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8 of the Quietest Places on Earth
Katie Waldeck - February 16, 2013

There are fewer and fewer places on our planet that are free from human intrusion. Popular national parks are packed with tourists in the summer. The sound of honking horns and car alarms drowns out bird calls and howling wolves. But there are places so remote that human noise is practically nonexistent. This isn’t to say these places are silent. In fact, nature can be loud when left (relatively) undisturbed. Click through to check out some of your planet’s quietest places.

1. Samboja Lestari, Borneo

For decades, the tropical rain forests of the world’s third largest island were logged at an alarming rate. In the town of Samboja, deforestation, climate change, floods, droughts and fires ravaged this precious ecosystem — it was so bad, that the flora and fauna native to the area were on the brink of extinction. That is until, in 2001, when the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation began buying up land in the area and began the process of returning it to its natural state. Though the forest has not been fully restored, it is one of the best places on earth to hear the howl of the native orangutans far away from the noise of logging and farming.

2. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
This 21,000 square mile game reserve, one of the largest of its kind in the world, is home to exactly zero permanent human settlements. The Tanzanian government strictly controls all human activity in the reserve, so almost all of the noise that you’ll hear comes strictly from the animals. Elephants, crocodiles, hippopotami, and zebras, just to name a few. On a trip to the area, perhaps the loudest sound you’ll hear is the roar of a lion!
Image Credit: Murky1 via Flickr

3. The Hoh Valley, Washington
Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is home to some of the most undeveloped national park land in the United States. The picturesque beauty of this virgin temperate rain forest, the largest of its kind in North America, is also considered to be the quietest place in the United States. Is it any wonder, then, that it is also one of the largest areas in the continental United States without roads?!

4. Kronostky Nature Reserve, Russia
Thousands of acres protected land and not a road in site. This nature preserve is located in remote Far Eastern Russia — closer to Alaska than it is to Moscow. Save from the 3,000 tourists allowed into the park for 5 hours at a time via a pricey helicopter ride, only scientists are allowed to explore this vast, unique landscape. It’s home to the country’s only geyser basin and Eurasia’s highest active volcano. Though you won’t hear much in the way of human activity, the park is home to incredible animals, including some of the largest brown bears on the planet.

5. The Kalahari Desert, Southern Africa
The vast expanse, over 350,000 square miles, of the Kalahari desert crosses into a whopping six different Southern African nations. But it’s home to very, very few people — in an area that’s considerably larger than the state of Texas, there are only 20,000 people. As one of the most remote places on earth, the Kalahari Desert is also one of the quietest. Better to enjoy the endemic animals like meerkats and the Kalahari lion, of course!

6. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
You’d be hard-pressed to find a place more remote — and more difficult to get to — than the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in far northeastern Alaska. Nearly twice the size of Massachusetts, there are no roads within or leading to the refuge. Most visitors — all 1,500 of them each year — arrive by aircraft. Though there are a handful of tiny villages, most of the noise comes from the area’s vibrant wildlife: polar bears, caribou, and wolves, just to name a few.

7. Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka
Deforestation has devastated many of the world’s most incredible ecosystems — but not this one. Its remote location means that the dense forest is virgin, and home to an impressive array of endemic wildlife. Limited human activity in the area means that you’re far, far more likely to hear the chorus of tropical birds than the sounds of traffic or construction.

8. The Science Lab: the (Artificially) Quietest Place on Earth
There is silence and then there’s silence. This Minnesota-based laboratory blocks out a whopping 99.99% of all sound. It’s so quiet that you have to sit down, because the sounds you make when you’re moving are blocked out and make it difficult to balance. The longer you’re in there, though, the more you can hear your body’s internal workings: your heart beating, your stomach gurgling, maybe even the sound of your lungs. As cool as that sounds, visitors to this anechoic chamber find it deeply unsettling. In fact, the longest anyone has ever lasted in the chamber was 45 minutes. Your brain begins to hallucinate sounds afteer some time in such utter silence.

8 Ways to Practice Self-Love

Self-love is about knowing and honoring your needs, wants and wishes. It’s about understanding your inner world, including your thoughts and feelings. It’s about being kind and compassionate with yourself. Self-love is a spirit you carry, and apply to everything in your life. It is a daily practice consisting of nourishing and joyful activities. Here are eight ideas for practicing self-love in the New Year.

Respecting and honoring your needs includes knowing what’s happening with your body. But we often stop paying attention, especially when we’re pressed for time. To remind you, set an alarm on your phone for every hour or two hours, every day.

When it dings, ask yourself how you’re feeling and how you can respond to your body. For instance, if you’re tense, you might give yourself a massage or stretch your body. If you’re agitated, you might take a few deep breaths, meditate or walk for 10 minutes.

Whether you sit down every day or week, journaling is a valuable way to access and process your thoughts and feelings. It can be as simple as answering, “Right now I am feeling…” or “Right now I am thinking…”

In her book, Journalution: Journaling to Awaken Your Inner Voice, Heal Your Life and Manifest Your Dreams, Sandy Grason suggests exploring your emotions by listing all the things that trigger a specific emotion.

For instance, if you’re angry, write down, “I feel angry,” and, for two minutes, list all the things in your life that make you angry.

Knowing and living your dreams is a great act of self-love. Put away the shoulds, and consider what you really love to do. What activities bring you joy? What are your aspirations? What would you do for free? What did you love as a child? You don’t have to overhaul your career to live your dreams. You can channel your dreams into your days, whether it’s penning a poem before work or painting in the evenings.

Yoga is a safe and gentle way to reconnect with your body and your inner world. It also helps to cultivate kindness and acceptance. Practicing yoga isn’t about manipulating your body into a certain size. It’s about meeting your body and yourself where you are – and enjoying the movement and magic of your body.

Try a class at a nearby yoga studio, or find resources online. Anna Guest-Jelley, the founder of Curvy Yoga, has many excellent free resources on her website.

Boundaries are crucial for healthy relationships. As author Rosie Molinary writes in her book, Beautiful You: A Daily Guide to Radical Self-Acceptance, “There is never a day where it is better to be in a relationship that undermines, undercuts, manipulates, abuses or takes advantage of us than it is to be …in a relationship with ourselves that’s filled with self-love.”

But if you’re a people pleaser, setting and sustaining boundaries can seem overwhelming, or worse, impossible. So commit to creating one boundary, and seeing it through. Start small. And remember, as Molinary writes, “Being good, as it turns out, isn’t about pleasing. Being good is about being just to others while also being true to yourself.”

That harsh inner voice that criticizes your body or your intellect or anything else about you isn’t being realistic or telling it like it is. It’s spewing lies. Your own voice is kind, supportive and loving. So whenever the inner critic strikes, recognize that these self-critical statements are untrue, and replace them with something truly realistic, helpful or compassionate.

Many of us feel uncomfortable praising ourselves or even acknowledging anything remotely positive. But there’s nothing arrogant about appreciating yourself. (Don’t you appreciate your loved ones for their qualities?) Write a letter acknowledging your accomplishments, efforts and traits. If this is tough for you, put yourself in a friend’s shoes. What positive things would they say about you? Whenever you start to feel crummy, come back to this note.

Court yourself like you would a lover. What places do you love to visit? What activities put a smile on your face? What nourishes your soul? Spend time by yourself doing the things that make you happiest. In fact, go to your calendar right now, and schedule several dates this month. Every day self-love gives us an opportunity to tune into our needs and desires, and respond to them with care and compassion. It reminds us that we’re beautiful human beings, who make mistakes and try our best.

Just like we love our family and friends unconditionally, we can learn to love ourselves without requirements or shoulds, one step and supportive perspective at a time.

http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Galleries/8-Ways-to-Practice-Self-Love.aspx?source=NEWSLETTER&nlsource=13&ppc=&utm_campaign=Buddhist&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_term=yahoo.co.uk

8 Steps To Becoming A Better Person

Becoming A Better Person On A Daily Basis
By Elizabeth Harrell
Published March 27, 2012

The mere fact you chose to read this article means you’re thinking you could be a better person. And who couldn’t? It’s not whether we need to be better, but whether we choose to be better. Becoming a better person means changing habits, taking some risks and thinking differently in the future. What an exciting challenge. Will other people notice? Sure they will! Will you like yourself more? You definitely will! So, what are you waiting for?

Step 1 – Consider Your Impact on Others
Everything you say and do has some effect, positive or negative, on the people around you. Even total strangers are impacted when you snap at a sales clerk or lay on the horn because the guy in front of you stopped at green light. Just as you affect them, they impact others, and the snowball grows. It’s a pretty powerful tool if used wisely, and just one step toward being a better person.

Imagine a bank teller speaking sharply to you, but your response is to smile and be friendly. It’s not what you want to do, most likely, but your response does not allow her attitude to negatively affect you. Not only that, your smile could change her attitude in return. It’s really not that difficult, but it takes one extra moment to respond, rather than react. Try it for one day, and you’ll find yourself a much happier person by nightfall.

Step 2 – Think Before You Speak
The fastest way to prevent hurting other people is to think of the ramifications of your words. More people are beaten down by words than fists. Do you really need to say something hurtful? How would you feel if it were said to you or about you?

Are you using honesty as an excuse to say something hurtful? When you’re hurt, does it really help you to lash out with your own hurtful expressions? Many of the wisest and most considerate people in the world are thought to be that way because they don’t impulsively speak. They allow themselves time to think first.

Step 3 – Be a Humanitarian
Serving other people immediately improves who you are – not only in their eyes – but yours as well. The emotions that accompany helping others will help you grow in ways you can’t even imagine. Teenagers who struggle with self-esteem issues and identity problems grow in confidence when put in a position to serve other people.

Often we are taught to have a false sense of self-esteem related to our appearance, our education or our income. Contributing your time, energy and money to others in need will strengthen your heart and build self-esteem faster than a trip to Macy’s or a pay raise.

Step 4 – Use Your Strengths
I have a friend who plays the piano like a concert pianist, but he never shares this gift with others. It disappoints me so much when I think of the joy he could discover if he gave lessons to underprivileged children or played for a local nursing home. He doesn’t recognize his skill as a gift because it’s his gift. Other people don’t use their gifts because someone once told them that they weren’t gifted.

Make a list of what you do well and figure out how to use it in creative ways. Don’t neglect your natural abilities or talents because they belong to you.

Step 5 – Recognize Your Weaknesses
Addressing your weaknesses is a huge step toward becoming a better person, but remember, the goal isn’t to be perfect. It’s the striving to improve that makes us better people.

Without being overly self-critical, make a list of your weaknesses. Note ways to strengthen those weaknesses when you have time. Focus on one at a time and create specific strategies for improvement. For example, if you tend to overwork, set aside time to relax and play. This will improve your attitude and your health.

If you have difficulty recognizing weaknesses, ask a close friend or loved one to gently break a few of them to you. Personally, I can be overcritical in my tone. I have asked my loved ones to let me know when I slip, but they are kind enough to do it in a loving way before I hurt someone. As they point it out, I am less inclined to do it. If necessary, ask a friend or family member to help you be accountable. Make sure you let them know that you don’t want a master list of everything you’ve ever done wrong.

Change takes time and you should revel in small victories along the way. Alway remember that you are a work in progress.

Step 6 – Take Better Care of Yourself
Women have a serious tendency to neglect themselves at times. Whether it is stress induced, relationship issues or poor self-esteem, we let ourselves go. It can even happen when we’re comfortable in a relationship.

When you take care of yourself, you demonstrate respect for yourself. Women who are concerned about their health and appearance on a regular basis tend to do a better job of interacting and serving other people. Your family, your spouse and your friends will all appreciate it.

Step 7 – Show Your Appreciation
It’s easy to take other people for granted. Your spouse always picks up the kids from school and spends Saturdays beautifying your yard. Your best friend never forgets your birthday and will babysit at the last minute. Your parents did the best they could and love you despite your weaknesses. Your employees work hard for you every single day. The mailman, the garbage man and your nail technician all hold you together on a daily basis. There are so many people who make our lives comfortable and complete, some of whom we rarely even see. How could you thank them? All it takes is a nice note, a hug, a plate of cookies or even a gift.

My father was a mailman, and I was always amazed at the people who thanked him during the holidays. That made a huge impression on me as a child, so I find ways to show my appreciation for those people in my life who work for me and are easy to miss.

Step 8 – Explore Your Spirituality
Faith allows me to get through some pretty challenging days. It also encourages me to improve myself and strive to make a positive impact on those around me. If you don’t have a spiritual life, consider exploring that option. Prayer, meditation, removing your thoughts from yourself and loving your fellow man can greatly improve who you are.

Following any or all of the eight steps can help you make major changes. Just remember to take on a little at a time, and do small things well before leaping into big changes. As you create positive habits in your life, you will become a better person. Soon you won’t even realize you’re doing it. The exciting part is that other people will definitely notice!

Are You Trustworthy?
It's hard to have a relationship without trust - at least, not a meaningful one. Keeping a secret, being a person of your word, following through on promises...all these character traits build trust. Can your friends and family depend on you? Take this trust quiz to find out.

http://www.lifescript.com/soul/self/well-being/8_steps_to_becoming_a_better_person.aspx

8 Ways Meditation Can Change Your Life
posted by Ed and Deb Shapiro

We can’t imagine what life would be like without meditation. It has seen us through tough times and many life changes, keeping us sane and grounded and real. Life is challenging enough; we can never know what will arise next and only when our minds are clear and focused can we make the best decisions.

How are you able to deal with the madness and chaos that occurs daily? How do you deal with the challenges of life? Meditation is highly misunderstood and often under-rated yet is perhaps what it takes to be a truly sane person. How does meditation affect us? How does it shift our priorities, enable us to make friends with ourselves, to find answers to our questions?

Here are eight ways meditation can make your life more meaningful and enjoyable!

1. Living With Kindness
No one deserves your kindness and compassion more than yourself. Every time you see or feel suffering, every time you make a mistake or say something stupid and are just about to put yourself down, every time you think of someone you are having a hard time with, every time you encounter the confusion and difficulty of being human, every time you see someone else struggling, upset, or irritated, you can stop and bring loving kindness and compassion. Breathing gently, silently repeat: May I be well, may I be happy, May I be filled with loving kindness.

2. Lightening the Load
In a stressed state, it is easy to lose touch with inner peace, compassion and kindness; in a relaxed state, your mind is clear and you can connect with a deeper sense of purpose and altruism. Meditation and medication are derived from the Latin word medicus, to care or to cure. A time of quiet calmness is, therefore, the most effective remedy for a busy and overworked mind. Anytime you feel stress rising, heart closing, mind going into overwhelm, just bring your focus to your breathing and quietly repeat with each in- and out-breath: Breathing in, I calm the body and mind; breathing out, I smile.

3. Letting Go of Me
Stillness is always there between the thoughts, behind the story, beneath the noise. What keeps us from experiencing our natural state of being is the habitual and ego-dominated monkey mind. Meditation enables us to see clearly, to witness our thoughts and behavior and reduce self-involvement. Without such a practice of self-reflection there is no way of putting a brake on the ego’s demands. From being self-centered, we can become other-centered, concerned about the welfare of all.

4. Dissolving Anger and Fear
We do not accept or release our negative feelings so easily; we are more likely to repress or disown them. But when denied they cause shame, depression, anger, and anxiety. Meditation invites you to openly meet these places, and to see how selfishness, aversion and ignorance create endless dramas and fears. Beneath these is a quiet stillness where you can get to know yourself; this is a wondrous and beautiful experience. Whether you practice for just ten minutes a day or longer does not matter. You are releasing your limitations, while opening to self-acceptance and awareness.

5. Awakening Forgiveness
Forgiveness is the greatest gift you can give yourself and others. As you sit in meditation and watch your thoughts and feelings moving through you, so you can observe that who you are now is not who you were just a moment ago, let alone a day, a week, or a month ago. Who you, or someone else, was when pain was caused is not who you are now. When you experience your essential interconnectedness you see how the ignorance of this creates separation and suffering, so that forgiveness for such ignorance arises spontaneously.

6. Generating Harmlessness
Simply through the intent to cause less pain you can bring greater dignity to your world, so that harm is replaced with harmlessness and disrespect with respect. Harm is usually caused unintentionally, whether by ignoring someone’s feelings, putting yourself down, reaffirming your hopelessness, disliking your appearance, or seeing yourself as incompetent or unworthy. How much resentment, guilt, or shame are you holding on to, thus perpetuating harmfulness? Meditation enables you transform this through recognizing your essential goodness and the preciousness of all life.

7. Appreciating Appreciation
Take a moment to appreciate the chair you are sitting on. Consider how the chair was made: the wood, cotton, wool, or other fibers, the trees and plants that were used, the earth that grew the trees, the sun and rain, the animals that maybe gave their lives, the people who prepared the materials, the factory where the chair was made, the designer and carpenter and seamstress, the shop that sold it—all this just so you could be sitting here, now. Then extend that deep appreciation to everything and everyone in your life.

8. Being Aware
Awareness is the key to awakening. Through awareness you can see your monkey mind and all its mischief. Almost everything we do is to achieve something: if we do this, then we will get that; if we do that, then this will happen. But in meditation you do it just to do it. There is no ulterior purpose other than to be here, in the present moment, without trying to get anywhere or achieve anything. You are just aware of whatever is happening, whether pleasant or unpleasant. No judgment, no right or wrong. Simply being aware. Enjoy!

Does meditation contribute to your life? Do comment below.

You can learn more in our award-winning book: BE THE CHANGE,How Meditation Can Transform You and the World , forewords by the Dalai Lama and Robert Thurman, with contributors Marianne Williamson, Jane Fonda, Ram Dass, Byron Katie and others.

Our 3 meditation CD’s: Metta—Loving kindness and Forgiveness; Samadhi–Breath Awareness and Insight; and Yoga Nidra–Inner Conscious Relaxation, are available at: www.EdandDebShapiro.com