Striving4Zen

BEFORE WE START

(1) Take your index finger and put it underneath
your nose like this:
http://www.yogabodynaturals.com/yoga-breathing-101

(2) Exhale through your nose quickly a few times.

(3) Notice which nostril is MORE open (more air comes
out).

RIGHT NOSTRIL DOMINANCE* is associated with the left
brain activity and is conducive for active states like working,
eating, exercising, etc.

LEFT NOSTRIL DOMINANCE* is associated with the right
brain activity and is conducive for meditative states, relaxation,
sleep, and creativity.

HOW NOSTRIL PREFERENCE WORKS

As your brain activity changes throughout the day, so
does your dominant nostril. And simply sticking your
finger under your nose is the easiest way to get an instant
read on where your head is at.

When you're super hungry, for example, you'll almost
always be in your right nostril.

When you're about to fall asleep, almost always it'll
be your left (and if you're not, you should get there...
more on how to do that later).

Naturally, your body will switch every 90-120 minutes
(there's no rule on this). So our breath tells us which side
of our brain is most active; and the cool thing is that we
can turn around and use the breath, control the breath, 
to influence our brain.

It really does work.

This is why people get so excited about pranayama,
or yoga breathing. It's a very powerful tool for "mind
control."

Labels: breathe, breathing deeply, pranayama, yoga

Fancy candles look nice and can smell delicious, but if you knew that formaldehyde, ethanol and acetone were components of the fragrant air you're breathing thanks to those candles, chances are you'd walk around with your own oxygen supply for 10 hours (that's how long the emissions linger!)

Candles have long been the source of providing an instant pick-me-up to an otherwise boring atmosphere. With varying colors, designs and scents, candles can turn a plain, poorly lit room into a romantic, inviting space.

Along with everything else from grocery bags to beauty products, candles have begun a green transformation making them more eco-friendly by emitting fewer carcinogens.

While paraffin wax and lead-based wicks have been common components of scented candles, companies are now employing soy and vegetable waxes along with cotton or paper core wicks, which are friendlier to Mother Earth-- and your lungs.

These longer- and cleaner-burning votives are made with essential and natural oils that don't have petroleum-based notes. As an added bonus, they come in recycled packaging and, most importantly, are made of harmless ingredients.

Best Sound Effects:

Dayna Decker "Bardou" has an EcoWood Wick, which crackles just like a fireplace.

Best Kitchen Scent:

James Boyce for Voluspa "Tomato, Celery and Fennel"

Most Fun:

Soular Therapy Astrological Candles "Pisces"

Sexiest:

Illume "Black Lavender"

Best Basic Scent:

Paddywax "Linden," $28 at

Most Reasonable:

Votivo "White Ocean Sands"

Most Relaxing:

Thymes "Eucalyptus"

Sweetest Smelling:

Nest "Beeswax and Whipped Cream"

Full article --> NY Post

Labels: breathe, candles, clean air, cool new product, eco-friendly, lead, toxic, toxins