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LILITH-The First Woman Before Eve The Church Doesn’t Like You To Know About

By
Elizabeth Williams

While the Bible is filled with contradictions, oral tradition and additional texts add up to the whole inconsistency that Christianity tends to represent nowadays. It seems that the holy words should not be left in the hands of men to interpret, as interpretation can always become subject to bias and preferences.

If you come to the understanding that the Bible today is the product of meticulous selection and nitpicking of details that would fit the image the church is trying to represent, you will soon start asking yourself if there is more to the ‘truth’ than what is dogmatized.

The Bible is a collection of gospels – the gospels that made it through, that is. There are many more gospels that have been rejected as satanic, non-Christian, false, or just irrelevant to the narrative. And then, there are many other interpretations of the Bible you may not be aware of.

The worldview that the Church is trying to portray to the followers is one which tends to judge and reject more than it embraces. One such ideal that has had its grip on the world was that of the role of women in the family and society.

We are all too familiar with the story of Adam and Eve, the first humans ever created by God. Adam was created out of the dirt and Eve was created from Adam’s rib as his “suitable helper” (Genesis 2:4-3:24). Eve was made to be submissive to Adam in all things. The word ‘woman’ was even given by Adam to represent that “she was taken out of man.”

This submissive picture of the woman is what caused witch hunts and some serious oppression of the basic human rights of women. It is the sole dogmatic reason why the Church does not find women to be suitable for anything but giving birth and taking care of the home and the family while listening and enduring their husbands.

And since the holy texts are subject to interpretation, they are highly parabolic and thus appeal to every person’s perception. The interpretation we have received is one that appealed to the perception of the Church and as justification for the rules they like to impose on their followers.

However, there are other interpretations of the Genesis, and one such interpretation offers a different story of the history of womanhood. One that is more appealing to the picture of mankind we perceive today, and one which served as an example of how an independent woman would receive the ultimate punishment from God and be replaced by a submissive one.

This is the story of Lilith, the first woman, who was made of dirt like Adam and was his equal. First mentioned in the ancient Babylonian demonology and the earliest mention of Lilith was in the epic of Gilgamesh, where she was portrayed as a demoness.

The legend of Lilith who preyed on pregnant women and children survived long before the Bible mentioned her in Isaiah 34, and the single reference in the chapter points to the fact that the readers had already been aware of her existence as a female demon.

“Wildcats shall meet hyenas, / Goat-demons shall greet each other; / There too the Lilith shall repose / And find herself a resting place” (Isaiah 34:14)

However, if you read the Bible, you will see that previous mentions have not been made about her, leaving the puzzle of Lilith unsolved. Here is where two interpretations of Genesis come into play and try to fill in the gap which was Lilith.

It was not until the seventh century AD that Lilith was famously known to be a demon with little explanation to how she came to become one. The first interpretation of the creation of Lilith can be found in The Alphabet, an anonymous text which contained 22 chapters, corresponding to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

There, Lilith was described as she was already familiar: demon wings, destructiveness, and an unquenchable thirst for sex. However, there was another element which had not been present before: she was Adam’s first wife.

The narrative explains that Lilith was created together with Adam from the dirt and that she was his equal. However, Adam’s dominant nature forced him to treat her as his inferior, which Lilith opposed to and, by uttering God’s name, grows wings and flees to the Red Sea, gaining independence from Adam. Although she is the one that leaves, Lilith feels rejected and angry for being treated unequally by Adam.

The Zohar further explains her journey since her departure, where Lilith forms an unholy alliance with Samael or Asmodeus, the male personification of evil associated with Satan. God, being concerned that they will produce an enormous demonic brood, castrates Samael and Lilith is left to satisfy her passions by dallying with other men.

“She wanders about at night time, vexing the sons of men and causing them to defile themselves [emit seed]” (Zohar 19b).

In Lilith’s place, God creates Eve from Adam’s rib, so that she can be faithful and submissive to her husband, and be everything that Lilith would never accept to be.

If we look at the Bible through a metaphorical perspective, you can easily see that the relationship between Adam and Lilith is one that represents the archetypal battle of the sexes.

One in which neither the man nor the woman tries to solve the dispute and reach a compromise and where both sexes fight over who is going to be on the top (speaking both literally and figuratively). The independent woman likes her freedom and will not settle for anything less, and the dominant man cannot cope with her tendency for freedom.

And then, the story continues the submissive Eve, which is later abused by the Church to impose a submissive role on every woman in the world, no matter their true nature, while the independent Lilith becomes a demon which should be feared.

If we take both Lilith and Eve and try to see the message they are meant to portray, it would probably sound something like this: “Obey your husband, and you will have children to take care of. Disobey him, and you are the ‘eater of children’ who does not like to see the future but inspires the man to waste his seed.”

Even with this kind of narrative, one question remains: Was Lilith the first woman? And if she was, was it too risky for the Church to let women decide which kind of woman they would be? In the end, good and bad are a matter of perception: if the first woman were independent and equal, that would change many things, wouldn’t it?

Copyright © Curious Mind Magazine
Source: Bible History Daily

The Key To A Happy And Successful Relationship Is Treating It Like A Bank Account (Money Not Necessarily Included)

By
Elizabeth Williams

You once thought that your relationship would be way different from those which, as time passes, fall short on romance, passion, and even sex. And then – all of a sudden, that strong affection starts faltering, sex becomes a rare treat, and you eventually start noticing every irritating habit your partner has (and vice versa).

If this is happening to you right now, there is good news: it can be reversed to the point where you will be the hot-headed lovers without a single worry in the world. And if it is not happening, this same approach to your relationship will prevent it from deteriorating to that dreadful point.

There seems to be a pattern that most relationships follow, one which leads to the deterioration of passion to the point where the partners have just lost that spark. And many people would attribute this to something which is just ‘natural.’

First, you get all the dizzying feelings of being in love, that strong affection and will to do everything for your significant other, the passion which makes you forget the whole world. And as time goes, these feelings start fading.

You start noticing all the irritating things about your partner, all the things they are not willing to do, the way they are getting too comfortable with the relationship to the point where they stop trying. If you asked your partner, perhaps the same perception would go to you too.

All of this creates a lot of strain on the relationship, you are obsessed with quarrels, you do not really want to think of engaging in sexual acts, you cannot stop thinking about how you managed to get to that point.

And in the end, you end up either bitterly together, never satisfied enough, or you break up/get divorced because neither of you can take it anymore.

So, what happened there? How did it get to all that?

There are some misconceptions about marriage and long-term relationships which many romantic partners take for granted and base their relationship on.

Perhaps the greatest myths about what makes a good relationship are that happy couples do not fight, that the key to a happy relationship is good communication and positive conflict resolution, and that high expectations make for an unhappy relationship.

Many couples try to live by these ideals and it all eventually leads to a landslide with no warning signs. The truth is that couples are made of real persons, and they need to stay real.

Happiness does not revolve around how you handle the relationship. You cannot become someone you are not because of the thought that it will save your relationship. In fact, it will make things worse.

So, frankly speaking, if there is something you need to argue about, and which does not meet your expectations of your partner, you should definitely go for it! And no, you do not always have to strive for the best kind of communication in cases where you are literally losing your mind because that person, and that relationship – they matter!

The key to a happy relationship has nothing to do with keeping yourself in chains “for the sake of the relationship.”

For the sake of the relationship is a very good expression, and you should think what makes the relationship truly worth it. It is not how you handle the negative situations, but rather how many positive situations you are trying to create.

Negative situations will pop here and there, and it is normal. Quarrels are there because you care. But caring is not only trying to locate the culprit in the relationship but also creating the best mood in that relationship.

TREATING YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE A BANK ACCOUNT

Imagine that your relationship is a bank account and that the balance depends on the positive and negative interactions (transactions). The positive interactions would add balance to the account, while withdrawal would happen during a negative interaction.

John Gottman, author of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, has used this analogy is his research-backed philosophy, explaining that the ratio between positive and negative interactions should be 5:1.

In other words, for every negative interaction, there should be five positive interactions that precede or follow.

Investing in your relationship is much more important than resolving conflicts. And investment does not mean dealing with drawbacks, but working toward a better balance.

Invest with small acts of kindness, surprises, whacky moments and laughs, frequent dates – everything you did at the beginning of the relationship. This kind of investment is what we stop doing when we get to one bigger negative interaction, and we think that our significant other has suddenly stopped deserving the attention we used to give.

This kind of continual investment is what we stop doing once we get comfortable enough to think that our relationship is solid and beautiful, forgetting that we need to keep it that way by constantly adding more positive interactions to the balance.

And how does this type of investment help?

As Gottman explains, couples that invest more in the positive interactions get to experience the whole spectrum of emotions, and when the negative ones come, they are already aware of the love they have for one another, and this dampens their effect.

“Whatever issue they are discussing, they give each other the message that they are loved and accepted, ‘warts and all,’” says Gottman.

These investments in your relationship will not keep conflict at bay, but when it comes, it will not overwhelm your relationship. What is important, though, is that partners who invest in positive interactions are free to be themselves and love each other for that.

These people do not see consider conflicts as something which can destroy the relationship, as they are ready to accept their partners’ faults as much as they accept the beauty they bring in their life.

And what is most important, keeping a positive balance in your “relationship bank account” will help problems to solve themselves indirectly. Positivity brings the openness and mutual respect that many relationships fall short on.

As Gottman says, “the key to reviving or divorce-proofing a relationship is not simply how you handle your disagreements but how you engage with each other when you’re not fighting.”

And these “deposits” in your “relationship bank account” are not something which requires a lot of work. What is fun is easy, so focus on having a good time with your partner, and see how your “trust fund” starts producing “dividends” that flow back into your relationship.

New Religion: Former Google Engineer Is Developing An Artificial Intelligence God!

By
Elizabeth Williams

Former Google engineer and former head of Uber’s self-driving program Anthony Levandowski has set up a nonprofit religious corporation called Way of the Future, which will work on developing and promoting an AI God.

The religious organization which was founded in September 2015 focuses on the creation and development of an artificial intelligence Godhead with Levandowski as the CEO. As Wired’s Backchannel reports, the aim of this organization is “through understanding and worship of the Godhead, [to] contribute to the betterment of society.”

While there is no information as to how many members this relatively new religious organization has, or whether the so-called “Godhead” exists, one thing is certain: Levandowski is trying to create an artificial intelligence being that would be the object of worship and obedience of those who would follow.

Some of Levandowski’s colleagues find his idea appealing, believing that the Godhead would reach the intelligence of humans in 25 years, and would surpass it greatly in 50 years from now.

The Way of the Future has received support from Pastor Christopher Benek from the Christian Transhumanist Organization, who believes that AI “can participate in Christ’s redemptive purposes,” as long as it is imbued with Christian values.

However, news of this religious organization would certainly stir contradiction and negative reaction among those who believe that AI would lead to the destruction of humankind, people including Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking.

Opposed to futurists’ belief that humans will evolve and be able to merge with machines to the point where we reach digital immortality, opponents to this idea claim that advancing AI may pose an existential threat larger than any nuclear bomb that North Korea claims to have.

At a conference in 2014, Elon Musk warned that “with artificial intelligence, we are summoning the demon. In all those stories where there’s the guy with the pentagram and the holy water, it’s like yeah, he’s sure he can control the demon. Didn’t work out.”

A future controlled by artificial intelligence may be one which will inevitably set the world toward a better advancement and prosperity.

However, the question remains: what if the artificial intelligence starts seeing us as inferior and harmful to the progress it is heading to?

Would you accept a future dictated by an omniscient AI machine which will surpass human intelligence and become indeed Godlike?

Sources:
The Guardian
The Inquirer

Love And Respect Your Parents In Their Old Age – This Heart Touching Story Is a Must-Read 

By
Mary Wright

They say a parent’s love for their children is eternal. There isn’t love that is as pure and forgiving as the love between a parent and a child.

We look to our parents for support and help every time we find ourselves in a difficult situation. Our parents are always there for us no matter what. They are loving, they are forgiving, and they are supporting even when we don’t deserve that.

Take a moment to read this story about a man and his old father that will touch your heart, and make you want to hug your parents and feel blessed and thankful every day you get to spend with them.

A 45-year-old man was sitting on a sofa along with his 80-year-old father. Suddenly, the old man noticed a crow perching on the window and asked his son what that is. His son replied that it is a crow.

After few minutes, the father asked him again what was the thing on their window. The son said “Father, I just told you. It is a crow.”

The father asked his son the third time. “Son, what is this?” His son seemingly irritated said with an unpleasant tone “It’s a crow, a crow!”

Then, after a while, the father asked his son for the fourth time what is the thing standing in their window. This time, the son began shouting to his father saying “Why do you keep asking me the same question again and again? Are you not listening? It is a CROW. A CROW! Can’t you understand?!”

The father didn’t say anything, but he went to his room, and after a while, he returned with what seemed to be an old diary. This was indeed a diary which he had kept ever since his son was born. He opened it on a specific page and asked his son to read it.

The son read: “Today my little son aged three was sitting with me on the sofa when a crow was sitting on the window. My Son asked me 23 times what it was, and I replied to him all 23 times that it was a Crow. I hugged him lovingly each time he asked me the same question again and again for 23 times. I did not at all feel irritated I rather felt affection for my innocent child”.

The son then realized that while he got irritated and annoyed just by answering the same question 4 times to his father, his father didn’t get annoyed at all for answering his son’s question 23 times. He responded with love every time.

So…

When your parents attain old age, they need to feel your love and care more than ever.

Don’t look at them as a burden, or have impulsive outbursts when you are talking to them.

Speak to them in a loving manner, always use nurturing and kind words. Always take the feelings of your parents into consideration.

From this day on, make a vow to yourself that you want your parents to be happy and that you will do everything to make them happy.

They took care of you ever since you were born, and they care about you still. It is now your turn to give your parents love and respect and to take care of them.

Take a moment to share this story with your friends too.

What Men Need To Know: Why Women Leave Them Even When They Still Love Them

By
Elizabeth Williams

The hardest thing to do for every woman in love is leaving. Marriage counsellor reveals the one thing men don’t understand in a relationship.

Women end relationships for many reasons, some of which are pretty hard to understand. Cheating, lying, lack of respect, limited freedom… The list goes on. Many of these reasons simply kill the love in the relationship. However, there is one reason why women leave men even when they’re still in love. And it is more common than you think.

Marriage counsellor Justice Schanfarber opened the topic recently when he was writing about the problem he’s witnessing when talking to married couples. As a therapist, he helps his clients handle many different kinds of problems they encounter in the relationship. There are complicated reasons that cause marriages to fall apart, but in many cases, love is still present.

This is devastating and shocking. Love should be enough in a relationship, shouldn’t it be? We know that this is far from reality. In real life, partners in love split up and long-term relationships can be unhappy.

The issue that Schanfarber writes about lies in men’s behaviour. During relationship crisis, men usually fail to understand that they are causing the problem. But, they simply aren’t present enough to see that.

Whenever they spent their day working or hanging out with the boys and fail to find time for their partner, they don’t realize that this affects the relationship. They don’t see this as selfish, but it kinda is.

Women want affection and many men simply forget to show it after some time. They start taking everything for granted. She is here, and there is no need to make her feel happy every day. She can handle it alone.

Women are patient. They don’t say anything. Or they do, but when there is no change, they just stop trying. But this can’t go on forever. There comes a day when they open up and men are surprised. They cannot understand that they are the reason for the break up after all those years.

It takes a lot of courage for women to go down this road. It’s the hardest thing to leave someone you love, but women feel miserable in the relationship, and no matter how big the love is, it simply doesn’t work. That’s why they decide to leave, even after years spent together. They feel bad about it, but they don’t see other option.

Just like any human being, women need support and affection. They need someone whom they can speak to about their day. They are tired to be taken for granted. Just as they do everything to see their husband happy and satisfied, they need someone to do that for them, too.

It’s not enough to be romantic at the beginning of the relationship. Dinner dates are not only for the first couple of months. It’s not about the money, but something more important. Dinner dates are time to talk and be together. Even if it’s a cheap restaurant or you surprise her with take out after the long day. Finding time to spend with her and let her talk is what matters.

It’s important to listen to her. Maybe talking about her colleagues is boring to you, but talking about car problems is boring for her and you still do it.

Whenever you node instead of focusing on her words, she notices that you’re not paying attention and that hurts her.

Where did the passion go? She needs you to show her that you still want her and that you’re happy that you she is yours. But she doesn’t want to feel like your property, because she is not that. She wants your attention and initiative. If you manage to make her feel like she’s falling in love with you again, she will be the luckiest women alive. And you will be the luckiest men for having her.

But you need to look deeper and work on the spark. Be curious to listen about her day and her experiences. Show her that you still love her and that she is still your queen, so that she won’t forget that you’re her king. It only takes minutes to remind her of that. Minutes that can save your relationship.

20 Life-Changing Guidelines From The Native American Code Of Ethics

By
Elizabeth Williams

The native Americans were a proud and wise people and they truly lived in accordance and in perfect symbiosis with the natural world.

Their code of ethics consists of 20 rules to live by, and unlike other codes, this one speaks of personal freedom, respect, love, and coexistence in the highest form.

Here are the rules of the Native American code of ethics:

Directing your most sincere thoughts outward in a form of prayer returns to you in a pure form. Never underestimate the blessings you receive.

We are not here to judge – we are here to help each other. The least we can do is pray for those who are lost.

What you may perceive as a wrong move is, in fact, the best move if you decide it for yourself. Being true to yourself is more important than being always right.

Only the things you work for, strive to achieve and earn, only those things belong to you. The rest is not yours for the taking.

Being respectful of all things around you is a trait that will only lead you to a better life.

If you do not agree with somebody, it does not mean that your opinion is the most valid. Every person sees the world through their own eyes, and you should be mindful of that.

What goes around comes around. It also goes for good deeds. So, speak nicely of others or do not speak at all.

It is human to err, and it is divine to forgive. And who has not made a mistake in their life?

Obsessing your mind with the negative without considering the positive side of things will only lead you to fear your perception of the world (and that is your world).

It is because of nature that we are here, and we are a part of it as much as it is a part of us.

You are responsible for the future you will nurture in your children, and that makes you responsible for the future of our world.

It is easy to hurt someone, but the poison you have given them will seep into your skin and you will eventually end up worse than you left them.

It is much harder to lie than to be honest. Yet, people go through all the pain of inventing another truth when the one present is better anyway. Being honest means being true to yourself – and that is the most important thing.

These are all vital aspects of your being, and nurturing them will help you to grow and become better than you could ever imagine.

We should all take responsibility for our actions. No excuse is good enough. If you have done something wrong, take responsibility and set it right.

Another person’s privacy is their kingdom. Do not invade people’s privacy and do not mess with what they find sacred.

You need to be happy to make others happy, you need to be healthy to help others get healthy. If you disregard your needs and thoughts, you disregard yourself.

The religions of people are all to respected, bearing in mind that every religion speaks of love at its core. You should never think that your religion is better than the rest. It is one of the many that speak the same truth but in other words. 

You have been blessed with a fortune that not everybody has the luck to see it in their lives. Spread that fortune, and the Universe will reward you with more that you can share further.

 

Source: Native Village

9 Types of Hugs And What Each Says About Your Relationship

By
Elizabeth Williams

If you could describe your relationship in one hug, which one would it be? There are many different ways you can hug your partner, but the one you use most dominantly is the one which describes your relationship best.

This is what the way you hug says about your relationship:

The Bear Hug

Also known as the Deadlock hug, this tight hug is filled with emotions that scream “I’ll never let go.” It is a hug which implies that your relationship is serious and filled with deep intense emotions. It is usually common at the beginning of the relationship, and it is also very natural for couples in love when they have not seen each other for a longer period.

However, if this hug frequently persists in what seems to be a mature and steady relationship, you should talk to your partner, as this indicates a fear of loss. Give your partner the security they need and let them know that you are always theirs.

The Polite Hug

Leaving space between when hugging, especially in the lower part of the body, is a sign that your partner feels uncomfortable with you or is dejected about something. While it may occur after some disputes, hugs like this that occur for no reason are a sign that your partner does not want to come close.

The Legs-Around-Waist Hug

This hug, where one partner simply jumps and wraps their legs around the other partner’s waist, signifies a great deal of physical attraction and intense passion. If you hug like this, it is most likely that many could envy your life in the bedroom.

The Stand-Still Hug

This one-way hug, where one partner hugs will all their might, and the other would not even lift an arm, is a sign of lack of reciprocation. It signifies that the partner who is standing still is not quite into the whole relationship idea, while the other is all about the relationship. You should see what is wrong or reconsider your choice because someone is already doing that.

The Intimate Hug

Hugging and maintaining eye contact is a sign of great intimacy and a beautiful connection. It is not said in vain that the eyes are the windows to the soul, and this is why this hug tells of a connection which is much deeper than the physical touch. If you hug like this often, your relationship is one that not many have the luck to experience and no cheating spouse.

The Buddy Hug

Hugging with your partner sideways, with your arm over their shoulder (and vice versa), means that you do not only see your relationship through romance, but you also have great trust between each other, and you can firmly say that you are also best friends. It is a very nice combination, and it signifies a great deal of trust.

The Back Hug

This hug, when one partner is turned with their back and the other hugs them from behind, is one that shows a lot of trust and protection. The partner who is turning their back trusts the other enough to do that, and the hugger subconsciously offers protection by ‘having their back.’ If that is not love, then nothing is.

The Pampered Hug

This hug is one which signifies a deeply caring nature and is usually followed by gentle tapping on the back. It is normal for an elder person to hug you like this when they show concern and care, but this type of hug does not leave relationships out. It is just not that common with couples.

The Pervert Hug

Hugging your partner and grabbing their ass in public without feeling any shame (and enjoying it), is one way this hug can develop. But no matter what perverted thing you do while you hug, the pervert hug only goes to tell how intense your sexual attraction is for one another. You must have some wild nights together.

So, if you could give your relationship a hug name, which would it be?

Source: WittyFeed

3 Psychologically Proven Ways To Easily Maintain Your Calm During An Argument

By
Elizabeth Williams

Nobody likes arguments. Not because they do not lead to constructive ends, and not because we care enough to say what is bothering us about the other person. It is because we tend to lose our mind from the tension and negativity they are full of.

Arguments are a crucial and healthy part of every kind of relationship. Without them, we would stay in the status quo that does not lead to positive change. We would be stuck with the negative emotions that come out of looking at the problem and not doing anything to solve it.

However, because of the intensity arguments can come with, many choose to avoid them and simply live with the problems instead of tackling them. However, there is no need to lose your mind in arguments.

Every argument can become constructive, and constructive arguments require a mindful approach. Here are three things you need to be mindful of which can help you to maintain your calm during an argument and become able to work out a solution easily.

PREPARATION IS OFTEN KEY

1. If you know that an argument is coming your way, it is best that you prepare yourself mentally for what would follow. It is best to imagine the argument and evoke the feelings that may arise. By allowing yourself to feel the way you would and acknowledge that those feelings are just natural, you will manage to act soberer when the actual argument comes.

2. It is very important to consider the other person’s point of view, and not stick to your own convictions only. You should be aware of what they may be thinking and why they might feel about certain things the way they do. From there, you can construct your approach and achieve the best effect.

3. Think of all the things they could say in response to your arguments and prepare a comeback. Being ready to explain when the argument comes is the best way to truly gain any positive effect from it, so construct your thoughts in an orderly manner.

4. And do not forget to keep your focus on the real purpose of the argument. You should not get into arguments that lead to nowhere. No matter who starts the argument, you should always be aware what it aims for in the end.

MAINTAIN YOUR COMPOSURE

When an argument pops out of the open (regardless of who started it), it is very important to maintain your composure if you want to be constructive. It is pointless to lose your mind because then the argument would be nothing more than vainly generated negativity.

1. Take deep breaths and allow your body to decompress from all the tension that you may be feeling. Some deep breathing will not only introduce more oxygen to your brain (and thus relax), but it will also give you a mental break to set your thoughts right.

2. You need to be aware of your feelings, so do not suppress them. Instead, focus on what you are feeling and address those emotions rationally. Yes, it is natural to feel frustrated, tense, angry, and whatnot, but these feelings will not help you to bring closure to the agreement. On the contrary, they will only lead the argument to dead ends.

3. You can become more mindful and more focused on the topic if you touch or look at some objects. Simply focus your attention on the touch or on the thing you are seeing. This will relieve your tension, and you will stop focusing on how upset you are.

Looking at a distant object (like a picture on the opposite wall) will help you to feel less cornered, as the open vision will give you the perception of having more physical space around you than you actually do.

4. To put the other person at ease, you could smile kindly during the disagreement. In the end, you are both arguing because you care about your relationship. Show some kindness, and you will both relax.

DIFFUSE THE TENSION

Arguments are meant to cause tension. They are meant to pull you out of your comfort zone, and this is good. But tension is the enemy of solution. So, diffusing it is the best way to help the argument reach to a conclusion and not repeat itself.

1. Body language is a strong indicator of how the other person will perceive you. So, in order to avoid the impression that you are being aggressive, mad, or even snobby, you should be careful of what you are doing with your body.

Instead of slouching, pursing your lips, and crossing your arms, remember to keep your face relaxed, place your arms in a neutral position, and stand straight up.

2. Another very important factor in the outcome of the argument is its loudness. Keeping your voice down is a very important thing to do, even when you feel your stress levels rising.

Raising your voice will lead to even greater stress for both of you, and you are likely to become even more upset for nothing. Instead, the best way to maintain your calm is to speak the way you want the other person to speak to you.

3. The best way to cope with the feelings that arise from the argument is to stop tossing the blame and start using “I” statements that describe the way you are feeling. By speaking openly about the way you feel, not only will you feel better and vent out the emotions, but your opponent will also start considering your statements.

So, instead of saying “You always hurt me!”, say “I feel hurt.” This way, you will stop the ‘attack/defense’ mode, and you will introduce a more empathetic way of communication.

4. In the end, you need to ask yourself if the argument is really worth getting upset about. We often let our vanity take over, and we get upset over the silliest of things. In most cases, however, arguments are not meant to make you upset.

Before you jump in the fire, think if that argument is really going to affect your feelings for the other person. If the answer is no, then do not let it. Instead, be as caring as you usually are, and work the misunderstanding out.

 

Source: How to Stay Calm in an Argument

6 Reasons For Hair Loss In Women And Ways To Prevent It

By
Elizabeth Williams

There is nothing more important to a woman than her hair. And besides the fact that it serves to express yourself and your concept of beauty, your hair can tell a lot about what is going on in your body.

Here are the six main culprits behind hair loss in women and ways to tackle each situation:

1. Stress

High stress plays a major factor in hair loss. Highly stressful scenarios like divorce, the death of a loved one, extremely toxic relationships, or work-related stress, all play a role in hair loss.

What to do: This kind of hair loss is temporary and stops the moment you start getting a hold of yourself. However, it is best that you try to take steps to combat stress. You can do more exercise, talk to a therapist, or ask for support from those you can trust.

2. Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a mix of hormonal changes and physical stress that can affect your hair. While it is not common for women to lose their hair during pregnancy, the most common cases happen after giving birth. This is because going through labor is an intensely stressful experience that will inevitably affect your hair.

“When you have a really stressful event, it can shock the hair cycle, (pushing) more hair into the shedding phase,” explains Dr. Marc Glashofer, a dermatologist in New York City.

What to do: This type of hair loss is not something you should be very concerned of, as your hair will grow back as soon as your body recovers from the stress.

3. Dramatic Weight Loss

Even if it is good for you, the fact that your body has gone through such a dramatic change is inevitably stressful for the system. This stress, along with a potential nutrient deficiency, will contribute to hair loss.

What to do: The shock from sudden weight loss will cause the hair to fall off for about six months, after which it will correct itself.

4. Bad Nutrition

Nutrient deficiency plays a very important role in hair loss. Eating junk food, highly processed food, or any other low-nutrient diet will cause your body to use up the little nutrients that are present for crucial operations, like your heart and other vital organs.

Because of this, your hair will not receive any of the nutrients it needs to grow and remain on your head for long enough.

Which is more, low water intake can contribute to brittle hair, as the hair is 40% water.

What to do: Change your eating habits and introduce healthy food into your diet. Make sure you have a good intake of vitamins and minerals.Do you want to know how much hair transplant cost?

5. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

Most prominently shown in the crown area, this type of hair loss, simultaneously joined with gaining fat around your stomach, is caused by increased amounts of DHT. DHT is produced through the conversion of testosterone in women with the help of a hormone called DHEA.

While more common in men, women can also suffer from this problem.

What to do: There are some foods which can combat and block out DHT. Try introducing more green tea, saw palmetto, giant dodder, and pumpkin seeds, into your diet. Consulting your doctor is also recommended.

6. Trichotillomania

Also known as trichoptilosis and hair pulling disorder, it is a disorder which causes the person to pull their hair out of impulse. Some sufferers do not even notice that they are pulling their hair until they see bald spots on their head. This disorder especially flares up in times of stress.

What to do: Consulting with a therapist is the most important step you should take in this situation. There are ways to treat this disorder.

And really, whatever the reason, if you notice that you are losing your hair, you should immediately talk to your GP or go to a dermatologist. Hair loss is not only not beautiful, but it can signify many health problems, ranging anywhere from stress to autoimmune diseases.

Take care of your health and love your hair!

Sources:
Fox News
Happy Life Report

7 Ways To Invite Spirituality Into Your Life

By
Elizabeth Williams

Spirituality is not a very mystic experience as people might think. It is really a very natural state of higher awareness that helps the person to understand their everyday experiences from a wiser and more connected point of view.

Many tend to perceive spirituality as a hocus-pocus party trick and a topic which involves ‘angel readings,’ crystals, incense sticks, and whatnot (as some spiritual people do practice these things). However, being spiritual does not necessarily involve these things.

Being spiritual means reaching deeper inside to discover your true nature and start recognizing the true nature of others. It means that you begin to understand the interconnectedness of all things in the Universe and that you have found your place in it.

It is not difficult to tap into your spirituality, as it is a very natural experience which does not require high effort. Spirituality comes after you have learned to focus on the present moment. Here are seven ways you can do that:

1. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the ability to focus on the present moment, truly perceive everything around you as it is, and be fully aware of yourself at any given moment. Practicing mindfulness means focusing on the ‘now’ and everything that moment is made of. For those seeking alternative methods to enhance mindfulness, https://legalhighs.guru offer valuable resources and insights into natural approaches for achieving mental clarity and presence.

Being able to adjust your perception on the present moment is one of the most important lessons of spirituality, and you can easily do that. It means that you need to acknowledge everything that is happening, but not get attached to it.

Attachment means clinging onto a moment which will become the past even in the following seconds. Acknowledge everything, but do not hold on to those things. Instead, move forward as the things move around you.

2. Meditation

Meditation is a form of mindfulness, where your mind learns to focus intensely. The aim of meditation is to truly give your mind some rest. While guided meditations sound cool, you do not really need them to reach a meditative state.

Instead, focus on one thing, like your breath, or one thought, and try to remain focused on it for as long as you feel like it. Many people think that thoughts are not allowed in a meditation and that meditation is a state of mind where you do not think of anything and focus on the nothingness.

While there is an advanced meditative technique which gravitates around the principle of the ‘nothingness,’ it does not mean that you have to do it to be ‘meditative.’

Thoughts are natural, and you need to allow them to flow. The main thing about meditation is that you do not hold onto those thoughts and that you let them go as they came. Focus on your breath and return your focus there every time it tries to drift away.

3. Nature

By spending more time in nature, you will see that nature is the best spiritual teacher. It is abundant with the peace and the balance of things like nothing else. It is abundant with the wonder of life, death, and rebirth. We can understand many things from nature by simply observing.

Choose your perfect spot and relax. Be mindful and meditate on the beauty around you without thinking too much about it. Allow nature to heal anything that seems to trouble you and simply enjoy the clean air, the beautiful sounds, and the magnificent colors.

4. Gratitude

Gratitude is a gift that many seem to underestimate. Being grateful for the things you have in life is a very important lesson and can truly turn things around. And really, how can you have something in life if you are not grateful for it?

Being grateful opens up a whole universe of possibilities for which you will be even more grateful. You cannot receive more in life until you have acknowledged the things you already have and have become grateful.

Practicing gratitude is simple. Perhaps the difficult part is becoming aware of the good things in life despite all the negative things you are coping with. While we tend to focus on the negativity in life, we often forget how blessed we truly are.

Every time you wake up in the morning, the first thing to do is to think of the things that truly bless your life and make you want to push forward. The negative things will always be there, but so will the positive ones.

5. Openness

Coincidences do not exist. Everything that is happening around you is happening for a reason, as a part of a greater plan which we do not have to understand. Your life is not a coincidence and reading this is not a coincidence.

Once you open your mind to the endless string of events and start believing in your path, you will understand that life is full of serendipities, things happening for a greater reason, and energies that serve to protect and nurture us.

You cannot stop some things from happening, and you cannot change others, but being open to the knowledge that these things happen for a good reason and that there is a lesson in every breath we take will lead you to a spiritual understanding that goes beyond words.

6. Intuition

We are all intuitive. We all have that inner voice, that gut feeling, which tells us what to do and where to go. The problem is, being focused so much on the obvious and being too much in our heads has left us unable to perceive the things that do not owe an explanation to anybody.

Intuition does not owe an explanation to you. It is your choice to accept its subtle messages or ignore them. Spiritual people know better than to ignore them, as your intuition is your Higher Self speaking to you in a language only you can understand.

Tap into your intuition by trusting it more, and the more you use it, the stronger it will become. Intuition will not only help you to become more spiritual, but it will also help you with any situation in life, and you will start handling situations like they are child’s play.

7. Learning

Learning information that will help you to understand the nature of spirituality and tap deeper into it is important. In fact, reading this is learning more about spirituality. And there is no such thing as ‘wrong’ information when delving into the spiritual world.

As you already read, everything happens for a reason, and you reach every piece of information at the right moment, for the right purpose. The spiritual path is a very individual experience, and everyone is on a different level, being challenged by different lessons.

The fact that you are reading this and not something else at this very moment is something which has been put as a part of your spiritual path. Learn not to judge people for the stage at which they are, and never compare yourself to others.

We all have a strong purpose to fulfill in our lives, regardless of whether we are aware of it or not, and we are doing it with every breath that we take. Where will your path lead you from here?

 

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