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This Is What Happens To Your Body When You Meditate

August 21, 2015 by Power of Positivity

We have been bringing the benefits of meditation to light for some time now. Needless to say, we can’t share enough good things about this ancient peaceful practice. Meditation can literally transform your life from the inside out. Better yet, it only requires your willingness and presence in order to get started. Everyone meditates for different reasons. And there is no ‘wrong’ or ‘right’ way to do it.

Meditation is very much a personal journey. So no two people will have the same rituals when it comes to their practice. However, many people report the same benefits across the board after starting their meditation practice.

Meditation is not a means to an end. It is both the means and the end. – Jiddu Krishnamurti

This is what happens to your body when you meditate:

It decreases tension in the body.

One of the physical benefits of meditation includes feeling lower stress in all areas of the body. During meditation, the mind and body become extremely relaxed, which helps reduce cortisol levels. Because mindfulness meditation lowers stress and anxiety, this results in other important advantages, such as lessening the occurrence and severity of migraines, decreasing PMS symptoms in women, reducing joint pain and muscle aches, and much more. Anywhere that you experience tension in the body, meditation can alleviate the stress that causes this rigidity, and ultimately revitalize the body’s cells.

It slows down your heart rate and regulates breathing.

Numerous studies have attested to the fact that meditating helps lower the resting heart rate and slow down breathing. When you quiet the mind and focus solely on your breath, you will start tuning out from the fast-paced reality that most of us live in, and instead enter a space of solitude and peace. As your heart rate and breathing become regulated, this lowers the risk of many diseases, including high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. You can even try a heart chakra meditation in order to let go of feelings of sadness or anger, and welcome love and compassion into your energy field.

You might also try mantra meditation. This practice focuses meditating on a specific phrase that focuses on an area you wish to work on. For example, to open your heart chakra and release stress from this region of the body, you could say, “I give and receive love openly, and release feelings that make my heart heavy.”

Meditation can lower blood pressure.

Another physical benefit of meditation is that your blood pressure could drop significantly, as proven by the patients in a study. Dr. Zusman, director of the hypertension program at Massachusetts General Hospital, now prescribes meditation to his patients more often than he recommends medication. He helped oversee a three-month study in which patients being treated for high blood pressure with prescription drugs took part in weekly one-on-one meditation sessions to learn the practice for themselves. After completing the study, many patients showed a remarkable drop in blood pressure. And, they dropped some of their medication.

Meditation increases the formation of a compound in the body called nitric oxide. This checmical allows blood vessels to open, therefore lowering blood pressure.

It makes your immune system stronger.

Meditation can increase the body’s immunity by boosting the presence of antibodies within the blood, which help fight infections. One study performed by researchers at UCLA found that HIV positive patients who meditated regularly maintained their level of CD-4 cells (a type of white blood cell that protects the body from infections), while those who did not meditate showed a drastic decrease in these cells.

Another study conducted by researchers from the University of Wisconsin found that, out of the 48 people who were given flu shots, the group that took part in regular meditation over the course of eight weeks had higher levels of antibodies in their blood compared to the group that did not meditate.

Meditating regularly activates the parasympathetic nervous system.

Everyone’s nervous system is comprised of two parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Both these systems work together in order to maintain the proper functions of the nervous system. However, they have marked differences. The sympathetic nervous system controls our fight-or-flight response, raising blood pressure, increasing our heart rate, and contracting blood cells. In our stressful world, many people’s sympathetic nervous systems are constantly working to fight off all external stimuli that overwhelm our senses after repeated exposure.

However, meditation activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which counters the adverse effects of the overworked sympathetic nervous system. This part of the nervous system restores relaxation to the body by lowering the heart rate. Additionally, it is responsible for expanding the openings of the blood vessels and reducing stress levels.

Let us know in the conversation below how meditating impacts your life!

7 Things You Need to Know About Loving A Woman

August 21, 2015 by Power of Positivity

In many cases, women harbor more secrets than men about a variety of things. But when it comes to a man loving a woman, they typically make their intentions clear.

Why the difference?

It’s just in the makeup of a woman to keep secrets or to expect their partner to know what they want without them having to say it outright. Women have long been regarded as being more complex than men, and science backs this up because men and women’s brains are actually wired differently.

Women tend to speak through their emotions and remember faces and words more clearly. They have a high level of intuition, and usually feel more compassion and understanding toward others than men do. Since women operate through their feelings more than their minds, this can often confuse and frustrate men (and even other women) since women’s emotions fluctuate so frequently.

However, just because women are complicated creatures, does not mean they aren’t capable of being understood. While women may not voice the following things to you, she still wishes you could read her mind somehow.

We’ve made the deciphering a bit easier for you, and found some common things that most women want their partner to know.

Here are 7 secrets all men should know about loving a woman:

1. Speak up for yourself.

In the realm of relationship advice, this is an often-overlooked point when it comes to dating women. However, women generally enjoy dating someone who doesn’t just shake their head ‘yes’ to everything they say. Although they don’t want someone extremely contrary and argumentative, most women enjoy relationships with people who know how to stand up for themselves. Who can back up their opinions and not cave under pressure. You can still have a wonderful relationship with a man or woman without agreeing with every single thing they say or do.

2. Make time for your friends despite loving a woman.

While most women don’t want you to spend all your free time with friends, they do appreciate it when you go out a couple of times a week. That’s so they have the house to themselves, and can spend some time relaxing and doing ‘girl things’. Women want you to know that they encourage you to spend some time with your buddies, as long as you’re making enough time for them, too.

3. It’s okay to have a wild side but make sure you are there for her when she needs it.

Advice for men: most women really do want someone who embodies the whole package. An unapologetic bad boy who loves to show off and lives life on the edge, and also a stable, sweet person who goes out of his way for his lady. You can still have your motorcycles and fast cars and have that macho thing going on that every woman craves, while also getting in touch with your more sensitive side. When dating a woman, it all comes down to striking a perfect balance, and this includes your demeanor, as well.

4. Don’t just hear her words, actually listen to them.

Perhaps one of the biggest complaints women have is that their partners just don’t listen to what they have to say. They hear a few words out of the conversation, but don’t actually reflect on their meaning. Make sure in relationships, you listen to every word she says and don’t let the words get lost in translation. Respect her enough to care about what she says, and value her opinion. Relationships cannot survive without open lines of communication, and being able to listen to each other without interjecting.

5. Dig a little deeper.

Sometimes, women don’t tell the full story of how they feel or what’s on their minds. When dating a woman, it’s your job to uncover these secrets by asking more questions and really showing her you’re interested in knowing how she feels. She isn’t trying to play games with you, but rather, protect herself from feeling too vulnerable, or feeling like a burden to you. Let her know that you will always be there for her and that anything she says is safe with you. In a sea of emotions, women require stability and safety. If you can be her rock, she will never leave your side.

6. Do nice things for her that shows you care (even opening the door goes a long way).

After a while in a relationship, both people involved tend to slack on the sweet gestures and words of affection. However, even if this sounds like your relationship, you can always do something small, such as leaving a nice note for her to read before she leaves for work, or just taking her out to eat. You don’t have to do anything fancy; just let her know that you love and appreciate her, and still care deeply about her.

7. More than anything, remind her why she’s so special to you.

Loving a woman doesn’t have to be as complicated as some people make it seem; all women truly want is to feel wanted. They want to feel loved, important and taken care of. They want to feel like someone’s entire world, not just a part of it. Don’t hesitate to tell her all the reasons why you fell in love with her in the first place; remember, women speak in the language of emotions, so don’t be afraid to show your more sensitive side to her.

10 Places Most Introverts Avoid

August 19, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Navigating a very social, overstimulating world as an introvert comes with many seemingly insurmountable challenges. Furthermore, it can often feel nearly impossible to cope with a world that seems to never stop talking.

Introverts and extroverts simply have different brains that react to stimuli in virtually opposite ways. So extroverts respond more strongly to external events,. On the other hand, introverts gain energy from solitary activities.

Introverts have been mislabeled and misunderstood for quite some time, often viewed as rude, antisocial, unfeeling, and uninterested. However, introverts simply don’t see the need to ruin the beauty of silence. That is, unless their words will truly make a difference. They relish in their quiet time, and would rather not pollute the silence with useless chatter. Introverts DO enjoy connecting with others, just in a more laid-back, less stressful environment than most social situations offer.

“Don’t think of introversion as something that needs to be cured…Spend your free time the way you like, not the way you think you’re supposed to.” ~Susan Cain

If you identify as an introvert, you probably can relate to the following places that most introverts avoid:

1. Parties and large social events

More than anything, this particular social event makes introverts run for the hills. Parties usually mean lots of people, an abundance of noise, and for the most part, a lack of meaningful, stimulating conversation. If you do catch an introvert at a party, they likely will be sitting outside with a small group of friends, chatting quietly about something other than the party they’re at.

2. Going to a social event where they don’t know anyone

This is another area where introverts and extroverts differ; an extrovert would do totally fine going to a place where no one knows them, but an introvert will quickly retreat into his or her shell. An introvert needs to feel comfortable first before opening up to new people, and being thrown into a new situation before getting their toes wet just doesn’t fall in line with the characteristics of an introvert.

You’ll probably find them at the punch table, trying to find a quiet place to sit amongst the crowd.

3. Job interviews and meetings

Introverts can’t come up with things to say on the fly, which is why job interviews are particularly difficult for those with an introvert personality. No matter how much they prepare, they still might stumble over some words or just feel awkward about the whole thing in general. Furthermore, they don’t like having the spotlight on them. Therefore, getting to brag about their successes and strengths for a solid thirty minutes or so just doesn’t appeal to them.

At meetings, they also have to have something prepared beforehand, rather than just being called on spontaneously. Quiet introverts would rather just listen to others’ ideas rather than input their own opinions.

4. Family functions and reunions

Yet another thing that introverts can’t stand is a big gathering of family members they have, for the most part, never met before who they know nothing about. They know that family reunions promise forced conversations and awkward laughs about childhood stories and memories, and introverts would rather just sit under a tree with a good book and enjoy the day in peace. An introvert can easily adapt to a small gathering with family members they grew up with and know well, but dealing with many new faces all at once can quickly overwhelm an introvert.

5. First dates

First dates can even seem awkward and nerve-wracking to extroverts, much less those more prone to introversion. However, sometimes a first date might find an introvert’s struggle with words endearing, which can make the introvert feel much more at ease. Even if the two know each other fairly well before the date, the whole idea of impressing someone and keeping the conversation flowing can greatly intimidate an introvert.

6. Places that are jam-packed with people (concerts, elevators, etc)

Introverts hate places that have people packed in its walls like sardines, not only because of the amount of people, but also due to the noise factor. One of the traits of an introvert is avoiding overly noisy or crowded places, so navigating such an environment can be challenging for an introvert.

In an elevator, an introvert will nervously glance at the numbers to see how far it is until their stop. They also will scoot as far away from others as possible to maintain their space. At a concert, introverts prefer a smaller venue over a major show.

7. Going to a busy place like a mall or supermarket

Another social situation that introverts can’t stand is somewhere bright, loud, and swarming with people, such as a mall or supermarket. The stimuli simply overwhelm their senses, and they find it hard to concentrate on the task at hand with so much interfering with their train of thought.

8. Company dinners

Introverts may have one or two close friends at their place of employment. However, getting together with the entire company for dinner can make them break out in a nervous sweat. Especially if they have to give a speech or stand up in front of everyone to accept an award or promotion. However, this is one of the least intimidating social situations, since they will likely know many people at the gathering.

9. Extremely loud places

You can count an introvert out of any overly noisy place. That’s because they feel buried beneath all the chatter too quickly. They have a hard time processing all the noise at once, while an extrovert thrives on this kind of stimulation.

10. Blind dates

First dates are intimidating enough, but a blind date? Not a chance. If they don’t click with the person, that just makes for an even more awkward time for an introvert, as they search to find any sort of common ground. Introversion and blind dates really don’t even belong in the same sentence, because they normally won’t go for such a wild idea.

15 Things To Expect When Dating An Introvert

August 19, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Are you dating an introvert?

Did you know that introverts make up 16-50% of the population?

If you don’t identify as an introvert yourself, you likely know at least one person who leans more toward introversion. Introverts are easily misunderstood, and often feel that they just can’t fit in with others due to their intense need to recharge in solitude after social situations. Dating an introvert can seem a bit baffling and overwhelming at times because they approach life much differently, but as long as you go into it with an open mind and know what to expect, a relationship with an introvert can be very rewarding.

Here are 15 things to expect when dating an introvert:

1. They don’t do well with small talk.

Introverts would rather just skip the introductions and subtle banter, and get straight to the good stuff. What are your fears? Passions? Deepest secrets? Thoughts about the afterlife? Do you believe in aliens? What about karma? They want to get to the nitty-gritty of who you are, why you do the things you do, and what makes you feel the most alive. They crave depth and conversations that really make them think.

2. Introverts need lots of alone time to recharge their batteries.

They really don’t mean to hide away and forget about the world, but at the same time, they just require some time to decompress and boost their energy levels. Unlike extroverts, introverts acquire their energy from spending time alone, so allow them their space in order to balance their energies and contemplate themselves and life. Introverts speculate a lot, which gives them their depth and mysterious nature.

3. An introvert will get to know you on a profoundly deep level.

Going back to point #1, introverts will open you up to topics and ideas that you would have never dreamed of discussing. Introverts have a whole world inside them that they’re just dying to share with others, so consider yourself lucky if you get to know an introvert on this level.

4. They may not always say what’s on their mind.

Sometimes, they would rather keep things to themselves. Especially if something is bothering them. Introverts often lock their feelings away, because sharing them makes them feel too vulnerable. Be patient with an introvert, and just offer your love and support. They will come around eventually, as long as you make them feel safe.

5. Introverts really do love people, but it takes a while for them to feel comfortable opening up.

It’s a slow burn with introverts..you light the fuse, but it takes a while for the fire to start. Frankly, they don’t excel in conversing with people. It doesn’t come naturally to them, so just be patient. They have a lot to offer, but they’re very much used to people giving up on them or not giving them the mental stimulation they need. They want to get to know you, but may not always have the right words to say.

6. They are highly creative, artistic people with a knack for seeing the beauty in everything.

Introverts usually thrive in the realm of art and music. They see the world through a different lens, and find that their world makes a lot more sense. So, they bring this inner universe to life through their written words, paintings, music, or other forms of art.

7. An introvert will shower you with love and affection.

They may not speak as eloquently as extroverts, but they undoubtedly show their love through their actions. When they can’t think of anything to say, they offer kind gestures and affection to their partner, because as the saying goes, “actions speak louder than words.”

8. They feel everything deeply.

Introverts spend a lot of time in their own heads, analyzing situations, getting a feel for the world around them, and mulling over their own feelings. As a result, they feel everything a million times more than their extroverted counterparts. Thus, dating an introvert offers its advantages and drawbacks. However, just keep in mind that they are much more sensitive to your words and actions.

9. An introvert prefers a small group of friends over a big crowd of people.

They would rather spend time with a close-knit group of people than a big room full of acquaintances. After a party, it’s pretty much a given that an introvert will retreat into their room for some quiet time and relaxation.

10. They have a high level of self-awareness.

Because they spend so much time analyzing themselves, they are constantly in tune with their feelings. They know the ins and outs of themselves, but their contemplative nature means they will never stop exploring their inner selves.

11. Introverts will give you unconditional support when you need it most.

Introverts, by nature, are loving, compassionate, supportive beings. They know what it’s like to be misunderstood and feel like an outcast, so they don’t want anyone else to feel this way. If you have a goal or just need help with something, they will never leave your side.

12. An introvert sometimes wants to spend all day in bed, away from the hustle and bustle.

Sometimes, spending time alone for an introvert means laying in bed all day hiding from the world. At times, they can feel very overwhelmed by our fast-paced society, and need ample time to regroup and regain their energy.

13. They sometimes have a hard time getting out of their comfort zone.

Introverts take a while to warm up to new situations. Help them feel more comfortable by simply offering your support; you will forever gain an introvert’s trust by doing this.

14. Introverts have so much passion inside them, but often don’t know how to express it.

Like we’ve said before, introverts have a whole world living inside them, but they don’t always show it to others.

15. They may come off as rude or standoffish, but they just take a while to warm up.

They really don’t mean to seem aloof and distant from others; their layers just take some time to peel back. However, once they do open up to you, they will offer some of the best conversations you’ve ever had.

Are you in a relationship with or dating an introvert? Add to the discussion below:

10 Traits of Mentally Strong People

August 18, 2015 by Power of Positivity

No matter what, life happens, and it’s mentally strong that navigate it the best. One might think people are born mentally strong and that it’s inherent in who they are. That’s not the case. Mental strength is a skill that anyone with a little grit and perseverance can develop.

Mental strength comes from traits that can be developed through consistent repetition of specific habits. It’s the habit part of mental strength which essentially makes it a skill. A habit, by nature, automates the action, so you don’t fall victim to decision fatigue by overthinking everything in your day.

“Nothing on earth can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.”– Thomas Jefferson

1 – They Take Control of Their Own Power

Mentally strong people don’t allow others to control them. They stay in control of their emotions and know they have choices in how they respond. They don’t blame others for their circumstances and know they can change them with their intention and actions.

2 – Mentally Strong People Embrace Change

Mentally strong people realize they can be part of the problem or solution. They will always choose to be solution-oriented and because of this, they understand the importance of strategic change. As such, they welcome positive change, knowing it’s inevitable for personal and professional growth.

3 – They Don’t People Please

Mentally strong people are kind and fair but are not afraid to say no. They realize that to be the best they can be, they have to make choices, and not everyone will agree with the choices they make. They don’t intentionally make choices that hurt others but instead make choices that support their long-term goals.

4 – They Take Educated and Calculated Risks

Mentally strong people know that risk is necessary for growth. However, they don’t approach risk haphazardly. Instead, they do their homework and make sure they are prepared to take the risk – whatever the outcome. They are not outcome-focused but rather pride themselves on solid decision-making.

5 – They Recognize Failure as an Opportunity to Grow

Mentally strong people realize that part of taking a risk is an occasional failure. They know the road to success is not without challenges, and they view each failure as one step closer to their big goal.

Often, the mistakes from these failures offer the lessons necessary to make adjustments and carry on.

6 – They Don’t Dwell on Mistakes

Mentally strong people would rather take action, even if it is a mistake, than wait until everything is perfectly planned out. They know the plan will never be perfect and won’t guarantee success. They do not keep blaming themselves repeatedly and instead use the mistake as motivation to do better next time.

7 – They Surround Themselves with Smarter People

Mentally strong people know the quality of the people around them matters to their ultimate success. They want to surround themselves with the best and the brightest to learn and grow from. They choose not to waste their time with naysayers and negative people that are constantly complaining rather than doing.

8 – They Believe in Themselves

Mentally strong people believe in themselves. They know they can accomplish whatever they set their mind to do. They may not always know how but are willing to hustle and do what it takes to complete the task. If they take a project on, you better believe it will be successful.

9 – They Exercise Often

Mentally strong people know they need to exercise regularly to release the stress of the day and keep their bodies functioning optimally. Keeping their body and mind in shape is the key to their success, and they rarely let anything interfere with their routines.

10 – They Sleep Well

Mentally strong people know their ability to perform and focus depends on their sleep quality. Lack of sleep affects their ability to think and make decisions. They understand the effects of inadequate sleep on the body’s immune systems and that it inhibits recovery from the activities of the day before. Mentally strong people consider adequate sleep as their secret weapon.

Final Thoughts on Aspiring to Become Mentally Strong

What actions you choose don’t matter if you don’t have the perseverance to make the action a habit. Unfortunately, when things get hard, most people choose an easier route. That’s not the case for a mentally strong person. When things get challenging, that’s when they put their best foot forward.

If you can choose the habits to start in your life, then you can choose to be mentally strong. It takes willpower and repetition of the chosen actions to form the habit. All that’s left is to choose the right habits, and they might as well be ones the mentally strong use.

20 Things Authentic People Do Differently

August 18, 2015 by Power of Positivity

When you meet authentic people living through their soul, and not choosing the scripted life that society tells us we must live, it almost feels like a part of you has become liberated, too. People living authentically show us that we can live by what ideals WE feel most drawn to, instead of those already set for us.

Granted, it does take a lot of inner work to understand who you truly are, beyond the limitations and boundaries that others insist we abide by, but the journey is truly worth it once you begin to see yourself clearly.

Are you living authentically or not? These signs will help you decide, and maybe invite you to find yourself a little more.

Here are 20 things authentic people do differently:

1. They voice their opinions clearly and firmly, even if others may not agree.

People who march to the beat of their own drum are used to others disagreeing with them; however, this doesn’t stop them from living the life that feels most fulfilling in their hearts.

2. Authentic people choose a career path that resonates with them, not one that everyone else believes is best.

They know that by doing what they love, instead of doing what pays the bills, they have unlocked a huge part of what it means to follow your bliss. They simply cannot spend a large part of their life doing something that makes them feel dead inside.

3. They bring their own energy to the world, instead of being influenced by others’ frequencies.

People living authentically can honor and respect others’ energies, without feeling affected by them

4. They don’t fear to take the path less traveled in life.

They feel comfortable taking their own road, even if they have to venture down it alone for a while

5. Authentic people have fallen in love with themselves, and wouldn’t want to be anyone else.

They have mended their wounds and treated their insecurities, and now know the bliss of truly loving themselves

6. They feel so comfortable with themselves, that they give others permission to be themselves, too.

They make others feel free without having to say a word. Their energy speaks for itself.

7. Authentic people do things their way, and usually don’t follow the crowd..even if it means not having as many friends.

They probably spend a lot of time alone, but they have learned to love their own company and really get to know themselves.

8. They don’t take comments or criticisms about themselves personally. They know that others may not like them, but as long as they love themselves, that’s all that truly matters.

When you love yourself, the whole world shifts its winds in your favor

9. They seek out friends and partners who value deep conversations and an emotional connection, not gossip or sensational news.

They just don’t have the energy for meaningless, hollow relationships any longer. furthermore, they crave life-changing, beautiful relationships built on love, respect, and compassion.

10. Authentic people keep a positive outlook on life, even if they find themselves in tough situations.

Here is a truth that authentic people know — A positive mind = a positive life.

11. They listen more and talk less. Those living authentically know there’s much to be learned in silence.

Authentic people don’t usually like to gab too much about themselves. They would rather learn from others’ experiences.

12. Authentic people usually have some sort of daily ritual they follow, such as meditation or yoga, in order to remain centered and in touch with themselves.

Quiet time to connect with themselves is very important to them. Remaining calm and focused makes people gravitate to them.

13. They love with all their heart, and never hold back how they feel just to keep others comfortable.

They aren’t afraid to offer their love to people, even if it means they might get hurt in the process.

14. Authentic people have a lot of self-confidence; they don’t hold back who they are.

To free yourself, you must be yourself.

15. They don’t wish anything bad on anyone and want everyone to thrive in life and become the best versions of themselves.

They love everyone because they have cultivated it within themselves.

16. Authentic people have moved past their egos, and live harmoniously with all life on Earth.

They don’t have to fight for their place here; they move through life with ease and grace.

17. They find beauty even in the most humble of places.

They know that your perspective determines your perception and constantly work on balancing their own energies and creating a positive mindset.

18. People living authentically will never stay in a bad situation, even if leaving it means marching into the unknown.

They love themselves enough to get out of a negative situation, no matter how comfortable they once felt there.

19. Authentic people allow others to have opinions without getting offended by them.

They can tolerate others without their egos wanting to get the upper hand.

20. They see people for the souls that lie within and hardly even notice people for their personal appearance any longer.

They notice people’s hearts and characters before their physical appearance.

Do you identify as an authentic person? Share in the discussion below…

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