One of the most important and interesting elements of Reiki is its symbols. Reiki symbols allow people to take their Reiki practice one step further by allowing them to take the energy of Reiki and use it for a specific purpose. While in most cases symbols really only affect the subconscious, Reiki symbols work a bit differently—they actually alert the mind and body to change the way the Reiki energy functions....
“It’s a bit arbitrary,” Zimmerman tells mbg. “I am always hesitant to define what amount is a problem or to focus on frequency because just meeting a number doesn’t mean your sex life is really working. Whenever we talk frequency, I think we are having the wrong conversation; it should be about quality—the degree to which both people find it enjoyable, engaging, and positive in their relationship.” In comparison, about 35% of those married people had sex one to three times per month, 25% of had sex weekly, and 21% had sex several times per week....
mbg: Let’s start with the obvious… Why might we consider swapping for a sugar substitute in the first place? Can you talk about refined white sugar, and why we want to be mindful of how much we consume? Jessica Cording: We know from research that white sugar is problematic in different ways. One of the main reasons I recommend limiting it is that it does impact our glycemic control by quickly raising our blood sugar....
We tend to forget that our whole body needs extra care this time of year, not just our face. So for our latest episode of the Beauty Breakdown, our beauty editor Alexandra Engler gives us a hydrating and luxurious whole-body care routine using NativaSPA’s Madagascar Vanilla Skin Soothing collection. Made with 100% pure quinoa oil—extracted through a unique patented process—this routine is one-of-a-kind. Quinoa oil has 30 times more omegas than coconut oil and more than twice the nutrients of both argan and almond oils....
Those same people might occasionally drive you nuts or even contribute to your most transformational wounds. These are people with whom you have a strong soul connection—or what we often refer to as soulmates. It’s the sense that your link transcends the earth plane—transcending the practical details of your relationship, like being co-workers or lovers—and that something much more brought you together or is at play. You might feel you have known each other in a past life or that your souls agreed before this life to meet up now....
And while there may be plenty of ways to get your protein fix in before work, we’re firm believers that breakfast is the perfect opportunity to have a little fun with our food. So we teamed up with Van’s Foods to show you why the recipe for a perfect morning routine calls for a dash of joy, a pinch of delight, and a heaping helping of waffles. Save the hard-boiled egg whites for another day, and make this plant-based, keto-friendly, Sweet Morning Protein Tartine instead....
There’s no better place to practice this philosophy than in the comfort of our own home. In fact, all the benefits of free play can be enjoyed right in our living room with a little inspiration, like the Brentwood Home Play Couch. This Play Couch, along with a couple of other tricks we have up our sleeve, will transform your living room into a playground (and classroom) in no time....
That’s because taking melatonin nightly—especially in doses higher than 0.5 to 1 milligram at a time—can potentially cause unpleasant side effects, downregulate your natural production of melatonin, interfere with certain medications, and, not to mention, prove ineffective at improving sleep quality. With that being said, most people should have no problem giving up melatonin in one fell swoop as there’s little evidence that it is habit forming. Others may have better luck gradually taking a lower and lower dose as the days go on—again, as overseen by a doctor....
Clean and natural beauty enthusiasts love mineral SPFs as they are shown to be safer for the skin and environment. But they come with drawbacks, one important one: wearability. Because of the thicker nature, they don’t rub in as easily, and some leave a white cast (especially true on darker skin). But as clean and natural skin care, in general, has become more technical and sophisticated, so has the formulas: They use emollients to help the formula smooth out, color-correcting tints to help blend in, and so on....
“We use toners to enhance dull tones or cancel unwanted tones,” says hairstylist Natasha Speth. “When we are canceling unwanted tones, we refer to our faithful color wheel to select the proper tones. We would use complementary colors to cancel out unwanted tones.” The basics of at-home toning are using violet for yellow, green for red, or blue for orange. “For instance, if a light blonde with soft golden undertones would prefer to be an icy white blonde, we may use a violet base toner or send them home with a violet-based shampoo and conditioner....
Pro: Good lather Con: No extra nourishing ingredients Native Unscented Body Wash ($13.99 for 2); amazon.com Pro: budget-friendly Con: no lather Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented Pure Castile Liquid Soap ($9.99); amazon.com Pro: Contains oat & calendula Con: More geared towards the face, if you’re looking for a strictly body option Babo Botanicals Sensitive Skin Fragrance Free Hydra Therapy Face & Body Wash ($16.14); amazon.com Pro: Contains shea butter to nourish the barrier Con: Bar soaps can get messy in the shower Shea Moisture African Black Soap Eczema & Psoriasis Therapy ($3....
Better thought of as an inclusive eating pattern than a restrictive diet, it promotes consuming whole foods like nuts, legumes, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables with an emphasis on ingredients high in healthy fats—including monounsaturated fats from olive oil and omega 3s from seafood—all paired with regular physical activity and an optional glass (or two) of red wine. While a Mediterranean diet is certainly not as restrictive as other eating plans, such as the keto diet, it does require planning to ensure you’re hitting a good balance of healthy fats, carbohydrates, and lean proteins....
This updated, heavier version of a traditional sleep mask follows the large success of weighted blankets. A controlled study composed of 120 people showed that weighted blankets resulted in more daytime productivity and reduced fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Using similar technology, weighted sleep masks press around the eyes and are meant to help trigger the parasympathetic system, minimizing the “fight-or-flight” response and setting your body and mind up for better sleep....
—Jess Cording, R.D., mbg Collective member I would customize the Spicy Tostada and have it with black beans, avocado, extra lettuce, extra tomato, and pico de gallo. Another option is to customize the Power Menu Veggie Burrito. I’d remove the cheese and go easy on the avocado ranch sauce (I love that you have the option to add just a little bit) and add pickled jalapeños, lettuce, and tomato. The key is to boost the original offering with extra veggies and make mindful and intentional choices around what you add or remove....
Natural latex mattresses are a supportive yet cushioning option for side sleepers, back sleepers, hot sleepers, and anyone who simply wants to prioritize their health and the health of our planet. They’re naturally breathable and moisture-resistant and typically come with eco-friendly certifications to boot. Interested in greener sleep? Read on for our picks of the best latex mattresses on the market today. “Firm but flexible” hits the nail on the head....
Pair any of the following options with your favorite set of breathable sheets and prepare for a comfortable rest that is beyond cool. The trick to finding a super-cool pillow is selecting the right materials for both filling and shell. Here are the ones that sleep and bedding experts recommended to us: While synthetic materials like polyester can trap heat and counteract any cooling fillings, these natural materials tend to be more breathable: While everyone’s different, those who tend to sleep on their sides will want a thicker pillow that fills the gap between their head and mattress to promote spinal alignment....
Why trail running? I think RRCA-certified running coach Raj Hathiramani, an instructor with Aaptiv and Mile High Run Club, sums up my feelings pretty perfectly: “Trail running is an effective way to escape routine and immerse yourself in nature. Running through oxygen-rich, shaded woods will make you feel raw, energized, and connected to something bigger—Mother Earth.” “Trail running creates less impact on the body while building more strength in muscles to stabilize the core and legs,” says Hathiramani....
“Our warning raises the alarm about the pervasive and ubiquitous erosion of knowledge and practice and the social and ecological consequences of this erosion,” the report continues. In this context, the word erosion is layered with meaning. Often used to describe the weathering of land, applying it to Indigenous knowledge hints at the parallels between people and place. It’s a connection that Yuria Celidwen, Ph.D., a native of Indigenous Nahua and Maya descent, sees often in her scholarly work at the intersection of Indigenous studies, cultural psychology, and contemplative science....
Here’s what this natural law is all about, plus how spiritual experts recommend using it to your advantage. Over time, these laws have been passed down and made their rounds around the world. Today, plenty of people still use them to help manifest the life they desire and gain a deeper understanding of reality. (Be sure to check out our full guide to all 12 universal laws if you’re curious to know more!...
Sure enough, as her anxiety lessened, boredom did start to make its presence felt in her life. However, over time, my client came to embrace this new state. She labeled it “a privilege” and a sign that anxiety had released its stranglehold over her life. Interestingly, when she stopped reacting to and judging her boredom, it started to ease. Different things came to occupy the void previously occupied by her anxiety and fear....
