Self-love and growth

Show Me Your Temper

A Zen student came to Bankei and complained: “Master, I have an ungovernable temper. How can I cure it?”
“You have something very strange,” replied Bankei. “Let me see what you have.”
“Just now I cannot show it to you,” replied the other.
“When can you show it to me?” asked Bankei.
“It arises unexpectedly,” replied the student.
“Then,” concluded Bankei, “it must not be your own true nature. If it were, you could show it to me at any time. When you were born you did not have it, and your parents did not give it to you. Think that over.”

Dopamine Detox

What is a dopamine detox?
A dopamine detox is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) developed by Dr. Cameron Sepah, a California-based psychiatrist intent on helping people manage addictive behaviors.
Sepah thinks that consciously limiting addictive activities can promote more flexible thinking and increase awareness of impulsive behaviors in people.
Contrary to what the name suggests, Sepah’s dopamine fasting program aims to increase dopamine levels rather than deprive the brain of dopamine. In fact, Sepah is noted in the New York Times as saying that one should not take the name of his cognitive behavioral therapy method literally.
The misinterpretation of dopamine fasting has led to a popular fad of denying yourself any pleasurable experiences with the unsubstantiated belief that doing this will “reset” your brain or help lower the threshold at which you experience pleasure.
What dopamine fasting is NOT
Sedah specifically states in his protocol that dopamine fasting isn’t:
reducing dopamineavoiding all pleasuresocial isolationstopping exercisea form of meditation
Tips to help you detox from dopamine
1. Creating barriers
Original dopamine fasting involves making an undesirable habit difficult to participate in. This can mean:
putting something out of reach or line of sightmaking it inconvenientlimiting time spent with others sharing the habitinstalling blocking apps and softwaregiving someone else control of necessary resources, like credit cards
2. Selecting beneficial alternatives
Once you’ve made it challenging to engage in the undesired behavior, the next step is to pick an alternative experience that promotes your well-being.
Options may include things such as:
exerciseplaying with a petreadingdrawing or paintingcalling a loved onemeditatingvolunteering
3. Understanding underlying causes
Part of dopamine detox is understanding why you want to engage in a specific activity. If your underlying feeling is boredom, for example, recognizing when you’re bored can help keep you from impulsively going to the undesired activity.
Journaling may be beneficial in emotional exploration, allowing you to recognize and put names to the feelings you experience throughout the day.

Grounding Techniques

There are multiple ways to perform grounding—making direct skin contact with the surface of the earth (grass, sand, soil, or water). Grounding methods include:
Walking barefoot outdoors on grass, sand, or soilStanding in humid soil or sand with bare feetGardening or simply pressing your bare hands into grass, soil, or waterSitting with your bare feet positioned flat on the groundLying flat on grass, sand, or soil with your back, legs, or arms bareSubmerging yourself in a natural body of water, such as a pond, river, lake, or ocean

Ayurveda Recipes: Honey Coco-Butter

Feeling tired? Wake up your body with a spoonful of delicious Honey Coco-Butter. This completely natural, whole food is an energy-building treat. Coconut’s stimulating richness restores your vigor and vitality with a nutty aroma that gratifies the senses. It provides a nourishing alternative to coffee that treats the root cause of exhaustion without the jitters of caffeine!
For centuries, people have swarmed to honey, the nectar of the gods, for its tonic properties. The ancient Greeks used honey to prevent the breakdown of muscles after heavy physical strain, to rebuild strength, and virility, and to improve endurance. As it helps stimulate the metabolism, honey can even combat low energy in the elderly or those with weak constitutions. You feel renewed vigor as honey raises your heart rate and warms your core. Honey is quickly and efficiently used and absorbed by the body, providing fast relief.
Ingredients
4 c COCONUT FLAKES
1/2 c HONEY
Instructions
1. Start with fresh, unsweetened, dried coconut flakes. Prepare 1.5c coconut butter according to the instructions found here using 4c coconut flakes.
2. Mix coconut butter and honey together.
3. Optionally add saffron, rose petals or a garnish of your choice.
4. Finally, indulge in a teaspoon, or use as a spread. Honey Coco-Butter does not need refrigeration.

432 Hz: Unveiling the Potential of Universal Frequency and Vibration

A Conductor’s Revelation

The transformative power of 432 Hz first resonated with Ivan Yanakiev, a young conductor, during a seemingly ordinary musical experiment. As his colleague played the cello tuned to this frequency, Yanakiev was overwhelmed by a profound sensory experience, later describing it as akin to “hearing God speak.”  

He found that listening to 432 Hz music not only induced deep relaxation but also seemed to unlock hidden depths of his subconscious, fostering a connection to a greater cosmic energy. This revelation ignited a passion within Yanakiev, leading him to co-found the 432 Orchestra in 2013. He and his fellow musicians now tirelessly champion the exploration and promotion of this frequency.

Harmonizing with the Universe

Richard Huisken, another proponent of 432 Hz, posits that music tuned to this frequency offers more than just a pleasant listening experience. He believes it:

  • Cultivates mental calmness
  • Fosters clarity and insight
  • Facilitates a state of deep relaxation and inner peace  
  • Aligns with the Earth’s natural frequency, known as the Schumann Resonance, at 8 Hz  

Intriguing case studies further suggest that 432 Hz might even facilitate healing and positively influence listeners’ emotional and mental states. Many report a heightened sense of well-being and harmony when playing or listening to music at this frequency.  

Potential Benefits of 432 Hz

While research is ongoing, anecdotal evidence suggests that the calming influence of 432 Hz music may support:

  • Increased creativity, innovation, flexibility, and spontaneity
  • Release of negative emotions
  • A deeper connection to nature and higher consciousness
  • Reduction of stress and anxiety  
  • Stabilization of heart rate and blood pressure through the release of serotonin and endorphins  
  • Healing of emotional trauma through sound energy

The Science of Cymatics

The study of Cymatics explores the interplay of vibration and frequency, suggesting these are fundamental forces shaping the very fabric of our world. Sound waves traveling through physical mediums like water, sand, or air create visible patterns that directly reflect the frequency of the sound.  

Given that the human body is composed of over 70% water, it’s plausible that we are deeply affected by the universal frequency and vibration of 432 Hz. While more research is needed, the anecdotal evidence and the principles of Cymatics suggest that 432 Hz music may hold a key to greater harmony and well-being.