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This Is What Your Favorite Music Reveals About Your Personality

“Without music, life would be a mistake” – Friedrich Nietzsche

We know that music has a positive impact on our brain, but it might be surprising just how much of an impact it has. It wasn’t too long ago that pregnant women everywhere went out and bought headsets and Mozart to give their baby an edge before he even took his first breath. And once they started breathing, we slapped a musical instrument in their hands because we knew they would do better in school.

Music is a big part of life. Whether we love it or not, we hear it everywhere, in the grocery store, while we’re waiting on hold and of course from the car next to us that is sharing its excessive bass levels.

Knowing that it has an impact on our brain, let’s look a little more closely at the incredible way music changes your brain.

The first thing to know is the type of music you like to listen to doesn’t matter, which is good news because everyone has different tastes. Research shows that regardless of the type of music, the repetitive, melodious and organized nature of music affects the regions of the brain that involve movement, planning, attention and memory.

Here are specific ways music impacts our brain.

1. Music can predict personality.

Professor Adrian North of Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK conducted the largest study to date on music in relation to our personality. He says,

“We have known for decades that people who like rock and rap are rebellious and that fans of opera are wealthy and well-educated, but for the first time research has shown that personality is also linked to a wide range of musical styles. ”

He also goes on to note that listeners of heavy metal, while typically younger have similar personality traits to classical music listeners.

In his study of over 36,000 people in over 60 countries he found:

  • Indie fans have low self-esteem and are not very hard-working, but are creative.
  • Heavy metal fans are very creative and at ease with themselves, but not very outgoing or hard-working.
  • Rap fans have high self-esteem and are outgoing.
  • Dance fans are creative and outgoing, but not very kind or generous.
  • Country and western fans are very hardworking and outgoing.
  • Reggae fans have high self-esteem and are creative, outgoing, kind, generous and at ease with themselves, but are not very hardworking.
  • Classical music lovers have high self-esteem and are creative and at ease with themselves, but are not outgoing.
  • Blues fans have high self-esteem and are creative, outgoing and at ease with themselves.
  • Rock ‘n’ roll fans have high self-esteem and very creative, hardworking and at ease with themselves but are not very kind or generous.

The takeaway from this study is trying to understand someone might be as simple as taking a look at their playlist.

2. Music can improve creativity.

A 2013 article published in the European Journal of Neuroscience, claims moderate noise levels can help get the creative juices flowing. Ambient noise makes us struggle just enough to process things we normally would, but the difficulty promotes abstract processing. It’s that processing that ignites creative thinking.

It’s important to note that the noise level matters. Sure pumping up the volume might get help raise our energy levels, but when it comes to thinking, the high noise level overwhelms us to the point where it can inhibit our thought processes and impact productivity.

3. Music can improve attention spans.

A Stanford University study showed that music engages areas of the brain linked to our ability to pay attention. The study tried to mimic how people tend to listen to music throughout their day by incorporating small breaks in the music and including transitions between fast and slow moving pieces.

They found that music can keep the brain engaged over time, and the processes our brains use to listen to music actually enhances its ability to anticipate future events and while paying attention for longer periods of time.

Dr. Daniel Levitin, a co-author on the study and author of “This is Your Brain on Music: The Science of Human Obsession” explains, “The results of the study may put us closer to solving the cocktail party problem – how it is that we are able to follow one conversation in a crowded room of many conversations.”

In his book, Dr. Levitin showed how music impacts our brain through this image:

There is also quite of a bit of science that shows music affects our emotions and our social interactions. What we know for sure is music is different things to different people, but there is no denying that listening to it changes your brain chemistry.

Whether we listen to country or classical, rock or jazz, we often reach for music to put us in a good mood, motivate us and even relax us. And that is how music unites us.

Add to the discussion: What does your taste in music say about you?

10 Life Changing Lessons To Learn From Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu, one of the most renowned philosophers and poets of ancient China, left behind many important lessons for our souls to learn. Best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching and the founder of philosophical Taoism, his remarkable wisdom and messages of peace, resilience, and living cohesively remind us what really matters in life, and how we can develop ourselves as a collective. He is a central figure in Chinese culture, but his words can apply to people all over the world.

Here are 10 important lessons that we can learn from Lao Tzu:

Read these wise words by Lao Tzu.

lao-tzu1. You hold the answers to all of life’s most pressing questions. When you look within, you will find everything you need.

“At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.”

“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.”

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”

2. By letting go, you become free. You conquer both yourself and the world when you allow, not fight, their existence.

“By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond the winning.”

“Therefore the Master acts without doing anything and teaches without saying anything. Things arise and she lets them come; things disappear and she lets them go. She has but doesn’t possess acts but doesn’t expect. When her work is done, she forgets it. That is why it lasts forever.”

“If you want to become whole, let yourself be partial. If you want to become straight, let yourself be crooked. If you want to become full, let yourself be empty. If you want to be reborn, let yourself die. If you want to be given everything, give everything up.”

“Do you have the patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear? Can you remain unmoving till the right action arises by itself?”

3. Labels and egotistical desires will never grant you the pleasure of truly knowing yourself.

“He who defines himself can’t know who he really is.”

“He who has power over others can’t empower himself.”

“He who tries to shine dims his own light.”

4. Evil naturally crumbles away when you pay no attention to it.

“Give evil nothing to oppose and it will disappear by itself.”

5. Kindness and compassion for others will always win in the end, no matter how long evil reigns.

“Treat those who are good with goodness, and also treat those who are not good with goodness. Thus goodness is attained. Be honest to those who are honest, and be also honest to those who are not honest. Thus honesty is attained.”

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”

6. Have the confidence to be yourself without caring what others think.

“Care about people’s approval and you will be their prisoner.”

“When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you.”

7. Wisdom and strength come from remaining humble.

“The wise man is one who, knows, what he does not know.”

“All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are. Humility gives it its power.”

8. Change is inevitable, so embrace it, even if it seems uncomfortable.

“If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.”

“New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.”

9. A great leader realizes he is not above his followers; his is merely one of them.

“The wicked leader is he who the people despise. The good leader is he who the people revere. The great leader is he who the people say, ‘We did it ourselves.”

“If you want to govern the people, you must place yourself below them. If you want to lead the people, you must learn how to follow them.”

10. Strive to do nothing and be nothing; here, you will find true happiness.

“When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.”

“Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.”

11 Things Old Souls Do Differently

An old soul walks through life, observing and absorbing every experience, encounter, and lesson. They appreciate the spirit and the beauty of all that surrounds them.

An old soul lives in a state of gratitude that they have the ability to see things differently, to see things beyond what most people see. While often a blessing, it is sometimes a curse, and it’s one they are willing to bear, knowing it is serving them and those they come in contact with in the best way.

Here are 11 things old souls do differently:

“Over time, I have learned that my old soul sees a part of itself in every person it meets. It has the ability to see through others’ eyes. With this lesson, I have achieved greater humility, compassion, and kindness towards all mankind.” – Maya Delion

signs of an old soul

Old Souls Speak a Different Language

Words have the ability to take on different meanings based on one’s experiences. Everything in our lives shapes who we are and how we communicate. Negative experiences can shape the meaning of certain words, which becomes a limitation and can keep us stuck.

An old soul understands that this perception exists but does not put those same limitations on themselves. And because they do not allow their experiences to dictate their thoughts and actions, they are often speaking a different language than those around them.

Old Souls Create Their Own Path

Old souls are not interested in pursuing the typical paths to success. In fact, they define success completely differently than most. Because they are not caught up in society’s definition of success, they often chart their own path to a heightened sense of self-discovery and higher truth. Old souls often find themselves traveling this path alone and they are completely comfortable and even prefer it.

Old Souls Are Life-Long Learners

Nothing feeds an old soul’s spirit like learning, and they know that taking in new knowledge frequently is their calling. They feel it’s their responsibility to learn and share the wisdom they’ve gained with the rest of the world, which they feel is moving away from connectedness and compassion. They believe it to be their responsibility to share the lessons that will reverse this trend.

Old Souls Are Contemplative

Contemplation is the cornerstone of an old soul’s day. Much of their time is spent contemplating what is learned, observed and experienced, putting it into perspective and absorbing these lessons. They believe everything has meaning and are on a constant quest to find it.

Old Souls Have Only A Few Close Friends

Because of their serious and introspective nature, an old soul can seem intense. They don’t waste their energy on gathering friends. Instead, they cultivate a supportive social network that understands their true nature and relationship with learning life’s lessons.

Old Souls Are Overwhelmed By Possibility

Old souls know everything has meaning, and because of this, they want to learn constantly. They see an adventure in all that they do, and have a neverending list of things they want to experience. Nothing is off-limits to an old soul because they know there’s much value in new experiences, and the possibilities are overwhelming. They would take it all on if they could, but instead they must choose their next adventures, and that can be challenging.

Old Souls Belong Everywhere And Nowhere

An old soul is adaptable to most situations but often finds themselves as an outsider. They get along with everyone and yet don’t do well with small talk. They are often welcome because of their insights but lose interest when others do not display the same higher-level thought processes. They love a good debate but don’t do well when people have a hard time seeing their point of view. In the end, an old soul belongs everywhere and at the same time feels like they don’t belong anywhere.

Old Souls Think Bigger

An old soul thinks beyond the first-level thinking that many of us use daily. It’s like they are in a constant game of chess, thinking through every possibility of their opponent’s moves. And not just the next move, but several moves into the game. It’s this kind of higher-level thinking in life that makes it interesting.

Old Souls Feel Deeply

An old soul strongly connects to the world’s dysfunction, and they feel more suffering than most. Of course, they also feel the love and compassion. But it’s the haunting of the world’s suffering that drives how they live and the actions they take. They feel it’s their duty to do what they can in service and spread the message of hope.

Old Souls Connect to Ancient Traditions

Old souls do not attach themselves to one religion. Instead, they seek to understand and practice ancient traditions from various cultures. They believe these traditions are key to living a meaningful and happier life.

old soul

Old Souls Seek The Truth At All Costs

While they understand the truth can hurt at times, they know without a doubt that they must seek it to continue living optimally. Living in their truth means understanding and accepting the truth as it appears. It doesn’t discourage them; it is simply the information they use to make the best choices moving forward.

Many of us have bits and pieces of an old soul in us. However, we probably don’t cultivate a sense of learning and higher-level thinking enough to be considered a true old soul. When you come in contact with an old soul, soak up what they have to say. It is wisdom you can put into practice to help you live better.

This is What Happens When You Touch These Points On Your Feet

Foot reflexology is a form of alternative medicine that applies pressure to specific points on the feet to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. The practice has its roots in ancient Chinese and Egyptian medicine, dating back to as early as 2330 BC. The ancient Chinese believed that the body’s energy, or chi, flowed through channels or meridians that ran throughout the body, including the feet. The body’s energy could rebalance by stimulating these channels through pressure points on the feet. As a result, it would lead to improved health and well-being.

In the early 20th century, a physician named Dr. William Fitzgerald introduced the concept of zone therapy, which divided the body into ten zones that ran from the head to the toes. He believed applying pressure to specific points within these zones could relieve pain and promote healing.

Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist, further developed the practice of foot reflexology in the 1930s. She mapped out the reflex points on the feet and hands and developed a method of applying pressure to these points, stimulating the corresponding organs and systems of the body.
Since then, foot reflexology has gained popularity as a complementary and alternative medicine form and is now widely practiced worldwide.

While scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited, anecdotal reports show that people continue to find relief from various health conditions through this practice. If you suffer from chronic ailments, it might be at least worth a try.

What Happens in Reflexology

Of course, your experience with reflexology will be different than someone else’s. Still, most people feel a sense of openness in their bodies and a tingling sensation throughout as the energy flows. Reflexology should not cause tension in your body. Instead, you should be headed towards a more relaxed state of being.

You might also feel:

Perspiration of hands or feet

The sensation of being cold or chilled

The need for deep breaths

A yearning to sleep

The relief of most, if not all, pain and discomfort

Loose, relaxed muscles

Feeling like your organs are free, without stress and tension

Reflexology is available through a therapist trained in ancient art. It can also be done at home with a partner, or you can perform it on yourself.

Before beginning, your first step is to consult a foot chart and map your ailment to the appropriate spot on your foot or feet. Then, use your thumb and fingers to massage, slowly and deeply while kneading the pressure point. Continue to massage the specific point for 10 minutes before finishing with an overall foot massage. End each reflexology session with deep, mindful breaths to solidify the energy flow.

How to Use a Reflexology Foot Chart

reflexology-chart

When you first look at a reflexology foot chart, it can be confusing and overwhelming. Don’t let that scare you off. Make time to study it and become used to reading it. You can take as much time as you need to plan your course of treatment because there is nothing time-sensitive about performing reflexology other than relieving your pain.

You can perform a session that treats your entire body or get specific in terms of one condition. As mentioned, every organ, gland, and body part are mapped to a point on either the right or left foot. If you know what organs are associated with your ailment, locate that area on the foot chart.

There is no right or wrong foot to start with, and many reflexologists work on one specific area on one foot and alternate to the other, then move to the next area and alternate again. When all else fails, and you aren’t sure what to do, start massaging at your toes and slowly moving down to your foot’s heel. As you do, pay attention to the points on the chart and observe how your body responds.

You can see from the foot reflexology chart that some areas are mapped to the top of the feet, including the mouth and teeth, the chest, and the lymph nodes.

Here are some common ailments and their touch points using reflexology

What ailments do reflexology healers heal with their practice? Here are a few:

Relieve Headaches

Headaches are often caused by tension in the neck, so begin by massaging the big toes to relax your neck a bit. Then focus on applying more pressure on the upper halves of each toe to pinpoint the nerves connecting to the head.

Sleep Disorders

To help with restless nights, target the pituitary gland by applying pressure to the bottom side of the middle of your big toe.

Colds and the Flu

You will target the areas corresponding to your sinuses, nose, throat, eyes, and lungs for colds and the flu. Pay attention to the side of your big toe and the middle of each toe. Finally, focus approximately an inch below your toes.

Digestion

Many organs are involved in the digestive process, mostly found on the bottom of the foot toward the bottom.

Asthma and Bronchitis

The lungs are the obvious target for helping with breathing. They are mapped to the middle of the foot, about an inch below your toes and the middle part of the top of your foot.

Back Pain

The back is connected to the upper and lower body and can be targeted by massaging each foot’s bottom half.

It’s important to remember that Reflexology is not an immediate cure, and the best results come from consistently targeting specific areas. It is not a magic remedy but over time, you will notice improvements in your specific problem areas.

reflexology

Final Thoughts on Foot Reflexology

Foot reflexology is an ancient practice that can promote healing and balance in the body. While scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited, many people have reported positive results from this form of alternative medicine.

However, it is vital to note that foot reflexology should be used in conjunction with medical treatment under the guidance of a physician. While it can complement traditional medicine, it should not be used as a substitute for medical care. Therefore, individuals considering foot reflexology should consult their doctor to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their health needs.

Reflexology is not a diagnosing tool but a supplement to standard treatments for most ailments. It is not advised that you pursue a course of treatment using Reflexology without consulting your doctor.

5 Ways To Be Healthy When Those Around You Aren’t

Did you know that in the U.S., 68.5% of American adults are overweight, and 34.9% are considered obese? In the last twenty years or so, obesity rates have been steadily on the rise, which, not surprisingly, coincided with the increase in processed, nutrient-lacking, chemical-laden food-like substances. Staying healthy today comes with a whole slew of challenges, both from a financial and personal standpoint. Luckily, though, many stores offer fruits and vegetables at wholesale or discounted rates, especially if they have produce that they plan on throwing away after hours. You can also find great deals at farmer’s markets and local co-ops.

However, what if no one around you shares the same goals of living a healthier lifestyle? Humans naturally want to do what those around them are doing, and don’t like to stray from the norm, for the most part. People bond over meals, and if one person eats differently than the others at the table, that can lead to them feeling left out and isolated from the group. So, how can you keep up a healthy lifestyle when other people around you don’t seem to care?

Here are 5 tips to stay healthy when people around you aren’t:

1. Try to find a support group or workout buddies in your area.

According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, people tend to lose more weight when they workout with friends or family. In the study, two-thirds of participants who enrolled in a weight loss program with friends kept the weight off six months later, while only a quarter of those who signed up on their own achieved the same results. You can check out local Facebook or Meetup groups in order to find people in your area who share your goals, or, you can try hassling your friends to get off the couch and get active with you.

Support matters when you want to change your lifestyle, and you need to surround yourself with those who will get you closer to where you want to be.

2. Focus on your own goals, and let others live their lives as they choose.

When cutting out junk food and making the commitment to exercise more, it can be tempting to push that lifestyle on others because you want them to feel as good as you do! However, they have to make that decision on their own to leave unhealthy habits behind and join you on your journey to better health. If you live in the same house with people who don’t take care of their health, just put all your energy into living the best way you can, and be the example for others. Once they see how vibrant and happy you are from nourishing your body and mind, they might open up and be ready to learn new information.

3. Offer to cook or make salads for your friends/family some nights.

A great way to stay on the healthy train is to prepare meals for other people who you share space with. Not only will this ensure that you eat healthful, wholesome foods, but others will have a nutritious meal, too. Plus, putting together a dinner as a family makes a great bonding experience that will benefit everyone involved. Not to mention, if you have leftovers, that’s one less meal you have to make, which means no one can use the “But I just don’t have time to make healthy food” excuse.

healthy food

4. Go to restaurants that offer healthy options.

Going out with friends can really challenge one’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle. However, if you pick a restaurant that offers some healthier options on the menu, you can still enjoy your time with friends while sticking to your guns about eating better. People make eating healthy more complicated than it needs to be sometimes; as long as you do what makes you feel good, and make the best effort to honor your lifestyle choices, then you have it pretty well figured out. Your friends might try to pressure you into indulging in unhealthy foods (which you can and should do in moderation), but just remember what ultimately makes you feel best, and feel confident in your choice even if you’re standing alone.

Just because you have salad on your plate while they have steak and potatoes, doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time and enjoy their company.

5. Contribute to the grocery bill each week so you can have healthier food options (and maybe encourage others to eat healthy foods, too).

This probably applies mostly to teenagers and young adults who still live with their families, but even if you don’t control the weekly food budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t offer some say in the matter. You could set aside some of your money to contribute to the grocery bill each week, or if you can, buy your own groceries entirely. This way, you can keep up your healthy lifestyle without others complaining about the costs of healthier foods.

 

3 Mistakes People Make When Searching For Their Soulmate

Are you seeking your true love or soulmate?

“When the soul is ready, its mate will appear.” – Unknown

Before too long in life, we get bombarded with messages in movies and advertisements persuading us to believe that our soulmate will come to sweep us off our feet and save us from ourselves. The seemingly perfect, fairytale relationships portrayed make us get our hopes up and have unrealistic expectations about what a relationship should really be like. We try so hard to attract our soulmates into our lives because society tells us that we will become whole once we find that person.

However, what happens is that we wager our entire happiness on a person we haven’t even met yet because ultimately, we want someone else to take away our pain and loneliness. In this reality, the illusion of separation can still seem very real, so we just want some way to escape that. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling this way; it happens to the best of us.

But, if you really want to find your soulmate, it will take effort, some personal soul searching, and not getting too attached to outcomes. Many people long to find their soulmate, but unknowingly do more to push them away than attract them into their lives.

When searching for your soulmate, make sure you don’t make these common mistakes:

1. Searching and asking for a soulmate before you have searched within your own soul.

If you only look outwardly for answers and acceptance, you will miss out on the true power you have within yourself to stand on your own two feet. You must first take a journey deep within your soul and learn to understand yourself. Without this understanding and awareness of yourself, a relationship with anyone else will be sorely lacking. You will look to them to understand when you don’t even know yourself. Remember that soulmates will never complete you; they can only add value to your life and help you grow as a person.

You have to block out all the noise from society telling you that you need all these things in order to become your best self and be truly happy. YOU are your own happiness, sadness, comfort, compassion, understanding, and well of knowledge. Once you complete yourself, you will attract others who are complete, too. Two complete people coming together as one will create a life of sheer bliss and abundance. However, you must make a commitment to yourself first. Be in a relationship with yourself first, and learn to love your own company.

2. You haven’t cultivated a love for yourself first.

This sort of stems from our last point; you cannot find love outside yourself. Only will you recognize it once you have such an abundance of it that it has no choice but to spill out of your heart and touch other’s lives. You must totally fall head over heels for yourself if you expect anyone else to feel the same about you. We all have probably been in relationships where our partner didn’t truly love themselves – they expected us to do all the dirty work for them.

But, how rewarding and fulfilling was that? Being in a relationship with someone who doesn’t have confidence in themselves will only drain you. So, if you don’t absolutely love yourself right now, as you are, no one else can possibly offer you that love you seek.

Also, you must learn to love all of yourself, both the shadows and the light. This article by Sheila Prakash on Tiny Buddha says it best:

“I don’t think we will ever be able to love ourselves until we acknowledge all our different aspects—the “strong” and the “weak”— and start giving ourselves compassion instead of judgment. A puzzle needs all its pieces in order to be complete.”

3. You have no idea what you want in a soulmate or relationship.

If you don’t know what you want, how can you attract it? Think about it this way: what if you went to buy a new car, but had no idea what you wanted? Would you leave the dealership with a car, or just stare at all the cars in a state of confusion? Probably the latter, because you went into the situation blindly, not giving any thought to what you desired.

If you wouldn’t make a big decision like that without first thinking about what you wanted, then why treat relationships any differently? Soulmates should be given even more consideration because they will share their life with you, and rent a room in your heart. Something that serious requires a lot of your energy, time, and emotions, which means you need to have some idea of who you’d ideally like to share your life with.

You could either make a list, visualize, or create a vision board for what kind of partner you’d like to attract into your life. However, make sure when you do this that you focus on what you DO want in a relationship rather than what you DON’T want. Any thought we give our attention to creates our reality, so make sure you’re actively creating the world and the soulmate you wish to see in your life.

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