Vancouver Island, Canada Earthquake

Moderate earthquake below Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada

Last update: January 8, 2015 at 2:59 am by By

Update 02:34 UTC : Based on the tectonic image below and the preliminary data, we believe that this is a sunduction earthquake triggered by the subducting Juan de Fuca plate beneath the North American plate (as most of the Western Canada earthquakes are). A depth of 30 km confirms this theory. The Focal Mechanism, once published, may confirm this theory

Image courtesy and copyright midislandnews.com

Update 02:26 UTC : Based on the current preliminary data is is still unsure whether this earthquake may be able to generate slight damage. We have currently depths of 33 km (no damage) and 5 km (slight damage possible)

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18km (11mi) E of Tofino, Canada
62km (39mi) W of Port Alberni, Canada
74km (46mi) SW of Courtenay, Canada
98km (61mi) SSW of Campbell River, Canada
186km (116mi) WNW of Victoria, Canada
190 km W of Vancouver, Canada / pop: 1,837,969 / local time: 18:02:56.5 2015-01-07
13 km E of Tofino, Canada / pop: 1,655 / local time: 18:02:56.5 2015-01-07

Most important Earthquake Data:

Magnitude : 4.8

Local Time (conversion only below land) : 2015-01-07 18:02:53

GMT/UTC Time : 2015-01-08 02:02:53

from:    http://earthquake-report.com/2015/01/08/moderate-earthquake-tofino-canada-on-january-8-2015/

Dallas, TX Area Earthquake

Earthquake below Irving, Texas (Dallas area)

Last update: January 7, 2015 at 12:07 pm by By

Screen Shot 2015-01-07 at 03.38.28

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6km (4mi) ENE of Irving, Texas
8km (5mi) W of University Park, Texas
9km (6mi) NW of Dallas, Texas
9km (6mi) S of Farmers Branch, Texas
296km (184mi) NNE of Austin, Texas

Most important Earthquake Data:

Magnitude : 3.5

Local Time (conversion only below land) : 2015-01-06 15:10:31

GMT/UTC Time : 2015-01-06 21:10:31

fr/http://earthquake-report.com/2015/01/06/minor-earthquake-irving-texas-on-january-6-2015/

Kingsley Dennis on the ‘New Normal’

Welcome to the “New Normal”


We have entered a time which I refer to as the New Normal, and we need to understand that things are never going to be the same again. We have to get used to doing things differently – for these ‘different things’ will become our normal ways soon enough. This shift from older patterns and structures that once served us well, into a space where some things are no longer working for us can be unsettling and disturbing. Yet don’t waste time with old energy patterns that are no longer working. We may feel frustrated in not knowing what to do – and yet this is only just the beginning. In terms of the longer time scale we still have a long way to go, for this change is going to be many years in the making.

Things may now change faster than they have ever done before – we are living in a reality that is on the move. It is likely that many of us have already experienced this – a sense of rapidity and uncertainty unlike previous years. There is no need for this feeling of ‘shifting ground’ to cause anxiety. Change does not mean something negative – people are only afraid of what they don’t know. The easy part in all of this is accepting the need for a ‘new normal’ – the more difficult part is to actively engage in change, in a way that is balanced, stable, and not strange. Being a part of the ‘new normal’ also means normalizing ourselves: there is no more need to stand apart; that is, to use ‘difference’ as part of your personality or identity. You cannot express your full potential when imbalanced. The ‘new normal’ is not here to alienate oneself and others – it does not support divisive energies.

Sometimes change needs courage – courage to accept this change as the new normal. Some people are more used to and adaptive to change than others – each person must find what is right and comfortable for them. However, we are not starting from scratch – arriving to where we find ourselves now is also part of the change.

In fact, it is stability which is the illusion as everything is in flux. Life is one complete flux-engine – if we can put it that way – and the human body is equipped for constant change. When there is imbalance in the body it naturally seeks to find balance: physically, emotionally, and energetically. We already instinctively know this, and how to practice it. By re-adapting to change and flux we propel ourselves forward – it is a force of momentum within our lives. The new re-balancing is not about going back to the old – it is about finding new positions and definitions. We have to re-define for ourselves what is the new normal.

We have to learn how to operate the new tools we have, and which we are expected to use. Religious belief and unquestioning faith were old tools, for example. Now we need to figure out what are the new tools we have, and how to use them. And within this period of new learning we may also need to do some personal ‘clearing’ – to get our own personal house in order.

So let’s be clear: the new normal is consistent change – and this normal can change on a daily basis. Is this so difficult to accept and understand? It seems that many of the young people can work with this; it is not difficult for them to grasp the essentiality of change. For many young people, it seems obvious that change is an essential, and necessary, part of life. It is only us, entrenched in our years of conditioned stability that fear such flux and flow.

If anyone reading this is feeling a connection to this theme it is also because they sense the need for change within their own lives. They sense it is right – that there is some urge within them that is telling them that something needs to change – there is intent to know more. There’s no better time than now for re-engagement – to reflect upon the question of ‘what is “life” for me? – and how can I participate?’

The following are some of what I consider to be at the basis of change:

  1. Release the fear conditioning

  2. Re-calibrate the definitions of what is ‘normal’

  3. Observe emotions and emotional responses and needs

  4. Get used to change – it is the only normal there is

  5. Be joyful with change and changing habits/patterns – learn to love it

  6. Don’t try to get back to the old ‘normal’ – adjustment is not a return, it’s a moving forward

  7. Waiting for the ‘old’ is not an option

  8. Change works better when you are pro-active – so activate your engagement/participation. Get involved with your own changes!

  9. Trust your intuition and intuitive feelings

It can be unsettling at first when trying to get used to something that is always moving! It is like a radio station that constantly shifts its broadcast frequencies – and every day you have to re-tune your radio to find the new frequency. Yet this constant shifting is also a way for us to find meaning and significance in our lives. We may find that many of the shifts that we choose to activate/act on will have a direct influence upon our need to find a renewed meaning in life. Another way to consider these changes is to view them as being part of the shift from survival mode to creation mode – creating a new way of living more suitable to how we wish to live life in creative and meaningful ways.

As we gradually (or even suddenly!) shift into the era of the new normal we may discover that we fall into one of the following categories:

  1. Manifestors

  2. Facilitators

  3. Nurturers

Each role is equal in importance – and yet each is different in how it relates and engages with others in life. The new normal is going to have a strong influence upon the values of connectivity, communication, consciousness, and compassion.

Our social, local, and global networks will be ever more important for us. Whether we manifest things in life, facilitate for others, or nurture others – each involves conscious participation. That is the core of the new normal – balanced, stable, conscious participation in finding meaning for ourselves and others; and to be creative and active in pursuing a positive future for all.

from:    http://realitysandwich.com/239298/welcome-to-the-new-normal/

CA – Orb Releasing UFO

UFO Crashing Releases Orb Over Southern California, Jan 2014, VIDEO, UFO Sighting News.

Date of sighting: January 5, 2014
Location of sighting: Southern California, USA
Did you notice the white cloud-like appearance of the UFO? Its a special cloak to allow them to appear this way, rather than appear solid. SCW
Eyewitness states:

I was driving home after work when this UFO or whatever you call it caught my eye. I pulled over in front of somebody’s house to film it. I would have got a better shot but I didn’t want to jump these peoples fence. Anyway I don’t know what the hell to make of it. Couldn’t have been a plane cause there was no noise. And I never heard a crash after either. The Orb thing flew straight up into the sky and disappeared. Sorry I didn’t film that. I didn’t know what to focus my attention on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DE1xcYXTZJI
from:     http://www.ufosightingsdaily.com/2015/01/ufo-crashing-releases-orb-over-southern.html

On Neural Plasticity & Mind Control

as always – do your research

Mind control: the Pentagon mission to program the brain

Mind control: the Pentagon mission to program the brain

By Jon Rappoport
January 6, 2014
http://www.nomorefakenews.com

“Since the dawn of time, the most powerful groups in every society have practiced forms of mind control on populations. They determined it was necessary. Eventually, they decided it was their most important job. Convincing the masses that a fabricated reality is Reality…that task requires formidable mind control.” (The Underground, Jon Rappoport)

DARPA, the technical-research arm of the Pentagon, is leading the way in a mission to program the human brain.

What could go wrong?

In a word, everything.

Here is a DARPA release (5/27/14) on the upcoming “brain-mapping” plan, in accordance with Obama’s initiative aimed at “preventing violence through improved mental health”—otherwise known as Clockwork Orange:

“…developing closed-loop therapies that incorporate recording and analysis of brain activity with near-real-time neural stimulation.”

Translation: Reading myriad brain activities as they occur, and influencing that activity with various inputs/interferences. Drugs, electrical currents, nano-entities, etc.

Here’s another DARPA quote. This one lays out the foundation for the mission:

“…The program also aims to take advantage of neural plasticity, a feature of the brain by which the organ’s anatomy and physiology can alter over time to support normal brain function. Plasticity runs counter to previously held ideas that the adult brain is a ‘finished’ entity that can be statically mapped. Because of plasticity, researchers are optimistic that the brain can be trained or treated to restore normal functionality following injury or the onset of neuropsychological illness.”

Neural plasticity: the idea that brain activity is always changing and, therefore, can be externally molded by operators to fit a conception of “normalcy,” whatever that is, whatever “authorities” decide it is.

Chilling? Of course.

In the long run, this has nothing to do with “recovery from brain injuries.” That’s the cover story. The real goal is programming the brain to fit certain parameters of functioning.

Those parameters will certainly exclude: rebellion, independence.

Here is a quote from a journal article, “The Plastic Human Brain Cortex.” (Annual Review of Neuroscience, Vol. 28: 377-401, July 2005)

“Plasticity is an intrinsic property of the human brain…The challenge we face is to learn enough about the mechanisms of plasticity to modulate them to achieve the best behavioral outcome for a given subject.”

“Modulate them.” “Achieve the best behavioral outcome.” Who defines that? Obviously, not the individual.

Notice the point of view: intervention is a given.

The brain will not be allowed to function on its own.

Behind all brain research lies that premise.

It’s no surprise that, in this technological age, the preferred method of mind control would involve an invasion by “experts.”

There are many, many brain-research professionals, and millions of laypeople, who believe that “intervention” is justified because it “corrects a chemical imbalance” in the brain. This is a myth.

Dr. Ronald Pies, the editor-in-chief emeritus of the Psychiatric Times, laid the myth to rest in the July 11, 2011, issue of the Times with this staggering and stark admission:

“In truth, the ‘chemical imbalance’ notion [of mental disorders] was always a kind of urban legend — never a theory seriously propounded by well-informed psychiatrists.”

No, intervention is all about brain control, not brain health.

And “neural plasticity,” contrary to the official propaganda, is no great discovery. Any human can change his own brain readout patterns by the simple act of thinking.

Of course, researchers make no real distinction between random ideation and consciously chosen mental actions. If they did, they would immediately see that human beings can voluntarily make changes to their own brain activity. No laboratory experiments, no chemical or bio inputs, no externally applied electrical “insertions.”

There is a much bigger problem here. A problem that must remain a secret.

If a human being, through conscious and voluntary thought, can change his own brain activity…who is doing the changing?

Who is outside the brain influencing it?

Who is “human being?”

Who is…you?

That is no part of what DARPA is doing. That is no part of what any mind-control organization group is doing. That is strictly off-limits.

“Oh no, no one is doing the thinking. The brain is doing all the thinking. The brain is operating on its own. Thought A, then thought B, then C, D,E,F. On and on. The brain is a bio-machine, spooling out pre-determined and pre-packaged thoughts. And we, the brain-controllers, just want to change the sequence. We’ll insert B,D,E,A,B,F in that order instead. And then we’ll delete C altogether because we find that counter-productive and disruptive. No problem.”

The fact is, the individual non-material being (you) changes brain activity all the time. The brain is eminently built to allow this to happen across a very wide range of possibility.

What DARPA’s program entails is altering that fundamental relationship between you and your brain. That’s the bottom line.

The alteration will throw up roadblocks. It will shrink the sum of what your brain can do.

The ongoing DARPA brain-programming mission isn’t merely a two-year program or a five-year program. It’s permanent.

It’s the gateway to a controlled society.

And it’s perfectly understandable that this project would come from DARPA, which is an arm of the Pentagon, which is the foremost proponent of “military thought” in the world.

The military is interested in, and devoted to, the issuing of commands and obedience to those commands. Stimulus, response.

The military vision of society is: define the functions of each citizen, coordinate those functions to produce overall “harmony through obedience.”

Since this is the true definition of insanity, and since it is impossible to secure, over the long-term, enough voluntary cooperation to build such a civilization, the target is the brain.

Train the brain, train the collective.

Consider this analogy for you, a non-material being, and your brain, and what the objective of programming is:

The rider and the horse. Previously, the rider took his horse far and wide. The rider went where he wanted to go. The horse was willing. But then something happened. The horse was altered, rebuilt. Now he could only move a mile in any direction from his starting point. At the boundary, he stopped. He turned around and returned home. That was the rule. The rider of course wanted to go farther. But the horse was no longer capable.

The “plasticity” of the horse was reduced.

The horse was now normal.

Jon Rappoport
The author of three explosive collections, THE MATRIX REVEALED, EXIT FROM THE MATRIX, and POWER OUTSIDE THE MATRIX, Jon was a candidate for a US Congressional seat in the 29th District of California. He maintains a consulting practice for private clients, the purpose of which is the expansion of personal creative power. Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, he has worked as an investigative reporter for 30 years, writing articles on politics, medicine, and health for CBS Healthwatch, LA Weekly, Spin Magazine, Stern, and other newspapers and magazines in the US and Europe. Jon has delivered lectures and seminars on global politics, health, logic, and creative power to audiences around the world. You can sign up for his free emails at http://www.nomorefakenews.com

from:    https://jonrappoport.wordpress.com/

Some Home Remedies

21 Home Remedies That Actually Work!

| January 3, 2015

21 Home Remedies That Actually Work!

by TheAlternativeDaily

Some home remedies make sense. For example, aloe vera on a sunburn. Others, however, can seem a little bit out there. Yet, they still work!

The following are 21 such tried-and-true remedies. Some of these may seem a little funny, but it doesn’t make them any less effective. Try for yourself!

Carrot sticks and apples for whiter teeth

When you chomp on crunchy foods such as carrot sticks and apples, it helps to cleanse the enamel of your teeth. Apples are especially great for this, as their malic acid content helps to remove stains.

Chicken soup for colds and other seasonal ickies

Ok, maybe this isn’t so weird, but only because it’s so ancient that everyone and especially their mother knows it. Along with being packed with nutrients, chicken broth and other bone broths contain an amino acid known as cysteine, which is linked to thinning the mucus buildup in the respiratory tract and lungs.

Mint essential oil for combating fatigue

If you’re feeling sluggish, rub a drop or two of mint essential oil onto your palms, and inhale deeply. An instant surge of clarity and focus. This works with other essential oils in the mint family, as well.

Lavender essential oil for stress relief

The soothing properties of lavender have been known since ancient times. When feeling anxious or overwhelmed, try some aromatherapy with lavender essential oil. This oil is also great for a soothing, stress-busting massage.

A pencil for tension headaches

Because tension headaches often stem from clenched jaw muscles, putting a pencil between your teeth – without biting down – makes you automatically relax your jaw. Take some deep breaths while you do this, and after a minute, take the pencil out of your mouth, and try not to tense back up!

Cardamom for freshening breath

There is a reason for the Indian tradition of offering a bowl of cardamom seeds to guests to follow their meals. These antioxidant-packed little seeds, with their strong, refreshing flavor, can cleanse your palate and leave your mouth tasting great.

Yogurt to fight bad breath

Another fresh breath trick: plain, organic yogurt. The live bacteria cultures in the yogurt help neutralize the odor-causing bacteria in your mouth.

Witch hazel for cuts, scrapes and blisters

Works just as well as rubbing alcohol, but is less drying on the skin.

Ginger for digestion

Ginger’s ability to settle the stomach is no old wive’s tale. This powerful rhizome is your first line of defense against upset stomachs and nausea.

Olives to help prevent motion sickness

For your next road trip, don’t forget to pack a jar of olives. The tannins that they contain can help to dissipate the first signs of nausea by drying your mouth. However, this remedy may not work if you are already ill; eat a couple olives at the first sign of motion sickness to help prevent worsening.

Prune juice to ease constipation

Although we’ve all heard of this one, we may not quite understand how prunes work to break up digestive blockages. The soluble fiber, insoluble fiber and sorbitol found in these little fruits work to add bulk to stool, soften stool, support healthy gut bacteria and encourage smooth movement.

Shea butter for dry skin and cracked lips

Skip the vaseline and lip balm: shea butter has you covered. Derived from the shea tree, this thick, luxurious “butter” can heal cracked hands and sore lips in no time – it’ll get you through the winter no problem.

Organic coconut oil for moist, youthful skin

When a little light moisture is all your skin needs, it doesn’t get any better than organic, extra virgin coconut oil. This oil nourishes the skin, and adds important nutrients to keep your complexion smooth and vibrant. Coconut oil is loaded with anti aging properties to naturally boost collagen production. Make your own homemade beauty products using this tropical treasure.

Oatmeal for eczema

Eczema can be a pain indeed, but oatmeal can help in many cases. Many experts recommend pouring colloidal oatmeal into a bath, and soaking in it for about 20 minutes before rinsing. The oatmeal helps to reduce inflammation and calm the skin. If the eczema appears on your face, you can make a thick paste with oatmeal and water, and use it as a facial mask.

Natural exfoliation for body odor

Sometimes, that nasty body odor is simply a result of clogged pores. For this reason, dry brushing your skin before you shower can help a great deal. Just make sure you check out our tips on proper dry brushing technique.

Raw honey for disinfecting wounds

For minor wounds, raw honey can’t be beat. It has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties to clean the wound, and also provides moisture and seals it in.

Cheap vodka for foot odor

Want a weird fix for foot odor? Simply soak in some inexpensive vodka for a few moments. Or, if crunched for time, just rub some on your feet to kill the bacteria and nix the odor. Just don’t put on stinky shoes and socks afterwards.

Warm salt water gargle for sore throats

The old salt gargle works by drawing excess fluid out of infected throat tissues. This temporarily reduces the swelling and can dramatically ease the pain. Use about one part unrefined, ground sea salt to six or seven parts water.

Black tea for sunburn

If you’re out of aloe, reach for a steeped bag of black tea for your sunburn. The tannins help to soothe the pain, prevent peeling and speed up the healing process.

Duct tape for warts

Is there anything duct tape can’t do? All you have to do is clean the area with the wart, cut a small piece of duct tape (large enough to cover the wart), and stick it on. Change the tape every three days, and each time you do, remove the dead skin with a pumice stone.

Onion for insect bites

To get rid of the itch of a bug bite, slice an onion in half and rub the juice right on the bite. The sulfur compounds contained in the onion work to neutralize the itch.

from:    http://www.bodymindsoulspirit.com/21-home-remedies-that-actually-work/

On Shambhala

Shambhala

Mysteries of the Kingdom of Shambhala

Shambhala, which is a Sanskrit word meaning “place of peace” or “place of silence”, is a mythical paradise spoken of in ancient texts, including the Kalachakra Tantra and the ancient scriptures of the Zhang Zhung culture which predated Tibetan Buddhism in western Tibet. According to legend, it is a land where only the pure of heart can live, a place where love and wisdom reigns and where people are immune to suffering, want or old age.

Shambhala is said to be the land of a thousand names. It has been called the Forbidden Land, the Land of White Waters, Land of Radiant Spirits, Land of Living Fire, Land of the Living Gods and Land of Wonders. The Hindus call it Aryavartha (‘The Land of the Worthy Ones); the Chinese know it as Hsi Tien, the Western Paradise of Hsi Wang Mu; and to the Russian Old Believers, it is known as Belovoyde.  But throughout Asia, it is best known by its Sanskrit name, Shambhala, Shamballa, or Shangri-la.

Shambhala

Shambhala is described as a land of paradise. Photo credit: Naughty Dog-Uncharted

The legend of Shambhala is said to date back thousands of years, and reference to the mythical land can be found in various ancient texts. The Bön scriptures speak of a closely related land called Olmolungring. Hindu texts such as Vishnu Purana mention Shambhala as the birth place of Kalki, the final incarnation of Vishnu who will usher in a new Golden Age. The Buddhist myth of Shambhala is an adaptation of the earlier Hindu myth. However, the text in which Shambhala is first discussed extensively is the Kalachakra.

The Kalachakra refers to a complex and advanced esoteric teaching and practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Shakyamuni Buddha is said to have taught the Kalachakra on request of King Suchandra of Shambhala.

As with many concepts in the Kalachakra, the idea of Shambhala is said to have outer, inner, and alternative meanings. The outer meaning understands Shambhala to exist as a physical place, although only individuals with the appropriate karma can reach it and experience it as such. The inner and alternative meanings refer to more subtle understandings of what Shambhala represents in terms of one’s own body and mind (inner), and during meditative practice (alternative). These two types of symbolic explanations are generally passed on orally from teacher to student.

As the 14th Dalai Lama noted during the 1985 Kalachakra initiation in Bodhgaya, Shambhala is not an ordinary country:

Although those with special affiliation may actually be able to go there through their karmic connection, nevertheless it is not a physical place that we can actually find. We can only say that it is a pure land, a pure land in the human realm. And unless one has the merit and the actual karmic association, one cannot actually arrive there.

Buddhist depiction of Shambhala from Sera Monastery

A Buddhist depiction of Shambhala from Sera Monastery (private collection). Image source.

The Prophecy of Shambhala

The concept of Shambhala plays an important role in Tibetan religious teachings, and has particular relevance in Tibetan mythology about the future.  The Kalachakra prophesies the gradual deterioration of mankind as the ideology of materialism spreads over the earth. When the “barbarians” who follow this ideology are united under an evil king and think there is nothing left to conquer, the mists will lift to reveal the snowy mountains of Shambhala. The barbarians will attack Shambhala with a huge army equipped with terrible weapons. Then the king of Shambhala will emerge from Shambhala with a huge army to vanquish “dark forces” and usher in a worldwide Golden Age.

Though the Kālachakra prophesies a future war, this appears in conflict with the vows of Buddhist teachings that prohibit violence. This has led some theologians to interpret the war symbolically – the Kālachakra is not advocating violence against people but rather refers to the inner battle of the religious practitioner against inner demonic tendencies.

Shambhala’s hidden location

Over many centuries, numerous explorers and seekers of spiritual wisdom have embarked on expeditions and quests in search of the mythical paradise of Shambhala, and while many have claimed to have been there, no one has yet provided any evidence of its existence or been able to pinpoint its physical location on a map, however most references place Shambhala in the mountainous regions of Eurasia.

Ancient Zhang Zhung texts identify Shambhala with the Sutlej Valley in Punjab or Himachal Pradesh, India. Mongolians identify Shambhala with certain valleys of southern Siberia. In Altai folklore, Mount Belukha is believed to be the gateway to Shambhala. Modern Buddhist scholars seem to conclude that Shambhala is located in the higher reaches of the Himalayas in what is now called the Dhauladhar Mountains around Mcleodganj.  Some legends say that the entrance to Shambhala is hidden inside a remote, abandoned monastery in Tibet, and guarded by beings known as the Shambhala Guardians.

Himalayan Mountains

According to Buddhist traditions, Shambhala is located in the Himalayan Mountains. Photo source: Wikipedia.

For some, the fact that Shambhala has never been found has a very simple explanation – many believe that Shambhala lies on the very edge of physical reality, as a bridge connecting this world to one beyond it.

While many disregard Shambhala as the fanciful subject of myth and legend, for others, a belief in Shambhala stirs an inner yearning to one day find this utopian kingdom.

Featured image: An artist’s depiction of Shambhala. Photo credit:  Naughty Dog-Uncharted

By April Holloway

– See more at: http://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-asia/mysteries-kingdom-shambhala-001529#sthash.mQh4txMF.dpuf

The Benefits of Quiet Sitting

20 Ways Sitting in Silence Can Transform Your Life

by Elle

4 33

by Samuel McCree

Silence is a source of great strength.” ~Lao Tzu

For over two years I spent one out of every four weeks in silence. At the time I was living at a Zen Monastery and every month we would have a week-long silent retreat.

During this retreat we sat meditation in silence, ate in silence, worked in silence, and only communicated through hand gestures and written notes.

At first living like this was hard, but over time I learned to grow to appreciate silence. By the time I left I learned that silence was my friend and teacher.

What did silence teach me?

1. Satisfaction

I used to think I needed to watch TV every night. But at monastery I went without and discovered I didn’t need it.

Silence taught me to be happy with less. Pick something that’s weighing you down and let it go. Your life will thank you.

2. Expression

When you can only talk by writing a note, you only say what’s important. Before the monastery I talked a lot but said little.

Silence taught me that a few simple words well spoken have more power than hours of chatter. Think of one simple thing you can say that would help someone feel better and say it.

3. Appreciation

Being able to speak makes life easy, but when I couldn’t talk I learned how much I relied on others.

Silence taught me to appreciate the value of relating to others. The next time you see your friends or family, try to really listen. Deep listening expresses deep appreciation.

4. Attention

Several times at my first retreat I thought my phone was vibrating. But then I would remember I didn’t have my phone. It showed me how my phone divided my attention.

Silence taught me how important it is to let go of distractions. The next time you are with someone you care about, try turning off your phone and putting it away. It will make paying attention easier.

5. Thoughts

I once sat a retreat next door to a construction project. What amazed me was how easily my thoughts drowned out the noise. I realized if my thoughts were this loud, I’d better make them as wise as possible.

Silence taught me the importance of shaping my thinking. Take time each day to notice your thoughts and let go of thoughts that don’t serve you.

6. Nature

Because I sat retreat in every season, I know that the sound of wind in fall is different than it is in winter.

Silence taught me to notice nature. Take a short walk outside in silence and you’ll discover the wisdom and peace that nature has to offer.

7. Body

During retreat I noticed that whenever I got lost in thought, I lost track of my body. And when I focused on my body, my thoughts would calm down.

Silence taught me to be in my body. Close your eyes and ask, “What sensations do I feel in my hand?” Learning to feel your body can calm your troubled mind.

8. Overstimulation

Whenever I went into town after retreat, the world seemed so loud and fast. I came to realize how much our senses have to process most of the time.

Silence taught me the importance of reducing the stimulation. Enjoy some quiet time everyday. The less you see and hear, the more settled your mind can become.

9. Sound

People would come to the monastery and remark how quiet it was. But living at the monastery I knew all the noises, from frogs, to owls, to the sound of sandals on the sidewalk.

Silence taught me that the world is a rich texture of sounds. Sit in front of your house and close your eyes. You’ll be amazed at what you hear if you listen long enough.

10. Humanity

During retreat I was surrounded by imperfect people who were doing their best. Some were happy, some were sad, but all were wonderfully human.

Silence taught me that people display great beauty. Find a good spot to people watch with an open heart. What you see may inspire you.

11. Space

For a long time anytime something difficult came up, I would just distract myself. But retreat taught me that if I avoided something it would never go away.

Silence taught me that space helps me face hard times. The next time you face something difficult, pause and honor whatever’s arising.

12. Love

I used to think love was this big thing. But in retreat I found that I felt love for so many things.

Silence taught me that love can be simple. Think of someone you haven’t said I love you to recently and tell them.

13. Courage

I used to think courage was about facing danger, but during retreat I realized that real courage is about facing yourself.

Silence taught me the courage it takes to be still. When we stop moving everything we’re running from catches up. The next time you are afraid, stop and wait for it to pass. There is immense courage inside your heart.

14. Perseverance

Every retreat reminded me that speaking is easy, but staying quiet is hard.

Silence isn’t flashy, but it has an immense power to endure. The next time someone doubts you, instead of disagreeing, silently vow not to give up. Action is speaks volumes.

15. Faith

I often ask for reassurance or feedback. But living is silence meant I had to trust my instincts.

Silence taught me to have faith in myself. The next time you begin to feel anxious, sit in silence and see if you can find the space of deep faith that lives in your heart.

16. Honesty

I used to lie so I wouldn’t have to explain myself. But when I couldn’t talk I began to notice this impulse and how much it degraded my integrity.

Silence taught me the importance of telling the truth. Notice times where you tell little lies and try telling the truth instead. It isn’t always easy but it’s the first step to trusting ourselves and others. 

17. Gratitude 

During retreat I didn’t have a lot of comforts. It helped me see how much I took for granted and how much I had to be grateful for.

At the end of every day sit in silence and ask yourself what am I grateful for. You’ll be amazed at the blessings you discover.

18. Simplicity

I used to love drama and conflict. But at retreat I found I was happier when I kept it simple.

Silence taught me that simplicity and joy are close companions. Pick one space in your home you could simplify. Keep it simple for one month and enjoy the ease it offers your life.

19. Connection

I used to think I had to talk in order to feel connected. I realized during retreat that I can feel connected just by being near people I care about.

Silence taught me that words can get in the way. Do something in silence with someone you love. It will be awkward at first but eventually you will see what it means just to be in someone presence.

20. Truth

I studied philosophy in college and I thought I could read about truth. But retreat taught me that truth is found in silence.

Silence has taught me a deeper truth than words ever could. Sit in silence once a week and feel the truth in your heart. It’s there whether you can express it in words or not.

from:    http://www.zengardner.com/20-ways-sitting-in-silence-can-transform-your-life/

January 4 – Full Wolf Moon

January’s Wolf Moon Will Fuel You Forward in 2015

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If you’re looking for a push to set your newly created goals and New Year’s resolutions into motion, the first Full Moon of 2015—the Wolf Moon—will not disappoint.

It packs a powerful planetary punch and delivers just the right mix of “driving” energy to give us a kick start to the year ahead.

The signs of Cancer and Capricorn will be highlighted at the peak of this Full Moon which takes place on Jan. 4, 2015. The energy of Cancer (our caretaker within) and Capricorn (our ambitious side) will come out in full swing. We might feel the tug to balance these two sides in order to get ahead and do what we intended to do.

There will also be a push happening behind the scenes – which you might call an unconscious drive.  Transformational Pluto will make a show stopper appearance at the peak of this Full Moon empowering us to get things done. We’re ready to say goodbye to old patterns of the past that we’ve already determined don’t work for us. 

That Capricorn push will help us put our foot down and say, “It’s time to take a stand and achieve my goals.”

Now getting what we want is never quite that easy, but this Full Moon does mark another turning point in pushing us a little closer to it.  You can expect to feel a pull – maybe between the demands and devotion of your loved ones (Cancer) to what it is you’re aiming to do (Capricorn).  This Full Moon will push us to be courageous somewhere and simply not take “no” as an answer.  However there are some things to contend to if you do this.  

With a Grand Cross (challenging planetary combination) peaking between the signs of Capricorn, Cancer, Aries and Libra you should gear up for a balancing act in several areas. 

Our responsibilities and ambitions (Capricorn) + the people we care about (Cancer) + our desire to start something new (Aries) + our ability to compromise and work as a team (Libra) will all be pulled in different directions. It’s rough to be pulled in so many ways but it’s the universe’s call to help you. 

This Full Moon is going to push you to balance all of these energies out while helping you ultimately get done what you have to.  Let’s face it – some of us just need a little push when it comes to the tough stuff.  

As we step ahead into the New Year, it’s also important to remember what we have already accomplished ….even if you feel like you don’t have any. Full Moons heighten our awareness and help us to see things that have been hidden. This is a great time to take your own inventory and see all the progress you did make.

The shadow side of Capricorn can beat us up and make us forget what we accomplished.  It’s always looking ahead and neglects to look back and say, “Good job man!” 

As you approach this Full Moon, it’ll be helpful to take a moment and look back on your 2014.  Go ahead and pat yourself on the back for all of your accomplishments – because all of us had them – whether you admit it or not.  

And if you can’t help that feeling to “get up and go” into 2015 – don’t stress.  The planetary energies will certainly be there fueling you forward.  

– See more at: http://yoganonymous.com/januarys-wolf-moon-will-fuel-you-forward-in-2015/#sthash.pInn4pio.dpuf

Large Coronal Hole

HOLE IN THE SUN’S ATMOSPHERE: A vast hole has opened in the atmosphere over the sun’s south pole, and it is spewing solar wind into space. The gaseous gap, a.k.a. a ‘coronal hole,’ is colored dark-purple in this extreme ultraviolet image from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory:


Curved lines trace the sun’s magnetic field in this EUV image from SDO

Coronal holes are places where the sun’s magnetic field opens up and allows solar wind to escape. A stream of solar wind flowing from this particular hole is expected to reach Earth’s orbit on Jan. 4-5. The bulk of the stream will flow south of our planet. However, not all of it will miss. NOAA forecasters estimate a 40% chance of polar geomagnetic storms when the solar wind arrives in the next 48 hours.

fr/spaceweather.com