We're Chosen

MARCH 2022

WE'RE CHOSEN THE PEOPLE'S VOICE

CHINA SELF CARE IS SELF LOVE

SPIRITUALITY

MENTAL HEALTH WHAT IS TAOISM

CONTENTS 14 What is Taoism?

55 A Mother's Instructions to Her Sons

20 How to Make the Most of Yin/Yang in Your Life

5 Editor's Note 7 The Community Corner How Adapting an Asset Based Mindset Can Improve Your Life 12 Balanced Wellness Forgiveness 17 Spirituality Self-Love 21 Native American Medicine 24 Authenticity of Eskimo Inuit Art & Native American Art 27 China, My Home Away From Home 28 What is Taoism 33 How to Make the most of Yin Yang Energy in Your Life 37 Ten Profound Lessons From Buddhism 41 Mother Nature Exhorts Us Human Beings: Live & Let Live 46 Poem Confusion, delusion, Illusion, Intuition, Accession 48 Diversity Means That They Will Be Different 50 Artists Corner 56 A Mother's Instructions To Her Sons

WE'RE CHOSEN MAGAZINE: OUR MISSION Spreading hope and love by providing a voice to the otherwise voiceless

EDITOR'S BIOGRAPHY "We are going to change the world, one person, one heart, and one mind at a time."

Elijah Ammi Elijah Ammi was born John B. Broadway IV on February 20, 1970. He legally changed his name to Elijah Ammi in 1995 to signify a major shift in his life. He began the process of moving out of the Victim Mentality that plagued his life.

At two years of age, he witnessed his father murder his mom. At the age of six, he was sexually molested twice. Six months after burying his brother who passed away from Colon Cancer in August 2014, he was informed that his beloved wife had Stage IV Breast Cancer.

She passed away December 4, 2015.

This loss was his rock bottom and led him to China where he stayed for three and a half months, traveling, grieving, training, and healing. This painful loss became the catalyst for his growth and development. It also fuels his burning desire to help others heal from their emotional traumas.

He is a dedicated and certified Reiki Master, a certified Life Coach, a spiritual advisor, and mentor that uses nature, gardening, meditation, Kungfu, and philosophy to help others reach their full potential.

He created this magazine as a platform to further spread hope and love by giving those that would otherwise be voiceless a place to share their gifts, talents, and thoughts.

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Artwork by: Cecelia Dawn Castillo-Ammi

THE COMMUNITY CORNER

Bio of John B. Broadway V I’m a writer/filmmaker/activist hailing from Los Ángeles, CA. I’ve always had the intention of assuming greatness but haven’t always lived my life that way.

I realized this after failing to graduate high school on time and serving some time in jail.

After joining a fraternity (Tau Kappa Epsilon) I was inspired to turn my life around to become the leader I’ve felt called to be.

I eventually graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a degree in Journalism. Being educated in this major helped me discover my passion for writing. I realized I could utilize it as a platform for a informing, inspiring, impacting, and as an outlet for activism.

Following college, a failed stint in entrepreneurship taught me to live my life without fear of failure, which led me to pursue my dreams as a screenwriter/filmmaker.

I’ve been on a journey to merge this medium with my activist inclinations which has led me back into entrepreneurship founding a social impact production company called Artivists United.

Thank you, John Broadway 559-827-8099 johnbroadway.me

How Adopting an Asset-Based Mindset Can Improve Your Life

By John Broadway

Recently, my supervisor asked me to do some research on deficit-based language. At first, this was something meant to help our copywriting team. One of our company's partners called out our use of deficit-based language, so we had to figure out how to remedy that. Through my research, I realized the resonance of avoiding deficit-based language goes much further than merely writing words that please people who help us collect checks. Language impacts our mindset. Furthermore, the mindset we employ creates narratives that can affect us in profound ways.

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What is Deficit-Based Language and Asset-Based Language?

Deficit-based language focuses on needs, lack, or perceived weaknesses of individuals or groups, such that the individuals or groups become viewed as "the problem." The opposite of this is asset-based language, which focuses on opportunities, strengths, or positive outcomes.

I came across a couple of examples that provide apt illustrations.

Why do Black and Latino students perform worse than white students?

Summer internships are essential for crime prevention.

Here are examples of how to reframe these with asset-based language.

What resources can help Black and Latino students perform at high levels?

Through a Summer internship program, youth can contribute to the community.

Deficit Language reflects a mindset.

Hopefully, these examples illustrate what deficit-based language is, how it focuses too much on what's wrong, reinforces negative stereotypes or negative perceptions, and communicates the idea about certain things being inherent characteristics and not the result of circumstance.

My research prompted discussions that made it clear that deficit and asset-based language go deeper than just the words we use; they reflect a mindset.

Deficit-based mindset versus Asset-based mindset Deficit-based mindset presents a worldview in which we primarily only identify problems, lack, or need. Asset mindset presents a worldview in which we identify opportunities and positive outcomes.

The mindset you choose to employ will have huge ramifications.

Let's look at how it can affect ourselves, particularly our self-image and self-efficacy.

Someone with a deficit-based mindset may ask themselves: why am I not successful? This question could lead to positive action; however, it presents a narrative in which we are lacking or that an inherent problem exists. This narrative may cause us to see ourselves as a failure, which may cause a spiral of helplessness or depression.

If we employ an asset-based mindset, we would ask ourselves: what resources, people, information, etc., are available that may help me succeed? Asking this question doesn't guarantee success. However, it presents a narrative in which we're not a failure; rather, we're in the process of achieving success. This narrative will likely cause us to identify opportunities for a positive outcome.

Let's take a look at how it can affect our relationships with a real-life example of mine.

An ex-girlfriend of mine once told me something to the effect of "I don't like that whenever we spend a lot of time together, I begin to neglect my fitness." Here's how this can be reframed in an assetoriented way, "How can we continue spending time together while ensuring my fitness does not become neglected?"

Her deficit-based language presented a narrative in which I was the problem. It made me feel defensive and disheartened. With assetbased language, we don't blame anyone, nor do we even have to highlight a problem. Instead, we open a discussion about mutually beneficial opportunities.

Narratives In my research, I came across a video in which a non-profit leader speaks about the importance of narratives. He mentioned how people repeated the narrative of "Black kids lack positive male figures," and since he didn't have his father, he internalized that narrative. He began to speak it as his truth. But once someone challenged this notion, asking him to identify peoples like uncles, cousins, or even his mother's boyfriend as positive influences, he realized the narrative he internalized as truth was false.

As I've alluded to, we must be conscious about how our language and mindset present a narrative that can be either uplifting or discouraging. If someone had given the narrative of "encouraging Black children to identify positive male figures in their life can improve their outcomes," then who knows how that might have positively impacted his self-image, growth, and development.

Another popular narrative is that first-generation college students are more prone to dropping out than students whose parents have a college degree. Fortunately, I never even heard of this narrative until I was already on my way to graduating.

Instead, the narrative I had subconsciously internalized was being a first-generation college student provides me extra motivation and dedication to obtain a college degree.

That narrative influenced me to overcome the many obstacles I faced while also seeking support as necessary. If I had internalized the deficit-based narrative, I would have given myself an excuse to give up when things got hard.

Despite the personal examples I've provided, all of this information is useless unless you apply it to your life. So, I'll leave you with some homework that can help you apply this information and improve your life: Identify ways in which you've used deficit or asset-based language to yourself. Think about how this impacted your selfimage or self-efficacy.

Identify ways in which you've used deficit or asset-based language within your relationships. Consider how this impacted the other person or the relationship. How could you have reframed the discussion with asset-based language?

Identify the narratives you internalize. Are they deficit-based or asset-based? How can you reframe them to be asset-based?

Find an asset-based narrative to apply to yourself. Consider how these will encourage positive outcomes for yourself. https://johnbroadway.medium.com/how-adopting-an-assetbased-mindset-can-improve-your-life-2f42ec385372? sk=66baedac85c63e690ac789bab202d17f

"Maybe just maybe... life's not that complicated.

Maybe it's just as pure as your heart and perhaps a reflection of your beautiful mind.

I am thankful." Bodhi~

Balanced Wellness by Shana Merceron M.A.

Forgiveness

By Shana Merceron

““Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” Mark Twain The truth in that statement weighs heavy on my mind as I sit quietly with my thoughts and cast a penetrating gaze out of my window at the silky pink rose surrounded by a fortress of thorns.

“Am I that rose”? I ask myself. “Have I allowed the trials and tribulations of life to harden me so deeply that I have now created a fortress around my wounded heart”?

It is then I realize as I sit in this stronghold of mental solitude. I have created a barrier so impenetrable that like the rose, I am encased by all the mental, physical, and emotional thorns I have surrounded myself with as protection. I must let go. If not for the other person, then for my own freedom. I must learn to forgive.

Give Forgiveness a Try Forgiveness is not about allowing the abuse to continue or even interacting with the offender anymore. Especially if you feel unsafe or the relationship is unhealthy. This act of self-

Bio of Shana Merceron Shana E. Merceron is the founder and CEO of Balanced Wellness Personal Development Services and Bwellinsruance.org. After suffering for years with a debilitating medical illness (Endometriosis), which left her broken, both mentally and physically. She decided to regain control of her life and heal the deep physical and emotional wounds that left her suffering for so long. Committing her life to healing and the service of others she has since obtained a master's degree in health psychology and has worked as a community leader providing insurance services to disenfranchised communities. She has dedicated her life to healing and restoration through mental health awareness and community engagement and is currently studying to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, (LMFT) to provide healing services for Families in need. Her life’s motto is “Healing and restoration. healing of mind, healing of body, healing of spirit.”

care is not about ignoring what has been done to you.

It's not about condoning what the person has done or suggesting that you shouldn't protect yourself and remove yourself from toxic interactions.

Forgiveness is not excusing the behavior in any way, nor does it minimize your pain. If you were hurt, victimized, or violated it was horrible and wrong. Your trust was broken, and you do not deserve to be mistreated that way.

But if I can share a secret.

If you learn to operate in the daily action of forgiveness, you can gain a peace of mind which will help in your healing process.

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Forgiveness and Mental Health The reason for forgiveness is healing for yourself because the effects of unforgiveness contribute to adverse health outcomes. Failing to forgive, or unforgiveness, causes repetition of negative thoughts called (rumination in psychological terms), and will harbor thoughts of anger, vengeance, hate, and resentment. These toxic thought patterns result in destructive behaviors and from rumination, comes mental/physical health disorders such as amplified anxiety, depression, hypertension, vascular resistance (blood flow, and cardiac function, and diminished immune response). The great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) said it’s like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. The person or people that offended or hurt you may be going on about their lives totally unaware of the hurt they caused. They may be fully aware and still not have the capacity to apologize and ask for forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not for them it is for you. You can forgive, you can take back your power, you can heal.

Steps to Forgiveness Throughout my life I have had trouble figuring out effective tools to aid in the process of forgiveness. The elders always say to forgive but in their unparalleled resilience they expect us to “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” or whatever colorful way you have been told to let it go and forgive. I appreciate the old school perspective, but I am a little softer in my approach. I respond better from getting tough love, but others need a kinder way to address unforgiveness. It is all about meeting people where they are in their process of healing. So, here are some tools I have used to help others and myself in the process of forgiveness.

Steps to Forgiveness Step 1) Acknowledge the Pain and Hurt Be open and candid on what has happen to you. Talk with a therapist, coach, or trusted member of your support system. A safe place where you can be completely yourself and let out all your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. This is a time for you to let it all out with no apology or judgment.

Insulating or ignoring the pain will only cause more pain, anger, and resentment. That mixed with loneliness is a recipe for disaster.

Remain present; allow yourself to feel all the emotions you need to feel but do not do this alone. It is important to have someone there with you to hold you up, encourage you through the pain, and listen.

This is where a professional coach or therapist may be beneficial.

When you have reconciled your emotions reflect on what outcome you would need to experience for forgiveness to take place.

Step 2) Remembering and Reflecting Remind yourself that no one is perfect, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23 KJV. Ask yourself: What do you want this pain to turn into? Are you able to make your pain your purpose?

Acknowledge the blockage. The blockage is what is hindering you— this can be the actual transgression or the way the transgression made you feel that is causing you to hold on to your anger and resentment.

This is a difficult one, I want to be careful and emphasize this is not victim blaming, but forgiveness experts suggest that you find a way to empathize with the person who hurt you. This is the reminder that no one is perfect. I had to realize that people are imperfect and often a product of their environment reliving the trauma they experienced.

Keep in mind that forgiveness is not about condoning. It is all about your healing. This is a service to yourself—free yourself from the poison of hatred.

Step 3) Take Action This step is where you begin to take back control Forgive yourself- remember who you are and what the God of the universe says about you. One of my favorite quotes to remind me of this is “Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them—every day begin the task anew.” ― Francis de Sales

Once you have determined what is holding you back, rid yourself of the anger that is keeping you from forgiveness. Praying, gratitude, and meditating can help.

I write in a gratitude journal every day to aid in my process of forgiveness. I write out 25 things I am grateful for, and this is important because gratitude has been the fastest way for me to change my mind from negative thoughts to positive and has helped me so much in my forgiveness journey.

Take inventory and give thanks for all the things you do have and find a community of love and support. Surround yourself with people that bring out the very best in you.

Look to the future. Understand that you and your loved ones will be better off once you have rid yourself of any vengeful thinking.

Step 4) Renounce Your Anger and Resentment I always say that healing is not linear, it is a process.

Healing is repetition of the four steps if necessary until you begin to feel the anger subside. I have repeated the last three steps repeatedly sometimes for months.

If your anger does come back, and it may go through the process again.

Keep moving forward the more you practice self-love, speak, and write your healing affirmations the closer you are to your healing.

Find a community that you can be of service to.

The best way for me to heal has been finding ways to teach and encourage others on how to heal their trauma. When you can use empathy and the skills that have been beneficial to your healing process you will see how much purpose and wisdom you are able to share with others.

Forgiveness is Self-Love Forgiving others is self-love when you forgive someone, you forgive yourself.

Forgiving allows you to take back control of your narrative when you are in control your mind will not be victimized anymore.

Forgiveness liberates you.

Forgiveness helps both mental and physical health.

Forgiving benefits your growth and spiritual journey.

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Native American Medicine

By Krishan Bakhru

The gathered information passed down from Grandmother to medicine man or woman over thousands of years by the many North American tribes is now called collectively "Native American Medicine.

Some of the practices and remedies are from specific tribes, but more often these are all gathered together and the origin of a specific treatment has been lost among the ages.

As well it should be, perhaps, for the tribes of North America all believed one thing in common, that we are all at one with every other living thing in the sky and earth, and the elements are here for us to draw on their strength and cure disease, if only we would stand still long enough to listen. We are talking about medical practices over 40,000 years old. Traditions, cures, dances and remedies handed down through orally within a family and tribe.

It is an interesting fact that the Native American Medicine tradition was going on around the same time as TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) on the other side of the world, and that both these traditions of practicing medicine are similar to Ayurveda ( medicine from India), in yet another part of the world.

All are based on the same beliefs-that your lifestyle and natural setting be taken into consideration before a specific type of treatment is recommended. Balance is the goal when achieving perfect health and emotional spirit. The subtle differences in the practice of such medicine are that cures and herbs are specific to the regions and the types of indigenous plants that are used.

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These plants are believed to have their own spirits and therefore their individual intelligence, so that the plants are often consulted as to how best to help the patient. The plants are asked for permission to harvest them, and then gratitude is shown after the harvest, a practice which also can be found in ancient Celtic cultures. In Wales, pieces of copper or other metal were buried near the plant or under the tree from which the bark, root, or leaves had been harvested, in North American Medicine; tobacco is often used as an offering of gratitude. After these medicinal plants are harvested, they are applied in conjunction with chants, prayers, and dances to increase their power and to ask the spirits to help with the healing process.

A purification procedure is used before and after the healing session; smudging is to burn an herb and let the smoke wash over you and the room in which the treatment will be/was performed.

Healers smudge between each session to purify and cleanse them and to release any energy they might have gathered from the sick patient.

Sage and cedar drive away the negative energy, like the energy released with the pain from a sick person, or the negative energy the healer has picked up as a result of taking the pain from the patient and into them. Far from the cooking spice, sage grows wild in many dry parts of North America, especially in the Southwest, but it can be found as far north as Eastern Washington State. Cedars has great healing and soothing powers, but if you burn it, make sure all of the smoke has dissipated before you enter the room, it is also poisonous. Sweet grass invites positive and happy spirits to join the healing circle, and they like something sweet to be placed in a corner of the room to snack on during the session. They love singing accompanied by the sound of drums and rattles.

The session will likely include some acupressure (uses the fingertips rather than needles), massage, and/or therapeutic touch. The laying on of the healer's hands is very calming and is used to soothe the patient as well as define where the pain is radiating from. Pain radiates heatFree Articles, and the seasoned healer can feel this coming off the patient in much the same way a mother puts her hand on a sick child's forehead to feel for fever.

Authenticity of Eskimo Inuit Art & Native Indian Art

By Clint Leung

Both Inuit Eskimo art and Native American art have gained international recognition as valuable art forms over the past few decades. However, the rising popularity of both Inuit Eskimo art and Native American art has resulted in the increased proliferation of imitations and mass-produced reproductions of original Native arts.

Some obvious fakes are made in Asia from molds where the finished pieces are forms of plastic, resin or ceramic.

Other fakes are actually made of cast stone simulating actual Inuit Eskimo art carvings and wood for imitation Native American carvings.

These fakes, which are harder to distinguish from authentic artwork, are often hand carved reproductions of an original piece of artwork.

Workshops have illegally reproduced hundreds of copies without the artisan’s permission. The counterfeiting companies would then attach some type of tag that claims the fake pieces were influenced by aboriginal artisans and even background information on the Native designs used in the artwork. Some even go as far as adding in Inuit syllabics on the bottom of the fake Inuit Eskimo art carvings.

These are very deceptive tactics on their part since they give the consumers the impression that the imitations are authentic and income producing for the aboriginal communities.

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Fakes and imitations have lowered the image of authentic Inuit Eskimo art and Native American art. Sales of genuine aboriginal artwork have declined which in turn have deprived aboriginal artisans of income. The argument against these claims is that not every consumer can afford to buy authentic Inuit Eskimo art or Native American

art

so

the

souvenir

level

reproductions legitimately meet this part of the market. The imitations, which are usually low priced, enable students visiting Canada for example, to bring home a Canadian souvenir without breaking their travel budget. This claim would

have

more

support

from

Native

communities if aboriginal artisans were paid a fair royalty as income for each imitation and reproduction piece sold. However, this is seldom the case since most of the time, no royalties are paid at all.

The obvious fakes can be spotted quite easily.

An imitation of an Inuit Eskimo art carving spotted at a gift shop was not made of stone as it was not cold to the touch. It was very light in weight unlike a stone which has some mass to it. The detail and the bottom of the piece had the molded look to it. There was even a sticker on the bottom with the company name Wolf Originals. Side by side comparisons of similar pieces in the souvenir store revealed that they were all identical in every detail, which is impossible for original artwork.

A black totem pole had a very flat uniform back and bottom again giving away the fact that it came from a mold. Other totem poles made from wood or mixed wood with a claim that they were hand painted were among many similar pieces in the store. All of these examples were each priced less than $20 Canadian which was another indicator that they were not original artwork.

Imitations of Inuit Eskimo art sculptures were recently spotted for sale in shops located at major Canadian airports. From a distance, these Inuit Eskimo art sculptures of hunters, polar bears and Inuit women with children looked very authentic. However, each piece had several identical copies on the same shelf.

THIS 3 AND HALF MONTH TRIP BECAME AN EPIC JOURNEY OF GRIEVING, SELF DISCOVERY, TRAINING, AND HEALING.

CHINA, MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME

By Elijah Ammi

China, my home away from home

By Elijah Ammi

nyone that knows me, knows that I

A don't like being in large crowds or groups. They know that I love my

space and that I enjoy being alone.

And yet when my late wife Cecelia passed away on December 4, 2015, I found myself shortly afterwards getting my passport and taking a trip to China (the most populated country in the world) with her ashes.

Cecelia and I loved Kungfu and always wanted to go to China for at least a couple of weeks to meditate and study. But our conflicting work schedule wouldn't permit it. After she passed away, I intuitively knew that I had to take her ashes to China and spread them all over the beautiful country.

I arrived in China on March 5, 2016, two days before what would have been Cecelia's birthday. And on her birthday, I began spreading her ashes in the Wudang Mountains (home of Daoism). I spent my first three weeks in China travelling and spreading Cecelia's ashes. I spent the rest of my time there in Shaolin except for my short trip to Hong Kong.

I have always had an affinity towards China and its' ancient culture. I innately knew things about Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese philosophy that I hadn't studied in this lifetime. Getting off the plane felt like my soul had finally returned home. While in Shaolin, I was given the logo and download for my nonprofit organization called Life Changing Results Academy and an understanding of my God given purpose.

What is Taoism?

By Sandra Prior

More a philosophy than a religion, Taoism is concerned with finding a balance between the way we live our lives and the demands life places on us. Translated literally as ‘The Way’, following the Tao means practicing a form of ‘minimal’ action called the ‘wu wei’. This is described in Taoism as the practice of going against the stream not by struggling against it and thrashing about, but by standing still and letting the stream do all the work. Thus the sage knows that relative to the river, he still moves against the current.

To the outside world the sage appears to take no action, but in fact he takes action long before others ever foresee the need for action.

In other words, Taoism is a form of passive resistance, of making sure you are prepared for every eventuality and going with the flow as things happen.

The Tao of Browsing Use your Online Time Effectively That may mean taking ten minutes to make a note of what you intend to do when you get online, but that time will be tripled in terms of results.

Check your Mail less Often Your workflow and focus on the task in hand will be interrupted by constantly checking for new mail. Get into a pattern where the first thing you do online is check your mail. Decide which can be binned and which need attention. Get offline and compose your replies, then send them off next time you reconnect. Now forget it – with one small change in your routine you’ve significantly reduced the amount of clutter in your life.

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Follow the Footsteps of the Masters Using search engines is recommended for finding more obscure material, but your first stop should always be hierarchical index.

Why? Because someone else has already done the hard work for you. Concentrate on browsing, rather than searching.

Not everything needs to be Done Straight Away Prioritize activities for the appropriate time. Search for material when your energy levels and concentration are at their peak level (usually when your online session starts). Bookmark the interesting stuff in a folder – then take a break. When you return, you can start browsing through your booty, feeling refreshed.

Use Waiting Time Effectively We all know the Net is slower than we all want it to be – so turn it into an advantage. Save up tasks that will tie up your connection, like long FTP sessions, for a time of the day when the Net is going to be faster and phone charges cheaper. Set your client to retrieve the file, then go and do something else away from your computer.

Trying to browse while you are downloading will increase the time it takes to transfer to your hard drive, while staring at the status bar is simply a waste of your energy.

Resist Materialism Banner advertising slows down your connection and tempts you to divert from your path. Remove them by running a program that prevents banner displays.

Bigger is not Necessarily Better Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox are the most popular browsers but they are also bloated and buggy. Taoism preaches that the path to enlightenment begins within the self, and free will is an important component in this. Try a smaller, speedier browser like Opera, or another. Your computer will love you for it.

Know Yourself By now you’ve probably established a predictable pattern in your online life. Use this to your advantage and organize your bookmarks or favorites by adding folders that categorize your interests, file bookmarks you use frequently and delete those you don’t.

Opt Out Most of the spam in your mailbox is self inflicted. Remove yourself from mailing lists that have little of interest to say and remove newsgroups that are flooded with nonsense. If you must keep up with developments afterwards, check the list’s archive on the Web and search through Usenet. Make sure you use a program to automatically remove junk mail. But don’t make the mistake of removing yourself from our online newsletter; otherwise you’ll never achieve Net Nirvana.

Switch Off your Computer If you’re tired, turn it off. If you’re bored, don’t bother turning it on in the first place. Go for a walk, get out with your mates, or read a book. Channel your energies into positive activity – that way, when you want to go onlineFeature Articles, you’ll enjoy it.

Artwork by Rayon Thomas

"Well, what can I say; except for our cups runneth over and today was just one of those glorious days." Bodhi~

"I choose to never stop learning. I choose to take every set back as a lesson and perceive every personal encounter as a reflection.

I am choosing to embrace every experience with pure gratitude and an open mind that retrieves from it the light and knowledge it all brings.

I choose to learn thyself because the more I study thyself I am much closer to myself. That much closer to the Almighty, the Most Supreme Source and its entirety.

I choose to be a student of life who is constantly learning and it's a beautiful thing. I am thankful." Bodhi~

How to Make the Most of Yin/Yang Energy in Your Life

By Rosanna Commisso

Everything in your life consists of both Yin/Yang energy. When these two energies are in harmony, health and well-being results. An imbalance causes dis-ease.

In essence, Yin/Yang are relative terms used to describe everything in your life. Everything around you and in you, has these energies.

Nothing is purely Yin or Yang but contains both energies in varying amounts. You cannot have one without the other. Neither one is better, with both being needed for balance and well-being.

The basic idea of Yin/Yang is that the only constant in your world is continual change. In other words, nothing remains the same; no disease, no condition, no emotion, absolutely everything is continually changing. In the same way, Yin/Yang are in a constant state of change, complementing and opposing each other.

Yin literally means the ‘dark side of the mountain’ representing darkness, night, coldness, stillness, winter, autumn, earth, moisture, passivity, femaleness, black, blue, silver, moon, water etc. Yin energy maintains and endures, it is nourishing and supports growth and development.

Reflection and stillness create Yin energy.

Yang on the other hand is translated as the ‘bright side of the mountain’ representing light, maleness, day, warmth, heaven, activity, sun, dominance, spring, red, orange, yellow, summer etc.

Yang energy is creative and generating, it develops and expands; it is aggressive, dynamic and full of movement. The power of Yang energy is what drives creativity. Passion and fire fuel Yang energy.

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The Yin/Yang energies within your body and within each organ need to be in balance for your body to function in harmony. If there is an imbalance with your body’s systems, with either too much Yin or too much Yang, you will experience disharmony or dis-ease. To achieve wellness, you need to balance work (yang) and play (yin) and indulgence (yin) and discipline (yang).

Chinese Medicine, ChiYo, shiatsu, feng shui, acupressure and acupuncture all apply these principles of Yin/Yang in restoring well-being.

Now that you under the concept of Yin/Yang, we will look at how this affects you everyday.

Everything in your life, whether it be the food you eat, your personality, your job, your activities, the music you listen to, your moods, your emotions, the colours around you, the climate where you live etc can all be defined as either having either mainly Yin or Yang energy. So it’s about balancing these two energies. In a state of good health, Yin/Yang harmoniously support and depend on each.

You can apply the principles of Yin/Yang to your everyday life.

For example, if you are constantly on the go, have a fast-paced career, participate in competitive sports, have a tendency to want everything yesterday and love to push yourself, all Yang qualities, to achieve internal balance and well-being, you need to include Yin energy eg meditation, yoga, ChiYo etc in your life.

If this balance is not achieved, then another factor comes into play and that is that if something is extremely Yin or Yang, then it will become its opposite. For example, excess Yang as the example given above, will eventually become a Yin condition leading to fatigue and exhaustion, forcing your body to achieve stillness and rest through illness.

Below are a few examples of Yin/Yang qualities in your life.

These are intended to give an idea of how Yin/Yang features in your life. You will be able to determine which energy (Yin or Yang) is the most prevalent and which energy (the opposite) you need to include to achieve balance and well-being.

Are You Predominantly Yin or Yang?

Yin Personal Characteristics Yang Personal Characteristics Cooler body More reserved personality Moist skin Introverted Passive Feminine Negative Serene Unclear, dreamy Timid Fearful, insecure Soft voice Tardy Intuitive Slow Complacent Weak body Pale complexion Warmer body Outgoing personality Dry skin Extravert Active Masculine Positive Focused Hyperactive mentality Aggressive AngryComputer Technology Articles, impatient Loud voice Urgent Logical Quick Desire filled Tense body Red complexion Yin & Yang Actvities Yin Activities Yang Activities Relaxing Calming Intellectual

Passive Social Trivial Gentle Self-indulgent Generate heat Competitive Make you sweat Are physical Aggressive Fast Involve accuracy Intense Yin & Yang Careers Yin Jobs Yang Jobs Creativity Concepts Ideas Little or no responsibility Sedentary Responsibility Leadership Attention to detail Deadlines Physically demanding Yin & Yang Foods In summer (Yang) increase your intake of Yin foods and vice versa.

Yin Foods Yang Foods Cold foods Sweet or spicy taste Soft creamy texture Very short cooking time Vegetable quality Hot or warm foods Salty or savoury taste Dry texture Foods that take time to cook Animal foods Balance should be your goal if you want to achieve wellbeing.

So listen to your body as it will always tell you what it needs to achieve this balance.

Ten Profound Lessons To Learn From Buddhism

By Janvi Tyagi

Buddhism was founded by an Indian religious, spiritual preacher and philosopher Siddhartha Gautam (Lord Buddha) between 5th & 6th Centuries B.C. The teachings of Lord Buddha were elementary and based on moral values, simple truths and regular meditation practices, to enlighten and impart knowledge to its followers.

Presently, it is the world's fourth-largest religion, with about 520 million followers. Buddhism pro-founded ten basis lessons so that their follower's miseries are minimised, and happiness maximised during their journey in life.

Always Be Positive & Never Lose Hope Buddhism emphasised on always being hopeful despite one's being in tough times. It mentions that nothing is permanent in life i.e. be it happiness, sadness or even one's identity. 'Change' is the law of nature, and all bad situations would pass off one day and bring happiness to life again. Everyone is doing his own karma according to his own will & hopes. Hence, one should always be optimistic about life.On the off chance, if you are facing negative thoughts daily, then meditate in front of a buddha statue for 20 minutes and keep your worries at bay.

Helping Other Generously One other important doctrine of Buddhism was helping the needy to the maximum extent. It specifies that despite one's problems, one should help others which shall make you feel happy. The power of giving has an immense impact. It not only reduces the misery of a person but generates true strength in oneself. Thus, one should always bring happiness to others' lives so that their own life always remains happy. Compassion and Sharing with others are two key factors to one's happiness.

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Free Yourself From Attachments Buddhism stipulates that one should be self-reliant and not rely on external factors for attaining happiness. It further establishes that one should go on doing his karma in life, without being dependent on others. All relations and assets in life are replenishable. One should not be attached to worldly gains and relations as they tend to deprive you of your freedom. Therefore, accept life with enthusiasm, and worship buddha idol daily to grow in life with happiness, without being attached emotionally.

Death, Decay, losses are various aspects of life, and a wise person would not grieve as this is the law of nature.

Whatever situations in life prevail, one should walk untouched and unattached.

Understanding Is the Key to Progress Progress in one's life comes through Understanding. One should understand various aspects of life and show compassion for one and all irrespective of the fact that there may be a difference in opinions/insight/views. Your karma, based on your understanding, shall fetch happiness in your life.

Changing Your Life Is Entirely in Your Hands Your life is only yours, and you have to walk the path bravely, understandingly and with great wisdom to attain your goals in life. One has to conquer one's own self to attain happiness in life. One cannot rely on others for making a path in their life. You have to conquer your mind & ego and move forward positively & humbly with fixed perspectives, great courage, calmness and patience. One should not forget that "There is no path to happiness – Rather Happiness is the path.

Trust Your Common Sense In this fast changing world, where everything has been aesthetically commercialised and presented lucratively, one has to trust one's own common sense. The skills acquired in life need to be practically established, and without relying on others, one should co-relate the same to its common sense to derive the desired happiness/result from the same.

Holding Onto Anger Isn't Useful Buddhism enfolds the power of patience and teaches us to keep ego and anger away from you to lead a joyful life. It propagates that anger does not lead you to anything positive or concrete – rather, it decreases your happiness, energy and peace. Any situation can be faced by avoiding anger and instead of practising tolerance and patience. Our great Scholars have rightly said that we shall not be punished for our anger, but shall be punished by our anger.

Do Not Stoop to Anyone's Level Buddhism

taught

people

to

practice

patience

and

conquer hate with love and passion. People often tend to provoke you. But you need not come down to their levels

and

act

accordingly.

Instead,

by

practising

patience, cool and wisdom, you may win over them; convert their hatred to love while keeping your integrity intact. For practising the principle taught in buddhism, buy buddha statue online and meditate daily.

To Be Beautiful Means to Be Yourself Buddhism teaches that one can become a beautiful human being through self-compassion, being morally high, nourishing the body with the right food, always ready to help the needy etc. Such a person knows his targets to be achieved during his journey in life. He happily accepts whatever comes his way.

The Moment Is the Only Thing That Exists Buddhism emphasizes the fact that the past is already over and the future is yet to come. So, the most important thing that matters is the present moment for a person to live in. HenceComputer Technology Articles, one should utilise every moment of his current life to work and enjoy so that the future automatically gets better.

Mother Nature Exhorts Us Human Beings: Live and Let Live

By Yuga Rishi Shriram Sharma

Great scholars of Ecological Conservation Theory opine that for nature’s balance it is most required every small-big unit of it be given equal importance and protect them. Not one material of nature is useless. Stools/urine of dead bodies appears useless yet nature by using them aptly helps in enhancing the soil’s rich fertility.

The research conclusions of great experts of Ecology

There are many helpful units in the ceaseless mobile life cycle. The coexistence of creatures, microbes, plants, earth, rivers, sea, mountains etc is mutually conjoined to one another.

Small worms-wasps and lush greenery augmenting grass etc appear useless yet they are most required units of life cycle. It is not necessary that they must pass the test of utility value designed by humans but from the ecological balance standpoint even the most miniscule unit of nature is of special importance. In rendering life cycle mobile and nature optimally balanced they play a definite role. Akin to strings of a guitar all small-big and inert-conscious units by conjoining to one another inseparably play aloud various tunes of life. Just as even if one string of the guitar breaks it is difficult to play sweet rhythmic tunes on it similarly if rings in the form of creatures, plants etc conjoined to nature’s life chain break it shall create only harmful situations by affecting badly the entire ecology and nature’s cycle.

man to label something ‘useful or useless’ but that this

Science today are coming very close to the above principle described. This fact is being accepted by all experts today that despite being crude in the garden of nature nothing is useless. Every creation possesses some specialty or the other. It is possible that for a certain group of creatures it may be harmful yet for another it could be very useful (One man’s meat is another man’s poison). Thus it is not for shall be decided very wisely by the self mobilized institution of Mother Nature. When man interferes in this system when it is just not required world problems crop up and thus entire system goes haywire. It is best that he limits his actions to increasing nature’s beauty, radiance and dexterous else only speed breakers emerge in the management of the world cycle that in turn gives birth to various fearful situations accruing from imbalance of all sorts.

The editor of Encyclopedia of Ecology is Dr HC Wenhard Grizmek. In the prologue of this book he writes that after long term studies on Ecology Sciences he came to the conclusion that today’s biggest requirement is to render a rhythmic balance in the widespread vault of knowledge especially

rendering

world

circumstances

optimally

balanced. He writes that we all creatures are inseparable parts of this gigantic cosmos. World of living beings, plants, the gigantic ocean etc are mutually bound to each other as a result of which life on earth could manifest and was also rendered active. Life’s chain has many rings. For the uninterrupted flow of life it is required that all rings in this chain sustain their existence optimally. For the well controlled direction of world management various species of earth like plants and other creatures must remain well balanced. Out of sheer ignorance man has broken to shreds so many rings of the world chain. As a result so many types of nature based imbalances ushered in.

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Great scholars of Ecological Conservation Theory opine that for nature’s balance it is most required every small-big unit of it be given equal importance and that render them well protected. Not one material of nature is useless. Stools/urine of dead bodies appears useless yet nature by using them aptly helps in using them for enhancing the soil’s rich fertility. Upholders of Conservation Theory have shouted slogans of ‘live and let live’ and say that for good management and proper balance greatest attention should be focused on conservation and protection.

Thus it shall aid in stopping pollution. Species of so many tiny creatures are such that skillfully help in overcoming pollution. A great need is perceived in studying them with minute detail so that all round benefits can be accrued from them. Two books viz.

‘Red data book’ and ‘Black book’ have been published by ‘The international union for the conservation of nature’ whose tasks is to give security to the world’s plant and other living beings. In the ‘Black book’ details of those species are given that were uprooted after the 16th century. In the 16th century 4226 species of mammals existed amongst which hundreds got uprooted and the existence of 120 species shall very soon end. In the 16th century 8684 species of birds existed wherein 110 got destroyed and only traces of 187 species remain behind. In a few years they shall become extinct. According to the ‘Red data’ book such a list of 25 species has been enumerated that can be saved from becoming extinct merely by putting in minor efforts.

IUCN institute’s researchers have laid great stress on the mutual dependence of humans and nature. They opine that nature after thousands of years of experience in order to attain the capacity to stand firm during various complex situations had created a special type of living being’s world made from genes. Man due to his stupidity fearlessly destroyed nature’s priceless wealth and living being’s world. Imbalance is verily the dire result of this lack of farsighted vision. For protection of tiny microbes and other creatures, with the aid of USA Federal Govt. IUCN institute has built a fearless forest in 32,000,000 acres of land wherein a scholarly study of living being world’s security, usefulness and beneficial nature. Such fearless forests are being constructed in other areas also. In Russia there are 80 such forests, 70 in Great Britain and Australia, 1117 in France and 340 in America and Canada.

In the sister research institute scientists researching on ecology conclude that for larger amounts of food production instead of using modern chemical fertilizers, help must be taken from various living beings like bacteria, butterfly etc. In order to protect crops from getting diseased in place of deadly pesticides such a living being world should be evolved that can itself kill these disease inducing microbes. By doing this we can protect ourselves from excess expenses used for manufacturing chemical fertilizers and pesticides and fearful situations that are resultant due to air-water pollution. It is our ill fate that man’s vision is limited to protecting the human fraternity only whereas in reality forest creatures, plants, water, air etc and its security must be looked upon as an inseparable part of human protection system.

The very existence of creatures and plant life is dependent on each other.

When one gets destroyed the other too gets affected badly. For growth, maturity, procreation and propagation of plants they have to remain dependent on various units of the environment. In their growth and nourishment small-big living beings are known to help either directly or indirectly. Both in unison create an inseparable ecological system. If a change takes place in any portion of this system, the entire system ultimately gets affected. Due to the 3 fold bond between plants, animals and the environment an ecological system gets created showcasing many forms. This could be either very small or quite gigantic. For example trees imbibe energy from sunlight and by mixing non carbonic principles taken from air and soil make a chemical that oozes with energy. Many birds residing on trees take shelter in its shade and by eating its fruits sustain their bodies. Other creatures eat up birds. Thus a complete cycle can be witnessed that includes nourishing of both carnivorous and herbivorous creatures, plants growing due to nourishment got from their dead bodies and in this chain contribution from earth, air, water and light. If to get wood or for any other reason even if one tree is chopped off then as per the cyclic process depicted above a complete chain is rendered broken.

Other forms of the ecosystem too go on in nature ceaselessly. Green plants are devoured by deer in jungles. These deer are preyed upon by lions, tigers and cheetahs. If these animals are killed deer population shall grow in excess and thus the very existence of forests shall land in danger zone.

Human beings by killing deer shall deplete their population a lot. Thus carnivores shall get prematurely killed out of hunger since enough deer shall not be available as food for them. Similarly in a meadow of grass there is chain noted wherein grasshoppers eat grass, frogs eat grasshoppers, snakes eat frogs, eagles eat up snakes, peacocks etc. Eagles and hawks are eaten up by other bigger creatures. Those who escape death, their bodies in a dead condition on mixing with soil add to the latter’s fertility.

Creatures contribute a lot in plant pollination, exposition of fruits and seeds, increasing of soil fertility, cooperative living, natural cleanliness and control of life in general. Various types of worms get pollen as food from various plant species and aid in the process of pollination that is most required for fruit and seed growth. Creatures play a leading role in propagating fruits and seeds in very far off regions. After eating dry or juicy luscious fruits birds, monkeys, animals, squirrels etc transport undigested seeds of these fruits to other regions along with their feces.

Seeds by sticking to the bodies of grazing beasts like cows, buffalos, sheep, goat etc get transported to various other places. Small-big creatures dying in thousands augment soil’s fertility. By making homes in soil creatures like worms, white ants, earthworms etc by rendering soil soft both above and below render its fertility that much richer. Thus the sprouting process of seeds gets a lot of help from them.

Nature for the past millions of years has beautified earth. Thus it shall be better that it should be allowed to execute its tasks in a self directed manner. That cycle should not be broken by us humans on which rest the very existence of all creatures and plants. It would have been very good that man by helping in increasing nature’s radiance and beauty showcase his true brain skill and in return get varied benefits as boons from nature. Lest man fails to do this then at least from nature’s balance viewpointArticle Submission, it is most required that without delay he stops interfering with nature that is totally uncalled for. Else in comparison to present nature based hazards man shall have to endure n fold more terrible world fear instilling situations.

Confusion, delusion, Illusion, Intuition, Accession Don’t know where I want to go.

Don’t know what I need to know.

Not reaping things I need to sew.

Angry cause they didn’t grow.

I’m searching, but don’t know what for.

Knocking on these bolted doors.

Stomping on these fragile floors.

Winning with a losing score.

Blaming everyone around.

Triggered by each little sound.

I wonder why no one’s around.

To save me when I willingly drown.

Shaming you degradingly.

My parents are why I couldn’t see.

The things that were going to happen to me.

Because of them, I can’t live free.

The love for me he claims to feel.

Is definitely what has sealed the deal.

And even when I haven't healed.

I embrace his sword without a shield.

I wait for him when he’s away.

And cry, and beg for him to stay.

His love, it changes, day by day.

Occasionally seeing him makes it okay.

This feeling nudges me before I get hurt.

It heightens my conscience when I’m doing dirt.

From friendships, to hobbies, and picking a shirt.

It constantly calls me, but I’m never alert.

3D outalked my intuition.

I heard it but I didn't listen.

But now I know that if I have the vision.

Divine, supplies, the definition.

My foggy life is clearing up.

Because I’m never giving up.

This 3D doesn’t give enough.

It works with what it gets from us.

The judgment, heartbreak, laughs and grins.

The darkness, love, the deeds and sins.

The constant need to make amends It all is experienced first, within.

Poem By Nesstalgic Thoughtz

Diversity Means That They Will Be Different

By Jeanie Marshall

Diversity encases many more attributes than gender and skin tone, and a celebration and/or honoring of those differences. Many attributes are used to sort people out, to place them in categories, often with ideas of better or lesser.

I've been a proponent of diversity throughout my life. This has manifested in a variety of ways, in both my personal life and career. Often "diversity" is used to connote a particular ratio of the two genders or racial representation. I have a broader definition of "diversity."

In my view, diversity encases many more attributes than gender and skin tone, and a celebration and/or honoring of those differences. Many attributes are used to sort people out, to place them in categories, often with ideas of better or lesser. Physical ability, general appearance, cultural background, birth language, economic condition, religious orientation, sexual preference, and countless other attributes are used in addition to gender and race.

Many years ago, I was consulting with someone who was responsible for a corporate-wide diversity plan. My involvement in the diversity plan itself was slight; I was doing some of what is called "shadow consulting" for this project, but I was more actively consulting on some of my client's other projects.

As my client (a white, able-bodied male), was working with the senior management of the corporation (predominately white, able-bodied males), I was pleased to feel the sincerity of this group to create an authentically diverse company. Insights were expressed in the workshops. Genuine plans of action were embraced. And then it was time for implementation.

At one point in my conversations with my client during the implementation, I blurted out a realization: oh my gosh, they don't understand that the "diverse" population will be different! And that realization has presented itself over and over again as I've remained a consultant with this company. So often, those in power are trying to get the diverse-other to be just like them! They hire someone who is different and feel pleased with themselves to add to the diversity balance, and then try to mold that diverse-other into being the same as the majority.

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Just the other day, I had a consultation with a high-level woman in this same company, providing me with a fresh example. She told me that once again (for the seventh, tenth, twentieth, who knows? time) her male boss has given her feedback on something that can only be considered "style" in the way she approaches making presentations.

While her boss has one opinion, many others compliment her on this style and try to emulate it. Here's the suggestion I made for her response when he next gives her this feedback, which undoubtedly he will.

Her attitude must be upbeat and friendly, so please imagine that demeanor with these words, as there is no sarcasm nor defensiveness.

"Well, I offer an alternative. I AM an alternative. Each time you've given me that feedback, I've taken it seriously. I've considered and experimented with different approaches. But here's something you might not be aware of: each time I make a presentation, people give me very positive feedback, people I know as well as people I don't know. In a company as big as ours, I think it's important that we all get to see different styles because some people relate more to me, while others relate more to Bob, and still others relate more to Jim. We're all different, which I think is wonderful." (Bob and Jim are persons in their company who have different presentation styles from her and from each other.)

A "Diversity Plan" usually contains general ideas, broad concepts, and well-intended actions. However, that "different person" sitting in front of you is very specific. The platitudes of the general ideas need to be practiced in kindness and curiosity and flexibility in real-time conversations. Think of what a different interaction it would be between these two persons, if the boss were curious about how she saw her style, or if he engaged with her to understand and accept her differences. But, instead, he wants her to conform and be like him, the exact opposite of honoring diversity.

So, if you embrace the idea of diversity, remember, when you are face to face with the diverse othersFind Article, they will be different!

The Artists Corner

By Ingrid Martin

By Ingrid Martin

By Marie Soleil

The Artists Corner

Validity My validity is what stays within me guiding me towards eternity. Peace is my sacred place a place of rest and grace. Suppressing the emotions from an empty space. A space in time and time again. Open up receive this space and ultimately you will find your sacred face looking into the hands of tears, pain, and disgrace. Open your mind to receive what is in you and release all the doubts and worries. The time has come, the time is now.

Receive and lead with unity.

By Chantel Queen

By Starseed Ronin

The Artists Corner

By Starseed Ronin

Mother Slaps to my head that I prolly deserved.

My fault for not listening to your every word.

Clashes aside, nothing means more than your pride.

Wouldn’t have a God-given talent if you hadn’t given me to the world.

A history of invasions, this nation’s the place where love and family meet fate.

Took me to the library when I was little.

Golding and Tolkien and my Poland meet in the middle.

When your baby got arrested, there wasn’t much time to be well-rested.

A mountain of mistakes you look over.

Looks you gave me when I didn’t look sober.

I didn’t understand your advice when you said it.

Now I’m older and can’t forget it.

Little me, finessing the gas station clerk.

When you found out, I know that it hurt.

Devotion and sacrifice together we a treasure.

No love could measure.

By Daniel Klim

By Jasmen Stackhouse

The Artists Corner

By Ingrid Martin

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We Support Small Businesses

A Mother's Instructions to Her Sons When you grow up, this world will tell you to love a woman because of what she does for you. A woman is expected to take care of her husband, her children, her elderly parents and her in-laws while also managing a career and running a household. These standards are impossible for any woman to meet, especially in the modern world where the benefits of a true community are lost to an all but ancient era that often only exists as some sort of distant image. One person cannot possibly play so many roles, especially without her needs being met in return. When you love a woman, love her for her completeness. Love her when she is divinely performing all of her roles.

Love her when she falls short. Love her for her fierceness, her independence, her strength. Love her when she is weak and is not capable of love. Love her for standing up for what she believes in. Love her for speaking up for herself or others no matter the consequences. Do not shame her into submission like so many men have done presently and past.

Build her up, stand beside her and behind her. Do not be a blind follower, but an active partner. It is her role to build and mold herself and the society around her, it is your job to help her reach those goals. You love a woman by allowing her the space and freedom to be her beautiful and unapologetic self with the security off your affections at the end of the day. Have firm boundaries, a woman will never respect a man who lacks boundaries. However, be gentle and understanding when placing them. A woman is a divine and sacred being for she is capable of creating life and as such, deserves to be treated with the tenderness that one would give to such a holy being.

Similarly, it is not without man that a woman is capable of creating life, and as such a woman ought to return such affections to her man. Each one ought to be attentive to the needs of the other, meeting their own needs whenever and wherever possible, but coming together to accomplish mutual goals. Physical affection is important, although sex is not always the most important thing. A woman wants to feel cherished and loved. She wants your attention from the start. She wants you to notice what her needs are and meet them without having to constantly ask.

She wants your firm embrace, the warmth of you next to her, the comfort of your hand on the small of her back. She wants to know that even though there are others more beautiful than her, you would never even let your mind roam because all you want in life is all of her. When she has sex, she does not want to have sex with you. She wants to make love to you, in spirit and body. Your job is to make sure she receives as much love in return as she is giving you by allowing you to share her in that tender, most intimate act.

You must honor her, cherish her, but also know that truly loving something means being able to let it go. Never put your worth into your relationship. Should she falter and find herself wandering, let her go and never take her back. Only make her miss you, wonder how she ever left you. You do that by moving on and focusing on yourself. Then, the right woman will fall right into your lap, so to speak. Do not take lightly the heart of a woman, no matter how many women might take lightly even your own heart. Everyone is acting out of fear of pain and shame. You find yourself the one who acts out of genuine love and you cherish her and keep her close. Life in this world is messy, but there is nothing better than the experience of mutual love. It will carry you through even the worst of times. When you find true love, hold it so close and dear, there are so very many who only ever experience fear.

I hope this helps guide you on some questions regarding love. To understand what love is I refer to the biblical reference of 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 (NASB) “Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,

does not rejoice in

unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” If you aim to reach these attributes in your relationships, then you aim to do the greatest good on this earth.

By Marie Taylor