Natural Harmony - Connect with Nature to Increase Your Personal Wellbeing

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When I visit large city parks, I am amused and heartened by the
seeming unconscious human need to connect with Mother Nature. In
the very heart of urban civilization, city parks draw in thousands of
people every day. I personally live in a magnificent rural setting,
constantly surrounded by nature's glory and challenges. I smile
inwardly, listening to the array of foreign languages spoken around me
in the park. I watch worldwide visitors to a great metropolis seeking
sanctuary in a patch of domesticated wilderness. Humans need to
connect with nature, even if just a bit of it. Research now supports what
our instincts 'know': contact with the natural world is important to our
health.

Though most of us value nature, few of us actually enjoy a deep
connection with it. This is unfortunate, as it is through this connection
that we both receive and release. We receive a limitless source of
energy and inspiration, and we release worry, stress, and strain. In fact
playing outside, in any form, is a well-known kind of 'therapy' to find
balance and to rejuvenate. The "Great Mother" soothes the spirit,
sharpens the senses, and focuses thinking. The natural environment
helps us recognize our oneness with the life process. Taking us beyond
our limited and linear view of life, nature celebrates growth and
perpetual renewal.

This celebratory quality is at once inspiring and energizing. Spending
time in nature, especially when exercising in some way, makes the body
feel awake and alive. Physical centering leads directly to mental
centering and increased clarity. Part of mental centering is coming
deeply into the present moment. After spending time in nature, the
actual moment, the present, re-establishes itself, like a clear, melodic
chime being struck. The future and the past stop crowding in. This
easy, meditative state is deeply relaxing and allows stress to effortlessly
dissipate.

There are endless ways to connect and recharge with Mother Nature.
Hiking and canoeing are two classic choices. Their quiet rhythmic
qualities are especially soothing. They require a sharpening of the
senses and the sensibilities. You learn to better use your ears, eyes,
sense of smell and balance. Even the simplest ties to the natural world
can boost your health. Observe an aquarium, look at landscape
photography, or visit a garden. Connect with nature, connect more
deeply with yourself, and create energy and harmony. When we
become more mindful and present, we essentially become more alive.

"When you know nature as part of yourself,

You will act in harmony.

When you feel yourself a part of nature,

You will live in harmony."

Tao Te Ching (Tao 13)

Copyright 2005. Karen B. Cohen All Rights Reserved

Karen B. Cohen is a performance and wellness coach as well as a personal fitness trainer, master yoga instructor (RYT500), and moving meditation teacher. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Karen enjoys a variety of pursuits in the Upper Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains, occasionally leads yoga hikes near her home. Karen is available for seminars, workshops and individual coaching internationally. She can be reached through her latest project [http://www.RockbridgeMag.com]

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The Importance of Water

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Water is one of the most important things on earth. Every living thing needs water for its survival. Without water, plants, animals, microbes - everything, will perish.

Our bodies are composed of about 75% water. So we are literally walking bags of water. Water allows our blood to flow through the blood vessels thus supplying the body with vital nutrients. Also water allows waste matter to be eliminated from the body via the excretory system. Our need for water becomes very apparent when we are thirsty. The taste of water going down the throat is something we all find so much pleasure in. We drink glasses of this precious transparent liquid everyday. It is vital to our life.

The first civilizations of man started near rivers. The Nile, the Tigris and Euphrates were where man began to establish themselves on the earth. In all parts of the world, the major rivers played a major part in the evolution of man.

Water is used for drinking, washing, cleaning and just about any activity we care to do. Without water, living is virtually impossible.

Water covers about two thirds of the total surface of the earth. The vast expanse of seas and oceans has long been our major sources of food and means of travel. Millions of fishes live in the sea. They provide an abundant supply of food. Most of us have eaten fish, with exceptions of those who do not eat meat. The majority of mankind will continue to eat fish.

The rivers, seas and oceans provide man with an important means of travel. In ancient times, man explored the earth via the sea. The British, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and others all reached the less developed world in their ships. They conquered or colonized what they discovered. Much of what we are today are influenced by the travelers who came over the seas in their ships long ago.

Today the waterways of the world are still of major importance to mankind. Huge oil tankers, container ships and others ply these routes. In fact many of the sea routes are overcrowded.

When there is shortage of water such as when there is a drought, then we know how terrible the consequences can be. Plants, animals and human beings perish. The affected land becomes parched and dry. Nothing grows. In the midst of the Sahara Desert where there is very little rain, there is also very little life. Mostly we get sand and more sand. No man can live there.

People who live near or around deserts know the value of water. They know how precious it is and they take great care using it. We, who live in a land where water is plentiful, think nothing of standing under the shower for half and hour. Those who live in arid areas do not have such a luxury. They cannot afford to waste water like we do.

As long as there is life on this planet, water will be here. Without it, life as we know it is impossible. Thus it is important for us to know how precious water is. We ought not to waste it or pollute it by any means. Water is just too precious.

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Fun With Jungle Gyms And Swing Sets

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It's a well known fact that active children learn through engaging in active play. When children are left to play, they not only acquire life skills but also exercise their bodies. Children who do not exercise their bodies are more prone to becoming overweight and obese, a condition that might lead to many other health disorders. However, this can easily be prevented if the children were given an avenue to exercise and play. A jungle gym is a perfect place for this situation. The jungle gym was designed in a way that allows children to make gymnastic and athletic moves similar to the ones monkeys make in the jungle. The bends, swings and twists that their bodies endure, allow the children to get a well exercised body.
On top of the jungle gyms, a parent can decide to create his or her own fun world for the children by getting the play sets. A play set is a play structure, which among other things, includes slides and swings as well as the playhouse for the children to enjoy playing on. This can be erected in the garden, or the back yard or any safe area for the children to enjoy their play. The reason as to why they are mostly preferred by families is that they are very versatile. They only need a small space but create hours upon hours of fun and enjoyment. Another benefit is that they can be assembled easily. The play sets are pre drilled and therefore you only have to attach a bar to its right joint.
They are also made of safe materials such as strong wood and PVC and this means injuries to be sustained during play are minimized. They also come with soft hard padding for the ground to ensure soft landing should a child slip. The edges are also made round and smooth to make sure that they are not harmful to the children. They are also long lasting because they are resistant to both rust and corrosion.
There are many varieties of the jungle gym. This is also true when one looks for a suitable size to buy. The geodesic shaped jungle gyms fondly known as the monkey bars are best when one aims at developing a child's muscles. In a single session, the abdomen, and leg muscles are strengthened and broadened. The ladder running designs are also good, as they develop a child's balancing capabilities as well as develop the legs muscles.
As a parent, proprietor of a nursery school or even an investor in children playing centers, one should strongly consider having the jungle gym play sets. It is a wise thing to invest in and will last years. They sufficiently meet the children's expectations and they are also made of durable materials that do not break easily. The play set sizes vary and can fit almost any backyard size. It is important to note that park size or church size jungle swing will go for a higher amount compared to that for the backyard.

Play Rainbow offers the safest and highest quality Rainbow play systems and playset. Build your own playground with a variety of designs like a jungle gym, swing set, monkey bars, slides and much more.

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