consciouslifenews--2020-04-30--What Are the Different Ways You Can Impact Professional Growth?

The well-being of any company is dependent on how engaged and motivated the employees feel at the workplace .
One of the excellent ways to achieve this is by nurturing employee skills and to actively & consistently promote their professional development activities .
Driving professional growth in employees also helps you build loyalty in your teams as it shows your willingness to contribute to your employees ' growth and success .
Professional development is nothing but ongoing training , certification , and education that employees need to succeed in their careers .
Also known as professional learning or continuing education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to teach workers/employees the skills needed to succeed in their respective profiles .
There are numerous benefits of professional development initiatives , such as : • Apart from the supplemental training benefits for an individual 's role , professional development programs help the employees to enhance their value and ensure they remain relevant in their respective career fields .
• Employees that continuously engage in professional development feel much more confident and enjoy higher chances of success in their line of work .
• Professional development can open multiple doors to new opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' capabilities keep pace with the current standards of peers in the same field .
• Allow participants to make a meaningful contribution to their team , such as assisting them in advancing in their career and moving into new positions where they can lead , influence , manage , coach , and mentor others .
• Based on the profession , continuous professional development training ensures that the employees maintain and enhance the knowledge and skills needed to deliver professional services to the clients and the community at large .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of multiple generations makes a one-size-fits-all approach completely outdated for employee enrichment .
What is imperative today is the availability of both formal ( such as training , coaching , mentoring ) and informal ( D2C conferences and ecommerce conferences ) professional development opportunities to suit the needs of the modern workforce .
The two most essential elements of a viable professional development program include : • It must allow participants to determine the pace of their development and give them complete control over their educational path .
Here are some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth – One of the excellent ways to impact professional growth is by organizing monthly meetings where you take the lead to teach lessons for employees to learn new skills .
It could either be soft skills such as leadership development , interpersonal communication , or hard skills like advanced excel tips .
Irrespective of the organization you work in , the employees always appreciate the opportunity to learn new skills , programs , and diversify their knowledge/ capabilities .
To hone their skill sets , employees must attend a variety of industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to learn best practices that they can directly apply in their job roles .
Attending such events and conferences allow employees to keep up with the latest knowledge , research , etc .
to stay relevant in today 's fast-paced business environment .
They not only boost employees ' professional growth but also help them acquire the necessary tools to be successful in their professional careers .
Among the other reasons to attend the best e-commerce conferences and driving professional growth include : • Offer networking opportunities : Meeting new people and building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as professional growth .
Forging partnerships and having conversations with clients and vendors can help you gain the required knowledge to be more efficient and productive in your existing roles .
• Opportunity to become an expert : Attending these events and conferences allows you to gain more expertise in your respective fields and work on new ideas to be more successful in your jobs .
• Learning new things : The other benefits of attending professional development workshops include learning about new and effective ways to accomplish difficult work tasks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of business subjects .
The importance of employee coaching in promoting professional growth is huge .
It is , therefore , essential to create a customized development plan for your employees to support their professional development during performance planning .
Start by identifying the areas or skills the employees would like to work on and accordingly schedule regular mentoring or coaching sessions for upskilling and discussing progress .
Regular on-the-job training is one of the most effective methods of encouraging professional development at work .
Cross-training allows employees to actively participate in ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employer .
The ideal way to do this is by offering them the opportunities to learn the skills of complementary positions once they master the tasks required in their roles .
While business productivity is essential , organizations need to take a proactive and well-defined approach to assess and develop soft skills for their employees and managers .
Soft skills are the non-technical attributes that are essential to succeed in the career .
Some of these crucial soft skills include communication , time management , and active listening .
To promote the professional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to identify and offer dedicated training and educational resources to develop this soft-skill development as it can directly impact productivity and morale boost of the employees .
The outcome of a well planned professional development program is that it safeguards the interest of the stakeholders involved , including the employer , clients , and the professional 's career .
To ensure enhanced employee productivity and mitigate employee turnover , organizations today need to find creative ways to keep their employees engaged , loyal , and motivated .
The best strategy that can help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employee experience and retention rates is professional skill development training and various other employee growth initiatives .
If businesses want to invest in anything today to reap the dividends tomorrow , it should be their most essential resource-employees .
Continuing professional development of the employees can play an indispensable role in defining the success of an organization as it ensures that the employees continue to be competent in their profession .

The well-being of any company is dependent on how engaged and motivated the employees feel at the workplace. One of the excellent ways to achieve this is by nurturing employee skills and to actively & consistently promote their professional development activities.
Driving professional growth in employees also helps you build loyalty in your teams as it shows your willingness to contribute to your employees' growth and success.
Importance of Professional Development Programs
Professional development is nothing but ongoing training, certification, and education that employees need to succeed in their careers. Also known as professional learning or continuing education, professional development programs are primarily designed to teach workers/employees the skills needed to succeed in their respective profiles.
There are numerous benefits of professional development initiatives, such as:
Apart from the supplemental training benefits for an individual's role, professional development programs help the employees to enhance their value and ensure they remain relevant in their respective career fields.
Employees that continuously engage in professional development feel much more confident and enjoy higher chances of success in their line of work.
Professional development can open multiple doors to new opportunities for employees.
Ensures that employees' capabilities keep pace with the current standards of peers in the same field.
Allow participants to make a meaningful contribution to their team, such as assisting them in advancing in their career and moving into new positions where they can lead, influence, manage, coach, and mentor others.
Based on the profession, continuous professional development training ensures that the employees maintain and enhance the knowledge and skills needed to deliver professional services to the clients and the community at large.
However, the fact that the modern workforce comprises of multiple generations makes a one-size-fits-all approach completely outdated for employee enrichment.
What is imperative today is the availability of both formal (such as training, coaching, mentoring) and informal (D2C conferences and ecommerce conferences) professional development opportunities to suit the needs of the modern workforce.
The two most essential elements of a viable professional development program include:
It must allow participants to determine the pace of their development and give them complete control over their educational path.
It must offer continuous development.
Different Ways To Impact Professional Growth
Here are some of the ways you can use to impact professional growth –
1. Promote Knowledge Sharing
One of the excellent ways to impact professional growth is by organizing monthly meetings where you take the lead to teach lessons for employees to learn new skills.
It could either be soft skills such as leadership development, interpersonal communication, or hard skills like advanced excel tips. Irrespective of the organization you work in, the employees always appreciate the opportunity to learn new skills, programs, and diversify their knowledge/ capabilities.
2. Attend Event and Industry Conferences
To hone their skill sets, employees must attend a variety of industry events and conferences such as d2c conferences to learn best practices that they can directly apply in their job roles.
Attending such events and conferences allow employees to keep up with the latest knowledge, research, etc. to stay relevant in today's fast-paced business environment. They not only boost employees' professional growth but also help them acquire the necessary tools to be successful in their professional careers.
Among the other reasons to attend the best e-commerce conferences and driving professional growth include:
Offer networking opportunities: Meeting new people and building relationships is an essential aspect of personal as well as professional growth. Forging partnerships and having conversations with clients and vendors can help you gain the required knowledge to be more efficient and productive in your existing roles.
Opportunity to become an expert: Attending these events and conferences allows you to gain more expertise in your respective fields and work on new ideas to be more successful in your jobs.
Learning new things: The other benefits of attending professional development workshops include learning about new and effective ways to accomplish difficult work tasks and gaining more knowledge on a variety of business subjects.
3. Employee Coaching and Development
The importance of employee coaching in promoting professional growth is huge. It is, therefore, essential to create a customized development plan for your employees to support their professional development during performance planning.
Start by identifying the areas or skills the employees would like to work on and accordingly schedule regular mentoring or coaching sessions for upskilling and discussing progress.
4. Cross-Training Work Assignments
Regular on-the-job training is one of the most effective methods of encouraging professional development at work. Cross-training allows employees to actively participate in ongoing tasks and make them valued by the employer.
The ideal way to do this is by offering them the opportunities to learn the skills of complementary positions once they master the tasks required in their roles.
5. Identify and Fill Soft Skills Gaps
While business productivity is essential, organizations need to take a proactive and well-defined approach to assess and develop soft skills for their employees and managers.
Soft skills are the non-technical attributes that are essential to succeed in the career. Some of these crucial soft skills include communication, time management, and active listening.
To promote the professional development of the employees, organizations need to identify and offer dedicated training and educational resources to develop this soft-skill development as it can directly impact productivity and morale boost of the employees.
Conclusion
The outcome of a well planned professional development program is that it safeguards the interest of the stakeholders involved, including the employer, clients, and the professional's career.
To ensure enhanced employee productivity and mitigate employee turnover, organizations today need to find creative ways to keep their employees engaged, loyal, and motivated.
The best strategy that can help employers to build the foundation of enhanced employee experience and retention rates is professional skill development training and various other employee growth initiatives.
If businesses want to invest in anything today to reap the dividends tomorrow, it should be their most essential resource-employees. Continuing professional development of the employees can play an indispensable role in defining the success of an organization as it ensures that the employees continue to be competent in their profession.


consciouslifenews--2020-04-30--Cultivating Inclusive Virtual Teams

Cultivating Inclusive Virtual Teams

Subtle acts of exclusion ( SAEs ) , previously known as “ microaggressions ” , are passive statements or acts of oppression .
Everyone is susceptible to them , and nearly everyone has initiated one .
Much like unconscious bias , no one is immune to subtle acts of exclusion .
The tricky thing with subtle acts of exclusion is that they seem small , almost insignificant .
Yet their impact is lasting and can cause long-term internal damage , as well continue the systemic cycle of oppression through stereotyping , assumptions and outdated ideas of realities .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remote working policies .
While these efforts are commendable , and extremely important , virtual workplaces can be a breeding ground for SAEs .
It is paramount to the success of any organization to continue fostering a sense of inclusion and maintain accountability , even without the face-to-face interaction .
Subtle acts of exclusion thrive in online worlds where you can hide your face or name from those that you ’ re interacting with .
In order to maintain a sense of community , culture and inclusion , we need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education , now more than ever .
SAEs come from stereotyping and assuming .
In the virtual work space , this could look something like assuming employees with children have enough room in their home to work without interruption .
Even though the reality is many single-family living spaces don ’ t have spare rooms where we can lock ourselves away to work .
Along those same lines , many parents are without childcare during this pandemic , so they ’ re trying to balance providing childcare while also meeting deadlines .
Having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one timeframe for meetings or check-ins allows parents to still be there for their children while maintaining a healthy work mentality .
It ’ s difficult to navigate this new virtual working landscape , but it is doable .
It requires open communication , respect and inclusion .
With communication and meetings now being held through messaging software , email or phone , it ’ s important to uphold the same workplace respect as you would in person .
Now , I ’ m well aware that we ’ re all adults and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or oppressive manner purposefully ; but that ’ s the tricky part of SAEs — they can fly under the radar .
In these trying times , it ’ s important to communicate within an organization in a way that makes all feel included and up to date on what ’ s going on , both inside and outside of the organization .
In our book , Subtle Acts of Exclusion , we give you clear ways to communicate effectively and respectfully .
In order to understand , acknowledge and prevent microaggressions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for , and why you need to look for them .
Our taxonomy is built with no blame or shame ; like I said , everyone has bias and everyone has committed a microaggression .
There ’ s no point in blaming .
Instead , we want to shift the conversation to sympathy and education .
This book is the first step to self-correction and evolving , which is paramount to the success of an organization ’ s remote working policy .
Be mindful of who you are , or aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working virtually it ’ s nearly impossible for members of an organization to know what ’ s going on/what meetings are being held , so self-advocating becomes difficult .
And while leaving someone out of a meeting may not be intentional , it sends the message that the person isn ’ t wanted , which is an SAE .
Along those same lines , use caution and an inclusive eye when sending out mass emails to your employees .
Even if the email has good intention , if you use subtle acts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolate people .
For example , if you start an email with , “ Hey guys !
” you ’ re leaving out multiple gender identities and saying that “ guys ” ( males ) are the default/generic normal .
Intentionally harmful ?
No , probably not .
But does it make some women and gender non-conforming people cringe and feel unseen ?
Absolutely .
Don ’ t let subtle acts of exclusion set back your diversity , equity and inclusion initiatives .
This is an unprecedented time for all of us , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need of community and belonging than ever before .
Together , we will get through this .
And together we will be stronger .
DR. TIFFANY JANA is the CEO of TMI Portfolio , a collection of companies working to advance inclusive workplaces .
TMI Consulting , a TMI Portfolio company , is a 2018 Best for the World B Corporation .
Jana is also the coauthor of Overcoming Bias and the second edition of the B Corp Handbook .
DR. MICHAEL BARAN is a social scientist , and senior partner and digital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has taught at Harvard University and worked as a principal researcher at the American Institutes for Research .
Their new book , Subtle Acts of Exclusion : How to Understand , Identify and Stop Microaggressions ( BK , March 10 , 2020 ) , offers a pathway to a more inclusive , respectful society .
Learn more at subtleactsofexclusion.com .

By Dr. Tiffany Jana and Dr. Michael Baran
Subtle acts of exclusion (SAEs), previously known as “microaggressions”, are passive statements or acts of oppression. Everyone is susceptible to them, and nearly everyone has initiated one. Much like unconscious bias, no one is immune to subtle acts of exclusion. The tricky thing with subtle acts of exclusion is that they seem small, almost insignificant. Yet their impact is lasting and can cause long-term internal damage, as well continue the systemic cycle of oppression through stereotyping, assumptions and outdated ideas of realities.
In the wake of COVID-19 many employers are shifting to remote working policies. While these efforts are commendable, and extremely important, virtual workplaces can be a breeding ground for SAEs. It is paramount to the success of any organization to continue fostering a sense of inclusion and maintain accountability, even without the face-to-face interaction. Subtle acts of exclusion thrive in online worlds where you can hide your face or name from those that you’re interacting with. In order to maintain a sense of community, culture and inclusion, we need to be self-monitoring our unconscious bias and continuing our education, now more than ever.
SAEs come from stereotyping and assuming. In the virtual work space, this could look something like assuming employees with children have enough room in their home to work without interruption. Even though the reality is many single-family living spaces don’t have spare rooms where we can lock ourselves away to work. Along those same lines, many parents are without childcare during this pandemic, so they’re trying to balance providing childcare while also meeting deadlines. Having flexible work hours and offering more than one timeframe for meetings or check-ins allows parents to still be there for their children while maintaining a healthy work mentality.
It’s difficult to navigate this new virtual working landscape, but it is doable. It requires open communication, respect and inclusion. With communication and meetings now being held through messaging software, email or phone, it’s important to uphold the same workplace respect as you would in person.
Now, I’m well aware that we’re all adults and wouldn’t behave in a disrespectful or oppressive manner purposefully; but that’s the tricky part of SAEs — they can fly under the radar. In these trying times, it’s important to communicate within an organization in a way that makes all feel included and up to date on what’s going on, both inside and outside of the organization.
In our book, Subtle Acts of Exclusion, we give you clear ways to communicate effectively and respectfully. In order to understand, acknowledge and prevent microaggressions, you need to know what to look for, and why you need to look for them. Our taxonomy is built with no blame or shame; like I said, everyone has bias and everyone has committed a microaggression. There’s no point in blaming. Instead, we want to shift the conversation to sympathy and education. This book is the first step to self-correction and evolving, which is paramount to the success of an organization’s remote working policy.
Be mindful of who you are, or aren’t, inviting to virtual meetings. When working virtually it’s nearly impossible for members of an organization to know what’s going on/what meetings are being held, so self-advocating becomes difficult. And while leaving someone out of a meeting may not be intentional, it sends the message that the person isn’t wanted, which is an SAE.
Along those same lines, use caution and an inclusive eye when sending out mass emails to your employees. Even if the email has good intention, if you use subtle acts of exclusion you can lose your audience or isolate people. For example, if you start an email with, “Hey guys!” you’re leaving out multiple gender identities and saying that “guys” (males) are the default/generic normal. Intentionally harmful? No, probably not. But does it make some women and gender non-conforming people cringe and feel unseen? Absolutely.
Don’t let subtle acts of exclusion set back your diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. This is an unprecedented time for all of us, which means we’re in greater need of community and belonging than ever before. Together, we will get through this. And together we will be stronger.
* * *
DR. TIFFANY JANA is the CEO of TMI Portfolio, a collection of companies working to advance inclusive workplaces. TMI Consulting, a TMI Portfolio company, is a 2018 Best for the World B Corporation. Jana is also the coauthor of Overcoming Bias and the second edition of the B Corp Handbook.
DR. MICHAEL BARAN is a social scientist, and senior partner and digital solutions lead at inQUEST Consulting. He has taught at Harvard University and worked as a principal researcher at the American Institutes for Research.
Their new book, Subtle Acts of Exclusion: How to Understand, Identify and Stop Microaggressions (BK, March 10, 2020), offers a pathway to a more inclusive, respectful society. Learn more at subtleactsofexclusion.com.


consciouslifenews--2020-04-30--Where Is the Biggest Risk for Getting COVID-19? |  Dr. Joseph Mercola

The benefits of being outside may be related to increased vitamin D production and exposure to fresh air Only one outbreak is known to have been passed outdoors German scientists cultured surfaces in one home where people were infected and did not find any live virus ; a follow-up study is planned The authors of one study found evidence the risk of COVID-19 is higher in enclosed environments , such as at home or in transportation vehicles In the life of scientific evidence and research , the SARS-CoV-2 virus has only been around a relatively short time , less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections across the world began to grow rapidly , scientists scrambled to collect data and make conclusions to reduce the spread and improve treatments .
The pandemic has exposed several weaknesses , such as poor preparation with personal protective equipment stockpiles and expired N95 masks , as well as inflexible food distribution processes in the dairy , fish , and produce markets .
The pandemic has changed the world , potentially for years to come .
White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow indicated that health care providers would be influencing decisions related to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning to work and school , people may have to submit to routine temperature taking , stay home when sick and undergo widespread testing , continuing:1 The government has made moves to reduce your right to privacy , as they engage with large data mining companies like Google , Facebook , Microsoft , and Amazon to track your movements .
Bill Gates took the next step , suggesting digital certificates should be used to record your vaccinations , medical tests , and illness .
Yet , scientific evidence hasn ’ t reached a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary or potentially useful .
It appears that instead of addressing more flexible and responsive solutions , corporations are pouring their time and energy into what serves their specific corporate and financial needs .
The SARS-CoV-2 virus triggers COVID-19 infections , and how it is spread continues to be investigated .
Experts believe most infections are acquired through respiratory droplets that are released when a person speaks , sneezes or coughs.2 These droplets may land on your face , hands , or surrounding surfaces .
Experts believe you may become infected by touching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then touching your face with that same hand .
In order to develop recommendations that would reasonably protect people , scientists investigated the environments where the virus appeared to spread more rapidly .
In one study from the School of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong , scientists found that the rate of infection with COVID-19 rose in interior spaces.3 The researchers tracked the number of infected from case reports gathered by the Municipal Health Commissions in 320 municipalities in China .
They did not include the Hubei province where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from January 4 , 2020 , to February 11 , 2020 , included 318 outbreaks which met the criteria of three or more cases being involved .
In total , there were 1245 confirmed infections in 120 municipalities .
Their results support many of the previous estimates that each infected person would spread the virus to two or three others.4 In this study they found 53.8 % involved three cases and 26.4 % involved four .
What was most interesting was that the highest number of infections were spread in the home ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of methods of transportation ( 34 % ) , including planes , trains , cars , and buses .
Only one outbreak of cases — an infection passed from one individual to at least three others — was identified from exposure in an outdoor environment .
The researchers wrote this “ confirms that sharing indoor space is a major SARS-CoV-2 infection risk.
” German scientists are also searching for answers about how the SARS-CoV-2 is spread .
Leading German scientist Hendrik Streeck , professor and director of the Institute of Virology at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more answers .
He told a reporter from the Daily Mail5 that the virus may have a different spread pattern than originally believed .
Streeck cultured the home of one family in the district of Heinsberg , a region with 250,000 people and a high number of infected individuals ( this is not the city of Heinsberg , which has less than 41,000 citizens ) .
While there were sick people in the home , the scientists did n't find “ any live virus on any surface.
” He will now oversee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking more information from multiple homes .
The area was estimated to have more than 1,300 confirmed cases and 37 deaths by April 2 , 2020 .
Yet , in the first home that was tested , he did n't find the virus , even on doorknobs or animal fur .
Streeck commented:6 The unique study planned for Heinsberg will essentially make the city population a life-sized laboratory for the virus .
Streeck was encouraged by the anticipated data , telling parliamentarians:7 The hope is that by having a better understanding of how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help reduce infections worldwide .
Germany has also begun testing for other countries .
Samples tested by Public Health England are taking four days to process , as compared to two days in Germany .
As the Daily Mail reports:8 Long before antibiotics were discovered and widely used , the ocean air was thought of as a cure .
It appeared to improve illnesses without drugs or side effects .
Dr. Thomas Ferkol , pediatric pulmonologist , spoke with a Wall Street Journal reporter and said there are ample amounts of anecdotal evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the ocean air.9 This knowledge prompted a study in which researchers evaluated the effects of inhaled hypertonic saline solution over 48 weeks .
The results added another tactic in the treatment of cystic fibrosis , as doctors now routinely prescribe 7 % sodium chloride nebulizer solution .
Of the last three influenza pandemics — 1918 , 1957 , and 1968 — it was the H1N1 pandemic in 1918-1919 that claimed the most lives.10 It was originally estimated that the flu killed 21 million worldwide , many of which occurred from secondary bacterial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggest the number was likely between 50 million and 100 million .
The fatality rate was near that of other flu infections , between 1 % and 3 % .
The idea of getting plenty of fresh air and sunlight began during this pandemic .
William Brooks , then Surgeon General of the Massachusetts State Guard , wrote an article in the American Journal of Public Health , detailing the results they experienced after treating flu patients in an outdoor hospital.11 When hospitals were overwhelmed with patients , a tent hospital was set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Navy ships docked in Boston harbor .
While taking histories from incoming patients doctors realized those with the worst infections were from areas of ships with the worst ventilation .
Cross Ventilation and Air Flow May Be One Key at Home In an effort to help the patients , they were taken outside their tent on pleasant days .
The Surgeon General wrote the results on the first day were startling:12 At the end of four weeks , the tent hospital was closed as the worst was over for those on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 351 of the most seriously ill were sent to the tent hospital , yet only 35 died , a far lower number than expected considering how seriously ill they were .
Brooks concluded,13 “ The efficacy of open-air treatment has been absolutely proven , and one has only to try it to discover its value.
” Richard Hobday , Ph.D. , is a strong proponent of the benefits of fresh air and sunshine.14 He continues to educate and inform people that many have experienced benefits without side effects common to drugs and vaccines.15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to be exposed to other infectious bacteria found in hospital areas , a current concern for hospitalized patients.16 At the time , researchers theorized that creating cross ventilation in hospitals may have the same effect .
However , it was during this time that antibiotics were introduced and starting to become more common .
This movement replaced the idea of investigating the effects of open-air treatment .
There is emerging information that most are infected with SARS-CoV-2 in enclosed spaces , such as at home , and the potential the virus is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Therefore , opening your windows to create cross-ventilation , especially if someone is ill , may help reduce the spread .
As Ferkol explained to The Wall Street Journal reporter , the sea air helped improve the health of patients with cystic fibrosis .
There are several explanations that have yet to be investigated .
To be clear , none of the research on open-air treatments or ocean air for children with cystic fibrosis mentioned or considered the effect of grounding .
Yet , it may be an idea worth considering .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground helps reduce free radicals in your body , which in turn reduces chronic inflammation .
The effects of negative air ions were discovered 100 years ago ; their effect on health and wellness is still under study.17 Interestingly , there are more negative air ions near the ocean than are found in other geographical areas .
Exposure to the sun boosts the production of vitamin D , which is especially helpful for those who spend a great deal of time indoors .
Boosting your vitamin D levels with supplements will help support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only way to know if you need supplementation is to test your vitamin D levels .
Evidence from the 1918 flu pandemic suggests that sun exposure may also reduce symptoms , along with the severity and length of a viral illness.18 As detailed in “ Vitamin D Prevents Infections , ” research shows that high-dose vitamin D supplementation lowers the risk of acquiring respiratory illnesses and lung infections in the elderly .
As noted by one researcher in the study:19

By Dr. Joseph Mercola | mercola.com
The benefits of being outside may be related to increased vitamin D production and exposure to fresh air
Only one outbreak is known to have been passed outdoors
German scientists cultured surfaces in one home where people were infected and did not find any live virus; a follow-up study is planned
The authors of one study found evidence the risk of COVID-19 is higher in enclosed environments, such as at home or in transportation vehicles
In the life of scientific evidence and research, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has only been around a relatively short time, less than six months. When the number of infections across the world began to grow rapidly, scientists scrambled to collect data and make conclusions to reduce the spread and improve treatments.
The pandemic has exposed several weaknesses, such as poor preparation with personal protective equipment stockpiles and expired N95 masks, as well as inflexible food distribution processes in the dairy, fish, and produce markets.
The pandemic has changed the world, potentially for years to come. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow indicated that health care providers would be influencing decisions related to reopening the economy. He anticipates after returning to work and school, people may have to submit to routine temperature taking, stay home when sick and undergo widespread testing, continuing:1
“We are aware that things are going to be different. That’s going to be a new feature of American life. And I don’t know how quickly that gets up and going, but it’s going to be very, very important because we obviously want to prevent any recurrences.”
The government has made moves to reduce your right to privacy, as they engage with large data mining companies like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon to track your movements. Bill Gates took the next step, suggesting digital certificates should be used to record your vaccinations, medical tests, and illness.
Yet, scientific evidence hasn’t reached a point to make these types of interventions necessary or potentially useful. It appears that instead of addressing more flexible and responsive solutions, corporations are pouring their time and energy into what serves their specific corporate and financial needs.
SARS-CoV-2 Primarily Spreads in Close Quarters
The SARS-CoV-2 virus triggers COVID-19 infections, and how it is spread continues to be investigated. Experts believe most infections are acquired through respiratory droplets that are released when a person speaks, sneezes or coughs.2
These droplets may land on your face, hands, or surrounding surfaces. Experts believe you may become infected by touching a surface where the virus was deposited and then touching your face with that same hand.
In order to develop recommendations that would reasonably protect people, scientists investigated the environments where the virus appeared to spread more rapidly. In one study from the School of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong, scientists found that the rate of infection with COVID-19 rose in interior spaces.3
The researchers tracked the number of infected from case reports gathered by the Municipal Health Commissions in 320 municipalities in China. They did not include the Hubei province where the virus reportedly originated. The data from January 4, 2020, to February 11, 2020, included 318 outbreaks which met the criteria of three or more cases being involved.
In total, there were 1245 confirmed infections in 120 municipalities. Their results support many of the previous estimates that each infected person would spread the virus to two or three others.4 In this study they found 53.8% involved three cases and 26.4% involved four.
What was most interesting was that the highest number of infections were spread in the home (79.9%) followed by a variety of methods of transportation (34%), including planes, trains, cars, and buses.
Only one outbreak of cases — an infection passed from one individual to at least three others — was identified from exposure in an outdoor environment. The researchers wrote this “confirms that sharing indoor space is a major SARS-CoV-2 infection risk.”
German scientists are also searching for answers about how the SARS-CoV-2 is spread. Leading German scientist Hendrik Streeck, professor and director of the Institute of Virology at the University Hospital in Bonnhas, is looking for more answers. He told a reporter from the Daily Mail5 that the virus may have a different spread pattern than originally believed.
Streeck cultured the home of one family in the district of Heinsberg, a region with 250,000 people and a high number of infected individuals (this is not the city of Heinsberg, which has less than 41,000 citizens). While there were sick people in the home, the scientists didn't find “any live virus on any surface.” He will now oversee a team of 40 researchers in Heinsberg seeking more information from multiple homes.
The area was estimated to have more than 1,300 confirmed cases and 37 deaths by April 2, 2020. Yet, in the first home that was tested, he didn't find the virus, even on doorknobs or animal fur. Streeck commented:6
“We know it's not a smear infection that is transmitted by touching objects, but that close dancing and exuberant celebrations have led to infections.”
The unique study planned for Heinsberg will essentially make the city population a life-sized laboratory for the virus. Streeck was encouraged by the anticipated data, telling parliamentarians:7
“This is a big chance for the whole of Germany. We’ll be gathering information and practical tips as to how to deal with Covid-19 and how we can achieve further containment of it, without our lives having to come to a standstill over a period of years.
If there are ways of preventing the illness from spreading in our environment, we want to know what they are, with the goal of finding out how we can freely move about in the environment together.
On the basis of our findings we’ll be able to make recommendations, which politicians can use to guide their decision-making. It could be that the measures currently in place are fine, and we say: ‘Don’t reduce them.’ But I don’t expect that, I expect the opposite, that we will be able to come up with a range of proposals as to how the curfews can be reduced.”
The hope is that by having a better understanding of how the virus is spread, it could help reduce infections worldwide. Germany has also begun testing for other countries. Samples tested by Public Health England are taking four days to process, as compared to two days in Germany. As the Daily Mail reports:8
“It was also revealed today that hundreds of NHS workers' coronavirus swabs have reportedly been flown to Germany because the results are coming back in half the time.”
Deaths From Spanish Flu Pandemic Reduced by Fresh Air
Long before antibiotics were discovered and widely used, the ocean air was thought of as a cure. It appeared to improve illnesses without drugs or side effects. Dr. Thomas Ferkol, pediatric pulmonologist, spoke with a Wall Street Journal reporter and said there are ample amounts of anecdotal evidence that children with cystic fibrosis respond well to the ocean air.9
This knowledge prompted a study in which researchers evaluated the effects of inhaled hypertonic saline solution over 48 weeks. The results added another tactic in the treatment of cystic fibrosis, as doctors now routinely prescribe 7% sodium chloride nebulizer solution.
Of the last three influenza pandemics — 1918, 1957, and 1968 — it was the H1N1 pandemic in 1918-1919 that claimed the most lives.10 It was originally estimated that the flu killed 21 million worldwide, many of which occurred from secondary bacterial infections.
However, more recent algorithms suggest the number was likely between 50 million and 100 million. The fatality rate was near that of other flu infections, between 1% and 3%.
The idea of getting plenty of fresh air and sunlight began during this pandemic. William Brooks, then Surgeon General of the Massachusetts State Guard, wrote an article in the American Journal of Public Health, detailing the results they experienced after treating flu patients in an outdoor hospital.11
When hospitals were overwhelmed with patients, a tent hospital was set up on Corey Hill for sailors on the Navy ships docked in Boston harbor. While taking histories from incoming patients doctors realized those with the worst infections were from areas of ships with the worst ventilation.
Cross Ventilation and Air Flow May Be One Key at Home
In an effort to help the patients, they were taken outside their tent on pleasant days. The Surgeon General wrote the results on the first day were startling:12
“The charts of these patients are very instructive and clearly demonstrate the great value of plenty of air and sunshine for patients suffering from influenza and pneumonia.”
At the end of four weeks, the tent hospital was closed as the worst was over for those on the Navy ships. During that time, 351 of the most seriously ill were sent to the tent hospital, yet only 35 died, a far lower number than expected considering how seriously ill they were. Brooks concluded,13 “The efficacy of open-air treatment has been absolutely proven, and one has only to try it to discover its value.”
Richard Hobday, Ph.D., is a strong proponent of the benefits of fresh air and sunshine.14 He continues to educate and inform people that many have experienced benefits without side effects common to drugs and vaccines.15 Those who were treated outside were less likely to be exposed to other infectious bacteria found in hospital areas, a current concern for hospitalized patients.16
At the time, researchers theorized that creating cross ventilation in hospitals may have the same effect. However, it was during this time that antibiotics were introduced and starting to become more common. This movement replaced the idea of investigating the effects of open-air treatment.
There is emerging information that most are infected with SARS-CoV-2 in enclosed spaces, such as at home, and the potential the virus is not spread through contact with inanimate objects. Therefore, opening your windows to create cross-ventilation, especially if someone is ill, may help reduce the spread.
The Sea and Pulmonary Infections
As Ferkol explained to The Wall Street Journal reporter, the sea air helped improve the health of patients with cystic fibrosis. There are several explanations that have yet to be investigated.
To be clear, none of the research on open-air treatments or ocean air for children with cystic fibrosis mentioned or considered the effect of grounding. Yet, it may be an idea worth considering. Simply placing your bare feet on the ground helps reduce free radicals in your body, which in turn reduces chronic inflammation.
The effects of negative air ions were discovered 100 years ago; their effect on health and wellness is still under study.17 Interestingly, there are more negative air ions near the ocean than are found in other geographical areas.
Exposure to the sun boosts the production of vitamin D, which is especially helpful for those who spend a great deal of time indoors. Boosting your vitamin D levels with supplements will help support your immune system. However, the only way to know if you need supplementation is to test your vitamin D levels.
Evidence from the 1918 flu pandemic suggests that sun exposure may also reduce symptoms, along with the severity and length of a viral illness.18 As detailed in “Vitamin D Prevents Infections,” research shows that high-dose vitamin D supplementation lowers the risk of acquiring respiratory illnesses and lung infections in the elderly. As noted by one researcher in the study:19


consciouslifenews--2020-04-30--Your May 2020 Energy Forecast – Deep, Intense Possibilities

May 2020 is full of possibilities , but it ’ s not for the faint of heart .
Going into the month of May , Pluto is already retrograde ( it went there April 26 ) and that ’ s a reliable harbinger of the intensity , opportunities , and deep waters that make up this month .
I feel like the three big themes for May are a continuation of the three themes from April .
So if you have a moment , click on this link and check out that video ( if you missed it or want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sake of efficiency , here are April ’ s themes in summary : • Truly living in the moment ( not just talking about it or hoping for it ) .
Now let ’ s look at the three big themes for May : • Becoming aware of /breaking old ( deep ! )
patterns .
• Learning to be with our emotions in their full intensity .
As I go through the four key dates of this month , I think you ’ ll understand why these are themes I chose .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but these are the ones that my guides underlined .
Four Key Dates for May 2020 : May 5 – The Lunar Nodes Change from Capricorn/Cancer to Sagittarius/Gemini .
The lunar nodes are not celestial bodies , but orbital nodes of the moon — two points ( North and South ) at which the orbit of the Moon intersects the ecliptic .
What really matters about them , though , is that they are the map of our soul ’ s growth ( individually and collectively ) .
They change roughly every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ve been ( created a lot of karma — the South Node ) and where we need to go for our soul ’ s expansion and more balance ( the North Node ) .
The South and North Nodes are always complimentary zodiac pairs .
This means that they are opposite each other on the astrological wheel of 12 signs .
And it also means that together , they create a kind of balance within us .
For May 5 , I ’ m honestly less interested in the new lesson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more interested in acknowledging our “ graduation ” from expressing too much Capricorn energy ( our past/the South Node ) into more Cancer energy ( our growth/the North Node ) .
Covid has literally forced us to cram for and complete this lesson .
Capricorn is the masculine “ father ” energy of work , work , work .
It ’ s steadfast , logical ( rather than emotional ) and outwardly successful/focused .
Whereas Cancer relates to home and family , nurturing , and emotions .
It ’ s the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ literally forced so many of us to leave work and to break the pattern of being work-oriented and success-driven .
And it has sent us home to be with our family/loved ones .
It doesn ’ t get any more Capricorn-turning-Cancer than that !
I ’ ll comment on our next nodal lesson ( of moving toward more Gemini energy ) below when I talk about the Gemini new moon .
MAY 7 – Full Scorpio Supermoon at 3:45 am Pacific Full moons are about completions .
For me , they mark a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the extra light shining through the night .
The moon represents the sacral ( water/tidal ) feminine and so does Scorpio because it ’ s a water sign .
The full moon is the most intense lunar phase energetically and Scorpio is the most intense sign of the zodiac .
The moon is about our emotional/feminine and Scorpio is a water sign so it ’ s all about our emotions too .
A supermoon is more intense than a regular full moon due to it ’ s proximity to the earth .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ just went retrograde April 26 which means it ’ s time to dive deep into our past and our patterns because Scorpio likes to dig deep and look underneath all the metaphorical carpets .
Basically , what this all adds up to is a whole lot of intense emotionality and some of it possibly being tied to really old patterns that we recognize if we dare to review our history during this Pluto retrograde .
The challenge here is to LOVE/ACCEPT what you dig up .
And to allow your emotions to exist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotions fully ) creates healing .
It could be very productive to do shadow work at this time because shadow digs deep in true Scorpio style and it invites us to love and embrace all parts .
If you ’ d like to discover the gift of the shadow qualities in each of your chakras , check out my video playlist here .
Scorpio is also about sexuality and sensuality , so you may find yourself exploring that too .
I ’ m kind of cheating here by including four days as one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be highlighted .
In the middle of May with Pluto already retrograde , three other major planets go into retrograde in the short span of four days !
This period is asking us to slow down , look back , and look within .
MAY 11 – Saturn , the big heavy planet of law and limits .
MAY 13 – Venus the sweet planet of love , relationships , beauty , and abundance .
( Note : Someone from the past may come back ) MAY 14 – Jupiter , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All of them together will create a soup of great growth for anyone who ’ s willing to take the time to really review these areas of their life .
These planets are big so they ’ ll be retrograde for a few months .
This means you can ’ t stop all forward movement and progress , but if you need to go forward in the last part of May , I recommend doing it more slowly , deliberately , and consciously .
Note also during this mid-May period when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heaviness ( especially on the 11th with Saturn ) and a need to pause for a bit .
May 22 – New Moon In Gemini at 10:38 am Pacific New moons mark the beginning of a fresh , new cycle , so they ’ re all about setting a powerful intention or two ( and it ’ s best if you can do some sort of candle lighting or another ritual around it ) .
Gemini , which you might recall is now our new North Node “ lesson ” is all about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and having lots of ideas and variety .
It ’ s also related to embracing your inner “ twins ” — your duality .
Here are a few questions I came up with to help you find a powerful Gemini-related intention for this new moon .
What are your social needs ?
How do you want to engage with and process ( social and “ regular ” ) media ?
How do you want to communicate with yourself and others ?
How do you want to work with your inner duality ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that interests you the most and sow some powerful new seeds !
May feels super duper potent to me , Dear One .
Please share experience of it here on my youtube channel .

Video Source: chakraboosters
May 2020 is full of possibilities, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Going into the month of May, Pluto is already retrograde (it went there April 26) and that’s a reliable harbinger of the intensity, opportunities, and deep waters that make up this month.
I feel like the three big themes for May are a continuation of the three themes from April. So if you have a moment, click on this link and check out that video (if you missed it or want a refresher).
And for the sake of efficiency, here are April’s themes in summary:
Forging new soul-driven self. Creating more authentic forms of communication. Truly living in the moment (not just talking about it or hoping for it).
Now let’s look at the three big themes for May:
Becoming aware of /breaking old (deep!) patterns. Learning to be with our emotions in their full intensity. Creating a new relationship with abundance.
As I go through the four key dates of this month, I think you’ll understand why these are themes I chose. Of course, there are many more, but these are the ones that my guides underlined.
Four Key Dates for May 2020:
May 5 – The Lunar Nodes Change from Capricorn/Cancer to Sagittarius/Gemini.
The lunar nodes are not celestial bodies, but orbital nodes of the moon — two points (North and South) at which the orbit of the Moon intersects the ecliptic.
What really matters about them, though, is that they are the map of our soul’s growth (individually and collectively). They change roughly every 18 months and they show us where we’ve been (created a lot of karma — the South Node) and where we need to go for our soul’s expansion and more balance (the North Node).
The South and North Nodes are always complimentary zodiac pairs. This means that they are opposite each other on the astrological wheel of 12 signs. And it also means that together, they create a kind of balance within us.
For May 5, I’m honestly less interested in the new lesson of our movement from Sagittarius to Gemini and more interested in acknowledging our “graduation” from expressing too much Capricorn energy (our past/the South Node) into more Cancer energy (our growth/the North Node).
Covid has literally forced us to cram for and complete this lesson. Capricorn is the masculine “father” energy of work, work, work. It’s steadfast, logical (rather than emotional) and outwardly successful/focused.
Whereas Cancer relates to home and family, nurturing, and emotions. It’s the “mother” energy.
The pandemic has literally forced so many of us to leave work and to break the pattern of being work-oriented and success-driven. And it has sent us home to be with our family/loved ones.
It doesn’t get any more Capricorn-turning-Cancer than that!
I’ll comment on our next nodal lesson (of moving toward more Gemini energy) below when I talk about the Gemini new moon.
MAY 7 – Full Scorpio Supermoon at 3:45 am Pacific
Full moons are about completions. For me, they mark a time when we should celebrate and dance under the extra light shining through the night. The moon represents the sacral (water/tidal) feminine and so does Scorpio because it’s a water sign. The full moon is the most intense lunar phase energetically and Scorpio is the most intense sign of the zodiac. The moon is about our emotional/feminine and Scorpio is a water sign so it’s all about our emotions too.
A supermoon is more intense than a regular full moon due to it’s proximity to the earth. Pluto, the sign that rules Scorpio just went retrograde April 26 which means it’s time to dive deep into our past and our patterns because Scorpio likes to dig deep and look underneath all the metaphorical carpets.
Basically, what this all adds up to is a whole lot of intense emotionality and some of it possibly being tied to really old patterns that we recognize if we dare to review our history during this Pluto retrograde.
The challenge here is to LOVE/ACCEPT what you dig up. And to allow your emotions to exist. Awareness plus embodiment (feeling our emotions fully) creates healing.
It could be very productive to do shadow work at this time because shadow digs deep in true Scorpio style and it invites us to love and embrace all parts. If you’d like to discover the gift of the shadow qualities in each of your chakras, check out my video playlist here.
Scorpio is also about sexuality and sensuality, so you may find yourself exploring that too.
MAY 11 – 14 – Retrograde Palooza!!
I’m kind of cheating here by including four days as one “date” but this period had to be highlighted.
In the middle of May with Pluto already retrograde, three other major planets go into retrograde in the short span of four days! This period is asking us to slow down, look back, and look within.
Retrogrades:
MAY 11 – Saturn, the big heavy planet of law and limits.
MAY 13 – Venus the sweet planet of love, relationships, beauty, and abundance. (Note: Someone from the past may come back)
MAY 14 – Jupiter, the big beneficent planet of luck and spirituality.
All of them together will create a soup of great growth for anyone who’s willing to take the time to really review these areas of their life.
These planets are big so they’ll be retrograde for a few months. This means you can’t stop all forward movement and progress, but if you need to go forward in the last part of May, I recommend doing it more slowly, deliberately, and consciously.
Note also during this mid-May period when they go retrograde, you may feel a heaviness (especially on the 11th with Saturn) and a need to pause for a bit.
May 22 – New Moon In Gemini at 10:38 am Pacific
New moons mark the beginning of a fresh, new cycle, so they’re all about setting a powerful intention or two (and it’s best if you can do some sort of candle lighting or another ritual around it).
Gemini, which you might recall is now our new North Node “lesson” is all about being social, using media, communicating, and having lots of ideas and variety. It’s also related to embracing your inner “twins” — your duality.
Here are a few questions I came up with to help you find a powerful Gemini-related intention for this new moon.
What are your social needs?
How do you want to engage with and process (social and “regular”) media?
How do you want to communicate with yourself and others?
How do you want to work with your inner duality (twin aspects)?
Answer the question that interests you the most and sow some powerful new seeds!
May feels super duper potent to me, Dear One. Please share your experience of it here on my youtube channel.
Thanks, love, and blessings,


consciouslifenews--2020-04-30--Morning Inspiration: How To Overcome Fear and Live To Your True Potential (Motivational Video)

Living in fear can reduce the possibilities for you to reach your true potential .
Face it and you will realize that what lies on the other side of fear is a more abundant life .
“ You can either live your dreams or live your fears .
And I think the majority of people actually are not living their dreams but are living their fears .
So I want to ask you a question .
What are your fears ?
What are you afraid of ?
What are you scared of ?
Cause we all have fears .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that 's holding us back ; and as we begin to look at life , what we realize is that the reason that most people are not living out their true potential , not living out what they really like to do is because of fear.
” Les Brown Tags : `` featured , featured , how to conquer fear , how to have a fearless mind , how to know what you are afraid of , how to live the best version of yourself , how to overcome fear , how @ @ @ @ @

Source: Mulligan Brothers MOTIVATION
Living in fear can reduce the possibilities for you to reach your true potential. Face it and you will realize that what lies on the other side of fear is a more abundant life.
“You can either live your dreams or live your fears. And I think the majority of people actually are not living their dreams but are living their fears. So I want to ask you a question. What are your fears? What are you afraid of? What are you scared of? Cause we all have fears. We all have something that's blocking us, that's holding us back; and as we begin to look at life, what we realize is that the reason that most people are not living out their true potential, not living out what they really like to do is because of fear.” Les Brown
Watch and be motivated today!!


consciouslifenews--2020-05-01--Radical Love in the Age of COVID-19

Radical Love in the Age of COVID-19

As the Covid-19 pandemic rages on , it has become painfully obvious just how fractured society has become as a result… .
particularly in America .
For example , the virus has revealed the shocking and unconscious able disparities that exist between rich and poor .
It has also demonstrated that the line between fact and fiction in the media has been badly blurred due to sensationalized and partisan reporting on all sides .
Finally , the emergence of anti-shutdown protests in US cities shows that we can ’ t even agree on whether to continue with extreme social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Frustratingly , it would appear that politics ( the world ’ s current expression of collective ego ) has divided us again .
However , in these times , the negative consequences of such separation are felt more profoundly due to the high stakes of both the public health and economic crises .
At the time of this writing , we are approaching a quarter-million global confirmed deaths from COVID-19 and countless millions of people are now out of work as a result of government-mandated shutdowns .
In response to both crises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boil over among certain sections of the world population .
The question now becomes : how can we collectively meet this moment in a manner that alleviates suffering while also pushing us closer toward the positive end goal of world peace ?
The answer to that question is radical love .
When Jesus , that inspiring saint , and sage , was nailed to the cross he uttered these words : “ Father , forgive them , for they do not know what they are doing.
” Those powerful words were extended as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They were also an expression of the highest form of radical love .
When Gandhi guided his beloved India to independence through leading a dangerous 24-day Salt March ( which eventually cost him his life ) that too , was an example of radical love .
Martin Luther King Jr. endured beatings , death threats , prison , and eventually his own assassination to liberate his nation from the scourge of racial apartheid .
He too expressed the fullest vision of radical love .
And , when Vietnamese monks self-immolated themselves in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Buddhist monks , that too was an act of radical love .
Of course , each of the above beings is rightfully remembered for their willingness to surrender their lives in pursuit of oneness .
However , one does not need to become a martyr in order to act in accordance with this divine principle .
Fortunately , there are many acts of radical love that we can now all engage in to relieve such widespread suffering and hardship .
Examples include : • None Attending to those who have lost a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is especially telling , that the great Indian Saint , Neem Karoli Baba , taught his devotees that the act of feeding the hungry was itself such a high expression of radical love that it could be used as a path to one ’ s spiritual enlightenment .
It would be wise for us all to resist being emotionally pulled into the political drama of our leaders ’ response to this pandemic .
For the sake of humanity , it would be much more constructive for us all to make ourselves instruments of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After all , this is the essence of radical love : treating the suffering of others as if it were your own AND having the courage to alleviate another ’ s suffering even if it may come at a steep personal cost to you .
The display of that very courage is what imbues the expression of love with its truly radical component .
In the end , this pandemic represents a rare opportunity for us all to undergo a paradigm shift in consciousness from one focused on self-serving egoic ends to one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loving-kindness .
We are all connected .
We are all one .
It is now time to start living that way !
Forrest Rivers is a lover of the Earth and author of the book : The Hippie Revival and Collected Writings ( https : //www.amazon.com/Hippie-Revival-Collected-Writings/dp/1515396959 ) .
He lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado .
Feel free to reach out to Forrest through email : or leave a message on his website : forrestrivers.com Tags : `` featured , age of COVID-19 , COVID-19 , COVID-19 outbreak , COVID-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love and COVID-19 , radical love in age of COVID-19

By Forrest Rivers
As the Covid-19 pandemic rages on, it has become painfully obvious just how fractured society has become as a result…. particularly in America. For example, the virus has revealed the shocking and unconscious able disparities that exist between rich and poor. It has also demonstrated that the line between fact and fiction in the media has been badly blurred due to sensationalized and partisan reporting on all sides. Finally, the emergence of anti-shutdown protests in US cities shows that we can’t even agree on whether to continue with extreme social distancing measures or to begin re-opening the economy. Frustratingly, it would appear that politics (the world’s current expression of collective ego) has divided us again. However, in these times, the negative consequences of such separation are felt more profoundly due to the high stakes of both the public health and economic crises. At the time of this writing, we are approaching a quarter-million global confirmed deaths from COVID-19 and countless millions of people are now out of work as a result of government-mandated shutdowns. In response to both crises, anger and frustration have begun to boil over among certain sections of the world population. The question now becomes: how can we collectively meet this moment in a manner that alleviates suffering while also pushing us closer toward the positive end goal of world peace? The answer to that question is radical love.
When Jesus, that inspiring saint, and sage, was nailed to the cross he uttered these words: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Those powerful words were extended as a prayer of forgiveness for his tormenters. They were also an expression of the highest form of radical love. When Gandhi guided his beloved India to independence through leading a dangerous 24-day Salt March (which eventually cost him his life) that too, was an example of radical love. Martin Luther King Jr. endured beatings, death threats, prison, and eventually his own assassination to liberate his nation from the scourge of racial apartheid. He too expressed the fullest vision of radical love. And, when Vietnamese monks self-immolated themselves in protest to South Vietnam’s persecution of Buddhist monks, that too was an act of radical love. Of course, each of the above beings is rightfully remembered for their willingness to surrender their lives in pursuit of oneness. However, one does not need to become a martyr in order to act in accordance with this divine principle. Fortunately, there are many acts of radical love that we can now all engage in to relieve such widespread suffering and hardship. Examples include:
feeding the hungry
Providing clothing for the poor
Caring for the sick
Attending to those who have lost a loved one due to the virus
Uplifting elderly neighbors in isolation
It is especially telling, that the great Indian Saint, Neem Karoli Baba, taught his devotees that the act of feeding the hungry was itself such a high expression of radical love that it could be used as a path to one’s spiritual enlightenment.
It would be wise for us all to resist being emotionally pulled into the political drama of our leaders’ response to this pandemic. For the sake of humanity, it would be much more constructive for us all to make ourselves instruments of service and lead with our hearts. After all, this is the essence of radical love: treating the suffering of others as if it were your own AND having the courage to alleviate another’s suffering even if it may come at a steep personal cost to you. The display of that very courage is what imbues the expression of love with its truly radical component. In the end, this pandemic represents a rare opportunity for us all to undergo a paradigm shift in consciousness from one focused on self-serving egoic ends to one grounded in the spirit of service and loving-kindness. We are all connected. We are all one. It is now time to start living that way!
Author Bio:
Forrest Rivers is a lover of the Earth and author of the book: The Hippie Revival and Collected Writings(https://www.amazon.com/Hippie-Revival-Collected-Writings/dp/1515396959). He lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Feel free to reach out to Forrest through email: forrestrivers4@gmail.com or leave a message on his website: forrestrivers.com


consciouslifenews--2020-05-01--Vedic Astrology Report for May 2020

Vedic Astrology Report for May 2020

Retrograde energies dominate May , with three planets , Saturn , Venus , and Jupiter , turning retrograde within a short span of time .
When a planet is retrograde its influence becomes stronger , as we revise or correct circumstances to make things better .
Retrograde planets demand deep , focused , internal work .
Mercury also begins its long transit through Gemini this month , with an emphasis on communications , and the ability to negotiate more effectively .
We also experience a Kala Sarpa Yoga , indicating a period of karmic significance we must move through .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 24 , we experience a Kala Sarpa Yoga , when all the planets are located between the nodes of the Moon , Rahu and Ketu .
Kala Sarpa Yoga is considered a more restrictive combination , and at times we may feel less free will .
In reality , this is a time where good morals and positive ethical actions are needed to be expressed .
We can move forward karmically by widening our perspective of life , which increases our awareness and spiritual sensitivity .
Look beyond the material , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with others .
Saturn , planet of discipline and truth , goes retrograde at 7 degrees Capricorn from May 10 , 2020 until September 28 , 2020 .
This is a time to review our duties and responsibilities , and make adjustments if necessary .
You might have taken on some responsibilities that are not yours and it has now become a burden .
Don ’ t be hard on yourself , but find joy in the simple things of life .
We are more aware of the resiliency and inner strength that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months , as things have broken down in our world .
We discover that the qualities of vulnerability , courage , self-discipline , and authenticity are the basis of building a better future and good foundation in life .
Venus , planet of relationships , arts , nature , and finance , goes retrograde at 27 degrees in Taurus from May 12 , 2020 until June 24 , 2020 .
Venus retrograde is usually a time of re-examining or reconsidering our love relationships .
With all the extraordinary changes we are experiencing now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or keeping those relationships that are truly genuine and trustworthy .
We want deeper connections to those we love .
Treat people with kindness and be generous .
Give the gift of being present with others during this special time .
Also , use this period to generate love and happiness within , and not look outside of yourself for validation .
As Venus also rules finances , we reevaluate our budget and spending habits .
Our values are shifting .
Participating in any creative projects are remedies .
Our crucial partnership with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working in harmony with planet Earth is very apparent now .
Jupiter , the major planet of spirituality and prosperity , goes retrograde at 3 degrees Capricorn , while in its debilitated sign on May 14 , 2020 .
Jupiter will be retrograde through September 12 , 2020 , and eventually will retrograde back to its own sign of Sagittarius on June 29 , 2020 , when it goes out of debility temporarily .
The retrograde motion helps lessen the more restrictive energies of Jupiter transiting Capricorn .
Jupiter in Capricorn is more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also can be quite humanitarian , wanting to be of service , and to help those in need .
When a planet is debilitated , like Jupiter in Capricorn now , it sometimes brings forth humbleness .
So don ’ t forget your true value and remain confident !
Let any feelings of humility create an opening for greater learning and growth .
Jupiter is still supporting us in a more internal way while retrograde .
As Jupiter rules our spiritual life , we are in a period of great inner expansion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more profound way to your “ inner guru ” during meditation is possible .
We are re-evaluating our past experiences and gaining great insight in order to move forward .
Jupiter is also conjunct Pluto in Capricorn , another indication of the need for deep transformation and rebirth both spiritually and monetarily .
Mercury transits its own sign of Gemini for a very long time , from May 24 , 2020 until August 1 , 2020 , due to it going retrograde in June .
Mercury in Gemini is well-placed , as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We like the mental stimulation of communicating with others , and exchanging useful information .
But watch for excessive nervous energy , extra sensitivity to your environment , and mental restlessness .
Find an appropriate outlet if you feel too overwhelmed .
Mercury in Gemini can be a great time to learn something new .
Spend time in nature , meditate , do yoga , take a walk with a friend , learn to cook , participate in an art project , or donate your time to a worthy cause , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to our heart .
Debra Infante is a practicing Vedic astrologer and teacher .
She began her studies of Vedic astrology in 1995 , and was certified by The American College of Vedic Astrology as an approved teacher ( Level I ) in September 1999 .
She has taught Vedic astrology to the students in the yoga teacher trainings at 7 Centers Yoga in Sedona , AZ from 2002 to 2020 .
Debra can be reached at ( 928 ) 639-0623 or dinfante108 @ gmail.com for astrological consultations by phone or in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her monthly Vedic astrology article .
You can also find her at http : //ayurveda-sedona.com/yoga-and-vedic-astrology/about-vedic-astrology/

By Debra Infante
Retrograde energies dominate May, with three planets, Saturn, Venus, and Jupiter, turning retrograde within a short span of time. When a planet is retrograde its influence becomes stronger, as we revise or correct circumstances to make things better. Retrograde planets demand deep, focused, internal work. Mercury also begins its long transit through Gemini this month, with an emphasis on communications, and the ability to negotiate more effectively. We also experience a Kala Sarpa Yoga, indicating a period of karmic significance we must move through.
For two weeks, from May 10 to 24, we experience a Kala Sarpa Yoga, when all the planets are located between the nodes of the Moon, Rahu and Ketu. Kala Sarpa Yoga is considered a more restrictive combination, and at times we may feel less free will. In reality, this is a time where good morals and positive ethical actions are needed to be expressed. We can move forward karmically by widening our perspective of life, which increases our awareness and spiritual sensitivity. Look beyond the material, have good intentions, meditate, and share with others.
Saturn, planet of discipline and truth, goes retrograde at 7 degrees Capricorn from May 10, 2020 until September 28, 2020. This is a time to review our duties and responsibilities, and make adjustments if necessary. You might have taken on some responsibilities that are not yours and it has now become a burden. Don’t be hard on yourself, but find joy in the simple things of life. We are more aware of the resiliency and inner strength that we have developed in the past few months, as things have broken down in our world. We discover that the qualities of vulnerability, courage, self-discipline, and authenticity are the basis of building a better future and good foundation in life.
Venus, planet of relationships, arts, nature, and finance, goes retrograde at 27 degrees in Taurus from May 12, 2020 until June 24, 2020. Venus retrograde is usually a time of re-examining or reconsidering our love relationships. With all the extraordinary changes we are experiencing now, we see the value in forming or keeping those relationships that are truly genuine and trustworthy. We want deeper connections to those we love. Treat people with kindness and be generous. Give the gift of being present with others during this special time. Also, use this period to generate love and happiness within, and not look outside of yourself for validation. As Venus also rules finances, we reevaluate our budget and spending habits. Our values are shifting. Participating in any creative projects are remedies. Our crucial partnership with the natural world and the importance of working in harmony with planet Earth is very apparent now.
Jupiter, the major planet of spirituality and prosperity, goes retrograde at 3 degrees Capricorn, while in its debilitated sign on May 14, 2020. Jupiter will be retrograde through September 12, 2020, and eventually will retrograde back to its own sign of Sagittarius on June 29, 2020, when it goes out of debility temporarily. The retrograde motion helps lessen the more restrictive energies of Jupiter transiting Capricorn. Jupiter in Capricorn is more conservative, controlled, and realistic, but also can be quite humanitarian, wanting to be of service, and to help those in need.
When a planet is debilitated, like Jupiter in Capricorn now, it sometimes brings forth humbleness. So don’t forget your true value and remain confident! Let any feelings of humility create an opening for greater learning and growth. Jupiter is still supporting us in a more internal way while retrograde. As Jupiter rules our spiritual life, we are in a period of great inner expansion and spiritual evolution. Connecting in a more profound way to your “inner guru” during meditation is possible. We are re-evaluating our past experiences and gaining great insight in order to move forward. Jupiter is also conjunct Pluto in Capricorn, another indication of the need for deep transformation and rebirth both spiritually and monetarily.
Mercury transits its own sign of Gemini for a very long time, from May 24, 2020 until August 1, 2020, due to it going retrograde in June. Mercury in Gemini is well-placed, as it emphasizes intellectual pursuits and creativity in business. We like the mental stimulation of communicating with others, and exchanging useful information. But watch for excessive nervous energy, extra sensitivity to your environment, and mental restlessness. Find an appropriate outlet if you feel too overwhelmed. Mercury in Gemini can be a great time to learn something new. Spend time in nature, meditate, do yoga, take a walk with a friend, learn to cook, participate in an art project, or donate your time to a worthy cause, are all positive expressions that help us come back to our heart.
Debra Infante is a practicing Vedic astrologer and teacher. She began her studies of Vedic astrology in 1995, and was certified by The American College of Vedic Astrology as an approved teacher (Level I) in September 1999. She has taught Vedic astrology to the students in the yoga teacher trainings at 7 Centers Yoga in Sedona, AZ from 2002 to 2020. Debra can be reached at (928) 639-0623 or dinfante108@gmail.com for astrological consultations by phone or in person. Or contact her to receive her monthly Vedic astrology article. You can also find her at http://ayurveda-sedona.com/yoga-and-vedic-astrology/about-vedic-astrology/