In the serene and contemplative environment of a Buddhist retreat, every aspect of daily life becomes an opportunity for deepening mindfulness and cultivating wisdom. While meditation, Dharma talks, and silent contemplation are often at the forefront of retreat activities, there's one practice that holds a special place in the journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth: cleaning. In this article, we'll explore how cleaning becomes a key learning in Buddhist retreats and the profound insights it offers into the nature of the mind and our interconnectedness with the world around us.

For centuries, castor oil has been revered for its remarkable healing properties and versatile uses. Extracted from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis), this natural remedy boasts a wide range of health benefits, from promoting hair growth to relieving constipation. In this article, we'll delve into the many therapeutic qualities of castor oil and explore how it can enhance your overall well-being.

Many of us simply need an outlet to be heard. However, it is important to ask ourselves if we are truly listening to ourselves. We should spend more time getting to know ourselves and understanding why certain situations arise. Life would be more beautiful if we become better listeners, both to ourselves and to others.

Life isn’t solely about our own perspectives; it’s also about connecting with others. Imagine how beautiful life could be if we paused more often and weren’t so rigidly attached to our own beliefs and ideas.

In the world of alternative therapies, finding the right treatment can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Recently, I experienced a breakthrough in my own healing journey thanks to Dr. Ray Gin of Body Wisdom and his innovative approach using the Neuro Emotional Technique (NET). What I once thought might take years to heal was dramatically improved in just a single session.

During my menstrual cycle, I deeply appreciate the clarity it brings. It allows me to transcend my desires and attachments, enabling a heightened state of presence. Instead of being ensnared in perpetual ‘doing,’ where I often feel the weight of unceasing tasks and societal expectations, I embrace a state of ‘being.’ This entails granting myself the freedom to be whoever I wish in the present moment, and to act in accordance with my intuition.

To access our authentic power, we must develop a profound understanding of ourselves. This self-awareness creates an unshakeable connection within us, safeguarding our power from external influences. When we establish a strong connection with ourselves, it reflects in our interactions with the world, whether it’s our possessions, our relationships with animals and people, or our overall well-being. True power is profoundly tranquil and requires no external validation.

As observers, our role is to refrain from passing judgment on a situation. When we engage in judgment, we veer away from our true observing mindset. Judgment often arises from our ego’s attachment to certain beliefs, which are frequently far from the truth.

The word "expectations" often brings a wry smile to my face, as it carries the potential to breed disappointment. Reflecting on my journey, I realize how expectations—both of myself and others—once led me to profound disillusionment.

In today’s social media-driven world, self-love has become a prominent topic of discussion. But before delving into its meaning, let’s first explore the essence of love itself. Echkart Tolle aptly describes love as a state of being, residing deep within us. It is an intrinsic part of who we are, unaffected by external forms or validation.

Social media feeds are designed to be addictive. They constantly refresh, offering new content and notifications, which can lead us to spend hours mindlessly scrolling. The visual stimulation and dopamine-driven rewards make it easy to lose track of time. While these platforms can foster connections and provide entertainment, excessive use can have detrimental effects on our health.

In today’s fast-paced world, many people are fixated on quick financial gains, often neglecting other important aspects of life. While some achieve rapid success, this approach can also lead to swift losses. The desire for immediate freedom often leads individuals to sacrifice long-term satisfaction for short-term achievements. But what happens when you attain great success at a young age? Does the pursuit of more material gains become endless? And in the quest for success, have you taken the time to connect with yourself and your loved ones? Have you prioritized what truly matters?

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, where responsibilities and obligations often take center stage, the notion of putting oneself first can seem both indulgent and impractical. However, embracing the principle of self-love—symbolized by the phrase ‘Girl, Put Yourself First…’—is not about selfishness; it’s about ensuring that you are emotionally and mentally equipped to handle life’s challenges and nurture your relationships. Understanding why this concept matters and how to implement it can pave the way to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

In today’s social media-driven world, self-love has become a prominent topic of discussion. But before delving into its meaning, let’s first explore the essence of love itself. Echkart Tolle aptly describes love as a state of being, residing deep within us. It is an intrinsic part of who we are, unaffected by external forms or validation.

For a long time, I never truly grasped the concept of loving myself. I used to think that practicing self-care equated to self-love. However, self-care and self-love are different. Self-love is about fully accepting yourself for who you are and filling yourself with love.

On my quest for deeper self-discovery, here are 10 more lessons I’ve learned:

• Awareness: Expands rapidly and deeply. You begin to understand why you prefer certain foods, places, or people, and how these preferences shape your life.

• Honesty: Increases with self-reflection. As you become more truthful with yourself, you naturally become more honest with others.

I started a deeper soul search after I left my business of 7.5 years at the end of 2018. It wasn’t my intention, however it came to me…I guess I could say, my soul was yearning. My intention was to take 6 months off to be with myself and “take a break” from many years of working in the event industry. I needed a pause to just “be”. Well, here I am today sharing what I feel has been one of the best things that’s happened for me…