Navigating the Wild World of Online Dating

Be careful, friends! As fun as dating apps or online dating can be, and as rewarding as it can be to find new opportunities to meet “the one,” there are some important things you need to know for dating app success. Sharpen your matchmaking skills with some of these easy tips!

Tip 1: Looks do matter, but not the way you think! I’m not saying you need to be a perfect 10, but you should try to bring out your best features. Take a flattering, natural photo for your profile. Dress neatly, with clothes that are flattering and in good condition. (If you’re strapped for cash or unsure about ideas, decide on an easy casual date uniform — such as a good pair of jeans and a neutral colored top — keep it clean and you can’t go wrong!  Make sure your body is clean and wearing deodorant. Also, don’t forget to brush your teeth and pop a breath mint before the crucial moment.

Tip 2: Compliment your date! You’ve taken the trouble to make a good impression. Be sure to tell your date that they look nice, too. If you’re just talking online, you can also compliment their jokes or cool subjects that they discuss.

Tip 3: Positive vibes only. Be sure to talk about light subjects at first. Share good news, be attentive and supportive of the other person’s news as well. Be cheerful. Make lemonade out of the lemons. Make sure your friend is comfortable by not being racist, inappropriate, or unkind. Unless, of course, that’s who you really are (in which case I’d recommend getting a bit of help with that).

These are the basics, but they’ll help you get the ball rolling. Do you have any tips for our readers? Feel free to share! 

Hit It and Quit It? The Real Reason Your Man Isn’t Calling Back After Sex

 Sometimes, an undeniable spark will result in a fun flirty chase. But, after weeks or months of playing hard to get, you’ve finally taken it to the next level. But wait — why’s he leaving?

It’s hard to get why men are so invested in you before sex, but withdrawn after? Aside from the chemical components which we’ve discussed earlier this year, and the guilty projecting behavior, there’s another important factor at play.

Basically, some people - male and female - will take what’s offered and move right on. They will take advantage of the giving nature of someone else, and have no chance to give anything back.

People tend to fall in love when they feel useful and needed. If your mate seems like a nice person otherwise, give them a chance to give to you. Make that connection take it to another level.

If they’re not open to contact after this, then they’re probably too selfish to bother with anyway. But don’t forget the lesson — love and connection grows with giving and receiving. Allow others the chance to give. It feels good for a reason, after all.

Keep Your Gear Safe & Sound With these Products

We just love sharing tips for a better life with our readers. Recently, we’ve come across a really cool item – and we don’t know how we’ve lived without it for this long! The camera backpack is our newest summer obsession. For those of you who are into nature, especially those of you who enjoy meditating and reflecting – or getting some great shots of your favorite natural wonders – we highly recommend this indispensable accessory.

Two of our favorites by Besnfoto make your outdoor adventures even better than before. The first model is a light and easy bag that is perfect to keep your camera protected, and all the pieces easily accessible. The arc shaped design of this bag helps to keep your specialty lenses safe and sound. We also love the handy strap on this bag; it’s adjustable to be worn in so many ways. The great vintage green color and waterproof feature make it a perfect addition to your next adventure.

If you’re looking for something more heavy duty, this vintage style camera backpack fits the bill perfectly. With its many compartments and large Amounts of storage space, you can fit all your gear plus certain laptop models and even a yoga mat for those outdoor exercise sessions! The magnetic buckle is also perfect for quick access when you’re surprised by the perfect picture taking opportunity.

The style and quality of this gear is fantastic, but the current promotional price is even better! Check out the deal Besnfoto is offering on Amazon, here and here, and stock up to make the most of your adventures in the wild!

Ashley Cole is a Blogger to Watch!

Ashley Cole bravely takes risks to
entertain and teach his readers. 

On any typical Monday morning, the average citizen of the world rolls out of bed and prepares for another boring start to a run-of-the-mill week. A quick glance at any news headlines will show a lot of the same happenings, only with different headlines designed to capture each reader’s attention. Regardless of the news source, each and everyone of these people have something in common: they are overwhelmed. Bad news seems to be the most sensational topic on any newspaper page in modern times.

Blogger Ashley Cole is on a one-man mission to change that boring narrative. He takes risks with his writing, and it shows. Armed with a sharp wit, a light heart, and a sparkling sense of humor, Ashley is taking the blogging world by storm. His articles are amusing, but always filled with interesting insights about the human condition, and how we can all enjoy life to the fullest as we strive to be our best selves.

Ashley uses intelligence and humor to motivate his readers while educating them as well. His articles aren’t just catchy headlines; there’s a heart of gold in every one. “They’re fun, light reads with hidden life lessons and inspiration,” he explains of his articles.

With the launch of Ashley’s new project, website ItsAshleyCole.com, he’s passing his wisdom and wit along to all readers who are interested in coming along for the ride. Check out his website, but be warned, your laughter may cause a distraction for those around you. Enjoy it responsibly!

Spiritual Growth in the Modern Age

One of the biggest challenges in these modern times is to keep our spirituality in check despite a society which is focused on financial prosperity, power, and the influence of others.  In this age of so many modern conveniences, forming our own feelings an opinions without allowing ourselves to be influenced by everything we see and hear on TV, the internet, magazines, and other people struggling to "keep up with the Joneses" can be a tall order as well.  The most discouraging part is that so many aspects of this media are centered around our physical desires and interests.  This can lead to a vast inner emptiness, a lack of awareness of our true selves, and limited (if any) attention to our spiritual or philosophical aspects.  Such a state can make it challenging, to say the least, for the modern person to balance the physical and the spiritual.

One of the first keys to the care and feeding of your spirituality is to try some introspection.  Looking inside yourself is partly about recalling things that you've done, or that have been done to you.  However, this is also a drop in the bucket in comparison to what else there is.  When you assess your feelings, what motivates you, why you make the decisions that you do, and your priorities, you are gaining insight into your true self.  Introspection is a learnable skill which can help you to know yourself on a deeper and more intimate level.  It can be difficult, or even shocking, to come to certain truths about yourself, but remember -- don't judge yourself, be objective.  And, above all, look for places where you can improve upon the self you know.

After you have thoroughly examined your inner life, it is time to determine the direction that you'd like to take things.


To grow spiritually is to develop your potentials.

Religion and science have differing views on matters of the human spirit. Religion views people as spiritual beings temporarily living on Earth, while science views the spirit as just one dimension of an individual. Mastery of the self is a recurring theme in both Christian (Western) and Islamic (Eastern) teachings. The needs of the body are recognized but placed under the needs of the spirit. Beliefs, values, morality, rules, experiences, and good works provide the blueprint to ensure the growth of the spiritual being. In Psychology, realizing oneís full potential is to self-actualize. Maslow identified several human needs: physiological, security, belongingness, esteem, cognitive, aesthetic, self-actualization, and self-transcendence. James earlier categorized these needs into three: material, emotional, and spiritual. When you have satisfied the basic physiological and emotional needs, spiritual or existential needs come next. Achieving each need leads to the total development of the individual. Perhaps the difference between these two religions and psychology is the end of self-development: Christianity and Islam see that self-development is a means toward serving God, while psychology view that self-development is an end by itself.

To grow spiritually is to search for meaning.

Religions that believe in the existence of God such as Christianism, Judaism, and Islam suppose that the purpose of the human life is to serve the Creator of all things. Several theories in psychology propose that we ultimately give meaning to our lives. Whether we believe that lifeís meaning is pre-determined or self-directed, to grow in spirit is to realize that we do not merely exist. We do not know the meaning of our lives at birth; but we gain knowledge and wisdom from our interactions with people and from our actions and reactions to the situations we are in. As we discover this meaning, there are certain beliefs and values that we reject and affirm.  Our lives have purpose. This purpose puts all our physical, emotional, and intellectual potentials into use; sustains us during trying times; and gives us something to look forward to---a goal to achieve, a destination to reach. A person without purpose or meaning is like a drifting ship at sea.

To grow spiritually is to recognize interconnections.

Religions stress the concept of our relatedness to all creation, live and inanimate. Thus we call other people ìbrothers and sistersî even if there are no direct blood relations. Moreover, deity-centered religions such as Christianity and Islam speak of the relationship between humans and a higher being. On the other hand, science expounds on our link to other living things through the evolution theory. This relatedness is clearly seen in the concept of ecology, the interaction between living and non-living things. In psychology, connectedness is a characteristic of self-transcendence, the highest human need according to Maslow. Recognizing your connection to all things makes you more humble and respectful of people, animals, plants, and things in nature. It makes you appreciate everything around you. It moves you to go beyond your comfort zone and reach out to other people, and become stewards of all other things around you.

Growth is a process thus to grow in spirit is a day-to-day encounter. We win some, we lose some, but the important thing is that we learn, and from this knowledge, further spiritual growth is made possible.

Happiness Through Self-Discovery

A SWOT analysis is a common method for gauging the stand of a brand or business.  It stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.  Occasionally, I enjoy doing this for myself as a personal exercise.

As we go through life, new experiences will often shape the way we see the world.  When we learn, we become better versions of ourselves.  It's vital to look inward at times, so that we can reassess ourselves.  What is important to us now?  What used to work for us, but no longer serves our greatest good?  Self-analysis can help us to not only become better people,  but to make better use of the skills and knowledge that we've acquired.

Discover what's new in your inner life.  Try new things, gain new abilities and new loves.  You may have hidden talents or skills that you've previously not discovered.  We are all treasures, so don't be afraid to dig in and find something new!

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!

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.

Identifying a Narcissist

He is very charismatic and easily charms people...  But he can be cruel behind closed doors.  He has few friends or connections from his past...  he wants the relationship to move way too fast... he is a pathological liar... he believes his own lies.  He is very needy and greedy for money, love, and everything else that he can get... He isolates you from other people.  He is dramatic & often plays the role of a victim.  He "mirrors" you, behaving as if you have so much in common... But ultimately, he cannot be trusted.

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.

"Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone."

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:  "Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone."

"Misery loves company."  This old chestnut is pretty well-worn into the collective subconscious.  When we share our disappointments with someone who can relate, life doesn't seem to hurt so much.  People who are hurting over the same loss can find strength and comfort in grieving together.  Even if you're crying and the other parties involved are not, accept the love and help of those around you who wish to be there for you in your time of emotional need.  Chances are good that in the future, they'll need to be with you, too, when their time comes. 


Visit Regina's website here.

How to Cut Toxic People & Negative Friends Out of Your Life

Connections with other people are one of life's greatest joys. Interacting with those that you love and who love you can make the difference between an awful day and an amazing one.

However, we all have people in our lives who are less than perfect. In fact, no one in this world is perfect! There will be times when our best friends, loved ones, and life partners will have bad days. They might grumble, they might be negative, or they may even be snarky and mean to us. Or, we might be the ones who are feeling negative, and will do the same to other people. This is normal and natural -- everyone has good days and bad. If we love each other, we'll put up with it, because the bad is often outweighed by the good.

But there are also people who don't quite fit this mold. You know the types I'm talking about -- the drama queens, the judgmental jerks, the negativity sinks, the time wasters, negative friends, and the users. (I have a book about emotional vampires, which you can peruse here, which goes into greater depth about the types of emotional vampires that we deal with on a day to day basis.) When you care about someone, but they are depleting you, perhaps it's time to have a heart-to-hear with them about what's going on. It is okay to speak up and explain to your negative friends when your needs aren't getting met. Don't assume that you're being selfish just because you're standing up for yourself and your own well-being. (Also… here's a radical thought: What's so wrong with being a bit selfish now and again, anyway?) Dump that toxic friend! You do not need to spend time with someone who's draining away your energy.

If you've already had these conversations with those negative friends, and you're still searching for ways to end a friendship gracefully, chances are that your needs are still not being met. I'm assuming that you've already taken a good, long look at the friendship, including the parts that you had played in your dealings with this emotional vampire.

You may be feeling as though you've tried all of the solutions that you can -- speaking from the heart, setting limits, enforcing boundaries, or saying "no" once in awhile, only to continue to be met with disrespect, negativity, or a lack of reciprocity. It's now time for you to cut this toxic friendship from your life, so that you can invest that time in focusing on bigger and better things.

There are two ways that you can go about this: The easy way (which is often harder!), and the hard way (which is often easier!). Either can be effective; it simply depends on the type of negative person you are cutting out of your life.

The easy one has one basic step: Just cut them out. Quit calling or texting them. Stop taking their calls, unfriend them online, quit inviting them to your functions, and stop going to theirs. If you have mutual friends, you must also resist the temptation to talk about them with those friends. The drawback of this is that there could be some backlash, particularly if you're close. However, if this "friend" has done an egregious thing to you, betrayed a major trust, or committed some significant act of betrayal, it may be the way to go.

The hard way involves keeping the negative friend in your life. However, you'll simply be spending less time with them. (I must admit, I've done this method before! It works!) This method is much better for people that you do like, but are just too difficult to be around all the time. Maybe they're very high-maintenance, very negative, or just really different from you in uncomfortable ways. Perhaps they don't respect your boundaries and don't seem to respond well to discussions or other attempts to correct it. However, if they genuinely mean well and are not going out of their way to hurt you, the "hard way" is worth a try. It will take a lot more time, but will also be much easier on your friendship. Encourage this person to branch out and do new things -- this way, there'll be less time for them to bug you. ;) Pare down your communication: for example, if you speak on the phone every day or two, try cutting down to a couple times a week. If you hang out every week, try canceling from time to time and see if you can get it down to a couple of times a month. Make a plan to reduce the amount of time that you spend with him or her. Write it down on your calendar if you need to, but stick to the plan. On the occasions that you do talk or hang out, keep things positive and cordial. I'd also recommend that, during any conversation that you do have, you try to insert details about things that are keeping you so busy -- talk about your kids, your job, any hobbies or interests or obligations which might take up your time. You don't need to complain about these types of things (unless they truly are driving you nuts!), but making sure to acknowledge them will help take the edge off with your friend.

If you have mutual friends, and you try the above method, you may be required to spend time with this person anyway. That's okay! Sometimes being in a group with the toxic person can make things a lot more palatable. You'll both have other people to talk with, and you can even spend time together in a more controlled setting.

A few words of caution: If you're trying valiantly to keep things civil and the other person is not being accepting of the way things are, things could get dicey. Try the following phrases to diffuse tension:

"I understand."

"I'm sorry."

"Let's talk about this later, when we've both had time to calm down."

Whether you actually agree with the above statements is not the point. Diffusing a tough situation is the name of the game. Anyone who is going to throw tantrums, though, might need you to revert back to "the easy method."

Does this technique sound passive-aggressive? I know that some aspects of it certainly are. However, when you're dealing with an emotional vampire, sometimes it's much easier to do things gently as it helps to minimize the drama which is the emotional vampire's lifeblood. It also helps to preserve your sanity, as well.

Having an Awesome Life, Lesson #5: The Power of Now

The fifth lesson in our installment has to do with our hopes and dreams, as well as how to deal with a life that doesn't quite seem to measure up to them.  It's human nature to want what we don't have, and it's also in our nature to become comfortable and complacent with our lives, with little desire to actually change anything.  There are also those who, while feeling complacent, are too busy worrying about what will happen in the future to enjoy the present.

By taking control of the present, you are putting yourself in the best possible place for the future.  Instead of pining over something you want, but cannot have now, or fretting over potential disaster in the future, try to train yourself to stop worrying and start enjoying what is currently around you.  I'm not saying that you need to abandon your common sense or through caution to the wind; you also don't have to stop dreaming and hoping for something better than the life you're currently living.  However, while you are in the present, take the time to appreciate where you are right now.  Be thankful for things you have in your life which are going well. 

Likewise, living in the present means getting real about the problems of your present.  Try not to put off solving that puzzle, working out those issues, or taking care of something that is giving your grief.  Emotions like that are draining to your energy.  Take care of new business before it turns into old business -- and old business before it becomes ancient business, or urgent business!  Getting real about those areas where you need to improve can make a huge impact on what tomorrow will bring.

Taking time to enjoy and savor the journey to wherever it is you wish to go, is a vital step in your awesome life.  Happiness in the small moments as well as the large ones will improve your overall well-being, and that makeover of your soul will translate into future happiness and success as well.

Having an Awesome Life: Lesson #4, Hilarity Ensues

Today is April Fool's Day, which perfectly coincides with my newest Awesome Life Lesson.  And that, in a nutshell is:  Laugh your ass off.

Have you ever seen the way that kids can giggle and practically make themselves ill with laughter?  Could you do that as a child?  I can remember some vivid incidents where I laughed so hard that I peed my pants.  And I'm not embarrassed to admit it, either.  (Well, maybe a little.) 

As adults, we need to get those pants-peeing laughter moments back into our lives.  This time around, though, most of us are old enough to control our bodily functions.  It's not always an easy thing to do... the laughing part, I mean.  Hopefully the peeing part is much more simple nowadays.

If you have family and friends, you probably share certain facets of your humor with them.  Why not explore that funny, silly side of yourself?  Read and tell jokes.  Even if they're stupid, I bet you'll get a few smiles and giggles -- if only for how silly you are while telling them.  Laugh at yourself, and laugh at one another.  Good-naturedly, though, of course.  Get silly.  Stop worrying so much about looking cool to other people, and start enjoying yourself.  (And anyway, isn't it soooooo much cooler to not give a crap what people think?)

Watch a movie that looks hilarious to you.  Read funny books.  Go back and remember the funniest moments of your entire life -- or some of the things you used to take seriously, which you can now laugh as they come into better perspective.  Check the internet for things that give you a chuckle.  I won't judge you if your idea of humor is Scumbag Steve or those insufferable Lolcats, though I'm partial to Success Kid memes and The Daily Bunny, which tend to be a cute-funny hybrid.  If you aren't sure where to start, type "funny" into your favorite search engine, and see what pops up.

The Difference Between a Boss and a Leader

A BOSS drives his or her employees...
    A LEADER coaches them.

A BOSS depends on their authority for respect...
    A LEADER depends on goodwill.

A BOSS inspires fear...
    A LEADER generates enthusiasm.

A BOSS says "I..."
    A LEADER says "We..."

A BOSS places blame for any breakdowns that occur...
    A LEADER fixes those breakdowns.

A BOSS may know how it's done...
    A LEADER shows people how it's done.

A BOSS uses people.
    A LEADER develops people.

A BOSS takes credit for others' work.
    A LEADER gives credit where it is due.

A BOSS commands.
    A LEADER asks.

A BOSS says "Go!"
    A LEADER says "Let's go!"

Command Respect & Jump-Start Your Self-Esteem!

Here are a few more ways to feel successful and great with people, while making a good impression.  Take these pieces of advice, and watch others' behavior toward you change for the better. :)

The first thing to remember is that no situation is going to be all about you.  There are always other people that are feeling the impact of just about everything.  Choose your battles wisely.  Sometimes, it's perfectly fine to put on your diva shoes and demand some extra attention.  Other times, you'll need to remember to hang back and let others have their own moments.  Pay attention, and try to show empathy toward others.  Let people know that you do care about them, their feelings, and their experiences.  People will appreciate it and remember your kindness.

As tough as it can be, actively seek out the good in others.  This can be especially effective when dealing with people you dislike -- when you have to put up with someone who annoys you, try to think of the qualities that they have which you can appreciate.  You don't have to be best friends with them, but giving them a chance, or at least acknowledging that they aren't 100% awful can go a long way toward a better relationship.

Listen to people when they speak -- really listen!  Ask them questions about what they say.  Say their names, but not too often; people like it when other people call them by name.  Use open body language; much of what we're saying is conveyed nonverbally, so remember that your physical cues are being read, whether consciously or not, by anyone with whom you are interacting.  And don't forget to give people your attention; interrupting verbally is rude, but interrupting them mentally is just as bad.  (And yes, people know when you're not mentally present.)

The Brown Aura Color and Its Meanings

Brown is a deep, tranquil, and earthy hue within the auric spectrum. It is generally thought to be a combination of darkest orange, with a bit of green or blue energy thrown in for good measure.  Corresponding to the earth, it is a color of practicality, warmth, and persistence.

People with a brown aura, regardless of the shade of brown represented or the amount of within the aura, tend to be very businesslike and careful, but nurturing and generally interested in helping others. They are often very brave, and wonderful team players. On the negative side, however, despite their best or most loving intentions, brown aura individuals may have control issues or anxiety.  Brown aura bearers can also be of delicate constitution, needing extra time to charge their emotional batteries.

Light brown auras are a good example of the caring nurturer with a practical approach to solving problems.  The lighter color may indicate that the aura bearer is running out of energy, or is coming to the end of a major issue in his or her life.

Tan, like light brown, also symbolizes a depleted sense of energy.  However, a tan aura bearer tends to be less focused on feelings and emotions, and more concerned with logic and facts in order to achieve goals.

Greyish brown (mushroom color) is another shade that shows a deficiency in personal energy.  Brown aura bearers tend to deplete themselves quickly, so they need to take extra energy.  This shade indicates a slower and more careful thought process, in an attempt to pace him- or herself.  Try some aura polishing techniques if you need a positive change.

Chocolate is a common shade for the environmentally conscious, outdoorsy type of person.  This person can recharge those batteries by connecting with the earth, plants and animals.

Rusty brown can be indicative of a tough-as-nails, persistent person who will fight through anything to achieve his or her goals.  The addition of a red essence in this shade boosts the aura bearer's natural "brown" tendency to fade quickly.  There is an aggression here that can be channeled positively.

Reddish-clay brown aura bearers show persistence and grace under pressure, as well as a pioneering spirit and an unconventional nature.  However, there is also the tendency for a short temper or stubbornness to rear an ugly head occasionally.

Espresso brown is a calm, quiet shade that gives its bearer a simple elegance and a lot of common sense.  There may not be too many original ideas coming from this bearer, however the logic of such an individual is quite valuable when processing or improving upon ideas from other sources.

The next time that you wonder what a brown aura means, you only have to look inward.  Each aura is unique,  and aura patterns can contain many different shades of brown.  Do what feels right for you!

What Does a Purple or Violet Aura Mean?

Purple or violet is a cool, deep color within the aura spectrum, though it also has elements of warmth to it as well.  This hue corresponds to the elements of both fire and water, as it combines the deep passion of red with the mellow tranquility of blue. Purple  corresponds to the Crown chakra, and is a versatile and visionary  color.  People with a violet or purple aura are the wise and visionary souls of the auric spectrum.  A purple aura is typically a lover of humanity, a wise person who loves knowledge, and potentially intuitive. There is also an ability to organize and direct others well.

Lavender is a pale violet-like shade of purple. It is an airy and lighthearted color, indicating innocence and trust.  Lavender spots or halo around someone can also indicate a recent near-death experience.

Lilac is another pastel violet shade.  It possesses more pink than lavender, but with a definite pale purple hue.  Within an aura, this color symbolizes security without haughtiness, and a personal sense of spiritual stability.  These people are confident and natural leaders.

Magenta is like lilac with the volume turned way, way up! People with magenta in their auric presence have a distinct sense of originality and a pioneering spirit.  This is the color that is most prominent in entrepreneurs, inventors, and other visionaries.  This can be an aggressive color, though that isn't necessarily a bad thing.  They can be so unconventional that they are often perceived as crazy and kooky, yet there is often a method to their madness.  Try some aura polishing techniques if you need to slow down a bit.

Mauve is a dusty mixture of magenta and lilac.  It's a soft, soothing color that is actually a close cousin of the pink aura bearer.  A mauve aura indicates honesty, yet modesty, and a certain understated helpfulness.  There is much quiet beauty and unspoken confidence in this auric energy.

Royal purple is bold and luscious, as is the person who shows this aura shade in their auric field.  There is a dreamy, imaginative quality in this shade which can prompt its bearer to be blessed with an amazing sense of vision.  This is another entrepreneurial, pioneering aura, yet care must be taken that this person does not spend his or her entire life dreaming and making big plans without following through!  Like a king or a queen, this person is bold and dynamic, with a flair for imagination.  Look for other aura colors to help strike a balance; with the proper motivation, or by seeking practical cohorts, these visions can be brought into reality.

Grape violet is a paler shade of royal, with a bit of dustiness to it.  It is still rather bold, but with less of an edge.  There is the bold visionary spirit present in royal shades, yet there is more idleness.  These are often folks who have big plans and dreams, yet much trouble following through or bringing those thoughts into any meaningful practice.  Laziness can be the downfall of the grape-hued aura, but with dedication and a desire to work through the troubled spots, this can be modified to a more positive violet hue.

Darkest violet purple is a deep, dark, intense version of royal purple.  It can be so dark that you might compare it to a purple midnight sky. This color has the humility and vision that accompanies most purple shades, but as the darkest shade on the purple auric spectrum, it is also one of the most powerful.  These are the true visionaries of the world.  Many psychics (including yours truly!) possess a dark violet or purple aura which indicates a mystic sense of empathy as well as a deep desire to aid and comfort others. 

Many people want to know, "What does a purple aura mean?" And hopefully, I have answered this question.  All auras are unique.  Every aura is different, and different things may work for various aura colors and aura patterns.  Do what feels right for you!

Aura Patterns and You

The auras of most people can be broken down into one of four categories -- yours may be part of one, or several at once.  Auras are as distinct as the people who possess them, and every single one is different!

1.  Glowing auras.  These tend to be one or two basic colors, or shades of the same color throughout the aura.  There may be large or small spots of a contrasting color interspersed throughout the background.  This aura seems to glow and simmer with a mystical, smouldering energy.  People with this type of aura tend to be passionate, creative, and are often looking for new and unusual ways to complete goals.  On the flip-side, they can often be impatient and have a tendency to jump to conclusions without having all the facts first.  The dynamic glowing aura corresponds to the element of fire signifying our creative life forces, passion, and sexuality.

2.  The smoky aura.  This one can be made up of similar shades, or completely different ones.  You will notice that it is hazy and foggy with either opaque or transparent clouds.  The colors often mix with one another and can seem rather indefinite.  Smoky aura people are often adaptable when the situation calls for it, and intelligent in their own ways (not always the conventional ones), but are prone to have trouble concentrating and focusing.  The smoky aura corresponds to the element of air, which pertains to our intellectual pursuits and higher thinking.

3.  Sparkling auras.  A sparkler tends to have one base color with tiny bits of color (or sparkles) spotting it.  This is similar to a glowing aura, though the spots are smaller, which gives it a shimmery or sparkly appearance.  People with sparkling auras tend to be very good at coping with practical problems.  They are often good at providing a stable center for those around them.  They are also persistent, and willing to work for what they feel is important.  Their negative qualities center around fear of loss or stubborrness in the face of change, but they are strong people who can weather even the toughest of storms.  Sparking auras correspond to the earth element, which has a special link to the physical and tangible.

4.  The banded aura.  Also called a striped, ribboned, or streaked aura, this pattern is an interesting one.  Streaks and bands, of varying thicknesses and directions, can be seen throughout the aura in complimentary or contrasting shades. Those who possess this pattern within their auras tend to be very emotional, nuturing, and inuitive.  Negative aspects of the banded aura include a tendency toward depression, obsession, self-absorption and worry.  The pattern itself corresponds to the element of water, which rules the emotions and inner world.

You may want to try some aura polishing techniques in order to help yourself feel better when you're in need of a change in your life.