How to Do Active Meditation

How to Do Active Meditation



Not everyone can sit still for the more traditional forms of meditation, which is why active meditation can be a great alternative or variation. It promotes a greater sense of awareness, centeredness and relaxation.







Things You'll Need:





Leotards




Homeschool Publications




Internet Access




Library Cards




Personal Organizers




Computers




Exercise Gear And Equipment




Athletic Gear




Exercise Mats




Postpartum Yoga Video




Yoga Video









1


Any activity, from walking to swimming, can be a form of active meditation as long as you make a conscious effort to involve your mind, body and spirit.





2


Decide in your mind that you are going to participate in active meditation, and determine for how long.





3


Begin by focusing on the present. Acknowledge any thoughts of the future or past and allow them to pass.





4


Be aware of your actions. Whether you're walking, eating, dancing or sitting, marvel at every aspect of what you're doing.





5


Experience how your feet feel as they touch the ground. Appreciate your body as you move, noticing your arms as they sway, your legs as they extend, your shoulders as they relax.





6


Notice the intricate details of your surroundings - the smells, the vibrant colors, the sounds, the textures.





7


Feel your rib cage and belly expanding and contracting as you breathe.





8


Imagine what the activity would be like for a child or for someone who had never experienced it before.





9


Decide when the active meditation is over. It can end either at the completion of your activity or simply when you decide it's over.








Tips & Warnings










There are many forms and variations of meditation. Choose one that feels right for you.








Begin with 10 to 15 minutes of active meditation each day, and gradually increase the frequency and length of time, if possible.








If you lose your focus during meditation, simply refocus your thoughts and praise yourself for being present in the moment.








There is no right or wrong way to meditate.








Stay aware of your surroundings, particularly on busy city streets. Don't allow your meditation to compromise your alertness and safety.



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How to Do a Kidney Cleansing Fast

How to Do a Kidney Cleansing Fast



Kidneys filter mercury, copper, DDT and arsenic-bound chemicals from your bloodstream. They are very sensitive to infections and do their job much better when functioning smoothly. The following diet is designed to keep your kidneys clean and able to perform their duties. See "Understand a Kidney Cleansing Fast" before you begin.







Things You'll Need:





Mueslix




Apple Juices




Apples




Brown Rices




Celery




Fresh Fruit




Fresh Parsley




Fruits And Vegetables (mazao)




Vegetables




Yogurt




Fresh Fruit




Apples




Vegetables









1


Prepare for your fast by gathering all the items you will need and eating a light meal the day before.





2


Avoid the temptation to eat a large "last supper" before your fast. Cutting down on your meals a few days before you fast will signal your mind, stomach and appetite that less food is okay.





3


Fast for one day by drinking fresh organic apple juice diluted in half with filtered water. Drink as much as you desire whenever you are hungry.





4


Mix 1 cup of celery leaves and 1 cup parsley leaves with 1 1/2 quarts of pure distilled water, boil for 20 minutes and strain away the leaves. Simmer for 20 minutes. Drink three to four cups of this between your cups of juice.





5


Continue alternating these two drinks, along with the following diet, for the next 2 to 10 days.





6


Eat muesli or plain yogurt with fresh fruit for breakfast. Drink celery and parsley broth, apple juice or chamomile tea.





7


Eat raw or cooked vegetables for lunch. You may also eat salad with olive oil and lemon juice dressing, rice or barely soup, egg yolk, millet, baked potato, broiled fish or turkey. Continue breakfast drinks. Lunch should be your largest meal of the day, but don't stuff yourself.





8


Eat two or three items from the lunch menu for dinner. Eat lightly. You may also include some dark rye bread, vegetable soup or brown rice.





9


Give yourself an enema, or see a hydro-therapist, if possible, at the end of your fast to aid your colon in expelling the toxins that your body has released during the fast.





10


Break your fast by slowly adding in the other foods that constitute your normal diet.








Tips & Warnings










Be careful not to overeat allowed foods. The food in this fast is designed to aid your kidney in rejuvenating itself.








Drink lots of liquid throughout your fast.








Avoid strenuous exercise during your fast. Light yoga, walking,
gardening
are all excellent means to stimulate your metabolism without straining your body. After the fast, however, it is extremely important that you begin a regular exercise routine.








To maintain a healthy kidney, begin a regular exercise regime and avoid alcohol, red meat, smoked meats, canned fish and canned pork.








We recommend that you consult your health-care practitioner before taking part in this or any fast.








Pregnant women and
children
should not fast.



http://www.ehow.com/how_12678_kidney-cleansing-fast.html

How to Do a Gelatin Juice Fast

How to Do a Gelatin Juice Fast



Gelatin is excellent fuel for your endrocrine system, which nourishes your blood, rejuvenates tissue, enriches organs, smoothes your skin, vitalizes your hair and even improves the fibers of your nails. By flushing your body with gelatin and fresh juice, some experts believe you can achieve an overall healthy glow to your body. We recommend that you see "How to Understand a Gelatin Juice Fast" and consult your doctor before beginning this fast.







Things You'll Need:





Gelatin




Vegetables




Kelps




Juicers




Vegetables









1


Dissolve 1 tbsp. of gelatin granuals into 1/3 C. of hot water, add Вј tsp. of kelp powder (or liquid), and mix with 8 to 10 ozs of fresh raw vegetable juice (fresh sqeezed). Double this recipe to make more at one time and store in your refrigerator for one or two days.





2


Carrot juice is an excellent fasting juice. It is proven to have anticancer qualities and loads of beta-carotene. Make sure to use the portion at the very top of the carrot. Celery, beets, avocados, squash tomatoes, parsley, green beans, and spinach are just a few of the wonderful vegetables for juicing.





3


Mix and match to invent your own combinations. Juice each vegetable seperately, then combine in a glass to experiment with different flavor combinations.





4


Consume this super-cocktail once in the morning, once at noon and once at night.





5


Drink fresh juices without gelatin throughout the day as much as you desire.





6


Continue this for up to ten days. Juice any vegetables you wish.





7


Break your fast by eating whole fruits and vegetables for a full day and then easing back into your normal diet the next day.








Tips & Warnings










Gelatin and kelp can be found at most any health food store, or can be ordered online at most online health stores.








Educate yourself on the vast benefits of juice fasting. Juices are low in calories so you can expect to lose some weight during your fast. Juice fasting has also been credited to clear up flu symtoms, colds, asthma, and allergies.








Avoid heavy exercise throughout your fast. Some light yoga, walking or
gardening
are great means of stimulating your metabolism without straining your body.








Be creative and have fun inventing juice cocktails. Add gelatin to your normal diet even after you finish your fast. This will help stimulate your immune system.








Pregnant women and
children
should not fast.








Consult your health care provider before going on this fast especially if you have diabetes, heart disease, ulcerative colitis, or epilepsy; if you are under 18 or underweight; or if you are on medication.



http://www.ehow.com/how_12681_gelatin-juice-fast.html

How to Do a Cleansing Fast for the Large Intestine

How to Do a Cleansing Fast for the Large Intestine



This heavy cleansing fast is organized to clean your colon of pesticides, preservatives, dyes, drug residues and parasites that may be imbedded in the thick hard mucus lining that builds up over many years. Because this fast will be taxing, plan to rest or do only light work for the next two to six days, which is the recommended length of this fast. See "Understand a Cleansing Fast for the Large Intestine." We recommend that you consult with your physician before doing this or any other fast.







Things You'll Need:





Grapefruits




Herbal Teas




Lemons




Limes




Oranges




Organic Apple Juices




Cleansing Enemas




Enema Bags




Niacin Tablets




Skin Brushes




Lemons




Oranges




Limes









1


Eat lightly in the days prior to your fast. Avoid the temptation to eat a big "last supper" before you begin your fast.





2


Plan to be near the restroom for the first day of this fast.





3


Start your first day by drinking 1 tbsp. Epsom salts in 1/4 cup of warm water and 1/4 cup of citrus juice. This cocktail acts as a laxative to clear the way for your apple cleansing drink.





4


Mix the juice of 6 oranges and 2 limes with 1-1/2 quarts of water and drink two cups every 1/2 hour until finished. Do the same with the juice of 6 grapefruits and 2 lemons. These juices combined with the salts should keep your bowels moving all day. Take an enema (internal bath) in the evening to finish the job.





5


Drink your first apple cleansing drink before you go to bed on the first day of the fast.





6


Make the apple cleansing drink by combining 1/2 cup organic apple juice, 1/3 cup of water, 1 tsp. of bentonite, 1 tsp. of whey powder and 1 heaping tsp. of psyllium (or the intestinal cleanser of your choice - atonic-spastic). Mix drink until smooth.





7


Drink the apple cleansing drink first thing in the morning, and four more times throughout the day (equally spaced) for a total of five drinks per day.





8


Sip on herbal teas, broths and fresh pressed juices as desired between apple cleansing drink. These extra liquids are not extra, but essential toward keeping your body properly hydrated throughout the fast.





9


Take a minimum of two enemas each day. By the third day, the hard matter lining your colon (intestinal plaque) should begin to sufficiently loosen through continued stimulation of the enemas or colonic treatments.





10


Expect to eliminate long (3-5 foot) ropes of impacted matter that has been hardening in your colon.





11


Break your fast by adding oranges and carrots to your liquid diet first. Then, after a few hours, try some steamed and raw vegetables. The next day you should be ready for some simple grains and, then, in one more day, be ready to resume your normal healthy diet.








Tips & Warnings










Avoid exericse during this fast. Light yoga, walking or
gardening
are great ways to stimulate your metabolism without straining your body.








Take two 50 mg. niacin tablets (available in health food stores) each day after the first day of your fast. Niacin is proven to increase blood and lymphatic circulation. It may make you feel flushed and may redden your skin, but it will help flush toxins out through your skin.








Skin brushing and hot external baths are also excellent ideas to add to this fast. Skin brushing removes dead skin to allow your new skin pores to "breath" more freely, and the hot baths are a great place to relax and reflect on your fasting experience.








Consider visiting a hydro-therapist at the completion of this to receive a professional enema and really clean out the last of the toxins in your colon.








We recommend that you consult your health-care practitioner before taking part in this or any fast.








Pregnant women and
children
should not fast.








If you have diabetes, heart disease, ulcerative colitis or epilepsy; if you are under 18 years old, underweight, alcohol or drug dependent; if you are on any medication, talk to your health-care provider before fasting.



http://www.ehow.com/how_12682_cleansing-fast-large.html

How to Define Acupressure

How to Define Acupressure



Acupressure is based on an ancient Chinese technique where energy (or qi) is brought back to wholeness in the body by pressing on points along the skin called acupoints. When the body's energy is off-balance, skin problems, food allergies and stress are some of the afflictions that are seen by acupressurists.







Things You'll Need:





Pencil eraser or your hands




Computer with Internet access







Know the History of Acupressure




1


Know that acupressure is derived from acupuncture, another form of Chinese medicine that works on acupoints with the use of needles. Luckily, it is believed that acupressure is just as effective without the use of those needles.





2


Understand that even though its popularity is increasing in other countries, acupressure is still practiced primarily in Asia.





3


Surprise yourself with the vast differences in technique. Methods used in India differ greatly from those in Korea. You will even find major variances from city-to-city within the same country.





4


Define its roots back to ancient China. It is believed to be at least 5,000 years old.





5


Learn more about acupressure in the West by visiting the Eclectic Energies Web site (see Resources below).



Define Acupressure Based on What it can do for you




1


Lessen the amount of pills you take. Use acupressure as an alternative to allopathic or Western medicine. Realize that acupressure has long been used to treat common ailments for which allopathic doctors prescribe medicine.





2


Stimulate acupoints or pressure points on the body and free yourself from illness. The two primary methods include: reinforcing (or pressing the point), and reducing the point, which creates balance in the system.





3


Improve your athletic performance.
Martial arts
practitioners have long used acupressure after competition to stimulate healing and self-defense.





4


Make use of yourself! Common objects used in acupressure are your knuckles and fingertips. By using your body to treat your ailments, become more in tune with your patterns and habits of illness.





5


Lower your stress and anxiety level. Acupressure is great for emotional well-being as there are many acupoints that correspond to relaxation, improved sleep and alertness.





6


Use acupressure in conjunction with other therapies. Examples are psychotherapy, homeopathic and allopathic or Western medicine. Because acupressure is so gentle, other remedies can be employed simultaneously to your benefit.





7


Treat the family pet. Acupressure is very commonly used in conjunction with veterinary medicine and equine medicine. Find out more by visiting the Animal Acupressure Web site (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Try acupressure for yourself at home to see if it works for you.








If you plan to practice on your own and don't want to use your hands, make use of a pencil eraser. Its size and shape is ideally suited to contacting the acupoints.








Learning about acupressure is inexpensive if you use the Internet.








Acupressure is not for serious conditions like heart attack or broken bones. Seek immediate medical care if you are experiencing any type of debilitating pain.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary healthcare provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031326_define-acupressure.html

How to Identify an Authentic HermГЁs Handbag

How to Identify an Authentic HermГЁs Handbag



Buying a designer bag can be a dream-come-true for many women. A designer bag is a big investment, so it is important to know that you are spending money on an authentic piece. Fake handbags are getting more and more convincing, so it is important to know what to look for when identifying an authentic HermГЁs handbag.









Step
1



Familiarize yourself with HermГЁs designs. Designer bags are very limited from season to season. Each year only sees so many new designs. Certain bags are made only in a few select colors or may have a certain color of lining. Knowing these things will help you identify a fake.




Step
2



Look closely at the proportion of the handbag. A well-made designer bag will be perfectly proportional. It will be perfectly symmetrical and the handle will be completely centered. Take a good look at the shape. If it looks a little off or crooked, it is a fake.




Step
3



Know what the stamp or label should look like. HermГЁs bags are almost always labeled and stamped on the inside only. However, there are a few designs that feature a stamp on the outside. The stamp or label should also be neat and clear.




Step
4



Examine the lining. Most HermГЁs bags are lined with the same leather that the outside is made of. There are some styles that may be lined with canvas of the same color as the bag. Know which styles these are and know what lining to expect.




Step
5



Look for an "H" engraved on the zipper. This will be done neatly and clearly on brass zippers. A couple of the designs have leather zippers, and in those cases, the "H" will be stamped.




Step
6



Be suspicious of low prices. A HermГЁs bag will probably never sell for under $5,000. Bags made with imperfections in the factory are destroyed, and employees are not given gifts that they may resell. If a seller claims it is an unwanted gift, carefully consider why someone would spend $5,000 on a gift before knowing for sure that the recipient would like it.




Step
7



Study the stitching very closely. Stitches should be perfectly straight, even and tight. The best craftsmen in the world make these bags, and imperfect bags do not leave the manufacturer.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2084884_identify-authentic-hermes-handbag.html

How to Identify an Authentic Fendi Handbag

How to Identify an Authentic Fendi Handbag



Fendi is a maker of luxury goods that has made strides in recent years to authenticate its goods. As knock-offs get more and more convincing, it is harder to tell that a handbag is authentic, even if it is purchased in a trendy boutique. Look for some key characteristics listed below that all authentic Fendi bags have.









Step
1



Look at the stitching very closely. Stitching in a Fendi bag should be perfectly straight. The stitches should be even and the color of thread should match the material. No stitches should be loose or missing.




Step
2



Study the Fendi logo carefully. While knock-offs may also have a very convincing label, a Fendi will be expertly engraved into the leather, not printed on the surface. Run your fingers over the material to feel the imprint of the logo.




Step
3



Check the hardware of the handbag for engraving. The hardware should be engraved with the Fendi logo carefully.




Step
4



Make sure the hardware has a cover on it. Authentic Fendi bags have a cover over the hardware that is removed upon purchasing.




Step
5



Look for the authenticity card. Fendi bags are sold with authenticity cards, usually made of leather.




Step
6



Check that there is a hologram sticker. This is the newest effort by Fendi to distinguish their products from counterfeits. The hologram stickers are encoded and can only be viewed with special magnifying device.




Step
7



Look at the serial number. The serial number should be printed on the leather on the inside of the bag. The serial number should be numbers only and not have any letters included.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2084885_identify-authentic-fendi-handbag.html

How to Identify an Authentic Coach Handbag

How to Identify an Authentic Coach Handbag



Coach handbags are an excellent example of American craftsmanship at its best. Made with quality materials and an attention to detail that's rare in today's marketplace, Coach handbags are worth their high price. As always, there are people who would rather spend less and purchase a fake bag. The fake bags may look similar to the real thing, but they are not identical. To tell the difference between the fake and the real, all you have to do is read the signs.









Step
1



Look closely at the Coach "C" logos on the outside of the bag. They should all be symmetrical, especially at the seams. Notice whether any of the "C" logos are cut off at any of the bag's edges or seams. An authentic Coach bag does not display a logo that has been severed or partially sewn into a seam. No matter how slight the compromise may be, the "C" should be completely in tact.




Step
2



Verify that all of the stitching is a uniform double-thickness. Any thin, single-thread or inconsistent stitching indicates a fake Coach handbag.




Step
3



Check the lining on signature Coach bags. Signature bags do not have signature linings. Signature linings are used by Coach, but only in bags with solid-colored exteriors.




Step
4



Check the bag for a lining. Leaving the lining out of a bag is an easy way to cut costs when manufacturing a fake bag. All authentic Coach handbags are lined, with only one exception. The Coach Classic is sold without a lining.




Step
5



Look beyond the serial number or authentication code. Many designers use such codes and Coach is no exception. The difference is that Coach is very inconsistent with the use and application of these numbers. It is not uncommon to find Coach bags from different lines with the exact same number. Because of this, these codes are not a reliable means for determining authenticity.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2044771_identify-authentic-coach-handbag.html

How to Identify an Authentic Chanel Handbag

How to Identify an Authentic Chanel Handbag



Chanel is one of the most recognized and sought after high-fashion lines of handbags in the world. It is also one of the most expensive. For that reason, it is a favorite target for manufacturers of fake merchandise. But there are ways to tell if the bag you have in front of you is authentic.









Step
1



Check the logo. The Chanel logo is comprised of two interlocking "C" letters that face away from each other. The top of the right-facing "C" should bisect the top of the left-facing "C." Some vintage bags exist that have a reverse overlap located on the interior flap. This rule is for handbags only and does not necessarily apply to other items in the Chanel line.




Step
2



Find the authenticity card. An authentic Chanel bag comes with one. This embossed card contains a serial number. If there's no card, if the card is not embossed or if there is no serial number included in the text, the bag is likely a knock-off.




Step
3



Locate the serial number. There must be a serial number placed somewhere within the bag's interior. Prior to the late 1990s, the serial number was printed on a white sticker with the Chanel logo printed in gold across the background. From the late 1990s to the present, the serial number has been printed on a white sticker beneath 2 gold Chanel logos. The serial number is most often located inside the bag at the lower left corner or on the zipper pocket. The sticker should be covered with a rectangle of clear tape large enough to cover then entire sticker.




Step
4



Examine both the serial number on the authenticity card and the serial number on the bag. They must match.




Step
5



Look closely at the hardware on the strap of the bag. The Chanel name or logo should be engraved on the strap's hardware. If an engraving is missing, chances are the bag is a fake.




Step
6



Examine both sides of any zipper pull hardware. One side is engraved "Chanel" and the other is engraved with the Chanel logo. The pull itself must match the rest of the bag's hardware in color and tone.




Step
7



Track any repeating pattern on the bag. The logos and quilting must line up. If there is a pocket sewn to the front of a quilted bag, the quilted pattern does not break or deviate on the bag. The pattern aligns from the top to the bottom of the bag as if there was no pocket at all.







Tips & Warnings









Authorized Chanel retailers are: Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys New York, Hirshleifer's and Nordstrom.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2044772_identify-authentic-chanel-handbag.html

How to Identify a Fake Watch

How to Identify a Fake Watch



Con artists know how to replicate top brand name watches so that they look like the real thing. These fakes may keep time, but they won't last very long, and they are rarely worth what you pay for them, no matter how good the deal sounds.









Step
1



Check the face of the watch. A fake often will resemble the original, but the fake will have some minor defects such as smudges or a different style of hour and minute hands.




Step
2



Locate the Case Reference Number or Serial Number on the watch. The number should be clear cut. Most high quality watch makers will diamond etch these numbers onto the watch. Replica watches will have sand blasted numbers which are less clear.




Step
3



Look at the back plate. It should be free from defects. The etching should be clear. Some high quality watches will have holograms on the back plate. Contact a reputable local jeweler to find out if the watch you are purchasing should have a hologram.




Step
4



Notice the spelling of all words on the watch. Original watches will have all of the words spelled correctly. Keep in mind that spellings may vary slightly if you are buying a foreign brand watch.




Step
5



Watch the movement of the watch hands. A high quality watch will have smooth movement. Fake watches will have hands that jerk when they move so that each tick will be noticeable.




Step
6



Focus on the price. Replica watches are a fraction of the cost of original watches. A deal that seems too good to be true probably is. If the watch is real and the price is extremely low, it may be genuine, but you may be the recipient of stolen goods.







Tips & Warnings









The best way to ensure that you are buying an original watch is to buy your watch from a reputable dealer.








An original will come in a company inscribed box complete with paper work that guarantees the authenticity of the watch. In most cases, a warranty and repair information is included in the information.








Research the particular watch you want to purchase. Keep a picture of the watch and a list of the features with you when you are shopping. Compare the features and look of any watch to the original.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2240128_identify-fake-watch.html

How to Identify a Fake Rolex Watch

How to Identify a Fake Rolex Watch



There was a time when one had to take a trip to
New York
City


to cross paths with a fake Rolex for $25. It was practically a tourist attraction: See the Statue of Liberty, catch a Yankee game, get offered a fake Rolex from a petty criminal. It used to be exciting to buy one when they were $25--the purchase was half the fun and it made for great cocktail party conversation. The problem is now they're everywhere: Online auctions, pawn shops, vintage second-hand shops and good charlatans are scamming people for real thousand-dollar Rolex prices.







Things You'll Need:





A keen sense of judgment



Good eyesight



A jewelers loop









Step
1



Take a look at the second hand. Is it ticking or is it sweeping? If it's ticking, that's your fake. A Rolex second hand sweeps around in one continuous motion. But beware, as of 2005, the good fakes have caught up to this technology.




Step
2



Look for the small engraved crown at the 6 o'clock mark on the crystal. Most fakes will have some sort of large, obvious version of a crown, but this mark on a real Rolex is almost impossible to spot with the naked eye.




Step
3



Look for the word "Rolex" and the watch's serial number engraved at 6 o'clock under the crystal on the area between the crystal and the dial. While many fake Rolex watches post-2005 have this feature, they're usually printed, not engraved.




Step
4



Most new Rolex models have an added model number engraved at the end of the watch end-link. This engraving includes the band model and two tiny Rolex crowns. Your good fakes will have something similar, but not all three indicators.




Step
5



If you're being sold an authentic Rolex (in good condition and in perfect working order) for anything less than $500, become suspicious. If it's in nice shape, it doesn't really lose a lot of appreciation, and in some cases, it increases in value.







Tips & Warnings









Take a jewelers loop along with you when you go Rolex shopping to look for those hard-to-find marks. High-end dealers will have one and be more than happy to let you use theirs, but if you're dealing with a counterfeiter, he's not going to give you any extra advantages.








After you've bought your Rolex off the street, and you realize it's a fake when you get home (and it will be a fake), nothing, not even a police report will get your money or dignity back.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2036789_identify-fake-rolex-watch.html