Like always attracts like, better known as the law of attraction, alludes that whatever you confess, you attract. If you focus on the negatives, you will always attract negatives. If you confess positivity, your life is filled with positive vibes only.

But is it really true that if your vision is to own a home and you believe that with every piece of you, you will get it? Or is it true that if you curse your kid he will become exactly the kind of person you cursed him to be? The answers to these questions are debatable depending on where you stand. Those who believe in the existence of the law of attraction would say yes, those who are opposed to it would say no. However, whether you believe in the law of attraction or not, it is important to only incubate positive vibes in your mind. If you are having too many negative thoughts, visit a life coach and ask him/her for help.

To help you pick the sense from the nonsense, we have prepared a list of 5 arguments, 2 in support and 3 in opposition to the existence and significance of the law of attraction.

2 Proves that the Law of Attraction Exists

1. Mirror neurons

In simple terms, mirror neurons refer to the neuron that is evident both when an animal performs a specific action and when the animal observes another animal replicate the exact same act. That is to say that the neuron “mirrors” the behavior of one animal in a different animal.

To understand this concept better, think of what happens to your mood when you hang around positive and happy people. Don’t you become as happy as them? And what happens when you observe people who are fearful and anxious? I bet you too start feeling the fear even as much as you try to be calm.

If any of the two cases have ever happened to you, it then means that positive or negative vibes can indeed be induced in you by merely observing other people.

2. Genetically passed beliefs

Multiple studies on mice show that adult mice genetically pass messages to their offspring. If, for example, a grandma mouse was poisoned through a certain fruit but survived, she will always get alarmed when she scents the smell of that fruit. And even without getting poisoned or even seeing the fruit themselves, every mouse in the family keeps away from that particular fruit forever. That means that the offspring fears the fruit through observing their granny.

Closer home, there are some limiting beliefs that define you as a human being, yet you don’t know how they became so much entrenched into you. Maybe your dad was a racist because, well, he suffered in the hands of people from another race. If you don’t work towards overcoming racism, you may end up being racist just like your papa.

3 Reasons Why the Law of Attraction May Not Be True

1. People have to work to achieve

If the LOA was true, then people would be achieving their goals without having to work towards them. We would just be incubating ideas in our minds and then because the universe has a way of giving us that which we incubate within us, it would automatically come to us. But if you have to sweat and hustle for something, then that cannot be translated to mean that attracted it.

2. Timelines and challenges

After setting a goal, why is it that people face unimaginable challenges before achieving their goals? Why is it that without setting limits and working towards meeting them, no significant success is achieved? Wouldn’t it be obvious that whatever you envision manifests itself to you without dragging you through challenges and pain? If the LOA indeed exists, why do people fail to accomplish their goals within their envisioned timelines?

3. Natural calamities

Let’s face it: If people had the ability to attract positives and repel negatives, then no one would ever get sick. Or is there any human beings who craves for cancer or diabetes? Who would want to die in a fire or be killed by a terrorist? Who would entertain the thought of losing their home and other material possessions to fraud or natural disaster? If we had the power to attract and repel, everyone would be depressed or frustrated with life today.

By Ora Nadrich

The rhetoric Americans are subjected to through Twitter wars provoked by our president, and through rampant name-calling, finger pointing and false allegations made across other media channels has diminished our country’s tradition of civil discourse. Abhorrent partisan-based and personal attacks have become the new political norm in America. It’s reached such a crescendo that many have concluded we, as a society, need a very different course if we’re to pull ourselves out of the deep, dark hole we’ve dug ourselves into.

Recently, Representative Justin Amash, a Republican from Michigan, left the GOP, accusing President Trump of “impeachable acts.” The newly declared Independent noted that: “Modern politics is trapped in a partisan death spiral…”

The uproar over Trump’s attacks on four congresswomen of color, telling them to “go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came” — although all but one are were born in the U.S. and all are American citizens — set off the latest firestorm of heated rebukes and partisan posturing that leaves civil society shaking its head.

To continue mudslinging, arguing and fighting over pressing issues that plague our country, causing both parties to shout at one another, leaves so many of us disillusioned and embittered. If both parties are striving to do what is supposedly best for our country, and truly want to make “America great again,” a new type of conduct and deportment is necessary. We need to turn to Mindfulness to help us rise above the fracas.

Mindfulness? Many associate it with its roots as a Buddhist concept that involves being present and aware within each moment. How, you ask, does Mindfulness fit into today’s polarized political climate?

Mindfulness is a tremendously valuable skill inherent in each of us, and isn’t something that was only practiced by the Buddha in his search for enlightenment. He was an ordinary person, but set out on a spiritual journey to find answers after witnessing so much suffering in the world. He found those answers by looking within himself.

Clearly, Mindfulness isn’t a dominant practice in our political environment. Positive change, compromise and addressing the country’s important issues won’t happen until we come to realize that how we talk to one another matters. Until we recognize the importance of being mindful in how we speak to one another, even if we disagree, then both parties will continue to belittle each other and American citizens will continue losing faith in our leaders. Politics will be viewed as the problem rather than the solution. And, before we know it, not only will civil discourse be altogether lost, but participation in voting will no longer become the great motivator for change.

We must look within our own hearts and souls for the answers that will lead us out of this adversity we’ve created. When we plead to show more compassion for the immigrants detained in inhumane centers, but continue to display hate for one another because we disagree politically, then we too are adding to the animosity expressed toward each other. What do we think it will take for us to come together in a way that doesn’t make this a partisan problem?

Whether you’re a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or member of the Green, Libertarian or Peace and Freedom party, or even unaffiliated, bring Mindfulness into every political conversation. Mindfulness will help you to be present in the discussion, to listen and respond respectfully to other points of view and engage in dialogue, not argument. People will notice and act in kind.

We need more mindful politicians and leaders who, as they tell us what they will do to fix our country’s problems, show that they’re present and mindful through the words they choose, the clarity in their eyes, the unwavering patience they practice, and the honesty and integrity they project. When they practice Mindfulness, they show how to engage in civil discourse. It will strike a chord as something entirely different — and we’re more than ready for it.

But we, too, must be present. We must be aware. We must be mindful.  And, we must always remember to use our words kindly and wisely, no matter our party, for the betterment of America — this country we profess to love.

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Ora Nadrich is founder and president of the Institute for Transformational Thinking and author of Live True: A Mindfulness Guide to Authenticity. A certified life coach and mindfulness teacher, she specializes in transformational thinking, self-discovery, and mentoring new coaches as they develop their careers. Contact her at theiftt.org.

“Yoga is more than just an exercise.”

Rishikesh is the main destination when it comes about learning Yoga. It’s also called the Yoga Capital of the World.

RISHIKESH: THE YOGA CAPITAL

It has been one of India’s most holy and spiritual places. Many pilgrims, gurus, sadhus and yoga practitioners have been visiting Rishikesh since time immemorial.

It is also known as Tapo Bhumi, which literally means a place for yoga and meditation of Gods.

Rishikesh literally translates to “city of saints”. This denotes how over the ages saints have been meditating in the peaceful place beneath the mountains of Himalayas and beside the pious Ganga.

Due to the presence of the pious river Ganges and the thousands of Yogis who have sent their lives of austerity here, there is also an elevated spiritual in and around Rishikesh.

LIMELIGHT ON RISHIKESH

One of the most prominent Hindu religious leader Adi Shankaracharya travelled to Rishikesh in the 9^thcentury. Since then Rishikesh has acted as the first stop on the way of the pilgrims travelling to the holy shrines based in the Himalayas.

The second time Rishikesh came into the limelight to the world during the mid-20^thcentury when the famous British pop band Beatles visited Rishikesh for studying Yoga from their guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Since then many of the Yoga enthusiasts from across the globe have been visiting Rishikesh for learning Yoga.

YOGA TEACHER TRAINING

It is one of the best places across the world for Yoga teacher training. There are many world-famous and reputed Yoga schools and ashrams in Rishikesh.

Many of the ashrams are in the city and there are also many which are situated quite away from the city in the peaceful natural environment.

Different  schools and ashrams provide with various types of training and also with different time durations.

An individual can choose on the basis of what type and duration course they want from hundreds of institutes in Rishikesh.

This provides with a lot of variety and choices to choose from for the yoga teacher training courses.

AUTHENTICITY

Yoga teaching in Rishikesh is one of the most authentic in the world. Here you can find some of the most renowned Yoga teachers who consider Yoga to be much more than just a medium for physical fitness, but an activity for the mental well-being as well.

It can be said that Rishikesh is home to the most authentic Yoga in the world.

Many experienced and famous Gurus and Yogic experts reside in the town of Rishikesh.

AMBIENCE

Rishikesh is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. Rishikesh is filled with lush greenery and pristine waters and fresh air.

Since it’s located near the hilly region it also provides with a nice cool environment for staying in.

The local authorities have taken appropriate steps to make sure that the purity of Rishikesh is maintained.

Rishikesh is not just famous for Yoga, but it’s also famous for other activities like trekking, camping, rafting, cultural fairs, etc.

It’s a place which provides with a great and wholesome experience.

ACCESSIBILITY

It is easily travelable. Since, getting an Indian visa is easy for most nationalities and also due to the considerable advantage of dollar and euro over rupees, it’s accessible to stay in Rishikesh.

Due to the low cost of living in India, it makes it even easier to stay here and learn yoga properly.

There are many hotels and lodges in and around for staying in.

There are also regular flights to Dehradun from where you can go ahead through the car or some other mode of transport.

CONCLUSION

It is one of the holiest places in India where you can excel your Yoga and have an experience of a lifetime.

It is one of the most welcoming places.

Travelling to Rishikesh is not just about Yoga but much more than that, it’s a complete experience in itself.

You get to see what a Yogic life looks like and you can also say that you get purified after the complete experience.

You get some of the best training of Yoga here. It’s a wonderful and authentic experience of learning Yoga in Rishikesh.

It’s also a great experience to stay in the lap of nature and enjoying nature the way it is.

There are many temples in and around which increases the spirituality of the place.

You should stay alert that it is an alcohol-free and vegetarian place. So, you should be prepared for all these things.

It is a great place for staying and learning about yoga for both newbies and experts. It provides with an amazing experience if you are willing to sacrifice having alcohol and non-veg food for some time.

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Author Bio – Vivek Roy is an enthusiastic Yoga blogger and Traveller from India. He has done yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India. He loves to travel and share the knowledge of yoga around the world. For more information about him visit his website.

By Nicholas Yap, from Nituo Funeral Services

Chinese folklore is filled with many interesting short stories, many of which pass on important life lessons to young readers.

Much like Aesop’s fables, these stories pass on values synonymous with the Chinese culture – Respect, honour and empathy. Many Chinese could even recite one or two of these fables below with a sharp level of clarity.

Therefore, to also remind ourselves of our own morality (that we sometimes forget in desperate circumstances) – I have compiled a list of interesting Chinese fables that are the equivalent of Aesop’s fables with an oriental touch.

A not so awe-inspiring reason would simply be because these stories are pretty interesting too.

So, sit back, relax and enjoy!

The Frog in the well

A frog once lived at the bottom of a well in ancient China.

One fine day, a turtle stumbled upon the well and saw the frog swimming within the well.

The turtle, slightly ecstatic, asked the frog if he had seen the Ocean before.

The frog rebutted “The Ocean? Hah! It’s literally paradise here. Nothing can be better than this well. Why don’t you come down and join me?”

The turtle tried to fit himself through the well but he was too big.

“Why don’t you come to the Ocean instead? The Ocean had neither shrunk or solidify because of drought or winter.”

Stubborn, the frog ignored the turtle’s advice.

Soon after, a scorching drought swept across China – emptying wells and killing crops. Many perished including the frog, the turtle, however, was merrily swimming.”

Moral of the story: Ignorant people would know nothing aside from their own world.

The White and Black guard

Though quite an unusual tale (https://nituofuneral.com/chinese-spirits-underworld/) , you would see that it is common for Chinese characters to devote blind loyalty or selflessness. Regardless, this touching story of two constables had made them deities in Chinese folk religion.

“Two constables were tasked with escorting a prisoner to another village. Halfway through, however, the prisoner had managed to escape the grasp of both constables – escaping into the dense forest.

Shocked, the two constables decided that it was best that they split to cover more ground. They promised to meet under a bridge nearby by sundown.

After hours of searching with no tracks in sight, one of the constables, Xie Bi An decided that it was better for him to head under the bridge now – besides, the sun was already setting.

As Xie arrived beneath the bridge, a weak drizzle started as he sat there waiting for the other constable Fan Wu She to arrive.

Slowly, a slight drizzle had turned into rain, then after a few minutes – heavy downpour slowly flooded the river beneath the bridge.

Not wanting to break his promise to Fan, Xie stayed under the bridge until the water was above his head – dying of drowning as his face turned white.

Eventually, Fan arrived, seeing Xie’s dead body – he thus hanged himself out of sheer grief and guilt. Eventually turning black in appearance.

The Jade Emperor saw their acts of valour, giving them the role of Generals in the underworld to help guide newly deceased spirits and guard the gates of hell.”

Moral of the story: These are one of those stories that have no clear moral lesson, however, many cite this as a prime example of brotherhood and loyalty.

The Jade Rabbit

As mentioned, several Chinese tales revere selflessness. Perhaps the most selfless of them all is the story of the Jade Rabbit.

“One day, in the forests of China, lay a monkey, an otter, jackal and a rabbit.

Wanting to test their compassion, the Jade emperor disguised himself as a poor old man, stumbling across a clearing and begging for food from all four animals.

The monkey quickly picked fruits from the surrounding trees.

The otter, went head first into a nearby ravine – catching a waddling fish by his jaw.

The jackal stole milk curds from a nearby farm.

The rabbit, knowing that it can neither hunt, nor forage anything edible for the old man – offered itself as a tribute.

Jumping straight into a fire started by the old man, the rabbit did not burn as the Jade emperor revealed himself to all four animals.

Touched by the rabbit’s action – the Jade Emperor immortalised the rabbit and sent it to the moon to live with a princess.”

Moral of the story: A rather wholesome story, this story is an exaggerated example of sacrificing your material belongings for someone less fortunate. It is often used as a way of teaching generosity to children. Most times, the dramatic factor tend to make children remember the story better.

The Chinese Zodiac Race

Likely the longest fable of them all – The Chinese Zodiac race is a lot like the rabbit and the turtle by Aesop. However, as you would see; it is slightly more intricate with many interesting bits.

“A long time ago, zodiac animals did not exist in Ancient China.

It was only after the legendary race to the heavenly gates were the animals ranked.
A decree from the Emperor was spread throughout his reign. All species are invited to participate in this upcoming race. Only twelve would be invited into his banquet.

Hearing, the Rat was determined to be one of the top few.

However, looking at his stature and physical traits – there was nothing much of him that could make him win the race.

Plus, the Rat’s neighbour – the Cat, has always been harassing the rat since they became neighbours.

So he had two challenges to overcome, his pesky neighbour and the other animals who are physically superior to him.

So on that morning, the Rat snuck off quietly from his home without alerting the Cat, who had requested the Rat to awake him.

Slowly, the Rat quickly scuttled his way across the dense forests. At the final leg of the race was a huge body of water that challenged even the greatest of swimmers.

He knew of only one animal that was diligent enough to be early, and tough enough to endure the strong currents.

The Rat came just in time as he saw the Ox preparing to cross the river. The Rat asked for the Ox’s permission and would instead sing for him along the way.

The Ox agreed and they both quickly set off.

Eventually, the Cat soon found out the race was happening. It rushed towards the river bank and found Tiger preparing to swim.

Seeing that the Cat was a distant cousin, the Tiger agreed to let the cat hop on to its back – and eventually, with the Tiger’s strength, it was only a few metres away from the Ox.

The Cat, wanting to exact revenge on the Rat, leapt forward and tried to grab the Rat. However, he missed the Ox’s back by the hair and fell into the rapids.

The Cat soon drowned, leading to the Rat to win first place, followed by the kind and compassionate Ox, the strong Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Goat, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and finally the Pig.

Thus began the 12-year zodiac cycle. To see which zodiac sign you are I recommend using a calculator here.“

Moral of the story: Rather than giving up due to one’s physical or mental limitation – one should always look for creative ways to tackle problems.