Teen age is the time when
one is confused, either due to peer pressure or because of one's own curiosity
‘to know all and do all’
Often one hears a teenager saying, ‘I am fat. I am too skinny. I would be happy if I were taller, shorter, had curly hair, straight hair, a smaller nose, stronger muscles, longer legs……’ The wish list goes on and on. This is the age when one is confused, either due to peer pressure or because of one’s own curiosity ‘to know all and do all.’ And as the body changes, so does the body image. Many people have trouble adjusting to the change and this can affect their self-esteem.
Many nutritionists believe that sugar can be addictive and it is difficult to break the habit of excess sugar intake.
Almost everyone on planet loves “sweet foods” or “dessert”. The sweet taste in these foods comes from sugar. Sugar, or table sugar as we know it, is the white crystalline substance produced by industrial processes (mostly from sugar cane or sugar beets) by refining it down to pure sucrose, after taking away all the vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes and other beneficial nutrients. Its true name is sucrose and its chemical formula is C12H22O11. It has 12 carbon atoms, 22 hydrogen atoms, 11 oxygen atoms, and absolutely nothing else to offer. Simply put, sugar is a concentrated unnatural substance, which the human body is not able to handle, at least not in quantities that is ingested in today’s lifestyle.
Eating is one of the simplest and most profound mindful practice. We often eat while doing other things such as talking or reading. We can learn a lot about the mind by eating without distractions and making it as much of a meditation practice as sitting and walking.
1. Always wash face, hands, and-if possible-feet before meals.
2. Never eat before sunrise or after sunset. If you must eat after sunset, avoid all sour and acidic foods.
3. Meditate briefly just before eating (or offer grace) to raise energy and increase appreciation for food.
4. Always eat only when right nostril is operating; drink only when left is operating.
5. Eat or drink only when sitting down.
With the first stirring of dawn, about ninety minutes before the sun appears over the eastern horizon, comes a great surge of energy on the planet. Sanskrit scriptures call this time Brahma mahoorta or Amrit Bela. Brahma Mahoorta means the ‘Time of Brahma’, pure consciousness, the divine self. It signifies the time of the ‘nectar of life’.
During these crucial minutes, the body’s glaze of the health increases, as do physical strength and power of concentration. One is filled with fresh energies, inspired to undertake any kind of work and any project initiated at this time is always completed. Difficult problems requiring great mental effort are most easily solved, and memory is at its sharpest. Sick persons feel released from the agonies that kept them awake and troubled through the night, often falling into deep, replenishing sleep.
Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but also the individual as a whole. The emphasis is on prevention of bodily ailments and not just curing them. There are no distressing side effects and it has, today, become an internationally acclaimed form of healing, rejuvenation and healthy living. Ayurveda advises to carefully choose food suitable to one's constitution and the season, so that body can heal itself. Beauty, in the other fields, may emphasize on the way we look and the qualities we possess. But Ayurveda delves deeper. Ayurveda does not see beauty as a cosmetic affair. Ayurveda calls for self care and also development of positive routines and rituals that will help bring out the best in us.
Massage is the most indispensable part while treating varied ailments in ayurveda, works on both physical and mental levels. It transmits a life-giving energy that assists all the systems of the body to repair and renew themselves. Ayurvedic massage practitioners concentrate on the subtle energy points that respond to the gentle physical manipulation and work with the needs of different body types. Here are few of the different types of ayurvedic massages.
"Never lie down to sleep with your head northward or westward" is a common injunction given from time immemorial by the Indian mother to her children. Almost every Hindu- orthodox or heterodox- observes this dictum of his ancestors, but he doesn't know the rationale or significance behind the dictum, although it has been handed down to him through generations. For example, Vishnu Purana says: "O King! It is beneficial to lie down with the head placed eastward or southward. The man who lies down with his head placed in contrary directions becomes diseased." The Varshaadi Nool says: "Sleeping eastward is good; sleeping southward prolongs life; sleeping westward and northward brings ruin." The Mahabharata says: "Men become wise by sleeping eastward and southward."
Which direction you should sleep? East? West? North? South???? Is it really important to know the right direction
Nature is not only a cosmetologist, but an expert chemist! It has provided such versatile natural ingredients that help to enhance the beauty of the skin. In fact, they have curative properties too. Indeed, natural ingredients can even be categorized under cosmetological terms.
Our skin is exposed to dirt and grime, as well as chemical pollutants in the air and water everyday. Cleansing the skin at night is of utmost importance, to remove all the impurities that have been deposited during the day. Most of us love soap and water to cleanse our face. However, soap may not help to dissolve the pollutants and make-up debris and remove them totally from the skin surface. Besides, most soaps are alkaline in nature. The skin should not be washed with soap and water more than twice a day.
Our skin is perhaps the most vulnerable organ in the body. It is constantly exposed to pollution, grime, and changes in weather conditions. Not surprisingly, skin problems are a common occurrence and afflict almost everyone at sometime or the other in their lives. Not only does a neglected skin fade quickly but it cannot perform its functions such as nourishment, purification and rejuvenation properly. In order to understand and deal with common skin problems and also to follow an effective regimen for day today skin care, it is important to first understand the skin-its structure and its function.
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine, in which healing effects are ascribed to the aromatic compounds in essential oils and other plant extracts. Many common essential oils have medicinal properties that have been applied in folk medicine since ancient times and are still widely used today. For example, many essential oils have antiseptic properties, though some are stronger than others. In addition, many are claimed to have an uplifting effect on the mind, though different essential oils have different properties.
The most celebrated chef of India shares few of his amazing recipes with the readers of Soul Curry. Try out the dishes yourself and trust us you’ll really like them all!
Most of us cannot think of anything else in the morning till we have had our cup of coffee - the most popular beverage on planet earth! In fact, it is the coffee, which truly wakes us up. Ever wondered, what makes us depend on it or rather make us feel that we cannot live without that morning dose of booster? Did you ever ponder about coffee beyond that rich aroma which perks up your mood?
Coffee, we all know, is a beverage of Ethiopian origin. It is said that Kaldi, a goatherd, found his goats eating bright red berries from a dark-leafed shrub. Usually calm and responsible, the goats began dancing, frolicking and singing. Kaldi shared his discovery with local monks who concocted a drink by boiling the berries. After the drink, the monks realized that they had the stamina to pray for long hours. Later, a particularly curious monk, who liked the sweet aroma of a burning coffee branch, pulled the charred berries from the fire, ground them down and prepared a black beverage. This liquid was the first coffee. The traditional coffee has been transformed tremendously.
"Your Child is a Winner, as long as he learns and celebrates his failures. " Success is not about winning, it is all about enjoying and growing with each experience.
It is the parents who define the word ’success’ to their child, through their reaction. How you respond to your child’s attempts in any task will define the word ’success’ for him and eventually determine the spirit with which he will lead the rest of his life. If you consider losing in a contest a failure and not a learning ground, then your child is surely going to measure his success in terms of losing and winning. And this is what mostly parents do. Instead of celebrating the attempt of the child, they focus entirely on the outcome. What could be an opportunity to encourage and make the child learn from his mistakes, becomes a session of criticism and disappointment.
Such an attitude of parents disturbs a child’s balance.
Parvati insisted to Lord Shiva to tell her the secret of His immortality. So, Lord Shiva embarked upon finding a place where no living being could reach and that only Parvati hears and stumbled upon a huge cave.
The trek from Pahalgam to Amarnath Cave is on an ancient route. It takes four days to cover this 45-kilometre route which can at times be hazardous, if not intimidating. But when you know that you are in the lap of the captivating Himalayas and that thousands, perhaps millions of people, have walked on this path for centuries, and are still doing the same, it gives you an inner strength to move on. On this path have walked great saints like Shankaracharya, Swami Vivekananda and Swami Ramtirtha. On this path have walked the old and young, and will continue to do so for centuries to come.
There is an air of timelessness about the place. Everything here is so old and so new – the path, the journey, the hills, the glaciers, the cave, and the lingam. This is the place where legends are as old as the hills around you.
Eating
something
for breakfast is
better than
eating nothing
at all.The first meal of the day, or the breakfast, is the most important meal of the day.
Eating
something
for breakfast is
better than
eating nothing
at all.
The logic for highlighting the dangers of avoiding breakfast is pretty simple. Brain needs fuel (glucose) to perform all its activities. If you have had your last meal at 10 pm and you skip your breakfast, you will practically be without food for more than 14 hours. It simply means that you have deprived your brain of its fuel and your body has to work extra hard to break down any stored carbohydrate or turn fat or protein into a usable form for your brain to function. This is not a desirable situation when you need the energy to concentrate, or doing any other work.
Soul Curry presents mouth watering healthy zero-oil recipes to delight your summers by Nita Mehta, a well known Indian chef. Here is she with fruit salad for your healthy breakfast, Tikka sabzi for your tasty lunch with loved ones and handi channas with carrot soup for a delicious dinner. Serve yourself and your family with these simple, delicious and healthy food.
Soaked Channas- Serve it hot garnished with ginger match sticks, tomatoes and green chillies.
Sizzling Summer Delight – Have carrot soup in hot days.
Tossed, fresh & wholesome- Fruity Salad in Orange Dressing for a healthy breakfast.
Tikka Subzi- broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, capsicum, pineapple, babycorns make this a perfect dish for heath and taste.
Stone Therapy has the ability to bring to the body a profound sense of balance and peace, each person receiving this balance in their own unique way.
Stones! Did I hear you say stones? What next I hear you muttering: pebbles, stones, rocks, crystals and even marble. Well do not be surprised as all are being used very successfully all over the world in top destination spas from Phnom Penh in Cambodia to London in England and from Sydney in Australia to Narendar Nagar in Uttarakhand helping improve individual’s overall well-being. Before I move on to tell you about this wonderful treatment, close your eyes and imagine heated stones being placed strategically all over your back, neck and buttocks while a therapist massages your tired legs with smooth pieces of heated rock. If this concept grabs your imagination then be introduced to one of the world’s oldest and most effective alternative therapies, stone therapy.
thermotherapy
(the alternate application of hot and cold temperatures), energy work and healing to soothe your senses.
Aromatherapy has a profound effect on the mind and the emotions of an individual. Therefore, it affects our relationships as it is also related to the heart.
Aroma is a fragrance, a sweet smell with a subtle pervasive quality, and therapy means treatment designed to cure.
The essential oils used in aroma therapy have the ability to store energy and release it when required. They help us feel good by working on our skin or hair, stabilize our emotions, reduce stress, and take away depression.
In olden days, women used aromatherapy extensively, like rose which was used by Cleopatra.
Rose represents the Heart Chakra – an individual’s ability to connect to universal love energy and to feel compassionate. Feeling love in a pure, universal way greatly enhances the ability to connect to the spirit. By feeling love, a person transcends all negativity and becomes one with all things and beings. Love is the energy that makes life worthwhile. Without love, what would life be?
The main problem during summer is how to look, feel and smell fresh. Here are the cool tips...By Shahnaz Husain
Actually, perspiration is the body’s natural way of cooling itself. The skin contains sweat glands, which are of two kinds – the appocrine and the eccrine. The eccrine glands are found all over the body, more particularly on the palms and soles of the feet. They excrete mainly water and a little salt. The appocrine glands, found in the underarm and other regions, release sweat, which mixes with surface bacteria and decomposes fast, creating problems of odor and stained clothing. In its effort to regulate body temperature, the skin releases more perspiration as the weather gets warmer. Body odor actually forms about six hours after we sweat. The waste matter that is secreted with sweat has to be removed by washing and bathing, in order to avoid stale odor and feel fresh. The use of deodorants, anti-perspirants, talcum powder and perfumes helps to deal with the problem for a short while.
Diet and depression tend to be reciprocally linked to each other. Firstly, a deficient diet that is lacking in B-vitamins, minerals, protein and carbohydrates can either cause depression or contribute to depressive states. In addition, alcohol intake can lead to severe depression which is in part due to the lack of vital nutrients.
Digestion and the effect on the body depend upon the state of mind. A wholesome diet may be incompatible if the state of mind is not proper. Food does not come to us merely by our mouths. It comes through all our senses and through our minds.
Ayurveda believes that Body is born of the Food.
Complexion, gracefulness, good voice, long life,
understanding, happiness, growth, strength,
intelligence, are all established by food.
Continuity is the most essential factor. Something that looks difficult now will actually turn out to be very simple later on. Patience and perseverance are inseparable virtues. Keep chipping away, keep trying, and the results are bound to be positive.
Let the dream illuminate the roadway leading to your goal. Contemplate the path that must be taken. Understand the practical aspects of your journey. Familiarize yourself with the terrain, take time to study and understand the nature of possible impediments along the way. Realize that all impediments are surmountable, every problem comes with a solution – your job is to find that solution. Some problems may seem very daunting and even after a lengthy search, may not yield readily to a solution. But never give up. Do not give ear to people who say it is impossible. Look at every outstanding figure in history, and what do you find? All of them dreamt the seemingly impossible, and with faith, tirelessly worked towards their destiny.
The “I’’ with whom we are associated is illusionary ‘I’. The ‘I’ we know has more to do with mind or body and the reality is this that our real ‘I’ remains very much obscure.
True self is without a boundary, all pervasive. In terms of existence, there isn’t any boundary, but on the level of mind, body and speech, we divide the existence into me, you and them.
I have relationship with body, senses, mind, intellect – these are so close but so far from the self.
Entwined with one another and yet so very much separate. Can you see the line of demarcation where body ends and mind begins or mind ends and self begins? Mind is a subtle form of matter and body is a gross form of subtle or the mind. Mind and matter are not different from one another. A quantum physicist would say that matter and energy are not two different entities.
Compassion leads us to a state of fearlessness. It enables us to rejoice in the joy of others. It operates on the principle of sharing. It gives us mental space in which our consciousness can expand. It paves our way to perfection and enlightenment.
Let us examine this issue a little deeply. Since we have been brought up and conditioned in a society where true expression of our feelings is considered cowardly, we have developed it into a habit. At a grown-up stage, hiding the emotions seems the only way to live life. Yet, the whole purpose of bestowing mankind with a multitude of emotions would be defeated if we decide to suppress them. The emotions are the tools which connect us to our roots, the most potent channels to carry the messages across the world. Let us not try to block the channels. Whatever is sweet, delicate, loving and tender in life is being carried through these channels. And compassion is one such feeling which should be allowed to travel freely.
"If we doctors threw our medicines into the sea, it would be that much better for our patients and that much worse for the fishes."
-Oliver Wendel Holmes, MD
Mr Mehta is GM with a company and his wife is working for the government. They have only one (pampered) son. In spite of all kinds of coaching and tutorials he could score only 58% marks in his final board examination. The parents became worried about the carrier of their only son. There were heated arguments in the family as to who had spoiled the child. Mehta now developed insomnia and occasional gastrointestinal problems. He went to his family physician who prescribed him tranquilizers and antacid. Do you think this was the correct medicine for him? Certainly not. This is an example of imposing modern medication rules without due consideration. The kosha model emphasizes each person’s uniqueness and special needs. In modern medicine, different people with the same disease would be treated similarly. The vedic science understands the universe as formed by the five elements - space, air, fire, water, and earth - and they are building blocks of bodies as well. The goal of kosha model is to enhance the level of wellness throughout the course of life.
The water of the Ganga, especially at the source, contains no impurities and remains uncontaminated even after being kept over several years. While Hindus attribute this to its holiness, geologists say it is because of the minerals in it and scientists to the secretion of herbs.
There is something strikingly spiritual about this place. The loftiness of the mountains, the expanse of the undulating hills, the depth of the ravines, the softness of the wafting breeze and an endless sense of being - all these factors happen to touch the heart and the mind. These are the mountains that have beckoned, from long, long ago, a stream of wandering ascetics, religious scholars, devotees and travelers to their laps. There is a mention of these mountains in the Mahabharata when Pandavas ascended the slopes of a peak called Swargrohini or Ascent to Heaven. Just 4 kms away is Mana, where there is a cave where Vyas is said to have written the Mahabharata.
Health is the buzzword. With changing lifestyles, every
individual wants to stay healthy and look fit. With today's
escalating awareness pertaining to healthy means of living, comes the concept of 'smart cooking'. Gone are those morose days when no oil free food only meant boiled, tasteless and bland khichdi and daliya meant only for patients. We bring you recipes that are wholesome, lower cholesterol, reduce calories and are easy to make.
Come, let's savour the flavour!
If you are passionate about heathy eating, here is your choice to enrich your gastronomic experience. Try these….
Veggie Pick ups - a healthy soya, paneer, capsicum dish Shabnam Curry- mushroom, peas and corns looks together nice in curry. taste it! Mirch-Makai Ka Salan Nugget Satay
Though menstruation is normal, some women experience Dilemma during this cycle, like Menstrual Cramps or Dysmenorrhea, or Pre-menstrual Syndrome. They are normally asked to rest - probably the reason why elders asked them to stay in their room and forget home chores. But how this changed into banishment is a mystery.
Menstruation is a natural monthly cycle in women. The discharge consists of blood and cells which sheds from the lining of the uterus. The bleeding can last from two to seven days and signifies that no conception has taken place. The main hormones involved in controlling menstruation are estrogen and progesterone. The cycle begins when a dormant egg cell within an ovary begins to ripen. The cells around this maturing egg cell then release estrogen which prompts the lining of the endometrium to thicken as preparation for the receipt of fertilized egg. When the egg matures, ovulation begins. In ovulation, the matured egg will burst from the ovary and go down to the fallopian tube to the uterus. The cells that are left behind after ovulation will then begin the production of progesterone. This hormone, the progesterone, is responsible for the further growth of the endometrium.
We all know that oxygen is undoubtedly an intrinsic part of our lives. It is the major key element towards having excellent health! Oxygen is the single most important substance taken into the body. Let's find out what 'Oxy Therapy' is all about.
It is an open secret that there is no escape from the stress and the strain of the hectic life. Migraines, tensions, headaches, skin problems, pre-mature aging and so many other uninvited evils ailments take a toll on our lives. It is quite reassuring that there are a few things which can bring immediate relief to any unpleasant condition. Personal spa care is a leader among them. A bouquet of therapies to suit the contemporary times is offered across all spas but there is one skincare treatment, ‘Oxy Therapy’ that is gaining popularity and is exclusively available at select places.
It does not contain preservatives,
artificial fragrances, colour or essences.
In other words, it is totally natural in every sense of the word. So make the most of it.
Moisture is the skin’s basic requirement. It keeps the skin soft, healthy and youthful. As knowledge about the skin and its cosmetic needs have grown, it has been found that aged and prematurely aged skins have one thing in common: lack of moisture. The amount of moisture that the skin holds determines its texture to a great extent - whether it is soft and smooth, or dry, rough or covered with fine lines. The skin loses moisture to the environment when humidity is low, or through artificial means like airconditioning and central heating. Exposure to the sun, over a period of time, also lowers the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Even the water that you wash the face with is treated with chemicals like chlorine which deplete moisture and cause dryness. If the skin is perpetually short of moisture, it can get dehydrated and shrivel up. This makes the skin texture rough and sensitive, vulnerable to the formation of lines and wrinkles.
Time is irreplaceable. Once we waste time, there is no way we can regain it. It is something which cannot be put in a locker, but must be made the best use of, when it is still with us.
Truly, time once gone, is gone forever. A number of people have different answers when asked about the availability and utility of time. Some say there is not enough time to do everything they want to do. Others say that time hangs heavily on their heads and still others say they cannot keep track of time. There are those who say that they have plenty of time but little to do. Such people have lost their moorings. Such people are not equipped or have not been taught the blessings of gainful employment. You can see plenty of such people who sit outside their offices in the sun, and play cards.
The term 'leadership' is commonly perceived as a power to lead others.
But this power is sheer positional leadership. True leadership is more than just an authority over others; it is a responsibility to bring out the best in others to accomplish the task. The focus of the leader is 'Let's do it' than 'Do it'. The leader develops the leadership in others.
WHO CAN BE A LEADER?
Every one who has the desire and the will power to be a leader can become an effective leader. Kindle the desire and nothing can stop you from becoming a leader in life. Believe in yourself!!!
Looking at the life of the great leaders like Gandhi, Hitler, Napoleon we find many characteristics which are common among them like the degree of their influence on others, clarity of vision etc. These are the leadership traits which can be acquired by continual practice and self improvement.
Varanasi's prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together".
The city of Varanasi is situated on the west bank of the holiest of all Indian rivers, the Ganga. The relationship between the sacred river and the city is the essence of Varanasi - ‘the land of sacred light’. City of many names, it was first known as Kashi, the city of light. The word ‘Kashi’ originated from the word ‘Kas’ which means to shine. Steeped in tradition and mythological legacy, Kashi is the ‘original ground ‘created by Shiva and Parvati, upon which they stood at the beginning of time.
The city was officially renamed in 1956 as Varanasi, a name from antiquity. Varanasi is the microcosm of Hinduism, a city of traditional classical culture, glorified by myth and legend and sanctified by religion; it has always attracted a large number of pilgrims and worshippers from time immemorial. To be in Varanasi is an experience in itself…an experience in self-discovery…an eternal oneness of the body and soul.
