Being Open to Love

It’s easy to get caught in the trap of searching for someone to love instead of realizing we must first become someone worthy of being loved. And the only way we can escape the trap is to love ourselves. That’s tough because we can always find areas for personal improvement. Welcome to the human condition! That will never change. So our challenge in learning to love is to love ourselves, “warts and all.” That is the only way we can be open and ready to love anyone else. That goes for all our relationships. I know I’m most critical of my kids when I have been critical of myself. My approach is more loving once I stop the self-criticism.

And when it comes to romantic relationships, we have a tendency to put the cart before the horse. We say, “I’ll start feeling good about myself, start taking care of myself, start enjoying my life when I find someone to love me.” Oh and, “I don’t want to be with someone who is a ‘downer’ so that person needs to high sense of self-esteem, be physically fit, and have a zest for life.” What’s wrong with this picture!

I recently heard an interview with The View’s Star Jones. She told Larry King that she had had a big, long list about what she wanted in a guy but didn’t realize that she didn’t stack up to the list herself. She did not feel worthy of the list. She realized that if she wanted someone, kind, generous, fit and healthy - well she had to be someone who was kind, generous, fit and healthy. One day she took a hard look at the list and realized she had one of two choices - “Change the list or change myself.” She decided to work on herself.

So make a list of what you want in a healthy relationship. Check off the ones on the list that you are giving yourself now. You want someone who is compassionate? How compassionate are you with yourself? Looking for someone who is accepting of others? How accepting are you of others…or yourself? Start working on the ones on the list that you are not giving yourself. Change doesn’t happen overnight. There’s an ancient saying that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Now is a good time to start becoming the love you want!

Reprint Rights: Ezine publisher may reprint this article as long as the summary about the author is included and all links are active.

Dawn Brown, M.Ed. (Counseling) is a specialist in relationship, career and life transitions. An international speaker, author (That Perception Thing!), and psychotherapist, she helps people to develop the tolerance for ambiguity that is essential to thrive in today’s climate of change and uncertainty. Her new book, Been There, Done That…Now What? is available on http://www.amazon.com or her website: http://www.beentheredonethatnowwhat.com.

Three Good Wheels

Do you remember the utter stability and confidence you felt when you were a child zooming around on your tricycle? There was nothing risky about it. It got you where you wanted to go and it was reliable and fun in the process.

No matter what challenges you may be facing in your
life right now, you can ride through them relatively smoothly. All you need is a sturdy, stable
tricycle, three good wheels to get you where you want to go. These three wheels can balance the
weight of your problems and move you forward to a new place.

Aligning with Love

The front wheel is love. It is your steering mechanism and offers the basis of your alignment.
Whether you are dealing with issues related to finances, health or relationships, whether your
challenges feel personal or global, whether they feel physical or emotional, aligning yourself with
love always assures a successful journey.

Certain forms of love probably live more purely in your heart than others. Some of us find our
purest access to love in our personal relationships. It might come through with your romantic
partner, your parents, children, friends, teachers or other individuals in your life. Sometimes we
find the purest feeling of love in our relationship with a pet, with nature, God or the whole of
humanity. Regardless of the portal of access you may find to the experience of love, the
brightness of that love can steer you through any personal crisis you may encounter. The cleaner
the presence of love in your being, the more joy you will find in the journey offered by your
tricycle.

Once you find your access to love, you can rest your mind there, allowing the love in your heart
to become amplified. Love is easily intensified through appreciation. Like a soothing hum, the
vibration of love gets more melodious and embracing as you behold the objects of your love with
appreciation. This love vibrates your consciousness into a harmonious and joyful state of
awareness. You become a powerful love receiver/broadcaster. The more you align with love, the
more trustworthy is your steering wheel.

Feeling Your Power

One of the balancing wheels of your tricycle also provides the power that propels you forward.
Once you have aligned yourself with love, cultivating this feeling of power gives your trike
enormous stability. The interesting thing about this power is its source.
You feel the second wheel’s power as it flows through you, but you are not its source. What a
relief to know that you don’t have to be the power supply. If you did, your tricycle might not be
so reliable. What if you got tired or distracted? Fortunately, the power of your journey comes
from a higher source and it is inexhaustible. It is built into the roundness of the wheel. It just
keeps rolling. This power comes to you in the form and at the exact moment that you need it.

At one moment you may need physical strength to deal with a certain task. At another moment
you require wisdom as you are called upon to help a friend in need. You may not use all your
faculties at the same time, but when you need them they are more powerfully available than ever
before. Why? Because you are riding your tricycle through the situation and you are open to the
power that fills all your needs as they arise. You have stopped trying to muscle your way
through your journey and you are letting the power you need surge through you in response to
the needs of the moment.

By allowing the universal power that flows naturally through you to propel you forward, you
give your alignment with love a powerful vehicle for expression.
Acting with Kindness
The third wheel is made of your actions. Once you are tuned to love and open to your own
powerful life force, your cup is full and overflowing. You feel so good and fulfilled that you have
plenty of that good feeling left over to share with others. The third wheel moves you toward acts
of kindness. It sparkles in your eyes as you see the beauty in others. It directs your vision as you
look for ways to serve the highest intentions, the most heart-felt desires of those around you.

When kindness springs from your overflow of good feeling, it is pure. When your intention is to
influence others toward their own love, empowerment and kindness, it is usually well received.
Acting with the kindness that overflows within you not only helps the recipients of your
kindness. It also entertains and uplifts. Pure kindness is art.
A little child does not have to reinvent the wheel in order to feel the thrill of his or her first
tricycle ride. Those three wheels are engineered for safety, stability and mobility. Your
challenges may seem more daunting than pedaling around the backyard, but as you climb onto your shiny new three-wheeler, your vehicle of love, power and kindness, your apparent
problems may just shrink down to kid’s size.

© Rebbie Straubing

You can receive Dr. Rebbie Straubing’s Free e-Course,
“7 Secrets for Manifesting Your Heart’s Desire,” at
http://www.yofa.net

Rebbie is a workshop leader, Abraham Coach, and writer.

To find or harmonize a relationship, visit http://www.GreatRelationships.net

Increase your awareness of Divine Love and begin a meditation practice in 3 minutes at the Affirmative Contemplation website, http://www.AffirmativeContemplation.com

The Salon Manicure - a Users Guide

If you are considering treating yourself to a beauty salon manicure - and why shouldn’t you! - the following are the details of what you can expect to receive from a professional manicurist. Your manicure might not follow this procedure exactly, but it should be very similar. So there shouldn’t be any surprises. So just go and relax and enjoy it!

Here it is - how to give a manicure - in 12 luxurious steps:

1. Remove the old nail varnish by wiping with a piece of cotton wool soaked in varnish remover. Once all the varnish has gone, rinse the fingers with clean water.

2. File the nails into the correct shape and buff to remove any little imperfections and rough edges.

3. Dampen the hands a little with water and apply a gentle exfoliator, using a massaging action. Then rinse the hands thoroughly and dry.

4. Soak the hands in soapy water, using a moisturizing cream moisturizing soap, not an astringent. Leave them in the water for about ten minutes.

5. Apply moisturizing cream to the cuticles.

6. Push back the cuticles using a hoof stick (usually a plastic stick with a rubber tip, specially designed for moulding cuticles).

7. Gently massage the cuticles and the whole hand with moisturizing hand cream until it is totally absorbed.

8. Remove excess dead skin around the cuticles and trim any hang-nails using special very tiny, but sharp, nippers.

9. Buff the nails to remove all ridges, imperfections and any unevenness.

10. Apply a rich moisturizing cream to the hands, wrists and lower arms, using a massaging action until the cream is thoroughly absorbed.

11. Then immerse the hands in a Vitamin E rich paraffin bath. This is used to open the pores and let the heat and moisture be thoroughly absorbed. This is done several times, with a short delay between each immersion, allowing the wax to build up in several layers. Once sufficient wax has built up, the hands are wrapped in some thin plastic film or plastic bags and placed into insulating mitts made from towel. After approximately ten minutes the mits and plastic are removed and the wax peeled away. The hands will be beautifully soft.

12. Finally, nail varnish is applied in the form of a base coat, then two layers of your color of choice, and a finishing protective top coat.

That’s it. All over! Another perfect, luxuriating, relaxing and beautifying manicure, making you feel good all over.

You can find more information on manicure types by Bianca Tavares in her regular contributions at Makeup Girl’s Makeup Tips.

Look Younger Now!:

While we have made significant progress in our understanding of the human body and of life, still we find that the vital health and youthfulness we’re looking for is somewhat elusive. What we scientists ultimately come to recognize is that the “Fountain of Youth” lies “naturally” within each of us.

As we take a look at nature and the lifestyles of earlier cultures, we do not find the problems of disease, sickness or excess weight that occur in our modern society. This should prompt us to see what these cultures are doing that has proven to work throughout time. For example, I try to live a more natural lifestyle in regards to diet (loads of raw vegetables), activity and exercise, environment, and pure distilled water. I incorporate each of these as much as possible, though not perfectly. Nevertheless, the result is a better quality of life largely free from sickness and disease.

Our SAD (Standard American Diet) of today unfortunately consists of highly processed “foods” that starve the body of nutrition and create difficulties for the digestive system, which results in colon problems. It’s known in the natural health industry that over 90% of all human diseases and sickness are from a congested (constipated) colon. This also accelerates the aging process. Modern science hasn’t and won’t find a break-through drug that will restore your health. But they don’t need to. The solution simply is a more natural lifestyle involving the integration of corrective and preventative measures over time. Let me mention a few here.

One corrective measure is to cleanse and detoxify the body to get rid of some of the causes of disease and sickness. This can be done by:

Drinking adequate amounts of pure distilled water.

Stimulate the digestive track by reflexology massage on the sole of the feet every other day. Reflexology charts are available in health stores or online.

Stimulation of the elimination process. There are several great ways to do this, but the easiest is to simply eat a large green salad (full of fresh, raw, preferably organic vegetables) with each of your meals throughout the day. Consuming 3 - 5 salads per day not only helps you look younger, but it also adds years to your life, gives you energy, and helps you lose excess body weight - fast.

If your day is too busy to eat enough raw vegetables each and every day - then simply find yourself a high quality vegetable drink like those listed here…Click Here for more information.

Some youth enhancing measures can involve the following:

Start today to migrate your diet from processed and refined devitalized “foods” to whole, raw, organic foods that are full of nutrition and are easily digested.

Increase physical activity and enjoy nature with regular outdoor activities, or by integrating an exercise program, etc.

Take time outdoors each day to breath deeply clean, fresh air.

Be happy, smile often, and laugh daily. Sounds too easy, but eliminating stress is proven to increase health.

Nature has everything to offer if you are willing to indulge. Start today to make these suggestions a part of your new lifestyle. Enjoy good health and long life and find the true fountain of youth within yourself!

For a ton of f.ree, valuable tips, tricks, and secrets visit: http://www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com

© 2002-2005 Wisdom Books, LLC & Christopher Guerriero WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this blurb with it: Christopher Guerriero, is the founder of the National Metabolic & Longevity Research Center and a best-selling author, speaker, and coach to millions. He is creator of the award-winning ‘Maximize Your Metabolism’ system. To learn more about this step-by-step program, and to sign up for FR*EE how-to articles and F.REE teleseminars, visit http://www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com

Ingredients…Are You Getting Your Money’s Worth?

Have you ever purchased commercial lotions or soaps that claimed to contain natural ingredients or some other moisturizer only to determine that you’ve wasted your money? If you said yes to this question, you’re not alone. The commercial cosmetics industry list natural ingredients of aloe vera and here lately shea butter on their product labels to satisfy the consumers quest for natural products. You may even pay more for the inclusion of natural ingredients, but are you getting your money’s worth

Keep the following in mind when purchasing products that make specific claims on the label:

1) The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act requires that ingredients be listed in descending order of quantity. This means which ever ingredient makes up the bulk of the product should be listed first; therefore, If you’re looking for a shea butter product, look for that ingredient towards the top of the ingredient list.

2) Natural means that ingredients are extracted directly from plants or animal products as opposed to being produced synthetically. Supposedly there is no proof that natural ingredients are better for the skin, but I can certainly tell the difference when using all natural bath oil verses the 100% mineral oil (a synthetic derived from petroleum), I’ve used in the past.

3) Hypoallergenic on cosmetic labeling claims the product will most likely not cause a allergic reaction. When you read terms “dermatologist-tested,” “nonirritating,” and other statements that imply the product has been tested isn’t a guarantee that you won’t have an allergic reaction.

4) Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA) are the ingredients used in products that claim to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Always use caution when applying these ingredients by testing a small area first to determine if a reaction will occur. You should also avoid the sun and use a sunscreen when using AHA.

5) Soap as you know it, is actually a snythetic detergent bar regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and is not required to meet FDA regulations unless it claims to do something other than cleanse. If the soap claims to be a deodorant soap it is considered cosmetic and must abide by FDA regulations. If it reduces dandruff or makes some other medical claim it must be considered a drug, carry the required drug labeling and also meet FDA safety and effectiveness requirements. I’ve used handmade soaps for some time and don’t experience the skin dryness as when I’ve used commercial soaps. This is because handmade soaps retain natural glycerin, a humectant which attracts moisture to your skin, whereas the commercial soaps remove the glycerin to use in more profitable products.

Keep in mind that typically handmade bath and body products contain a higher percentage of natural ingredients. Whether you purchase commercial or “natural” products, I encourage you to shop around as all products are not created equal. Know what to look for regarding ingredients and how they are listed to determine if you are getting your money’s worth. Take into consideration how the product makes your skin feel, does it dry your skin or does it feel soft and moisturized.

This article is not meant to bash commercial products, but should serve to help you make an informed decision concerning products and what you’re actually getting.

For more information on cosmetic ingredients visit the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association; the Federal Drug Association

Article by Christi Booth, owner of Soulful Aroma Bath & Beauty. Articles, beauty recipes, beauty tips and solutions.

Cause Of Body Hair Loss

Hair loss in the scalp is common but body hair loss is uncommon. But the cause of body hair loss is many. Hair loss on legs and arms is very rare in men and women. It is advised to take the help of a professional if you are losing hair in your body.

The causes of losing body hair could be due to certain illnesses, hormonal imbalance, side effects of medication, alopecia areata etc. Inversely, getting more hair in your arms and legs during pregnancy and during puberty is not a reason to worry at all. These are the periods where there are hormonal changes and hair growth is a normal condition in such circumstances.

If you lose hair on your chest, arms, legs then it is advised to contact a physician who would help you in your problems and suggest preventive solutions. If you are ill then it could also lead to hair loss in your head as well as in your body. Aging also leads to losing of hair in the head as well as in many parts of the body. People who are under medication could also lose body hair.

Alopecia areata is a kind of skin disease, which could lead to bald patches on the head and could progress to hair loss in the whole body. This is a very rare kind of situation, which could lead to total loss of hair in the body. Alopecia areata can affect men as well as women. Taking steroids and other muscle building products like testosterone could also result in your losing body hair. If you lose body hair, then take it seriously and consult a physician who would help you in treating this problem.

To learn more visit =>http://beauty.resourz.com/2006/02/16/cause-of-body-hair-loss/

Laser Hair Removal for Tanned Skin

Laser hair removal is the trendiest solution for removing unwanted hair that grows in some parts of our body. However, hair removal is not guaranteed for everyone. There are some things to consider before undergoing such treatment.

The decision and determination of enhancing your physical appearance through the removal of the unnecessary hair on other areas of your body serves no assurance that you can already go through the treatment. Hence, you must first assess yourself if you qualify.

The absolute requirement is that one’s hair must be darker than the surrounding skin. Since laser hair removal is an advance technological product and uses a highly laser equipment, this should be taken into consideration. People who have darkly pigmented skin are not that suitable to have the treatment because they have a tendency to absorb more light energy. Physicians typically need to make use of high laser treatments for them.

Tanned patients with light hair are not candidates. Tanned patients with dark hair cannot be treated with the usual hair removal lasers. They require treatment with a specialized laser, such as the kind used at the Institute of Laser Medicine in Los Angeles. Lastly, the treatment cost should be within reach of the patient. Laser hair removal, although much less expensive than electrolysis, requires multiple treatments, and generally costs over $1000 in total for most anatomic areas.

Various skin types needs different laser hair removal methodologies. Light skin makes laser hair removal easier to perform. Fewer treatments are required and better, faster results are obtained unlike to those who have darker skin. Although people with dark skin can still be treated, the expected outcomes are slower and more treatments are required.

Dark hair absorbs more laser energy and is easier to treat. Coarse dark hair responds the best to laser treatment. Light hair is more difficult to treat. Blonde or red hair is very difficult to treat. Numerous treatment sessions are required, and results are changeable. Blonde hair usually contains pheomelanin, which absorbs laser energy less fervently than the eumelanin pigment that is present in black or brown hair.

Laser or light source hair removal (photoepilation) is less effective for individuals with light blond, red or graysilver hair, though the results have been significantly improved with the use of Meladine before the treatment. Laser Hair Removal is very effective for problematic ingrown hairs.

Yet while laser treatments for darker skinned patients has improved, it must be considered that those patients with tanned skin are still not candidates and must wait until their tan fades before they can be treated. This is the reason why patients are instructed not to suntan or use sunless tanning products prior to laser treatment. This is very true since tanning alters skin pigment and can affect how the skin absorbs the laser energy.

If not followed properly this could lead to increased side effects such as blistering or discoloration following treatment. The laser hair removal for tanned skin seems to be more complex as compared to those types of skin that are well suited to undergo the treatment. However, people with that type of skin must remain to be optimistic because nobody can tell; maybe years from now newly improvised equipments for hair removal of tanned patients will be invented.

Do you have any questions you would like answered about laser hair removal? laser-body-hair-removal.info has all the information you need to make an informed decision about the best hair removal procedure for you. There is also a hair removal blog

Over-The-Counter Acne Treatment

There are many types of over-the-counter treatments for acne. Most people, when first faced with an acne condition, usually go to the local pharmacy and buy an over-the-counter medication on the basis of recommendations from their friends or perhaps even television ads. It’s always a good idea, however, to consult with a doctor before using any kind of over-the-counter medication. Even though acne is a fairly benign condition, a doctor can advise on the best course of treatment and also offers suggestions based on your particular kind of acne.

Because of the large number of products available for treating acne, it can be difficult to decide which one to try. Depending on advice from your friends is not too reliable, because what works for one person may not work for another. It’s best if you have some background knowledge about the active ingredients in various acne medications, so you can make a better informed choice about which medication to try.

One of the most popular ingredients in acne treatments is benzoyl peroxide. It is found in gels and ointments and works by combating the bacteria which causes pimples. It is also useful for removing dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface of the skin. It is these dead skin cells which combine with sebum to create blackheads and whiteheads.

Benzoyl peroxide has been proven to be safe and effective in combating lesions. It can be used after acne has cleared up to keep the skin free from acne causing bacteria. The only side effect associated with this ingredient is dry skin, and this can be avoided by decreasing the frequency that it is applied on the skin. It can also bleach hair and clothing, so care must be taken when applying it.

Another popular ingredient in acne medications is salicylic acid. This prevents acne by clearing up dead skin cells which are accumulating too quickly and clogging the pores. Products which contain salicylic acid should continue to be used after the skin has cleared up to prevent future outbreaks of acne. The only side effects associated with salicylic acid are dry, irritated skin.

Other ingredients you may see in acne medications include resorcinol and sulphur. Resorcinol causes the top layer of skin to peel — including the dead skin cells which clog the pores. It is often combined with sulphur. It is not known how sulphur affects acne conditions, but it has been used effectively for more than 50 years. Sulphur is often combined with other ingredients besides resorcinol like salicylate acid and benzoyl peroxide. It is not usually used by itself because of its strong, unpleasant odor.

Of all these ingredients used for combating acne, benzoyl peroxide is probably the most versatile. It can be used in cleansing liquids or bars, as well as lotion, cream, and gels which are applied directly on the skin. The cleansing products are usually used once or twice a day, while the creams and lotions can be used as needed. They should be applied on the skin around the acne as well as the pimples themselves for most effectiveness. You must avoid getting benzoyl peroxide in the eyes, mouth or nose as it will cause irritation or inflammation.

Jessica is a Dermatologist in the Orlando area. You can read her blog online at www.acneblogonline.com.

You Don’t Have To Live With Acne Scars

As if having acne for years isn’t bad enough, once you do get it to clear up, you are often left with acne scars. Thankfully there are quite a few treatment options for acne scars available. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels also remove the top layers of skin. A chemical solution is placed on your skin and eats off the top layer. The new skin that regenerates after the application is often smoother and doesn’t show acne scars as much.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is used to minimize the appearance of smaller acne scars. In this procedure the top layers of the skin are removed with quickly rotating diamond edged wheels. As the skin heals, the scars smooth out and leave your acne scars much less apparent.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser Resurfacing works similar to dermabrasion, but in this procedure, a high-energy light beam is used to burn away the scar tissue. As the skin regenerates it’s looks improve. The advantage of laser resurfacing over other techniques that remove top layers of the skin is that this treatment is more easily controlled and can be applied to very small areas.

Punch Technique

The punch technique works well for deeper acne scars. A small hole is punched in the skin where the deep scar is located. Next a small piece of skin is taken from somewhere else, i.e. behind the ear and is graphed on the punched area, filling in the deep scar.

Augmentation

Collagen or fat tissue collected from other body parts can be used to inject under the scar to move it close to the skin surface. This works well for acne scars that leave a small indentation in your skin. Collagen injections last for about 6 months and have to be repeated thereafter.

Subcision

Subcision is used when scar tissue bands are pulling down resulting in dented scars. A needle is used to detach the scar from deeper tissue. This allows new connective tissue to form under the scar, raising it up to be more level with the skin, thus reducing the appearance of the scar.

Each of these treatments is suited for different types of acne scars. Please consult with your dermatologist to find out which of these methods would work best with your particular acne scars.

Melissa Rayn invites you to visit http://www.acneknowhow.com to learn more about the different types of acne and how to treat them. She recommends http://www.healthandbeautyinfo.com to find out more about health and beauty tips for women.

How To Treat Common Baldness

The term “common baldness” usually means male-pattern
baldness. Male-pattern baldness is the most common cause of
hair loss in men. Men who have this type of hair loss
usually have inherited the trait. Men who start losing
their hair at an early age tend to develop more extensive
baldness.

In male-pattern baldness, hair loss typically results in a
receding hairline and baldness on the top of the head.
Women may develop female-pattern baldness. In this form,
the hair becomes thin over the entire scalp.

One person that can help you is perhaps your doctor. It
could be related to your diet, any medicines you’re taking,
whether you’ve had a recent illness and how you take care
of your hair. For a woman, it may be related to your
menstrual cycle, pregnancies and menopause.

The doctor may want to do a physical exam to look for other
causes of hair loss. Finally, blood tests or a biopsy
(taking a small sample of cells to examine under a
microscope) of your scalp may be needed.

Depending on your type of hair loss, treatments are
available. If a medicine is causing your hair loss, your
doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine.
Recognizing and treating an infection may help stop the
hair loss. Correcting a hormone imbalance may prevent
further hair loss.

Medicines may help in slowing down or preventing the
development of common baldness. One medicine, minoxidil
(brand name: Rogaine), is available without a prescription.
It is applied to the scalp. Both men and women can use it.
Another medicine, finasteride (brand name: Propecia) is
available with a prescription. It comes in pills and is
only for men. It may take up to 6 months before you can
tell if one of these medicines is working.

If adequate treatment is not available for your type of
hair loss, you may consider trying different hairstyles or
wigs, hairpieces, hair weaves or artificial hair
replacement.

Discover all you ever wanted to know about hair. Latest
hair styles, new hair loss treatments, best methods of hair
removal. Click for daily updated blog of hair news and
articles. http://www.hair-unexpurgated.com/