What she has fixed in her mind invariably appears—in one form or another—a mantel clock that is a perfect replica of one she saw in a magazine, a parking spot that miraculously opens up in a blizzard, the ideal companion for a lonely, divorced friend, a perfect location for her husband’s new business. Her life is filled with the blessings of a pure and gentle heart, one that knows how to ask and wait for it to be given.

The more I am in touch with her, the less surprised I am about her clear and prescient way of receiving gifts from the universe. After all, we have seen a pronounced paradigm shift in the last 25 years, a shift in the way we perceive the world and our role within it. We now recognize that there is not only power in our thoughts, but power in the thoughts of the natural kingdom. As humans, we have arrogantly secluded ourselves from the plant, animal and mineral worlds, thinking that we have been the only species privileged with thought and power.

Not so any more, according to two books —Masaro Emoto’s “The Hidden Messages of Water”(2004): and Cleve Backster’s “Primary Perception: Biocommunication with Plants, Living Foods and Human Cell”( 2003)– both released within the last 3 years, in tune with a growing recognition that we are no longer the only sentient species in the universe. These books introduce us not only the secret life of water, but the secret thoughts of plants.

Masaru Emoto, a renowned Japanese researcher and independent thinker, shocked and inspired the world with his high-speed photographs of water structure shot at the moment of freezing. What these photographs showed was that water responded directly to human thoughts, words and even music. Crystals formed in frozen water changed their formation and behavior in response to specific thoughts or words directed at them. Water blessed with benevolence and love, for example, displayed brilliant and symmetrical patterns. Water, exposed to negative thoughts and words, assumed asymmetrical, incomplete and despondent shapes.

Emoto has come to see that water is not an inanimate substance; it is able to “copy” and “memorize” information. Memory is alive and pulsing though the entire universe; the rock in our garden is not just a rock; it carries layers of memories striated like a cartilege beneath its surface—all the more reason for us to give it reverence. Our own memories are carried in our cells; these memories are formed by the words we speak and the thought we entertain in our minds. Emoto says,” In Japan, it is said that words of the soul reside in a spirit called…the ‘spirit of words’ and the act of speaking words has the power to change the world.”

If water can respond to human thoughts, so can plants, claims Cleve Backster in his book. Considered a leading authority in polygraph and lie detection, Backster attached electrodes from his polygraph machine to a plant stalk in order to measure the time needed for water to travel up the plant to reach the leaves. In the process of this experiment, he discovered that the plant could respond to human thought; a thought of burning the leaves of the plant registered wild and erratic movement in the polygraph chart. This was the beginning of his lifelong interest in understanding the cellular communication process, what he calls “Primary Perception,” the ability of plant, animal and human cells to perceive and respond at both local and nonlocal levels.

Devising further experiments, he discovered that cellular memory and communication can transcend both space and time and can be measured: plants reacted to the boiling of brine shrimp in water; yogurt reacted to the death of bacteria even when these experiments were carried out miles apart. In an interview, Backster recounted a visit from a botanist to his laboratory that brought about a strange response from his plants: the graphs showed a wandering flatline that indicated the plants were in a state of shock. Prompted by their reaction, he asked his guest if she had done anything to hurt the plants she worked with.” Her response was comically in line: ”Hurt them? My dear, I roast them to get their dry weight.” Over 40 years of research has bolstered his observation: that plant, animal, even bacteria cells are sentient organisms that responded to thought or intention, engaged in a primary perception that we, of the modern, human world, seem to have forgotten.

In summary, let me quote not from Sufi mystics or poets, but from one of the leading scientists and thinker of our times—physicist David Bohm whose book “Wholeness and the Implicate Order”(1980) is a major catalyst of our paradigm shift. Bohm speaks of two orders in the universe—the explicate or unfolded order of ordinary perception and the implicate or enfolded order of extraordinary perception. This is what he says: In the implicate order, “space and time are no longer the dominant factors determining the relationships of dependence or independence of different elements. Rather, an entirely different sort of basic connection of elements is possible from which our ordinary notions of space and time, along with those of separately existent material particles are abstracted as forms derived from the deeper order.”

We’ve had it skewered all along. We think that what we see with our physical eyes is the whole truth. But this ordinary perception of space and time is only a derivative of the extraordinary and primary perception which we have lost—the power of thought, but which we can retrieve with a shift in our thinking and attitudes –as my friend Debra has done.
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Mary Desaulniers is the owner of Greatbodyat50.Com

From the abundance of cures for lower back pain, it is obvious to me that the problem has become a virtual epidemic. Lower back pain treatment comes in all types, from the simple, to the complex, the safe to the risky, the prosaic to the extreme, and the cheap to the expensive. There is a reason that so many types of lower back pain treatment are available. If you have ever had even moderate lower back pain, you will understand. It makes life absolutely miserable. Just getting out of bed and starting your day, or even lying in bed, can be a terrible experience with severe back pain. Anyone who has thrown out his or her back understands the importance of lower back pain treatment.

The most simple lower back pain treatment involves changing things about your routine. Ergonomics is of paramount importance for this kind of lower back pain treatment. If your bed does not have a comfortable mattress, a better one can substantially decrease lower back pain. If you slouch, better posture can help. If your work place is poorly designed, it can put tremendous pressure on your spine, so just re-arranging your desk can sometimes prove to be a tremendously helpful lower back pain treatment.

Then, of course, there is health. If you live a very sedentary life, you are not doing any good for your spine. If you are overweight as well, you increase your chances of needing lower back pain treatment. Doing regular exercise, stretching, and eating healthy foods can do wonders for your back pain. If it is severe, you can also go to a chiropractor, who may be able to provide some degree of relief and help you get on your feet faster. I have been to one myself, and let me tell you, they work wonders!

Of course, if you have serious damage to your spine, you may need a much more drastic type of lower back pain treatment. In all circumstances, it is better to deal with spinal issues before it gets to this point, because spinal surgery is terrible! No matter what it is, from the repairing of a ruptured disk, to spinal fusion, your spine will always be a little more fragile, and never work quite as well again. You will lose flexibility and be more vulnerable to injury. Worst of all is this– the chances are strong that, after undergoing surgery, you will need further lower back pain treatment.

So a word to the wise: take care of your back before it collapses. Get a good bed for lower back pain. Eat well and exercise as excess weight puts severe strain on your back and spine. Stand tall and watch the way you hold up your back. Protect it; look after it—it’s the only back you have!

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For better sleep at night, visit http://www.thesleepcure.com

 Even though there isn't any way to  change the situation, there are ways we can find some release from the stress through relaxation. A great way to get that much-needed break is through massage. This is a treatment as old as time. There is no doubt an abundance of massaging tools at our disposal. The ever-popular back massager comes in more shapes and sizes than ever before– and in good time because these days we need them more than ever.

Have you heard of a little store called Sharper Image? Well, if you've been to a local mall or shopping center in the last decade, then you've probably browsed through this new-age store of electronic innovations. There is likely to be a back massager in e very corner of the store. This is when you stop, maybe stare a little, and then finally pick up the comforting back massager in an attempt to get a moment of relaxation. Even better, you plop down in one of the cool chairs. Just going for 5 minutes on the back massager is worth the trip to the mall.

If you have access to a computer, hop online and check out the deluge of back massagers, foot spas, massage chairs, and other relaxing devices that are advertised on allsorts of websites on the internet. The Internet is packed with oodles of massaging tools to cure any ache or pain. The best part is the price. You can surf the web stores and locate the absolute best deal out there.

I myself took advantage of this over a year ago when I was in search of a quality back massager. I needed something that was affordable and effective. I found a great back massager at a low price—the kind with a rounded ball that vibrates. You can apply it to your back or even your thighs and your legs. It is a neat little thing and cost no more than $25. Check out the Internet today for your relaxing and stress relieving needs.

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If you want to sleep soundly at night, check out http://thesleepcure.com

Oakland rests in what I think is the most ideal location in California. Just because I live in Oakland doesn’t mean I’m in any way biased.  I have lived in some other really niceCalifornia areas, including Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, but Oakland is by far my favorite location. 

Oakland has the perfect combination of city and suburban interests; large portions of it manage to feel open, and almost country like.  The Oakland hills have some of the best views in the entire Bay Area, and for that reason alone make a lot of Oakland real estate very desirable and valuable. 

Oakland also has some of the best weather in the state, and that’s saying something considering we’re talking aboutCalifornia here.  While Oakland may not have as many hot and sunny days as Los Angeles, it has a much milder climate which I definitely prefer over the more intense temperatures of the Southern areas.  Instead of having temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s all the time, Oakland seems to hover in the 68-72 region a lot.  For many people, including me, this is ideal weather and is another reason why Oakland real estate should have some inherent value.

Oakland real estate is also ideally situated with respect to accessing other parts of the bay. Looking at a map, you can see that Oakland is pretty much right in the middle of the greater Bay Area, and is just a hop skip and a jump from San Francisco.  With several Bart Stations inOakland, and immediate access to the Bay Bridge, it’s easy to get wherever you need to go from Oakland. 

So why is Oakland real estate still so cheap?  Well, because it’s in Oakland, of course.  Oakland still has a bad reputation with respect to crime, and several of its neighborhoods are pretty crummy looking if not dangerous.  However, I’ve been hearing more and more about upcoming projects to revitalize these areas, and I think that owning someOakland real estate now will pay off really well in the near future. And even though I have been tempted to look at real estate in Costa Rica, I feel it is far wiser in the end to look at something closer to home.

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If you have trouble sleeping because you have real estate on your mind, visit http://www.thesleepcure.com

The process was very simple.  First, I compared prices on a few of the most promising sites.  I found that digital photo printing rates generally start at $0.14 each, and can range all the way up to $0.19 or more at some places.  The quality didn't seem to vary much:  most of the websites offered glossy prints on Kodak paper, which is pretty much all I needed for my purposes.  In addition, I found that many websites have special promotions for first-time customers.  These promotions generally involve getting a certain number of free prints or free shipping with your first order.  Offers like these can save you a lot of money, particularly if your first order is large, so try to take advantage of them whenever possible.

Once I decided which website I wanted to entrust my digital photo printing needs to, I had to fill out an online sign-up form in order to create an account.  After my account was in place, I started uploading pictures from my computer to my personal album space on the website.  I then had a chance to select which size I wanted my prints to be and also to decide whether or not I wanted to order any novelties, such as mouse pads or coffee mugs with my favorite pictures on them.  Finally, I verified my selections, entered my credit card number for payment, and that was it. 

A few days later, I received absolutely stunning pictures in the mail.  The colors were sharper than anything that could have come out of my own printer, and I've heard that professional digital photo printing outlets like the one I used specially treat each print to make the image last longer.  If you've ever done any digital photo printing at home, then you already know how the colors tend to fade pretty badly after a few years.  So far, I haven't had any fading problems with my professionally printed pictures.

If you want your digital photo printing tasks to be as easy and carefree as mine are, you should check out a few Internet print shops for yourself.  Once you discover the convenience, quality, and low-cost of online digital photo printing you'll never go back!

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Visit http://www.thesleepcure.com  .

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Who has the greatest need for an adjustable bed? Often people with back problems and diseases such as…spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis in the spine, or someone who's had back surgery recently.

Of course, there could be any number of reasons you or I would need to use an adjustable bed. With the ability to change positions, these beds give maximum comfort, along with…hopefully…a great night's sleep or daytime rest.

Although adjustable beds are an almost necessity in hospitals and other medical facilities, recently there has been a huge upsurge for many beds such as these in the home also.

The adjustable bed provides a reclining position normally around 30 to 45 degrees above level. The upper body position is higher than the lower body position with a little support under the knees for convenient bending of the knees. The bed should ideally provide sufficient support to the curves of the spine relieving body pressure through the night and day. This helps you to get up refreshed after a good night's sleep.

Individual preference is of utmost importance when making a choice of adjustable beds and mattresses. There is no single predetermined quality or type. Ultimately, it is your choice and comfort. You have to decide which type of mattress offers you the best comfort and relief from joint pains and body aches.

However, a few simple guidelines can help you choose the ideal adjustable bed for your comfort. The base of such beds performs the main functions.

1. Choose a reputed company for the base, like Golden Technologies,Inc.

2. Additionally, check if the base has sealed motors, which offer easier maintenance and quietness.

3. Your bed should also have wheels for easy movement. These wheels will help if you need to move it for cleaning. Besides, wheels increase transportability, so you can move it to any room or from one place to another.

Choose adjustable beds offering technical support for easy assembling and disassembling. You may not always need to use the bed; so, if you have to dismantle and put it back together later, it won't be so difficult.

Final point…always try to buy the best quality of adjustable bed you can afford. These beds will provide you with years of service and give you the great support and comfort.

Bottom line…how much is your comfort and a good night's sleep worth to you?
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About the Author

Owner of AssistiveLivingMobility.com Mr. Rougeaux has written various articles about mobility equipment and assistive living.

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For more information on getting a good night's sleep, visit thesleepcure.

Costa Rica is really one of the most beautiful destinations in the world right now. I have not been there yet—but that does not mean I know nothing about it. You see, I read books and I check out websites online and from my nosing around here and there, this much I do know: there has never been a better vacation spot for fun in the sun.Costa Rica information is available from a variety of sources. Any source of information on Costa Rica will tell you what a lush, perfect island it is, filled with picturesque beaches and rich, verdant jungles to explore. If you want a warm, relaxing vacation in an island paradise, you really can't afford not to do some research on Costa Rica.

But this information is not just limited to vacation options. There is plenty of information about  Costa Rica real estate as well, and according to many sources, it is a great time to invest in properties or land on the island. Not only will you have a vacation home in one of the most idyllic of destinations, but you will have an investment virtually guaranteed to rise in value as more and more people decide to investigate this beautiful location. If you are interested in Costa Rica as a real estate investment, you really have to go down in person to investigate the state of the market. This is always a good idea anyway because there is nothing more foolish than buying a house or a property without seeing it first.

The best Costa Rica advice I’ve received comes from a good friend: “Spend a lot of time exploring, and don’t worry too much about scheduling out every single thing which you want to do. Sure, you should take tours and such, and explore the jungles, but Costa Rica is a home to so many expatriates, backpackers, and other interesting folks from all over the world, that there is really no better way to learn about it than simply by wandering around. Don’t think you have to buy anything yet. Just relax, explore the island before you decide on what you want to do.”

You know, he’s right. I should just relax and see Costa Rica as a holiday adventure first. There is no substitute for getting acquainted with the locals and finding out what the island is about and how hot the real estate market really is. There is no reason to worry about how you will meet people once you get there, as there are so many friendly people everywhere on the island. They can give you more information about Costa Rica than can any book or website.

There is no hurry either. I have all the time in the world —because I still have my home base in
Oakland. I‘m excited about real estate in Costa Rica, but I ‘m also determined I won’t lose any sleep over it.

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Have problems sleeping? Check out   www.thesleepcure.com

Everyone knows that the only way to lose weight is to decrease your consumption of food and increase the amount of food that your body ‘burns’. Many people complain that even when they cut down their intake, they still do not lose very much weight. One problem may be that, even with increased exercise, they are not ‘burning’ enough calories. One possible solution is by trying the coffee diet.

The basic premise is that under this program, and with a decrease in eating and an increase in exercise, your body’s metabolism will be increased and you will ‘burn’ more calories. In addition, the increase in coffee will also help to suppress your appetite, particularly your appetite for carbohydrates. Looks like you win all the way around using the coffee diet. Under the coffee diet, you need to drink more coffee. You should also consume a normal breakfast in the morning to get your body’s metabolism working to help burn off your excess weight. 

The idea is that you do not have to make any great changes in your lifestyle. Each cup of coffee contains about 100 mg of caffeine. On the coffee diet, after you drink your coffee, your metabolic rate can increase as much as 10%. For a person not used to drinking coffee, the coffee diet can increase the metabolism even more. When your metabolic rate is increased while on the coffee diet, you burn more calories than before even when you are not active.

Although you may think the idea of a coffee diet might just be another fad, there have been some scientific studies made on its use. The results showed that some people, but of course not everyone, benefited from the coffee diet.

The only problem I see with this diet is the sleeplessness that will result from the caffeine. I have a hard time sleeping as it is. Drinking 5-6 cups of coffee a day will keep me up all night. Even though I like the whole concept behind it—it is not for me.   

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If you, like me, have problems sleeping at night—make a visit to www.thesleepcure.com

Oakland has the best location in California.  Though it is of course an East Bay city, it is centered almost exactly in the middle of the greater Bay Area.  Hopping over toSan Francisco is a piece of cake; the bay bridge takes you there in 15 minutes (without traffic of course!), or you can hop on BART from several different Oakland based stations. Oakland, California is also right next to Berkeley,Walnut Creek, Hayward, and isn’t too far from San Jose or Marin.

Oakland, California has some of the best weather in the Bay Area as well. San Francisco is prone to heavy fog and always seems to be colder than it should be, while the more southern or eastern cities like San Jose or Walnut Creek are often too hot. Oakland is just right.  If you like moderate climates that hover in the upper 60’s and lower 70’s with a very short rainy season, an extremely short winter, and never any snow, then you’ll love Oakland, California.

Oakland has something of a bad reputation when it comes to crime, and not without reason.  There are indeed several areas of Oakland that are somewhat scary, violent neighborhoods.  While Oakland, California never tops the charts, it’s always up there on the list of cities with the highest per capita murder ratio.  However, many cities have bad areas, and that shouldn’t deter you from looking into Oakland as a place to stay or live.  In some ways, this reputation of  Oakland’s may work for you, in that the real estate in Oakland is considerably less expensive than it should be considering its ideal location. The bonus is that there area plenty of safe, low crime areas of  Oakland—and you won’t pay a fortune for them. Many people, including myself, are speculating that because of its ideal location, Oakland is going to get some major renovations in the near future.  The location is just too valuable to let it go without realizing its full potential, and Oakland is already steadily getting better every year. 

Oakland has character, it has a unique charm of its own, and it has a bright future.  I’m not biased or anything, but I think Oakland, California is the best place to live on the planet. 

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For the best information on sleep and sleep cures, visit http://www.thesleepcure.com

Many radical religious people try to scare us with tales of end times, the so-called coming end of the world. Books such as “Nostradamus” and Tim LaHayne's “Left Behind” series tell us that the end is coming, that the hour is at hand and that we must all repent or be quickly destroyed by the wrath of God, but this is nothing new. People have been talking about end times since before the coming of Jesus Christ, and they will be talking about end times as long as end times have yet to come. In truth, as far as I'm concerned, nothing ever ends.

For me, this end times talk can be a pointless waste of time, a way for some people to worry about things they have no control over while their lives pass by them. Religion can be a very good thing, providing many people with the spiritual guidance that they need to live good, healthy lives, but it should not prevent them from enjoying the present. Thinking about the apocalypse all the time is just downright unhealthy for the mind and the soul. We should keep ourselves here and now I think, and try to live this life the best that we can. The end will come for us all eventually, why spend all our time worrying about it before hand?

And the people who talk about end times always seem to enjoy being the harbinger of bad news. They seem to love crisis. They seem to be eager for the apocalypse to arrive, but have they even considered the possibility that perhaps it was going to be a bad time for them as well? But such thoughts never enter these people’s minds – they are too concerned with self-importance because they have made themselves to be the prophets of doom. Because they enjoy the thought of other people suffering for their sins, they never seem to understand that it is far better to have a positive vision for the world and that it would be better to see no-one suffer. Worldwide calamity would be unpleasant for all.

There is a way that thinking about end times can be good for us—and that is to use end times as a catalyst to get our lives in order. Thinking that we don't have much time left to live on earth, we can get to the business of living our current lives as best we can, so that we can be ready for the world to end. This kind of living for the moment I feel is very good for the soul. We must learn to appreciate life now as it is.

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For information on how to sleep better at night, visit

 http://thesleepcure.com/index1.html