Many people believe that the Law of Attraction says that if someone shows up in their lives, it's because they attracted that person. I know that when I'm in a lousy mood and I get into my car, it sure seems that every bad driver and tailgater in the vicinity is in my lane. I'm irritated, they're aggressive, and we are all resonating together. If you could "hear" our vibration, it would sound like a head-banging, heavy-metal rock song called "Get Out of My Way!"
But on that same road there are drivers who are tuned in to a different frequency. They've got "Take It Easy" playing on the car stereo. They're smiling as all the angry drivers zip through the lanes and wear out their accelerators. These travelers let the others pass and give them no energy or attention.
The Law of Attraction has been misinterpreted by some to mean that we are actually acting as magnets, drawing in and repelling people and situations that perfectly match up with our vibration. This is a mechanistic view of how attraction and resonance works.
Like attracts like, so you will notice, approach, and interact with those you feel a connection to. However, you're not personally responsible for everyone who is on the freeway today just because you chose to go for a drive. You, like everyone else, will always be surrounded by people who are angry and intense, and others who are calmly enjoying the ride. The Law of Attraction simply ensures that you'll notice those vibrating at your level and overlook everyone else. So which song are you going to tune in to?
Colette Baron-Reid
Monday, April 25, 2011
The Lesson of the Morning Glory!
I planted seeds in my little garden this year.
I have never planted seeds before, because I am not a very patient person, and waiting for the little green shoots to rise above the ground, was just too much for me. But this year, I thought I would give it a try. I thought it would be a good metaphor for me, to plant something and watch it grow, much as I have many times, planted thoughts, dreams and affirmations and watched many of them become a reality.
And so, in the Spring of this year, I planted my garden. I chose many types of flowers and among them, Morning Glories. Within a month, many of the other flowers were bursting through the earth, but not the Morning Glories.
Each morning, I would run outside to check on them, and nothing, nothing for several weeks more. I was about to give up on them. I was sure that they just did not 'take' so to speak. But finally, it happened! They had broken through the earth, and were starting to climb. And climb, and climb, and climb, they did....with their big, beautiful, heart shaped leaves.
And so, the saga continued, nothing for weeks and weeks and weeks but more and more beautiful leaves. And I thought to myself, "Well, leaves are nice, but that is all I will probably get at this point." And then, one fine and glorious morning, there it was, the most beautiful sky-blue morning glory I have ever seen!!! It seemed like a miracle to me. I had waited over 3 months for this one delicate, funnel-shaped flower to show up and now here it was, in all its splendor.
It reminded me of just how many times I had waited in life for something I had longed for, and how incredible it felt when it finally arrived, and also, how many times, that I had wanted to throw in the towel, and just give up.
But I wasn't prepared for what was to happen next, with these little flowers, and I was surprised and deeply saddened by it.
Roses and geraniums and daisies and most other flowers bloom and stay around for a while, but not Morning Glories. Morning Glories open themselves up to the world, in the morning, in all of their glory, hence the name, Morning Glory.
And if you look closely at them, you will see how extraordinary they are, both in colour and texture, and that in their centre, is a kind of golden light that shines from within.
But here is the hard part...
At the end of the day, they turn a most beautiful shade of lavender, and then close up, wither and die. They live for only one day, and then they are gone. I cannot tell you how much this saddened me, and what a profound effect this little flower had upon my life. I kept thinking how sad to be so beautiful and live for only one day. And then, I suddenly realized what a gift they were.
You see, it doesn't matter how long your life is. It only matters that you were here, in all your glory, that you opened up completely, and let your light shine, and that you brought joy to those who came into contact with you. That's what matters to the morning glory, and that's what really matters to all of us.
The morning glories make me appreciate every new day now, in a way I didn't before. Each evening, I go and visit with them, knowing those particular ones won't be here tomorrow, new ones will take their place. If we knew when we woke up in the morning, that we only had that one day to really live, life would be very different indeed for many of us.
Now, each morning, I give thanks that I have been given the gift of another day, in all its glory. We can learn from all of life, if we remain open to the beauty that is all around us. And nature can be one of our greatest teachers.
What a profound lesson from such a simple flower.
Thank you, my sweet little morning glories!
Veronica Hay
I have never planted seeds before, because I am not a very patient person, and waiting for the little green shoots to rise above the ground, was just too much for me. But this year, I thought I would give it a try. I thought it would be a good metaphor for me, to plant something and watch it grow, much as I have many times, planted thoughts, dreams and affirmations and watched many of them become a reality.
And so, in the Spring of this year, I planted my garden. I chose many types of flowers and among them, Morning Glories. Within a month, many of the other flowers were bursting through the earth, but not the Morning Glories.
Each morning, I would run outside to check on them, and nothing, nothing for several weeks more. I was about to give up on them. I was sure that they just did not 'take' so to speak. But finally, it happened! They had broken through the earth, and were starting to climb. And climb, and climb, and climb, they did....with their big, beautiful, heart shaped leaves.
And so, the saga continued, nothing for weeks and weeks and weeks but more and more beautiful leaves. And I thought to myself, "Well, leaves are nice, but that is all I will probably get at this point." And then, one fine and glorious morning, there it was, the most beautiful sky-blue morning glory I have ever seen!!! It seemed like a miracle to me. I had waited over 3 months for this one delicate, funnel-shaped flower to show up and now here it was, in all its splendor.
It reminded me of just how many times I had waited in life for something I had longed for, and how incredible it felt when it finally arrived, and also, how many times, that I had wanted to throw in the towel, and just give up.
But I wasn't prepared for what was to happen next, with these little flowers, and I was surprised and deeply saddened by it.
Roses and geraniums and daisies and most other flowers bloom and stay around for a while, but not Morning Glories. Morning Glories open themselves up to the world, in the morning, in all of their glory, hence the name, Morning Glory.
And if you look closely at them, you will see how extraordinary they are, both in colour and texture, and that in their centre, is a kind of golden light that shines from within.
But here is the hard part...
At the end of the day, they turn a most beautiful shade of lavender, and then close up, wither and die. They live for only one day, and then they are gone. I cannot tell you how much this saddened me, and what a profound effect this little flower had upon my life. I kept thinking how sad to be so beautiful and live for only one day. And then, I suddenly realized what a gift they were.
You see, it doesn't matter how long your life is. It only matters that you were here, in all your glory, that you opened up completely, and let your light shine, and that you brought joy to those who came into contact with you. That's what matters to the morning glory, and that's what really matters to all of us.
The morning glories make me appreciate every new day now, in a way I didn't before. Each evening, I go and visit with them, knowing those particular ones won't be here tomorrow, new ones will take their place. If we knew when we woke up in the morning, that we only had that one day to really live, life would be very different indeed for many of us.
Now, each morning, I give thanks that I have been given the gift of another day, in all its glory. We can learn from all of life, if we remain open to the beauty that is all around us. And nature can be one of our greatest teachers.
What a profound lesson from such a simple flower.
Thank you, my sweet little morning glories!
Veronica Hay
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Roaming Generals of the African Savanna
by N. G. Maroa
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros are commonly referred to as the ‘Big Five.’ The term originated among the hunters of a bygone era to describe not the largest of the animals that they hunted, but the most dangerous. Every one of these animals has a reputation for pursuing its attacker with intent to kill. Perhaps the most persistent is the buffalo, which ceaselessly pursues his aggressor, making hunting a life-or-death experience for the hunted and the hunter!
All of these mammals are to be found in the African Savannah grassland, making this continent the most popular safari style holiday destinations.
Most countries in the continent have realized the importance of this natural heritage and now protect designated reserves for the animal kingdom. Kenya has embraced this rich wildlife heritage and welcomes visitors from all around the world who come to experience close encounters with the magnificent beasts. Most of the reserves are well served by game lodges that offer the most luxurious accommodation and facilities available for ‘bush’ holidays in the world.
The Tsavo Game Reserve, for example, is arguably one of the richest in terms of animal habitation in the continent. The reserve is spacious where the wildlife roams freely. Lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes and leopards are very common. In fact all of the Big Five can be viewed at Tsavo.
Other well-known and excellent reserves around the country where one can view the Big Five in Kenya include the world-renowned Maasai Mara, Samburu, Mt Kenya and Nairobi Game Park.
Nairobi Game Park is particularly interesting due to its proximity to the city centre. Very few cities in the world can boast of a natural game park that's within the city boundaries. It’s incredible how one is able to take a game drive and spot the Big Five just at a stone throw from the city centre. Get me right; this is not a zoo; it’s a natural habitat where all manner of wild animals roam free! Within the middle of Nairobi's urban sprawl we also have an indigenous ancient forest that covers over 600 hectares. The Ngong Forest Sanctuary is home to over 400 species of birds and other animals.
In this Game Park in the City, you are certain to see giraffe, leopard, lion and other animals at close range especially at the animal orphanage situated at the gate to the park.
Those who can travel as far as the Laikipia – a pleasant day’s drive along the beautiful Aberdares Range – can also view the Big Five and other species of game at the excellent Samburu and Laikipia Game Reserves – both well-worth the visit for game lovers.
A safari holiday to Kenya is often considered incomplete without sightings of the Big Five. Game hunting is however prohibited in the country but these days most people are content to take home photographs of the living animals rather than skins and hunting trophies.
About The Author
N. G. Maroa writes exclusively for Safari Wagon
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros are commonly referred to as the ‘Big Five.’ The term originated among the hunters of a bygone era to describe not the largest of the animals that they hunted, but the most dangerous. Every one of these animals has a reputation for pursuing its attacker with intent to kill. Perhaps the most persistent is the buffalo, which ceaselessly pursues his aggressor, making hunting a life-or-death experience for the hunted and the hunter!
All of these mammals are to be found in the African Savannah grassland, making this continent the most popular safari style holiday destinations.
Most countries in the continent have realized the importance of this natural heritage and now protect designated reserves for the animal kingdom. Kenya has embraced this rich wildlife heritage and welcomes visitors from all around the world who come to experience close encounters with the magnificent beasts. Most of the reserves are well served by game lodges that offer the most luxurious accommodation and facilities available for ‘bush’ holidays in the world.
The Tsavo Game Reserve, for example, is arguably one of the richest in terms of animal habitation in the continent. The reserve is spacious where the wildlife roams freely. Lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes and leopards are very common. In fact all of the Big Five can be viewed at Tsavo.
Other well-known and excellent reserves around the country where one can view the Big Five in Kenya include the world-renowned Maasai Mara, Samburu, Mt Kenya and Nairobi Game Park.
Nairobi Game Park is particularly interesting due to its proximity to the city centre. Very few cities in the world can boast of a natural game park that's within the city boundaries. It’s incredible how one is able to take a game drive and spot the Big Five just at a stone throw from the city centre. Get me right; this is not a zoo; it’s a natural habitat where all manner of wild animals roam free! Within the middle of Nairobi's urban sprawl we also have an indigenous ancient forest that covers over 600 hectares. The Ngong Forest Sanctuary is home to over 400 species of birds and other animals.
In this Game Park in the City, you are certain to see giraffe, leopard, lion and other animals at close range especially at the animal orphanage situated at the gate to the park.
Those who can travel as far as the Laikipia – a pleasant day’s drive along the beautiful Aberdares Range – can also view the Big Five and other species of game at the excellent Samburu and Laikipia Game Reserves – both well-worth the visit for game lovers.
A safari holiday to Kenya is often considered incomplete without sightings of the Big Five. Game hunting is however prohibited in the country but these days most people are content to take home photographs of the living animals rather than skins and hunting trophies.
About The Author
N. G. Maroa writes exclusively for Safari Wagon
Friday, August 8, 2008
Chips My Eye – Food in Tanzania What to Expect
by: Ian Williamson
When on safari in Tanzania, or climbing Kilimanjaro or simply relaxing on the tropical coast or Zanzibar Island what is the local food like? Bellow are a few of the local dishes you may find.
Chips-my-eye [Chips ] is a traditional dish here in Tanzania. It is egg and chips – but not your north of England two fried eggs and a side order of chips – no – it is a chip omelet. Chips are placed into a shallow frying pan and then as they sizzle away two beaten eggs are pored over the top, this is then cooked into a solid omelet stuffed with chips and very nice it is too. It is not so healthy but give it a try when you visit Tanzania it is nicer than it sounds.
Katchubari: a traditional salad sliced tomato and onion [sometimes cabbage or cucumber may be added] with lime juice and a little crushed bell pepper to give it a kick. The bell peppers are called pilipili mbuzi in Swahili, which is a translated goat pepper.
Japati: or elsewhere roti. These are eaten with coffee or tea for breakfast and sometimes they accompany main meals. Tanzanian cooking can unadventurous and not very appealing to a westerner but luckily, over the last few centuries the Indian influence [especially on the Swahili coast] has introduced some wonderful dishes. There is a place on the north coast of Dar es Salaam that makes a wonderful Japati stuffed with fresh tuna and a little green pepper and spiced with local garlic and fresh ginger.
Chai tangaweizi: This is a milky tea spiced with ginger; the milk, ginger and local tea leaves being boiled together in one pan. Give it a try it is very good and is best sweetened. There are many variations of spiced tea, as spices are readily available and not expensive thanks to Zanzibar and Pemba Islands. Black tea is great in the hot afternoons when spiced with local spices or lemon grass.
Samaki wakupaka: One of many dishes using coconut milk. This is fish coated in coconut milk – this is a coastal or Zanzibarian dish. Also Kuku wakupaka which is chicken coated in coconut sauce
Marahagwe: dried beans boiled in a tomato sauce. Tastes very nice when coconut milk is added during cooking. Many dishes add coconut milk or peanut flour to make the food taste richer.
Matoki: or green cooking bananas or plantain. There are many varieties of bananas; in fact north of Arusha town there is a cultural walk, which winds through several banana plantations with over thirty varieties of banana! The Matoki variety comes from Uganda and is often served mashed. It is softer and more yellow than most variants. In my opinion also the best.
Ugali: this has many names throughout Africa and here in East Africa it is Ugali. This is maze flour cooked with water into a stiff porridge – a little thicker than mashed potatoes. This is staple diet for many Tanzanian’s. It is eaten with your right hand and squashed into a ball and then eaten with food [Especially nice with Mchicha – see bellow] with foods cooked in a sauce once you have your ball of Ugali the thumb is pushed into the center of the ball to form a spoon with which you can scoop up your food.
Mchicha: this is a local spinach there are many many verities of spinach available in Tanzania. Some of them require a little longer to cook that the western varieties but they all have an excellent taste from the very bitter to sweet. Mchicha is one of the most popular spinaches and has small oval leaves and thin stems very good with Ugali.
Most hotels are now serving a selection of traditional dishes. However, if you find yourself on the coast or in Zanzibar – speak to the local people and see where they eat. Even in the towns, there are excellent restaurants that serve the local as well as international foods.
About The Author
Ian Williamson
We are a non-profit organization using tourism to change lives http://www.betheladventure.co.uk we build schools and create groups to help with the sick. This can be done because of tourism. You just have to enjoy the safari and know that you are also helping to save and improve lives in Tanzania – East Africa.
When on safari in Tanzania, or climbing Kilimanjaro or simply relaxing on the tropical coast or Zanzibar Island what is the local food like? Bellow are a few of the local dishes you may find.
Chips-my-eye [Chips ] is a traditional dish here in Tanzania. It is egg and chips – but not your north of England two fried eggs and a side order of chips – no – it is a chip omelet. Chips are placed into a shallow frying pan and then as they sizzle away two beaten eggs are pored over the top, this is then cooked into a solid omelet stuffed with chips and very nice it is too. It is not so healthy but give it a try when you visit Tanzania it is nicer than it sounds.
Katchubari: a traditional salad sliced tomato and onion [sometimes cabbage or cucumber may be added] with lime juice and a little crushed bell pepper to give it a kick. The bell peppers are called pilipili mbuzi in Swahili, which is a translated goat pepper.
Japati: or elsewhere roti. These are eaten with coffee or tea for breakfast and sometimes they accompany main meals. Tanzanian cooking can unadventurous and not very appealing to a westerner but luckily, over the last few centuries the Indian influence [especially on the Swahili coast] has introduced some wonderful dishes. There is a place on the north coast of Dar es Salaam that makes a wonderful Japati stuffed with fresh tuna and a little green pepper and spiced with local garlic and fresh ginger.
Chai tangaweizi: This is a milky tea spiced with ginger; the milk, ginger and local tea leaves being boiled together in one pan. Give it a try it is very good and is best sweetened. There are many variations of spiced tea, as spices are readily available and not expensive thanks to Zanzibar and Pemba Islands. Black tea is great in the hot afternoons when spiced with local spices or lemon grass.
Samaki wakupaka: One of many dishes using coconut milk. This is fish coated in coconut milk – this is a coastal or Zanzibarian dish. Also Kuku wakupaka which is chicken coated in coconut sauce
Marahagwe: dried beans boiled in a tomato sauce. Tastes very nice when coconut milk is added during cooking. Many dishes add coconut milk or peanut flour to make the food taste richer.
Matoki: or green cooking bananas or plantain. There are many varieties of bananas; in fact north of Arusha town there is a cultural walk, which winds through several banana plantations with over thirty varieties of banana! The Matoki variety comes from Uganda and is often served mashed. It is softer and more yellow than most variants. In my opinion also the best.
Ugali: this has many names throughout Africa and here in East Africa it is Ugali. This is maze flour cooked with water into a stiff porridge – a little thicker than mashed potatoes. This is staple diet for many Tanzanian’s. It is eaten with your right hand and squashed into a ball and then eaten with food [Especially nice with Mchicha – see bellow] with foods cooked in a sauce once you have your ball of Ugali the thumb is pushed into the center of the ball to form a spoon with which you can scoop up your food.
Mchicha: this is a local spinach there are many many verities of spinach available in Tanzania. Some of them require a little longer to cook that the western varieties but they all have an excellent taste from the very bitter to sweet. Mchicha is one of the most popular spinaches and has small oval leaves and thin stems very good with Ugali.
Most hotels are now serving a selection of traditional dishes. However, if you find yourself on the coast or in Zanzibar – speak to the local people and see where they eat. Even in the towns, there are excellent restaurants that serve the local as well as international foods.
About The Author
Ian Williamson
We are a non-profit organization using tourism to change lives http://www.betheladventure.co.uk we build schools and create groups to help with the sick. This can be done because of tourism. You just have to enjoy the safari and know that you are also helping to save and improve lives in Tanzania – East Africa.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Egypt Resorts And Attractions
by: Constance Blair
| |
If you make a decision to spend your vacation in Egypt, usually you have a choice of two sea resorts – Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh. They both are very popular, but Hurghada is situated in African continent while Sharm El Sheikh lies on Sinai peninsula.
About 30 years ago Hurghada was just a simple fishing village. But now, with it's a resort with crystal clear water, untouched reefs. It has become one of the best Egyptian tourist destinations. A significant part of its fame Hurghada gained as one of the best diving centres of the world. Like all oriental cities Hurghada make living out of trade, so if when you walk along the city, be ready to beat off the pressing offers of the sellers, deserving to make you buy their souvenirs. There are some more entertainments except shopping and diving in Hurghada. You can make a jeep trip to a desert, visit Bedouin’s village there; you can see corals and some natural preserves. Hurghada is also has aqua-park. Fishing is one of the popular tourist’s activities in Hurghada too. Today, Hurghada is known as a party town, particularly among Europeans. Locals and others will tell you that life begins at night in Hurghada, with the many, many clubs.
The best time to visit Hurghada is October-November. In winter there are strong winds and it becomes dark very early.
When you are in Hurghada don’t miss the chance to see one of the most outstanding monuments of Egypt history – Luxor and the Valley of the King. Pharaoh’s tombs and ancient temples are worth visiting.
Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the most accessible and developed tourist resort communities on the Sinai peninsula. All around are Bedouins, colorful tents, mountains and sea. Na'ama Beach is one of the center of the tourist activities. Located just north of Sharm, this area is developing into a resort town of its own. For those who like shopping, the Sharm El-Sheikh mall provides shops with both foreign and local products, including jewelry, leather goods, clothing, pottery and books. Nobody leaves Sharm el-Sheikh without several useless but very pleasant souvenirs. Like Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh is famous for diving too, but it has more diversity in corals.
Those, who choose Sharm el-Sheikh also has opportunity to watch the attraction of Sinai peninsula - The Monastery of St Catherine, Mount Sinai (or Mountain of Moses), Pharaoh's Island and Salah El Din Citadel, Nabq National Park, Ras Abu Galum National Park and so-called 'Coloured Canyon'.
The last but not the least of the Egypt must-sees is Cairo with its pyramids. From either Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh it will be a long trip, but you will never regret it!
When you going to Egypt, be aware that 3-star hotels in Egypt have nothing to do with 3-star hotels in Europe. So, it’s better to choose 4 or 5 star hotel. Probably it saves you from many inconveniences. Often, the large hotels have zoos, playgrounds, discos, bars, a number of pools and even small theaters. So, may be you will to want to leave your hotel.
Anyway, a trip to Egypt promises to be exotic and interesting expierence.
About The Author
Constance Blair
For booking a hotel in any part of the world, please, go to http://www.hotelsrates.net/.
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