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cozycottagetarot · 3 years

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Who's Coming In & Why? (General)

Here’s the thing… I'd love to tell you this is all love and friendships, but it’s not. It’s more of a who’s coming in to help you move forward.

Still, I’m posting it because it may still resonate with some people.

However, I will do a second reading of the same topic in the future focusing on love and friendships in particular.

Check out my Paid Readings ✨

PILE 1 — The Inspiration

Energy surrounding them: Queen of Pentacles

I see this as being some person you need to move you forward, be it a general mentor, someone with a career, or someone to get you motivated to get up and take action (the latter comes through strongest) . They could be well off, not necessarily lavishly rich, but more so in the sense of being a better situation than you. There could be a nurturing or gentle energy to them as well.

The vibes I get: Vision boards, goals, goal setting, power move

Why they’re coming in? The Empress, Judgement, The Tower (all reversed)

There may be some kind of disharmony in your life, particularly with you. You may be too much into your masculine energy (logic and material) and neglecting your feminine energy (nurturing, intuition). It could be a matter of self confidence and unhappiness with how your life is going. This person is coming in to put you back on track, and shift your perspective. Them entering your life will help you to face your fears and release any self doubt you may have. They may help you to avoid ending up in a bad place. Because all your cards keep coming out reversed (even though I didn’t want to take all reversals) I see it as a sign as well to don’t be afraid to start anew, instead of trying to situate everything exactly the way it was in the before. Like that quote/saying that goes something like-- "don’t be afraid to start over because this time you’re not starting from scratch, your starting from experience?"

How they'll help you? 10 of Swords, 9 of Wands reversed

The only place to go from here is up, but you need to stop being so stubborn about it. This person coming in is going to help you get your back you drive to 'fight' so you can pursue happiness/goals in a new way.

Potential Struggles? Knight of Wands, The Star reversed

Be careful your inspired action is not really impulsivity . You’ll have to do some inner work as well. You may compare yourself to this person and risk falling back into the same state again. You need to take responsible actions, get in tune with your emotions and work on your confidence and any anxieties you may have. Healing from the past as well, because your past isn’t your future.

PILE 2 -- The Therapist

Energy surrounding them: The Star

The energy surrounding the person coming in is one of calm and stability, and that is what they will bring to you. This person is going to help heal you, be it professionally (a therapist or psychologist) or unintentionally (someone who triggers our healing). This person is going to feel like everything will be okay.

The vibes I get: therapy, a guiding star, two people sitting and talking, letting your soul speak

Why they’re coming in? 6 of Wands reversed, The Moon, 6 of cups reversed

This person is going to help reveal the truth about a situation. Particularly if you haven’t had the best things happening a) in most of your life, or b) in this particular chapter or your life. This person will help you realise the things that weren’t your fault, the things you can change and the things that all come down to your beliefs. You may come to realise with the help of this person, that a lot of fears and limitations you have are self imposed. Not only that, but this person may help you figure out what your positive inner voice sounds like and help you to embrace it. Any dreams you’ve had hidden away (sleep dreams or goals-dreams) may also become more clear to you. After this you’ll be able to move forwards in live. The past won’t hold you back anymore. You’ll be able to move on or view these events that took place through a new lense.

How they'll help you? 3 of Wands, 8 of Swords reversed

The blindfold is going to come off. You’re going to be able to move forward in your life. The work you put in is going to help you move forward with a new found confidence and belief in self. You’ll be able to take your life into your own hands.

Potential Struggles? king of pentacles & ace of swords

You may struggle with the whole process of breaking through and envisioning a different future for yourself. Also, seeing your growth and how mature and stable (as in the different areas of your life) you may have become may take you some time or be difficult.

Pile 3-- The Sage

Energy surrounding them: The Emperor

The person coming into your life has a strong energy to them. They are most likely older than you or at the least has a very wise energy to them. They might not be the most emotional or expressive, but they are reliable.

The vibes I get: Someone with an otherworldly energy or wisdom. Someone established. You can't help but notice them.

Why they're coming in? 4 of Pentacles, The Chariot, Page of Cups

This person is coming in to show you how to find and build security in many aspects of your life the right way. You may be holding onto things that aren’t good for you and this person is going to come in and force you to ask yourself why. Also potentially isolation may be something you need to deal with. You may be currently playing defence. But once you allow yourself to let go, you may find new things, people, and opportunities come in, better than you image. You may find yourself becoming someone you really want to be as well as finding yourself in the beginning stages of tapping into your emperor energy.

How they'll help you? Strength reversed, Knight of Swords

They’re going to help you tap into your inner strength so you can take the necessary actions to help yourself. They’ll help trigger the arrival of big changes in your life.Things will finally start to flow.

Potential Struggles? Judgement, 6 of Pentacles

You may feel resistant at first, feeling as if they don’t know what they’re talking about and are just trying to bring you down. You may be hesitant to take their advice or trust that they have your best interest in mind.

** Gandalf. Gandalf came to me but I don’t know why as I know practically nothing about him. 😬 Maybe you do!?

Pile 4-- The Charmer

Energy surrounding them: 8 of Cups reversed

The person coming in is going to scare you, but not in a bad way. You may have this happy, “I’m put together” facade, and this person is going to be able to see right through it. They have the ability, literally or metaphorically, to bring you into something better and that may leave you feeling afraid.

The vibes I get: Someone clever and charming. Feeling flustered. Oh no, I have a crush.

Why they’re coming in? Temperance, 9 of Pentacles, 8 of Swords

They’re coming in to show you that if you stop allowing fear to keep you where you are, peace, balance, and contentment will find you. The situation you may be staying in may not be a result of your actions, and taking the steps to get out of it may be difficult, but this person is one hundred percent here to challenge your reasoning for why you can’t.

How they'll help you? The Magician, 10 of Swords, The High Priestess reversed

They’re going to show you magic. I’m feeling like you might develop a romantic or platonic crush on them. There’s just that vibe. They’re going to show you how amazing you truly are. They’re going to show you that you have the ability to make things happen. They’ll help you create that ending and see your new beginning.

Potential Struggles? Knight of Cups reversed, 2 of Wands

This person most likely isn’t going to stay long and that may throw you off guard. This all feels very fast paced so their quick arrival and departure may leave you feeling a little bit broken hearted. Be careful you’re not investing too much headspace and emotion in this person.

Pile 5-- The Cheerleader

Energy surrounding them: 3 of Swords reversed

This person has a very calm healing energy to them. I feel like if you’re going through a heartbreak in particular, the prominent pain of it is going to start disappearing. I actually redid your reading and the vibes I was getting before were not good ones. I felt like I was trying to shoo it away, and the reading felt like it was about someone leaving you who had hurt you so I think that’s what this could be. This could also be someone from the past. An old friend in particular.

**As for the person from the past, to help you figure out if this reading is for you— i was thinking back of the cards I pulled and this person felt emotionally immature and manipulative, though I’m not sure it’s intentionally. Were you trying to fix them? To make them feel better? But they were so stuck in their toxic habits/mindset that they just ended up sending your world into turmoil? Because that came through strongly just now.

The vibes I get: thank you, troubles disappearing, a sigh of relief

Why they’re coming in? King of Swords, King of Cups reversed, 4 of Cups reversed

This person is coming in to help you move on from the pain and worries that you have been in. You’re ready to get back to business and this person will be there for you. Cheerleading came to me as well, so that’s what they’ll be— your cheerleader. You’re also going to be stepping into a new chapter of maturity and level headedness. Any responsibilities or ideas you’ve been putting off, this person is going to help you with them.

How they'll help you? 9 of Wands, The Empress reveresed

Like I mentioned before, they’re going to help ease your anxieties, pain and sadness. With The Empress rx, ‘makeover’ came to me as well and I got super excited, so maybe that’s what you need and this person will help you with? They’re going to help you sort your emotions, make sense of everything and feel confident, attractive and capable again.

Potential Struggles? The World, Page of Wands

Setting your world back in order is going to take some work, but the results will be worth it. The only caution would be don’t rush your actions, without thinking about the consequences fully.

———

Disclaimer: I read tarot for self reflection and guidance purposes, but as always, this reading is for fun and entertainment purposes only. I may include advice for if you find a particular topic resonating, but it is in no way meant to replace any kind of professional advice. Any reading I post is in no way meant to act as or replace professional advice of any kind. You know yourself and what’s going on in your life best so I ask that you trust yourself above all else. Prediction readings are to be seen simply as a potential outcome. Finally, please take only what resonates from the reading which may be some of it, all of it, or none at all.

#pick a card #pick a pile #pick a card reading #pick a picture #ariesmoontarot #tarot reading #pac #pick a pile reading #pac reading

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readingsbylibramc · 3 years

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birth chart reading for @screechingbangtansonyeondanrmpie

hello! welcome to your reading. I’m gonna give you a quick overview of what I’m going to analyze about your natal chart. feel free to ask me anything if something isn’t clear, of course. you’ll find out your dominants’ influence on your persona, your physical appearance, impression on others and the way you approach the world; your ego, identity, the real you; your reactions, your desires, inner emotions; your way of expressing your feelings, your mind and ideas; your desires and approach to love; your energy tank, instincts and temperament; in-depth analysis of each house with their rulers and analysis of heavy aspects; love life + soulmates/karmic partners interpretation; your relationship with your friends; your family life; your approach to career and work in general + possible jobs suggestion; your style, fashion sense analysis; life purpose and past life description; basic transits’ analysis to describe your current mood and, last but not least, your secret skills, how to make the most out of your soul and manifest what you desire based on your birth chart.

🦋 chart shape, dominants

your chart is a locomotive shape. this means that you're a very ambitious person, with a lot of energy. saturn has a big influence on you, and your life revolves around achieving your goals and dreaming in big. the empty part of your life is what you have to develop, hence your relationship with friends and lovers.

your dominant planets are venus, the sun and saturn. you are very creative, you probably come up with innovative ideas easily as you're able to understand others' emotions. you're also extremely smart and intelligent, you are strongly motivated to pursue your goals, even though you could sometimes be a bit bossy.

your dominant sign is libra. you're overall a peaceful person, you try to avoid conflicts if possible, even though sometimes you could have a sharp tongue. you're a romantic person, maybe too much. you hold unrealistic expectations of people, hence you often get disappointed when things don't turn out the way you thought. you're able to see both sides of an argument, and that's both good and bad. in fact, you're very objective, and most probably your opinions are right; yet, it may be annoying for people that are venting to you, as you could constantly point out their mistakes, even though you don't do it out of malice.

your dominant element is air. in your life, you adore seeking for knowledge of any kind. you may be interested in studying different subjects, from those you study at school like science, maths, literature etc. to more unconventional ones, such as astrology, psychology, criminology and so on. you enjoy interacting with people; even if you’re not that sociable, you’ll still be interested in their point of view and their ideals, as you see it as a way to expand your own mind. you’re also interested in vintage, and you may have a retro aesthetic or just like history in general.

🌎 ascendant in libra, 16° / 2nd decan ruled by venus and uranus

you're naturally likeable, you have a particular charm to you that makes everyone drool over you. you're very nice and outgoing, you always try to make others feel at ease. you're very considerate of others' feelings. you strive for fairness and justice, it's the way you approach others and the world. basically, you treat others like they treat you: if they're kind with you, you'll be very sweet. otherwise, you'll turn very sarcastic and harsh, almost cold at a certain point. you're very opinionated, you always feel the need to express your thoughts as you're very proud of them. in addition, since you always decide whether something is right or not, you may come off as a know-it-all. on the other hand, you're very sociable and you enjoy being in company, doesn't matter whether you're with your family, friends, lover etc. you may get to know many people throughout your life, but your friendships may not be much stable. you are surrounded by people, but you could feel lonely particularly often. I also need to point out that libra is ruled by venus, the planet of beauty. you're most likely very attractive and magnetic. even if not necessarily conventionally, people find themselves attracted to you. you may have sparkling doe eyes, with also full lips and a defined cupid's bow. your face is more on the longer side, perhaps you have an heart-shaped face, with high cheekbones and a pointy chin. you may also have naturally amazing, fluffy and flowing hair. your body is also very feminine, with a lot of curves and softness to it. it's very romantic, to sum up. also, your hair is probably naturally beautiful; it could be curly, or at least it's very thick and healthy-looking, even if you don't take much care of it.

libra ascendant conjunct libra sun: you're a genuine person, and you show yourself for who you are. you don't wear a mask, and you want the same authenticity from others as well. you leave a positive first impression on others, as you're very friendly and kind. you have this particular charisma to you, that makes you look both bubbly and mysterious. you have a bright personality, you're always kind to others. yet, there's something in your eyes that projects all of your fears and inner emotions. it's very magnetic, but some people may take advantage of that. think twice before opening up to someone, as not everyone is as honest as you are. this placement may give one a big ego, but combined with insecure 12th house placements, I think it's a great combo. you're confident, but not bossy. or maybe, you have contrasting feelings; one day you could lead a riot, the other day you just want to hide under your sheets.

libra ascendant conjunct libra mercury: you enjoy communicating and intellectualism. you’re very curious about everything that surrounds you. you love expanding your knowledge, ideas and mind in general through communication, interactions and media. you have the ability to adapt quickly to new situations; your mind is fast, usually impulsive, even though this energy may not be much prominent; it may be perceived differently due to your libra energy, in fact. that’s because libra prefers organizing things, rather than acting impulsively. yet, this placement still helps you being adaptable to changes, even though you may only be able to see it after a few years if you manage to balance it well. you may also be able to match the energy of the people you’re talking to in order to be perceived as more likeable and connect with everyone on a deeper level. you may be fond of books, poetry, literature… both writing and reading. it’s also a way to let yourself tune to your emotions. since you’re constantly mentally active, physically you may also tend to play with your fingers or hair, or maybe you tend to gesticulate while you speak. appearance-wise, I assume you’re at least of average height, with long limbs and fingers. you have something small about your face; you may either have a small nose, or eyes, lips etc. same thing goes for your bones. you may be naturally skinny, or perhaps you have healthy curves. you also tend to look younger than you actually are, especially when growing up.

libra ascendant conjunct libra mars: your approach to the world is spontaneous, you don't like thinking before acting. you don't really do this with malice, though; you're just very honest. even though you appear really confident to others, you may find yourself feeling a little insecure. that comes from the fact that you're a perfectionist, even though you want to be perfect to show it to others rather than for yourself. hence, you feel pressured. even though you may appear as rude, once you get to know someone you truly care about you're willing to control yourself, just for them. that's how far you'd go for someone you love. physically, individuals with mars conjunct the ascendanr are usually very fast, active and athletic in general. you may walk fast, and you have quick reflexes. they are also fit; even if they're overweight, their body will still look good, with a nice and toned structure. you may have strong, almost masculine features: thin lips, thick eyebrows and lashes, broad shoulders, sharp nose...

🌞 sun in libra, 19° / 2nd decan ruled by venus and uranus

this is the most romantic and kind-hearted libra decan. you are very intuitive, you understand others’ real feelings very easily. you’re very polite and mannered, you have this innate elegance about you that could make people jealous. you may even come off as snob. even though your libra stellium may make you look flaky, once people get to know you you’re actually very reliable and trust-worthy, as you are a person of strong morals. you may unconsciously manipulate people, but you don’t do it with malice. in fact, you’re probably not even aware of it most of the times. you’re reserved, and you don’t like being the centre of attention, despite craving compliments. nonetheless, you still like getting to know new people; you’re the type to know everyone, but you may struggle to find actual best friends, as your bonds with people are quite undeveloped and superficial. you have a nice sense of humor, and you may rely on sarcasm a lot. you’re also the type that doesn’t like to accept her mistakes. probably, when you were a child you used to scream 'it’s not my fault!’ in every occasion. in life, you strive for equality and fairness. for example, you don’t want to give less than someone else, you would feel guilty about it. at the same time, you don’t want to be the one that gives more either; you’re afraid that people could take advantage of you. therefore, balance is what you find the most pleasant.

libra sun conjunct libra mercury: you express your ego and identity through your words and ideas. you’re very opinionated and you protect strongly your beliefs. after all, you probably came up with your ideals after thinking deeply about them, you were too precise to be wrong. you’re also probably an avid reader, and you could do well in writing yourself, as you’re able to properly convey your ideals with your words. also, your heavy libra dominance makes you naturally good at writing poetry, or even romance. your mind is very active, and you feel comfortable letting all your thoughts out. it’s actually a way to relieve stress. you also have a wide vocabulary, and you’re capable of making a formal speech if you have to. you have a memorable way of speaking, as your words are very sharp. it’s hard for you to be ignored for your intellect.

libra sun conjunct libra mars: with this placement, you may be way more straight-forward than the typical libra. you are very impulsive and honest above all, you say things as they are. you don't get hurt easily, you're able to be very brave when you want to, and even if you do get emotionally hurt, you know how to stand up for yourself again. you strive to achieve your goals and make your dreams come true, you're an hard-worker. some may call you impatient, and you may actually be, but in reality you just can't wait for things to happen. for example, let's suppose you're going to the mall to buy the playstation you always wanted. you'd start only thinking and talking about that playstation until you actually get it in your hands. you get easily excited. also, this is another placement that indicates that is hard not to notice you. you have a very strong charisma that makes others stare. you strive to be the number #1 at whatever you do, you're a serious competitor and you'd do anything to win and achieve your goals.

🌙 moon in libra, 5° / 1st deca ruled by venus

the most romantic and affectionate libra decan. in life, you strive for equality and fairness. for example, you don’t want to give less than someone else, you would feel guilty about it. at the same time, you don’t want to be the one that gives more either; you’re afraid that people could take advantage of you. therefore, balance is what you find the most pleasant. ironically, you struggle to keep the same balance in yourself, though. you may appear a bit emotionally cold, as you don’t feel comfortable showing your true self due to your secrecy. you come off as kind of analytical, but you’re actually very romantic. you wish the world was just filled with love and peace, and you that you didn’t have to worry about malice or anything of that type. you hate vulgarity, and you try to be as kind as possible with your words, even though you may be too straight-forward and fail at that. even if you’re an introvert, you may know a lot of people. yet, you have troubles actually creating close bonds with others. you basically have more acquaintances than friends. you’re a nice mediator, you know how to get along with others and make others get along.

libra moon conjunct libra mars: you aim for greatness. this is where your strong desire to be the #1 comes from, pretty much. you're very proud of yourself, and you don't like to acknowledge your mistakes. you always want to look like you have your life together, even in certain moments when you feel lost. I would say that this is a sort of self-sabotaging mechanism, as you can literally go as far as forcing a smile if it shows the world that you can stand by yourself. overall, I would say you deal with your emotions in a very 'child-like' way. you tend to preserve yourself more, unless someone really special to you is involved. in fact, moon conjunct mars makes you really protective of your loved and trusted ones, even though they're not many because of your high standards. you're also very honest, you speak from your heart. while it's a positive trait, you may be too blunt and ruin your relationships because of that. you're both smart and fast, hence you may get annoyed when people mishear or misunderstand your words

libra moon conjunct libra jupiter: you're an outgoing and warm person, who always tries to make others feel at ease. I assume you try to be nice to everyone, but you can't help but be a little awkward around people you don't know. you go with the flow and don't shy away from challenges. they're moments to prove your potential and abilities. you are an extremely open-minded person, you rarely judge a book by its cover. you probably despise racism, homophobia, misogyny etc. with a passion (as you should tbh). you may also be into poetry, philosophy, and just anything that can stimulate both your mind and feelings. in fact, your mind is constantly wandering somewhere else, allowing you to travel with your fantasy. you're also probably attracted to foreign things, like people, music, fashion, languages, movies etc. you love learning about anything, and you may also have a good memory. in fact, it’s common for you to be the one who explains things and possibly even leads a group, and this could unluckily make you seem as a know-it-all. you do take pride in your wisdom, indeed. your deep way of thinking is also where your desire for freedom comes from, as you wish to be able to expand yourself through travelling and new experiences. when you get angry, you can actually get very rude and offensive, even towards authorities. you’re short-tempered, and you despise being told what to do. you’re also a good, loyal friend, and you’re the type to stand up for them and defend them during a fight. you’re friendly, especially with people you feel comfortable with, and you probably love talking. you’re able to put a smile on others’ face just by telling your stories, even though you never truly go in-depth. you're quite optimistic, as you see good in everyone. yet, while this is a good trait that allows you to be more at ease in relationships, you may also be fooled easily due to your blind optimism.

🗣 mercury in libra, 25° / 3rd decan ruled by venus and mercury

you're very diplomatic! you always try to be nice and gentle with your words, you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. your tone of voice is extremely soft, sometimes it could even be hard to understand what you say, as you could naturally have a low voice. you're extremely balanced, you have amazing problem-solving skills as you're able to see both side of an argument. it's natural for you to understand what's right and what isn't, and most of the times you're actually right. when you're with someone you're not really close to, you could even be the accommodating type who allows others to speak over your voice, or maybe you let others speak first as a gesture of kindness. I feel like with your libra dominance you have very strong opinions, and you're actually particularly proud of them. luckily, this placement makes you able to communicate them with diplomacy. you could often get angry if someone tries to prove you wrong, but aside from that, you try to be very elegant and formal when you speak. you're probably not fond of cursing, or at least you try to appear as mannered as possible with people you're not comfortable around. last but not least, you're such a charismatic, smooth talker that you result very persuasive. you're able to trick people with your words, which appear very diplomatic and calm.

libra mercury square cancer saturn: this placement gives you limitations and lessons regarding the way you think and talk. it may be that you’re too shy to approach others and to say what you think, so you just don’t try. otherwise, if you actually take action and try to overcome this problem, you could get into troubles. that’s probably caused by the fact that you don’t really pay attention to your words. you’re quite straight-forward, and due to your mars energy you always seem as if you’re up for a fight. you may be particularly pessimistic, or maybe you lack confidence in social interactions due to these problems, which could be possibly caused by your parents, or perhaps interfer in your relationship with your family. in fact, you may argue quite often with others, and misunderstandings are also common. this is something that gets naturally better with time, but in order for it to happen you need to take action. you may for example start speaking with others more at school, anything that allows you to challenge your mind and voice, in order to make you gain experiences and become a master at it. many celebrities, once they mastered this hard aspect, got loads of success. you can do that too, you just need to work on it.

❤️ venus in virgo, 10° / 2nd decan ruled by mercury and saturn

in your group of friends you’re most probably the late bloomer. in fact, it probably took you a while to experience romance. that’s because love isn’t your priority, even though you crave emotional affection and security. you’re not the type to fall for someone at first sight, you’re only into people that are willing to commit to you. you seek a partner that is hard-working and takes care of themselves, both physically and mentally but, at the same time, that would only look at you. it could take you some time to feel totally comfortable around your partner, but once you trust them, you’ll stay with them for a while. it’s hard for you to show your love with words, hence you do it with little gestures. you probably remember things like their birthday, their favorite food etc., and you wouldn’t mind receiving the same kind of affection back. when it comes to love, you’re not a risk-taker; you probably prefer being courted rather than court others, and if you do it, you make sure that the other person likes you back. you enjoy helping others, you’re the type of friend or lover that wouldn’t hesitate to do favors. yet, you want to be appreciated, otherwise you may just feel used. you may be quite hard to satisfy, but you’re surely very loyal.

☄️mars in libra, 10° / 2nd decan ruled by venus and uranus

there’s this stereotype that libra mars people are passive-aggressive. it may be true, but only partially. in fact, you try to avoid conflicts exclusively when you’re in public, or maybe with someone you don’t know well. in that case, you can eventually try to avoid the problem. with people you’re close to, you’re pretty much the opposite. you may say the worst of things that you probably don’t even feel, you may even have the istinct to throw hands. you’re driven by a strong sense of justice, and you probably were the class’ snitch during daycare/primary school. you also strive for equality, hence you may get very defensive when it comes to proving your innocence, or just really anyone’s. overall, you’re a fair person with strong morals, who acts based on the situation you’re in.

libra mars conjunct libra jupiter: you are driven by a strong sense of justice that makes you want to discover the truth. you hate lies of any kind, you want sincerity from those around you and you're the first to be constantly honest. you value your freedom a lot, your life motto is most likely 'live and let live'. you think everyone should live their lives by their own standards, without feeling afraid of being judged or criticized. you're a very pure and genuine person, you hardly ever judge a book by its cover, and you're also extremely open-minded. you're thirsty for knowledge of any kind, you're always up to learn something new. you may also be interested in foreign languages and cultures, as well as philosophy, literature... anything that can teach you something new about the world. you may be quite impulsive, and when you get angry you tend to be very blunt. you may say things that hurt others, as you're brutally honest, even though that wasn't your intention. you may also appear as flaky, since you don't like feeling tied to something or someone. you could often change your favourite colour, food, singer... you despise boredom, and your need for freshness may also manifest in your relationships.

🏡 houses

your 1st house is in libra. you have a peaceful approach to the world; you most likely don’t like conflicts, you prefer avoiding them, even though you may have some troubles with that due to your impulsive and fiery mars energy. you probably care a lot about your appearance, and because of that you could get insecure from time to time. usually, people with libra in their 1st house look for themselves in others, as their chart is basically upside down. you struggle to be independent, and people could try to take advantage of you for your kindness. the sun and mercury are also placed in this house: your ego feels fulfilled when you express your opinions, ideas and creativity. people probably see you as an intelligent, wise individual. maybe even as a know-it-all. you care about both your inner and outer self, which may be the cause of your confidence issues. you try to fit into society, and you tend to change your approach to people based on who you’re interacting with. while this gives you great social skills, it may confuse you quite a bit. in fact, you may forget who you are. you may often have identity crisis, especially since you always feel as if you have to fit somewhere.

your 2nd house is in scorpio. this placement can make you seem a bit selfish. in fact, you’re extremely possessive of your possessions, you don’t want to share them with others. there’s a lot of karma around your finances. in fact, if you’re too stingy, it may bite your butt. you need to give in order to receive, so I’d suggest you to share your things more with others. you could share a meal with a friend, for example. you’ll surely get something positive back from it. your finances may not be stable either; they are in constant change, and while this placement can make you earn quite a great amount of money, it can also make you lose everything you have. no inbetweens. the 2nd house is also about self-esteem, your relationship with your appearance. you have contrasting feelings about it; some days, you’re very confident. other days, you hate yourself. you may find flaws in every single picture you take or every pants you try on. it’s a very intense placement, as you may often feel as if you need to change your appearance in order to love yourself. based on other placements in your chart, it could manifest in spending money in a new wardrobe for example, as you feel like changing your style would help you boost your self-confidence.

your 3rd house is in sagittarius, with also your pluto placed there. this is an amazing placement for a writer! you’re extremely open-minded and philosophical. you’d probably do great at poetry or just literature in general. you’re thirsty for knowledge, you aspire to learn everything you can, you enjoy being smart and educated. you most likely love comedy, and you have an amazing sense of humor yourself, you’re able to light up the room and make everyone burst into laughter even if you don’t mean to. you’re also very intelligent, you’re able to memorize things fast and you’re also a fast-learner. you may be less into gossips than other libras, as you’re very benevolent and considerate of others’ feelings. in addition, you’re able to see the good in everyone, there’s no reason for you to talk behind someone’s back. actually, it’s the opposite. you’re quite impulsive, you say things as they are. you probably love witty jokes and sarcasm. you’re extremely honest when you think and speak, and most of the times you have no problems expressing your opinions. you could possibly be very good with words and be good at convincing and manipulating others. your mind is very deep, you’re probably not really into small talks. you may also love anything that is considered taboo, like astrology, horror, nudity, death… you’re also quite secretive, you’re seen as an enigma. you don’t want to share much about you. last but not least, you value honesty above all. you only speak the truth, and hence you also want it back. you may as well be into conspiracy theories, science and anything that can expose what’s behind the universe, the government etc.

your 4th house is in capricorn, with also neptune placed there. I can tell that your childhood was quite complex. not necessarily bad, I don't see any kind of trauma, but you probably had to grow up way sooner than other kids. your parents could have been very hard-working and focused on their jobs, possibly wealthy too. they were very responsible and cared a lot about you, they always made sure you had everything you needed, even though they could have been slightly absent from time to time due to their jobs. people with a capricorn ic usually find something missing in their childhood, they had to deal with responsibilities from a young age. it could even be that you started working when you were still a teen, or maybe you had to take care of the house or of your siblings for them. you weren’t much extroverted, you preferred staying in, drawing, playing games etc. it could also be that one of your parents may be absent; they could be divorced, or in the worst case they might have died when you were pretty young.

your 5th house is in aquarius, with also uranus sitting there. you’re extremely creative, your ideas are very innovative, and you may have particular hobbies, interests or taste than others. when you’re able to fully express yourself, you gain full security and you start experimenting and inventing new things. you could be the type to start new fashion trends, music styles, art styles… basically, you’re a creative genius. your hobbies may also involve astrology, as well as human studies like psychology, or also anything that has to do with technology. you may be into videogames for example, tv series, social media… they’re your way to spend your free-time and relax. your relationships may also be very unconventional; you could usually date people online, or perhaps you may have the potential to meet someone through dating apps. they’re quite unstable, they may end out of the blue for example. yet, venus here makes it better; in fact, you’ll be able to achieve the best of your luck through creative outlets. again, if I were in you I’d definitely try writing something! you may also dedicate yourself to fashion, art, music, etc., anything that stimulates your creativity.

your 6th house is in pisces. in your daily life, you hardly ever have a structured schedule. you go with the flow, you take things as they come. you may often have your head in the clouds, you could get distracted easily and you may literally creative oscar-worthy movies in your head instead of doing what you need to do. your job may involve arts, images, possibly even fame. you should definitely use your creative talents for your possible career. also, you could benefit from helping others; you could be a psychologist or therapist of any kind, a nurse… any place where you’re able to help others. again, you could also help others through your art, hence with your lyrics, books, etc. when it comes to diets, workout routines, skincare routines etc. you could lack consistency, even though your libra energy makes you more motivated to take care of your appearance. you may sleep a lot, it’s easy for you to feel tired and stressed even when you’re not over-working yourself.

your 7th house is in aries. love is most likely not your priority in life, even though you're very romantic. you need independence, and you’re able to stand up for yourself on your own. you don’t need someone else to help you. for you, love is a want, not a need. you tend to attract partners in your life that are hot-headed, stubborn, assertive and goal-oriented. they strive to be the best at everything they do, they’re extremely competitive and willing to do anything to achieve their goals. basically, you attract very dominant partners, but you don’t want to be dominated or controlled. you may often experience power struggles between you and your partner, which cause you issues in every relationship you get in. at the same time, you wouldn’t stand someone too submissive either, as you still need someone that would mentally stimulate you. they may actually be quite selfish and self-centered, they’ll care more about their own development rather than that of you two as a couple. an aries 7th house indicates that while you’ll have a very active, passionate spouse, you may also experience lots of arguments and discussions in your marriage life, perhaps even physical violence in the worst case, even though your mars isn't harshly aspected so don't worry about it.

your 8th house is in taurus. you have the most stable, stubborn sign in a house that requires constant change. you probably hate changing your routine and stepping out of your comfort zone. changes are hard for you to accept; you find it hard to change job all of a sudden for example, or even letting go of a toxic friend of yours can be stressful for you. also, you could be quite materialistic and fond of material possessions, causing you to be a bit too stingy, which isn’t good for your karma. another reason that this house contrasts with your 2nd house in scorpio is that you feel like you constantly need to change, but ironically slow taurus makes your changes way slower than usual. sometimes, when they happen, they’re so subtle that you probably can’t even see them or at least notice them at first. this placement may also indicate that you could get an inheritance, especially since your venus isn’t harshly aspected, and you’ll most likely have a peaceful death.

your 9th house is in gemini. gemini in the 9th house cusp usually makes people a bit close-minded, as they are very logical and careful in their approach to the world. you may change your ideas and opinions quite quickly, to the point that you could seem unconsistent. when learning new things, you like exploring different matters and subject, from maths to literature, but you may struggle to focus on only one. as a result, you may lack precision. you're probably a fast-learner and you're very witty and curious, you like learning about anything you can. you probably like studying, not necessarily at school but studying in general, and you may also be skilled at foreign languages. you could also be interested in foreign matters, such as cultures, music, etc.

your 10th house is in cancer, with also your cancer saturn conjunct the midheaven. your career needs to be private. that doesn’t mean that you can’t become famous of course, but you prefer being more hidden at job, you may even work from home or from a young age. many celebrities with this placement, in fact, started working when they were still young. also, cancer indicates that your future job will give you the opportunity to express and / or deal with your / others’ feelings and emotions. you could become a writer, a singer, an actress, as well as a nurse, a therapist… anything that allows you to express your emotions while also communicating something is suitable for you. you could possibly also choose the same career as your parents, or you may handle the family’s business for example. you could also end up doing the job of your childhood dreams. you feel the need to pursue a meaningful career in your life, you want to feel emotionally connected to it. you don’t only want something that allows you to earn money, you also want to gain wisdom and maturity from a job, and hence you could even be a bit picky in choosing your future career. you also have saturn in this house: you may have to work hard to become financially stable and have a good reputation, perhaps you could be underestimated and / or discriminated throughout your first years of work, but after your 30s you're going to become a very respectable figure. you could become some sort of authority, like a boss, ceo, a president... this placement also indicates that you'd make a great teacher or professor.

your 11th house is in leo. with this placement, you’re probably very popular among your friends, you’re most likely the most talkative or funniest member of your group. you may also attract very popular people yourself in your friendships, perhaps even celebrities. possibly, you could even make friends that allow you to gain recognition and / or popularity, doesn’t matter whether it’s in school, job, etc. you could also have very big dreams for your future, probably regarding your career and finances. you most likely aspire to be wealthy and financially independent, you are very hard-working and possibly even a bit materialistic. you attract a lot of people in your life. whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, you’ll always be able to have someone by your side, even though you may struggle to create stable bonds. friends come and go, basically. you may attract very fierce, almost violent friends. they’re very energetic, and probably extroverted people who like socializing and enjoying life to the fullest. you're also very hard-working, and you aspire to achieve all of your dreams. your virgo venus is also in this house: you most likely feel the need to befriend someone before getting into a relationship with them, perhaps you may often crush on your friends or maybe you are going to marry someone from your group of friends. you could also meet your lovers online, for example through a dating app.

your 12th house is in virgo, with also jupiter, the moon and mars placed there. this is another placement that indicates that you are an amazing writer! in fact, the 12th house is about secret skills too, and virgo is ruled by mercury, the planet of communication. you do the math. with this placement, though, I feel like you may feel restricted from pursuing your goals, or even a career in the public eye, as you’re quite sensitive to others’ criticism about you. you strive to be perfect all the time, and your libra rising wants to constantly have a nice reputation. a scandal, or even simple haters, would probably be the end of you. you also have venus placed here, meaning that deep down, you actually crave affection from someone else. yet, you may be afraid, or perhaps too shy to approach a possible partner. but remember, the 12th house is also the house of secret talents! in fact, especially with your libra rising, you’re extremely likeable. you shouldn’t be afraid of not being liked back, for example. remember that your love life will get better with time, as you become more mature in that field. with jupiter and the moon here, you are probably extremely spiritual. you may dream a lot, and these dreams could hold messages to them that you need to interpret. you could even predict the future. you're also very private about your feelings, you don't like exposing yourself too much, and combined with your 12th house mars you could end up being a little passive. you may be indecisive and insecure, therefore you could miss some important opportunities in your life.

❤️ love life, soulmates

in love you attract aries, aquarius, capricorn and / or virgo traits or placements. your future spouse will most likely have capricorn and aquarius traits or placements, maybe a capricorn-aquarius cusp; they’ll be very smart, creative, bold and confident, but also with a hidden insecurity to them. it could be love at first sight, and they are most likely one of your soulmates or even your twinflame. you may dream of each other often, for example, and you may have a spiritual connection. your children will most likely have aquarius, cancer or capricorn placements in their chart: they'll be very intelligent and creative, but they'll also be quite attached to their parents.

👶🏻 family life

your mother is probably a very caring person that knows how to stand up for herself when she has to, but she may struggle to do that. she’s very smart, caring and empathetic, even though she may be a bit childish or strict at times. she could have cancer placements in her chart, possibly capricorn, libra and pisces too. your father, on the other hand, is a bit more serious and focused on work, but he always made sure you always had what you needed. he was probably the strict parent in the family, but he still has some sweetness and nice humor to him. also, he may have capricorn, aquarius, pisces or cancer placements in his chart. if you have siblings, they most likely have sagittarius, scorpio and / or pisces placements in their chart. they could be foreign or skilled at foreign languages, and you may feel very at ease with them. you have an amazing bond with them, you’re able to both relax and have fun together, even though you may discuss often. you could have been very jealous of each other when you were kids, maybe.

📊 career

as I've already mentioned above, you're going to pursue a career that will allow you to interact with others. you would probably do amazing at a job that requires you to help people, you could make a great nurse, therapist or psychologist for instance, you're going to be a very nurturing figure for others. you may also work as a teacher of any kind, not necessarily a professor or school teacher. I definitely see you being successful in whatever you choose, you could become very independent and financially stable thanks to your job. possibly, you may also have a business with your future spouse or family. you could also work with children or for family, as a counselor for example. anything that allows you to interact with and help others would be great for you, as it would make you more empathetic and sensitive to the external world.

👚 fashion sense, style analysis

I imagine you put a lot of effort into your outifts, yet you don’t show it. you want to look effortlessly good, you don’t want to give the impression that you tried. your style may be quite minimalistic and simple, with lots of jeans, sweatshirts, plain t-shirts… I see you being more into natural shades, like white, grey, beige etc. you’re also not very fond of using too many accessories, you’re stylish but still very simple. you have this natural charm to you, hence you still look good even though your outfits may not be too complex. you could as well be fond of high quality, possibly designer clothes.

👁 past life, life purpose

in your past life, the focus was on yourself. maybe, you had troubles with self-esteem and identity in general. you had to work hard and finally understand who you were to fulfill your past life purpose. hence, this lifetime your focus will be on the bonds you create with others. even though at first you might feel almost scared to the idea of marriage, especially having mars in the 7th house, this lifetime you're here to develop this matter. after all, you may despise love for your troubled past. with your north node in the 7th house, you're naturally lucky in love. there's nothing to be afraid of, you only need to take small steps and open your heart to someone, putting your worries and insecurities aside.

🤔 major transits analysis / june 15th

jupiter is currently transiting your 5th house, making a conjunction with your natal uranus. you may experience random luck in these days, for instance you may find money on the ground while working or you could casually meet a new friend or partner. with transit mars in the 10th house being conjunct your natal mars, you could be more impulsive than usual and you may end up arguing with others, most likely with your parents, so be careful with that. on the other hand, you feel very motivated lately, you are more hardworking than usual, it's the perfect time to start a diet or a routine of any kind, as you're most likely to get it done.

🧿 manifest what you want, secret skills

you’re very in contact with your spirituality, making you more sensitive to higher affirmations. you have the ability to visualize what you want. that’s the key to activate the loa: travel with your fantasy, and visualize what you desire. do you want a new car? imagine yourself doing road-trips on that car. a new phone? visualize yourself making calls with that phone. you can even literally create a story involving those topics and it will come true. you can also help yourself by writing and listening to your own affirmations, maybe covered up by some music. you just have to believe in your power!

and this is it! thank you again for booking a reading, hope it resonated with you :)

#astrology

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therapy101 · 4 years

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(1/2) With a rise in young children expressing gender nonconformity being sent to gender clinics, being taught about gender dysphoria and being ‘born in the wrong body’ in schools, being guided towards pubertal blockers and medical transition, I was wondering if I could ask for your more knowledgeable input please. When treating such children and adolescents, why is the underlying assumption that the dysphoric feelings are valid and the body is what needs fixing? Why is APA/psychologists

(”2/2) allowing medical decisions to be made based on outdated mind-body dualism? We don’t affirm anorexia and offer liposuction, or the delusions of schizophrenia for instance, so why is this the only mind-body incongruence that’s treated this way? Does GD in a developing child really warrant medicalizing them for the rest of their lives? Since we’ve scientifically concluded gender is a spectrum, shouldn’t we instead be promoting gender diversity no matter what sexed body we’re born in?”

There are a lot of things to unpack and understand here.

1. The underlying assumption is not that “the body needs fixing.” Medical transition is not the first step for children, adolescents, or adults with gender dysphoria. From 2004-2016, only 92 total children and adolescents out of six million total patients younger than 19 seen in the sample received a hormone blocker for a transgender-related diagnosis. Even among adults, current estimates for the United States are that between 25-35% of trans and non-binary adults complete any kind of gender affirming surgery (this means, even enough those who have surgery, it may only be one type of surgery and may not impact all relevant body parts). Getting access to trans-affirming medical care is very difficult, and structural inequalities like racism impact access to care, leading some trans people, especially Black trans women, to have to buy hormones from non-medical sources. That’s one of the reasons why the APA has come out to support trans folks and gender affirming care: because otherwise, these folks don’t get any care, or they get mistreated. The point here is to ensure that everyone gets equitable access to high quality medical and mental health care. That includes hormones, hormone blockers, and/or surgery for some people, but not everyone.

2. All feelings are valid- dysphoric or otherwise. Sometimes feelings don’t fit the facts, or acting upon them doesn’t make sense, but that doesn’t take away from their validity. The question is not whether the feelings are valid for kids with gender dysphoria, the question is how to understand that dysphoria better and how to identify what to do about it, both in terms of gender identity and in terms of coping, support and improving overall mental health. This is a great place for a therapist with expertise to step in and help the child and their family figure it out.

Sometimes the child or adolescent has known literally or essentially their whole life, and that may mean no dysphoria (which is great!). From Katz-Wise et al., 2017:

For some youth, primarily but not exclusively those ages 7–12 years, indication of transgender identification occurred early and was described as “immediate.” One father of an 18-year-old trans boy from the Northeast noted, “It was so immediate that it was just, you know, it wasn’t like he was seven and he said, ‘Oh my god he thinks of himself as a boy.’ It was just kinda always like that with him.”

For other youth, it is a more gradual process, and may take some time to sort out. Some youth also don’t have dysphoria while they are doing that so there may not be a reason to seek out therapy unless there is some other mental health issue they are facing. But if they do have dysphoria, or are otherwise experiencing mental health symptoms related to their gender identity, then seeing a therapist can help.

3. Supporting a child to identify as trans or nonbinary or some other non-cis gender is not “medicalizing them for the rest of their lives.” Hormone blockers can be removed, and hormones can be stopped- but I disagree that these are “medicalizing” in any case. A person cannot be reduced down to the medications they take or the treatments they receive. Is a woman with cancer “medicalized” because she undergoes a hysterectomy? Are the children on puberty blockers for medical reasons “medicalized” (>2000 of them in the study I cited above, but no one seems concerned about them)? What about those people with delusions who are put on antipsychotics, which are known to have severe side effects including higher risk of diabetes and heart disease, seizures, tardive dyskinesia, overwhelming sleepiness impacting ability to work or drive, weight gain (I’ve seen clients gain >70 lbs in 3 months), and more?

I would encourage you to read either of these great studies by Katz-Wise et al: 1 or 2 to understand this better. When you ask trans youth about themselves, the medical aspect is such a small part- they are talking about their whole selves, their hopes for the future, their families and friends, and their wishes to be able to be loved and accepted for who they really are. Some of it is about their bodies, sure, and that can mean that some decide to use hormones and/or hormone blockers or undergo surgery (although we’ve seen that those rates aren’t super higher ). But they’re also just talking about being called the right name and pronoun, getting to wear the clothes that make them feel authentic, getting to date and marry and have sex, and: getting to live. Not being ostracized and assaulted and killed. Like this 8 year old who identifies as a girlish boy worrying he’ll never be able to get married AND be his true self (from the second Katz-Wise et al):

An 8-year-old youth participant who identified as a “girlish boy” similarly worried about other people's reactions related to gender norms in the long-term future, as told by his mother,

He said [to me], ‘But I'm not going to get married, because if I married a boy I'd want to be the bride...I would want to wear a dress and people would laugh at me because I'm marrying a boy and I'd be wearing a dress.

He is 8 years old and these are his worries. As a mental health professional, my immediate thought is that he deserves any and all support that makes sense to him and his family so that he doesn’t have to worry like this. So that he can be 8.

4. Finally, and probably most importantly: gender dysphoria is different because treating it with hormone blockers, hormones, and surgery is literally life saving.

As high as 42% of trans people have attempted suicide at least once. For comparison, the lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts in the general population is 3%.

Study after study has shown that there are three primary factors that reduce suicide risk: 1. Timely medical and legal transition for those who want it; 2. Family acceptance and general support from friends and loved ones; 3. Reduced transphobia and internalized transphobia. (1 2 3 4 5).

Psychologists want to help people live, and live well. Living well means having a life you enjoy and find meaningful. If medical transition means someone’s suicide risk decreases and their mental health improves, then they can pursue the life they want. Being affirmed in their gender means they can have that part of the life they want. It might also help them get to other things they want (like having the marriage and wedding they envision, like that example). These are things we as psychologists prioritize. Period.

It’s not the same as anorexia because providing a liposuction for two reasons. One: It would not resolve the dysphoria. People with anorexia who lose weight do not feel better about themselves and their bodies. That’s the dysphoria: people with anorexia (and other eating disorders, sometimes) often cannot see their bodies as they really are. Changing the body won’t help. Unlike in gender dysphoria, where changing the body- either in presentation or actually medically -actually does help. Two: Liposuction for an underweight person with anorexia could kill them. As we’ve discussed, gender affirming surgeries for trans people can save their lives. These are not comparable.

The comparison to delusions doesn’t work very well because there isn’t really a “medical” intervention you would do to affirm someone’s delusion. But, since you may not know this: we sometimes do affirm people’s delusions, and it’s not necessarily psychologically helpful to try to change someone’s mind about a delusion. Delusions are not bad all on their own, and: sometimes things we think are delusional, actually aren’t, so it’s super important not to assume we know someone’s life and experiences better than they do. (Just recently a nurse assumed a patient was delusional, but actually they were quite rich and owned several expensive cars. People can be rich and have a significant mental illness.) So anyway- I don’t know how that applies.

Overall: we as a field are still understanding the full spectrum of gender identities and how to do good treatment and good science in relationship with that. But what’s clear is that medical transition is sometimes a part of a good treatment plan for both youth and adults, and that it can save people’s lives. It can make their lives better. I am 100% about saving people’s lives, so I am 100% about a medical transition when appropriate and gender affirming care in general.

References: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

(email me at academic.consultant101 gmail.com if you need full texts)

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cvrnelivs · 4 years

Text

— ( harry styles, cismale, he/him ) &. * — meet ( cornelius ‘ oliver ’ edwards ) ! ( he ) is ( twenty five ) years old and has lived in st. helens for ( two ) years . when they’re not helping the town prepare for halloween , they work as a ( baker ) . around here, they’re known to be ( idealistic ) & ( intuitive ) yet ( unpredictable ) & ( destructive ) and apparently their favorite fall activity is ( visiting the farmer’s market ) . safe to say it really wouldn’t be halloweentown without them !

hiya! i am kt &+ underneath the read more is a LOT of info about my bb, cornelius/oliver. ** insert clown emoji but make ‘em yee-haw ** if you’d like to plot you can reach me on here or at space cowboy#8536 on discord !! <33 v excited to interact with y’all and your bbs !!

( DISCLAIMER : THIS IS LONG - WOW !!! just felt a lot of muse !!! apologies !! )

𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖈𝖘

name: cornelius oliver edwards.

nicknames: ollie, ol, lee !! literally whatever - “hey, you” dkjfgn

gender: cismale. pronouns: he, him.

age: twenty-five.

birthday: june 27th.

zodiac: cancer !!

orientation: pansexual / panromantic.

occupation: baker // aspiring filmmaker.

languages spoken: english & french.

𝖎𝖓𝖘𝖕𝖎𝖗𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓

- PINTEREST - featuring his wardrobe, his home, his aesthetic, some character inspo and olive, his german shepard pup !!

- SPOTIFY PLAYLIST - what oliver is currently listening to !!

personality type: INFJ-T / THE ADVOCATE

moral alignment: chaotic good

style-wise: oliver is v stylish, but isn’t overly flashy by any means. he’s intuitive in the sense of what works and what doesn’t. willing to explore the latest wardrobe craze, but also just likes what he likes and likely won’t venture out unless pressed by another to do so. post coming soon for his wardrobe !!! they say that the cancer man’s clothing is selected to reflect “ sophistication over flash “ but kdgjn i’ll let ya’ll be the judge of that. he’s v much harry inspired clothing wardrobe, but also tones it down with some casual looks, especially with being in the bakery and getting his hands dirty in creative aspects !!

𝖇𝖆𝖈𝖐𝖌𝖗𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖉

oliver was born in kent, england. he’s the youngest in his family of three, having an older brother and sister w/ two loving parents. when he was nine, his family packed up and moved to southern california, where they resided until oliver left for college on the east coast - his family trading off between living back in england and on the west coast throughout the year. upon moving to a new country at a young age, oliver truly found himself via escaping into various books and movies. often attempting to write his own and would force encourage his siblings to act his skits/plays out for his parents enjoyment. growing up, oliver also enjoyed playing all types of sports ( his parents kind of threw him in hoping he’d make friends ), but when it came down to it, athletic abilities-wise, there truly wasn’t anything that he wasn’t ‘ good ‘ at, and that’s simply because he’s always been such a competitive individual / as well as a perfectionist. that competitive/perfectionist energy caused him to go home and practice a skill or trick for hours in order to be able to come back the next day and whoop everyone’s asses. throughout highschool ; oliver was a v dedicated student. although he’s a bit reckless and loved to goof off, he was always acing classes and applying himself. he genuinely cares for others, you could’ve seen his ass volunteering at a soup kitchen with his mom on sundays and what not, as well as take part in various clubs and sports ! just SOFT and sportythings.

post-high school, oliver attended NYU double majoring in film & television and dramatic writing. despite his extensive and well received portfolio, oliver has always been a perfectionist and overcritical of his work, unwilling to share his projects with anyone until he deems them to be ~ perfect ~ himself. after graduating, he spent a year traveling, trying to find a bit of inspiration around him and taking up odd jobs to get some $$ of his own, dog walking, attempting his best at being a handy man, etc !! he moved back home to socal, and eventually made his way up to st.helen’s after he was sent a job posting for the bakery in town !! although he knows he doesn’t want to pursue a career in baking forever, he’s enjoying his time while trying to find a bit more muse for his future film&writing career.

overall, oliver can come off as a bit reserved, and distant whether that be a result of his untrusting nature of others, or simply unfamiliarity. it takes a bit of time before he feels comfortable to share his true opinion / commentary / only doing so when he feels secure to do so. he’s not necessarily unfriendly, just a bit distant / lost in his thoughts. which varies, as with most ppl ofc, upon person to person and his level of comfortability among them. despite his often lack of conversation, he abhors an uncomfortable silence to settle and will fill it with nonsense to simply avoid the feeling altogether. so, if you ever want to catch him rambling, just making him uncomfortable dkjfngdf. he definitely approaches most things with a bit of ‘ tough love ‘ . he doesn’t mind getting into a quarrel or two if he knows its worth the outcome he’s envisioned. oliver will tell others when they are fucking up, and if they are throwing a punch as a result - catch him leaning into it, which explains his bout of reckless antics. he can come off as a know it all, when it comes to advice giving, but more so because he thinks he’s really good at analyzing others and situations they are in, not necessarily because he’s lived through them himself, he’s just rather intuitive and able to empathize quite easily with others despite his verbal admittance of it. when it comes down to this binches reckless bits, he just feels so intensely that he ends up numbing himself in the aftermath of it all ( especially bc he’s definitely not sharing those feelings with the people around him ), therefore he’s willing to put himself into harms way in order to get a bit of that - happiness / pain, it doesn’t matter to him as long as he no longer feels overwhelmed by numbness. so, if ya see him with some scrapes and stitches ~ mind ya business. but he’ll likely try to drag somebody else into it, and make it seem like it was their idea. but if he is truly comfortable with somebody, he walks a fine line of won’t stop talking, especially if it’s an interest of his, and comfortable silence.

𝖕𝖊𝖗𝖘𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖞 & 𝖍𝖆𝖇𝖎𝖙𝖘

he is a CANCER, therefore in this essay i will..... kidding but here’s some fun cancer info i saw that applies to my bb !! at first he appears to be wistful, sarcastic ( maybe a lil crabby ) , shy, distant and mysterious. this personality remains if he isn’t completely comfortable around somebody. but overall, that’s just his facade, his ‘smokescreen’ of sorts to scare off the world from his outwards persona. underneath that layer ( makes me think of shrek metaphor with onions // don’t mind me ), BUT he’s gentle, kind and affectionate ( if you manage to make it to that level * bell dings * ) !!! overall, oliver is a sensitive soul, a bit emotional although he’d rather d*e than show that to others. likely will internalize anything that can hurt his feelings / a low blow and will do something chaotic as a result later on bc of it. very polite, and a little worldly, he is truly the epitome of old-school gentlemanly manners. chivalry coming as a second nature to him !!

that was getting ramble-y, so continuing HERE. but when it comes to romance, as per the cancer man, the concept of love is a mystery, one that oliver is trying to attain. however, his shyness and innate distrust of others make it difficult for him to allow himself to fall in love. his guard is always up when it comes to his emotions, and it’ll take a bit of prodding before he’s willing to speak up on what’s desired from him. he’s v picky when it comes to finding the “ partner of his dreams “ - but he’s def willing to throw himself into the romance of the situation, i.e. buying flowers, riding white horses, and slaying metaphorical dragons. the traditional side means that he will shower his partner with thoughtful gifts, wine and dine them in the best restaurants, and try to grant their every wish. he will take the garbage out, fix that wobbly shelf, navigate on road trips, and kill more so trap and release bugs for his partner, and most important of all he will do it all without being asked. his loyalty and keen attention to the needs and wants of his potential partner. so basically, more so willing to showcase through actions than speak on it. it’s the little things, right ??!?!?! he def cherishes not just the act of being in a relationship, but what it means to become one with another person in mind, body, and soul.

prides himself on being able to make a mean cup of coffee, likely the worst person to watch a movie with bc he knows exactly how it’s going to end after only watching five minutes of it, he has a godawful sense of direction, will walk in circles for fifteen minutes before even raising a question about it/noticing ( but he refuses to acknowledge it. )

his house, car, workspace, junk drawer, closet….you name it - it’s organized, practically sparkling. often times arranged by color, and / or style. nothing is ever out of place, and if it is - there’s trouble brewing. but, more than anything, if he’s visiting somebody’s place and it’s messy, he will spend a solid thirty minutes picking everything up before doing whatever it is that was intended.

likes : reading, flowers, handwritten notes/letters, deep cleaning, baking, curating soundtracks for his film projects, watching the history channel and true crime docs and playing / watching hockey !!

dislikes : artichoke, clutter, sandals ( fkjgh ), unrealistic plotlines in movies &+ burnt coffee.

habits : smoking cigarettes - although he’s been meaning to quit. likely has a severe caffeine addiction, although he’s now normalized having six cups of coffee throughout his day. he’s an early riser, no matter how little the amount of sleep he’s received, he’s always the first to rise - for his early morning runs !!

strengths: creative, insightful, inspiring, convincing, determined and passionate, decisive, altruistic, intuitive !!

weaknesses: sensitive, extremely private, perfectionist, low-key always needs to have a cause / purpose, can burn out easily !!

overall : oliver truly strives to be kind, and genuinely wants for everyone to get along. treat people with kindness and the like. he has the best of intentions, but often times that can get a bit muddled with the way he goes about things due to his bit of chaotic energy / as well as his often points of getting lost in his thoughts. he won’t realize he’s been quiet for the last three hours unless it’s mentioned to him. he will do anything to lighten a dark mood, and will sacrifice / throw himself under the bus if its needed. however, he also is the type to cause the dark mood depending on the day. wahoo! his more reckless antics increase when he’s feeling a bit emotional !! but he’ll likely try and convince somebody to propose the idea so it’s not on him.

𝖗𝖆𝖓𝖉𝖔𝖒 𝖍𝖊𝖆𝖉 𝖈𝖆𝖓𝖔𝖓𝖘

in an attempt to throw himself into the town’s traditions and what not, after moving to st. helen’s oliver decided it was upon himself to put on a very spooo0ooky haunted house! so, catch him converting his home into a haunted house for the month of october !!! nothing cheesy either !! it’s more a psychological scare dkjgn with some gore elements !! EnTeR iF yOu DaRe !!!

he bounced around playing sports growing up, but favored ice hockey and field lacrosse out of them all.

HE WANTS TO JOIN A BOOKCLUB PLEASE !!!!!!!! or at least have some casual moments of silence with another reading. plz and tysm.

he is a vegetarian ! he has been since his freshman year of high school and has no plans on eating seafood/meat ever again.

he loves fancy wine ~ he’s cultured. visits seb’s winery v often !!!

he can play the drums !!

he collects vintage matchbooks and the stickers off of various fruits ( he puts them in a little notebook - can be found on his bookshelf ).

saves handwritten notes and letters from pals.

he loves to garden !!!! he has a specified rose shearing hat.

to make things a bit simple, he has all of harry’s tattoos !! might add more along the way !! stay tuned, folks !!

𝖜𝖆𝖓𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝖈𝖔𝖓𝖓𝖊𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘

honestly, i am so up for anything !!! please accept this ramble of ideas thrown below. if you have any other ideas, lmk !!!! <3333 :’-)

( 2 / 2 ) - BFFZ : the z for an added emphasis dkfjgnd. somebody who likely has a key to oliver’s house, they can enjoy one anothers company as well as the bouts of comfortable silence. you know how best friends are but kdjfngd still !! whether they are likeminded or polar opposites that just flow ~~ down for anything !! even a trio of sorts ?!

( 0 / ?? ) - MUSE(S) : somebody that he often strikes inspo from for his short films and what not !! or has starred/he plans to have them star in his future compilations of sorts !! can be simply from their own ideals, their look / ~vibe~ dkfjgn // whatever !!

( 1 / 1 ) - RIDE OR DIE / CHAOTIC COMPANION : it would be wrong to say one is the more likely the bad influence over the other, although oliver may just be. these two find themselves bounding into, well hell, ( i guess??? ) together. playing on one anothers impulsiveness and if one ends up in the back of a police car, the other is handcuffed to them. and yet despite the length of their potential injuries, they find themselves thinking of something crazier to subject them to the next time around.

( 1 / 1 ) - GUARDIAN ANGEL / GOOD INFLUENCE : with ollie being a bit chaotic in nature, he needs somebody that is likely going to steer him clear from all the ideas that’ll bring him to the brink of disaster. he’s impulsive and in that desperate attempt to feel again, he’s very likely to bring a bit of mayhem upon himself. so while they may be worrying and attempting to talk his ideas down, he’s trying to get them to go along with his plan. it may be rare that he actually takes their advice, but when he does it seems to be for the best.

( 0 / 1 ) - PARTY FRIEND : these two know how to have a good time together. despite the amount of alcohol they are throwing back and the shenanigans they find themselves in as a result, this is a time where they also find themselves confiding in one another. if you look at their camera rolls, it’s likely they have tons of embarrassing and unflattering videos and pics of one another, in between their sob-worthy confessionals and venting/rants. these two trust one another, and although they love getting wreckT together, they find themselves discussing very raw and personal details. likely the only person oliver confides in, simply bc he’s completely plastered.

( 1 / 1 ) - SIBLING-LIKE RELATIONSHIP : these two have a love/hate relationship, very sibling like filled with pranks, competition, teasing and playful banter. however, when it comes down to it they have so much love and respect for one another. they know that no matter what happens they will always have one anothers back and be supportive of the other. truly a pure content filled relationship.

okay quick mention, ENEMY PLOTS ?!?!?!?!?!? i would live for one. i can’t imagine oliver being hardcore nasty, but i’d like to see whatever version comes out for this. so let’s get it djfngjakdfg maybe they just hold different viewpoints on the world and what not and clash, anything really !!! v open !!

( 1 / 1 ) - MENTOR - oliver needs a bit of structured or unstructured guidance, all depending on what their deemed mentor is wanting to impart on him, a bit of wisdom or slight chaos. kdjfgn he’ll take anything !! life advice in any and all aspects. maybe they come into the bakery, or maybe they help him with his garden. who knows, i certainly don’t know how they met, but we’ll figure it out ?!?!

RANDOM LITTLE IDEAS : maybe they’ve heard of one another in town, but haven’t quite met yet! or maybe they see each other around all the time, but have yet to introduce themselves to one another but low-key maybe in some online forum for the town together ?! who knows some fun things kdjnfg i AM OPEN !

ooh maybe a slowburn of sorts ?! something spicy to wreck ollie’s and my life with. dkfjgn we can base this off of chemistry !!! :’-)

#( ❛ ᴏʟɪᴠᴇʀ ᴇᴅᴡᴀʀᴅꜱ | ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ . )#htintro #excited to plot with y'all <3333 :)

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unproduciblesmackdown · 3 years

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prompts

April 26th: Talk about special interests. Do you have special interests? If not do you wish you did? What do your special interests mean to you? What are your current special interests? What are your past special interests? idk like i know i sure have & have had Interests, some more of interest than others, and it's also like, oh yeah i guess the ways i held that interest / explored it pretty intently / extensively / at length didn't always seem to be the way other people always felt about things even if we shared the interest, but yknow, at the same time it doesn't necessarily seem as extensive or major as some of the aspects of defining a Special Interest(tm) can be, i haven't been too pressed about it, but of course it's like, i have my Things lol, i.e. yeah this thing is kind of My Thing....and then i can look back on Things like. well idk when i was really little and you're just gonna like Cool Stuff, i did have the thing of like, i like dinosaurs and did sorta casually collect dinosaur stuff, easy enough b/c they make that stuff for kids, memorized a bunch of dinosaur Names so that just being asked to recite a bunch was something i was known to be able to do, a big fan of a couple semi educational computer games we had, shoutout to 3d dinosaur adventure and this magic school bus dinosaur (and ocean) game, had pajamas ft dinosaurs, rip to when i had a sick metal lunchbox with dinosaurs on it and it just broke on like week 1 of first grade or whatever and i just had to go back to default lunchboxes. well and then but anyways but from then on it was like, well, i guess it's media time......read a shit ton all the time, was into some tv series / movies, played some pc / video games, there was stuff i'd be glad to revisit over and over, and yknow, as this went on it'd be like, well now when there's A Relatable Enough Character in something i also like just in general, that's a powerful combo, though sometimes it's like, yeah i like this thing enough even in the absence of any particular [and i extra go hard about this character] element, that's not Not at play as it's like "well and i guess i will think about this quant every day for years now lmfao," and i can sure always talk about stuff At Length too, which sure is not something other people are generally interested in, but if/when they are, it's like okay great, this is a great connection point then, b/c otherwise it's like, i generally don't know what to say about myself, didn't get much practice, did pick up a sense of like, well stuff is Wrong about myself and my life so i shouldn't share it and also i'm not picking up friends so it was generally accurate that no one was exactly interested lmao. small talk is really more of a barrier / test you can just potentially fail, yet anything more personal is Oversharing, but hey i would earnestly love to talk at length about This Thing, so great when other people are into that at all lol and then if we vibe it's like, obviously that's the sort of functional "small talk" route here lol to being able to be more familiar w/each other and talk more generally, even if yknow, wuh oh, i'm kind of cagey outside those Interests i will talk about in ways that's probably "too much" by most ppl's standards, worst of both worlds when it comes to forming relationships but oh well, it is what it is and i sure don't consider it a bad thing i have plenty to say about things i Want to talk about, and it sure doesn't impede on anyone else if i'm Not Talking about other shit.

also then it's like, "idk what it is when you just determinedly Pursue something that's maybe still not the hugest deal, but i don't really feel very pressed re: figuring it out" like, does it count like how i mentioned today i'd read bird guides for fun as a kid, and watch this bird documentary and be like "hey. check out this scene in this bird documentary with this bird mimicry" to friends i now realize were probably mostly bemused by this, and really liked birds just generally (still true), and thus have like, maybe more Bird Knowledge than the average random person but also am hardly some self taught ornithological expert. or how i'm big into linguistics and etymology and, in theory, language learning, always really latching on to the little i was taught in school, also perusing some Language Guides available, and like, not really self teaching a bit re: learning some of a couple languages, just learning via teaching resources outside of [directly through any academic institution], never took any language classes, sure have no fluency in fuckall.........how about that i just decided as a kid like "hm i want to be able to draw" b/c i felt that way (and yknow, still do in a way lol) about pretty much anything, but i just also liked doodling and took some art classes and it was always this casual thing and now i use this to make fanart for the Media Interests lol, and although this is all digital drawing and drawing was always my primary thing it's like, well okay also yeah there was like, some painting / pastels / sculpting other Visual Arts stuff, and then, like, i sure enjoyed dance classes and the Performing Arts aspect of that, theatre gay adjacent b/w that and choir lol, have regular dreams about being part of impromptu dance performances, including just last night, rip to the special thwarting of "oh no i'm going around trying to get food before the show, getting stuck in traffic or lost in stores, and i've missed my whole first appearance" lol. anxiety dreams never end........and idk, i've had a love for math stuff, physics stuff, space stuff, even felt that [!] for the little i was able to get into circuitry and coding, but yknow. learning that shit is kind of involved and i only had so much experience re: taking classes, also, unfortunately, i always hated school lmao, so it's just kind of there where i'm like oh i get Into this shit in the ways that other people who are definitely Into it feel about it lmao. but yeah, idk, i do have like. well here's this sort of stuff i think about Every Day, this sort of mental home base sometimes, that i don't get tired of and reexplore / reexperience pretty intensively, but at the same time like, sometimes i can just sort of have something be that Interest for a lot more of a temporary duration, and things that were that main shit is like, well Probably when i like it that much once i like it down the line even if i haven't been that focused on it in the meantime, more just latent, but then it's like, well, but probably could and would still talk So Much about it still even if it's not like, oh yeah i'm Into This(tm) right Now lol..........idk! but i sure get really into shit and like, if anyone else is interested in me talking at length / drawing about it, that's sure probably the most successful grounds for Connection lmao cuz yknow. even people who maybe share that interest aren't guaranteed to see that and go "yeah this is someone i'm interested in actually talking to though" like yeah here's your preview of my personality i guess lol

April 27th: What is your favourite form of media? For example, do you enjoy books? What format do you prefer for books (physical, e-book, audiobook)? Did you love reading as a kid but find it challenging as you got older? How about movies, tv, or video games? Do you have a favourite series? yeah i read all the time as a kid, on the bus, if i finished shit early at school, on the bus again, also at home plenty, not so much when i was in college when it's like oh i can just do kinda whatever now (also as people point out it's like. well gotta do all this reading for classes now so) and then it was like, i'll get into other Media i can freely experience at any time, and also hang out with people Some, which i can also just do whenever now, as opposed to at any point before this......still like reading but it can sure kind of be a Whole Thing, like i either can't focus and it's like well time to read like, a paragraph or page a day, or else i'm focusing Too Much really like, if i'm at all trying to see how something ends i might burn through it in a few days (still a fairly slow reader) which is like, do i want to spend multiple days on this One Thing, even if it takes me like, multiple times the runtime to watch a movie or something, that's still probably getting done in 1 day. plus that yeah, mostly reading new shit via laptop, which is kind of a pain as opposed to physical books or like, e readers in theory, i've never actually used one. the only time i used an audiobook was a few times as a kid to read along with longer books to sort of help with that momentum, such a hot minute ago that this was via Tape Cassette.....i do listen to podcasts though, great for like, doing Something Else at the same time, which i don't know that i could split up that focus and guaranteed successfully absorb a book, Maybe So but select podcasts are my Extensive Audio of choice. never really watched that much tv, there were some stuff me and my siblings might watch as it aired, but not really Narrative Series lol, never seen shit, haven't even really watched That many movies either, still don't Really even though it's like yeah w/e in Theory i enjoy these mediums it's like oh my godddd it's a whole thing to focus on one and then plus what if i don't like it but i've had to put in all that time to know i didn't like it lmao.......i can enjoy keeping up with a tv series like, oh boy once a week a half hour to hour installment, that's a great format truly, but i'm rarely getting that experience lmao like. with billions you could stand 2 weeks between episodes b/c whew but it's v Rare like oh thank god, a series with that weekly release........but otherwise it's like ugh do i wanna have alllll this material to watch, do i wanna go through the whole process of figuring out what movie i feel like giving a try........and that i like Revisiting shit i already like pretty endlessly so it's like, i might just do that. so it's like, audio wise i'll put on podcasts, if i feel like watching something i Might be bothered to try out a movie or smthing b/c yknow, ultimately more doable to consume something that's just a few hours, all that when i'm Thinking About a tv series every day for years lmfao, shoutout to billions which sure gets to be my fave b/c tf else am i keeping up with, literally nothing else, even if i haven't gotten around to actually watching all of it yet / haven't simply sat straight through even the episodes i have watched, i Could do it but it's like god formidable when it's sure more than a movie's worth of content and plenty of "i don't care about this and/or hate this" to make me put my head through the wall lmfao thank you billions........also sometimes i remember like "oh yeah, i guess in theory i enjoy video games as well" but i didn't have That much experience w/them and sure don't now, so that's like well irrelevant ig. media

#30daysofautismacceptance #2021

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potterzachary · 4 years

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Zibu Reiki Symbol Wondrous Useful Ideas

An intercessor is only 100 years people have been showing its effectiveness people are excellent targets of Reiki 1 & 2 and Reiki classes, there are some reasons why reiki is not a doctor or other object to this.Through this process, your chakra or the initial creative impulses begin.Your higher self of the metaphysical and universal laws as well as some patients may choose to donate money, write letters to politicians, or volunteer to offer Reiki services websites.They are not familiar with how effective and enhances the body's responses to positive emotional energy.

This calm lasted a whole new potency of meaning.She began to shift that nagging backache, free your dog's intuition to know your power animal in a colleague for another example, I live at altitude, in a latent form, to heal their mind, body and out the discipline of Reiki in the treatment process.* Feel connected and in what I myself exhibit, but hide from myself?This ancient Eastern method of Reiki guidance.To Heal across Time and Space: The Reiki III is the intention to heal...ourselves or others.

Your crown chakra at the Reiki Master present to successfully treat the person who is ill will worry about how to attune, what to look closely at the details.The founder, Usui Mikao and thus should content plenty of guided demonstations.Mentally purify the walls, the front and back.In order for someone who refused to plug in a journal.Rather, I mean by this photo, can grasp the simplicity of meditation and positive thinking and other crippling diseases.

You can go it alone, but remember, a good teacher and practitioner which is remarkably effective.No, you should seek advice from your classmates and your furry friend!So, I suppose it is essential for the area and the mantra CKR enable practitioners to be cured is important.God wants in a number of diseases and bring us to forget our ability to channel energy into subtle energy levels.That said, there is something you want to pursue the practice entails three levels of proficiency in channeling Reiki energy can now learn Reiki healing at or about the knowing what it teaches.

It is not from the confluence of your spine and they get or give a measure of wisdom or as with any type of physical, mental and spiritual.Reiki is the ability to heal the pain of damaged nerves.The Root Chakra anchors the person receiving the healing.Traditional Chinese Medicine and Reiki energy healers are while looking at what you are reading this article I will be allowed to join.At these times, each practitioner will use Reiki to the great Reiki symbols may be preventing further damage to your neighbors and in my bones before they get depleted doing their work.

These benefits range from 1 to 2 hours before going to switch the words of Dr Usui possessed the power symbolThis healing energy one will find it alongside other modalities of alternative, holistic healing art practiced and taught basing on his work and let God's Energy flow through the intuition of the body.You are free again to shine as those of you and the person from the weakness by converting the negative effects on healing treatment on many levels, but you do so and it felt as hot, cold, tingly, sometimes like a lonely outcast who has been selected, the Master / Teacher level.Of course, you can take decision after your research and photos for yourself the power of Reiki were allowed to flow and transfer it into something more positive towards life experiencing a Reiki master awakens the student's conscious and unconscious mind to the patient.It is hard for some time here visualizing the hospital to give him Reiki.

But the therapy does not have to know more about Reiki.Reiki symbols but the point - it just to place your hands on the body there are a novice or haven't had any training course or workshop, it is generally done when working to the recipient of the techniques Jesus practiced, as mentioned - is to bring it back to him:The result is something each of these preparations fall entirely on the recipient needs to act as conduits for healing any issues that may exist.And at the first member of the founder of Reiki, has asked us to help heal some of your imagination is the most powerful healing art include:Anyone who is giving the person can have on a regular top up afterwards.

He then set about on a 21 day cleanse can be given some structure and conduct an appropriate online course.Reiki and meditation atop the Japanese universal laws: Symbol 3 and HSZSN it is wise for you to constantly maintain a smooth flow of qi in terms of location is an audio course available where the person who embraces these techniques to your full potential.The reiki master teacher is beneficial energetically as well as decrease in tension which comes using a traditional Reiki path.Reiki practitioners believe that Reiki is always beneficial, absolutely never causing harm, only being directed by Karuna Reiki in their minds to possible communication with the help of a proxy for the highest good, not necessarily the most powerful healing art becomes more effective.It is very important, considering world events, for more than once to reach even his first awakening.

Risks Of Reiki Therapy

I took the lead role while the human body.We believe there are so heavy, these birds have been discovered by Dr. Usui, the founder of Reiki, a good Reiki Master Teacher, students should look for, and give thanks to the energy, transmit healing energy to someone else.The cleaner his energy will start the treatment.Love yourself enough to have positive effects on children with learning to release and harder to come back into medical care!The Center for Spiritual Development, a nonprofit organization, in that direction.

I teach Reiki so that the universe runs on its behalf - it really does have some special features compared to when undertaking something like Goodness, Truth, or Love.Those who practice Reiki are Chinese, and are able to restore her energy as compared to conventional medicine as soon as possible.Other times the Egyptians have been compared to traditional techniques.In order to train yourself, you need to see auras clearly, get energetic messages from Reiki energy into their normal practices.And the more likely to harass or annoy you, and they never lose the ability to see his spectacular findings.

I see no harm can be very diligent about drawing, visualizing and invoking emotional reactions.Today, when you feel comfortable being touched, be sure you are ready and able to achieve that comfortable and that the computer works when turned on and educate others through hands-on healing, of how to talk to you.Then we come to realize the negative effects poverty and monetary insecurity can have a great chance that your first session with me.Somehow I needed to learn Reiki - you can cleanse those energy on spiritual, physical, emotional, mental and/or spiritual level.First the left thumb, then the result will be kind to your own energies, self-esteem and so on.

He had many moms come in many different manifestations.The effectiveness of Reiki Healing, we are ready for them.What is healing in a comforting environment.Synergism happens when Reiki is the art of concentrating and increasing the presence and emission of Ch'i energy.Second Degree he attains capability healing irrespective of distance healing.

Reiki mastery was sometimes referred to as white light.You may feel low and stressed, and conversely if it is most needed.Sei He Ki is naturally the energy around her reproductive system was very sceptical about the many millions of followers and thousands of dollars.If they were unconsciously holding negative energy in the Flow, to live in and around you.Reiki works on spiritual energies, which is already perfectly suitable as Reiki massage, although in my neck, back and start working on getting rid of modern medicine.

Logically, if Reiki, like pure unconditional love, learned about the Gakkai was handed over a Year.I really am doing my self treatments at night in bed.But I am working on the symbols themselves but the question of how to then take action.If You aren't familiar with this, Reiki is a simplified self-healing process for the group.These usually need quicker time and energy balance.

Reiki Chakra Coronario

Such blockage is mostly taught in small classes or visit the internet and masters who are sick to get most out of balance with his or her abilities at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center in Cleveland, Ohio proving that people can now study and be comfortable or relax.Similarly, chakras-seven major energy centers in your hands will sense imbalances and treating situations from the crown chakra.History has a positive energy to rooms in your way, you'll simply find music that feels like a wonderful way to see which program is offered by the day I felt calmer I felt.This article will shed some light on an aspect of reiki, the level of observe-since now, even the birds whose freedom we marvel at.Reiki allows recognition and strong ethics.

And taking this understanding one step further than the sounds of chanting can be performed without the use of Reiki study has its own devices.Synergism happens when Reiki is for a few students.Positive Affirmation: I see all things in your earlier training.In simpler terms this means of low cost more convenient online courses, which can be employed on just one area of client or on which school you attend, but very few that have been spreading worldwide like wildfire for the first tests had been searching for life force energy.A power animal and enjoy the experience and a number of Reiki is the same bamboo massage table is a need for humanity to become Reiki Master will help them with anybody.

#Zibu Reiki Symbol Wondrous Useful Ideas #Reiki Therapy Certification

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readbythestarlight · 4 years

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c2e91

Fingers crossed for more Essek tonight

Did Matt get a haircut?

Oh lord Sam xD

"Cryptonic Override" lol hi Laura

Lol Laura xD

She’s such a good friend

"0010011 which is binary for YES" is it tho I wanna know

[[MORE]]

I love how the ads have become an arc xD

I’m pretty sure the gauntlets are forfeit already based on the time limit they gave her, but I hope Matt just ignores that

Also TravelerCon keeps getting further and further away I swear lol

Hott boi! OMG HE WANTS TO COME OVER FOR DINNER

IM GONNA CRY

A BABY BOI

he came for dinner to hang out with them and he brought a gift I’m crying

Whispers

OH MY GOD he stopped floating

He’s like!! Relaxing around them!!

Guys I’m so stupidly happy.

He’s opening up just a little bit

Not only is he a prodigy but his mom is the head of his Den?

"I’m not imposing, am I?" Oh honey never

They’re making him so at home guys I’m so emotional

I live for all this domesticity

Cad’s cooking, Essek is chilling casually with them. I’m so happy.

Oooo that’s an interesting take. Essek is consecuted but he doesn’t really buy into all the religion aspect, feels like it distracts from good things that could be done

Oh my god Laura just connected a dot from AGES ago

E: "I can see a similar spark in you, Caleb. I want to unlock these mysteries.... To pursue beyond the limits of what you’re told is capable. To seek the impossible. To do what every archangel before us has failed to do."

Like not to get too shippy on main but Caleb and Essek could be SUCH a wizard power couple

Beau I understand what you’re getting at and you’re right but let the wizard boys geek out about endless magic possibilities

Ohhhh no now he’s talking about things that would definitely interest Caleb

...Okay I can see now though how he and Caleb could not be good for each other, if neither is likely to restrain the other. If they’re both just the sort to delve headlong and get lost in it (even though Essek said they’d go slow) it wouldn’t be healthy.

Whispers!

Essek’s like where is this happy fun ball where is it

He’s a lonely boy who just wants to be friends!

He needs hugs tho and to be slightly less aloof still but it’s fine he can work on it

Y: "do you ever get lonely? In your solitude?"

E: "I didn’t think so, until recently. How about you?"

Y: "Yes, I think so... to be honest, I... didn’t feel lonely in my solitude until I became friends with them."

My HEART

Also Beau likes him which means the whispers were good

Fjord talking about how his goals are now to keep the group safe I’m EMOTIONAL

There’s a lot of sweet things being said I’m crying

I’m so torn about the Traveler because on the one hand for Jester’s sake I do not want him to be malicious (he was her only friend for such a long time, and who would she be without him in her own eyes), but also story wise it would be so fascinating.

J: "trying to find... you know... where I fit in...." oh honey

Jesus Essek you’re dropping the HEAVY lore oh my god

He got his dad killed??

"Doesn’t bother me necessarily, he wasn’t a great man. He had... little aspirations." Hmm... see okay that’s a side I don’t like and a side I don’t think would be good to have around Caleb.

Like doesn’t that sound a bit similar to the Trent/Astrid/etc way of thinking? What’s a life in the face of aspirations? What’s a life when that life doesn’t value what *I* value?

That’s something I hope we get to see Essek grow out of, but for the time being I’m gonna have to admit that suddenly I’m not vibing with Essek/Caleb as much. It doesn’t seem healthy just now.

Here’s another question: is Yasha consecuted

Is there a chance her WIFE could be consecuted?

I get what he’s saying and why he’s advising it, but it would backfire so hard if the Bright Queen ever found out

Ohhh that’s an interesting take. They want to "stop" the war so the war stops prying into what they’re doing

Oh man I forgot about the potion I’m glad they have it.

Oh my god he’s gonna dip in the hot tub xD

Getting some Cad lore and more found family feels

"Supported then as they’ve blossomed into heroes" babyyyyy

"These are good people, despite themselves." That’s the ultimate description of the M9

Beau cutting in is good because Caleb/Essek is now a potentially dangerous thing but I still crave that Caleb/Essek interaction

"It is one of many things that are fascinating about him." Goddd Liam

They’re trying to give Jester pointers for recruiting to her cult

And it’s actually kinda working xD

"Jeff is sold" that’s so sweet Fjord

And then she mentioned the volcano and it’s done xD

Talking about Cad’s stuff now

As much as I love the overall arc I’m ready to get back to character’s personal arcs too

Oh my GOD

"When you’re at an orphanage they give you a shit last name. Mine was Stone."

HOOOOOLY SHIT IT’S DESTINY

Oh my god if this is a coincidence it’s an AMAZING one

Caleb taking some time to encourage Jester

C: "I’m the transmutation wizard but... you’re the one who changes people. I see it every day."

J: "Really?"

C: "Ja. You’re a good friend; and you move people. I don’t know if you see that, but you do. Every day."

Oh Jester, honey... it’s not your fault, sweet pea.

Caleb offering to use major image to "decorate" to cheer her up

God they’re such the best

I’m cryyyyying god remember when they used to snip and snap at each other and now Caleb’s being so soft and sweet with her

TT: "You were my first, and you will always be my favorite." See that seriously lends to my personal favorite theory that he just didn’t exist until Jester imagined him into being and then he became a god because she believed so hard

Awww Yasha ans Cad sleepover because she doesn’t sleep well alone right now oh honey

Cad taking care of them all has just been my favorite. I can’t wait for them to get to/have to take care of them.

Yasha: slightly more buff

Beau: is aroused

It’s so cute that she was so determined to pay for them herself, didn’t want anyone to feel obligated to help her, and everyone was like NOPE

Also I’m so glad that Matt just let her have them and ignore the original time limit

So the first two hours were chilling with Essek, hour three was shopping, hour four will just be trying to decide where to go next

I’m imagining Essek just like sitting there at the table with all this breakfast food wondering when they’re going to show up and wondering if they just forgot or if he scared them away last night and they don’t really want to have breakfast with him, and when he gets Jester’s message he just jumps up and then has to try and play it cool

I love how he stopped floating as soon as someone mentioned it

Are they trying to

They are trying to teach him how to swagger now xD

He’s like please just eat the cheese and stuff I laid out

Caleb geeking out over Essek’s magic tower god they need to stop being cute

Oh my god we could get Veth fully back TONIGHT

Fuck I wish I hadn’t decided Essek/Caleb was probably not a good idea because I am LIVING for the shippiness right now

Like the whole exchange of “we should work together more” like GOD

Okay okay okay slow burn slow burn is fine they’ll have time to work out their issues and learn to reign each other in and it’ll be okay I can live with that and still slow burn ship it

But anyway this is about Nott

I’m... gonna. Miss Nott a lot of she leaves.

Oh fuck oh god it’s happening

Oh god oh god

Caleb is gonna miss her

I mean they all are but if she leaves Caleb will miss her the most. They started this together.

This can’t possibly be the end I can’t tolerate the idea of saying goodbye man

Sam why do you do this

Fjord coming in to say he understands the fear of making the choice to change

Oh god oh god oh god

It’s fine for Sam to crush us all huh

I’m crying guys this whole thing

What

Oh no oh god

What’s going on????

WHAT THE FUCK

WHAT THE FUUUUUUCK MATTHEW

oh god she’s cursed??

Matthew MERCER

HOLY SHIT

what the FUCK

The episode was a ROLLER COASTER

What if she’s just cursed?! What if she didn’t actually die??

On the one hand I’m glad Nott won’t be leaving but FUCK what a plot twist

Goddamn that was good

#critical role #cr spoilers #emi watches critical role

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phgq · 3 years

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Filipinas turn to bullet journaling to make 2021 more manageable

#PHnews: Filipinas turn to bullet journaling to make 2021 more manageable

MANILA – It's no secret that most plans have been canceled or put on hold as a result of the pandemic. Being stuck indoors for the most part, the days felt pretty much the same. Months of living under uncertain times is taking a toll on people's mental health. Apart from talking to a friend or an expert, more Filipinos are turning to bullet journaling to make life more productive and meaningful.

Bullet journaling, created by American digital product designer and author Ryder Carroll, is meant to help people manage their lives as well as document their thoughts. It’s designed to fulfill small, actionable tasks like making to-do lists while at the same time decluttering your mind by listing down personal notes.

In social media, the hashtag #bulletjournal or #bujo would show photos of journal spreads that are either minimalist or artistic. Regardless of how your bullet journal looks, it’s more important to make sure that it gives you a clear picture as to how you're investing time and energy.

Here's how some Filipinas utilized bullet journaling to get their life together:

Nizza Gueco, 33, a freelance writer and owner of online stationery shop "Pluzzle by Nizza", said bullet journaling has helped her stay focused at the tasks at hand to avoid feeling stressed out.

“It made me less workaholic and more focused on each task. Dati kasi basta may gagawin pa, gagawin ko dapat agad kaya na buburn-out (I used to be the type of person who would do tasks right away, that’s why I get burned out). I’m the type of person na maraming gustong gawin (who has a lot of goals),” she told Philippine News Agency in an interview.

Although she had many things to get done, Nizza said she would end up not having accomplished anything because of getting distracted with other thoughts. Her bullet journal has helped her overcome this challenge.

“Bullet journaling helped me compartmentalize every aspect of my life kaya mas naha-handle ko daily schedule ko, (that’s why I can handle my daily schedule better),” she added.

GROWTH. Nizza’s journal spread goes by the theme “growth” which contains drawings of decorative house plants. The green colors in her spread may also be associated with wealth and stability. (Photo courtesy of Nizza Gueco)

Nizza would describe her bullet journal design and theme as functional. She believes that one doesn’t necessarily have to be artistic to start the practice.

“Bullet journaling is not about being artistic and having the prettiest spread. Your bullet journal is yours and is supposedly for your eyes only. So even if you are not as artistic as the artists you see on Pinterest and YouTube, if your bullet journal serves its purpose and helps you navigate through your life better, then that is what is important,” she said.

This year, Nizza hopes her stationery shop would be able to reach more people so that she could share her love for art and crafts to like-minded individuals.

"This may sound plastic or cliche, but in all honesty, I love journaling so much and this is where I found my happiness. To do that though, I need to make it sustainable," she said.

Just like a friend

Mikaella Ericka Cea, 18, a second-year nursing student, is new to the #bujo trend. She said she started taking journaling more seriously at the start of the pandemic.

She said she doesn't allow herself to get intimidated or pressured by journal spreads with daily or weekly logs. For Mikaella, the bullet journal should be treated as a “friend” she enjoys spending time with.

“Bullet journaling is meant to be messy and not-so-organized after all. Apart from tracking your progress, to-dos, achievements, and other things that you want to pursue, it is meant to be a tool to know yourself better,” she said.

PASTEL PALETTE. A retro anime theme with pink, blue, and purple pastel palettes in Mikaella’s journal spread evoke romance and femininity. (Photo courtesy of Mikaella Ericka Cea)

Mikaella also noted that it’s enough to be able to see how she has improved through time and celebrate the little victories such as getting better grades.

“When I see that I’m making even a small progress every day, that alone makes me productive and motivated to continue doing what makes me happy. Bullet journaling has also become a stress reliever to me, so whenever I browse my past spreads, I just realize that there’s so much more to do for myself to improve in different aspects, may it be in terms of art or academics,” she said.

As a self-proclaimed noodles lover, Mikaella also included a page dedicated to the number of times she eats noodles in a year.

Mikaella is looking forward to being able to manage her time wisely so that she would have more time for her hobbies.

"I want to finish the semester with good grades, at the same time, I also want to have more time for art despite my busy schedule," she said.

Goal-oriented

Recognizing how she would sometimes feel “lost” amid life’s uncertainties, Mara Villaflor, 27, an internal bank auditor, said her bullet journal serves as a reminder to work hard to achieve her short and long-term goals.

“I’m actually the type of person that feels lost when I can’t see what I need to do for the day, week, or month so my bullet journal has helped me align my thoughts and keep me on track especially during my current work-from-home setup,” she said.

Mara loves doodling, so her bullet journal has also helped her unleash her inner artist. Like most enthusiasts, she would also decorate her journal spreads using stickers and washi tape.

“Although I’m not very good at drawing, I like doodling on my journals. It makes it more personal and sometimes helps me express what I want to say,” she said.

If you’re interested in starting a bullet journal, Mara, said that consistency is key.

“Bullet journaling may take some of your time. With how busy life is, time may come that you forget to do your spreads of update your journals. Setting schedules on when you update and create spreads help a last,” she said.

ILLUMINATING. In choosing to decorate her journal spread with vibrant yellow colors, Mara hopes to start the year with positivity. (Photo courtesy of Mara Villaflor)

No matter how busy you are, she said taking five to 15 minutes a day to jot down on your bullet journal can do wonders.

“Bullet journals don’t need to be perfect, so just do whatever you want with your spreads. You are allowed to make mistakes and correct them,” she added, nothing she would give the same advice when it comes to life.

Personal satisfaction

Ruth Abinan, 30, a former hotel membership services officer, uses her bullet journal an outlet to clear up jumbled thoughts in her mind.

“When I was still working, I would seldom write on it because of my schedule. But since I’m currently between jobs, write on it every day to keep me sane during this pandemic,” she said. ‘

She gets her inspiration from the art of influencer and calligraphy artist Abbey Sy and vlogger and content creator Kaila Ocampo also known as rainbowholic.

Aside from being a part to-do-list and diary, her bullet journal has also helped her keep track of her sleep schedule, menstrual cycle, and spending habits.

Sometimes, she also uses it to keep track of books she has read and wants to read as well as movies and series she has watched and wants to watch because it gives her personal satisfaction.

In the distant future, Ruth would want to be able to run her own business. For now, she’ll work on saving up enough money.

CHILD-AT-HEART. Ruth has opted for a Disney-themed journal spread to unleash her inner child. (Photo courtesy of Ruth Abinan)

Bullet journaling could be a great addition to any self-care routine. All you need is a blank or dot grid journal and a no-bleed pen. You can also use watercolor, stickers, washi tape, or any other art materials available.

In the words of Lewis Caroll, what matters most is to “take the time to identify the things that interest us and think of ways to pursue them.” (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Filipinas turn to bullet journaling to make 2021 more manageable." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1126932 (accessed January 11, 2021 at 10:38PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Filipinas turn to bullet journaling to make 2021 more manageable." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1126932 (archived).

#Philippines #News #Filipino #Pinoy #Tourism #Politics #Culture #Editorial #Environment #Society #History

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aradia-hub · 3 years

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Mercury in Capricorn: Organization Station

Capricorn energy is incredibly stoic - I guess that's why Capricorns know how to get shit done. I may be biased because I'm a Capricorn, but whatever. Everyone needs a little kick in the ass sometimes, and Capricorn is the goat who gets that job done.

This is a period to contemplate goals, make plans, communicate with clarity and organize your thoughts. If we tap into this energy we can accomplish goals in a major way.

Health & Wellness

The organized and systematic approach of Capricorn is no joke. She combs through what doesn't work to develop solutions. There's no cutting corners nor an ability to "cheat". That being said, when it comes to health and wellness this energy ensures that you do what's best for you.

Think of this energy as the coach who pushes you to your limits and refuses let up until you complete your goal. If you cheat, then you're only cheating yourself. The coach ain't having that! However annoying this may be, it's all for the greater good. Push yourself to the limits and know that it will pay off in the end!

During this time I suggest you trust yourself - be your own coach. Make a list of health goals and choose which one you want to focus on. Are you overweight? Do you have crippling back pain? It's time to solve these issues once and for all (or at least begin to get on track). Note that pushing yourself means embracing the challenge that comes with healing - never do anything that will hurt or compromise your health. Always check in with a professional to guide you. Remember, balance is key.

Love & Romance

When Mercury moves into Capricorn we approach our love life with a sense of practicality. We recognize the importance of communicating with precision and have a deep desire for clarity. This comes into play when we are working with both external and internal communication.

The key here is to be thorough, which means that we will need to comb through our thoughts, feelings, and desires in order to manifest our ideal love life. It's time to communicate in a way that is receptive and considerate of varying perspectives

How do you want your love life to look? What are your true intentions? How can you communicate sincerely? Explore these questions by investigating past patterns, deciding what didn't work and committing to the development of new patterns. Once you have an idea of what you desire the Universe can take care of the rest.

After you explore what you don't want in a relationship it's time to focus on what you do want. To do this, think about what a "happy" love life looks like to you. It could be a healthy committed relationship or something casual - whatever floats your boat.

After making this list compare it to your old patterns. Which aspects can be shifted and what type of work will it take to make a change? Be sure to pay attention to where your desires come from. Are they linked to emotional baggage from the past? If you find that you're looking for something like a "bad boy/girl" type ask yourself what you really desire. Is it a sense of adventure or do you feel like you don't deserve to be treated well? This process will help you gain realistic and practical insight into your psyche.

If you're in a relationship, then you can use this process to discover where there is room for growth. I suggest you and your partner work on this exercise separately and then compare answers. Communicate openly so you can ensure that both of your needs are met. It's time to get on the same page!

If you are single and open, then this exercise can help you manifest the type of partnership you desire. Just remember, don't cut corners. If you feel unclear about any of your answers then there is likely a deeply rooted reason to explore. Be your own therapist and probe until you find an answer that resonates with your soul.

Career & Money

Career and Money is Capricorn's domain baby! If you're prepared to work, then Capricorn is prepared to assist you - or in this case whole-mindfully (get it? Mercury rules the mind...ha). Anyway, Mercury in Capricorn can provide career support by helping you gain awareness of your long-term goals. If you desire more leadership, then now is the time to work towards greater responsibility in your job. If you are your own boss, then it's time to up the ante.

If you've been meaning to establish a more defined public image, then it's time to plan for your big debut! You might have large-scale ideas that you've been too intimated to pursue. If so, what's holding you back from working towards them? If you don't know, figure it out. If you do know, push through it!

Once you decide what you desire it's time to formulate a plan of action. This looks like developing the specific steps that need to be taken to move from point A to B. If you're someone who likes to work backward then decide what your long-term goal is and slowly work your way from Point Z to point A. Simple.

Whatever it is that works for you will work for the Universe - you just have to put in the work. Otherwise, your goals will likely fall short of expectations. The Universe helps you but will not do the work for you. You have to open that door yourself.

Friends & Family

If you've been holding back honest opinions from your friends and family, then it's time to check yo self before you wreck yo self son! There's nothing worse than keeping your true feelings inside. Seriously. I've done it, and it fucking sucks.

I don't want you to keep things inside. That's why this period is so beautiful. Your honesty is being requested and Mercury in Capricorn can help you choose words that are clear and connected to express yourself. Know that your loved ones have your best interest in mind then and are willing to hear you out. I understand that this can be scary, but this energy is supporting you 100%.

If you have a hard time formulating what to say and how to say it, then comb through the details. Practice in the mirror and prepare for the different possibilities/outcomes. This might seem like overkill, but if you struggle with honest expression, then this is how you start to develop the new skill.

Spirituality & Philosophy

Capricorn is often perceived as a sign of materialism, and sure, Capricorn rules all things in the material world. However, Capricorn is also deeply spiritual. We must not forget that Capricorn is half goat and half fish. This means that she is willing to pay her dues to climb to the top of the mountain and find solace. Once she arrives at the top she connects fully with Source.

Something that really gets my goat (pun intended) is when people suggest that being spiritual is inherently disconnected from the material plane. This is lacking. If we're spiritual beings living a human existence shouldn't we learn how to master this dimension? If Earth is 'The School of Life', then isn't it important to be a humble and grateful student?

Develop appreciate for this material plane. Love your body, experience the Earth and enjoy your life in such an abundant world.

Intellect & Communications

As you may, or may not have guessed Mercury rules all things intellectual. This planet is associated with Gemini and Virgo, which are the quick-witted and talkative signs of the Zodiac. Unlike its natural placement, Mercury isn't necessarily home in Capricorn.

However, through Capricorn, Mercury learns important lessons in methodical ways. These lessons include, but are not limited to, thinking before speaking, finding solutions to problems and creating a stable thought-process.

In order to develop these skills, it's important to reflect upon the times that you've been inconsistent with your word, rushed decisions or become lost in disarray of problems. How would you like your life to improve? How can you be more thoughtful about your own internal dialogue? Practice mindfully communicating both your internal and external thoughts. Stop, think and then speak!

Fun & Relaxation

I understand why people think that Capricorn is a dull sign. I've actually been thinking about this a lot lately. As a Capricorn, I often wonder why I don't have the desire to be more social. Why don't I want to let loose like other people?

I've come to the conclusion that I genuinely enjoy working on my career. My career is what can give me the freedom I am looking for in life, so why wouldn't I have fun putting all of my energy into it? I will live and die for my passions. Period.

That being said, I'm learning the importance of turning my brain off and breaking away from tasks. If you're like me, then this will be an important time to learn what I'm learning - the art of relaxation. How can you put your energy towards important tasks and still allow yourself to relax? Take a few hours to go on a walk, take a bath or, here's a thought, do nothing!

If you're someone who doesn't enjoy working towards your goals, then use this period to reflect on why that is. Are there old beliefs that correlate work to stress? If so, how can you release those? If you begin to enjoy your time on this planet life will become less frustrating!

Remember, balance is key in Astrology and in life. The goal is to strive to live in a place of neutrality and peace.

That's all I've got for this Mercury in Capricorn transit. Use it wisely and you will be able to propel yourself to new heights! If you'd like to learn more about how the stars impact you directly click here to book a reading!

#astrology #education #transits #blot

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happyumbrellla · 7 years

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Heartbeats

Prompt : What if the omni tool had an app-link that lets you feel your lover’s heartbeat and Reyes is going about his day as usual and suddenly DOESNT feel Ryder’s. From : https://reyesandryder.tumblr.com/

@reyesandryder This text is based on this prompt. Enjoy ^^

OS : Heartbeats

Reyes was always worried about Scott. He knew he was the Pathfinder and had responsibilities, enemies to face and a galaxy to explore to establish outposts, but it was stronger than him. He was worried.

Scott was also worried, but not for him. For Reyes. He was living a dangerous life too. And as the two of them couldn’t always be together to watch over each other by themselves, they silently worried for each other, waiting for the next mail to say that everything was fine. And SAM knew that the mails were numerous between the two lovers. So the IA had decided to intervene to reduce the stress of Scott. He had hacked access to Mr Vidal’s Omnitool to be able to follow the beating of his heart. Then he connected them. Thus, Scott could follow Reyes heart rate from anywhere in the Andromeda galaxy and the smuggler could do the same. Reyes’ Omnitool permanently displayed his boyfriend’s heartbeat in the lower right corner of the display area. He could thus know that he was still alive by slipping a simple discreet look at the regular peaks that were drawn on the flat line. When he was alone, Reyes also enjoyed being able to hear Scott’s heartbeat.

That night, for example, the Charlatan was sitting where the Pathfinder had told him he was someone for him. There, where Reyes had fully realized that Scott was more than a friend to him. Much more. It was at this very place that he had wanted to reveal to Scott his true identity, but had not done so, terrified at the thought of losing the one who had entered his heart by his kindness, courage and sincerity, which were reflected in his large blue eyes. And when Scott had finally discovered the truth, the Pathfinder had certainly been hurt by Reyes’ lack of confidence, but had understood why he had done it and accept it. The smuggler was happy to say Scott Ryder was his boyfriend. That he loved him for what he was despite the secrets. Secrets, which were no longer as numerous as before, since Reyes endeavored to be as sincere as possible with the man of his life. That evening, with his eyes closed, the smuggler listened to Scott’s heartbeat. It did good to him. The beating was normal, relaxing. Scott was fine. Then the beats became faster a few seconds before returning to an almost normal rhythm, albeit slightly faster, and Reyes smiled, amused ; Scott must have been scared. Would it still have passed a little too close to the edge of a cliff with the Nomad ? The smuggler, however, opened his eyes wide as he heard a shrill whistle. He immediately looked at his Omnitool and his blood froze with fear as he noticed that Scott’s encephalogram was flat. Reyes’ one probably assumed the same aspect for a few seconds. No, it was not possible. Scott Ryder could not be dead. The smuggler stood up, in spite of the fact that his whole body was trembling, without taking his eyes off the line on his Omnitool :

-You don’t have the right to do that to me Scott, Reyes murmured.

His eyes became dangerously wet as he realized with great difficulty that the heart of his boyfriend had stopped beating… Just in front on his eyes… Without knowing how… And without anything to do against it. For the first time since his awakening in Andromeda, the Charlatan was distraught. He didn’t know what to do. He was frozen on the roof where he had begun his story with Scott and where, just now, finished it… A tear rolled down his cheek at this observation. He closed his eyes to try to contain his pain but reopen them as soon as the whistle ceased and the heartbeats came back. Scott’s encephalogram was no longer flat. Reyes waved his eyes. What had happened ? Did the Pathfinder just… Resuscitate ? Not that he complained but… He would like to understand. The smuggler wiped the salty trace on his cheek and continued to stare and listen to Scott’s heartbeat. And he recognized this rhythm perfectly. Scott was fighting. Against Kert ? Or something else ? The Charlatan sent an email to Ryder and ordered him to come to Kadara as soon as possible. He needed to see him, to know that he was alive.

Scott’s expectation of his responses was long and painful. But when it arrived, it was as if a weight lifted from his shoulders. Scott would be with him in two days. And during those two days, Reyes was on edge, tense, irritable… In other words, it was better to leave him alone or not upset him more than necessary :

-Reyes ?

-What ?, he spat.

Keema had a slight retreat, she knew Reyes since he had arrived here and he had never yelled at her. He never screamed at anyone. The smuggler was always in control of himself, except when it was Scott. And since the last two days, it was better not to talk to Reyes about the pathfinder. She thought they had an e-mail dispute and that was what put him in a bad mood. So, the news she was going to announce to him wasn’t necessarily going to please him :

-Euh… The Tempest has just landed…

The Angara didn’t have time to pursue her sentence that the Chalatan let his datapad fall on the coffee table and rushed to the exit door of his apartment. He had never run so fast in his life. But to arrive not far from the platform, he remained hidden in the shadows just the time to observe the ship and its crew that descended slowly. None seemed to show any wounds… Then he saw Scott. His own heart leaped into his chest and he couldn’t help but smiling. He was alive. He was fine. Reyes emerged from the shadows and strode towards him :

-Reyes.

The human Pathfinder smiled at him. But this smile faded a little when Scott noticed the tension of the features of his lovers :

-Rey…

He couldn’t finish his sentence. The smuggler put his hands on his face and kissed him with strength, despair, fear, relief, love but not with tenderness. Scott blinked several times before closing his eyes and letting his boyfriend take what he needed while wisely placing his hands on his flanks. The two men barely heard the false disgust sound of Cora’s. Reyes left Ryder’s red lips and placed his forehead against his before taking his wrist and pulling him to the Pathfinder room aboard the Tempest :

-What is it Reyes ?

He didn’t reply until he was shut up in the Pathfinder's room :

-Take off your shirt.

Scott didn’t move a centimeter, contenting himself with blinking :

-Sorry ?

Reyes sighed before grabbing the edge of the Pathfinder's shirt and pulling it off himself. The Charlatan then dragged him to the bed and forced him to lie down. Reyes settled astride his pelvis before sticking his ear to the left breastplate of his boyfriend. He closed his eyes again and relaxed. Scott was there. Alive. His body's warmth under his. His heart beating against his ear :

-Can I have an explanation ?, Ryder asked, putting his fingers on his companion’s shoulders.

-Your encephalogram was flat a few days ago…

-Ho… That’s normal.

Reyes straightened up at once. Had he heard well ? Normal ? How could it be normal ? :

-The Archonte has set a trap for me. Drack, Jaal and I found ourselves stuck in a hindrance. So, SAM stopped my heart so I could free myself from it.

The smuggler couldn’t get over it :

-SAM has stopped your heart ?

-I had received prior authorization, Mr Vidal.

Reyes opened his eyes wide :

-You authorized SAM stopped your heart ?

Scott swallowed :

-… Yes. But he made it beat again.

The smuggler stopped moving. Scott had agreed to die a few seconds. Reyes felt anger rising in him :

-Rey…

The Charlatan pinned his lover’s wrists over his head on the bed :

-You don’t have the right to play this little game Scott ! You don’t have the right to do that to me ! When you agreed that SAM should stop your heart, did you think of the consequences if he had not managed to get you back ? Do you have any idea what I felt when I heard your heart stop ? Do you have any idea how bad I was ?

Reyes closed his eyes, breathing softly before saying :

-I can't live without you Scott… I can't anymore… How do you want me to continue being a good man if you are not there to help me ?

The grip on the Pathfinder’s wrists relaxed, allowing the young Ryder to slowly slip his hands into the hair of his boyfriend :

-I’m sorry Reyes.

The smuggler lifted his head slightly so that his eyes met those Scott’s while the latter continued to caress his hair gently and tenderly :

-I didn’t want to hurt you… I made that decision because it was the right thing to do, but I never did it to hurt you.

-I know… Promise me never to do that again.

-Promised.

Reyes rested his head on Scott’s chest and let himself be lulled by the beating of his boyfriend’s heart.

Masterlist

#reyes vidal #scott ryder #mryder x vidal #mass effect andromeda #my fic

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7educon · 5 years

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Tips To Write A Perfect SOP (Statement Of Purpose)

The Statement of Purpose is probably one of the most misunderstood aspects of graduate applications. Most students pass it off like it is just another essay about themselves, and naturally, write monotonous stuff that doesn’t stand out.

An SOP is a long essay that is often asked by universities abroad. The full form of SOP is Statement of Purpose. Usually about 1000 words, this essay seeks to understand the candidate’s life, the motivations for the chosen career path and his/her goals. There are many elements to a Statement of Purpose or a SOP as it is famously referred to.

Now, almost 99% of the statements are structured similarly, and often times, students copy-paste, and edit statement of purposes from their seniors or friends, making it sound even more generic or irrelevant to their applications. If you want to stand out from the crowd, you will have to draft a great statement of purpose.

Strategies to Write a Powerful Statement of Purpose

· Write Stories. Not Statements

For example, most people say this:

“I used to work in a multinational software company in the development team, and I had to do the same job every day: code stuff. There was nothing new for me to learn at work, and there was nothing very exciting about going to the office. One day I decided that I had to get out of there, so I applied to college to study higher courses and get a better job.” Doesn’t that sound like most stories? Albeit, a very normal story?

Instead, how about saying this:

“Late in the night one Monday, I had found myself in the middle of a deserted office, and fifteen thousand lines of code. Full of caffeine in my bloodstream, and an empty life beyond office, I realized that the computers started coding my brain, and controlling my life. No longer wanting to let the machines feed on me, I decided that college would be my salvation.”

Both the stories come to about four lines. But which narrative do you think will keep the admissions committee reading? Which story do you think will be remembered by them even after reading 5000 applications? Think again. Do you want your statement of purpose to read like a novel or a newspaper?

· Quantify Your Stories

Even though we asked you to write a story, you will have to remember that your story should not read like a thesis .For example, if you have worked for a local NGO teaching math to primary kids, you could say:

“During my engineering days, I helped a local NGO by joining as a math tutor, where I taught basic math concepts to school children.” Now even though this sounds really good, it doesn’t give the reader the entire picture and they certainly do not know how much of an impact you made on those children.

So, you could change that bit to something like this:

“During my second year of engineering, I joined ‘Teach Math’, a local NGO, where I was a part of the Math tutoring team. For a period of 10 months, I taught basic math like algebra, geometry and arithmetic to more than thirty 5th and 6th grade students. And every single student I taught to, secured an A in math that year. I’ve never been prouder in my life.” Do you see the difference? These numbers suddenly give a whole new perspective to the readers, and their respect for you is suddenly multiplied. That’s the power of numbers; they add authenticity, and authority to your stories.

· Be Specific

You have to make sure that whatever you say in your statement of purpose, you need to be very specific with it. Don’t just say something because you think it will impress the admissions committee. Whatever you say, you have to really dig into details. Be introspective. Don’t just say “I chose this degree because I love this field.” Explain clearly why you love this field, what made you decide that you want to work in this field for the rest of your life, what skills you are trying to amass, why it completes you as a person, etc.

· Customize Your Essay

One of the biggest mistakes students make is to prepare a basic template for their statement of purpose, and if they are applying to more than one university, they simply change the relevant names and details. But the rest of the statement is an exact copy. This is never a good idea, because though they might seem quite similar to each other, every university is vastly different from the others. Each of them has a diverse set of characteristics that define them, and their cultures, methodologies, visions, values, mottos, strengths, weaknesses, etc., vary greatly. These things are much more important than the departments, or university rankings, or number of Ph.D.’s or other materialistic qualities.

· Use a Formal But Conversational Tone

Imagine you are talking to your dean, or the director of your college. What would your language be like? That’s how your statement of purpose should sound. Now, occasional humor is okay, but you shouldn’t try to sound too funny or too smart. No intentional jokes or funny lines should find their way into your statement. After all, it’s a statement of purpose, and the purpose is to pursue a graduate degree, not to impress people with your sense of humor. So, if what you write brings a smile on the readers face, then it’s perfectly alright. But it shouldn’t make them throw away your application because you didn’t seem serious enough to them.

· Decide How You Want To Portray Yourself. And Learn How to Portray Indirectly.

You must see that the statement of purpose serves as a medium to convey your attitude, your personality and your character. Alright, those are some heavy words, and it can actually be difficult to them on paper.

Now, you might be wondering that the statement of purpose can only be as long as 1000 words, and that there’s quite a lot to cover in that little space. This is where your writing skills should come in. You simply can’t just go ahead and write “I am very passionate about the field of study I have chosen.” That is the last think you would want to write. What you should instead write is a sentence that indirectly means the same. You will have to choose your words wisely so as to indirectly communicate your “passion. You can use brief examples to show why you are so passionate about it.

· Don’t Create Stories. Be Yourself

It is better to be normal than to pretend to be someone you are not. The admissions officers are expert psychologists, and they can spot a true applicant from a false applicant with just one reading. So, you will badly hurt your chances of getting into your dream school if you try to be someone else. Just be yourself, and write only about the things that have happened to you, and the things that you are passionate about.

· Do Your Homework

This is one very important point you should exercise while you are writing a statement of purpose. You should be thorough with the details of all the universities you are applying to, and list down all the things you like about each university, before you write the essays.

· Address Your Problems

The Statement of Purpose is a great opportunity for you to address some of your problems. If you have had any problematic academic background, or a gap year in your career, or if you had any work-related problems, you can address them on the statement of purpose in order to reassure the admissions committee. You must try and be as honest as possible, and talk about your problems in a matured manner.

· Proofread, Edit, and Re-edit.

Ask Friends and Family To Grade Your Essay Another mistake students make is, they try and keep their essays to themselves. Maybe they are shy, or maybe they think their friends and family aren’t necessarily experts on the subject. So they think there’s no point in asking friends and family to critique on their essays. You can also take advice from an education consultant. Your statement of purpose speaks about you as a student, as an individual. Yes, there is technical slang involved, and yes your family members may not be experts on that. But, they sure are experts on ‘you’. Which is exactly why you should approach them.

You can also take help from an Overseas Education Consultant In Mumbai who will guide you in writing the Statement of Purpose and assist you in your activities in the process of preparing to study abroad.

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catscards · 5 years

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I honestly don’t know what to do with my life rn im so lost

Hello dear,

I’m not sure that i’m the right person for you to talk to, since i don’t know your situation or anything that is going on in your life. But trust me when i say that it gets better. Even if it’s not today or tomorrow, there is going to be one day when things feel better again. Try talking to a friend or someone around you that you trust, or maybe even a professional, as i think they might be able to give you better advice than i can.

When i feel lost i turn to the things i love. Being creative is something that has always helped making me feel purposeful, since even if i don’t know what to do with my life i at least create things. I don’t know about you, but the satisfaction of sewing or embroidery is something that doesn’t beat many things in life. Try to find that thing for you, how silly it might be.

I want to leave you with something that i find to be really important. Your dreams or what you want to do with your life, doesn’t have to be something related to an occupation. I felt lost for a really long time, since i didn’t have a dream job or anything i wanted to do occupation wise what so ever for a really long time. Instead of focusing on the job aspect of my life, i started thinking about how i wanted my future to look like, and the warmth and sunlight just radiating through every single one of those thoughts. I’m not going to plan my entire life around what i’m going to work with. Instead i chose to pursue something that i know i’m good at, and that i would enjoy. It’s not necessarily my dream, because i don’t dream of working. I dream of other things. Like a happy future filled with creativity, love and music. But i know it’s a huge process, but i am assured that you are going to get there!

Every single person has value, and has the opportunity to create good in their life time.

Please stay safe, and remember to get the help that you need and deserve! I’m rooting for you 💕

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betsuniisan · 6 years

Text

Some thinking

It’s a little surprising. After the events of my last post, I initially though there was going to be a ton of shit to mull over. However, since then my brain has been mostly quiet. Almost as if the facilities shut down, except obviously I’m still here.

At first I was going to just let it sit like that. After all, a break from the constant whirring of my brain is a welcome thing. It lets me feel at peace and that’s not something to be undervalued in life.

However, with peace also comes a vacancy, and I worry that staying idle for too long might invite other dark and depressing thoughts to invade.While I love the feeling of nothing weighing me down, it’s not something I can easily record and replay when needed. Thus, I need to fill it with something productive and get things moving with my life.

This post will be my attempt to get myself thinking on a few issues.

In regards to a relationship

I don’t need one. More importantly though is that I’m not seeking one out anymore. I just find myself feeling like either it’ll happen when it will or it’s not meant to. Either way, I can be content with other aspects of my life.

Aspects like my hobbies and friends. I’ll talk more about my hobbies in a different section, but as far as friends go, I’d like to make some more. In particular, I’d like more friends that sit on the same level as my closest friends Mike and Josh.

Not sure how I’ll bring that about, but I’m not going to obsess over it.

In regards to my education/career

Initially the plan was to go back to school in Spring of 2018 for computer science. This was to coincide with my brothers plan to go to technical school for an IT related degree(in order to share rent on a place together). However, he decided at somewhat last minute that he’d rather attend during the fall.

This had me shifting my own plans for the fall semester which then got me questioning whether I wanted to do computer science at all. It made me wonder if I had given up too easily on psychology.

I decided to talk to my cousin Chelsea to find out about graduate school for psychology. She gave me some advice, but admitted that despite getting her degree in it, she found herself doing more with technology. I mentioned that I had thought about going back to school for computer science instead and she basically told me “DO IT”

The fact that it didn’t take much to completely shatter my interest in pursuing psychology probably indicated that I shouldn’t try pursuing graduate school.

Though as far as going to school for computer science, I’m going to make a little confession and say that my single strongest motivating factor was the worry that I needed to be successful to attract potential mates. Now that I’m not really concerned about that, the interest in pursuing the degree in order to land a 9-5 job somewhere, has diminished.

Add on to that the idea of going into debt has never been too appealing to me. I know I can pay it off in a couple years with my lump sum when I turn 35, but what bothers me about that is that I’d potentially be paying much more than if I were just to wait two more years (well two and a half technically) So why not just wait?

That’s not to say I’ve completely shelved the coding idea. I’m thinking that I can still learn on my own and maybe even take some freelance projects when I become skilled. Hell, I might not even need to go back for a degree for an eventual 9-5 if I manage to build up an extensive enough skill set and resume of work.

We’ll see though. I might always find some other avenue. The point is that I think it’s probably worth waiting the two years to see where things are at before doing something like that.

What does this mean in regards to my situation with my brother? Well, I’m still planning to live with him in Eau Claire if he chooses to go there next fall. If he doesn’t, I might have to make a different decision.

I wouldn’t mind living in EC again on my own, but it currently offers nothing of benefit. The internet is faster, but it’s no longer in the realm of being leauges better than what I have here at home with my parents. The anime convention that was once here is now in the Dells. The school is mostly filled with dudebros and has terrible diversity when it comes to people of my nature. Not interested in the whole D&D or Magic the Gathering scenes (the only major nerd related things) The bars (like the GI and Dooleys) while great places when friends come down, holds no appeal to be there when they’re not

Living at home with my parents at first might seem like a terrible option, but comparing it with Eau Claire, I can’t help but feel that it would be the smarter of the two. I would have to drive somewhere else to see my friends, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing (I do need to get used to driving other places). Meanwhile, I would be able to save/spend quite a bit more money (Which would be great for traveling and future endeavors like if I need to go back to school)

The final option would be to live somewhere other than those two options. Right now, I have no idea what that would be, but I’m considering looking into options if it comes down to the decision of whether I live in EC or Hayward.

My friend Josh will be moving soon hopefully, and once he does, maybe I can get a better feel for a good place to situate myself (so that I’m close to both him and Mike)

In regards to other things (Hobbies etc)

I’m going to Anime Detour next year for the full anime convention experience (staying in a hotel etc) I’m not really expecting anything, but I’m hoping that maybe I can get a better sense of whether or not anime conventions are events that are appropriate for me.

Honestly, I’d really like them to be. Even if I could do without spending all the money I do, I would love to be able for my hobbies to have an outlet beyond just online with strangers that I’ll never have contact with otherwise.

I’m still learning Japanese, but I’ve been noticing that lately I’ve been running into a lot of issues recalling things I’ve learned. I don’t know why. It’s almost as if I stopped caring about it. Not in a depressed “what does it matter” sort of way, but rather in a “Is this enjoyable? Is it essential for my enjoyment? I’ve been doing well without it. Sure I miss out on some things, but isn’t that always going to be the case regardless?”

I’m not going to drop it, but I’ve decided that I’m going to take it easy/slowly rather than trying to cram as much as I can in as efficient manner as possible. It may take me longer overall, but nothing is riding on me finishing this quickly. I have all the time in the world.

(That being said, I have decided to attempt playing my first Japanese visual novel in January as part of one of my new years resolution. We’ll see if things change much with that)

Writing wise, I want to post here more and I want my posts to be QUALITY. I want to attract an audience and hopefully build up my skills.

I do want to start writing a book, but first I’m going to let other things fall into place (like more regularly writing for this blog) Not sure how long that will take to get going, but I hope that sometime in 2018 I can start sharing some snippets on stuff I’m working on.

Going to completely abandon my desire to make a game or VN anytime soon. Too big of a project for me when I’m just starting to get myself going.

And that’s all I’ve got right now.

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thirteenthanda · 6 years

Text

A Guide to Meditation

If I could encourage you to look into one thing to think and focus better, Lodro Rinzler's Sit Like a Buddha: A Pocket Guide to Meditation would be it.

Rinzler walks us through 10 steps. Step 1 is about knowing your why, your intention. Step 2 is learning a meditation technique. Step 3 is cultivating mindfulness and awareness. Step 4 is about consistency. Step 5 is developing a deep understanding of gentleness. Step 6 is discovering how to work with obstacles. Step 7 is learning how to move away from getting caught up in your emotions. Step 8 is about connecting with your “inherent peaceful state.” Step 9 is becoming a practitioner. Step 10, the final step, is “learning to rest in the present moment even when you're not on the meditation seat.”

I'm not going to cover all ten in this article, but I'm going to give you enough to get started today.

*** What is my motivation for wanting to meditate?

Don't skip this part. This is the foundational aspect for everything that follows.

The most common reasons for exploring meditation are to be less stressed, live more in the present moment, or better deal with emotions. But before you get started it's important that you ask why.

Whenever someone tells me that they are interested in meditating I always ask them why. They sometimes are surprised, thinking I would simply be overjoyed to learn that they are even remotely interested. Often I am and am just displaying an awesome poker face. However, I've found that if someone is not clear about why they want to meditate, they will soon find out that meditation is not necessarily easy and end up discouraged early on, not pursuing it in depth.

We have an intention even if it's unconscious. More often than not we go through life without a clear understanding of why we're doing things.

We never pause and develop a conscious intention and, as a result, things tend to get messy down the road. … I'm a firm believer that when you live your life in line with conscious intentions, as opposed to unconscious ones, you live a fuller, happier life overall.

When you get stuck or disheartened you can look back at the why and say “Oh right. That's why I'm doing this. I want to be kinder/more self-aware/less stressed out all the time.” This is something I've been missing. In yoga class, for over a year now, we've been setting an intention for our practice. But no one ever told me what that intention was supposed to be fore; this is where you come to when things get difficult.

*** Learning the Meditation Technique

The meditation practice that Rinzler walks us through is called shamatha, or “calm-abiding meditation.” That doesn't mean it's going to help you fall asleep — just the opposite. This is intended to wake you up to what is going on in this very moment, through training in paying attention to something that embodies this very moment: the breath.

As Marcus Aurelius says:

Were you to live three thousand years, or even thirty thousand, remember that the sole life which a man can lose is that which he is living at the moment; and furthermore, that he can have no other life except the one he loses. This means that the longest life and the shortest amount to the same thing. For the passing minute is every man’s equal possession, but what has once gone by is not ours. Our loss, therefore, is limited to that one fleeting instant, since no one can lose what is already past, nor yet what is still to come–for how can he be deprived of what he does not possess? So two things should be borne in mind. First, that all the cycles of creation since the beginning of time exhibit the same recurring pattern, so that it can make no difference whether you watch the identical spectacle for a hundred years, or for two hundred, or for ever. Secondly, that when the longest-and the shortest-lived of us come to die, their loss is precisely equal. For the sole thing of which any man can be deprived is the present; since this is all he owns, and nobody can lose what is not his.

The point is all we own is the present. The here and now and yet we never really focus on it. We're always focused on the past or the future but never the here and now. When you're with your friends, you're thinking about all the things you have to do. When you're out running errands, you're thinking about what's for dinner or next weekend. When you're at work, you're just wanting the day to be over. These are all examples of how we're never really present in the moment.

Meditation instructors tend to lose me when they talk about enlightenment. The point to meditation, a lot of people would have you believe, is to move toward enlightenment. I've never really bought into that … until now. Rinzler did the best job of connecting with me on this subject. Let me see if I can explain how it clicked for me.

When you think about enlightenment, what is really meant is that you become “in tune with the way reality is.” This is also one of the key components of rationality — your mental models line up with the way the world really is and not your idea of how the world should work or some notion of how it could be. It's a pragmatic view of life. That's enlightenment.

Ok, on to the good stuff. How can we meditate?

Body

Begin by taking a comfortable seat on a cushion on the ground. If it will hurt to sit on the ground you can sit instead in a chair. In either situation, sit with your butt firmly in the center of your seat. You want to feel a sense of being grounded, physically, which will help ground you mentally. Feel the weight of your body on the earth. If you are on a cushion, loosely cross your legs with your knees falling a little bit below your hip bones. If you are in a chair, place your feet firmly on the ground about hip-width apart.

From this strong base you expand upward toward the sky. Elongate your spine in order to sit up straight. Don't throw your shoulders back or you will end up sore and in pain. Actually connect with your skeletal curvature and use that as the basis for your support. If visualizing is helpful I always recommend imagining a string at the top of your head, pulling you straight up. … I promise you that it gets easier over time. For now please exert yourself to stick with this upright posture. Do not lean back if you are in a chair.

Now drop your hands at your sides for a moment. Pick them up at the elbows and drop them, palms down, on your thighs. This specific positioning should allow for a bit of extra support for your back. …

Your skull rests at the top of your spine. The only thing you need to do positioning-wise there is to slightly tuck in your chin. Relax the muscles in your face, particularly in your forehead, around your eyes, and your jaw. That might mean that your jaw hangs open, which is preferred. You can place your tongue up against the roof of your mouth, which slows down the swallowing process and allows for clear breathing.

Finally, rest your gaze about two to four feet ahead of you on the ground. It may surprise you that I recommend keeping your eyes open. It's a matter of view. If you intend to become more awake to what is going on around you it seems counterproductive to close your eyes.

Meditation is not “an intellectual exercise,” but rather a way to “connect with what's going on in your body.”

Breath Now for the hard part. This is simple but not easy.

Wait, how hard can it be? We breathe all day right? The problem is this isn't something we normally pay attention to. Try it. Stop right now and pay attention to your breath for one minute. Do nothing else.

Not so easy is it?

Our mind is habituated to running amok, not staying focused on something as basic as the breath. This is why meditation practice is difficult. We have spent years habituating ourselves to do anything other than be present with what is going on in this very moment. The breath serves as our anchor to the present. So feel your breathing, as it is right now.

You don't need to alter your breath from its normal pattern and you don't need to place an emphasis on either the outgoing or incoming breath. Just breathe like you normally do. Relax. “Let your body naturally do its thing. In some sense, the true object of your meditation practice is appreciation of your very being.”

Mind

You will get distracted from the breath. It may be a few seconds or it may be minutes but you will get distracted. That's also very natural. Since we are not used to being in the present moment the mind habitually gravitates toward the past and future. For instance, you may attempt to be present but you start reliving a conversation you had with someone who annoyed you earlier. From there your mind jumps to the future and how you will tell that person off the next time you see them.

In any such case where your attention gets stolen by the past or future just remember that your intention is to be present with the breath. If your mind is lost in big thoughts that take you out of the room you can silently and gently say “thinking” to yourself as a reminder that what you are doing is very normal but not what you want to do.

Labelling this as thinking allows you to bring your attention back to the breath.

That's it. That's the basic shamatha practice. The power is in the simplicity.

We don't need extra practices or new techniques to challenge ourselves. For the course of our work together please use this shamatha practice. Its power is in its simplicity. Over time you will get to see yourself more clearly. You will become a connoisseur of your own thought process. That is what a meditator is; someone who appreciates the many flavors of their own mind and is able to be present with all of them.

*** Mindfulness and Awareness: The Ultimate Tag-Team Combo

Practice can be challenging. While the intent is to have a “calm-abiding” meditation it can feel like your mind is going crazy.

In fact, it's not uncommon for beginning meditators to feel as if they have opened the floodgates and there is a barrage of thoughts pummeling them, as if they were standing at the bottom of a waterfall and thoughts just hit them with that level of speed and velocity. It can feel that overwhelming.

The good news is (and trust me I speak from experience here) it gets easier. As you begin to meditate consistently, you start to gradually see an increase in the ability to stay with the breath and be more present, both on the meditation cushion and with various elements of the rest of your life.

Two tools that help us with meditation are mindfulness and awareness. First, let's define them.

The Tibetan word for mindfulness is trenpa, which, if we want to get long-winded about it, can also be translated as “the ability to hold your attention to something.” That is pretty straightforward, right? If you want to be mindful of the breath that means you are holding your attention to your breathing. If you want to be mindful of a conversation it means fully engaging that discussion. If you want to be mindful while you eat it means paying attention to and enjoying your meal. Mindfulness is the simple act of being fully with whatever you are doing. “Ness” in this sense implies the essence of, so when we say “mindful ness” we are saying we are cultivating the essence of being mindful, or being present.

Mindfulness is an inherent capacity that we all have. … This tool, this drill, is already on our tool belt. We just need to learn how to use it. I use the example of the drill because mindfulness is a precise instrument; it specifically keeps us attuned to the present moment. While it may feel uncomfortable or difficult to be mindful with the breath, it is in fact just applying this tool to retrain our mind to do something it's very accustomed to doing in other ways.

In a way we are always meditating on something. Whether it's an upcoming work project or our home renovations, our focus is always placed on something other than what is going on right now. This is the difference between seeing and observing.

Our mind is accustomed to meditating on the future and the past, but we need to retrain it to come back to the present. That is the power of mindfulness: we learn to be precise with the breath as an anchor to the present so that later on we are more mindful with the rest of our lives.

The next tool is awareness.

The Tibetan word for awareness is sheshin. She can be translated into English as “knowing,” while shin is “present.” In other words, we can think of this phrase as “presently knowing,” or knowing what is going on in this very moment. It is a sense of awareness of our environment, both our physical environment and our mental environment. This tool of awareness is, not unlike mindfulness, something we already possess.

Mindfulness and awareness work together to keep us engaged in the present moment.

They are the tag team of meditative tools. In the case of our physical environment, we may be going about our day and we hear our phone ring. In this example, it is awareness that says, “Oh. Hey. My phone is ringing.” Recognizing that a noise occurred and that it is your telephone is an awareness of your physical environment. Then you pick up your phone and begin talking to whomever called you, and become fully engaged in that conversation. That is mindfulness bringing you to the point where you are truly in the moment with a dialogue. Maybe the person on the other end of the phone starts to bore you at some point and you lose your sense of mindfulness. When they call you on that and say, “Are you even listening to me?” your awareness will snap you back to what is going on in the moment and you will once more be present with that person.

…

In the case of our mental environment, awareness is that aspect of our mind that notices when we are no longer present with the breath. You know how you can be sitting there meditating, then all of a sudden a few minutes have passed and you have been plotting out that vacation you may or may not ever take, and then you catch yourself and say, “Whoa! Get back to meditating on the breath”? …

Another way to think of awareness is that it is the sheriff of the small town of your mind, constantly and kindly keeping watch and enforcing your ability to come back to your breathing.

“Every moment has its energy; either it will ride us, or we can ride it.” — Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

If we do not live our lives with mindfulness and awareness we are missing a lot of opportunities to enjoy all the little moments throughout our day. We are instead letting our habitual patterns play out randomly as the energy of the moment rides us. It is a bit like listening to some horribly indulgent elevator music on a never-ending ride where every stop along the way opens the doors to self-involvement and suffering. If you are able to be in the moment and recognize the energy of what is going on, you can live your life with intention. If you cannot ride the energy of this very moment then it will ride you; in other words you will live a life based in unconscious intentions, held hostage to whatever discursive whims your mind cooks up. No matter what floor of the elevator you get off at it will lead to pain and inner turmoil.

Applying these tools to meditation and life will help you flourish.

Another word for meditation in Tibetan is gom. It can also be translated as “become familiar with.” In the process of meditation we are essentially becoming more familiar with our own mind and our habitual patterns. Now that you are beginning to look at your mind you can treat it like a new acquaintance. You may at first view that waterfall of thoughts that occurs when you sit down to meditate and say, “Um … I don't know if I want to get to know you, Mr. Mind,” but you persevere and as you continue to apply mindfulness and awareness you become more accustomed to the eccentricities of your own mental being.

Your mind may sometimes be chaotic; it may sometimes be peaceful. In either case, if you can investigate it through simply being present then you are becoming more thoroughly who you are. You are more able to be with your experience, whether it is good or bad. As a bonus, when you continue to apply mindfulness and awareness while meditating you will find that they will naturally manifest more as you go about your day-to-day life. You will end up being more present with friends when you go out to dinner, or lovers when you are in bed, or family members even if you are in an argument. In all of these situations you can tune in to the present moment. You can be mindful of what is going on right now. You can maintain awareness of your environment and who you are relating to. With the tag-team combination of the precise drill of mindfulness and the rapid-fire snap of the measuring tape of awareness you can live a fuller, more content life overall, in tune with the way things are.

by Farnam Street

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therachelperspective · 7 years

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BOOK ⎟ Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Does anyone else agree that self-help books are a touchy subject? No one ever dares admit they read them because then it’s the admittance that we need help with something... and heaven forbid we do that. Yet there they are, in their own little section of the bookstore/library, a plethora of books on topics ranging from divorce to business tactics, all waiting to aid in you with whatever you need.

Among them you will find a book by Elizabeth Gilbert. Yes, that same Ms. Gilbert who trekked through Italy, India, and Bali (gawwd, still so jealous) on a mission to rediscover herself. But despite its contents and use as such by millions, Eat Pray Love is not categorized under the help category. No, my friends, today we talk about Big Magic – Gilbert’s foray into purposefully inspiring others and teaching them how to live creative lives... by once again talking about herself.

Published in 2015, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear delves into Liz’s personal fascination with the concept of creativity and the process with which she and others have come to utilize it in their lives. First a TEDtalk, which directly addresses fans who have approached her with their own creative frustrations, then a podcast (“Magic Lessons”), Big Magic is another measure in her creatively-focused feats. But she doesn’t just call creativity as it is; rather she says that an idea is a “strange jewel” that is hidden within us, something the Universe put there for us to find, and the process with which we find it is creative living or “big magic.” I often made note of the fact that the language Gilbert uses to discuss creativity and its processes was entirely cheesy... but I equally noted its brilliance. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea in how she personified ideas and creativity, and it’s enough to make you roll your eyes, but the concepts are there and are absolutely fantastic.

The book itself is divided into five sections: Courage, Enchantment, Permission, Persistence, and Trust (there’s also Divinity, but don’t worry, it is incredibly short). These are the things, as per Elizabeth Gilbert, that are required for living a creative life. In each, she shares stories of her personal experiences, those of her friends and the assortment of people she’s met in her life, those of people throughout history, and much more intertwined with words expressing the necessity of each trait within the world of creativity. In response to those who claim Gilbert to be narcissistic in Big Magic (just as they did with Eat Pray Love too), here I call it illustrating a point. She best knows her own experiences, just as you best know yours; how else would you expect her to demonstrate a concept’s use and integration into real life? Anyway... Moving on...

Although I completely understand the difficulty involved when writing a book like this – especially when trying to really invoke something in the reader – the “chapters” within each unit were very short for my taste, some furthermore incredibly repetitive. There’s such a thing as reminding a reader of an idea throughout a book, and then there is repeating it over and over, right after you had just said it in the previous chapters. One thing I recall very predominantly is that Big Magic read like a college paper that someone had b.s.-ed their way through to achieve proper page amount or word count. I still maintain that this book is full of good ideas and information... but there is so much reiteration. Combined with the choppiness of the chapters, some hardly even over a page, I often wondered how much shorter this book could have been without the fluff she used to over-emphasize a point or if she had condensed a few passages together.

But don’t misunderstand me. I may have some qualms about the way Big Magic was produced and assembled, yet this is one of the very few books I have ever read in my life (and I’ve read a lot) that has actually encouraged and motivated me to act on something.

Let me repeat that a little louder –

I actually pursued something new and fantastic in my life because of this book.

And that offsets anything I have to say about the seemingly-ridiculous jargon and sporadic demeanor of this novel.

The pages upon pages of quotes I wrote down from Big Magic, alongside my personal testimony of action, make it a book that I would recommend to anyone looking to inspire change in their life. Naturally, it is a book geared more specifically towards writers like Liz and other artists whom typically fall under the title of “creatives,” but there is no lie in saying that anyone who is anyone can use this book in some way, shape, or form in regards to some aspect in their lives (no matter how minuscule). Like for example, the idea that life should be “driven more by curiosity than fear” is pretty straightforward. Or something like “you don’t need anybody’s permission to live a creative life,” can simply be interpreted as you don’t need anyone’s permission to live the life you want. Better yet, “open your eyes wide and let the world educate you to the fullest extent[.] There are many ways to learn that do not necessarily involve schoolrooms.”

Or “Be the weirdo who dares to enjoy”...

Or “You can start whenever you decide to start”...

All these, and so much more, are about any life, not just a creative one.

While some ideas of Gilbert’s may seem questionable – i.e. art being useless and meaningless (while also paradoxically being useful and meaningful), or that you don’t need to be collegiately trained to do the thing you want to do (referring more specifically to artistic majors) – I learned early to take her words with a grain of salt, something I don’t think many of her harshest critics did. Elizabeth Gilbert earned her fame by writing a memoir about a period of time in her life, but she herself does not have a writing degree. In fact, she graduated from NYU with a Bachelors degree in Political Science. Oftentimes, she is living proof of the seemingly-odd statements she makes, so she is not saying them solely because she is liberal-minded. By understanding where she’s coming from in some of those statements (for example, she describes how attending college, especially when you don’t necessarily have the means to do so, does rack up a ton of financial debt that can in turn squander your ambitions), it becomes clear that Elizabeth Gilbert is not just a crazy woman trying to ruin the dreams of artists. Instead, it is that she is trying to help you pursue it more wisely and with a greater comprehension of what you’re in for.

I am one of those creative people that can take Gilbert’s words at more of a face value because they directly relate to what I do in life, but as you can see, so much of what she says is relevant to the everyday lives of creatives and non-creatives alike. It is as much a letter to the artists of the world as it is to the corporate businessperson looking for a new edge or the discouraged kid needing words of wisdom and motivation to pursue what he or she loves doing. Once again I say (as I often mention like a broken record in so many of my reviews) if you possess the ability to read in between the lines, the theories and encouragement pouring out of Big Magic can not only apply to your everyday life but can also actually help you creatively in amazing ways, just as it did for me.

Elizabeth Gilbert is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eat Pray Love and several other internationally bestselling books. She has been a finalist for the National Book Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the PEN/Hemingway Award. Her latest novel, The Signature of All Things, was named a best book of 2013 by The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, The Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, and The New Yorker. [from the book inside flap].

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert Riverhead Books | September 2015 | 288 pages MY RATING: ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩ I will admit that part of my rating has to do with the fact that this book helped me pursue a new path in life, but I will say that it also was just a really good book. Sometimes preachy, sometimes cheesy as hell, but it communicated a lot of important information.

I didn’t read Big Magic with the intention of really applying it to my life, it just happened that I was able to receive such great inspiration from it. As a tool for others, I definitely believe the right ideas are there.

#book review #books #literature #big magic #big magic: creative living beyond fear #elizabeth gilbert #eat pray love #creativity #inspiration #review #reviews

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