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This Is What Happens If You Stare Into Someone’s Eyes For 10 Minutes

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Are you looking for a way to experience a shift in consciousness without using drugs? Then all you have to do is stare into someone’s eyes for 10 minutes.

That’s according to a study performed by Giovanni Caputo, a vision researcher from the University of Urbino in Italy.

Here’s how staring into someone’s eyes can alter your consciousness:

Caputo asked 20 volunteers to stare into their partner’s eyes for 10 minutes. He noted astounding results. The volunteers reported having out-of-body experiences and seeing hallucinations of monsters, their relatives, and even themselves in their partner’s face.

This experiment included 20 young adults, of which 15 were women. The participants paired pair off and sat in a dimly lit room 1 meter away from each other. They had one simple task. They stared into their partner’s eyes for 10 minutes. And, they could make out the facial features of their partners in the dim lighting. However, they had a decreased perception of color.

In addition to this group of adults, a control group consisting of 20 more people also sat and stared for 10 minutes as well. One difference–their chairs faced a blank wall. Giovanni told them little else about the study except that it involved a “meditative experience with eyes open.”

After the ten minutes passed, all the participants filled out questionnaires and answered questions about what the volunteers experienced during and after the experiment. One of the questionnaires asked about any dissociative experiences that the participants had during those ten minutes. And other questions asked them what they saw in their partner’s face or their own faces.

Disassociation

Disassociation describes any psychological experiences that make a person feel disconnected from their immediate surroundings. This could include hearing sounds at a different frequency than they actually vibrate at, seeing distorted colors, or feeling like reality doesn’t exist. Most people report having these experiences when under the influence of drugs and alcohol. But now, you can get the same experience by simply staring into someone’s eyes!

In the journal Psychiatry Research, Caputo revealed that the eye-staring group scored higher than the control group in both questionnaires, proving that staring into someone’s eyes for even a short period of time can alter one’s consciousness in a measurable way.

According to a report written by Christian Jarett published in the British Psychological Society’s Research Digest, the participants “gave the strongest ratings to items related to reduced colour intensity, sounds seeming quieter or louder than expected, becoming spaced out, and time seeming to drag on. On the strange-face questionnaire, 90 percent of the eye-staring group agreed that they’d seen some deformed facial traits, 75 percent said they’d seen a monster, 50 percent said they saw aspects of their own face in their partner’s face, and 15 percent said they’d seen a relative’s face.”

A previous study by Caputo

Back in 2010, Caputo performed a similar experiment in which 50 volunteers stared at themselves in a mirror for 10 minutes. He wrote the results in a paper entitled “Strange Face In The Mirror Illusion.”

In that paper, Caputo reported findings very much like this more recent experiment. After about one minute, the participants in the former study reported seeing what Caputo calls the “strange face illusion.”

What did they see, exactly?

Everything from their deceased relative’s faces, distortions of their own faces, old women or children, and even animals and monsters. They somehow felt that their face had become deformed, or suddenly became foreign to them. They reported it as being a very profound, powerful experience.

eyesSo, how does this phenomenon happen, exactly?

According to an article on Scientific American, Martinez-Conde and Macknik attribute it to something called Troxler fading and neural adaptation, In this, our neurons slow down significantly or even stop in the presence of constant, unvarying stimuli. So after staring at the same thing for a number of minutes, the unchanging stimulus away from the point of fixation will start to fade away. And that shift alters your perception.

After doing this long enough, your mind will start to project images onto the point in space that you’re staring at. That phenomenon further proves that our minds are immensely powerful when it comes to creating our own realities. Researchers have yet to be done to fully understand why this strange event occurs during periods of fixating on an object. But one thing is certain. We, indeed, do hold the power to alter our consciousness. And once we master it, we can share this incredible gift with others, as well.

5 Reasons We Need To Take Faith More Seriously

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According to an article by the Washington Times, 84 percent of the world follows some sort of faith or religion.

There are approximately the following:

  • 2.2 billion Christians
  • 1.6 billion Muslims
  • 1 billion Hindus
  • 500 million Buddhists
  • 400 million followers of folk or traditional religions
  • 14 million Jews.

Recently, many people have become involved in the New Age movement as well, which can still be considered a faith because it requires believing in something.

Even though the world seems divided on what religion it chooses to follow, could our beliefs have more similarities than differences? Could we find some common ground and find a way to coexist while respecting each other’s individual faiths and ideologies? The major world religions listed above speak many of the same messages. Plus, they teach a lot of the same lessons if you look past the variations of each.

First, we’ll look at the belief systems of the most popular world faiths, and then get into why we all need to take these teachings more seriously and what these different religions have in common with one another.

“The essence of all religions is one. Only their approaches are different.” – Mahatma Gandhi 

The Major World Religions And Their Main Beliefs

1 – Christianity

Christians believe Jesus Christ was the Messiah that God promised in the Old Testament. They believe that God embodies three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. However, even though Christians acknowledge the Holy Trinity, they still believe in only one God. Christianity teaches that by giving your life over to Christ, you can be released from your sins and be accepted into Heaven. At an early age, Christians can learn more about Christianity through Sunday School and Kids Church Classes.

2 – Islam

People who believe in the Islamic faith are called Muslims, and believe in one almighty God, called Allah. Islam means submission to One God, who created the heavens, Earth and every living being in it. Islam teaches that there have been many prophets, staring with Prophet Adam going down to Prophet Moses, Prophet Jesus, and the last Prophet being Muhammad. By giving up their life to Allah, Muslims hope to enter the kingdom of Paradise upon death. Muslims worship Allah through performing good deeds and taking part in devoted rituals each day.

3 – Hinduism

Though Hindus believe in many manifestations of God, they recognize the supreme being as Brahman, a culmination of all gods and goddesses. They believe steadfastly in the laws of karma, so if you did wrong in a past life, your goal now is to become free from that karma in this life and correct your wrongdoings. All followers of Hinduism seek one ideal way of life, called dharma. All life is sacred according to Hindu teachings, so there is some freedom within the religion in regards to what the believer chooses to worship. What you reincarnate as is determined by your actions and devotion to your faith.

4 – Buddhism

Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the buddha, in 500 B.C. in India. Contrary to popular belief, Buddhists do not worship the Buddha, but rather, look up to him because he achieved what they strive for: spiritual enlightenment. One of the most popular teachings from Buddhism is: “Desire is the root of all suffering.” So, they believe by freeing yourself from desire, you can reach the highest state of enlightenment.

They do not believe in any gods, but simply believe that through disciplined meditation, they can reach “nirvana” or the highest state of consciousness. Like Islam, Buddhism teaches that a person will have countless rebirths unless they let go of all attachments and delusions.

5 – Judaism

Judaism is the oldest religion in the Western world, and followers of this faith believe in the teachings of the Old Testament. Jews believe in a Messiah, but do not recognize or believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah. They believe that God, or Yahweh, chose them to lead humanity and be an example of God’s way of life. Judaism teaches that God is the true Creator of all life, and transcends both life and death.

6 – New Age

The New Age movement doesn’t have any concrete teachings or practices, but rather, it’s left to each individual to decide what spirituality means to them. Many followers of the New Age movement meditate, do yoga, and otherwise try to increase their own consciousness in order to become more Godlike. They believe in their own power to control and dictate their destiny, and believe God exists in everything and everyone, including themselves. They believe in creating their own reality through the state of their consciousness, and connecting with the Oneness present in all of the universe.

5 Reasons We Need To Take Faith More Seriously

1- Something to believe in

Have you ever heard the phrase “believing is seeing?”

Essentially, this means that by putting all your faith into some power. So whether you believe it exists within you, nature, or a higher being, this energy will begin to manifest what you’ve envisioned right before your eyes.

Faith only works if you believe it will, and many people all over the world can attest to the powers that God, Source, Spirit, or Allah. Whatever you wish to call it, millions have enacted it in their lives. For instance, take these near-death experiences and the common spiritual intervention the following people experienced into account. These types of stories are becoming more and more common as people awaken to their own personal spiritual journeys here on Earth and discover the wonders that exist beyond the veil.

In another powerful example, this woman had a 3″ tumor in her bladder. It disappeared within minutes after she went to a holistic hospital in Beijing. There, a group of practitioners simply applied conscious positive thoughts and feelings, set their intentions, and said a specific chant in order to facilitate healing.

This perfectly demonstrates how having faith can heal not only yourself but others around you. It shows the amazing miracles that can happen as a result of simply believing in something with all your heart. Thus, you can focus entirely on love and peace.

2 – Conquers fears

Having some sort of faith allows you to see past this man-made world into a reality much greater. You’ll tear down boundaries, depression, or fears. No matter your beliefs much can be learned by opening yourself up to new teachings and letting faith begin to work in your own life.

3 –  Leading a more meaningful life

Faith restores a sense of purpose and meaning to life. Many people contemplate our existence and wonder why we came here. However, only in silence can you engage with all of Creation and find those answers.

4 – Tranquility and peace

Having faith instills that inner peace that we all search for in life. You might just believe that you create your own power and destiny. However, you learn that you can always lean on yourself for guidance and wisdom.

5 – For the sake of pure and simple faith

No matter your beliefs, all the religions mentioned have one overarching thing in common. Faith in SOMETHING. That faith can be in yourself, a greater being, or simply the abundance of love present in the universe. At the root of all these religions, before any corruption by the media or other sources took place, is peace, love, and compassion.

By remembering this ultimate truth, we can all coexist and learn to thrive as a species, rather than using our egos to defend our faiths and arguing against anyone who believes differently. Oneness is a truth that none of us can escape from, and one that will set us free if we choose to unite in our commonalities instead of letting perceived differences divide us further.

9 Ways to Harness the Romantic Energy of a Full Moon

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Many aspects of life are ruled by the full moon. Romance in relationships and human sexuality is not to be excluded.

While a full moon mostly affects women’s hormones and sex drive, men can also fall under the spell of a powerful full moon. Did you know that more babies are born under a Full Moon than at any other time? This might seem a bit farfetched, but if you study the natural laws of the universe, you know that the moon influences our behavior and hormone levels, which explains the timing of many childbirths. 

Going back to the times when we lived among the trees and under the stars, pretty much all women had their menstruation and ovulation cycles at the same time. The very word “menstruation” comes from the prefix “mens-“ which literally means “moon,” so of course women will especially have a very close relationship with the moon and its phases.  

The history of the moon cycles and human behaviors

Women living in ancient times would menstruate during the New Moon and ovulate during the Full Moon, which makes sense when you compare these cycles to those of other animals in nature. For example, Crustaceans make the trek to beaches all around the world to release their eggs under the light of a Full Moon, because they instinctively know that they’ll have less of a journey to make due to the high tide. Plus, when the tide is highest, animals can assure that their eggs will never get washed away by laying them behind the high tide line. 

While humans don’t lay eggs, we have the same intuitions and sexual behavior under a Full Moon. We have more energy, feel more extroverted and connected to our partner, and have more interest in sex due to the gravitational pull of the Moon on Earth, and the consequent energy released during this time. 

Our bodies are made up mostly of water, so the pull of the moon acts as a catalyst in childbirth due to the rising tides, according to Discovery Health. Also, rising estrogen and testosterone levels make a Full Moon the perfect time for love-making and connecting intimately to the partner, and ultimately, the universe. 

So, armed with this knowledge about how the full moon affects your sexual energy, what can you do to truly capture the essence of a brilliant full moon? 

    • Plan a date night or some sort of romantic activity with your significant other.

      After all, a full moon signals a time for mating and expressing ourselves sexually with the person we love, so make sure to take out some time to honor the Divine and connect back to Source energy with your partner. 

    • Spend as much time out in nature as possible a few days before the Full Moon.

      Fluorescent lights and too much technology can negatively affect hormone levels, so to feel most connected to the moon, you should limit your time with artificial light sources, and instead bask in natural light from the sun and moon. 

    • Use grounding techniques.

      Walk barefoot outside, meditate, and any other ritual you prefer to help you stay balanced. Depending on what sign the Full Moon falls under, your emotions can run high, thereby interrupting the natural flow of sexual energy the moon provides. This especially holds true during a Full Moon in Cancer, where emotions can easily become imbalanced if you don’t pay close attention to them. 

    • Allow your creative juices to flow!

      The Full Moon governs our creativity and uniqueness, and wants us to nurture and express ourselves in a way that comes most naturally to us. Maybe go to a couples’ workshop or do couple’s yoga together; this is a great time to unleash your originality and share in new experiences with your partner (or yourself). 

    • Let yourself be vulnerable.

      We often hide some parts of ourselves away out of shame or fear of rejection, but the Full Moon illuminates all. It sits boldly in the sky for all to see, and brings light into an otherwise dark world. As we move into the Full Moon phase, make sure you let old skeletons rise to the surface, and put everything on the table. Use this time to explore and unearth parts of yourself that you have been hiding, or just didn’t even know existed before. 

    • Honor thyself.

      Recognize your true beauty, and reconnect to the Divine Feminine. Wear something that makes you feel beautiful, go outside and dance under the Full Moon, or just smile at yourself in the mirror. Make sure to stay active and avoid retreating into your shell – the Full Moon wants us to pull ourselves out of introspection and instead look at all the wonder surrounding us. It’s a great time for connecting with others and rejoicing in the treasures that Nature offers us. 

    • Practice Tantra.

      While the Full Moon gives off a lot of exuberance, make sure to hone that in and slow down a bit to fully connect with your partner. Don’t move too fast and miss each precious moment; allow the pull of the moon to take you to new cosmic heights together. 

    • Don’t resist; just go with the flow.

      Any resistance you feel will manifest itself elsewhere in your life, so just use this time to celebrate love, life, and the connection you have with the universe. Open your heart and let the Divine flow through you uninhibited.

    • Create a space in your home for intimacy.

      Light your favorite-scented candles, buy some roses to place around your room, take a relaxing bath with a few drops of Lavender or Jasmine essential oils, and make sure your bed has comfortable sheets and pillows. Create a sacred space for connecting with yourself or your partner, and make sure to cleanse the energy in the room around the time of a Full Moon to allow for the best connection to the Divine. 

3 Perfect Exercises For Poor Body Posture

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With the majority of Americans working sales and office jobs today, according to reports, that means a lot of time spent hunched over the computer, which puts immense strain on the spine and back. Add to that, hunching over our desks often cause us to develop poor body posture.

Working and living in highly overstimulating environments puts an equal or greater amount of stress on our minds as well, as we try to process all the sounds and sights before us. This diminishes our energy levels, which might explain why so many people have bad posture today. Having good posture actually takes energy, and many people have so many other things on their minds that maintaining a healthy posture doesn’t exactly top their list of priorities.

However, having poor body posture can wreak havoc on all areas of the body, even restricting air and bloodflow and causing impairments to the nerves that send signals between our brains and bodies. Hunching over a computer at work puts a lot of strain on the neck as well because it must hold up the weight of your head as it’s tilted downward toward the computer. Having poor posture can decrease flexibility as well, as the muscles become tight and tense.

If you want to correct bad posture, increase flexibility, and just feel better overall, you can actually perform some simple, yet effective exercises either in your office or at home to obtain good posture. According to yoga teacher Willow Ryan, clients leave her yoga classes with less tension in their necks, better posture, more energy when speaking, and can inhale more deeply due to these exercises.

Here are 3 exercises you can do to reverse poor body posture:

1. Cobra Pose

yoga-posture

First, you’ll want to lay down flat on your belly, with your palms facing down, torso upright, and elbows bent in line with your shoulders. Next, breathe in deeply and envision your front ribcage opening up, releasing tension in your back and improving your posture. Breathe out, then take another deep breath, lift your chest and torso up as much as possible, and make sure your elbows come off the ground at least 3 inches.

Exhale and contract your glute muscles, which will help lengthen your lower back. Inhale once again and release any more tension you may feel, and pull your chest even more forward, which will increase flexibility in your sternum. You should also feel your abdominal muscles widening and lengthening, which will allow you to draw deeper breaths into your diaphragm as a result.

Keep your head in an upright position as well; you should feel a nice stretch in your neck by doing this. Don’t lean your head forward, backward, or twist it in any way. This could lead to a pinched nerve in the neck, which makes bettering your posture a bit difficult. Try to hold this posture for at least 5 breaths, and eventually work your way up to 10.

2. Bruegger’s Exercise

This is a very simple exercise to do, and can be performed while standing. Start with your elbows bent at ninety degrees by your sides, and put your forearms forward with your palms up and your hands open. Synchronize your breathing with the subtle movements of your body, and when you inhale, breathe deeply into your mid back, pressing the shoulder blades down. When you exhale, relax your arms, but keep your elbows tucked near your ribs. Upon inhaling again, bring your forearms back to the starting position, and squeeze your shoulder blades together.

Repeat this exercise 5 times.

3. Physioball Stretches

fitness-ball-physioball

All you will need for this exercise is a physioball, which you might also know as an exercise or stability ball. Start with your feet squarely on the floor with your knees bent. You can place your hands on your hips or at your sides until you feel balanced, and then reach your arms all the way back to the other side of the stability ball. It should look sort of like a backbend, only across the stability ball. Breathe all the way down into your belly and pubic bone, releasing any tension you may feel.

Notice your chest muscles, neck, head and spine stretching during this exercise, as the stability ball helps to increase flexibility and stretch out any tight or tense muscles in the body.

The Fascinating Connection Between Color And Your Mind

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You may not think twice about the colors of certain objects you see throughout the day. But colors have a very powerful effect on human behavior. Indeed, they influence mood and even buying habits.

Marketers study which colors will convert shoppers into buyers. And psychologists use color in order to diagnose mood disorders and even attempt to improve the moods of their patients. 

Think about this. When you go outside and look up at blue skies or relax on the beach and stare out at blue waters, you probably feel relaxed and peaceful. 

On the other hand, the color red makes your heart may beat faster and might invoke feelings of passion, anger, or even danger. Color influences many aspects of our lives. However, not many people question how color affects our minds and bodies.

There’s a fascinating connection between color and our behavior. Furthermore, we will share the studies to prove it!

How Color Influences Mood And Behavior

Consider this example. When children held in the detention center at the San Bernardino County Probation Department in California exhibit violent behavior, workers place them in an 8- by 4-foot cell with bubble gum pink walls. Most of the children become relaxed and stop shouting and pounding on the walls. Indeed, that quiet happens within 10 minutes or less. 

Scientists still debate whether color’s impact is physiological or just psychological.

But Harold Wohlfarth, president of the German Academy of Color Science, and a photobiologist at the University of Alberta can prove it. 

The proof or color’s power on the psyche

Dr. Wohlfarth said, “Color very definitely has a physiological effect.”

He backs that up with an experiment he conducted at the Elves Memorial Child Development Centre. That facility is a private school exclusively for handicapped children in Edmonton, Alberta. 

In the experiment, he found that when exposed to light, the blood pressure, pulse and respiration rates of two blind children and also seven students with normal sight were identical. 

In the study, published in the International Journal of Biosocial Research (Volume 3, No. 1), the walls of the schoolroom were repainted royal and light blue from their original colors, orange, and white. Gray carpeting replaced an orange rug. Also, fluorescent lights and diffuser panels were substituted with full-spectrum lighting.

As a result, Professor Wohlfarth reported that the children’s mean systolic blood pressure dropped from 120 to 100, or nearly 17 percent. The children also became more attentive and less antsy and aggressive, observed by the teachers and independent observers. When the room was converted back to its original color scheme and lighting, however, the readings gradually increased and the children once again became rowdy.

Professor Wohlfarth explained that several experiments on small mammals have confirmed that when light passes through the retina, it impacts the pineal gland’s synthesis of melatonin, a hormone that affects the body’s production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter. 

Another study on the impact of color

Alexander Schauss, director of the American Institute for Biosocial Research, explained that the electromagnetic energy of color affects the pituitary and pineal glands, as well as the hypothalamus in the brain in some still undiscovered way. However, what’s significant about this finding is that these organs regulate the endocrine system, responsible for controlling many basic bodily functions and emotional responses. 

How Color Influences Marketing And Purchasing Habits

Numerous studies have been performed surrounding the importance of color in branding and marketing, and in one titled Impact of Color on Marketing, researchers discovered that around 90% of impulse judgments made about products can be made on color alone. 

Psychologist and Stanford professor Jennifer Aaker conducted comprehensive studies about the topic of colors and “brand personality.”

She found that a brand can be perceived by five core dimensions: 

  • Sincerity
  • Excitement
  • Competence
  • Sophistication
  • Ruggedness. 

For a product manufacturer, choosing a color that aligns with what they want their products to represent is crucial in marketing and branding strategies. In other words, the perceived appropriateness of the color used for a specific brand determines buyer behavior. 

Let’s use the example of an outdoor recreation company selling products. They make products for camping, fishing, and other activities in nature. Thus, they want earthy tones. So they would not choose a bright pink or purple theme.

On the other hand, let’s imagine a manufacturer of toys for young girls. Purple and pink would be ideal for their intended audience. 

As you can see, color plays a huge role in how we feel and behave and how we buy products.

Research continues to emerge about the power of color in our daily lives. But one thing remains certain: our perception of color triggers a profound reaction within our minds and bodies that sheds light on the complexities of the human species. 

10 Ways to Take Your Life Back

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Ask yourself this question. If you had to relive your life all over again, without being able to change anything…would you want to? If you cannot answer yes, then perhaps it’s time to take your life back!

Most people believe that life just happens to them, and they have no control over how it all plays out. However, you CAN take ownership of your reality and shape it based on your predominant thoughts and actions. If you have felt frustrated and unhappy with the direction your life is going in, the following actionable tips can help you take charge of your life starting today.

10 Ways to Take Your Life Back:

1. Realize that life is not happening to you; it’s responding to you.

The energy that you give off begins within your own mind; if you think positive thoughts, you will start seeing positive things happen, and vice versa. Think of your mind as the factory where your reality gets manufactured based on what you order – every time you have a negative thought and let it play on repeat in your brain, you order that reality, and it has no choice but to exist.

You manufacture your reality based on what thoughts you repeatedly think and what realities you order from your own factory. Start cultivating more positive thoughts so you can manufacture a much higher-quality reality.

2. Don’t ever give your power away to anything outside yourself.

Instead of taking responsibility for our lives, many of us find it easier and more convenient to place blame on things or people outside ourselves. If we don’t like our job, we blame our boss, rather than ourselves for choosing a job we don’t enjoy. If we get sick, we blame others for spreading the illness rather than ourselves for not taking care of our immune systems.

Just note how many times a day you give away your power to things outside yourself – you might be astounded at what you find. Once you accept your role as the captain of your own ship, no people, places, or events outside yourself will ever have the ability to steer your vessel again.

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” ~A.A. Milne, creator of Winnie the Pooh

3. Listen to your own heart.

Other people can offer their opinions about what direction you should take your life, but you get to make the ultimate decision. You know your heart better than anyone else, so don’t let others dictate your life. The only way to live an authentic, purposeful life is through your own heart, so start listening to what it tells you.

4. Learn to say no to things or people that don’t resonate with you.

Taking command of your life means getting honest with yourself about what friends and activities bring out your best self, and which ones no longer serve you. This way, you will give yourself room to say yes to people and activities that actually serve your best interests and elevate your consciousness.

5. Take charge of your own health.

As long as you have your health, you have everything. Make a pact with yourself to practice a healthier, more wholesome lifestyle that includes lots of whole foods, fruits and vegetables; clean, fresh water; adequate sleep; and moderate exercise. By making small changes each day, you can transform your health and consequently increase your vitality and vibrational frequency. Honor your body and choose foods and drinks that will give you life.

depressed-control-life-positive

6. Look for a new job if it makes you unhappy.

None of us came here just to pay bills and taxes; we came here to change the world. If your job makes you feel like just another cog in the wheel and doesn’t allow you to follow your true purpose, don’t think twice about leaving it behind.

While we do live in a monetary system where we must pay to survive at the moment, plenty of people create their own jobs that support their highest mission. With a little elbow grease and commitment, you can do this too – think about how liberating it would feel to do something you love and still get paid for it.

7. Forget about “the norms”.

If you really want to take command of your life, you will have to get comfortable with living to the beat of your own drum. Too many people fall in line just because it feels safe, not because it feels right. They fear others judging them, and don’t want to become alienated or ridiculed. However, even if the uncharted path seems lonely at first, you will never know what lies ahead if you never make the journey. Create your life on your terms and don’t worry what others think – you didn’t come here to blend in, you were born to stand out!

8. Do more of what makes you happy.

Many people shy away from new opportunities or activities because they fear failure. Or, they live in fear of what others think. However, both of these fears can feel like prison if you allow them to stand in the way of things that really make you happy. The longer you wonder about the outcome, the more time you waste ruminating instead of living. Living intentionally means taking charge of your own happiness, so take action and start following your bliss.

9. Live within your means.

This one can totally renovate your life because you will have to look at what you truly need to survive…do you really need to go shopping for new clothes every week? Do you absolutely need that new iPhone, or can you still use the one you currently have? Many people spend way more than they earn and then feel stressed because of their subsequent financial situations. Sell what you don’t really need, and only buy things that add to your well-being.

10. Become more mindful.

Meditation can greatly help with this; becoming more aware of yourself and the universe will teach you to take full responsibility for yourself and what happens to you. It will give you more discipline and mental strength, and take you out of the habit of living on autopilot. As the master of your reality, you must take full responsibility for the quality of life you lead. Cultivating more awareness will allow you to move into a space of actively creating your life instead of watching passively from the sidelines.

life advice Are you ready to take your life back? Affirm it now:  I’m in control of my own destination. I am making a positive transformation!

10 Signs You’re In A Relationship With An Old Soul

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You may have heard the term “old soul” in the well-known English nursery rhyme, Old King Cole. Today, they characterize an old soul as someone with more experience and knowledge than most people their age. You may wonder if your partner is an old soul because they seem mature and grounded uniquely. Here are ten signs your partner is an old soul.

Signs You Are in a Romantic Relationship With an Old Soul

These behaviors and habits might indicate that you love someone with an old soul.

1 – An old soul is an authentic person

Your partner could be an old soul if they are incredibly authentic and honest in how they relate to you and others. They don’t like to pretend or hide things from you. The idea of being genuine is desirable. Inauthentic individuals conceal their true identities and act one way in public while acting differently in private. Authentic people are viewed as morally superior beings. Research says there is a connection between authenticity and higher levels of self-esteem and psychological well-being. So, if your partner is authentic in the way they live and act, good chance they are an old soul.

old soul

2 – Not materialistic

Old souls aren’t enamored by wealth or materialism. They are content with very little. As their partner, you may find it frustrating if you want to buy a new sofa, but your old soul partner is very content with the old beat-up one. They may enjoy thrift store shopping more than buying new things. They’re hard workers, but money isn’t that important to them, and things don’t bring them happiness.

3 – Simple person

If your partner is an old soul, they’ll be simple in their preferences. You won’t need to buy them a fancy gift for their birthday. Instead, they will be happy to take a long walk around a lake with you. They may love visiting an old book store or playing a board game with you instead of going to a party on the weekends. Their simplicity may be refreshing to you. They seem to have a calming effect on everyone around them.

4 – An old soul likes to be alone

Does your partner love being alone? Old souls are selective about who they’re with and what they do with their time. They will enjoy their own company most of all because they find things to do that are meaningful to them. For an old soul, spending time alone enhances their creativity and helps them relax. They may enjoy reading a book, drawing, watching a show, or writing in a journal when they’re alone. As their partner, you must respect their need for alone time. Their desire to be alone has nothing to do with you, but it’s something they need.

5 – Wise beyond their years

If your partner is an old soul, they will often quote ancient writings or sayings from books they read. If you have a problem, they’ll be ready to give you some good advice. They are empathetic about what you’re going through. Their compassion and ability to provide wise advice make them more discerning than they should be for their age. It may surprise you at the influence your old soul partner has with co-workers or neighbors. These individuals will come knocking on your door asking for advice and help from your partner. If your partner displays wisdom in this way, good chance, they are an old soul.

6 – Spiritual life is important to an old soul

An old soul believes that people are mind, body, and soul. They believe in God or a supernatural being who oversees the world. If your partner is an old soul, they will feel essential to pursue spiritual growth. They may enjoy talking to you about spiritual things and sharing excerpts of the spiritual books they’re reading. Your old soul partner may pray, meditate or sing worship songs around the house. They’ll talk about what they believe with others. Curiosity about what other people believe will motivate them to ask questions without being offended when they think differently.

old soul

7 – Good listener

A good listener focuses on you and what you’re saying. They don’t interrupt you but hear you out entirely before they respond. If your partner is an old soul, they will be a good listener. They’ll be slow to speak but quick to listen. When they answer you, they’ll take a few minutes to think before they answer. Your friends may envy you for being in a relationship with someone who is such a good listener.

8 – An old soul is content at home

If your partner is an old soul, good chance, they’ll be content to stay at home rather than go out on the weekends. Old souls enjoy the quiet and comfort of home. While most of your peers are out partying, an old soul will love sitting on the patio enjoying a glass of wine and looking at the stars. If you’re not ready for this kind of lifestyle, you may need to rethink your relationship. Having an old soul as a partner will be a quieter, calmer life than you prefer.

9 – Don’t care about trends

Old souls aren’t into the latest trends. They know about the newest smartphone or computer, but they don’t feel the need to buy one. They’re content with their old phone and slow working computer. You probably need to urge your old soul partner to buy new clothes because they’ll wear them until they’re frayed and faded. Old souls have strong convictions about buying used clothing or books. They’re conscientious about conserving the planet’s resources. Living with an old soul may require that you change your beliefs or learn to accept their convictions while you live differently.

10 – Others often seek advice from an old soul

If your partner is an old soul, they’ll have people coming to them for advice. People will admire how your partner takes the time to listen to them. They’ll seek wisdom on parenting, real estate, or spiritual things. It may surprise you how much your partner knows. It may tempt you to have people wanting your partner’s attention all the time. You may feel you need to schedule an appointment with them because they’re so available to others. It’s all part of being in a relationship with an old soul.

What are the challenges of being in a relationship with an old soul?

  • They like to hang out with older people: Old souls enjoy the company of older folks because they have a lot in common. They want to talk about similar things, and their view of life is often more similar to an older person. On the other hand, you may prefer to be with your peers and do things that people your age do. If you’re not ready to hang out with older people all the time, then this will be challenging for you.
  • They don’t value things: Old souls aren’t materialistic. This can be good, but if you enjoy the finer things in life, you’re going to find it challenging to live with an old soul. They won’t like the fancy restaurants you like or enjoy buying new clothes as you do. Old souls are content with very little. You may find it challenging to live with a person who opposes the things you enjoy.
  • They can be intense: Living with an old soul could be hard for you if you like to keep things upbeat. Old souls are prone to reflect on the past and on the problems of the world that need fixing. Your partner won’t want to go out dancing or partying. They rather sit at home and read poetry. If that’s not for you, then it could be a problematic relationship.
  • Your friends may not “get” your partner: Your old soul partner may be of a relational “black sheep.” Your friends may find it hard to relate to your partner, who talks about profound truths. While your partner prefers to delve deep into world issues, your friends may want to have fun. You may find yourself in the middle of trying to help your friends and your partner get along.
  • They may not want to spend time with you: Because your partner is an old soul, they will enjoy lots of time alone. Sometimes you want to be with them, but they prefer to be alone rather than be with you. It’s not rejection, but it can feel like it. If you’re not prepared for this, it can be a point of contention in your relationship. It’s one challenge to consider when you live with an old soul.

old soul

Final Thoughts on Being in a Relationship with an Old Soul

An old soul is a unique person who displays the qualities of someone who has lived for a long time. They’re known for their wisdom, knowledge, and calm demeanor. These folks are content with very little, simple in their desires, and share their wisdom in a winsome way. As their partner, you may feel blessed and sometimes not so blessed because of their preferences. You may tire of doing things by yourself because your old soul partner needs to be alone. If you think your partner could be an old soul, there are positives and negatives you’ll need to consider in your relationship.

11 Things to Remind Yourself Before 11 AM

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Every morning, when you wake up and look in the mirror, what words come to your mind? Do you hear words that build up or tear down? What you say to yourself each morning could change the entire course of your day. Here are 11 things to remind yourself before 11 am.

 Why are words so important?

Words are a big part of your life. You talk to your family, your co-workers, and you talk to yourself. You may regret saying certain things to others. Did you know that what you say to yourself can be harmful? An ancient proverb confirms the power of your words. It says,

 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. Proverbs 15:4 ESV

 Don’t believe everything you tell yourself when you look in the mirror, because it could break your spirit. Instead, tell yourself what to believe using uplifting, positive words.

What can words do?

Self-affirmation can decrease your stress and affirm your sense of self-worth. It helps you think about your core values in life in a broader sense, which strengthens you as you make life choices.

remind yourself

11 Things to Remind Yourself Before 11 AM

So many words come to your mind in the morning. It takes purposefulness to control negative thoughts. Here are eleven things you can remind yourself of and turn your day around.

1 – Remind yourself to be grateful

Being grateful is a healthy way to start your day. Gratitude comes from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, or gratefulness. Being thankful has a positive effect on your heart and mind. Grateful people are happier and healthier individuals. They’re better at dealing with adversity and are better able to build strong relationships with others. Every morning, practice this simple exercise. Set a goal to think of ten things you’re grateful for today. Write them down or just say them out loud to yourself. Sometimes the everyday things in your life are worth being grateful for.

Be thankful for some of these basic things:

  • Food in your fridge
  • Clothes you wear
  • Heat or air conditioning
  • Running water
  • A warm bed to sleep in
  • The ability to hear, see or smell

It may surprise you that your list of ten things grows longer. Even on your most difficult day, there is always something to be thankful for, so start your day off this way.

2 – Remind yourself to be kind

They define kindness as being friendly, considerate, or generous. Interestingly, when you choose to be kind to others, you receive emotional benefits. Being kind lowers your stress and helps you feel calmer. You’ll be less prone to depression, less lonely, and you’ll feel happier with your life. It doesn’t take much to be kind to someone. Your kind act could be

  • Sending a quick text to cheer up a friend
  • Dropping off a coffee to your child’s school secretary
  • Raking your elderly neighbor’s leaves
  • Taking your teen out for a smoothie after school

3 – Remind yourself to have a healthy lifestyle

Mornings can be tough. You may feel like staying in bed buried under the covers, but it can make you feel worse about yourself and your life. Being physically active improves your mindset. It eases depression and makes you feel happier and healthier. Eating a healthy diet keeps your weight down and makes you feel more comfortable in your clothes. When you tell yourself that you’re going to be healthy today, it motivates you. You are choosing to take control of life rather than letting life happen to you. Whether you choose to take a brisk walk, take your dog for a walk, or eat a healthy lunch, these all contribute to choosing to live a healthy lifestyle today.

4 – Remind yourself to be positive

“Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” ~ Lyndon B. Johnson

Positive people believe in themselves and others. They’re more resilient and able to stand up under the pressures of life. Positive feelings help you be more creative and find solutions to problems. Negativity pulls you down, causing you to worry and feel overwhelmed. Today, when you look into the mirror, tell yourself you are going to be positive rather than negative.

5 – Remind yourself to help others

“The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it. “~ Richard Bach

Keeping it simple is often the best way to move forward. Choosing to help others is one of the simple practices in life that benefits you. Helping others makes you feel happier. It’s suggested that individuals who help others are more productive, have a more meaningful life, and are wealthier. Being selfish won’t bring you joy. Resist the urge to just take care of yourself today and reach out to help someone else. How can you help someone today? Here are some suggestions.

  • Bake cookies for a neighbor with children
  • Write a thank-you note to your child’s teacher
  • Give a gift card to the homeless man standing at the corner
  • Help unload groceries for the young mom with a toddler who lives next door

6 – Remind yourself you are loved

As you look into the mirror today, remember that you are loved. So many people benefit from having you in their life. Even if you don’t feel loved, there is someone who loves you. Whether it’s your mom, your sister, brother, or your best friend, they love you! Whether you feel it today, remind yourself that you are loved. If you’re struggling to feel loved today, be sure to reach out to someone who loves you, and enjoy their love.

7 – Remind yourself to be wise

“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” ~ Maya Angelou

When you choose to be wise, you’re choosing to be someone that others can trust and seek out for advice. It doesn’t mean you think you know everything, but you’re probably a good listener and make people feel you care. A wise person treats people with respect and wants to help them. Of course, being wise doesn’t just happen. It’s usually something you attain over the years. You can grow in wisdom by doing these things:

  • Reading non-fiction books
  • Learn from your mistakes
  • Watch others who are wise
  • Study habits of successful people
  • Read wisdom books like Proverbs or Psalms
  • Skip watching television
  • Take trips to different places so you can learn about the customs of other people groups
  • Surround yourself with wise people

remind yourself

8 – Remind yourself to stay connected to others

“Surround yourself with the right people, and realize your worth. Honestly, there are enough bad people out there in the world – you don’t need to be your worst enemy.” ~ Lucy Hale

Staying connected to other people makes you feel happier and gives more meaning to your life. Individuals with strong social connections are happier and healthier. These people live longer and have a lower risk of death. Strong family ties increase your self-confidence and self-esteem. Loneliness adds to depression. Today, choose to stay connected to family or friends. Reach out with a text, email, or phone call. Talk to someone dear to you and see if you don’t feel a little bit better about your life.

9 – Remind yourself to learn new things

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

When you commit time each day to learning new things, you exercise your brain and broaden your horizons. Seeing the world as your classroom will energize you and motivate you to ask questions and seek out information. Being a learner helps you

  • Improve your brain function
  • Strengthen your concentration
  • Improve your memory
  • Improve your problem solving
  • Reduce your chances of dementia
  • Increase your attention to detail

So today, tell yourself you’re going to be curious and learn something new you didn’t know.

10 – Remind yourself that you are strong

“Action is the foundational key to all success.” ~ Pablo Picasso

Sometimes life is hard. It can weigh you down so much so that it’s hard to get up in the morning. Despite the hard stuff, you can remind yourself to be strong. Choosing to be strong sets your mindset to not give up. It helps you do things you don’t feel like doing. Well-loved A. A. Milne character, Christopher Robin, said it best when he said:

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

Today, as you look into the mirror, tell yourself you will be strong. If you don’t believe what you’re saying, then try to believe what Christopher Robin says about you.

11 – Remind yourself to be happy with who you are

Being happy with who you are will help you feel content with your life. It takes away the stress of comparing yourself with others. This happiness with whom you are makes you more resourceful, purposeful, and self-confident. Every morning, when you look in the mirror, be sure to tell yourself that you are happy with who you are and with who you are becoming.

remind yourself

Final Thoughts on Self-Reminders to Think About Before 11 am

Words affect your life. The words you tell yourself affect you more than you may realize. As you look in the mirror each day, remind yourself about what’s true, what’s real, and what’s important in life. Remind yourself that you can be grateful, kind, healthy, and wise. You can help others, be strong, and you can be happy with who you are. How you begin your day will change the entire day, so start it with positive words that build you up, not tear you down.

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