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Here’s Why Introverts Are The Leaders Of The Future

April 23, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Oftentimes, introverts feel that they must “correct” their personality in order to fit in with an extroverted world. To the introvert, the outside world can seem highly exhausting, overwhelming, and unnecessarily fast-paced. Our livelihood, politics, and how quickly and easily we make friends (among other things) often depend on us at least acting extroverted in order to mark our place in the world.

Introverts often feel like they don’t fit in with the current world where endless self-promotion supersedes quiet reflection. However, introverts certainly have an important role to play in our society, and have a lot of value to add to businesses, friendships, and the way the world will be shaped in the future…

Introverts can sometimes be mistaken for being shy, uncaring, or otherwise uninterested in their surroundings, but their brains are simply wired differently than that of extroverts. Introverts feel most energized alone, whereas extroverts obtain their energy from external sources. Researchers estimate that extroverts make up anywhere between 50-74 percent of the population.

So, what types of things do introverts excel in, and what does this mean for the future? We will explain in further detail below.

Here’s why introverts are the leaders of the future:

1. They have wonderful listening skills.

Introverts care about what other people say (at least, when they talk about highly intelligent, interesting topics), and consider each conversation as an opportunity for learning and stimulation. They don’t just hear what you say – they ask questions to gain understanding, look you in the eye, and make sure you’ve finished what you have to say before responding. They talk less than they listen, but this makes them wonderful leaders, friends, and people in general.

2. They tend to have a greater awareness of their feelings.

Introverts have great intuition, and know their emotions on a deep level. They might cancel plans if they feel too tired or not up for socializing. And to them, that just means they are listening to their inner voice. They don’t apologize for how they feel; they just go with the flow and listen to their emotions.

3. They also empathize with others’ emotions.

In addition to knowing exactly how they feel at all times, introverts can read anyone like an open book. They have an uncanny ability to feel what others feel, and to empathize with them.

4. Introverts don’t feel remorse for taking some “me time.”

Introverts don’t feel sorry for taking time to pamper themselves and make sure their well-being is taken care of. In today’s stressed out, fast-paced world, they know how important “me time” is to the mind, body, and spirit.

5. Introverts know themselves on a deep level.

Introverts gain their energy from being alone, obviously, which gives them plenty of time to know themselves inside and out. They may struggle with self-confidence at times, but at the end of the day, they realize the importance of self-love, and try to look at themselves in a positive light.

6. They have a deep appreciation for all life.

Introverts naturally gravitate towards non-human animals, most likely for two reasons: 1) They don’t talk, which gets rid of the hardest component of a relationship with humans. 2) They are cuddly and fuzzy (well, most of them that humans would interact with, anyway), so introverts see this as comforting and healing.

7. They don’t shy away from important topics.

If you want small talk, you’d better just forget about connecting with an introvert. While introverts can fake the small talk, this isn’t their area of expertise. These people thrive on connecting with people in a much deeper way, which means you will never get bored around them.

8. Introverts think before they speak.

Introverts mull over what they want to say before speaking, and listen to the other person in entirety before they even begin to formulate a response. This is why some people think they are not as good at talking compared to extroverts, since it takes them much longer to gather their thoughts. However, this just means they are making sure they say the right thing before letting the words leave their lips.

9. They feel more comfortable in the natural world.

Introverts love nature – it provides time for quiet reflection, away from the noise and chaos of modern living. They don’t have to cultivate energy for socializing or getting ready for a party or other social engagement – they can just enjoy the world around them for a while, without any responsibilities or distractions.

10. Introverts have a knack for creativity.

Introverts use their imagination and innovative abilities to bring important new discoveries into this world. While extroverts can do this as well, introverts tend to think over all the possibilities before diving headfirst into any sort of new endeavor, which makes the final product even better.

11. They seek answers within.

Introverts know that the answers to life’s burning questions lie within them, and spend plenty of time trying to make sense of the world around them.

10 Things You’ll Only Understand If You’re A Taurus

April 23, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Taurus has been described as patient, self-indulgent, stubborn, and boring, but only a Taurus can really understand what we’re really like beneath those labels. The bull born between April 20 and May 21 can be such a happy sign, if only everyone would do everything exactly like we want them to. Here are 10 reasons why you might only understand Taurus if you are one.

10 Things You’ll Only Understand If You’re a Taurus

1. Everyone else is so emotional.

Taurean people might look calm on the surface, but only a Taurus could understand the things that are churning away in our minds and bodies. Just because they don’t seem to get emotional doesn’t mean that we aren’t capable of emotions. As a sign ruled by both Venus and the Moon, they are an emotional wreck fairly often. Why can’t everyone else just be better at hiding it?

2. Taurus is cursed to be disappointed.

Everyone else seems to be satisfied with having lower standards, but only a Taurus can understand that the high expectations we hold are our minimum level of tolerance for what we encounter in our environment. They demand excellence! Too bad no one is able to provide it consistently.

3. Change sucks.

The way it was was perfect, but then you had to go and change things. You could not possibly understand how mad it makes them when you change their routine and move things around. They need to be a master of their environment. Everything has a place and time. Taurus requires you to do it their way.

4. Being stubborn really just means being unwilling to compromise on the important things.

Have you ever wondered what science has to say about astrology? In a study of the personality traits assigned to sun signs and a psychological personality profile test, researchers found similarities between people’s personality test traits and the types of traits associated with their astrological sign for 14 out of 18 scales on the test.

As a Taurus, you know that the personality trait of stubbornness doesn’t always apply to you, right? You can think of at least one time that you compromised on something, can’t you? No? We didn’t think so, and we promise not to tell anyone that science backs up your unwillingness to compromise either.

5. Loyalty is mandatory in a friend or romantic partner.

Taurus demands that you be dedicated to them and they will, in return, be dedicated to and possessive of you as well. In fact, they may treat you a bit like their prized possession if you are their lucky romantic partner.

Taurus loves attention and praise from their partner. If you can prove your devotion to them, they will stand by you forever. Crossing a them, on the other hand, may send you running for the hills. They can hold a grudge like no other sign in the zodiac and those horns are very sharp and pointy.

6. No one works harder than Taurus.

Taurus is very similar to the symbol for their sun sign; the Taurean bull is dedicated to pulling the plough and working the land to provide for the family. Taurus is the ultimate provider. Bills will be paid, and loved ones will be well-fed, secure, and provided for in a Taurean household. Taurus is excellent with finances and is capable of being independent.

Taurus is patient and able to delay gratification (sometimes), so they are likely to have a healthy retirement savings and have thoroughly researched investment options. Stability also pleases Taurus, so they will look for work they can stay with for their entire career.

7. Taurean gifts are the best.

We’ve already mentioned how well Taurus does with finances, so in the rare instance that a Taurean is broke, it’s probably because they gave away all their stuff. Taurus loves to give. To show their love, Taurus wants you to have all the cool stuff that they have.

8. The finer things in life suit Taurus perfectly.

Quality over quantity is Taurus’ motto. Even if we can buy the same thing at a discount store for $5.00, we would rather have the imported Italian hand-crafted one that cost half of our paycheck.

9. It’s not a boring routine; it’s called discipline.

Others do not understand our dedication to doing things the same way, at the same time, over and over again. ‘Aren’t you bored?’ they ask. Only Taurus could understand that the discipline of a finely-crafted routine has taken years to perfect so that all of our needs are met regularly.

10. Taurus has incredible sensitivity to touch.

Only a Taurus could understand that cashmere is the only acceptable form of wool to touch our skin. When it comes to shopping, fabric feel and comfort is as important as the look. Taurus likes to explore the world through their hands.

If it isn’t something that can be touched in the physical world, Taurus usually doesn’t care for it. If it’s an abstract concept or it’s in the future, Taurus doesn’t need it.

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

4 Ways To Get Closer Than Ever To Your Partner

April 23, 2016 by Power of Positivity

No matter how close your relationship is, there’s always room to grow. And when it comes to being close with your partner, there are ways to make that happen. Intimacy is a way of closely connecting with your partner that doesn’t have to involve anything physical, but it can if both partners want it to.

Improving your intimate relationship is all about three things:

Trust with your partner
Willingness to break old ways of thinking
The desire for a stronger intimate bond

Intimacy is a connection to your partner that involves physical closeness and an emotional connection. This intimacy is where our feelings of love come from. Did you know that when you cuddle with your partner, your brain releases oxytocin.

Oxytocin is a pain-killer that can naturally rival what pregnant women in labor receive to dull their pain. No wonder we are addicted to love. Loving cuddling is like being addicted to this incredible natural painkiller. Here are some suggestions on how to deepen your relationship.

4 Ways To Get Closer Than Ever With Your Partner

1. Think about your ideal encounters

Start this process off by thinking about your ideal encounters and then compare it to how your actual encounters with your significant other are. If it’s not ideal, think about what would make your relationship better, and then talk it over with your mate. Let them know what your needs are and listen to theirs as well. Communication is key when it comes to deepening your relationship.

2. Learn about yourself

You might have never thought about your preferences before unless you were in a situation where something new came up with your significant other. This doesn’t just mean in a physical sense, either. People can become closer through activities enjoyed together or by just having a conversation.

Ask yourself these questions now. What am I unwilling to try? Do I already know that I enjoy? What am I curious to learn more about with my partner?

3. Develop communication with your partner

First of all, if you aren’t having ideal communication, you either have not told your partner what you want or they already refused your offer. More likely than not, you never even asked.

Trust, even at our most vulnerable, is indeed important for an intimate bond. You want to be able to reveal your deepest desires to your significant other and feel comfortable doing so.

Decide now to face your fears and ask your partner for your innermost desires in a relationship. If they seem uncomfortable with what you’ve asked for, you might need to reach a compromise so that you can both feel a certain level of comfort in the relationship.

4. Make an appointment with a licensed therapist

There is no safer way to explore intimacy with your partner than by working with a professional. A licensed therapist can help with problems such as psychological fears and anxieties about intimacy, and other problems that keep couples from having an excellent intimate life.

You can find a licensed intimacy counselor through the American Association of Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). These are ethically trained professionals who ‘share an interest in promoting understanding of human intimacy and relationship behavior.’ If you want a healthy intimate life, it is within your reach.

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

10 Things People With Anxiety Wish You Would Do

April 22, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Unfortunately, many people in the U.S. and worldwide suffer from some sort of anxiety disorder. In the U.S. alone, approximately 18.1% of people age 18 and older have anxiety, which equates to about 40 million people. If you have never had anxiety, you may not understand what people who do suffer from it go through on a daily basis. Anxiety can affect every aspect of someone’s life, and treatment doesn’t totally eliminate the symptoms, in some cases.

People with anxiety can often feel very alienated and misunderstood, as the percentage of the population without anxiety often make incorrect assumptions about them. Below, we’ve listed a few ways you can help someone with anxiety feel a bit better and make life just a tad easier for them.

Here are ten things people with anxiety wish you would do:

1. Comfort them during a panic attack

Panic attacks can feel absolutely terrifying, and many people having one actually think they’re experiencing a heart attack or something similar. If your loved one is suffering from a panic attack, simply hug them and don’t let go until it’s over. When it passes, stay with them for a while to make sure they’re okay. Get them a glass of water if they need it, make them something to eat, or get them out of a stressful situation and move them to a quieter place.

2. Understand that things that seem easy for you can be difficult for someone with anxiety

Meeting someone new, talking on the phone, or going to the grocery store might seem like a walk in the park for you. For someone with anxiety, these things can feel like the hardest tasks in the world to accomplish. They don’t try to make them difficult, but their mind tends to overthink most things and send them into a frenzy about seemingly simple tasks. Comfort them through these things so that they have someone to support them.

3. Talk about happy memories to help calm them down

Sometimes, someone with anxiety simply needs a distraction from their frazzled and overstressed minds. Chronic overthinking can really wear them out, so talking about happier, calmer subjects with them can really help them deal with their anxiety better. People with anxiety often let their thoughts run the show, but listening to stories of happy times can show them that focusing on more uplifting thoughts can go a long way in easing anxiety.

4. Keep an eye out for signs of an impending anxiety attack

Shallow, uneven breathing, shaky hands or legs, a flushed face, and an overall nervous demeanor can point to an upcoming anxiety attack. If you see a loved one about to have an anxiety attack, just be there for them as much as possible, and help them to not feel alone. Call for help if you need it, and get a cold towel to put on your loved one’s head if you can. An anxiety attack causes a rush of blood to the face, so having something to cool him or her down can help immensely.

5. Don’t keep them guessing

If you have plans, stick to them. Respond to messages as soon as you can, and make your plans as concrete as possible. People with anxiety tend to not like surprises, so giving them as much information as possible is ideal.

6. Don’t put them down or question their anxiety

Don’t say condescending or tactless things about their anxiety such as “It sounds like this is all in your head” or “When did you get like this?” People with anxiety certainly don’t like the stigma of mental illness, so don’t make it worse. Instead, ask them more questions in a nice way to gain understanding. Accept that they have it, but try to learn as much as you can so you can help them in the best way possible.

7. Suggest activities that would help ease their anxiety

Getting outdoors, exercising, doing crafts, drawing, writing, and playing with animals can greatly help someone with anxiety. Try to suggest things that will help them, so that they can have something to do each day to get their mind off the anxiety for a bit.

8. Check in on them often to show them you care

If you don’t live with them, simply text or call them a few times a week to show you care. Living with anxiety can often feel lonely and very confusing, so make him or her feel loved and taken care of.

9. Invite them to do nothing with you for a while

Sometimes just laying down in a park and looking up at the clouds can help someone with anxiety get out of their head for a while. People with anxiety are highly sensitive to the hustle and bustle of this world, so getting out of that environment for a while and enjoying a relaxing experience really helps them.

10. Most importantly, don’t make them feel abnormal or weird

Don’t make them feel like an outcast because of their anxiety. Everyone is different, and fights their own battles. Make them feel loved despite their anxiety, because they are warriors every single day of their life. They deserve love, affection, and compassion just like everyone else, so offer it to them wholeheartedly and unconditionally.

11 Quotes To Remember When You Feel Anxious

April 22, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Anxiety afflicts millions of people throughout the world, and is the most prevalent form of mental dis-ease in the U.S., affecting 40 million people, or 18% of the population. Feeling some anxiety surrounding certain events in your life, such as a move to a new city, is totally normal and shouldn’t be a cause for concern. However, when your anxious thoughts start to disrupt your everyday life, you need to acknowledge it and try to figure out where the feelings are coming from, and what they’re trying to tell you.

We hope the following quotes can put things into perspective and help you ease your anxious thoughts, if only in the moment.

Here are 11 quotes to remember when you feel anxious:

1. “Trust yourself. You’ve survived a lot, and you’ll survive whatever is coming.” – Robert Tew

2. Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere. – English proverb

3. “Keep walking through the storm. Your rainbow is waiting on the other side.” – Heather Stillufsen

4. Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions.

5. “Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be.” – Sonia Ricotte

6. Maybe it’s not always about trying to fix something broken. Maybe it’s about starting over and creating something better.

7. Sometimes the reason good things are not happening to you is because you are the good thing that needs to happen to other people.

8. A negative mind will never give a positive life.

9. You will never be free until you free yourself from the prison of your own false thoughts.

10. Sometimes you need to step outside, get some fresh air, and remind yourself of who you are and where you want to be. – Gossip Girl

11. “Today’s a perfect day for a whole new start. Let go of fear and free your mind. It’s time to open your heart.” – Chris Butler

If you need more help with anxiety, try the following breathing technique:

Controlling your breathing through one nostril at a time is known as Nadi Shodhana in Sanskrit. Spot.pcc.edu says that it is also called “the “Sweet Breath,” “Sukha Pranayama” (Sukha translates as comfortable or happy), “Channel Purification Breath,” or “Alternate Nostril Breath.”

This breathing technique is also good for promoting clear thinking and balancing the brain hemispheres as well as relieving anxious feelings.

To do alternate nostril breathing, curl your index and middle finger of wither hand into your palm, with your thumb, ring, and pinky fingers sticking out. The ring finger and thumb are what you will use to close each nostril with. Use this hand as a pincher to gently press the outside of each nostril.

Spot.pcc.edu suggests the following pattern to achieve alternate nostril breathing:

“Curl index and middle finger of the right hand into the palm, forming a “pincer” with thumb and ring finger (little finger is “superfluous”). Take a deep inhale and exhale, then gently close the right nostril with the thumb, inhale slowly and deeply through the left nostril. In the moment of pause after the inhale and before the exhale, gently close the left nostril with the ring finger, release the thumb from the right nostril and exhale through the right nostril just as slow.

Observe the moment of pause after the exhale and before the next inhale, then inhale slowly and deeply through the right nostril. In the moment of pause after the inhale and before the exhale, gently close the right nostril again with the thumb, release the ring finger from the left nostril and exhale through the left nostril just as slow. Again, observe the moment of pause after the exhale and before the next inhale, then inhale slowly and deeply through the left nostril.

Continue breathing alternately through one nostril only, always closing the other nostril and releasing the one that was just closed in the moment of pause after an inhale and before the next exhale.”

You May Want To Sprinkle Baking Soda On Your Mattress Immediately. Here’s Why…

April 21, 2016 by Power of Positivity

“Dust mite particles are often found in pillows, mattresses, carpeting and upholstered furniture. They float into the air when anyone vacuums, walks on carpet or disturbs bedding and they settle once the disturbance is over. Dust motes are a common cause of asthma in children.” – American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

Since we spend about one-third of our lives in our bed, it seems appropriate that we should occasionally tend to cleaning it. Cleaning the sheets, pillow cases and blankets are all great habits, but what about the mattress? As it turns out, a mattress can accumulate some pretty nasty stuff, including dead skin cells and mites.

Investing in an elite adaptable bed can be a game changer when it comes to both comfort and cleanliness. Companies like Sleep Electric Melbourne offer innovative bedding solutions that not only enhance the sleeping experience but also promote better hygiene. These adaptable beds often come with features that facilitate easier cleaning and maintenance, such as removable and washable covers.

Moreover, their design prioritizes airflow and minimizes the accumulation of allergens, making them an excellent choice for those concerned about dust mites and other irritants. By choosing an adaptable bed, individuals can enjoy a restful night’s sleep while also safeguarding their health, ensuring that their one-third of life spent in bed is as clean and comfortable as possible.

Consider this: Ohio State University says that a used mattress can contain up to 10 million dust mites. We’ll pause briefly so that those who wish to Google “dust mites” may do so…welcome back. Those critters are ugly, aren’t they? Well, imagine hundreds of thousands if not millions of these ugly things just camping out in our mattresses. Turns out that dead skin cells are the preferred diet of dust mites, hence their attraction to our beds.

But that isn’t even the worst part. Dust mites themselves can cause skin and lung irritation, but it’s the mites’ fecal matter that creates these undesirable effects. Yeah, that’s quite disgusting.

Aside from the eradication of dust mites, cleaning our mattress can also enhance our sleep quality. Perhaps part of this is because we’re free from the thought of dust mites encamped within our mattress, but we are also far less likely to develop skin irritation or breathing problems as a result. Thoroughly cleaning our mattress also reduces the odds that bed bugs will infest where we slumber.

Assuming that we all now have an increased desire to clean our sleeping space, we’ll elaborate further on how to effectively do so. Of course, cleaning and changing the sheets is a necessity. Ideally, sheets should be cleaned and changed once a week, no more than two weeks at the most.

Here’s a little secret: it’s the use of baking soda that makes all the difference in cleaning the mattress. Ensuring a thorough rubbing on of baking soda into the mattress removes the smell, dirt and moisture – effectively giving the mattress a thorough deep-cleaning.

These relatively simple steps require a minimal number of ingredients: hot water, baking soda, a vacuum cleaner, lavender essential oil (optional), and steam cleaner (optional).

Here are four easy steps to cleaning your mattress:

Take off all of the sheets and pillow cases, and wash them in the hottest possible water. This is an important step, as it will aid in killing any mites that have accumulated on the sheets.
As the load of sheets is washing, apply a generous amount of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress. To give the mattress a pleasant scent, apply a few drops of lavender essential oil (this is an optional component). Rub the baking soda in thoroughly.
To ensure the best results, allow the baking soda to saturate the mattress for a few hours. At minimum, duration of one hour is required for this step.
Use the vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to vacuum up the baking soda. It is important that this step is done slowly and thoroughly, as the length of applied suction to each individual part of the mattress will help ensure the most amount of dust is removed.
While this step is optional, it is recommended for a deeper clean. Use a steam cleaner to help with removing old stains while further deodorizing the mattress. Allow approximately three to four hours for the mattress to fully dry.
Do a happy dance (optional but recommended). You’ve successfully eradicated the nasty stuff in your mattress!

After all of these steps are completed, and the mattress is fully dried out, immediately put the clean sheets and pillow cases back onto the bed. Attempt to complete these mattress cleaning steps at least once a month.

Investing in luxury quality pillows can complement your meticulous mattress cleaning routine, enhancing both comfort and sleep quality. Whether you prefer memory foam, down-filled, or hypoallergenic options, choosing the right pillows can significantly impact your overall sleep experience.

By pairing your freshly cleaned mattress with high-quality pillows, you can create a luxurious bedtime environment that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation night after night.

Bonus material: dust mites can become concentrated not only in the mattress, but in pillows as well. This is especially true if you tend to sweat heavily, so wash your pillows on a regular basis (once every three weeks is recommended) and replace pillows once every two or three years.

11 Signs You’re Experiencing A Shift In Consciousness

April 21, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Are you having emotions that make no sense? Do you feel your body reacting to things that you cannot explain? You might just be experiencing a shift in consciousness. This collective movement is happening right now and some people are unaware that things are happening in the metaphysical world.

Here are 11 signs that you are experiencing a shift in consciousness:

1. A shift in consciousness creates a strong desire to be alone.

As our bodies enter higher frequencies there is a longing for alone time. We begin to feel overwhelmed by the world’s stimulation. There is little need for television or company. This lasts a little while and it should be honored. You are not falling into a depression. You’re shifting to higher elevations of vibration. You do not have to become a hermit. Turn off the phone, shut the computer down, and just allow your body to recharge from the overstimulation.

2. An urgency to quiet the mind.

You may find yourself craving meditation and prayer time every day. You will feel that during those moments you are connected to a higher purpose. As consciousness shifts and expands, the mind will crave quietude. You may also feel intense headaches in the crown area. These are common and heavy conscious breathing helps. Yoga, hiking, or just sitting and detaching from the mind’s chit-chat is helpful as well.

3. Feeling overly sensitive around others.

We are all connected through a web of collective consciousness. As you begin to wake to this awareness, your emotions take a beating. You feel the negativity of others. At times you can sense what they are thinking and feeling without knowing them. This “web” is our connection to Source. Imagine, if you will, the Internet and the endless source of information at our fingertips. This is the same when the mind begins to vibrate at a higher level. You connect to the emotions of others. These are the moments that require grounding, such as going outdoors and feeling the earth under your feet.

4. Wanting to change jobs, homes, or your entire life.

As we begin to reach a higher level of awareness, there are things that no longer fit in our lives. Our purpose starts to get questioned, “Why am I doing something I don’t enjoy? What am I doing in this place?” That job that you thought you loved and worked so hard to attain may no longer feel fulfilling. That house that you once wanted so desperately because it was going to make your dreams come true, also doesn’t fulfill you.

These changes seem to come in waves. Before making a rash decision, take account of what truly makes you happy. Find your authentic truth. Perhaps it’s time to push the reset button and begin doing something that makes you smile when you get up in the morning. This awakening of the soul also pushes us to want to help others. We are no longer driven by materialism.

5. Removing toxic people from your life.

During this massive shift you start to become physically, emotionally, and spiritually stronger. Impatience and intolerance start to appear when you are around people in your life. You will no longer tolerate the drama around you. You start to take into account your relationships and those folks who bring you down. It’s not an easy decision to make but you will find yourself ending friendships, setting boundaries, and removing all those who do not have your best intentions at heart. Once this happens things begin to clear in your life. Toxic energy is a lower form of vibration. In order to continue moving through the shift, you must get rid of the “dis-ease” in your life.

6. Following your inner guidance.

Have you woken up from a dream and felt as if you had been traveling? It didn’t seem like a dream at all. It probably wasn’t. Your inner guidance (or higher self) is communicating with you. There is a massive sense of bliss and joy that enters when you know what you know. This feeling of elation is that inner voice that comes from your soul. Follow that. Follow what makes you happy and it will strengthen your authentic purpose in this world.

7. Changes in sleep patterns.

Studies have shown that we are not meant to sleep eight consecutive hours. During times of conscious shifting, you will find that there are interruptions in sleep patterns. You may have a first and second sleep: Three or four hours when you initially fall asleep, and then a break. The second sleep happens after being awake for an hour or two. It is during the waking moments that the mind begins to feel as if it’s receiving information from something deeper. The ego is not present. This is a great time for creating, meditating, or writing.

“For most of evolution we slept a certain way. Waking up during the night is part of normal human physiology. The idea that we must sleep in a consolidated block could be damaging, he says, if it makes people who wake up at night anxious, as this anxiety can itself prohibit sleep and is likely to seep into waking life too.” ~ Psychologist Greg Jacobs

8. Signs and synchronicity appear often during a consciousness shift.

Have you been seeing 11:11 or 333 everywhere? Do you keep seeing a certain animal everywhere as well? These signs and synchronicity are forms of guidance to stop and pay attention. The ego will do anything it can to keep you busy. If you stop for a few moments to acknowledge these small signs, there might just be a message from your higher self. Pay attention. Whenever you ask for guidance allow the higher vibrations to show you the way through small occurrences.

9. Old issues and memories keep coming up.

As you continue shifting and expanding to higher frequencies, old stuff from the past will come up. Perhaps you need to work on self-esteem and self-worth issues related to family or relationships. These issues will play out with new people or in dreams. You cannot return to the past, but you can release old patterns and behaviors. Make peace with decisions. Regrets are toxic. Learn from all those experiences that have brought you to this moment. You get to create and decide what happens today and tomorrow. Part of the spiritual shift is allowing for things to come through and releasing them once and for all.

10. Changes in eating habits come from a consciousness shift.

You may find that you gain weight during this expansion process. Food allergies might also appear with foods that you have eaten all of your life. Let them go. Your body is adjusting to its new vibration. Find moderation in food consumption. Anger, fear, resentments gather up in our bodies forcing us to “hold on to” weight. The last thing you need to do is freak out about this gained weight but become aware that it is a reminder of letting go of all control. Eventually, with self-care and awareness, your weight will come off.

11. Physical manifestations.

One of the most powerful signs of shifting consciousness is the complete awareness that you are the creator of your life. You begin to de-clutter the old parts of you and start to manifest the things you want. You will begin to see that whatever you put out into the world becomes a part of your reality. With that said, be careful to stay positive with your thoughts because negative energy is a lower form of vibration and it creates quicker than higher vibrations.

Your experiences are natural. Humanity is shifting and healing. Give yourself permission to move through the ego-based mentality into a higher form of love and understanding.

10 Things Creative People Do Before 10AM

April 21, 2016 by Power of Positivity

A creative person brings so much value to our increasingly hectic and stressful world; without them, we wouldn’t have books to get lost in, art to marvel at, movies to take us into another world, or music to inspire and move us. It seems that creative people live in an entirely different galaxy sometimes, always living within their heads and letting their imaginations carry them away. This makes them very intriguing and alluring, and allows them to use their skills to better this planet in a unique way.

According to a study published in NeuroImage, artists have a totally different brain than their counterparts, with increased neural matter in various parts of their brains. With that said, creative people have certain habits and characteristics that help them to keep the creativity flowing. A creative person sticks to a routine in the AM, as this allows them to tap into those innovative and inspiring ideas, and sets their day up for prosperity and good vibes.

Here are 10 things creative people do before 10AM:

1. They have a regular self-love practice.

One of the most important aspects about a creative person, these types crave a deeper understanding of themselves, and continually strive to uncover more about their souls. To do this, they keep up a regular routine of yoga, meditation, or any practice that encourages one to know him or herself on a deep, spiritual level. Taking some time to just focus on breathing and disconnecting from their environment allows the creative person to go within themselves and learn how to truly love their creative spirit.

Starting off their day with meditation sets the stage for a productive, positive day full of love and light.

2. Creative people exercise in the mornings, too.

While most people recognize the numerous benefits of exercise, they might not make the connection between moving their bodies and increased creativity. Yep, it turns out that exercise can enhance creativity in a variety of ways.

According to a study in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, regular exercise can enhance divergent (thinking of multiple solutions to a problem) and convergent (thinking of one solution to a problem) thinking – two essential components of creative thought.

So, exercising in the morning sparks those creative juices, which allows creative people to bring more to their work.

3. They write in a journal.

Creative people usually have a knack for language and have a very profound, deep relationship with themselves. They have so many thoughts throughout the day that tend to bog them down, so getting them out in a journal helps them to maintain mental clarity for their work.

Writing in a journal can also spawn more creativity, and helps the creative person to keep their perspective about themselves in check.

4. Creative people fuel their brains and bodies with a healthy breakfast.

Creative people understand that giving their bodies and minds proper nutrition will allow them to have enough energy for their work. Without the right fuel, they wouldn’t have the energy for their hobbies and passions, so they begin their day with a nutritious breakfast of fruits, oatmeal, or other high-quality foods.

5. They get fresh air.

Creative people thrive off of nature, as the peace and tranquility of the natural world give them energy. To start off their day, they might go for a walk in the woods, or simply go outside and marvel at the world around them. The quietness of the outdoors, unadulterated by the noise and hectic pace of modern living, provides them with the inspiration to continue with their work.

6. Creative people start their work early.

Obviously, creative people have certain “windows” of opportunity to get their work done, and morning time usually stimulates their brains and cultivates an innovative spirit within. Although nighttime is the optimum time for creativity (generally speaking), the mornings can provide a wonderful time to get things done. Creative people work in short bursts of intense passion, and in the morning, their mind is still fresh and clear, which gives them a perfect opportunity to dive inside their imagination.

7. They listen to music.

As you might already know, music provides many wonderful benefits, including increased creativity and a boost in mood.

While creative people might differ in what types of music they enjoy, you can rest assured that they will have some sort of tune blasting through their home or apartment while they work.

8. Creative people read a book.

Another favorite hobby of creative people is reading, as they can get lost in a story and expand their imagination. They might just read a chapter every morning, but this alone can stimulate their brains enough and give them new ideas for their creative endeavors.

9. They keep the lights down low.

Did you know that dimming the lights can enhance creativity?

Consider the findings from this study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology:

– Dim illuminations and priming darkness improve creative performance.

– Perceived freedom and a creativity-supportive processing style explain the effect.

– Light setting and the stage of the innovation process alter the effect’s emergence.

10. Creative people watch the sunrise.

Finally, creative people understand and appreciate the beauty of the natural world, and take time out of their day to enjoy what nature so graciously provides. Creative types love to wake up to watch the sun peek out above the horizon, and just marvel at the beauty of the Earth. This gives them the perspective and attitude of gratitude that they need to begin their day on the right note.

5 Signs Your Gut Instincts Are Trying To Tell You Something

April 21, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever received a strong feeling that hits you in the pit of your stomach? You are driving down the road and suddenly you get a deep inkling to turn left. You just missed a truck coming your way. Your gut instincts warned that you were in harm’s way. Intuition is defined as, “the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.”

Our gut instincts guide us for the best possible results. The trick is in knowing when it’s your mind or your intuition speaking the truth.

Here are 5 signs that your gut instincts are trying to tell you something:

1. Whispers.

You are alone in your house and you are super busy. You might be cleaning. Suddenly you hear a voice outside of your head. No, you are not having hallucinations. That voice comes from a source and your higher self. There might be a feeling that something needs changing or doing. This is the little whispers from the consciousness that are connected in the spiritual realm. Some people call them angels. Others call them God.

We have hundreds of names for intuition. When that voice starts to speak you feel at ease. Ego will try to shut it down with negativity and opposition. But, the little whispers that tell you to move forward are your own guides expressing concern or giving you a simple answer to a question you have brewing in your head.

2. Synchronicity.

You are at a red light. You are oblivious to the world around you. Your mind starts to chat on what needs to be done, or maybe some problem that is wearing you down. On a subconscious level, you are asking for your awareness to be shown a sign. A bumper sticker in the car right in front of you reads something that catches your attention. It relates to what you were thinking. You continue driving and you notice a giant billboard with a similar message. This is synchronicity. They are repetitive signs trying to answer your question.

Your gut instincts are providing external messages so you can quiet the mind and pay attention. Signs can also come through songs, passages in books, and even a word from a stranger at the check-out aisle in the supermarket. It’s amazing how your intuition can transpire outer distractions to force you to take notice.

3. Calm and quiet.

Another way that intuition communicates with us is through silence. You may feel the desire to be alone, or meditate. During these times serenity takes a hold of the spirit and you get answers. Authentic truth will show itself when you detach from the heavy mind chatter. At times just taking a walk outside in nature helps calm us down. Sitting by water elevates the senses to open up and we are brought to a state of bliss.

Intuition has a way of entering our bodies through joy and certainty. There is no real explanation how it happens. The moment you let go of all the worries and concerns of your life, intuition will appear with a sense of peace.

4. Dreams affirm your gut instincts.

When we sleep, the ego stops dictating. We enter into a higher alter state of consciousness. During this time dreams create scenarios and dramatic plays. Some dreams serve as a means to uncover the busyness of the waking moments and are full of anxiety and fears. While other dreams are messages from intuition. Before going to bed write down those things that are requiring answers. Take a few deep breaths and release before sleeping. Allow your body to relax and adjust to the bed. Many times dreams will appear as masked symbols or archetypes.

Well-known psychologist Carl G. Jung said, “The dream is the small hidden door in the deepest and most intimate sanctum of the soul, which opens into that primeval cosmic night that was soul long before there was a conscious ego and will be soul far beyond what a conscious ego could reach.”

5. Gut instincts reveal how your body speaks to you.

There are times that refusing to pay attention to our gut gives us physical pain or ailments. Our spiritual, emotional, and physical bodies are one. When we are out of balance with all three, physical issues start to appear. Louise L. Hay, inspirational author, and speaker, says, “Every thought we think is creating our future.” When we go against gut instincts we may pay a hefty price in our bodies. This avoidance will show up in ailments, diseases, or something as simple as an ankle sprain. Your higher self will speak in many forms just to get your attention. If you follow your intuition, it will never lead you wrong.

Your physical body will always let you know what is happening. Take time to connect with your guidance. We get so busy trying to accomplish things that we forget the toll it takes on a physical level. For example, having chest pains or shallow breathing may be an opportunity to stop and connect with your guidance. What are you aching for? What issues in your life are taking your breath away? These are warning signs from the universe and they should not be ignored.

Stay open to your intuitive nature. Ask for signs and messages while releasing old patterns of trying to control the answers. You are given gifts from the universe. These little “knowings” and “inklings” are for you to stay on track with all that you desire. Continue engaging in the present moment and be receptive to all that your higher self tries to convey to you. You know exactly what’s best for you when you detach from the ego-driven mentality.

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