Czech-Bohemian Folk Art: Wish Bracelets!

We have here two very beautiful, delicate bracelets made from gemstone, crystal, and perla glass beads strung on very thin elastic cord.

These are wish bracelets, designed to boost your meditative powers for a time. These are delicate pieces that are meant to be worn until breaking — it is then time to speak your desire to the universe (think of it as simply making a wish or saying a prayer). 

When the bracelet breaks, you can take up as many of the beads as you can find — especially the meditation stone, also known as a touchstone — try to keep that one! You can give any or all beads away to others, or keep some to add to your own personal amulet collection.

All of the beads on everything in the shop are enchanted for a variety of purposes. These beads have been enchanted for protection and an easier removal of obstacles.

Ivory magnesite Buddha bracelet measures 6 (or almost 8 stretched) inches. It is made with gorgeous czech glass perlas in a starshaya sestra pattern in shades of black and gold, double-strung on our thinnest elastic cord.

Wood and Bohemian crystal skull bracelet measures 6 (or almost 8 stretched) inches. Composed of wood, perlas, and crystal, the piece is finished with a Bohemian crystal skull meditation stone. This bracelet is single-string on our thinnest elastic, so it is super stretchy and very delicate!

We Spent a Night Together, But He Didn’t Call Me Back. Why?

Have you ever been deeply in love with someone, spend a whirlwind of a few days with them... only to be iced out or ghosted completely? Why the hell do men do that?

One answer might be surprising: our post-coital emotions and behavior are influenced by body chemistry.

After sex, women tend to experience higher levels of the hormone oxytocin, which is released steadily from physical touch. The fastest way to receive it is skin to skin contact, and engaging in physical intimacy will cause a woman’s body to create even more of it.

At the same time, a man’s testosterone levels plummet post-sex, especially during the act of post-coital cuddling, as their oxytocin raises. It makes sense, considering the testosterone producers running wild during arousal and intercourse. Once his hormone levels crash, his body may begin craving another hit to slake its need for more supply. So he may be, without realizing it, disengaging to go do something manly and productive.

Why Should We Make Meditation a Habit?

Meditation is not always easy.

People who have problems with anxiety can find meditation to be especially challenging.

It takes focus and concentration, and must be practiced for years to reap the full benefits.

But it can be a vital part of managing stress, controlling our thoughts, and decreasing our feelings of irritability.

It is important to develop a meditation practice that helps you stay focused and flexible.

Doing some meditation is like taking a yoga class, but on a much smaller scale.

One of the benefits of meditating is the ability to reduce stress.

It is often difficult for people to concentrate when they are stressed, so meditating can help us to find an even deeper sense of relaxation.

So when you are tempted to take on more responsibilities, think about ways that you can reduce your workload and concentrate on other, more positive things.

Try These Easy Meditation Techniques for Kids

Who says that meditation is only for adults? Today, even children can do meditation. Times are changing at a very fast pace. Even children are prone to stress and depression. They are too young to take many medications, and one great alternative is to find an appropriate meditation method for your child.

Through a doctor's visit, your child's problem can be identified. Some doctors will readily express that your child is a good candidate for meditation. But since they are still too young to do meditation on their own, you must look for a guided meditation that will suit your child.

Children are easily discouraged of lengthy sessions, and that is why almost all of the meditation courses offered for children are only for a day. If you're child is 8 to 12 years old, it's quite easy to find an organization or institution that offer such courses on meditation. Try to do a search online and see if you can find one near your locality. You can also ask friends and relatives if they know of a certain meditation course offered exclusively for children. Your child is a precious gift from God. So it is very important to aid him or her in their meditation.

There are several meditation techniques that you can choose from, but of all the techniques, it is best to choose the Anapana meditation. Why, you might ask; well, children are easily taught of this particular technique. Anapana meditation is a mental purification process that is achieved by self-observation. Children are very observant, so this is the right time to mentally train your child.

Anapana meditation is just the very first step in Vipassana meditation practice. This involves the observation of your natural respiration, the inhalation and exhalation. This step can help your child in mind concentration. Aside from that, this technique can also calm your child, help your child understand his self better, and how your child's mind works. Your child can develop inner strength to help him in choosing the appropriate and right actions over the wrong ones. Anapana meditation can provide your child with the right tool to face up to anxieties, fears, and childhood pressures.

You can greatly expect that your child will have a hearty interest in meditation and self introspection. This can also help in opening a new dimension in their life that will be of great value in the future and may be one that they can use for as long as they live.

Your child will truly become a much better person. Through Anapana meditation, your child's mind will be stronger, and he/she will avoid saying or doing things that are harmful and hurtful to other people. If your child possesses mind's strength, then he or she will be more peaceful and will feel happier.

Make sure that your child follows all the instructions given on the duration of the course. There are also certain codes of conduct that your child has to follow. Anapana meditation is a very good foundation for your child. What's good about this technique is that it also the entails participation of the family. You must provide proper support for your child so that he/she can learn easily. It would be best to accompany your child through the duration of the course.

Hypnosis: Fact or Fiction?

The Sleeping Prophet Edgar Cayce would command himself to engage in out-of-body experiences and near-death experiences through self-hypnosis.




Under a trance state, he would give readings and diagnoses to people he has never met. His followers documented almost 14,000 journeys unto the spirit realm, made through his subconscious mind or what Cayce referred to as the soul.




Sensational historian David Lewis revealed that Adolf Hitler was once hypnotized and this may have been the root of the kind of life he has led.




Lewis claimed that in 1918, Hitler believed he has gone completely blind despite diagnoses of doctors that nothing is wrong with his eyes. Through hypnosis, a doctor suggested to Hitler that indeed, he has lost his eyesight but through will power he can make himself see again. Thats because God made him an exceptional person, the good doctor added. Since then, Lewis said, the hypnosis marked Hitler so much that he took life believing he was exceptional, and the rest, as they say, is history.




Robert F. Kennedys assassin was under the influence of a mastermind through hypnotism during the assassination, and was said to have shown robotic, trance-like movements and repeated RFK must die over and over again during police interrogation.




Have you read about clairvoyants reaching into other dimensions to get rare or secret information? How about mediums meddling with the underworld and calling the dead? Hypnosis stories are they for real?




Yes and No.




Yes, hypnotism really has been used as part of the treatment and therapy of various physical and psychological conditions. Through its ability to tap into the subconscious and to intensify focus and concentration, hypnosis can help you be more attuned with your intellectual and emotional capacity; thus helping you modify your habits and behaviors, or wield more control over the way you think and analyze.




But no, it is not the cure-all for your problems. It is not proven to be effective every time, as often claimed. The United States general surgeon reports there is insufficient evidence to support hypnosis as a treatment for smoking cessation. Again, the effectiveness of hypnotism depends on each and every different case it is being used for.




Indeed, it will not hurt to try hypnotism; but dont rely on it too much either. It may help you and may change your life forever. It may also work for you for an allotted period only. Or it may not and you may walk out of another hypnotism session unchanged and still be the same old self. Your results will depend on a lot of other factors aside from hypnosis, such as determination, motivation, and will power. Your destiny is still in your own hands.

How to Save Your Marriage

As individuals, we really should learn to be happy with ourselves.  But we’re human; we’re wired to want and need companionship.  When we enter into a good relationship, the world can be a brighter and more beautiful place.  But when we’re part of a good relationship that sours over time, things can go dark and ugly pretty quickly.  Any relationship may begin happily and with the best of intentions, but as things go along, misunderstandings may arise due to any number of factors – ego, personal issues, or external situations that take their toll on the relationship.  When things come to a breaking point, one or both parties in a couple may decide that the relationship has run its course.

Divorce or separation can affect both the social and personal aspects of each person involved. It may be surprising to know that even when problems do come up, the marriage does not need to end. Most issues can be addressed and managed with some hard work and dedication. I have coached and counseled many people with relationship problems, and here are five of my favorite pieces of advice for couples with fractured relationships…

1. Understand and agree the problems exist. We’re not talking about giving or receiving blame and fault at this stage of the game; let’s just focus on the idea that there are problems, and things need to change.  Too many people will live in denial all the way up until the last possible second – and by then, it's often too late. Be honest with yourself and your partner. Try to identify what the issues are in your relationship so that you can make an effort to improve them. Denial is not your friend.  Instead of retreating, practice acceptance.  With acceptance comes the ability to prepare for the challenges you'll be facing.

2.  Communicate without fear or judgement.  Author George R.R. Martin is quoted as saying “The unseen enemy is always the most fearsome." When it comes to marriages good or bad, this concept is always true. Whether there are known and concrete problems, or things just "seem off” in your relationship, there is no better solution then to start a dialogue. Give your spouse many chances to open up and try to get his or her perspective.  Even if your partner is unwilling to discuss problems with you, persevere. However, know that sooner or later they will need to start opening up if they wish to save the marriage too. In the meantime, watch and listen carefully for cues and clues.  And don't forget to be transparent in your own feelings.

3. Never underestimate the importance of passion. Problem-solving should be your biggest priority, but reigniting that flame of passion that you once shared is also one of the most important parts in salvaging a damaged relationship. This does not mean that you need to force yourself to have lots of insincere sex or to fake orgasms. What it does mean, though, is that you need to reconnect in fundamental ways. Remember what attracted you most to your partner when your relationship was young. Encourage your partner to share what attracted them to you as well.  We may have a few extra gray hairs on our heads and a few more pounds beneath our belts, but essentially, you are still that lovable "you" that once took their breath away. Strive to relive those moments and feelings.

4. Seek help. Marriage counselors, coaches and therapists are all fabulous resources in the quest for saving a marriage that is mostly good. There is nothing wrong with seeking help and learning the tools that you need in order to mend something that needs some reinforcement.  Getting help is a sign of strength, never of weakness.

5. The most important tip that I can give you is to have patience. You did not get into this mess overnight, and you won't get out of it overnight either. Be consistent as well as persistent. If you love your spouse, and you feel that your marriage is worth saving, work together in order to make that slow and steady effort.  Give it time.

My bonus tip for you is that while it only takes one person to want to end a relationship, it takes both people to want to save it. At the end of the day, it truly doesn't matter whose fault it is that things aren't perfect, who did what, or why it happened.  Both people need to be on board with repairing the relationship, and both people have work to do in order to make that happen. There will be times when walking away is the only option; but until or unless your sure that it is, it's not too late to try turning the tide.

The Importance of Alone Time

In a world where we're used to always being connected with others, we cannot underestimate how important it is to unplug, unwind, and just spend time alone.

If you're exhausted after a long week of work and personal obligations, there is nothing wrong with kicking back with some ice cream and your favorite TV show.  If you're able to do so, make the time to spend an entire day by yourself.  This doesn't need to be often, unless you need lots of time to recharge your batteries. 

Try to set aside some time weekly, or even every few days, for a small mental vacation.  Give yourself time to meditate, to read, even to cook or to plan your week.  If you're able to set aside larger blocks of time, make an effort to have an "alone date" once a month, perhaps for an entire day or night.  By making opportunities to keeping yourself company, you'll also be better able to relate to others as well.

You Will Never Be Perfect

Yes, I know the title of this message is pretty harsh!  But it's true.  When you strive for physical perfection, you should realize that you will never actually BE perfect.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't have goals and dreams -- you should.  That's healthy.  But the moment you begin to fixate on that number on the scale, or that perfect hair color, or that ideal clothing size, know that your goals will change the moment you achieve it.

Why?  It's because as humans, we're always conditioned to want more.  We might think that there's one magical solution to all of our problems, but the truth is that when we find that solution... we simply come up with a new set of problems.

Strive instead of health.  Excerise because it feels great, it's good for your body, and it releases endorphins which can lead to greater happiness and clarity of thought.  Take joy in your body and all the things it can do.  Eat healthy food that you love.  Appreciate where you are right now.

Love and Accept Your Body

The number on the scale, your BMI, or your clothing size -- none of these have any bearing on your worth as a person. 

We are so much more than just our bodies!  A friend of mine recently turned me on to an expression: "You are a spirit driving meat-coated skeleton made from stardust."  Consider that your entire existence is a miracle!  You have a mind that can think and reason, a heart that love and feel, and a soul that ties all of your parts together as it guides you along your path. 

You have the capacity for kindness, humor, love, and creativity.  None of these things can be measured with a scale, they can only be felt.

It's understandable to sometimes get caught up in comparing ourselves to society's ridiculous beauty standards.  But, when you're having that moment, take another to remember that your existence is a miracle.  Love your body for the things it can do.  Treat it well and strive for health.  The bottom line is that you are more than your body -- you're the whole beautiful package!

How to Deal with Negative People in 3 Easy Steps!

Everyone has to deal with negativity from time to time.  It's just part of life.  No matter what we do, who we are, or how we try -- at one point or another, we will all cross paths with someone who is negative.  It could be someone with whom you work, someone in your family, or even a friend that you truly care about:  the person may be pe

Step 1:  Consider the possibility of cutting them loose.  It might be a harsh choice, but if the bad outweighs the good that these people bring to your life, it may be time for an act of self-care by freeing yourself from the negativity of someone who is dragging you down.  If the negative person is draining your energy, causing you to dread scenarios where you know you'll need to deal with them, or putting you and others down, consider cutting the cord.  It needn't be dramatic or harsh, and it might be difficult as well.  But sometimes, you need to make your own sanity and wellbeing a priority!

Step 2:  Find ways to cope with their negativity.  There are probably a few emotional vampires that you can eliminate from your life entirely.  But there may be others, such as relatives that you have to see along with the ones you really want to see, or co-workers over whom you have no control, that you really need to interact with occasionally whether you want to or not.  Even if you don't have a choice in the matter of dealing with them, you can choose HOW to deal with them.  And that can actually make all the difference!  Try to accept them the way that they are.  Understand that a negative person is probably a miserable person, and remember that 90% of what they're griping about is definitely not personal.  This is just who they are, and their behavior is about them -- not you.  Take it all with a grain of salt and allow the whining to roll off of your back.  When you do have to deal with them, stay positive and upbeat; even negative people want to be treated with friendliness, and you might be surprised at how some of them can really be disarmed by a warm smile or a light friendly conversation.  Small talk can also serve as your barrier to some of the deeper complaints that they wish to share with others.  This really does work in many scenarios, so try it!

Step 3:  Seek positivity within their negativity.  While this might seem like a major oxymoron, it's actually not.  Many times, negative people are just unhappy souls who use their pessimism as a protective barrier to keep pain and rejection from penetrating their thin skins and wounding them.  It's also very possible that those with whom you are close, are also being negative or critical in an attempt to shield you from some danger or trouble that they perceive.  To them, their thoughts are real and their comments are used to defend and protect.  Analyze the situation and try to determine if the negative person is a downer about every subject in the world, or if they're especially prickly about only certain topics.  Remember that this need to protect, while strange, may also bring out some valid points for you to consider.  Those who are good at seeing potential problems and voicing those issues to you are actually trying to be helpful.  It might be that they care about you, or want what's best for everyone.  Whether their negative feelings have weight or not, seeing it from this perspective can help you to develop more tolerance as you understand better where it comes from.

Whether the intentions behind your "Debbie Downer" are positive or negative, it's important to understand that there's often a lot more going on than the surface of the situation shows.  If you're unable to remove the negative person from your life, ask yourself why they must stay.  And then, in order to remain positive yourself, use your optimism and positivity as tools to deal with the negative energy and words coming from this person.  At the end of the day, the only person that you have control over is yourself -- make the most of what you've got!

The Limitations of Your Past

Everyone has his or her own history.  Sometimes, your previous accomplishments can propel you in to bigger and better achievements.  However, it can also work in the opposite way, as well.  Your failures, your mistakes, and your losses can also freeze you into place.

What you need to remember is that the past is just that -- the past.  Today is a new day, and you can do things in a brand new way.  You don't need to ride on the coattails of previous successes.  You don't have to allow former mistakes and screw-ups to limit your current abilities.  Yesterday's terrible choices may have resulted in difficult predicaments for you today, but that doesn't mean tomorrow will be equally awful.  Make better choices today.  Turn over a new leaf.  Develop new habits, start new mindsets, and begin trying new ways of doing things.

Instead of allowing past hurts and losses to keep you afraid from living in new and healthy ways, take that chance.  Know that self-improvement can be hard, but it is a doable and workable thing.  Life can surprise you.  Just try it and see.

How to Manifest Change, Positivity, and Vibrations at a Higher Spiritual Level

Every living living thing has its own vibration.  We are composed of particles that are constantly in motion, vibrating.

Philosophers and those who practice Eastern spiritualities have understood for thousands of years that the power our own vibrations can be utilized toward manifesting our personal and spiritual goals.  By using the power of intention, we can manifest change in our own lives.

First, we need to learn how to vibrate at a higher spiritual level.  Meditation can help.  We can also use the power of intention, which is sometimes referred to as the Law of Attraction.  It can be used to help the mind concentrate on positive outcomes, intend of dwelling on the negative and impressing those patterns into our subconscious mind.  When you think in positive ways, you operate at a higher vibration.

When you look for the positive things in life, you are opening yourself up to receiving more positivity.  Better opportunities will come to you, and you'll be better able to make the most of them. 

Release negativity from your life.  Anger, fear, and resentment will cause you to live on a lower plane of existence, and this will hinder your mind and spirit.  Let it go, and raise your vibrations so that your present and future life begins to improve. 

Practice positive self-talk, use affirmations if you need to do so -- they really can help to reverse undesirable thought patterns, and aid you in harnessing the powers of your subconscious mind.

Meditation can help you to clear your head as well.  Try it in order to focus on what's important to you, and to release that which no longer serves you well.  Regular meditation and deep-breathing exercises can help you to achieve peace and it clears your mind. 

Remember, that you cannot live your true will without determining what that means to you in the first place.  Using these techniques can help you to figure out which directions you'd like to go, to release what isn't currently working for you, and to embrace positive change.

How to Unleash the Power of Your Subconscious Mind

Our brains are amazing machines!  The human brain is so powerful, that it can help us discern even the smallest differences in sound, sight, smell, taste, and touch. 

The conscious mind is what controls our sensory awareness, but it can also guide our subconscious mind to comprehend and react to our environment. 

Although the conscious and subconscious are always communicating with one another, they play different roles in the way we are.  When we realize what the differences are between these two parts of our mind, we can then harness the power of our subconscious.  We can better control our emotions.  We can better relate to the world around us. We are also, then, empowered to improve our lives and to tap into all the possibilities around us each and every day.

Our conscious mind is our logical half.  We use it to do pretty much everything -- make decisions, keep track of things, even to speak, and to come to conclusions which are based on reason.  While it is a very powerful part of our mind, it also relies heavily on our subconscious.

It is estimated that well over 90 percent of what we do is dictated by our subconscious mind.  The subconscious is responsible for our memories, our emotions, our beliefs, and our instincts.

By developing within ourselves, the ability to communicate directly with our subconscious mind, we can accomplish incredible possibilities that can change EVERYTHING.

By simply learning the proper techniques, you can develop amazing subconscious skills that can bring about real and positive changes in your life.

How to Deal with Complaining and Self-Pity

If you're preoccupied with thoughts which dwell in self-pity, complaining, and feeling sorry for yourself, you may need an attitude adjustment!

I once heard a quote that said, "All depression has roots in self-pity."  I don't know if that's true, but I certainly do believe that all self-pity has roots in depression!  We can all get caught in those negative thinking traps from time to time.  A little self-pity here, a dash of complaining there, it's all part of the human condition.  If you feel bad, allow yourself to feel it.  Grieve.  Revel in sorrow.  Have a good cry.  But then -- move on.  Know when to leave that pity party; don't be one of those late-stayers at a party, where the host is silently praying to get their dishes done and get to bed!  No one likes anyone who's wearing out his or her welcome, after all!

If you have trouble with depression, anxiety, or anger, seeking a good therapist can work wonders.  If you haven't the funds for that, you can also give support groups a whirl -- there are often many free and low-cost options for those who suffer from mood disorders.  Allow talk to be your medicine.  At the very least, try meditation and positive affirmations to help soften those rough edges.  Be loving and gentle with yourself in order to expand the love you show to others.

Love yourself.  Don't put yourself through the emotional wringer.  You deserve the best!

Dealing With Ideas That Limit You

In short, get rid of them!

When you have beliefs, ideas, or impressions that curtail your own emotional development, you are committing a true act of cruelty upon yourself.  You're hindering your own progress and putting roadblocks up in the way of your own happiness.

Self-reflection can be an important part of growing up, no matter what age you may be.  Try getting out of your own comfort zone from time to time.  Dip your toes into new and unusual places -- it may be exciting or even frightening, but it will definitely expand your mind and show you cool new ways of living and thinking.

When you remove your old, limiting ways of thinking, you are opening yourself up to wild new possibilities for happiness and fulfillment!

"If a Relationship Has to Be a Secret, You Shouldn't Be In It."

Writer Regina Brett's life lessons are great little nuggets of wisdom.  There's something for everyone!  I'll be reflecting on this week's lesson:  "If a Relationship Has to Be a Secret, You Shouldn't Be In It."

There are all sorts of different relationships that you can have.  Not every single choice is going to be right for each person... we're all unique!  However, honesty and trust are integral parts of any relationship when you are sharing your life with someone.  There shouldn't be secrets, lies, or omission of truth between two people who are in a loving and caring dynamic.  Additionally, any relationship which involves sneaking around, lying, or keeping secrets is most likely going to end in pain or discord.  If you really love someone, there's no need to lie and sneak.  Come clean and live that love in the open -- a loving, trusting relationship is worth the risk!

Visit Regina's website here.

"Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about."

Writer Regina Brett's life lessons are great little nuggets of wisdom.  There's something for everyone!  I'll be reflecting on this week's lesson:  "Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about."

Does your life feel like it's so much harder than everyone else's?  Are you constantly looking around at your friends, your family, and those people on Facebook that you went to school with and thinking, "Damn, these people have perfect lives!"  The truth is that we really don't know what someone's life looks like on the inside.  The person in public who brags about their wealth, their great marriage, or their amazing kids may be doing just that -- bragging.  Who knows what really happens when they walk through their front doors?  The same can be said for someone who smiles and tries to seem brave when life is throwing them some hard times.  We can also try to be more understanding of those who complain when their lives seem so effortless; the truth is that we just don't know what someone else's life is truly like.  Stop comparing your own to something that you don't fully understand.  Don't judge.  Life is hard enough for all of us.




Visit Regina's website here.

"It's OK to let your children see you cry."

Writer Regina Brett's life lessons are great little nuggets of wisdom.  There's something for everyone!  I'll be reflecting on this week's lesson:  "It's OK to let your children see you cry."

You may not realize how naturally intuitive children are.  Although they're human like the rest of us, kids have not yet been conditioned to think as adults do.  Their innocence gives them a refreshingly honest, loving view of the world and its inhabitants.  Because of these things, kids are naturally more in tune with the feelings of other people.  Children can perceive your fear and sorrow whether you express it or not, but doing so may be reassuring for them.  Kids don't always realize that adults can feel scared, sad, or indignant at the ways of the world just as they may do sometimes.  Crying isn't always a sign of weakness; it takes strength to show someone how vulnerable you are as you're shedding tears.



Visit Regina's website here.

Signs & Symptoms of Emotional Eating

You feel guilt, fear, or shame about the way that you relate to food.

Food is a constant thought or obsession.

You snack when you are feeling bored, worried, or other times when you aren't really hungry.

Food is a source of comfort to you.

When you're feeling happy, you "celebrate" with certain types of food.

You consume food in order to make yourself feel happier.

Even if you are full, you continue to eat.

You are unable to stop yourself from overeating.

You continue to obsess over food long after you have finished eating; you think about food even after your stomach is full.

You crave food at random times, and have trouble functioning without it even if you are not really physically hungry.

When emotions of any type run high, you choose to eat.

Because of the way you eat, you have a problem with your weight.

"Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present."

Writer Regina Brett's life lessons are great little nuggets of wisdom.  There's something for everyone!  I'll be reflecting on this week's lesson:  "Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present."

What's in the past is over and done forever, but that might not stop some of us from reliving those painful memories.  It can be really hard to live with past regrets, past hurts, and past transgressions.  If you have done wrong, seek forgiveness from others as well as from yourself.  If someone else has wronged you, strive to forgive; even in cases where forgiveness seems like light-years away, you can at least forgive yourself for allowing feelings of resentment or distrust to rule over you.  Instead of being a victim and a slave to your past, try to examine things with the intention of learning valuable lessons that can carry over into your present and future.  Don't allow previous traumas to break you.  Be brave.  Be strong.  Put the past in its place, and embrace the future with a renewed sense of self.




Visit Regina's website here.