"What is Meditation?" A Closer Look...

From HuffingtonPost.com comes this intriguing article by Natasha Dern that delves deeply into the very question: "What is meditation"?
Here's an excerpt from the article:

"Meditation is the art of listening to the universe. It is about cultivating and increasing our capacity to be receptive. When we are receptive, we are better able to hear the wisdom of the universe and the wisdom of the soul. During moments of meditation, the aim is to calm the mind in order to hear the whispers of the soul. This soft voice is what we are trying to connect with and access. Once we tune in, it has the power to transfigure our reality. It contains the wisdom to solve our problems, to empower us and lead us on the right path.

Meditation over time teaches us to sit still and listen, to become aware and control our rampant thoughts, to embrace silence and become comfortable with it, open up our minds to receive guidance, inspiration and fulfillment.



However, it should not to be regarded as the only way to grow spiritually but as one of the instruments of the path. Meditation is a powerful tool that we can use to develop ourselves, refine ourselves, and ultimately learn the truth about ourselves. It is simply a tool for spiritual growth and its value is this: If you look into your heart and mind deep enough and long enough to break down the walls of earthly conditioning, you are then able to discover truth and peace. If meditation is practiced only for the physical benefits that it offers or the illusions of enlightenment without awakening the spiritual nature then the transformation of mind, body and soul is not possible. Because meditation carries consciousness down to a deeper level, which allows you to touch your own center and hence transforms you completely. Reaching this level of consciousness grants you access to knowledge of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual realms."

Read the rest of this wonderful article here.

Kind Words About Intentional Chocolate on Gayot.com !

Dark chocolate lovers are everywhere, aren't they?

Here is a wonderfully sweet article on Gayot.com this week featuring Intentional Chocolate! Have a peek at this excerpt:

"...Basically, in Buddhism there’s the idea of metta, which means loving-kindness. When you cook food with the intention of metta, the recipients will experience some of that goodness. In the Intentional Chocolate case, they say studies show that you’ll feel less stress and more energized three days after eating them.



They even claim that it will move the body toward healing. They don’t promise a cancer cure, but they do mention it, and guarantee that the chocolate will activate your own healing capacities. Wow, that’s a mouthful.

Last but not least, the chocolate was developed in cooperation with the HESA Institute (the Human Energy Systems Alliance), highly praised by the Dalai Lama for its "contribution to the betterment of the world." Eat chocolate and make the world a better, healthier place? Sounds good to us!"

FInd the rest of this delicious article here.

Dark Chocolate Can Give Your Teenager a Healthy Boost!

Hey parents! Dark chocolate can be a luscious snack for your growing teenager...

Here is a great article on Medical News Today, all about how we can help our teenagers take on a healthy diet! Here's more from this encouraging article:

"A grab-and-go breakfast is often the only option they'll consider, so have a selection of healthy cereal bars, toasted tea cakes, bagels and a full fruit bowl visible. Stock up your fridge with smoothies, mini juices, drinking yoghurts and milk. Even if their choice isn't the healthiest, getting their body and taste buds in the habit of wanting some food before they leave the house is a great step forward.



Have an evening family meal with different types of cooking and a wide range of vegetables to choose from. Involve them with menu planning, cooking and shopping if you get the chance; having some of their friends over for a friend feast could be a great incentive to get them involved. Have plenty of healthy snacks at home, so both their hunger pangs and their bodies are satisfied: dried and fresh fruit, rice and oat cakes, unsalted nuts and dark chocolate."

Read the rest of this article here on Medical News Today!

'The Science behind the Love of Chocolate'! Just the Facts..

Dark chocolate, the 'food of the gods', is great for everyone! Here's a bit about the science behind it...

From Tamara Wilson's lovely blog, A Peek at the Life of a WAHM, comes this great article where she has descrbed in sweet detail the many benefits of dark chocolate...here's more from her article:

"Cacao has been described as the “food of the Gods” by the ancient Maya. Scientists are finally realizing the beneficial aspects of chocolate in relation to physical, mental, and emotional health. One ounce of dark chocolate a day can improve a person’s vigor and energy by up to 67% and in many cases much higher percentages.



Chocolate also contains the amino acids tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine. All of these amino acids increase the serotonin levels in the brain which acts as an antidepressant. In addition to the amino acids listed above, chocolate has also been proven to act as a stimulant due to the substance theobromine.

Many people may be surprised to learn chocolate, when taken in small amounts and with higher levels of cocoa, can actually help you lose weight. If the antidepressant amino acids and stimulant theobromine can improve the way a person feels, they may be less likely to overeat. Chocolate can also act as an appetite suppressant which can speed up your metabolism."

Read the rest of this delicious article here.