Here is a simple video to explain a basic Zen meditation technique. While posture and breath are keys to this technique, remember that the most important thing in Zen meditation is to become aware of your thoughts without stopping to judge them or react to them. Rather, you let them pass through your head like a parade and simply observe them.
Eco Sleep Shop
continue reading » »
The wisdom of the Tao and of Buddhism is captured in these scenes from the 1970′s hit TV series Kung Fu. Despite the age of this series, there is much wisdom here and you can see why this became such a well regarded series.
Meditation does not have to be elusive. Although Zen Buddhists practice a particular form of meditation, there are many different forms of meditation…and the purpose of all of these is the same: to quiet the mind. By quieting the mind, you can begin to notice the world around you in a different way. You are able to “see” the world without the mind’s constant commentary on what you are seeing. This may sound trivial, but I assure you, it is a wondrous experience…an experience of life itself, of living itself.
So here’s a quick overview of the different forms of meditation, beginning with Zen Buddhist meditation techniques.
continue reading » »
Here is a list of sites and other resources that offer tips and strategies for staying zen-calm. We hope even one of these ideas helps you…
Having skin free of dark spots and scars is something we strive for at any time in our lives, not just as we get older. Acne is most common in adolescents but more and more, adults in their late 20’s and 30’s are having the same problem. Today, record numbers of adults are seeking help from dermatologists.
The causes of adult acne are many and include dietary, hormonal and environmental triggers resulting in blemishes and breakouts. Our skin cells are renewing themselves daily, replacing dead cells with new ones. But depending on how often the new cells reproduce, the result can be skin with blemishes and inflammations…or healthy skin.
continue reading » »
If you want to live a simple life…train your mind to think in simple thoughts. That’s harder than it sounds. The mind tends to go off on tangents to keep itself busy (and to keep you distracted). The first step to simplifying your thoughts is to quiet your mind. Meditation and reflection are the most common ways to accomplish this, but other techniques include silence, seclusion, and chanting.
Now, with a quiet mind, you can practice thinking simply. Watch how your mind tries to complicate all your perceptions. It does this in a few ways:
continue reading » »
Want to know the basic principles of Zen? Well, it’s not that easy. There are many lists you can use to define the application of Zen in your life. Here are a few articles that examine different Zen principles.
Sometimes, business and industry just don’t care much about the environment. But even for those who DO care…greening the office can be expensive and time consuming. Take business cleaning services, for example. How many cleaning services out there are green and friendly to the planet?
Well, now there’s an environmentally conscious cleaning service (formerly known as a janitorial service) for business and industry that is a certified “champion” according to the Environmental Protection Agency. That’s right…their cleaning systems and processes are so green-clean that they’ve been recognized by the EPA! How many companies can say that? And they have offices all over the country to serve homes, offices, and industrial sites. continue reading » »
by Marina Hanes
The snow is finally melting and milder temperatures are setting in, and you can find inner peace knowing that you will no longer have to be cooped up inside. Begin spring with a fresh step by buying a comfortable and cruelty-free walking shoe. Non-leather shoes can be just as stylish as the leather ones you find at the mall, but you don’t have to feel guilty for wearing them. Athletic-inspired Mary Jane shoes are adorable and functional…plus, they come in a variety of colors with unique button closures, bamboo lining and recycled tire outsoles. For a sexier look, check out the vegan platform pumps with a zebra pattern. Go to vegetarianshowsandbags.com.
continue reading » »
by Marina Hanes
What’s your poison? To help you keep celebrating the New Year, Cocktail Organico can enhance your Happy Hour with more organic options. Whether you like tequila, vodka or wine, there are many types to choose from. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, you might enjoy Casal Dos Jordoes Tawny Port, which is vegan and made from certified organic grapes in Portugal. Don’t know much about alcoholic beverages? Read their reviews and you will be a connoisseur in no time.
continue reading » »
by Marina Hanes
Starting a greener lifestyle can be difficult, but beginning with simple changes can make the transition less overwhelming. For example, stop taking ATM receipts, request paperless statements and bring your own bag when you grocery shop. These tips and others can be found at EcoHearth, a new website dedicated to eco-news and products to make you more aware and sustainable. There is even an Eco Shop where you can buy a solar charger to power your iPod and iPhone wherever you are as long as you can capture the sun’s rays. See ecohearth.com
continue reading » »
by Christine D’Angelo
I haven’t bought lettuce in a year and I’m eating a lot more salads. That can’t be a bad thing. I live in an apartment building, so open ground I can call my own is at a premium. But last spring I inherited a bunch of planter boxes. Now, I’m a rose freak, but these were the wrong vessels for roses. So I decided to try growing lettuce, which I figured would work in the shallow growing beds of these boxes.
I started from seed using seedling starter kit…basically little pots on a tray. I had butter lettuce and a packet of mesclun, which includes red and green leaf lettuce, frisée, mizuna, mâche, escarole and chicory. Since then, I’ve expanded to spinach, green onions, arugula, and red and green romaine. I try to start a new batch of seeds every three weeks or so, rotating out different things so I constantly have lettuce ready to eat. At any give time, some of the plants are small, just starting out, while others are mature.
continue reading » »
by Glam-Granola Author Wendy Roy
Today we take a look at skin care products and practices, keeping a strong eye towards non-toxicity as usual. Less is more; a simple and healthy routine will give you your best skin situation ever.
Cleansing
Pick up a soft face brush (looks like a baby’s hair brush), and a cleanser that doesn’t contain sulfates or loads of chemicals. For now, if you see Sodium/Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, and/or heaps of ingredients that you don’t recognize, it’s best to move on. If your skin is dry, it will appreciate a cream cleanser. I am currently enjoying Evan Healy’s Blue Lavender Cleansing Milk. If you have very oily skin, you may benefit from a fruit acid exfoliant variety.
continue reading » »
by Marina Hanes
Unique handmade jewelry is often hard to find, and when you’re looking for natural pieces inspired by nature, it can be even more challenging. However, Moonrise Jewelry creates their pieces by hand in Virginia, and currently they are featuring their real orchid necklaces preserved at their peak bloom. The turquoise and plum colors in the Turtle Bay orchid necklace makes for a head turning statement, and the St. Kitts is a simple necklace perfect for everyday or for work. See moonrisejewelry.com.
continue reading » »
