Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you'. - Frank Lloyd Wright
You and I are part of nature but sometimes it seems difficult to believe that this is so. Going to work in a car, grabbing a quick meal, watching TV, all this seems far removed from wild animals, plants, the ocean and large expanses of sky. Its easy to feel cut off from all the other non-human forms of life on the Earth.
Doesn't living like this seem like a form of starvation of the spirit?
Watching a sunset, or a flock of birds, or listening to the wind; really simple things that don't cost the earth.
Even the scientists are saying that nature is good for you!
'Connecting with nature can improve your health and well being, say researchers in this week's British Medical Journal. The theory is know as ecotherapy; restoring health through contact with nature'.
Sometimes all it takes is to look, or stop and listen and be amazed by the beauty of nature all around you. So with this in mind here follow:
7 Simple Steps To Help You Feel Nearer To Nature That You Can Use Right Now
1) Look up at the sky
In the day observe the changing cloud patterns and let your imagination run wild with the shapes and with what they
mean to you. Find out the names of all the different types of clouds and why they are formed. Look up Cloud Formations
on the Web.
At night observe the stars, find out about the constellations and lift your consciousness into the infinite sky.
2) Look down at the Earth
Do you know what type of soil you live on? Is it fertile or infertile? Clay or sandy or rocky? Have a look and see.
What sort of plants grow wild on the soil near you? Even between the cracks in the pavements? Find out what
they are called.
3) Observe all the non human beings that cross your path in a day.
Watch out for insects, mammals, birds.
Anything that crosses your path. Take a notebook to jot down how many you see. Then find out their names.
4) Pick up a piece of nature from the ground (a pebble, a leaf, a twig or feather etc)
Bring it home and be creative. You could make a picture with it, put it somewhere nice, shine a light on it, the possibilities are endless
5) Observe the phases of the moon.
Do you know which phase you are in right now?
The moon waxes and wanes in a 29 1/2 day cycle. Go onto the Web and find out more about it so that you will know exactly where you are in relation the the moon at any time.
6) Find a tree near you and sit near it (preferably touching it but that might be difficult to do).
Still your mind and slow your breathing, imagine that you can feel the life flowing within the tree. Go on, talk to the tree and wait for an answer.
Be patient, trees don't rush around like us remember.
7) Grow your own sprouts indoors.
These are easy to grow, cheap and highly nutritious.
Go onto the Web and look up Sprouting Seeds for detailed information on types of seeds and how to go about sprouting them. The very act of growing something from seed, harvesting and eating it gets you in touch with nature in a very practical way.
I hope that you will enjoy implementing some of the above ideas. Respectfully have fun getting nearer to nature and when you have the chance.......
'Keep close to Nature's heart....and break clear away, once in awhile and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean' - John Muir
Friday, November 21, 2008
Seven Simple Ways To Help You Feel Nearer To Nature
Saturday, November 15, 2008
FIND THE BEST DIGITAL CAMERA
After spending sizeable amount of time at the mall figuring out which is the best digital camera for us, we finally have enough money to buy for that eye-popping, 7 mega pixel, 10x digital zoom, potable, candy colored, up to 512MB expandable memory of super hi-speed SD memory card and not to mention very portable, (that will be the envy of almost everyone we know). We march to the mall armed with our life savings and lotsa pride in ourselves, when we pass by a new display - an eight mega pixel, up to 1G expandable memory, with built it mic and stereo surround, video playback capable, with 22 scenic modes kind-of-camera. And we sigh because the producer of this amazing gadget claims that this is the best digital camera yet out in the market. And so as we always want to have the best, armed with our life savings and a few credit cards, we buy the "best digital camera." But then again, that doesn't last too long, after two months or so, there's another "best digital camera."
And so it confuses us. What makes a digital camera, the best digital camera?
Well, there are certain factors to consider when looking for the "best digital camera" for us.
MEGAPIXELS. One of the most important features of digital camera to make it into the best digital camera category is its mega pixel property. The higher the mega pixels the better the actual photograph will come out. A mega pixel is equivalent to one million pixels. The resolution of your image is based upon the mega pixel property of your camera. This means that as you enlarge the picture, you would get more detail and less blurry colors.
LCD SIZE. The best digital camera will always have a large LCD to help you frame your subject without having to squint to the viewfinder. This is also helpful when reviewing your images, some cameras enable touch up and editing features with its LCD. A 1.5-inch display is average, a 2-inch LCD display is good, but the best LCD size would be 2.5 inches or higher.
ZOOM. Most digital cameras have both digital and optical zoom. A higher optical zoom is always better than a higher digital zoom. Digital cameras are usually furnished with optical of between 3x to 10x. The better the optical zoom, the higher it climbs up to the best digital camera category.
MEMORY CARD. Always make sure that your memory card is the right one for your digital camera. There are different types of memory card like the xD, SD, Flash card and the likes. And these types of memory cards go with certain types of digital cameras. of course memory storage is also up there in choosing the best digital cameras. Choose the size of memory that you need, if you're a photo junkie, you might need more than 32MB. Memory cards can go up to 1G.
The key point to find the best digital camera is to find one that will best fit you and your lifestyle. Don't just buy the latest or the one that claims they are the best digital cameras out in the market. You wouldn't want to buy a DSLR and use it with your home activities or family outing and have to lug it around?! Or you don't want to buy the latest point and shoot camera when you're serious about being a professional photographer. (Of course, you can use this for starters, but if you're not a novice photographer anymore, you wouldn't want to get this kind of camera.)
Actually, the best digital camera is the one that you will enjoy and use. Not the type that you'll just leave rotting in its box or after a few weeks of usage or so, up there in the attic.
Friday, November 14, 2008
bad luck
yet she had stayed by his bedside every single day.One day, when he came to, he motioned
for her to come nearer. As she sat by him, he whispered, eyes full of tears,
"You know what? You have been with me through all the bad times.
When I got fired, you were there to support me.
When my business failed, you were there.
When I got shot, you were by my side.
When we lost the house, you stayed right here.
When my health started failing, you were still by my side...
You know what?" "What dear?", she gently asked, smiling as her
heart began to fill with warmth.
"I think you're my bad luck."
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
10 Steps to a Perfectly Clean Face
Did you know that you have a great deal of control over the texture, clarity, suppleness and long-term health of facial skin just based on how and how often you cleanse? Whether you're young or old, man or woman, you can do your skin a big favor by cleansing correctly.
Cleansing is arguably the most important part of your basic skincare routine. Proper cleansing gets rid of old surface skin cells, dirt and dust, grime, make-up and bacteria, and keeps skin pores free of clogs and able to breathe freely. Cleansing also aids circulation and prepares the skin to receive topically applied nutrients and lipids.
Here are some tips for proper facial cleansing from the 5,000-year-old healing tradition of Ayurveda:
1.Cleanse twice a day, no more. Unless you have exposed your skin to excessive dust, grime or pollution, twice-a-day cleansing is more than adequate for any skin type. Cleansing too often strips your skin of precious natural oils. Not cleansing regularly, particularly before you retire for the night, may lead to build-up and eruptions.
2.Choose a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. Do not use soap on facial skin: it can be too harsh and drying and damage skin over time. A too-rich cleanser can clog pores, while a too-dry cleanser can irritate the skin. A cleanser for dry skin should contain nourishing herbs and oils. One for oily skin should include herbs that balance oil production and support clarity. Sensitive skin benefits from an ultra-gentle, fragrance-free, non-irritating cleanser.
Traditional ayurvedic cleansers are made fresh with natural ingredients such as ground oats, lentils or chickpeas, complexion enhancing or clarifying herbs such as turmeric, Amalaki, Neem and sandalwood, emollients such as milk, cream yogurt or honey, and floral or citrus waters for pure healing fragrance. You can make your own by mixing the dry ingredients to last a week or two and blending the mix with milk or cream right before use. Otherwise, look for a natural cleanser that's gentle and fortified with skin-friendly herbs.
3.Always cleanse with tepid water. Hot water dries and damages skin over time, and cold water won't dissolve and take away embedded dirt and grime as well as lukewarm water.
4.If you use sponges or washcloths, make sure they are clean and soft. They are not necessary for effective cleansing: your fingertips can do just as good a job.
5.Wash your hands thoroughly before you cleanse your face, or you will be working dirt into facial skin. Use a headband to secure hair away from the face.
6.Start by splashing tepid water on your face and neck.
7.Apply the cleanser with your fingertips or a soft sponge, using gentle circular massaging strokes and moving upward on the face and neck. Do not scrub too much...gentle massaging strokes are enough to help improve circulation as well as loosen grime and old surface skin cells. Too much scrubbing will stretch skin and irritate it, especially the delicate skin around the eyes.
8.Rinse with lots of tepid water. Don't forget to rinse off cleanser from the neck and hairline. Cleanser residue can clog pores and attract dirt.
9.Gently blot off excess water with a soft towel. Do not scrub dry or drag towel along skin.
10.Follow immediately with a water-based toner and a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type to seal in surface moisture and offer nourishment when skin is receptive.
Note: This ayurvedic information is educational, and is not intended to replace standard medical care or advice.
About Author Shreelata Suresh :
Shreelata Suresh is a yoga instructor from the Bay Area. She writes on yoga and ayurveda. For more information on ayurveda, please visit http://www.ayurbalance.com/.How To Compare Low Cost Car Insurance In Californi
Without a doubt the best way to find low cost car insurance in California is to compare prices. Although the process of contacting several agents to get quotes may seem a bit tedious and time consuming it can result in a substantial savings. The most important thing to note when you are ready to undertake this low rate finding mission is what coverage do you absolutely need and what coverage is optional.
If you drive an older vehicle you may want to purchase only the minimum amount of liability insurance required by law in the state. This amounts to $15,000 for the medical expenses of one injured person, $30,000 for the medical expenses of two or more injured people and then an additional $5,000 which would be used to cover the vehicle of the person you hit. Obviously this coverage isn’t going to be enough if you happen to hit a late model mini van and injure an entire family.
A better approach is to compare low cost insurance rates for a policy that provides enough coverage that should you cause a collision, you won’t be facing bankruptcy. If you have a newer car, you’ll also want to ask about collision and comprehensive coverage. These protect you in the event that your own vehicle is damaged and needs repair or replacement.
You’ll need to divulge any prior accidents you’ve been responsible for as well as how many speeding tickets you’ve accumulated while driving. The agents will also ask questions pertaining to your age, the average number of miles you travel each week or month as well as the type of car you want to insure.
Ask each agent you contact about the length of the policy they are quoting you on as well as what payment arrangements they prefer. This will help you to determine which company has the lowest rates per six month period or perhaps even per year.
Unfortunately for many people living in California, automobile insurance is one expense they simply can’t afford. For some of these people, the alternative to not driving at all is to drive without insurance. This is never advised and many people who fall into this category are actually eligible for coverage under California’s Low Cost Auto Insurance Program. The determining factors regarding who does and doesn’t qualify include the age of the car as well as the income of everyone residing within the home.
For people who aren’t eligible for this coverage they need to find suitable insurance that isn’t too expensive. Finding the best rates on automobile insurance in California primarily involves being prepared when you go shopping for quotes.
Even though insurance agents quote a price when asked, motorists should be aware that this is rarely the lowest price they can get. The reason is that most insurance companies offering automobile coverage in the state of California have discount programs in place. This means that if the driver qualifies for the discount, their quoted price will be reduced.
A few examples of possible discounts include:
• Low mileage discount.
• Air bag and anti-lock brakes discount.
• Safety discount which generally is offered when a vehicle either has a security system installed or is parked in a garage.
• Multi-policy discount. This is offered to individuals who choose one insurance company for more than one type of coverage. For instance, taking out policies for both health and automobile insurance from one insurer.
• Retirement discount. When an individual retires it tends to mean less time commuting each day. Many insurance companies offer a retirement discount. In addition, mature drivers can also enjoy a discount if they take a defensive driving course once they reach the age of retirement.
Asking several different insurance agents for quotes will likely yield different prices. This makes it easier for the driver to ensure they are getting the best coverage for their dollar, as they can choose the company they feel offers the best rates for the most coverage.