EASING STRESS

Minor raised blood pressure can easily be controlled by simple lifestyle changes, taking some exercise and no its not neccessary to take out a gym membership, brisk walking, taking the stairs rather than the lift, walking instead of driving. Loosing some weight, cutting out fatty foods, stopping smoking and cutting down on alcohol.

Now we know that the Sympathetic Nervous System increases blood pressure, so designed to help us survive in danger, though we no longer have the same dangers today as we did in evolution and we know the body can't differentiate between modern stressors and those centuries ago. Modern stressors tend to go on for long periods of time, this is bad for us, so to combat the effects of the SNS we need to "fool" the body into believing the stress is over and triggering the Parasympathetic Nervous System. The PSN reverses all the effects of the SNS, so therefore blood pressure will fall, the heart rate will slow down, respirations will become slower and deeper, blood will begin flowing to the extremities such as the skin and hair this is due to adrenaline no longer being produced as adrenaline causes vaso contraction (arterioles tiny arterial vessels narrow, this causes a rise in blood pressure as the volume of blood has less of an area in which to flow, blood is diverted from the skin and hair) and the digestive system will start functioning properly. 

Many types of therapies can instigate the PSN one of the simplest and cheapest, as it needs no financial outlay is Meditation. Some people may find meditation difficult as it does take a bit of mind discipline as the idea is to empty your mind of current thoughts and you do get better with practice. By training in meditation, we create an inner space and clarity that enables us to control our mind regardless of the external circumstances. Gradually we develop mental equilibrium, a balanced mind that is happy all the time, rather than an unbalanced mind that oscillates between the extremes of excitement and despondency. If we train in meditation systematically, eventually we will be able to eradicate from our mind the delusions that are the causes of all our problems and suffering. In this way, we will come to experience a permanent inner peace. There are many ways to learn the art of meditation, you can join a class and meditate within a group and by being part of a group it does help and you can discuss any difficulties you may experience but equally a cheaper option is to use a guided mediation CD and this is very effective, remember practice makes perfect. Meditation instills an inner calm so effectively you are working on the Hypothalamus, the area of moods and emotions within the brain, by practicing meditation you trigger the PSN. There are a number of articles on Meditation included 'A guided meditation' on my site here.

Any kind of massage will also trigger the PSN, it does this in the following ways. Massage stimulates blood flow to the surface of the skin due to the specialised cells within the Dermis, Mast cells, to release Histamine, what histamine does is to cause vaso dilation (the tiny arteries arterioles to dilate) this means that the blood is able to flow over a wider area over the body to the skin, this then takes the strain of the heart and reduces blood pressure. The skin and hair will of course will get a better blood supply so increased nourishment for them. 

When we are stressed we inadvertedly tense up our muscles particularly in the area of the neck and upper back, this can lead to tension headaches, by working on the muscles in massage you ease the tension so this can ease those tension aches and aches in the neck and back.

Whenever we touch one another there is an exchange of energy, think back to childhood when you fell over, didn't your mother rubbing or kissing the affected area feel better. Touch is fundamental and massage has been practised as a therapy from ancient times, it is comforting and healing. Massage comforts and soothes, eases tension stimulates peripheral blood flow, this stimulates the PSN.

With Aromatherapy massage it works in two ways, the massage alone is beneficial as I have described but the use of certain essential oils affect the body by evoking a reaction in the hypothalamus via the limbic system (specialsed nerve cells within the upper portion of the nose pick up the tiny molecules of the essential oils these cells are connected to the hypothalamus. The other way essential oils work is by absorption through the skin into the blood stream whereby the can also evoke a reaction in the hypothalamus as  well as being the home of moods and emotions it maintains homeostasis in the body. Different essential oils create different effects in the body and most of them do relax the body but there are those that can raise the blood pressure such as Hysop,  Rosemary, Sage and Thyme, these have a stimulating effect.

Astrid Brown (Author) › Visit Amazon's Astrid Brown Page Find all the books, read about the author, and more

DEALING WITH THE REAL CAUSES OF SKIN DAMAGE

THIS ISN'T A CONVENTIONAL BEAUTY BLOG SO I AM NOT GOING INTO PRODUCTS OR EVEN ROUTINES BUT RATHER TACKLING THE INNER CORE AND DEALING WITH THE REAL CAUSES OF SKIN DAMAGE

THE BASICS: UNDERSTANDING HOW THE ENVIRONMENT AND STRESS AFFECTS THE SKIN 

Under the 'Stress section' I talked about how stress hormones such as Adrenalin and Cortisone affect the skin, if you recall Adrenalin reduces the nourishment delivered by the blood stream by directing the blood flow away from the extremities to the heart, lungs and muscles, so the skin and hair wont be so well nourished. Cortisone damages the fibrocytes, these are specialised cells within the Dermis that produce collagen and elastin and it is collagen and elastin that provides support and elasticity within the skin, akin to the foam and springs in a mattress. When we are young our skin is plump and elastic but through use from normal facial movements, the downward pull of gravity, the collagen and elastin tends to bunch together just like the stuffing in a well used mattress. Now if we undergo stress for a considerable period as these fibrocytes become damaged due to the action of Cortisol so the skin will loose its support structure, its elasticity will suffer and it wont spring back to shape like it used to, like spent elastic. Cell renewal will suffer due to the reduced blood supply there wont be adequate nourishment and the skin will take on a greyer pallor and it will loose its healthy rosy glow. 

Now there is another aspect to this equation, the action of Ultra Violet Light from the sun and of course sunbeds. The sun produces three types of UV Light UVA UVB and UVC. The Earth's ozone layer blocks 97-99% of this UV radiation from penetrating through the atmosphere. Of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth's surface, 98.7% is UVA (UVC and more energetic radiation is responsible for the generation of the ozone layer, and formation of the ozone there). Now I don't want to get to technical here and want to focus on UVA and UVB. UVB can only penetrate down through the skin to the dermis and is responsible for burning but UVA is able to penetrate down through the dermis and like Cortisol damages the Fibrocytes, those little cells that plump up our skin and give it elasticity. 

One of the best places on our bodies to see the affects of gravity and demishing collagen and elastin especially on women is on the thighs often referred to as 'Cellulite'. 

Because we are composed of 70% water, water is an important component of the skin, therefore it 's important we drink adequate water to keep ourselves hydrated. Don't wait until you feel thirsty before you reach for that drink, it is much better to sip water at regular intervals as we are constantly loosing water through bodily processes. 

THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL, SMOKING AND DRUGS ON THE SKIN 

Everything in moderation is something to bear in mind when it comes to food and drink and that includes alcohol, but alcohol is a toxin and the liver has to work hard to break it down. The occasional drink is not going to have too much effect on the skin but it does cause the peripheral circulation to dilate and one of the characteristic signs of too much alcohol is the appearance of broken capillaries across the face, There are other causes of broken capillaries, sometimes, it's hereditary but often caused by sudden changes in temperature i.e. going from very warm central heated homes to going outdoors without protecting the skin or driving in cars with the heater blasting against the face. Squeezing spots is another cause. Too much alcohol is a depressant too, so you may feel rather jolly at the time but you are sure to come back down to earth with a bump.

Many common prescribed drugs have an effect on the skin its something to be aware of many drugs such as diuretics will cause a loss of moisture so forewarned you take extra care to apply a good moisturiser to help counteract this effect. 

Recreational drugs obviously will have an effect on the skin too with many of them toxic to the body and anything that diverts the body to spend time detoxifying obviously takes energy away from repairing and maintaining the body. This is not a blog that discusses drugs I am sure readers will already know the dangers of such substances.

Smoking is one of the worst abuses you can do to your body, firstly because of its direct effect affect on the lungs, it impairs the uptake and absorption of oxygen and of course all cells in the body require oxygen in order to function normally. The nicotine as well as being addictive is a powerful vasoconstrictor therefore it reduces blood flow to the peripheral circulation so the skin and hair are going to suffer. So as well as impairing oxygen uptake and reducing blood flow to the skin, the body is also having to use its resources dealing with all the toxins also inhaled. Poorly nourished skin means it cannot repair itself adequately. Smoking also leads to more wrinkling, those little purse string lines around the mouth and crows feet caused by the smoke further research has proven that smoking causes the skin to age ten years.

ARTICLE FROM THE DAILY MAIL BELOW

How sunbeds, smoking and not eating enough fruit can age a woman's skin by TEN YEARS

• 'Lifestyle choices' account for 33 per cent of how old a woman looks
• Researchers carried out study on 585 woman in UK, China and Spain
• Team asked women a series of questions about their lifestyles 

A new study has found lifestyle choices can account for as much as 33 per cent of how old a woman looks

Living an unhealthy lifestyle can age a woman’s skin by over ten years, an in-depth international study has revealed.

The true damage caused by sun beds, smoking and a lack of fruit and moisturisation in accelerating the ageing process emerged following research on 585 women in the UK, China and Spain.

The study, published yesterday, showed the factors influencing their skin were the same even taking into account the backgrounds and skin type of the women involved.

It also emerged 'lifestyle choices' often account for as much as 33 per cent of how old a woman looks.

Dr Andrew Mayes, who led the study for Simple skincare, said: 'We already knew genetics accounted for about 50 per cent of how old people look, but we didn’t know how much would be accounted for by their lifestyles.

'Even we were surprised by just how much it was; both in terms of the number of years and the percentage.'

The study which was carried out over the last eight years involved women aged 45 to 75 in the UK, 30 to 70 in Spain and 25 to 70 in China.

Study sites with controlled laboratory conditions were established in Bedford in the UK, Madrid in Spain and Shanghai in China.

Those who took part were asked a string of questions about their lifestyles including whether or not they liked to sun tan and if they were smokers or non-smokers.

Other questions included how often the women moisturised, whether they eat fruit and veg, whether they brush their teeth and if they have all their own teeth.

The research team also took digital images of the women which were then assessed for how old they looked to identify their perceived age and whether they looked younger or older than their actual age.

The study, which was carried out over the last eight years, asked women questions about their lifestyle, including whether or not they smoked

Those taking part in the research were also asked whether or not they liked to sun tan and how often they moisturised

The research team, led by Dr Mayes, then compared the perceived ages of those with good versus bad lifestyles.

They concluded the difference was 10.4 years.

'We already knew genetics accounted for about 50 per cent of how old people look, but we didn’t know how much would be accounted for by their lifestyles'

- Dr Andrew Mayes

Dr Mayes added: 'The number of years' difference was most staggering - we had just seen some data out of a group of plastic surgeons in the US and Canada suggesting that a face and neck lift (together with eyelid and forehead modifications) could take an average of about 8.5 years off your facial age.

'Then we got our data through demonstrating a saving of over 10 years. It’s fair to say at first we couldn’t quite believe it.

'But the evidence was there in front of us - women with a healthy lifestyle looked much younger than those with an unhealthy lifestyle.

'Simply put; good skin health is about more than fancy creams and lotions - it’s about how we live our lives and how we treat our bodies and the steps we need to take do not need to be extreme.

'They can be small and steady and the effects will be seen over time without the need for plastic surgery.'

Astrid Brown (Author) › Visit Amazon's Astrid Brown Page Find all the books, read about the author, and more

REFLEXOLOGY AS A PAINKILLER

As a lecturer and a pioneer in bringing reflexology into hospitals I am surprised its taken so long to recognise how effective a therapy it is. The article below mine here is from the Daily Mail, which states "Reflexology may be as effective as painkillers for conditions as backache and arthritis".

Reflexology dates back to ancient civilisations such as Egypt, India and China, but this therapy was only introduced to the West in the early 20th Century. The oldest documentation of Reflexology comes from a pictograph in the dates back to ancient civilisations such as Egypt, India and China, but  this therapy was only introduced to the West in the early 20th Century.

The oldest documentation of Reflexology comes from a pictograph in the tomb of an Egyptian Physician Ankhmahor (2500-2330 B.C.) at Saqquara near Cairo.

It shows two men working on the feet and hands of two other men. The hieroglyphics above the scene read‘ Do not let it be painful’ says one of the patients.‘ I do as you please’ the practitioner says

In China there is evidence of some form of foot and hand therapy being practiced as long ago as 4,000 B.C., and the North American Indians have practised a form of foot therapy for hundreds of years. It was not until Dr William Fitzgerald USA 1872-1942 who was an Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon. He practiced in the USA, briefly in London and Vienna for 2 years. He was the founder of “Zone Therapy”, an early form of reflexology. But it was medical journalist Dr. Edwin Bowers who suggested his method be known as 'Zone Therapy'. Through research Dr. Fitzgerald discovered that if he exerted pressure on the tips of the toes or fingers, a corresponding part of the body would be anaesthetised. From this theory he divided the body into 10 equal zones running from the top of the head to the tips of the toes. He found that by applying pressure using tight bands of elastic on the middle section of each finger, or by using small clamps that were placed on the tips, he could carry out minor surgery using this technique only. These were very controversial ideas at the time.

However it was Eunice Ingham (1889 -1974) USA “The Mother of Modern Reflexology” who finally developed it to the form we now know and recognise. She was a Physiotherapist who worked in a Doctors practice and she used Dr Fitzgerald’s Zone Therapy method. However, she felt that the therapy could be more effective on the feet than the hands. After extensive research she evolved a map of the entire body on the feet. Hence the saying ‘The feet are a mirror of the body’. Eunice Ingham travelled around America for 30 years teaching Reflexology first to Doctors and Nurses and then to non-medical practitioners. It was in 1966 Doreen Bailey who was a former student of Eunice Ingham, returned to England and became the pioneer of reflexology as we know today in the UK

______________________________________________________

ARTICLE BELOW FROM THE DAILY MAIL

Reflexology may be as effective as painkillers for conditions such as back ache and arthritis

• People felt 40% less pain and were able to stand pain for about 45% longer when they had the treatment
• Researchers say is the first time reflexology has been scientifically tested as a treatment for acute pain

Reflexology may be as effective as painkillers for common conditions such as osteoarthritis, new research suggests. 
Those who had the treatment felt about 40 per cent less pain, and were able to stand pain for about 45 per cent longer when they used the complementary therapy as a method of pain relief.
The researchers, from the University of Portsmouth, said it was the first time this therapy had been scientifically tested as a treatment for acute pain.

Reflexology reduced pain by 40 per cent and people who had the therapy were able to stand pain for 45 per cent longer, researchers found 

Dr Carol Samuel, a trained reflexologist who carried out the experimental procedures as part of her PhD studies,  said the results suggested reflexology could be used to in conjunction with drugs to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis and back pain. 
Participants attended two sessions, in which they were asked to submerge their hand in ice water.
In one of the sessions they were given reflexology before they submerged their hand, and in the other session they believed they were receiving pain relief from a Tens machine, which was not actually switched on.
The researchers found that when the participants received reflexology prior to the session, they were able to keep their hand in the ice water for longer before they felt pain, and that they could also tolerate the pain for a longer period of time.
Dr Samuel said: 'As we predicted, reflexology decreased pain sensations.
'It is likely that reflexology works in a similar manner to acupuncture by causing the brain to release chemicals that lessen pain signals.'
Dr Ivor Ebenezer, co-author of the study, said: 'We are pleased with these results. Although this is a small study, we hope it will be the basis for future research into the use of reflexology.'

The findings suggest reflexology could help with conditions such as back ache and osteoarthritis

Reflexology involves applying pressure to any body area but is commonly used on either the feet, as it was in this study.
The researchers used a small study of 15 people to determine whether reflexology would be more effective than no pain relief at all.
Dr Ebenezer said: 'Complementary and alternative therapies come in for a lot of criticism, and many have never been properly tested scientifically.
'One of the common criticisms by the scientific community is that these therapies are often not tested under properly controlled conditions.
'When a new drug is tested, its effects are compared with a sugar pill.
'If the drug produces a similar response to the sugar pill, then it is likely that the drug's effect on the medical condition is due to a placebo effect.
'In order to avoid such criticism in this study, we compared the effects of reflexology to a sham Tens control that the participants believed produced pain relief.
'This is the equivalent of a sugar pill in drug trials.'
Dr Samuel added: 'This is an early study, and more work will need to be done to find out about the way reflexology works.
'However, it looks like it may be used to complement conventional drug therapy in the treatment of conditions that are associated with pain, such as osteoarthritis, backache and cancers.'
The study has been published in the Journal of Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.

Astrid Brown (Author) › Visit Amazon's Astrid Brown Page Find all the books, read about the author, and more

HOW THE SKIN WORKS

If I were to ask you what is the largest organ in the body what would you say? It's not the liver nor the intestines but the skin, it does a very important job for us and how many of us take it for granted and don't look after it? It works very hard for us and it deserves to be cared for, if you don't there will come a time when you regret you didn't, prevention is always better than trying to cure the damage caused by neglect.

HOW THE SKIN WORKS

The basics so you will understand how the skin works. The skin is comprised of 3 layers, the Epidermis the layer you can see, the Dermis the true skin and the subcutaneous. Cosmetics only work on the Epidermis and you can see how deep it is, if you have ever experienced a blister. A blister is caused when friction causes the Epidermis and the Dermis to separate and the fluid within the blister is lymph. The Epidermis has no nerve endings or blood supply that is why removing the top layer of a blister is not painful, not to be recommended though as it exposes the Dermis which is rich in nerves and a blood supply to infection.

The skin  has several functions to secrete sebum that oily substance on your skin, this is to help keep the skin moisturised by trapping moisture and forming a barrier together with sweat known as the  'Acid Mantle' The Acid Mantle is slightly acidic and acts as a Bacteriastat to inhibit bacteria. The skin secretes sebum via the sebaceous glands within the hair follicles and sweat via the Endocrine glands (there are another type of sweat glands know as Apocrine glands these are found in the axillary and pubic regions unlike Endocrine sweat bacteria act on Apocrine sweat quickly and this causes the characteristic Body Odour, these glands only become active after puberty and have a role to play in pheromones)

Our body temperature is regulated by the skin this is due to the  peripheral circulation either dilating to bring blood to the extremities of the body like the skin causing flushing to help loose some of the heat and also by sweating for as the sweat evaporates heat rises with it. The opposite happens when its cold the body conserves heat to vital organs more important than the skin, giving a more white/bluish appearance and may even induce shivering. At the base of every hair follicle there is a tiny cilary muscle when its cold and we start to shiver this muscle contracts causing the hair to stand up trapping a layer of air next to the skin, giving the appearance of goosebumps. Within the Dermis there are sensory nerves that detect temperature. We also have an insulatory layer of fat in the subcutaneous.

Our skin is waterproof so absorbs very little, the only things that can permeate the skin are medications, this includes patches such as Nicotine  and HRT and Essential oils (see Aromatherapy articles on Blog)  COSMETICS CAN NOT. Do not believe the hype and sales talk ladies if it could be absorbed by the skin you you have to go to your Doctor for it and it would need to be licensed as a Medicine.

Our Skin is protected by sensory nerves that alert us to pain, pressure, touch, heat and cold, it is waterproof largely impermeable except to the substances above, fairly tough and it with its layer of fat below the dermis in the subcutaneous layer keeps us warm, protects our organs and bones, gives us shape. As fore mentioned the Acid Mantle helps protect from bacteria as bacterial growth is inhibited in its slightly acid environment. Melanocytes special little cells in the dermis increase as a result of UV light and give us tanning, the epidermis also thickens to help protect our skin. Also in the skin are mast cells and when they are damaged, they produce histamine, it gives the characteristic itching a weals associated by allergies, its function is to stimulate blood to the skin to repair and maintain it. However with allergies the body is hypersensitive producing this effect.

The skin also excretes some toxins through sweat but this is very very minimal, so do not believe the hype of some sales people who will suggest you have a detoxifying foot bath that will rid you of toxins as it changes the water to a dirty brown colour. Again this is sheer hype and nonsense for if ridding the body of toxins was that easy we wouldn't have a need for Dialysis Machines for those suffering kidney failure. It is the Liver, Kidneys and large Intestine that detoxify us.

Vitamin D is also formed in the skin as a result of the action of UV light acting on 7-dehydrocholesterol present in the skin, so everything in moderation we do need some sunlight.

Astrid Brown (Author) › Visit Amazon's Astrid Brown Page Find all the books, read about the author, and more

WHAT EXACTLY IS COSMIC ORDERING?

WISHING ON A STAR IS ONE FORM OF COSMIC ORDERING

WHAT IS COSMIC ORDERING?

Under the laws of the Universe you can have anything you wish for providing it's not detrimental to anyone else. It's the power of positive thinking and by harnessing and creating positive thoughtforms to manifest your wish.

To Manifest or to Cosmic Order is to request a change in life, or circumstance and because of your request you will go on to experience your desires.

Do you ever find that when you expect things to go wrong, they often do? Well conversely you may believe in coincidence, the thing you appreciate when things that you may have been dreaming of actually happen, and things go right.  This is because in the Universe 'Like attracts like' Negative attracts negative, so positive thoughts manifest and create positive happenings

This is the process of Cosmic Ordering, happening to you all of the time, though you may not always realise it, and if you can learn what to do you can begin to consciously control your future.

So Cosmic Ordering is placing an order with the Universe and wait for it Manifest.

Where do I Place my orders?

In several books and recorded interviews with leading spiritual writers Dr Deepak Chopra and Dr Wayne Dyer, Manifestation is said to occur within a field of energy that they have named ‘The field of Intent’. The field of Intent is said to be an invisible dimension where our Spirit connects to the universe and returns our conscious desires.

When things happen instantaneously or in complete coincidence, you can often think back to what you were asking for at the time of the occurrence, and realise that what you requested actually happen, and normally you would put this down to coincidence. According to Chopra and Dyer coincidence, as a matter of chance, does not exist – a coincidence is actually a Cosmic Order being delivered, you have manifested your request.

How do I place my orders?

To link to the Field of Intent we use our Power of Intention, a combination of our desire and our belief to create a new situation. When we use our Power of Intention our Spirit connects to the Field of Intent and returns our request.

When we desire something we want it badly, and for this aspect of Cosmic Ordering to work we have to really want it and feel that we deserve it. Desiring something without deserving it will not work as Spiritually you experience an anomaly between what you think you want and whether you think you are worth it. However much you want something, if deep down you don’t feel that you deserve it then you will not be able to Manifest it.

Belief is a part of your psychology that influences pretty much everything you do in life. Whether you believe you can, or you believe you can’t, you are probably right. When you are in a situation where you need to push your boundaries and leave your comfort zone, your level of belief will affect whether you are successful or not. This is true for Cosmic Ordering, you must have belief that you can achieve your request, that you can make it happen, and this is probably the hardest part of the process for people who are sceptical about the process.

Making my request

When you have Desire and Belief you have Intent and by having Intent you just need to place your order. Writers present many different ways to place your Order, some methods are very involved, including going to a sacred place, wearing different outfits or being accompanied by certain artefacts to name but a few. In fact Cosmic Ordering works whatever setting feels most comfortable to you, you will know what feels right, it would preferably be somewhere you feel very comfortable and can enjoy familiarity. It is generally best to be somewhere quiet, and where you can remain quiet until you have finished.

Some reporters on the subject write their requests on paper, and review these notes at specific times. Others claim that by writing the request and wrapping it round a particular stone (that you have to pay for), you can achieve success. Many people simply recite the request several times, and then repeat it on the days following. Another method is to say it out loud and to follow this up with positive affirmations. For some the process of physically submitting your cosmic order via a website helps maintain the positive process e.g. the URL below

http://thecosmicorderingsite.com/cosmic-order-submit.htm

Cosmic ordering is the name given to a version of positive thinking that was renamed by Bärbel Mohr of Munich, Germany. She first outlined her own version in her own magazine called Sonnenwind (Solar Wind), and then expanded these ideas into a book called Cosmic Ordering Service: A Guide to Realising Your Dreams. In the Great Depression of the 1930s Napoleon Hill popularised similar ideas, and in the 1970s Reverend Ike was widely heard over radio and television stations claiming that "You can't lose with the stuff I use". This "stuff" was mind power based upon similar ideas to those promoted by Hill in his many books, and which Mohr has recently promoted in Germany. In the United Kingdom disc jockey and TV game show host Noel Edmonds has become the main media promoter of Mohr's work.

Astrid Brown (Author) › Visit Amazon's Astrid Brown Page Find all the books, read about the author, and more

DIVINE TIMING (where everything happens at the "RIGHT TIME")

Recently I had a client, in fact she's been asking for a reading every week with the same question. I don't keep notes as I prefer to rely on my guides to tell me what's happening around a client, anyway as I use tarot cards to begin a reading I began laying them out and every time the same cards turn up and of course I have to give her the same answer, the situation is just the same and the answer is just the same that she will have to be patient for she will get her wish but we are bound by divine timing.

Time and time I hear from clients, when will it happen? can you give me a time? Sometimes I am lucky and I am given dates and timings but more often that not I am just told Divine Timing. It's not a cop out to give to the impatient but firstly there are no clocks nor is there a sense of time as we know it in the spirit realms and secondly it takes time to manifest the optimal times for the best result.

If you want to experience more harmony, happiness and effortless manifestation of your desires in life, you have to let go of all resistance towards whatever that comes your way. The reason why we fight against what comes is because we think that we are being kept from having our way. But the truth is whatever that happens is exactly what is meant to be, and it is all part of the process of the manifestation of our desires. Everything is happening in divine timing and we can flow if we do not limit ourselves.

Sometimes you were expecting to meet someone on a certain day but when that day comes, the person cannot meet you for some valid reason. Flow with it and meet that person on another day. The reason why you might be resisting change of events is because you have been anticipating it and thinking a lot about it. But when it doesn’t happen at the expected time, you don’t know what to do in place of it because you don’t feel like doing anything else other than that which you already had in mind.

If something doesn’t happen at the expect time in the expected way, it means it’s going to happen at a better timing in a better way. Don’t resist what is happening but instead focus on doing something else. You will discover things gone a much better way after the whole event has passed. You did something important which enhanced the meeting with the person that would not have happened otherwise. Hence it is better not to resist what is happening when it isn’t necessary, but to just go with  the flow.

Just know everything happens at the RIGHT TIME AND THE BEST POSSIBLE TIME and only spirit knows this and we have to learn to trust, they do know what is best for us because spirit love us. Spirit have the ability to know what is ahead and any complications so they decide what is the best time to manifest our wishes. If we were to rush things before the optimum conditions were reached it could prevent our wishes manifesting, this is why we need to trust and believe in Divine timing.

Astrid Brown (Author) › Visit Amazon's Astrid Brown Page Find all the books, read about the author, and more

WHAT ARE SOULMATES?

Many have the concept that a soulmate relationship is an exclusive partnership based on the ideal, not so, We are attracted to one another that is true but we incarnate in soul groups for the sole reason to help support, teach and learn from one another. One of the jobs of a soulmate is to reflect back to us areas of our life that need addressing, sometimes this is not an easy time and fraught with much pain but it's for our own good the idea being to correct imperfections within ourselves,to enable us to become purer and more spiritual to help us grow

Soul mates  are incarnated in groups these may be lovers, parents, siblings, relatives, best friends and other individuals in our lives who are usually very close to us. Soul mates can be classified into four different kinds of soul mate relationships.  

"Karmic" soul mates are two individuals who have come together during a given lifetime to heal something from a past life or previous lives. Their relationship with one another can fantastic and amazing or it can deteriorate into the same negative situation that was created in a previous life. Another reason is that the karma may only be partially resolved, leaving both with more work to do during this or some future life together.

All the negative karma we’ve incurred during any of our previous lives will eventually be healed through decisions that are based upon unconditional love and forgiveness not an easy task but it has to be achieved through free will, it has to come willingly from your own spirit. You are not incarnated together as a  form of punishment but to heal negative karma.  This is what the universal law of karma is about. And we will have as many lives as we need to eventually balance all we have caused others to feel through fear, anger, hatred, bitterness, jealousy, and other ego-based choices.

The second kind of relationship we can choose to experience with a soul mate is one that involves important life lessons.  that will teach us the value of patience, forgiveness, tolerance, openness, acceptance, honour  and teach us to become more spiritually aware, this might take several lifetimes each other taking a different role. 

         

The third type of soul mate partnership between a man and woman has been generally referred to as a"companion" relationship. These are individuals who join together in a bond of deep love to work on a project together. This might involve the formation of a spiritual or healing center or even in the creation of an art gallery. Or perhaps the couple will compose music during a prolonged union. This is type of union is generally decided together prior to incarnating together

 the intent may have been for healing karma, and for experiencing life lessons that come from partnership,. 

The fourth soulmate relationship we almost always have is a close friendship or relationship with a relative. We join such individuals while in physical body simply to enjoy their love, company and energy. Not surprisingly, these individuals have been part of our previous lifetime experiences on many occasions and they have a bond they wish to continue.

It is very important to keep in mind that all soul mate relationships help us to remember who we really are, and prepare us spiritually for the eventual reunion with our twin. As such, they can be extremely valuable and should be honoured and respected for these very blessed reasons.  

Finally there is a dramatically different kind of relationship exists that is considered to be the most profound and compelling type of soulmate relationship of all. This is the twin soul or twin flame union that will eventually transcend all others. However, because it is so highly charged with energy, the two individuals must be spiritually ready for it to last any meaningful length of time. When fully prepared, this union is meant to endure for eternity, because of its relationship to the ultimate ONEness we will all seek with our source Spirit. For this type of union it can be as profoundly painful just as much as it can be profoundly amazing this is because both have to be ready if one of the pair is not ready then it can be devastating for the one in particular who is ready. Whatever does happen and if this 'oneness' is not achieved in one given lifetime it will carry on until both are ready. Neither of the pair can make the other work, it has to be of their own accord and through free will, for they have to see their flaws, faults and failings for themselves and be willing to work at it through their own volition.

The coming together of twin souls does not guarantee fulfillment any more than a soul mate relationship might bring. What increases the chance for lasting twin reunion is that the two twins must be spiritually prepared for their relationship and then constantly find ways to make it work on that basis. The key ingredient is unconditional, unselfish love and the desire to base the union on a spiritual rather than a ego-based foundation. Only spiritually mature couples can deal with the influence of the ego in relationships.    

Astrid Brown (Author) › Visit Amazon's Astrid Brown Page Find all the books, read about the author, and more

THE LINK BETWEEN THE MOON AND HUMAN BEHAVIOUR

TO ME IF THE MOON CAN INFLUENCE THE EARTHS OCEANS AND WE ARE 70% WATER IT MAKES SENSE IT CAN HAVE SOME EFFECT OVER US

For eons, folklore has blamed the Moon for everything from lunacy to bad luck. And, for the last few centuries, scientists have scoffed. Now, according to new research they're not so sure. The Moon may not be made of cheese, but it seems to influence a lot more down on Earth than we previously thought.

According to new research, the Moon affects not only the tides of the oceans but also people, producing a range of symptoms from flare-ups of gout to bladder problems. It may even lie behind the causes of car crashes and affect people's hormonal balances.

Having carried out new research and reviewed 50 other studies, scientists suggest that doctors and the police even need to prepare for how their work rate will increase at different points in the lunar cycle. Among the findings examined by the researchers were studies that showed GP consultations go up during a full moon, according to Leeds University. Appointments rise by 3.6 per cent, which works out at around three extra patients for each surgery. The researchers did not speculate on the nature of the moon-related problems or why they happened, but said that "it does not seem to be related to anxiety and depression".

Gout and asthma attacks peak during new and full moons, according to work carried out at the Slovak Institute of Preventive and Clinical Medicine in Bratislava, where attacks over a 22-year period were monitored.

Data from 140,000 births in New York City showed small but systematic variations in births over a period of 29.53 days - the length of the lunar cycle - with peak fertility in the last quarter. "The timing of the fertility peak in the third quarter suggests that the period of decreasing illumination immediately after the full moon may precipitate ovulation.''

A study in Florida of murders and aggravated assaults showed clusters of attacks around the full moon. A second study of three police areas found the incidence of crimes committed on full-moon days was much higher than on all other days. And a four-year study into car accidents found that the lowest number happened during the full-moon day, while the highest number was two days before the full moon. Accidents were more frequent during the waxing than the waning phase.

Another study of some 800 patients with urinary retention admitted to hospital over a period of three years found higher retention during the new moon compared with other phases of the cycle. Interestingly, patients didn't show any other daily, monthly or seasonal rhythms in their retention problems.

Even what we eat and drink is affected by the lunar cycle, according to a study at Georgia State University. Researchers looked at lunar variations in nutrient intakes and the meal patterns of 694 adults. They concluded: "A small but significant lunar rhythm of nutrient intake was observed with an 8 per cent increase in meal size and a 26 per cent decrease in alcohol intake at the time of the full moon relative to the new moon.''

While scientists have been trying to prove for some time that the Moon does exert an effect, what has not been established is why. Scientists have until now examined the theory that the Moon triggers changes through its gravitational pull. But the latest research points to an effect on people's hormones. "The lunar cycle has an impact on human reproduction, in particular fertility, menstruation and birth rate. Other events associated with human behaviour, such as traffic accidents, crimes, and suicides, appeared to be influenced by the lunar cycle,'' said Dr Michael Zimecki of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

"Although the exact mechanism of the Moon's influence on humans and animals awaits further exploration, knowledge of this kind of biorhythm may be helpful in police surveillance and medical practice,'' he said.

The researchers also found links between the lunar cycle and the likelihood of people being admitted to hospital with heart or bladder problems and with diarrhoea. The menstrual cycle, fertility, spontaneous abortions and thyroid disease were also affected. Just how the Moon could have an effect needs further research. Dr Zimecki suggests that it may be the effect of the Moon's gravity on immune systems, hormones and steroids.

He said: "At this stage of investigation, the exact mechanism of the lunar effect on the immune response is hard to explain. The prime candidates to exert regulatory function on the immune response are melatonin and steroids, whose levels are affected by the Moon cycle.

"It is suggested that melatonin and endogenous steroids [which are naturally occurring in humans] may mediate the described cyclic alterations of physiological processes. Electromagnetic radiation and/or the gravitational pull of the Moon may trigger the release of hormones.''

Whatever the root cause of the Moon's influence over us, its hold over the imagination will endure as long as the shining sphere of rock remains in the sky.

Astrid Brown (Author) › Visit Amazon's Astrid Brown Page Find all the books, read about the author, and more

THE LAW OF CAUSE AND EFFECT

The Law of Cause & Effect: Every cause has an effect, every effect has a cause.  Reaping and sowing, law of attraction etc. It is impossible for a human to start a chain of causation. We merely choose our thoughts by freewill and the effects are returned through the principles of the governing laws. This is secondary to the law of vibration. You do reap what you sow. Your thoughts are mental seeds and through the other laws, particularly the law of vibration you bring in what is equal to the vibration sent off. The law doesn't care what you plant, it just returns what you send out as an effect. The only thing you have absolute control over is the cause, you cannot control the effect. So get your thinking and actions right and in harmony with the laws.

To put this simply its a bit like throwing a pebble into a pond, the pebble reaches the water and you see the ripples reverberate  due to this action. Your actions will affect others and that in turn will others still and its not limited to physical actions but to thoughts as well. All the Universal laws work together and if your action causes this ripple affect the law of attraction will return that action to the perpetuator magnified, just like the action of throwing a pebble created all those ripples, all those ripples will be returned to you. This is how Karma works

You cannot control your action or thought once it has left you, the only thing you can control is that first action or thought.

Remember these thoughts or actions are like seeds and they take time to grow and manifest but you can be sure when they have grown they will be returned and the result will have indeed been up to you. If you send out kindness and love you wont have anything to worry about but on the other hand if you give out hate, dislike and hurt then you can be sure at some point all of this will be returned to you magnified.

TENFOLD TOO

Untruths lies and deception will catch up with you in the end
It doesn't matter how many ways the truth you bend
For the Universe has natural orders in which to keep a balance
You may not think it matters such at first glance
For everything has cause and effect
For which a tally must be kept
The old saying is so very true "for you reap what you sow"
You may not believe and understand now but in time you will know
For one day the lies and deception that you gave
Will come to pay you back sooner or later or haunt you beyond the grave
And then you will know exactly how it feels to be deceived
So expect pay back one day to be received
And when it does I will pity you
And when it does it will be tenfold too

copyright Astrid Brown

Astrid Brown (Author) › Visit Amazon's Astrid Brown Page Find all the books, read about the author, and more

NEGATIVITY, SULKS AND GRUDGES

A photograph of my Aura taken a few years ago

The Aura is an electromagnetic field that surrounds living bodies, this includes people, animals, plants and crystals and is composed of several layers that are constantly moving. For those of us who are lucky enough to see auras  above is a photo of mine. The colours are influenced by our moods and emotions and by Spirit activity, likewise our moods and emotions will influence how far our aura expands e.g. when we are happy our aura expands and when we are depressed it shrinks in on itself. Other shapes and bubbles within the aura are common. It is on the aura that psychics base their readings for the past, present and future is contained within it.

If you are negative the aura shrinks in on itself, this in turn affects how the life force circulates around the body, it affects the chakras. The word Chakra comes from the Sanskrit meaning spinning wheel. The Chakras are energy centres and there are seven major and many minor ones, they are a link between the physical body and the subtle bodies or Aura. Their function is to channel Universal Energy (life force) from the Cosmos, where it is stored and assimilated by the body. Each Chakra in your spinal column is believed to influence or even govern bodily functions near its region of the spine. 

Therefore by being negative this will affect the functioning of the areas of the body they govern so eventually this will affect our physical health, by depressing our immune systems and various endocrine glands and so on. Which leads me on to holding on to grudges.

Sulking and holding on to grudges is immature behaviour, it solves nothing. If you have a disagreement or difference of opinion about something with someone try and solve it by dialogue. Not everyone has the same opinion about situations and beliefs etc. it would be a dull world if we all thought the same way. However if it leads to an argument and one party sulks or holds a grudge how can it ever be resolved and the longer it carries on the worse it will become. Someone has to give way so be the adult and better person and step forward and begin by saying sincerely, "I'm sorry I don't want for us to fall out lets talk and see if we can resolve this". If the other person refuses and carries on well you just have to leave them to it and walk away from their negativity and think of it this way in that they will only be harming their own soul. Do not copy their negative behaviour be the better person.

Astrid Brown (Author) › Visit Amazon's Astrid Brown Page Find all the books, read about the author, and more

THE BENEFITS OF VITAMIN E ON THE SKIN

I'm sharing one of my skincare secrets and I can't recommend Vitamin E highly enough. I discovered the effects Vitamin E on my skin three decades ago.

This is the brand I use

Vitamin E oil can be thick and greasy, so it’s best used before bedtime, in place of a night cream 1 to 2 drops are all that’s necessary warm it in the palms of your hands first then apply

Vitamin E oil also works to block free radicals from the body, which play a large part in the ageing process. By fighting off free radicals,  we can reduce wrinkles and keep the skin youthful-looking and it has excellent antioxidant properties and protects the skin against cell mutation in the sun and pollution. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, so it calms and hydrates sensitive skin.

Free radicals can also prevent the healing of scars, so applying vitamin E oil will help to repair and improve the appearance of the damaged tissue

Vitamin E oil may increase circulation to the scalp, it temporarily increases blood flow to the area so can help to enhance the health of the hair follicles. Vitamin E oil can also work to hydrate and moisturise dry, brittle hair.

Massaging vitamin E oil on your cuticles and lips helps preventing and soothing chapped skin.

Astrid Brown (Author) › Visit Amazon's Astrid Brown Page Find all the books, read about the author, and more