Poem: Part of Me- By Bob Almodovar

“Part Of Me”
by Bob Almodovar
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Rover died today.
I was with him when last he smiled,
Open-mouthed the way dogs do,
His deep set tired eyes closing
As he lay his head down, and was gone.

A single tear slid down my cheek,
Rolled along my chin, and jumped
To the floor where my old friend lay still.
I stroked his furry head one last time.

I was strong even when I placed Rover
Beneath the old oak in the rear yard,
Wrapped in his old blanket, with some favorite toys.

I was strong even when recalling
The wobbly-legged week old pooch, who
Fought a gallant fight against my worn slipper.

It was only after my dear wife, who, returning
From the market, asked how Rover was doing,
That a flood of tears overtook my stoic demeanor.
For there beneath the old oak in the rear yard,
Lay a part of me, never to be replaced again.

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Get Your First Look At Spring 2011′s Fashion Color Trends

Spring-2011: The Colors that made a statement on the Runways and into your wardrobes!

Let’s face it, Colors set the tone and rule the mood of the seasons and our wardrobes! It’s that all important factor that can influence our attitude and persona through our clothing and style, not to mention the healing properties of colors and their use in color healing. Even though we’ve still got a drabby winter to go,  we’re showing you the light at the end of the tunnel with this sneak preview into the colors you might be seeing a lot of in the Spring of 2011.

The forecast of the color trends for the new year reveals a sobriety in most of the shades the season, unlike previous the brighter and bolder color trends of Spring/Summer 2010. There are however a few splashes of intense shades livening up the sombre palette, like passionate pinks and the loud orange. We’ve complied a full spectrum of colors for Spring/Summer 2011 according to what all the fashion color experts in the business are saying. Sit back and envision your wardrobe for next year….

Aqueous
A color scheme that comes as no surprise as it brings with it fond memories of a sun, sand and beach with its aqua tones. The nautical shades bring with it an optimism of new beginnings. Worn in the form of sheers and light airy fabrics this trend is going to bring let the light breeze into your life.  In color healing, blue is believed to have healing properties include cooling of inflammations, fever, anti-stress and more; Read more about the healing properties of this color and what it says about you here.

Passionate Pinks
From rich Bordeaux, fuchsias, poinsettia to the lightest pinks, these shades full of passion will be in season come Spring. Paired with neutral and beige overtones these popping colors will brighten up those days with a flirty feminine flare! Pinks that are a hue from red brings it’s wearer warmth, high energy, vitality, power and stimulation. Read more about the healing properties of this color and what it says about you here.

Sobriety
Subtle and elegant shades influenced by nature, purity and simplicity are the colors of this direction coined ‘Divinity’ by some. The subdued colors actually come across luxuriant, classy with a natural feel when teamed with lush fabrics. They radiate a glowing appearance meant to match with a radiant Summer tan. These earthy shades are also what keep us rooted to the ground and can be used to stimulate a basic sense of security and stability. Read more about the healing properties of these colors and what they say about you here.

Loud Orange
Neiman Marcus proclaims its “orange coral”; we call it - Loud, Bold and Out There! The Must have color this season, no wardrobe with be complete without it. Orange is not a color most women gravitate towards wearing but this shade is like no other and you won’t be saying no! Mark my words you’ll see it disappearing off the racks faster than you can blink. Another plus to this bright hue is that it’s an energy color, bearing a lot of healing properties. Click here to read more about it’s properties and the statement it makes about you!

Not only will you be in style with these colors in your closet, but you’ll also benefit from the healing properties they’ll bring in your life. To learn more about Colors and their healing touch, read our past posts on the subject:

• Color Healing – The Power of Color In Our Lives
• The Healing Properties Of Colors And What They Say About You
• The Healing Properties Of Colors And What They Say About You -2
• Colors and You: Color Symbolism and Effects of Color in Our Lives
• Heal Yourself Through Color

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

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5 Yoga Poses for Better Arms

Get lean, strong arms with yoga.

As well as balancing the body, mind and spirit, the toning and strengthening aspects of yoga asanas are evident. Many poses will help you to build strong and lean arms with defined muscle tone. The arm stretches and arm balances shown below will give you a great arm workout and bring desirable results.

Cowface pose or Gomukhasana

A challenging seated pose which opens up the shoulders and chest and stretches the arms.

• Starting in Dandasana (Staff Pose), cross right leg over left leg keeping both knees in line, stacked over each other.
• Extend your right hand back over your shoulder and simultaneously grasp the right hand with your left. The fingers of both hands must be clasped together.
• Hold and breathe. Relax and repeat the entire sequence with the other leg and hand.

Downward Facing Dog or Adho Mukha Svanasana

Increases the flexibility of the shoulders and the strength of the arms.

• Get on your hands and knees, with your hands slightly ahead of your shoulders and your knees under your hips.
• Spread your palms, curl your toes in and push back raising the hips and straightening the legs.
• At first your knees will be slightly bent and the heels lifted away from the floor
• Press your tailbone into your pubis and stretch your heels into the floor. Keep your head between your arms and try lowering your shoulder blades and broaden the collarbone. Look at your stomach.
• Straighten your knees but be careful not to lock them.
• Hold and breathe.

Plank Pose and Side Plank Pose

This upper body workout is excellent for strengthening the arms and spine, and has major toning benefits.

• Starting in downward facing dog, inhale and draw your torso forward until the arms are perpendicular to the floor and the shoulders are directly over the wrists.
• Tuck in your tailbone and firm your shoulder blades against your back. It should feel like the beginning of a push-up.
• Hold and breathe.

• From Plank Pose, shift your weight onto your right arm as you roll onto the outside of your right foot.
• Keeping the both feet flexed, stack the left foot on top of the right with the legs very straight.
• Bring the left arm up to the ceiling and the gaze upwards.
• Hold and breathe.

Upward Plank Pose or Purvottanasana
This inclined plank is an intense stretch and arm balance, providing natural resistance to tone the arms.

• From dandasana, with the arms behind your hips and the fingers pointed either towards or away from your body, begin to lean into the palms.
• Press your inner feet and hands down against the floor, and lift your hips until your torso is at a natural incline but parallel to the floor with arms perpendicular.
• Engage your shoulder blades to support your chest. Your body should be in a straight line. Drop the head back, hold and breathe.
• To release, slowly exhale the hips back to the floor.

*Image credits by Kelly Loves Whales, myyogaonline, lululemon athletica, tarnalberry on flickr

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

Virabhadrasana: The Warrior Pose

Improve balance and agility; tone and strengthen the lower body and stretch the upper body with these three perfect variants.

The Warrior pose or Virabhadrasana is named after the mythic fierce warrior-sage, Virabhadra, an incarnation of Shiva, described as having a thousand heads, a thousand eyes, and a thousand feet, wielding a thousand clubs, and wearing a tiger’s skin. The derived name may seem an unlikely fit in yoga, an obvious non violent practice, however it signifies the spiritual warrior who battles with self ignorance or avidya, the universal source of suffering, as stated by Dharmic Philosophies, found in the Bhagavad Gita.

The three versions of the Warrior pose build, shape and tone the entire lower body. They tone the abdominal section and helps to prevent, reduce and eliminate back pain. The entire upper body is utilized and the capacity of the respiratory system is increased. All three variations improve balance, coordination and agility while strengthening the legs and back. They also provide an exhilarating yet relaxing stretch.

Warrior I

The original Warrior Pose improves balance and agility and strengthens your legs, back, and arms. It also targets the chest, shoulders, neck, and abdominal area.

• Starting in Tadasana, exhale and spread your legs 3 1/2 to 4 feet apart at the feet.
• Turn your left foot out to the left 90 degrees. Rotate your torso to the left. Start bending the right knee till your thigh is parallel to the floor.
• Raise both arms overhead, perpendicular to the floor with your palms facing each other.
• Breathe and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat with other leg.

Warrior II

The second Warrior Pose strengthens your legs, back, shoulders, and arms, building stamina. It opens your hips and chest, and improves balance. It is the simplest of the three versions, and many people choose to learn it first instead.

• Starting in Tadasana, exhale and spread your legs 3 1/2 to 4 feet apart at the feet.
• Raise your arms parallel to the floor and reach them actively out to the sides, shoulder blades wide, palms down.
• Turn your left foot out to the left 90 degrees. Start bending the left knee till your thigh is parallel to the floor.
• Breathe and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat with other leg.

Warrior III

The third and last variation of the Warrior Pose, Virabhadrasana III improves your balance and stability and strengthens the ankles, legs, and shoulders.

• Starting with Tadasana, raise both arms overhead, perpendicular to the floor with your palms facing each other.
• Move your left foot backward. Slightly lean forward, keeping your back straight and your arms stretched overhead. Your left foot, back, and arms should form a diagonal line.
• Lift your left foot higher back, lowering your back and arms parallel to the floor. Give length to the spine by stretching your arms and your legs. This results in stretching from two sides of the back, the legs and the arms.
• Keep on breathing through the belly and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat with other leg.

*Image credits by darmorrow, lululemon athletica and myyogaonline on flickr

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

Laughter Meditation

Laugh yourself to peace of mind and well-being.

We’ve all heard that laughter is the best medication. But laughter can also be the best meditation. Although traditional meditation forms regard silence, stillness and focus to be their mainstay, some of the expressive or dynamic meditation forms such as dancing, screaming, shouting, crying and laughing are proven to be quite fulfilling and nurturing as they provide a much needed release of negativity or excess energy. Of these, laughter meditation is the most popular and known for its many benefits.

First of all, meditation or not, laughter is a healer. Mentally, emotionally and physically. Laughter soothes the mind, heals the heart and aids in regeneration by oxygenating the blood and increasing circulation.

Laughing is aerobic, providing a workout for the diaphragm, and increasing the body’s ability to use oxygen. Laughter is a good workout for respiratory, abdominal, leg, back and facial muscles.

Laughter relaxes the whole body. A hearty laugh relieves physical tension, leaving your muscles relaxed. When we laugh, the stress hormones in the body are greatly reduced, alleviating tension and depression instantly. Epinephrine and cortisol are the killer stress hormones, that are the number one cause of many diseases. Levels of dopamine, associated with blood pressure are also decreased. Laughing is proven to be very beneficial for people who suffer from hypertension.

When the happiness chemicals endorphins and oxytocin are released, so are immunity boosting antibodies thus improving your resistance to disease. Increased levels of endorphins in the body create a sense of well being as these are natural pain killers and greatly help in coping with the suffering from arthritis, migraine and muscular spasms, and all aches & pains. Endorphins improve our attentiveness, pulse, and heart rate.

Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Laughter dissolves distress and elevates mood. It is not possible to feel anxious, angry, or sad when laughing. Humor is powerful way to break the ice, heal resentments, resolve disagreements and build relationships.

Although quite possibly the simplest type of meditation to practise at home, many towns have laughter clubs or meditation groups where you can guffaw yourself to inner peace with others. A laughter meditation class can typically include warming up with breathing exercises, laughing for an extended period of time and ending with a quiet meditation to reflect on the self and the effects of this frenetic experience.

Most find that sharing the practice increases its benefits. The synergy works wonders for the experience itself while laughing is an essential tool in effective relationships, improving interpersonal exchange, removing inhibitions and enhancing bonds.

Trying laughter meditation costs nothing and feeds the whole body and mind. It may at times seem difficult to laugh without a subject to laugh at or about, but even forcing a laugh can provide all the above benefits and soon it will become a natural practice. Beginning the day with laughter meditation can lend a sunny, joyous quality to your entire day, or you can unwind with a session at the end of the day if that suits you.

*Image credits by lululemon athletica, premasagar and eschipul on flickr

Will Color, Light and Sound Frequencies Become Our Nutrients In The 21st Century?

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Guest Article by Melissa Stamps
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The mysterious universes of quantum physics, parallel universes, quantum cosmology and the light body are emerging in both physics and quantum physics. Energy is speeding up and our physical bodies are becoming lighter.

What will this mean to nutrition and supplementation in the 21stcentury? Energy healing, Quantum and vibrational healing are ancient ways of working with the physical, emotional and energy dimensions of who we are. It involves understanding Chi, Qi, Universal Life Force and subtle energy fields that make up and surround all living beings. These fields are usually invisible to the naked eye. They are being remembered and practiced once again.

In an interview with Dr. Deepak Chopra, he says, “Quantum healing is healing the Body. Mind from a quantum level. That means from a level which is not manifest at a sensory level. Our bodies ultimately are fields of information, intelligence and energy. Quantum Healing involves a shift in the fields of energy information, so as to bring about a correction in an idea that has gone wrong. So quantum healing involves one mode of consciousness mind to bring about changes in another mode of consciousness.”

Well known forms of energy healing, many Asian in origin, include Acupuncture, using fine needles to treat points and energy pathways (Meridians). The Meridians correspond to organs and organ systems as well as elements in nature, to bring the body in alignment for optimal health. Yoga Chi Gong, Feng Shui, (creating beautiful balanced space through using color, light, and placement of furniture. These practical solutions are combined with principles of energy and of the Tao and other spiritual philosophies and Intention to support a successful life.)

Joshua Bloom, Quantum Healer, teacher and film maker,theultimateanswermovie.com of NYC was recently interviewed about his work.

Joshua Bloom states, “Right now, we are in a big change. Our old ways of thinking and doing things are breaking down and being challenged, especially in the areas of health. The old paradigm is- let’s cut it open, take it out and medicate with drugs. Science is only accepted guideline. There Is nothing to balance the side effects of these drugs. DEATH is on the list of possible side effects or possible outcomes. I am interested in exploring things we can’t see, like light frequencies. I am stepping up to share information through my film, The Ultimate Answer. My film will bridge the gap between the old paradigm of medicine to a new model that allows for possibilities. The movie will teach people how to heal themselves. Quantum Healing is the thrust of the film. I work directly with energy and using energy as medicine. Energy medicine creates balances almost instantly. I can change fight or flight responses instantly when I work with clients. Quantum healing connects to yourself. It connects to a safe place within your body. When energy moves and releases, it creates permanent change within the body. It happens at the cellular level. This is a process, not a technique.”

Vibrational medicine also uses Color, or Chromotherapy. Light and sound frequencies, including tuning forks, Tibetan bowls and crystal singing bowls to bring the body back into alignment. The ancient Greeks and Egyptians built healing temples of color and light to transform energy fields of the body. Health can be accelerated by working with the Chakras and the Auras, both subtle bodies that contain information about multi-dimensional energy .Can Color, Light, Sound and Quantum healing equal or surpass the body’s need for nutrients, enzymes, minerals and supplements? It opens up many fascinating possibilities as we head full throttle into the 21st century.

Melissa Stamps is a professional, certified Intuitive Counselor. She is also an Interior Design Stylist, with a background in Feng Shui, and an Energy Worker. Her websites are: Colorpriestess.com and 3rdeyeopennycpsychic.com

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

*Photo credits: photo by AlicePopkorn (Cornelia Kopp) on flickr