Featured
Weekly Horoscope 9-22-24
Aries (March 21 – April 19)Let’s talk teamwork, Aries! You’re usually a solo warrior, but this week, the cosmos say it’s time to partner up. Whether it’s in love or business, collaboration is your new superpower. Remember, sharing the spotlight doesn’t dim your shine—it just makes the whole stage glow brighter! Taurus (April 20 – May 20)Time to organize that chaos, Taurus! The Sun in Libra wants you to take a good look at your routines and work-life balance. Are you hustling too hard? This week is perfect for some pampering and organizing. Clean up your calendar, sip some herbal tea, and get your groove back! Gemini (May 21 – June 20)Love is in the air, Gemini! Whether it’s a new fling or spicing up your current romance, this week has fun, flirtation, and creativity written all over it. Le...
Mindfulness Meditation for Pain: Unveiling Neurobiological Insights
A recent study, featured in Biological Psychiatry, has unraveled the distinctive neurobiological mechanisms at play when utilizing mindfulness meditation to alleviate pain, indicating that its effects surpass the placebo response. Led by researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, the study employed sophisticated brain imaging technologies to compare the impact of mindfulness meditation, a placebo cream, and sham mindfulness meditation on pain reduction in healthy individuals. Findings from the study revealed that mindfulness meditation triggered significant decreases in both pain intensity and unpleasantness ratings, accompanied by a reduction in brain activity patterns associated with pain and negative emotions. In contrast, the placebo cream solely impacted...
Breathwork: Harnessing the Power of Breath for Wellness
Breathing is one of the most fundamental and automatic processes we perform, yet it holds untapped potential beyond its essential function. In moments of stress, our breath quickens and shortens as a natural response, but with intentional practice, breathing can become a powerful tool for calming the mind and body. This practice of controlled breathing, known as breathwork, offers a range of psychological and physical benefits. Below, we explore the practice, its benefits, and how to easily incorporate it into daily life. What is Breathwork? Breathwork refers to a variety of exercises that involve consciously regulating the breath to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. According to Mandy DeVries, a registered respiratory therapist and director of education at the American A...
The Divine in Sight: How Sacred Images in Asia Come Alive
Walking into a restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee, I was immediately greeted by the serene gaze of a golden Buddha statue. Its gemstone eyes sparkled as I passed, and though the scents of Thai curries filled the air, I found myself lingering on those eyes, their glint suggesting more than just a decorative presence. Sacred objects are everywhere—gracing museum galleries, adorning homes, or even standing in yards. Some shine with bejeweled splendor, while others carry the patina of generations of devotion. Often, it feels as if these sacred images are looking back at us. The ways in which sacred objects convey divine presence in many Asian cultures offer a fascinating glimpse into how the material world intersects with the spiritual. My research focuses on this intersection, exploring how s...
