbed when you add vitamin C to your plate

2. Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids are very important to our overall health, and when you don’t get enough, your body sends signals of cravings that may make you overeat. If you do not include high-quality fish in your diet, add seaweed sources to get this important nutrient and keep yourself from overeating. Flaxseed, flaxseed oil, chia seeds, hemp seeds, chickpeas, and Brussels sprouts are all additional vegan ways to get Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.

3. B Vitamins

There are many different B Vitamins and sources of them, and lacking these nutrients could send your body into an overeating binge mode. Your essential B Vitamins are B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). The good news is that seeds, nuts, avocado, and yeast can cover almost all of your body’s nutrient deficiencies while maintaining a healthy vegan diet and not overeating.

4. Magnesium and calcium

Magnesium is a mood booster that is almost as effective as lithium in many people. As a result of not getting enough magnesium, which is filtered out of most bottled and filtered waters, our moods are depressed or unstable and we binge eat to try to make up for our less than happy mood.

When you binge eat, you might crave sugar, but avoid this non-nutrient food additive because it can cause your levels of magnesium and calcium to be even lower. Stress has a similar effect on reducing your body’s natural levels of the nutrients magnesium and calcium, resulting in a deficiency that leads you to overeat.

Researchers at Eastern Michigan University studied vegetarian diets to see if they had enough nutrients to qualify as a nutrient dense diet. The research showed that ‘Mean intakes of fiber, vitamins A, C, and E, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, calcium, magnesium, and iron were higher for all vegetarians than for all non-vegetarians. Although vegetarian intakes of vitamin E, vitamin A, and magnesium exceeded that of non-vegetarians,’ the researchers say that levels of E, A and magnesium should have been higher still for the vegetarians.

People seem to have a bias in their thinking that a vegetarian diet is not going to provide them with enough nutrition, and that they may overeat as a result. In this study though, the researchers concluded that ‘vegetarian diets are nutrient dense, consistent with dietary guidelines, and could be recommended for weight management without compromising diet quality.’

5. Zinc

A deficiency in the nutrient zinc can cause your digestive system to not function properly, resulting in the discomfort of diarrhea. Other signs of zinc deficiency include foggy thinking, thinning hair, poor immune system function, and skin rashes. Your body may be craving this essential nutrient, and a deficiency in zinc may make you overeat just to get what your body needs. Cooked oatmeal and tofu are excellent sources of zinc that will not make you overeat.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

Scientists Explain How Marijuana May Become a Cure For Alzheimer’s Disease

August 11, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Research into the medical uses of cannabis continues to provide medical solutions for many health problems. A new discovery finds that marijuana may be the key to curing the slow cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Nerve cells die naturally as we age. But Alzheimer’s disease leads to rapid cell death that happens faster than usual.

The unfortunate nature of Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders like dementia is that the brain dies faster than the body. Thus, it leaves the person struggling to recall essential things. For example, they can’t recall turning off the stove or remembering where they live.

Memory, cognitive processing, and even behavior can be affected by this disease.Often, the lives of family members are affected in significant ways. That’s because they struggle to find help for their rapidly deteriorating elder. A cure in the form of medicinal marijuana is a potential ray of sunshine in a gloomy prognosis.

Researchers Discover: Marijuana May Be The Key To Curing Alzheimer’s Disease

In this article, we will look at what Alzheimer’s disease is. We also explore how researchers discovered a link between marijuana’s healing power and curing dementia.

What Are the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia or disease of the brain. The Alzheimer’s Association says that early onset Alzheimer’s disease can begin as early as the ages of 40 or 50. It first presents as slight loss of brain functioning. Problems with memory and thought processes are the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease begins with minor memory lapses but gets more severe at a more rapid progression than would be seen with normal aging. Memory is not just the only brain function that is impaired. But even performing simple math problems or completing a task with verbal instructions becomes increasingly tricky.

Newly learned information should be fresh in your mind in a normally functioning brain, but Alzheimer’s disease robs people of the ability to recall things they just learned. Most often, it is friends or family members who begin to be concerned about signs of memory loss in a loved one, and they are the ones who then become responsible for getting help for the person who is going through dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association warns that Alzheimer’s advances, symptoms worsening over time. These include the following:

Disorientation
Mood and behavioral changes
Worsening confusion about events, time, and place
Unfounded suspicions regarding family, friends, and professional caregivers
More severe memory loss and behavioral changes
Difficulty speaking, chewing, swallowing, and walking.

Research on the Use of Marijuana to Cure Cognitive Disorders like AD

Alzheimer’s disease may come from the accumulation of proteins in neurons. Beta-amyloid is one of these proteins that can increase in the brain as we age. The natural medical miracle of marijuana may be the key, according to these research discoveries, to curing Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers at the Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, CA, say that intracellular beta-amyloid initiates a toxic inflammatory response that leads to cell death in the brain. Both psychoactive cannabinoids, like the THC in cannabis that get you high. The non-psychoactive cannabinoid compounds CBD, stimulates the removal of beta-amyloid, block the inflammatory response, and provide protection.

The data from the study showed that there is an inflammatory response within nerve cells that is caused by the accumulation of intracellular beta-amyloid proteins. This protein accumulation in nerve cells leads to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and the progression of the disease can be cured by stimulating the cannabinoid receptors of the brain.

The researchers at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies concluded that ‘5-LOX inhibitors, cannabinoids, and caspase inhibitors can completely prevent cell death. However, once the cell death process is underway, death can be reduced by some prostaglandins.’

An additional study on medical marijuana and AD

A research study by the Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry based in Naples, Italy, that reviewed the previous research on cannabis receptors in the brain found that ‘the available data indicate that endocannabinoids are likely to play in this disorder a role similar to that suggested in other neurodegenerative diseases, that is, to represent an endogenous adaptive response aimed at counteracting both the neurochemical and inflammatory consequences of -amyloid-induced tau protein hyperactivity, possibly the most crucial underlying cause of AD.

Furthermore, plant and synthetic cannabinoids, particularly the non-psychotropic cannabidiol, might also exert other non-cannabinoid receptor-mediated protective effects. These can include anti-oxidant actions. There is evidence, from in vivo studies on -amyloid-induced neurotoxicity, also for a possible causative role of endocannabinoids in the impairment of memory retention. That’s typical of AD. This might open the way to using cannabinoid receptor antagonists as therapeutic drugs for treating cognitive deficits in the more advanced phases of this disorder.’

Final Thoughts on Medical Marijuana and Alzheimer’s Disease

Many states have approved the use of medical marijuana for certain debilitating conditions. Medical use of cannabis is approved for Alzheimer’s disease therapy in several states as medical marijuana. A Google search for your state’s approved medical conditions for cannabis use will help you find out if this natural medical miracle can help you or your loved ones slow Alzheimer’s disease.

5 Things To Never Tell Yourself After A Breakup

August 11, 2016 by Power of Positivity

After any breakup, there are moments of insanity. You begin to question motives, events, and every conversation during the relationship. Toxic thoughts take over. Even through the most amicable breakup, emotions are still hurtful.

There are feelings of resentment, regrets, and anger. Some of us hibernate and deal with the breakups on our own, while others go out there and find a “replacement” for that ex. In the meantime, you are dealing with the negative committee in your mind. You are depressed, heartbroken, and second-guessing yourself.

Here are 5 things to never tell yourself after a breakup:

1. “I am too old.”

Age has nothing to do with relationships. The older we get, it does seem to be impossible to deal with the breakups. You want to settle into a healthy and loving relationship. But, telling yourself that you are too old for this nonsense is not a proactive way of dealing with the hurt. You can’t shun yourself from the rest of the world. Each relationship that comes into your life is an opportunity to learn about yourself. You get a chance to emotionally evolve. Wisdom comes with time, experience and the ability to put things into perspective.

2. “I am not worth it.”

Some relationships leave a trail of devastation behind. Others leave sweet memories that overlap with the hard times. You’re worth every beautiful moment you share with another. You do not have to put up with abuse. You do not have to entertain and own all the things your ex said to you through manipulation and anger. You’re worth the most incredible things in this world.

Sure, you can give yourself a pity party. You can be the king or queen of it, and once it’s out of your system, recognize that you attract that which you put out. You are worth a loving mate, meaningful, invaluable, and absolutely wonderful. The best and surest way to heal from a breakup is to provide self-love to you. Perhaps this person was the stepping stone to help you find your soulmate. He or she was preparing you for something better.

3. “He or she will regret it.”

You aren’t responsible for someone else’s feelings. You are only responsible for how you react. To keep wishing that your ex will hurt, or be in complete despair, is actually putting negative thoughts in overdrive. In order to heal, you have to let that person go. Stop obsessing over how your ex will function or what they are thinking. It’s counterproductive. You can’t move on while you are still holding on to pieces of that person. Never regret anything in life, because every experience teaches you something about you. It provides insight on the things you need and deserve. If someone was meant to be in your life, that person would still be in it.

4. “It was all my fault.”

Unless you have a time machine at your disposal, it’s really difficult to change the past. You cannot go back and keep reliving the arguments and the moments that led to a breakup. In a relationship, it takes two to tango. To put all the fault on yourself, unless you acted out with anger, cheated, or did something inconceivably immoral, isn’t fair. Sometimes, relationships break apart because two people have outgrown each other. Other times, it’s a matter of distance and space. While, yet, in some instances, it is about the lack of communication. Do not go instilling a martyr attitude. As adults, we are able to project how we feel onto others. This is not the time to take all the issues on yourself. Whether it is your fault or not, it’s irrelevant once it’s over.

5. “Were my standards too high?”

When we breakup, we start to contemplate and ask ourselves if things were really as bad as they felt at that moment. But, healthy-loving relationships don’t end after a small fight. They consist of two people compromising and reconciling after disagreements. Most relationships that are based on “just settling” aren’t long term affairs. Whenever you felt that sense of “something is wrong,” it was your intuition letting you know that things were not working. Asking yourself this question adds more devastation to an-already emotional state of mind. How about saying, “I deserve a loving-respectful mate.” You are not here to settle for anything on this earth, even in relationships. You are here to find that one person who brings out the very best in you.

Relationship expert from YourTango, Debi Berndt, explains about breakups:

“Breakups are a love wake-up call that show you what’s out of alignment with your relationship goals. As you are forced to see the rawness inside of you, you begin to take notice of the fears that were lurking just beneath the surface of your initial attraction.

When a person leaves your life, they aren’t “the one that got away,” and there is nothing you should regret. Even if you acted like the perfect woman (or man) and followed all of the rules, you were dealing with someone who only responded to your negative qualities instead of your positive ones. They were bound to go, in the same way other wrong partners were.”

Final Thoughts on Healing After a Breakup

Relationships help us learn our strengths, vulnerability, courage, value and ability to move past hardship. Each person who comes into your life is a mirror reflection of you. Once you step back and recognize that they are not responsible for your happiness, anymore than you for theirs, you can see how different things could be in the future. A breakup is an opportunity to find what works and what doesn’t for you. You do not have to beat yourself up. You get a chance to truly be prepared for that next great person. And then, you will be ready with an open heart.

Lunar Eclipse In Aquarius: A Major Shift Is Coming Your Way on August 18th

August 10, 2016 by Power of Positivity

The lunar eclipse that is coming up can have some interesting effects on your life; here’s what you need to know about how the dark of the Moon will affect you. An eclipse is when the Moon is in the shadow of the Earth with the Sun on the other side.

What You Need To Know About The Lunar Eclipse August 18th

When the Earth is in the shadow of the Moon, it is a rare occurrence and it is significant for our lives in several ways. A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon is full and we would usually be able to see the whole bright surface of the moon, but due to the shadow of the Earth across its face, it is partially or fully hidden.

From skyandtelescope.com ‘Three types of lunar eclipse are possible (total, partial, and penumbral) depending on how deeply the full Moon plunges into or near the umbra, our planet’s dark, central shadow.’ In the case of the lunar eclipse on August 18th, the moon is coming extremely close to the Earth’s shadow and just barely touching the outer edge of it. This will be a penumbral eclipse, because the outer edge of the Earth’s shadow is called the penumbra.

Why a lunar eclipse is significant for our lives

In 2010, Mitch Battros predicted that earthquakes would occur within two weeks prior and/or two weeks after a lunar eclipse. He was correct for the last six full lunar eclipses. The effects of a lunar eclipse can range all over the surface of the Earth.

As beings mostly made of water, our bodies feel the pull of the full moon like the tidal effect of rising toward the moon. Polish researchers found that the full moon has measurable effects on female menstruation and fertility, on hospitalizations, traffic accidents, suicides, and crime. There are also similar effects seen in animals.

You won’t be able to see this lunar eclipse, but you’ll feel it

Another important thing to note about the lunar eclipse on August 18, 2016 is that the Earth, Moon and Sun will all be in very close alignment to each other, almost forming a neat row in the universe.

Mitch Battros also says that lunar eclipses are related to magnetic changes and extreme weather events on Earth. The changes in electromagnetic fields can make electronic devices act strangely and are detectable by animals and possibly some humans. The shadow of the Earth on the surface of the moon also causes a decrease in reflected solar light for the Earth.

Sleep cycles for us here on Earth can often be affected by the full moon. In a joint research study conducted by the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine at the University of Berne in Berne, Switzerland and the Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine at the University of Basel in Basel, Switzerland found that ‘Mean sleep duration was 6 h 49 min. Subjective sleep duration varied with the lunar cycle, from 6 h 41 min at full moon to 7 h 00 min at new moon.’

What you need to know about the Aquarius lunar eclipse on August 18th

The lunar eclipse in Aquarius will have you feeling free from the bonds and judgment of society. You may have cared in the past for what others thought of your choices, but now you realize that the most important opinion is your own, and you are able to feel more like yourself than you have in a long time.

Watch out for your short temper at this time as well, because the planet Uranus in its position relative to the Sun on August 18th may make you feel more touchy than usual. The Moon’s position relative to Jupiter means that you need to know that you may feel the need for maternal protection. If you can’t get this from your actual mother, you may seek out a motherly figure to substitute for the nurturing that you need right now.

Astrologers say that the themes of religion and spirituality are also important now. Jupiter, the Moon, and Uranus all form a triangle in the heavens, and this is called a Yod. This Yod is pointing at God so it is called the God Finger. Darkstarastrology.com says ‘Yods are like a thorn in one’s side that constantly spurs you towards your goal, often whether you like it or not! And this Yod is entwined with the Lunar eclipse. Yods are sometimes called ‘The Finger Of God’, because life feels fated or destined. At the same time there is a yearning for perfection signified by the planet that it is pointing at. This one is God pointing at’. well God.’

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

People Who Experience A Vibrational Shift Do These 7 Things

August 10, 2016 by Power of Positivity

We are at a crossroads in a spiritual movement. We are desperately trying to make sense of the ever-changing world. People have grown tired of shopping, eating out, purchasing expensive homes and cars, or traveling to fill the void inside. Therefore, we find that the desire to experience a positive shift in vibrational energy is on a rise these days. People are actually enriching their lives while being on a faithful quest with spiritual perception.

We are taking better care of ourselves while trying to connect with a higher vibrational energy within our physical body. There is a divide between religion and spirituality. When asked what he believed in, Albert Einstein responded, “My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.”

Here are 7 ways to experience a positive vibrational shift:

1. Reconnect with your soul.

Within our busy lives, we forget what’s important. We forget the dreams from childhood. We forget to nourish our souls while creating more of what brings us joy. The first step to increase your spiritual awareness is to unlock all the passion and desires that you have been putting away for another time. There is no assurance of tomorrow. You do yourself a great injustice when you keep putting your soul on hold. You are required to love you before anyone else.

You hold the secrets to your future by tapping into your dreams. Speak to your inner child. You can reach these moments of awareness through writing, music, painting and any other form of creating. Your imagination is a direct source to consciousness. When you connect to yourself in a loving and playful manner, your vibrational energy expands and evolves.

2. Connect with nature.

Naturalist and author, John Muir, expresses it beautifully when he wrote, “The clearest way in the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” Being in nature allows for connection to the self, to the world, and to the expansion of space and time. If you want to increase your spiritual awareness, spend time alone outdoors. Go for walks, hikes, and study the greatness of this earth. Trees, the ocean, mountains, valleys and rivers show us how things move without expectation or pretenses. In nature, everything moves at its own rhythm. There is a invaluable quality to the way seasons change and nature reacts. There is an incredible presence of awe-stricken greatness.

3. Laugh often.

Laughter heals us. When we are in a moment of joy, our biological composition changes. Hormones are released. We are elevated to a state of higher consciousness. Laughter brings us into a deeper awareness of our own greatness. UCLA professor of cognitive neuroscience, Sophie Scott, has explained the psychology behind laughter. She starts off by explaining “how during states of high emotional arousal (whether joy or pain) we often use non-verbal sounds to communicate our feelings.”

When neuroscientists look into our brains while we laugh, they find a lot of neural activity that suggests our brains “get ready to laugh whenever we hear it. This suggests that laughing may be something that is supposed to be shared between individuals.” Laughter opens us up to raise our awareness in a physiological, emotional and spiritual way.

4. Meditation, contemplation and prayer.

Whenever we spend time alone in meditation, contemplation or prayer, we are connecting to something outside of ourselves. We get out of our own way. It is during these channels of communication and solace that we find inner peace. In a state of harmony, grace and assurance are birthed. Meditation allows for the mind to release the chit-chatter so we can listen. Prayer asks the questions that we long for answers. Contemplation is the union of the two. Making time for these personal moments increases your spiritual awareness and expands your soul’s yearning for tranquility.

5. Get plenty of sleep.

It is important to have a sleep routine so that your body can relax every day. Your body requires 6 to 8 hours a night of peaceful sleep to regenerate. When you have a restful night, you can function accordingly with your day. You can also feel at ease with your thoughts. Our thoughts need rest, and sleep allows for this to happen. We have become a society addicted to our every thoughts. A good night of restful sleep helps adjust our thoughts and emotions. Spiritual awareness arrives when we are in tune with our thoughts, rather than manipulating them. Our dreams are also messages from consciousness. Dreams can be doors into other spiritual connections.

6. Embrace humanity.

Whenever we leave our own drama and help another, we enter into a state of spiritual awareness. We shift our perceptions and allow for something greater than ourselves to take over. Helping another soul is an instant form of connection with divinity. Compassion, kindness, empathy and love raise our vibrational frequency. Selfless acts of humanity help us identify with grace. Spiritual richness comes from acceptance and allowing humanity to join together. Strangers become friends, because we see divinity looking through their eyes.

7. Become aware of your awareness.

We place expectations in everything we do, even in trying to reach a higher spiritual awareness. When you become mindful of your thoughts and actions, you start to see the world in a different manner. You start to not care about rationalizing everything. Spiritual awareness has no need for control. The analytical mind drops off, and you accept things as they are, not as you want them to be. You begin to live by synchronicity and serendipity. You recognize space as present. Your awareness increases with the level of conscious shifting. It happens slowly, but being mindful of your breath and thoughts helps reduce stress and anxiety. You recognize that fear is an illusion of control.

The greatest reward of choosing to live a life of spiritual connection is allowing and accepting things without the need to push and pull them to fit the ego. Your mind, body and spirit live in harmony. We are still human. We will still be exploring the deepest corners of the mind and emotions, but it becomes easier to navigate this world when we are aware of something greater than ourselves.

“To begin to understand your Soul as an integral part of yourself and begin to connect with your Soul as a part of your full being and your true nature, is the beginning of wisdom and the portal to true joy.” ~ Genevieve Gerard

5 Life Lessons To Learn From Batman

August 10, 2016 by Power of Positivity

“A hero can be anyone. Even a man doing something as simple and reassuring as putting a coat around a little boy’s shoulder to let him know that the world hadn’t ended.” – Batman (Christian Bale), The Dark Knight Rises

“Who is Batman?”

Well, this question – asked repeatedly by his nemeses for over 80 years – is a complex one. Batman is a (fictional) character, with the man Bruce Wayne playing the part. It is that latter person’s life events that really begin to sketch-in the finer details of who Batman is, and more.

Bruce Wayne is just a young boy – around 8 years old – when he witnesses his parents murdered outside of a movie theatre. The murder of Bruce’s parents was, and remains, the defining moment of his human life and that of his alter-ego. In fact, young Bruce is so deeply wounded by seeing his parents killed, that he eventually makes the commitment to fight injustice wherever it may present itself.

After years of travelling the globe, in which he painstakingly sculpts his mind and body, Bruce Wayne eventually finds his way back to Gotham City – home to a vast criminal underworld and myriad other shady characters.

Using his vast wealth, provided by his father’s successful business ventures, Wayne begins to design and construct Batman’s crime-fighting arsenal. Wayne’s genius-level intellect, nearly-limitless resources, and savvy crime-fighting skills molds that character that is Batman.

The character Batman is truly transcendent, in that he is considered a hero by adults and children alike. Perhaps the most appealing thing about Batman is that he has no superpowers – he is fully-human. As such, he – perhaps more than any other ‘superhero’ – is the most relatable.

One needn’t be a Batman fanatic to appreciate the tenets by which he lives. His mission, in its broadest sense, is to promote good and leave the world a better place.

Here are 5 life lessons to learn from Batman

1. Devote Yourself to an Ideal

To protect his identity and those of whom he cares for, Bruce Wayne often exudes a certain type of arrogance and brashness. Of course, the man himself is not any of these things; in fact, it’s very difficult to find fault in his true character.

Financially, Wayne donates vast amounts of money to a number of philanthropic causes: foster homes, homeless shelters, hospitals, and a number of other institutions. Personally, despite the (often numerous) imperfections of those he encounters, he almost always attempts to impart a sense of dignity and respect – even if such efforts are in vein.

It goes without saying, but he is fully devoted to his crime-fighting activities. But there is certainly more to the character than beating down bad guys.

The lesson: find something you’re passionate about in the arena of service. In other words, devote yourself to something that is bigger than any one person.

2. Defend Those Who Can’t (or Won’t) Defend Themselves

Batman’s primary goal in life is to prevent injustice wherever it should present itself – to protect the innocent. He has fought off thieves, murderers, kidnappers and the like, countless times. Batman does these things because he himself understands the extreme pain and damage such things can do to its victims.

There are even instances of Batman saving the lives of criminals. Despite being a prolific crime-fighter, Batman does not kill under any circumstance. Of course, he is not always successful in saving and/or bettering the lives of people he encounters, but he makes every attempt to do so.

The lesson: firstly, to always assert yourself, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. Second, after you develop the capability of assertion, be willing to stand up for others who may not know how.

3. Use the Right Mix of Fairness, Toughness and Compassion

Make no mistake: Batman is a physically-imposing, tough character. His altercations with criminals often leaves them lying unconscious with broken bones – along with a deep sense of regret for having tangled with him. While he may not kill, he doesn’t shy away from using his violent capabilities when they become necessary.

On the flip side, Batman is a deeply-compassionate character. It has already been mentioned that he, as Bruce Wayne, gives away sizeable amounts of his fortune. As a studied criminologist, Batman strongly believes in criminal rehabilitation, as opposed to repeating the cycle of beat-down, restrain, detain and repeat.

Another interesting thing about Batman’s character is that he doesn’t give up on people – even those that have caused him harm. Despite all evidence to the contrary, the “Dark Knight” believes strongly in the value of human rights, no matter the person’s past.

The lesson: in addition to being able to stand your ground, exhibit the traits of fairness and compassion whenever possible. Believe in the good of people, and encourage the advancement of the disenfranchised or downtrodden.

4. Remain Grounded and Humble in Everything

While Bruce Wayne may provoke feelings of envy in efforts to protect the identity of his alter-ego, the term “selfless” does not begin to describe the character Batman. The crime-fighter does not only shy-away from attention, he detests it.

Using phrases such as “I’m no hero” and “A hero can be anyone,” Batman absolutely refuses to be labeled as a hero, despite everyone’s insistence that he is just that. Instead, Batman deflects this adoration back onto the people, with the ultimate hope that his admirers will realize the good that they, themselves, can do in the world.

The lesson: practice everything that you do with humility. Refuse to take undue credit, and – on the flipside – give credit to people who are truly deserving. Additionally, believe in the power that you have to make a lasting difference in the world.

5. You can be “perfectly imperfect” and make a difference

Bruce Wayne, the man, is what makes the character of Batman so compelling. Wayne is not, by any stretch of the imagination, a perfect human being. Psychologists have studied Batman since he first became an iconic American figure – a testament to the reach of Batman’s character on society.

In a fascinating article published in Psychology Today, Dr. Robin Rosenberg examines the state of Batman’s mental health. The psychologist lists five different disorders that Batman may have – including depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Indeed, Batman’s imperfections are apparent to anyone that’s seen the movies and/or read the comic books. He’s brooding, impatient, and – of course – obsessive about his “hobby” of fighting crime. He has a volatile temper, and often refuses to take the advice of people who care about him.

The lesson: forget the notion of being a perfect person. This is very important to read, but also to understand: every great person has had faults, some faults being quite severe. People that strive for excellence often focus upon the things – traits, knowledge, capabilities, etc. – that they don’t possess. Instead, focus on the things you do, and practice continuous self-improvement.

Which Tattoo Is Perfect For You, According To Your Zodiac Sign?

August 9, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever thought about getting a tattoo, but just didn’t know what design you wanted? With literally thousands of designs to choose from, it seems a bit daunting when it comes down to choosing what you want. We only have so much skin to work with, so some people spend months figuring out what exactly they’d like tattooed on them before visiting a studio like Modern Markings. Plus, you have to figure out where you want the tattoo, what colors you’d like, the size you want, and much more.

On top of that, figuring out what artist you want to use adds to the decision-making process, so at the end of it all, you want something that makes you feel good inside and out, but also looks visually appealing.

So, how do you choose what you want?

You don’t always have to pick the most original thing out there, so you might want to start with something simple, like your zodiac sign, for example. While you might want the actual symbol for your zodiac sign tattooed on your body, you can always choose an animal or other symbol that represents your zodiac sign. For example, maybe you want a tattoo of a lion, and you happen to be a Leo. Or, maybe you’d prefer a crab if you’re a Cancer.

Tattoos can tell a story, or just symbolize something important to you. Or, maybe you just want one for aesthetic purposes, but no matter the reason, a zodiac sign tattoo can make a great first tattoo, or an addition to the ones you have already. If you still feel a bit apprehensive or skeptical of getting a tattoo, did you know that getting tattooed can actually boost your immune system? Yet another reason to get inked!

So, if you’d like to get some ideas for your next (or first) tattoo, here’s twelve ideas for you.

Which Tattoo Is Perfect For You, According To Your Zodiac Sign?

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Aries have a strong independent streak, and a headstrong attitude to boot. As an Aries, you could get something that represents courage and a strong will, such as a ram (your sign’s animal), a lion, or another fierce animal such as a tiger.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Taurus loves the outdoors, so something nature-related would perfectly represent you. Taurus loves to take their time and not rush through life, and have a grounded, down-to-earth personality. So, maybe a tree, a river, or something else “rooted” to Earth would make a good tattoo idea.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Gemini, you love to express yourself, so why not get a tattoo to do just that? Geminis don’t hide their personality from anyone, so a loud and proud tattoo would work well.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

As a water sign, you could do an endless number of designs with nature that includes a body of water. Cancers’ emotions run deep, so you want to get something very personal and sentimental to you.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Leo, you have confidence for miles and love to show off. You need to get a bold, colorful tattoo that represents your personality – vibrant and full of life. Maybe a colorful lion tattoo would suit you well.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Virgos love to pay attention to details, so you might want to go for an intricate, thoughtful piece. Virgos also have a logical, analytical personality, so a tattoo of an important date, or something in the science realm would work well for you.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Libras stand for harmony, peace, and justice, so maybe you should get a tattoo that represents a cause you feel strongly about. Also, Libras love to connect with others, so matching tattoos would be perfect.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Scorpio, you have a courageous, yet mysterious personality, so maybe get a tattoo that makes perfect sense to you but remains a mystery to others.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Sagittarius are deeply philosophical, contemplative people. Yet, they also love adventure. Maybe one of your favorite quotes plus a nature scene would be right up your alley.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Capricorns don’t like to show off too much, so a smaller tattoo would suit you well. Like all Earth signs, Capricorns have a logical, analytical personality and wouldn’t get a tattoo unless it meant something to them. You might go for a small tattoo on your finger or neck, such as a flower, anchor, or butterfly.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Aquarius love anything intellectual, plus they have an insatiable appetite for travel and culture. Combine these three things and you have a winning tattoo idea. You have a creative and unique outlook on life, so use this to your advantage.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Like other water signs, Pisces’ emotions run deep, and they have a craving for anything natural and outdoorsy. Think of animal or nature tattoos when getting your next piece.

Weekly tips, affirmations, and small actions to feel your best.

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!