Clarity

Sometimes it is nice when you have moments where you see things more clearly.

Plants Clean the Air

Plants are not only beautiful to look at and a wonderful addition to a room, but did you know that they actually clean the air? Studies have found that certain plants are particuarly effective at removing harmful gases and cleaning the air indoors. Flowers such as chrysanthemums and gerbera daisies are particuarly effective at removing benzene. Other effective plants are dracenas, ferns, palms, and spider plants. Peace lilies are also very good.

Balance

I am fascinated by the Yin and Yang. Two opposite sides; fire and water, sun and moon, male and female. Balance seems like an extremely reoccuring theme.

Gardenias

I have to say, gardenias are one of my favorite flowers. They are not only beautiful, but they smell absolutely wonderful! If you haven't had the opportunity yet to see and smell gardenia flowers, please do so; they are absolutely wonderful!

Trees

Trees are beautiful. I've always been fascinated by them. What are your favorite trees?

What do you do to treat yourself?

We live in a society that arguably insists that there is an intrinsic need to serve others, but I have one question. How in the world are you supposed to serve anyone unless you get your own situation fixed first? I really want to make the point of loving oneself first. Sure, everyone says that they love themselves, but do they really? It is important to be honest with yourself; admit where you need work, but congratulate yourself where you've done well. Treat yourself. Have a nice dinner once in a while.

Peaceful Place

Where's your peaceful place? Where do you go where you know you can count on a serene place where nobody will bother you. I think we all need these in our lives. For me, I go to a park near me where there are no paved trails, no people really, just total peace. The question is: where is YOUR peaceful place?

Crystals

I think crystals are really cool; always have. There is just something about them that has always seemed mystical and magical. In my opinion, I think that crystals are sort of "conduits" of energy. That is to say there might be beneficial effects from having them around. Crystals such as amethyst are not only absolutely beautiful, but might even possess magical type qualities. At the very least, they are certainly beautiful!

Water

Water is perhaps the most wondrous substance I know of. Our bodies are around two thirds water. Consequently, the Earth is two thirds water as well; an interesting correlation. The thing about water though is that it teaches us a lot about life. Sometimes water flows peacefully and gently; other times, it crashes. On one side, water is absolutely essential for wellness, yet water can also be destructive. Water is in my opinion an excellent example of the yin and yang in action.

Japanese Tea Gardens

Is it me, or are japanese tea gardens one of the most peaceful and beautiful types of gardens I have ever encountered? If you haven't ever been to a japanese tea garden, and there is one around you, even a small one, you should definitely check it out. There are many types of japanese tea gardens, including pond gardens, sitting gardens, tea gardens (which usually include a tea hut of some kind), and strolling gardens to name a few. Some of the more common plants you will be fortunate enough to see will include bamboos, evergreens, ferns, mosses, but these are only naming a few of countless types of absolutely beautiful plants. Often, the use of stones and water is significant in the japanese tea gardens. Traditional gardens do not contain fountains, however, and you are more likely to see natural based water. Lanterns are often placed beside some of the most prominent water basins to represent the female and male elements of water and fire, which is really interesting! This is part of the Taoist tradition (yin, and yang). Again, if you have the chance to check out these beautiful gardens, please do so! I guarantee you that you will love it.

No absolutes

Have you ever noticed the way you think in absolutes? You are either ALL this or ALL that? You are either rich, or you are poor. You are either doing great, or your doing terrible? I don't know about you, but it is awfully funny how sometimes this is the way I see things. Do you think it is the way some of us were raised? Maybe. Look at our religions. Most of them say either you are good bad. Look at heaven and hell! What could be more polar opposite??? It's like, hey, you're either going to the most wonderful, greatest place you could possibly be forever, OR you're going to the worst possible place forever!! I was shocked when I finally came to realize the absurdity of this entire concept! I mean, it's absolutely ridiculous how it applies to just about everything! The truth is that there are so, so many in betweens to everythings, and gray areas. It's very interesting how change is always constant, yet the stubborn conscious mind resists change.

Gardens

I have a deep love and fascination for gardens and plants in general. The feeling of being surrounded by such awe-inspring beauty is truly magnificent. The delicate aroma of flowers instantly puts me at ease, and enables me to be in a state of total serenity. I really recommend getting out into nature more, whenever possible. Furthermore, being around flowers and plantation in general is certainly wonderful for me.

Illumination

The world needs more illumination; do you agree? What I am trying to say is that we are great. We are far more than we have supposed ourselves to be. We have considered ourselves in terms of one person, one body; but in truth, we will come to see the lack of separation and the inter-connectedness of life. We are great, and we will come to see more of that, I assure you. How do some of you see the state of things? Do you see the changes taking place?

I am here to share what I have found

There is no question that in our world today, the deeper questions of life and our origins vibrate within our psyches at levels that we can no longer ignore. We face the deepening threats of hate and violence, overpopulation, but most importantly; suffering. We all know what suffering is, and we all wish to seek pleasure over pain. Yet how many of us have the tools and resources (psychological, spiritual, or otherwise) to reach such bliss? We all have issues that we are working on. Whether one is a multi-millionaire, or struggling to make ends meat, lives in North America or China, we all want to be happy. Understanding this fundamental truth is imperative. Many world religions have time and time again imposed an atmosphere of guilt and shame, all of which do nothing to help the current state of affairs. I assure you that regardless of who you are, or what you have ever done, there is never reason for guilt. If there is one phrase I wish to emphasize over all others, and instill in the deepest sections of my heart, it is self-acceptance. There are always aspects of ourselves that we like and we dislike. Self-acceptance, as far as I understand the term, is not discrediting the parts you do not like, and trying to change them. Accepting who you are means accepting all of who you are. The questions of the universe and its functions ring through our hearts like never before, beckoning some of us to make inquiries about the nature of reality. Yet when one is on this path, one needs to be aware that there will be great changes, and indeed not much to hold onto. How can you expect to be happy if you live seeking others approval? This is like a dog chasing its own tail. Eventually, you must decide to express yourself regardless, even if this means that others do not accept.