consciouslifenews--2020-03-19--7 Chakra-Related Ways to Cope with the Coronavirus (+ Amazing Numerology Revealed!)

This video by Vicki Howie includes : 1 ) a heart chakra meditation to boost immunity , 2 ) 7 @ @ @ @ @ the crisis — one for each chakra — and 3 ) the amazing numerology of @ @ @ @ @

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consciouslifenews--2020-03-20--The Scientific Benefits of Yoga Therapy: 6 Reasons To Start Practicing Yoga

Being in good shape can not only affect your appearance but also save your nerves , increase your working capacity and raise your spirits .
One of the best ways to achieve this is by practicing Yoga .
It ’ s more than just a sporting practice , it is a therapy .
Yoga therapy can help people with specific health problems , be it physical , emotional or mental , to bring balance in their life .
Yoga therapy makes it possible to adapt yoga to the person and it is no longer the person who has to adapt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prerequisites are required in yoga , everyone starts where they are and progresses at their own pace on the path to health .
It is a holistic lifestyle that relies on the most powerful yoga tools : physical exercises , breathing , relaxation , meditation , nutrition , visualization , etc .
that touches the entire spectrum of human experience .
We have listed 6 reasons why you should start practicing Yoga today .
Yoga is known for its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation .
It improves concentration and allows to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tensions disappear .
Multiple studies have shown that the practice of yoga lowers the levels of cortisol , the hormone related to stress .
It not only helps to get rid of stress , anxiety , paranoia , anxiety , obsessive thoughts , but also teaches not to let these conditions in you , makes you unaffected by them .
By practicing yoga regularly , you become a different person – calmer , more balanced , not subject to stress , etc .
Yoga is not only useful for mental health , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce inflammations .
The inflammation is a normal immune response , but chronic inflammation is problematic because it may lead to diseases such as diabetes , heart disease , and cancer .
With the weakening of the immune system , the body becomes easily hunted by various diseases .
Since yoga has an integrated approach to all organs and systems of the body , exercises , one way or another , strengthen the immune system .
It activates the natural forces of the body and enhances blood circulation , thus helps to better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and leads to greater resistance to disease by increasing the level of immunity .
Many people are battling with blood pressure due to the wrong lifestyle .
High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease : reducing blood pressure could reduce the risk of stroke and heart failure .
Several studies suggest that yoga can improve heart health , and effectively protect the heart against diseases .
One of the major factors of cardiovascular diseases is stress .
Yoga not only helps in reducing stress but also allows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pranayama and meditation lower blood pressure and help fight heart disease .
Chronic pain is multidimensional .
It is certainly less intense , but much more regular , which causes the body to continuously send warning signals to the brain .
The body feels in constant danger and keeps the brain in a state of vigilance .
This creates a state of paranoia , in which the brain interprets each sensation as suffering .
It can be said that the development of such pains is usually complex , and in addition to age-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sedentary lifestyle , constant tension of the muscles , possible injuries , as well as anxiety play a certain role .
Yoga postures release lactic acid , which accumulates in the muscles and causes them to ache and shrink .
As a result , the tense muscles relax , the pain goes away .
Medical studies have shown that regular mild practice effectively deals with diseases of the spine , lower back , joints , and many other ailments .
Yoga is a universal science .
It fits both young and old , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense of positive effect .
With each lesson , you will discover all the new possibilities of your body , stretching will be deeper , your arms will be stronger .
People who trust the practice treat it with respect and understanding adopts a healthy lifestyle .
Bad habits like smoking , drinking , gossiping criticizing disappears among such people .
The emotional state is harmonized , nutrition is balanced , the quality of life in general improves .
Irregular food habits can cause indigestion and constipation .
This can affect the metabolism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential for our body .
By this process , the body gets energy through food .
Yoga can help in improving the metabolism process .
It cures indigestion and constipation .
It also regulates the content of carbon dioxide in the blood , thereby improves metabolism and restores normal biochemical processes in tissues .
When performing various types of asanas , we massage the internal organs , saturate the cells with blood and oxygen .
As a result , the digestive processes in the gastrointestinal tract , the liver and kidneys are improved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sure way to self-improvement and development of your spirituality .
It helps us to go forward to meet obstacles with confidence .

Being in good shape can not only affect your appearance but also save your nerves, increase your working capacity and raise your spirits. One of the best ways to achieve this is by practicing Yoga. It’s more than just a sporting practice, it is a therapy. Yoga therapy can help people with specific health problems, be it physical, emotional or mental, to bring balance in their life. Yoga therapy makes it possible to adapt yoga to the person and it is no longer the person who has to adapt to the yoga.
No flexibility or prerequisites are required in yoga, everyone starts where they are and progresses at their own pace on the path to health. It is a holistic lifestyle that relies on the most powerful yoga tools: physical exercises, breathing, relaxation, meditation, nutrition, visualization, etc. that touches the entire spectrum of human experience. We have listed 6 reasons why you should start practicing Yoga today.
1. Reduces Stress
Yoga is known for its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It improves concentration and allows to breathe better and thus to make nervous tensions disappear. Multiple studies have shown that the practice of yoga lowers the levels of cortisol, the hormone related to stress. It not only helps to get rid of stress, anxiety, paranoia, anxiety, obsessive thoughts, but also teaches not to let these conditions in you, makes you unaffected by them. By practicing yoga regularly, you become a different person – calmer, more balanced, not subject to stress, etc.
2. Reduces Inflammation and Increases Immunity
Yoga is not only useful for mental health, but also for physical health. Yoga can reduce inflammations. The inflammation is a normal immune response, but chronic inflammation is problematic because it may lead to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. With the weakening of the immune system, the body becomes easily hunted by various diseases. Since yoga has an integrated approach to all organs and systems of the body, exercises, one way or another, strengthen the immune system. It activates the natural forces of the body and enhances blood circulation, thus helps to better cleanse the body waste and harmful substances, and leads to greater resistance to disease by increasing the level of immunity.
3. Improves Heart Health
Many people are battling with blood pressure due to the wrong lifestyle. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease: reducing blood pressure could reduce the risk of stroke and heart failure. Several studies suggest that yoga can improve heart health, and effectively protect the heart against diseases. One of the major factors of cardiovascular diseases is stress. Yoga not only helps in reducing stress but also allows you to train the cardio system. Pranayama and meditation lower blood pressure and help fight heart disease.
4. Reduces Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is multidimensional. It is certainly less intense, but much more regular, which causes the body to continuously send warning signals to the brain. The body feels in constant danger and keeps the brain in a state of vigilance. This creates a state of paranoia, in which the brain interprets each sensation as suffering. It can be said that the development of such pains is usually complex, and in addition to age-related degenerative changes, such factors as a sedentary lifestyle, constant tension of the muscles, possible injuries, as well as anxiety play a certain role. Yoga postures release lactic acid, which accumulates in the muscles and causes them to ache and shrink. As a result, the tense muscles relax, the pain goes away. Medical studies have shown that regular mild practice effectively deals with diseases of the spine, lower back, joints, and many other ailments.
5. Improves the Quality of Life
Yoga is a universal science. It fits both young and old, sick and healthy. It gives a sense of positive effect. With each lesson, you will discover all the new possibilities of your body, stretching will be deeper, your arms will be stronger. People who trust the practice treat it with respect and understanding adopts a healthy lifestyle. Bad habits like smoking, drinking, gossiping criticizing disappears among such people. The emotional state is harmonized, nutrition is balanced, the quality of life in general improves.
6. Improves Metabolism and Functioning of Internal Organs
Irregular food habits can cause indigestion and constipation. This can affect the metabolism of the body. Metabolism process is essential for our body. By this process, the body gets energy through food. Yoga can help in improving the metabolism process. It cures indigestion and constipation. It also regulates the content of carbon dioxide in the blood, thereby improves metabolism and restores normal biochemical processes in tissues. When performing various types of asanas, we massage the internal organs, saturate the cells with blood and oxygen. As a result, the digestive processes in the gastrointestinal tract, the liver and kidneys are improved.
Yoga is a multifaceted practice, a sure way to self-improvement and development of your spirituality. It helps us to go forward to meet obstacles with confidence.


consciouslifenews--2020-03-20--Researchers Say Only Way to Guarantee Enough Food in 2050 Is if the World Turns Vegan

It is possible to produce enough food to feed a growing population without another tree being felled , according to new research .
But there ’ s a catch .
The only way to guarantee enough food in 2050 is if the world turns vegan , says the study published Tuesday in Nature Communications .
That way , even the most pessimistic projections for technological improvements and availability of farmland wouldn ’ t see people going hungry .
With a global transition to veganism unlikely , the study explores the options left on the table if we continue to eat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change might narrow those options further .
The study is more of a thought experiment than a realistic set of projections .
But the point it makes is simple : We , as humans , must work out how to make the most appropriate use of a finite amount of land .
While there will inevitably be compromises , the paper concludes : “ Deforestation is not a precondition for supplying the world with sufficient food in terms of quantity and quality in 2050.
” Whether for growing crops , grazing or building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ice-free surface is used in one way or another by humans , today ’ s study begins .
Put another way , only a quarter is left in something resembling its natural state .
Land-based ecosystems house a large fraction of the world ’ s biodiversity , as well as providing food , fuel , energy , air and water purification and protection against the elements for humans .
Forests , in particular , also play an important role in mitigating climate change .
The paper notes : “ Forests store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per unit area.
” The starting point for the study is a hypothetical world in which the global population recognizes the intrinsic value of our remaining forests and halts to deforestation .
The authors look at the projected global population in 2050 and work out what options exist for ensuring the supply of food meets demand , without encroaching on any forested land .
As well as a global average , the study considers whether supply meets demand in 11 distinct regions of the world .
These include , for example , sub-Saharan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Southeast Asia .
The authors express food demand in kilocalories per capita per day and the base projections are in line with estimates from the UN Food and Agricultural Organization ( FAO ) .
Regarding the consequence of a growing population on demand for cereals , roots , sugar crops , pulses , oil crops , and fruit and vegetables , the paper explains : “ Safeguarding the existing forests constrains agricultural development as it limits the expansion of cropland and grazing areas .
Consequently , the increasing demand for food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a growing world population will have to be met on shrinking per capita land areas.
” The study examines how various different factors combine to affect whether or not demand is met in 2050 .
These include the expansion of farmland ( ranging between 11-70 percent compared to 2000 ) , the size of crop yields ( high , low or business-as-usual ) and the composition of the human diet ( ranging from heavy meat consumption through to veganism ) .
Of 500 pathways , each featuring a unique combination of these factors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food while still staying within the study ’ s “ zero-deforestation ” limits .
According to the study ’ s results , 100 percent of scenarios that exclude all livestock manage to supply enough food to meet demand in 2050 .
In other words , if the whole world becomes vegan , the global population in 2050 could eat enough without another tree being cut down .
The same would be true if the whole world turned vegetarian , assuming the area available for crops expands more than about 22 percent compared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ A vegan or vegetarian diet is associated with only half the cropland demand , grazing intensity and overall biomass harvest of comparable meat-based human diets.
” Assuming the world neither turns vegan nor vegetarian , what options are left ?
The study explores various options for continuing to eat meat , while still keeping our forests intact .
Broadly speaking , if the diet of North America in 2000 were to prevail globally in 2050 , only scenarios in which technological advancements produce very high yields or where a large share of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cropland provide enough food .
Scenarios that see global food demand and diets in different regions rise in line with FAO forecasts for 2050—representing a “ business-as-usual ” scenario—provide enough food in all but the lowest yielding scenarios with little cropland expansion .
Women harvest rice in the remote village of Tanjung Alam ( “ Corner of Nature ” ) in the highlands of Jambi Province , Sumatra .
Photo credit : Rainforest Action Network The study does not explicitly model the impact of climate change on food production or how it affects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deliberate choice because the severity of the consequences is uncertain , says lead author Prof. Karl-Heinz Erb from Alpen-Adria University in Vienna .
He tells Carbon Brief : “ We have general effects that are not well-known and it is unclear which one is stronger.
” Erb explains that where nutrients and water are freely available , higher atmospheric CO2 could increase plant growth—an effect known as CO2 fertilization .
Lengthening growing seasons could be another consequence of rising temperature .
But , Erb adds : “ On the other hand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to increased occurrence of extreme events ( e.g droughts ) and , so , reduce yields.
” Instead , the paper makes a general point about the consequence of low yields , saying : “ Apparently , the increased area demand resulting from low yields renders scenarios with richer diets unfeasible.
” As a reasonable approximation to climate change , the authors point to their “ organic ” scenario , in which crop yields per harvest are 40 percent lower compared to industrial agriculture .
Erb explains : “ Organic farming is at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level.
” The study ’ s organic route is only likely to be able to support the FAO ’ s business-as-usual meat-eating scenario out to 2050 if cropland expands at least 20 percent on 2000 levels .
No scenarios allow for an organic approach to food production and global adoption of a North American style diet , the study suggests .
READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE…

By Roz Pidcock | EcoWatch
It is possible to produce enough food to feed a growing population without another tree being felled, according to new research. But there’s a catch.
The only way to guarantee enough food in 2050 is if the world turns vegan, says the study published Tuesday in Nature Communications. That way, even the most pessimistic projections for technological improvements and availability of farmland wouldn’t see people going hungry.
With a global transition to veganism unlikely, the study explores the options left on the table if we continue to eat meat, as well as how climate change might narrow those options further.
The study is more of a thought experiment than a realistic set of projections. But the point it makes is simple: We, as humans, must work out how to make the most appropriate use of a finite amount of land. While there will inevitably be compromises, the paper concludes:
“Deforestation is not a precondition for supplying the world with sufficient food in terms of quantity and quality in 2050.”
“Zero-Deforestation”
Whether for growing crops, grazing or building on, 75 percent of the Earth’s ice-free surface is used in one way or another by humans, today’s study begins. Put another way, only a quarter is left in something resembling its natural state.
Land-based ecosystems house a large fraction of the world’s biodiversity, as well as providing food, fuel, energy, air and water purification and protection against the elements for humans.
Forests, in particular, also play an important role in mitigating climate change. The paper notes:
“Forests store more carbon than any other land-cover type per unit area.”
The starting point for the study is a hypothetical world in which the global population recognizes the intrinsic value of our remaining forests and halts to deforestation.
The authors look at the projected global population in 2050 and work out what options exist for ensuring the supply of food meets demand, without encroaching on any forested land.
As well as a global average, the study considers whether supply meets demand in 11 distinct regions of the world. These include, for example, sub-Saharan Africa, North America, Western Europe, and Southeast Asia.
The authors express food demand in kilocalories per capita per day and the base projections are in line with estimates from the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).
Regarding the consequence of a growing population on demand for cereals, roots, sugar crops, pulses, oil crops, and fruit and vegetables, the paper explains:
“Safeguarding the existing forests constrains agricultural development as it limits the expansion of cropland and grazing areas. Consequently, the increasing demand for food, feed, fiber and fuel of a growing world population will have to be met on shrinking per capita land areas.”
Options on the Table
The study examines how various different factors combine to affect whether or not demand is met in 2050. These include the expansion of farmland (ranging between 11-70 percent compared to 2000), the size of crop yields (high, low or business-as-usual) and the composition of the human diet (ranging from heavy meat consumption through to veganism).
Of 500 pathways, each featuring a unique combination of these factors, 289 are likely to produce enough food while still staying within the study’s “zero-deforestation” limits.
According to the study’s results, 100 percent of scenarios that exclude all livestock manage to supply enough food to meet demand in 2050. In other words, if the whole world becomes vegan, the global population in 2050 could eat enough without another tree being cut down.
The same would be true if the whole world turned vegetarian, assuming the area available for crops expands more than about 22 percent compared to 2000 levels. The paper says:
“A vegan or vegetarian diet is associated with only half the cropland demand, grazing intensity and overall biomass harvest of comparable meat-based human diets.”
Assuming the world neither turns vegan nor vegetarian, what options are left? The study explores various options for continuing to eat meat, while still keeping our forests intact.
Broadly speaking, if the diet of North America in 2000 were to prevail globally in 2050, only scenarios in which technological advancements produce very high yields or where a large share of high-quality grazing land is given over to cropland provide enough food.
Scenarios that see global food demand and diets in different regions rise in line with FAO forecasts for 2050—representing a “business-as-usual” scenario—provide enough food in all but the lowest yielding scenarios with little cropland expansion.


consciouslifenews--2020-03-20--Using Intuition During a Pandemic

Using Intuition During a Pandemic

“ To become an expert in the intuitive process , your mind should be calm and trained to align with universal truths .
Fears that contract your body ’ s natural sensitivity must be encouraged to surface and must then be dissolved through the kindness and understanding of your heart.
” I learned a long time ago that taking action from a fearful state of mind doesn ’ t work out very well .
In the past , when things went wrong in my life , some of the panicked moves I made to fix situations only made things worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I would run to practitioners to help me solve a health problem , and I ’ d end up with a worse problem .
To avoid further ill-advised maneuvers , I started to act on my internal guidance ( otherwise known as my ) in every situation that I could .
I ’ ve learned ways of doing that : tuning in to what feels right inside , consciously surrendering to a higher will ( including praying for guidance ) , paying attention to a sense of being steered throughout the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to get more into the “ flow ” of rightful action .
I ’ ve become better at it over time , and I ’ ve had good results .
By now I can say that most days , instead of forging ahead with ideas and plans , I remain open to the ways I ’ m being guided in each moment .
During this time of COVID-19 , I am doing the same .
And , I have to say , navigating in this way really allays my fears .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m staying in touch with the inner guidance system that can alert me of unsafe moves I might make and also steer me gently and definitively towards choices that are in my best interest .
Sometimes it is through the difficult times that we learn a new and better way to navigate life .
“ Negative ” events in my life were the impetus for changing my decision-making method to a more intuitive one .
Through necessity ( such as , perhaps , a rampant virus ) , many of us may find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strictly rational and fear-based way of operating and embrace a more fluid , open-minded , intuitive way of functioning .
You might say that is the mother of invention !
words , “ With intuition , trust increases , both in yourself and others…You experience less anxiety-producing hopelessness and hopefulness about the past and the future and a more acute awareness of your surroundings .
There ’ s more synchronicity , inspiration increases .
Enthusiasm expands because when things flow , you feel happy.
” Another way to describe this way of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writer The Game of Life and How to Play It in 1925 .
A huge proponent of intuition , one of her affirmative statements was : “ I stand aside and let Infinite Intelligence make easy and successful my way.
” I love this statement , and I ’ ve found many times lately where I can stand aside .
When I received email blasts from integrative doctors with long lists of recommended virus-defense supplements , I deferred to that Infinite Intelligence .
Instead of getting overwhelmed by the sheer volume of suggestions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones I was particularly guided towards , and purchased those specific supplements and products .
I know not everyone needs the same remedies because our bodies are all different , so I ’ m grateful that I ’ m able to tap into what is right for me and my family .
Otherwise , it could get I administer supplements to myself and my family members by having a quiet moment of surrender and listening .
I pick up different bottles .
“ Does my husband need this ?
Does he need this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he needs at that moment .
I ’ ve gotten used to letting myself be moved by an internal “ yes ” or “ no.
” I feel like I am guided quite accurately , often arriving at a supplement that my conscious mind wouldn ’ t have chosen but which I find out in the future was exactly what he needed to support himself at that time .
( There are certain things I give him regardless , like vitamin C , A and D , but I stay attuned to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ give him an extra dose ” or “ that isn ’ t needed right now.
” But , of course , I stay within safe dosages . )
I know that there is a place of knowing that we can all tap into which gives us information about ourselves and our own well-being , as well as information about other people .
This is proven by that show that people can know details about distant people and even physical settings that they should not be able to know .
The information is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gifted at receiving this information than others , but we can all learn to tune in to this “ matrix ” of information , or the cosmic web or Source that connects us all .
And not only are we able to know certain details accurately , but we are also aware of the danger that may be lurking ( that we detect with something beyond our normal five-senses awareness ) .
We are wired with an inborn survival mechanism .
Many of us , including myself , have ignored a feeling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and regretted it later .
And so , I only go to the store if I feel like no part of me is in disagreement with that .
And , I pay attention to the timing .
If I feel like I ’ m getting a nudge to head out of the house instead of later , I go .
( This is not about fear , it ’ s a genuine feeling of being scooted along by an invisible hand trying to move me along . )
If I were to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense come over me of , “ Don ’ t go in , ” I would turn right around and go home — or maybe to a different store .
Even a quick trip to the coffee shop can put us in proximity with just the wrong germ , so it requires another judgment call .
My husband asked me to go buy him a coffee drink , and I felt like my intuition was preventing me from turning towards the place he suggested , so I let him know that and retrieved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the universe didn ’ t object to .
” too much , because even though many times I end up realizing why after the fact , often I ’ ll never know why .
When you ’ re committed to your intuitive guidance , you start to realize that following a “ lead ” that is at first nonsensical or seemingly counterintuitive will often lead to something good — or to avoiding a disaster .
You just have to trust .
I jokingly call it my practice of “ intuitive driving , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you just never know where I will end up .
But I do it all , without apology : intuitive driving , intuitive shopping , intuitive eating , intuitive supplement taking .
In my opinion , you can ’ t go wrong if you let a higher , deeper part of yourself ( or part of the universe ) make your choices , in a cooperative dance of sweet creation .
( Some might call this If it feels right to sanitize the house , I do .
If I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I don ’ t do it .
( I sanitize when I ’ m outside of the house though ! )
I ’ ve felt a peace within me during this time because I know that we are all eternal beings and that I have a special purpose , and for the fulfillment of that purpose , life is asking for me to be well and healthy .
I find comfort in meditation , bringing in the light and love of God and feeling myself surrounded by this love and safety , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I feel lucky to be surrounded by my sweet family and to be privileged to hang out in close proximity with people I love and feel close to .
We are a cozy crew , enjoying our fireplace , board games , snuggles , movies , shows , and dinners together .
Life has been simplified .
Right now , I ’ m pulling back and staying on the safe side .
And I will do that as long as that is what I can sense is right for me .
Other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what ’ s right for them .
And for that sense and for that knowing that we all have ( if we tune in ) , I am forever grateful .
The other night I received a newsletter from and I appreciated one of his affirmative statements he offered for navigating these fearful times : “ Thank you dearest Universe .
I am the vessel of your highest will .
Take me , I 'm yours .
And so I let go .
I am surrendered .
Surrendered I am .
And so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freelance writer on health , wellness , and conscious parenting .
She writes a blog called and lives in Helena , Montana with her soulmate and child .
Tags : `` featured , Coronavirus pandemic , COVID-19 global pandemic , COVID-19 pandemic , developing intuition , featured , follow your intuition , using intuition , using intuition during a pandemic , using your intuition

By Faith Spencer
“To become an expert in the intuitive process, your mind should be calm and trained to align with universal truths. Fears that contract your body’s natural sensitivity must be encouraged to surface and must then be dissolved through the kindness and understanding of your heart.” -Penney Pierce, The Intuitive Way
I learned a long time ago that taking action from a fearful state of mind doesn’t work out very well.
In the past, when things went wrong in my life, some of the panicked moves I made to fix situations only made things worse or created additional problems. For instance, I would run to practitioners to help me solve a health problem, and I’d end up with a worse problem.
To avoid further ill-advised maneuvers, I started to act on my internal guidance (otherwise known as my higher guidance) in every situation that I could.
I’ve learned ways of doing that: tuning in to what feels right inside, consciously surrendering to a higher will (including praying for guidance), paying attention to a sense of being steered throughout the day, and taking time to meditate in order to get more into the “flow” of rightful action.
I’ve become better at it over time, and I’ve had good results. By now I can say that most days, instead of forging ahead with ideas and plans, I remain open to the ways I’m being guided in each moment.
During this time of COVID-19, I am doing the same. And, I have to say, navigating in this way really allays my fears. I feel reassured by knowing that I’m staying in touch with the inner guidance system that can alert me of unsafe moves I might make and also steer me gently and definitively towards choices that are in my best interest.
Sometimes it is through the difficult times that we learn a new and better way to navigate life. “Negative” events in my life were the impetus for changing my decision-making method to a more intuitive one. Through necessity (such as, perhaps, a rampant virus), many of us may find that we need to turn away from a strictly rational and fear-based way of operating and embrace a more fluid, open-minded, intuitive way of functioning. You might say that desperation is the mother of invention!
In author Penney Pierce’s words, “With intuition, trust increases, both in yourself and others…You experience less anxiety-producing hopelessness and hopefulness about the past and the future and a more acute awareness of your surroundings. There’s more synchronicity, inspiration increases. Enthusiasm expands because when things flow, you feel happy.”
Another way to describe this way of operating comes from the metaphysical teacher and writer Florence Scovel Shinn, who published The Game of Life and How to Play It in 1925. A huge proponent of intuition, one of her affirmative statements was:
“I stand aside and let Infinite Intelligence make easy and successful my way.”
I love this statement, and I’ve found many times lately where I can stand aside.
When I received email blasts from integrative doctors with long lists of recommended virus-defense supplements, I deferred to that Infinite Intelligence. Instead of getting overwhelmed by the sheer volume of suggestions, I tuned in and noticed which ones I was particularly guided towards, and purchased those specific supplements and products. I know not everyone needs the same remedies because our bodies are all different, so I’m grateful that I’m able to tap into what is right for me and my family. Otherwise, it could get really expensive for buying everything!
I administer supplements to myself and my family members by having a quiet moment of surrender and listening. I pick up different bottles. “Does my husband need this? Does he need this?’ and I listen for what he needs at that moment. I’ve gotten used to letting myself be moved by an internal “yes” or “no.”
I feel like I am guided quite accurately, often arriving at a supplement that my conscious mind wouldn’t have chosen but which I find out in the future was exactly what he needed to support himself at that time. (There are certain things I give him regardless, like vitamin C, A and D, but I stay attuned to the moment in case I am being told “give him an extra dose” or “that isn’t needed right now.” But, of course, I stay within safe dosages.)
I know that there is a place of knowing that we can all tap into which gives us information about ourselves and our own well-being, as well as information about other people. This is proven by countless experiments that show that people can know details about distant people and even physical settings that they should not be able to know. The information is there. And some people are more gifted at receiving this information than others, but we can all learn to tune in to this “matrix” of information, or the cosmic web or Source that connects us all.
And not only are we able to know certain details accurately, but we are also aware of the danger that may be lurking (that we detect with something beyond our normal five-senses awareness). We are wired with an inborn survival mechanism. Many of us, including myself, have ignored a feeling of “warning” that was stalking us and regretted it later.
And so, I only go to the store if I feel like no part of me is in disagreement with that. And, I pay attention to the timing. If I feel like I’m getting a nudge to head out of the house right now instead of later, I go. (This is not about fear, it’s a genuine feeling of being scooted along by an invisible hand trying to move me along.)
If I were to get to the store and suddenly feel a sense come over me of, “Don’t go in,” I would turn right around and go home — or maybe to a different store.
Even a quick trip to the coffee shop can put us in proximity with just the wrong germ, so it requires another judgment call. My husband asked me to go buy him a coffee drink, and I felt like my intuition was preventing me from turning towards the place he suggested, so I let him know that and retrieved him a drink from somewhere else that the universe didn’t object to.
I’ve learned to not question “why” too much, because even though many times I end up realizing why after the fact, often I’ll never know why. When you’re committed to your intuitive guidance, you start to realize that following a “lead” that is at first nonsensical or seemingly counterintuitive will often lead to something good — or to avoiding a disaster. You just have to trust.
I jokingly call it my practice of “intuitive driving,” which my husband laughs about because sometimes you just never know where I will end up.
But I do it all, without apology: intuitive driving, intuitive shopping, intuitive eating, intuitive supplement taking. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong if you let a higher, deeper part of yourself (or part of the universe) make your choices, in a cooperative dance of sweet creation. (Some might call this following the Tao.)
If it feels right to sanitize the house, I do. If I don’t feel like it’s called for, I don’t do it. (I always sanitize when I’m outside of the house though!)
I’ve felt a peace within me during this time because I know that we are all eternal beings and that I have a special purpose, and for the fulfillment of that purpose, life is asking for me to be well and healthy. I find comfort in meditation, bringing in the light and love of God and feeling myself surrounded by this love and safety, which gives my whole system a boost.
I feel lucky to be surrounded by my sweet family and to be privileged to hang out in close proximity with people I love and feel close to. We are a cozy crew, enjoying our fireplace, board games, snuggles, movies, shows, and dinners together. Life has been simplified.
Right now, I’m pulling back and staying on the safe side. And I will do that as long as that is what I can sense is right for me. Other people may feel a different sense of what’s right for them.
And for that sense and for that knowing that we all have (if we tune in), I am forever grateful.
The other night I received a newsletter from Matt Kahn, author of Whatever Arises, Love That, and I appreciated one of his affirmative statements he offered for navigating these fearful times:
“Thank you dearest Universe. I am the vessel of your highest will. Take me, I'm yours. And so I let go. I am surrendered. Surrendered I am. And so it is.”
About the Author
Faith Spencer is a freelance writer on health, wellness, and conscious parenting. She writes a blog called www.theintuitivemom.com and lives in Helena, Montana with her soulmate and child.


consciouslifenews--2020-03-20--How Maintaining Hope Can Keep You Healthier and Happier

( CONVERSATION ) — Hope can erode when we perceive threats to our way of life , and these days , plenty are out there .
As we age , we may struggle with a tragic loss or chronic disease .
As we watch the news , we see our political system polarized , hopelessly locked in chaos .
The coronavirus spreads wider daily ; U.S. markets signaled a lack of hope with a Dow Jones free fall .
Losing hope sometimes leads to suicide .
When there is no hope – when people can not picture the desired end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motivation to endure .
As a professor emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University , I ’ ve studied positive psychology , forgiveness , wellness and the science of hope for more than 40 years .
My website offers free resources and tools to help its readers live a more hopeful life .
First , hope is not Pollyannaish optimism – the assumption that a positive outcome is inevitable .
Instead , hope is a motivation to persevere toward a goal or end state , even if we ’ re skeptical that a positive outcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involves activity , a can-do attitude and a belief that we have a pathway to our desired outcome .
Hope is the willpower to change and the way-power to bring about that change .
With teens and with young or middle-aged adults , hope is a bit easier .
But for older adults , it ’ s a bit harder .
Aging often means running up against obstacles that appear unyielding – like recurring health or financial or family issues that just don ’ t seem to go away .
Hope for older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” persevering , a “ mature hope.
” Now the good news : this study , from Harvard ’ s “ Human Flourishing Program , ” recently published .
Researchers examined the impact of hope on nearly 13,000 people with an average age of 66 .
They found those with more hope throughout their lives had better physical health , better health behaviors , better social support , and longer life .
Hope also led to fewer chronic health problems , less depression , less anxiety and a lower risk of cancer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ long run , is so good for us , how do we increase it ?
Or build hope if it ’ s MIA ?
Here are my four suggestions : Attend a motivational speech – or watch , read or listen to one online , through YouTube , a blog or podcast .
That increases hope , although usually , the fix is short-lived .
How can you build longer-term hope ?
Engage with a religious or spiritual community .
This has worked for millennia .
Amidst a community of like believers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and experienced the elevation of the human spirit , just by knowing there is something or someone much larger than them .
Forgive .
Participating in a forgiveness group , or completing a forgiveness do-it-yourself workbook , builds hope , say , scientists .
It also reduces depression and anxiety , and increases ( perhaps this is obvious ) your capacity to forgive .
That ’ s true even with long-held grudges .
I ’ ve personally found that successfully forgiving someone provides a sense of both the willpower and way-power to change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Some have changed history : Nelson Mandela endured 27 years of imprisonment yet persevered to build a new nation .
Franklin Delano Roosevelt brought hope to millions for a decade during the Great Depression .
Ronald Reagan brought hope to a world that seemed forever mired in the Cold War .
From his fourth State of the Union address : “ Tonight , I ’ ve spoken of great plans and great dreams .
They ’ re dreams we can make come true .
Two hundred years of American history should have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hope changes systems that seem stuck .
Katherine Johnson , the black mathematician whose critical role in the early days of NASA and the space race was featured in the movie “ Hidden Figures , ” recently died at age 101 .
The movie ( and the book on which it was based ) brought to light her persistence against a system that seemed forever stuck .
Bryan Stevenson , who directs the Equal Justice Initiative , and the subject of the movie “ Just Mercy , ” has successfully fought to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get off death row .
Stevenson laments that he could not help everyone who needed it ; he concluded that he lived in a broken system , and that , in fact , he too was a broken man .
Yet he constantly reminded himself of what he had told everyone he tried to help : “ Each of us , ” he said , “ is more than the worst thing we ’ ve ever done.
” Hope changes all of us .
By regaining his hope , Bryan Stevenson ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard we try , we can not eliminate threats to hope .
Bad stuff happens .
But there are the endpoints of persistent hope : We become healthier and our relationships are happier .
We can bring about that hope by buoying our willpower , bolstering our persistence , finding pathways to our goals and dreams , and looking for heroes of hope .
And just perhaps , one day , we too can be such a hero .

When there is no hope – when people cannot picture the desired end to their struggles – they lose the motivation to endure. As a professor emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University, I’ve studied positive psychology, forgiveness, wellness and the science of hope for more than 40 years. My website offers free resources and tools to help its readers live a more hopeful life.
What is Hope?
First, hope is not Pollyannaish optimism – the assumption that a positive outcome is inevitable. Instead, hope is a motivation to persevere toward a goal or end state, even if we’re skeptical that a positive outcome is likely. Psychologists tell us hope involves activity, a can-do attitude and a belief that we have a pathway to our desired outcome. Hope is the willpower to change and the way-power to bring about that change.
With teens and with young or middle-aged adults, hope is a bit easier. But for older adults, it’s a bit harder. Aging often means running up against obstacles that appear unyielding – like recurring health or financial or family issues that just don’t seem to go away. Hope for older adults has to be “sticky,” persevering, a “mature hope.”
How to Build Hope
Now the good news: this study, from Harvard’s “Human Flourishing Program,” recently published. Researchers examined the impact of hope on nearly 13,000 people with an average age of 66. They found those with more hope throughout their lives had better physical health, better health behaviors, better social support, and longer life. Hope also led to fewer chronic health problems, less depression, less anxiety and a lower risk of cancer.
Get the latest from The Mind Unleashed in your inbox. Sign up right here.
So if maintaining hope, in the long run, is so good for us, how do we increase it? Or build hope if it’s MIA? Here are my four suggestions:
Attend a motivational speech – or watch, read or listen to one online, through YouTube, a blog or podcast. That increases hope, although usually, the fix is short-lived. How can you build longer-term hope?
Engage with a religious or spiritual community. This has worked for millennia. Amidst a community of like believers, people have drawn strength, found peace and experienced the elevation of the human spirit, just by knowing there is something or someone much larger than them.
Forgive. Participating in a forgiveness group, or completing a forgiveness do-it-yourself workbook, builds hope, say, scientists. It also reduces depression and anxiety, and increases (perhaps this is obvious) your capacity to forgive. That’s true even with long-held grudges. I’ve personally found that successfully forgiving someone provides a sense of both the willpower and way-power to change.
Choose a “hero of hope.” Some have changed history: Nelson Mandela endured 27 years of imprisonment yet persevered to build a new nation. Franklin Delano Roosevelt brought hope to millions for a decade during the Great Depression. Ronald Reagan brought hope to a world that seemed forever mired in the Cold War. From his fourth State of the Union address: “Tonight, I’ve spoken of great plans and great dreams. They’re dreams we can make come true. Two hundred years of American history should have taught us that nothing is impossible.”
Hope Gets You Unstuck
Hope changes systems that seem stuck. Katherine Johnson, the black mathematician whose critical role in the early days of NASA and the space race was featured in the movie “Hidden Figures,” recently died at age 101. The movie (and the book on which it was based) brought to light her persistence against a system that seemed forever stuck. Bryan Stevenson, who directs the Equal Justice Initiative, and the subject of the movie “Just Mercy,” has successfully fought to help those wrongly convicted or incompetently defended to get off death row.
Stevenson laments that he could not help everyone who needed it; he concluded that he lived in a broken system, and that, in fact, he too was a broken man. Yet he constantly reminded himself of what he had told everyone he tried to help: “Each of us,” he said, “is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” Hope changes all of us. By regaining his hope, Bryan Stevenson’s example inspires us.
Regardless of how hard we try, we cannot eliminate threats to hope. Bad stuff happens. But there are the endpoints of persistent hope: We become healthier and our relationships are happier. We can bring about that hope by buoying our willpower, bolstering our persistence, finding pathways to our goals and dreams, and looking for heroes of hope. And just perhaps, one day, we too can be such a hero.
By Everett Worthington / The Conversation / Creative Commons


consciouslifenews--2020-03-20--Truth and Fiction Coronavirus | Gregg Braden

We 're living in a new reality–a new and evolving normal that has been triggered by the worldwide pandemic of @ @ @ @ @ this brief and concise presentation for you , to help you understand the catalyst for @ @ @ @ @ it is ; what it means for you and your family ; why you are @ @ @ @ @ like these ; and what you can expect in the weeks to come .

We're living in a new reality–a new and evolving normal that has been triggered by the worldwide pandemic of 2020. Gregg Braden built this brief and concise presentation for you, to help you understand the catalyst for this global event: what it is; what it means for you and your family; why you are “wired” for times like these; and what you can expect in the weeks to come.
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consciouslifenews--2020-03-20--A Lesson Coronavirus Is About to Teach the World

If a disease can teach wisdom beyond our understanding of how precarious and precious life is , the coronavirus has offered two lessons .
The first is that in a globalized world our lives are so intertwined that the idea of viewing ourselves as islands – whether as individuals , communities , nations or a uniquely privileged species – should be understood as evidence of false consciousness .
In truth , we were always bound together , part of a miraculous web of life on our planet and , beyond it , stardust in an unfathomably large and complex universe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in us by those narcissists who have risen to power through their own destructive egotism that blinded us to the necessary mix of humility and awe we ought to feel as we watch a drop of rain on a leaf , or a baby struggle to crawl , or the night sky revealed in all its myriad glories away from city lights .
And now , as we start to enter periods of quarantine and self-isolation – as nations , communities , and individuals – all that should be so much clearer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ us that only together are we at our strongest , most alive and most human .
In being stripped of what we need most by the threat of contagion , we are reminded of how much we have taken the community for granted , abused it , hollowed it out .
We are afraid because the services we need in times of collective difficulty and trauma have been turned into commodities that require payment , or treated as privileges to which access is now means-tested , rationed or is simply gone .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current urge to hoard .
When death stalks us it is not bankers we turn to , or corporate executives , or hedge fund managers .
Nonetheless , those are the people our societies have best rewarded .
They are the people who , if salaries are a measure of value , are the most prized .
But they are not the people we need , as individuals , as societies , as nations .
Rather , it will be doctors , nurses , public health workers , caregivers and social workers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risking their own .
During this health crisis , we may indeed notice who and what is most important .
But will we remember the sacrifice , their value after the virus is no longer headline news ?
Or will we go back to business as usual – until the next crisis – rewarding the arms manufacturers , the billionaire owners of the media , the fossil fuel company bosses , and the financial-services parasites feeding off other people ’ s money ?
‘ Take it on the chin ’ The second lesson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have been told for four decades or more , western capitalist societies are far from the most efficient ways of organizing ourselves .
That will be laid bare as the coronavirus crisis deepens .
We are still very much immersed in the ideological universe of Thatcherism and Reaganism when we were told quite literally : “ There is no such thing as society.
” How will that political mantra stand the test of the coming weeks and months ?
How much can we survive as individuals , even in quarantine , rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all of us ?
Politicians will use their spin doctors and allies in the corporate media to obscure the fact that they are quietly and temporarily becoming socialists to deal with the emergency .
Western leaders who champion neoliberalism , as they are required to do nowadays , have two choices to cope with coronavirus – and both will require a great deal of misdirection if we are not to see through their hypocrisy and deceptions .
Our leaders can let us “ take it on the chin ” , as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
In practice , that will mean allowing what is effectively a cull of many of the poor and elderly – one that will relieve governments of the financial burden of underfunded pension schemes and welfare payments .
Such leaders will claim they are powerless to intervene or to ameliorate the crisis .
Confronted with the contradictions inherent in their worldview , they will suddenly become fatalists , abandoning their belief in the efficacy and righteousness of the free market .
They will say the virus was too contagious to contain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too lethal to save lives .
They will evade all blame for the decades of health cuts and privatizations that made those services inefficient , inadequate , cumbersome and inflexible .
Or , by contrast , politicians will use their spin doctors and allies in the corporate media to obscure the fact that they are quietly and temporarily becoming socialists to deal with the emergency .
They will change the welfare rules so that all those in the gig economy they created – employed on zero-hours contracts – do not spread the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-quarantine or take days off sick .
Or most likely our leaders will pursue both options .
If acknowledged at all , the conclusion to be drawn from the crisis – that we all matter equally , that we need to look after one another , that we sink or swim together – will be treated as no more than an isolated , fleeting lesson specific to this crisis .
Our leaders will refuse to draw more general lessons – ones that might highlight their own culpability – about how sane , humane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In fact , there is nothing unique about the coronavirus crisis .
It is simply a heightened version of the less visible crisis we are now permanently mired in .
As Britain sinks under floods each winter , as Australia burns each summer , as the southern states of the US are wrecked by hurricanes and its great plains become dustbowls , as the climate emergency becomes ever more tangible , we will learn this truth slowly and painfully .
Those who defend our system , even as its internal logic collapses in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency , will tell us how lucky we are to live in free societies where some – Amazon executives , home delivery services , pharmacies , toilet-paper manufacturers – can still make a quick buck from our panic and fear .
As long as someone is exploiting us , as long as someone is growing fat and rich , we will be told the system works – and works better than anything else imaginable .
But in fact , late-stage capitalist societies like the US and the UK will struggle to claim even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments .
Is Trump in the US or Johnson in the UK – exemplars of “ the market knows best ” capitalism – likely to do better than China at containing and dealing with the virus ?
This lesson is not about authoritarian versus “ free ” societies .
This is about societies that treasure the commonwealth , that values the common good , above private greed and profit , above protecting the privileges of a wealth-elite .
In 2008 , after decades of giving the banks what they wanted – free rein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air – the western economies all but imploded as an inflated bubble of empty liquidity burst .
The banks and financial services were saved only by public bail-outs – taxpayers ’ money .
We were given no choice : the banks , we were told , were “ too big to fail ” .
We bought the banks with our commonwealth .
But because private wealth is our era ’ s guiding star , the public was not allowed to own the banks they bought .
And once the banks had been bailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rich – the banks went right back to making private money , enriching a tiny elite until the next crash .
Nowhere to fly to The naive may think this was a one-off .
But the failings of capitalism are inherent and structural , as the virus is already demonstrating and the climate emergency will drive home with alarming ferocity in the coming years .
The shut-down of borders means the airlines are quickly going bust .
They didn ’ t put money away for a rainy day , of course .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ weren ’ t prudent .
They are in a cut-throat world where they need to compete with rivals , to drive them out of business and make as much money as they can for shareholders .
Now there is nowhere for the airlines to fly to – and they will have no visible means to make money for months on end .
Like the banks , they are too big to fail – and like the banks , they are demanding public money be spent to tide them over until they can once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There will be many other corporations queuing up behind the airlines .
Sooner or later the public will be strong-armed once again to bail out these profit-driven corporations whose only efficiency is the central part they play in fuelling global warming and eradicating life on the planet .
The airlines will be resuscitated until the inevitable next crisis arrives – one in which they are key players .
Capitalism is an efficient system for a tiny elite to make money at a terrible cost , and an increasingly untenable one , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system shows itself to be no longer efficient .
Then wider society has to pick up the tab and assist the wealth-elite so the cycle can be begun all over again .
Like a boot stamping on a human face – forever , as George Orwell warned long ago .
But it is not just that capitalism is economically self-destructive ; it is morally vacant too .
Again , we should study the exemplars of neoliberal orthodoxy : the UK and the US .
In Britain , the National Health Service – once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in terminal decline after decades of privatizing and outsourcing its services .
Now the same Conservative party that began the cannibalizing of the NHS is pleading with businesses such as car makers to address a severe shortage of ventilators , which will soon be needed to assist coronavirus patients .
Once , in an emergency , western governments would have been able to direct resources , both public and private , to save lives .
Factories could have been repurposed for the common good .
Today , the government behaves as if all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pinning hopes on the profit motive and selfishness driving these firms to enter the ventilator market or to provide beds , in ways beneficial to public health .
The flaws in this approach should be glaring if we examine how a car manufacturer might respond to the request to adapt its factories If it is not persuaded that it can make easy money or if it thinks there are quicker or bigger profits to be made by continuing to make cars at a time when the public is frightened to use public transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holds back , waiting to see if there will be enough demand for ventilators to justify adapting its factories , patients will die .
If it delays in the hope that ventilator shortages will drive up subsidies from a government fearful of the public backlash , patients will die .
And if it makes ventilators on the cheap , to boost profits , without ensuring medical personnel oversees quality control , patients will die .
If this were not bad enough , Trump – in all his inflated vanity – is showing how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business world he knows so intimately to the cynical political one he has been gradually mastering .
According to reports , behind the scenes , he has been chasing after a silver bullet .
He is speaking to international pharmaceutical companies to find one close to developing a vaccine so the United States can buy exclusive rights to it .
Reports suggest that he wants to offer the vaccine exclusively to the US public , in what would amount to the ultimate vote-winner in a re-election year .
This would be the nadir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the fittest , the market decides worldview – we have been encouraged to worship over the past four decades .
It is how people behave when they are denied a wider society to which they are responsible and which is responsible for them .
But even should Trump eventually deign to let other countries enjoy the benefits of his privatized vaccine , this will not be about helping mankind , about the greater good .
It will be about Trump the businessman-president turning a tidy profit for the US on the back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as marketing himself a political hero on the global stage .
Or , more likely , it will be yet another chance for the US to demonstrate its “ humanitarian ” credentials , rewarding “ good ” countries by giving them access to the vaccine , while denying “ bad ” countries like Russia the right to protect their citizens .
It will be a perfect illustration on the global stage – and in bold technicolor – of how the American way of marketing health works .
This is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a public good but as a commodity to be bought , as a privilege to incentivize the workforce , as a measure of who is successful and who is unsuccessful .
The US , by far the richest country on the planet , has a dysfunctional health care system not because it can not afford a good one , but because its political worldview is so obscenely stunted by the worship of wealth that it refuses to acknowledge the communal good , to respect the commonwealth of a healthy society .

By Jonathan Cook | Common Dreams
If a disease can teach wisdom beyond our understanding of how precarious and precious life is, the coronavirus has offered two lessons.
The first is that in a globalized world our lives are so intertwined that the idea of viewing ourselves as islands – whether as individuals, communities, nations or a uniquely privileged species – should be understood as evidence of false consciousness. In truth, we were always bound together, part of a miraculous web of life on our planet and, beyond it, stardust in an unfathomably large and complex universe.
It is only an arrogance cultivated in us by those narcissists who have risen to power through their own destructive egotism that blinded us to the necessary mix of humility and awe we ought to feel as we watch a drop of rain on a leaf, or a baby struggle to crawl, or the night sky revealed in all its myriad glories away from city lights.
And now, as we start to enter periods of quarantine and self-isolation – as nations, communities, and individuals – all that should be so much clearer. It has taken a virus to show us that only together are we at our strongest, most alive and most human.
In being stripped of what we need most by the threat of contagion, we are reminded of how much we have taken the community for granted, abused it, hollowed it out. We are afraid because the services we need in times of collective difficulty and trauma have been turned into commodities that require payment, or treated as privileges to which access is now means-tested, rationed or is simply gone. That insecurity is at the root of the current urge to hoard.
When death stalks us it is not bankers we turn to, or corporate executives, or hedge fund managers. Nonetheless, those are the people our societies have best rewarded. They are the people who, if salaries are a measure of value, are the most prized.
But they are not the people we need, as individuals, as societies, as nations. Rather, it will be doctors, nurses, public health workers, caregivers and social workers who will be battling to save lives by risking their own.
During this health crisis, we may indeed notice who and what is most important. But will we remember the sacrifice, their value after the virus is no longer headline news? Or will we go back to business as usual – until the next crisis – rewarding the arms manufacturers, the billionaire owners of the media, the fossil fuel company bosses, and the financial-services parasites feeding off other people’s money?
‘Take it on the chin’
The second lesson follows from the first. Despite everything we have been told for four decades or more, western capitalist societies are far from the most efficient ways of organizing ourselves. That will be laid bare as the coronavirus crisis deepens.
We are still very much immersed in the ideological universe of Thatcherism and Reaganism when we were told quite literally: “There is no such thing as society.” How will that political mantra stand the test of the coming weeks and months? How much can we survive as individuals, even in quarantine, rather than as part of communities that care for all of us?
Politicians will use their spin doctors and allies in the corporate media to obscure the fact that they are quietly and temporarily becoming socialists to deal with the emergency.
Western leaders who champion neoliberalism, as they are required to do nowadays, have two choices to cope with coronavirus – and both will require a great deal of misdirection if we are not to see through their hypocrisy and deceptions.
Our leaders can let us “take it on the chin”, as the British prime minister Boris Johnson has phrased it. In practice, that will mean allowing what is effectively a cull of many of the poor and elderly – one that will relieve governments of the financial burden of underfunded pension schemes and welfare payments.
Such leaders will claim they are powerless to intervene or to ameliorate the crisis. Confronted with the contradictions inherent in their worldview, they will suddenly become fatalists, abandoning their belief in the efficacy and righteousness of the free market. They will say the virus was too contagious to contain, too robust for health services to cope, too lethal to save lives. They will evade all blame for the decades of health cuts and privatizations that made those services inefficient, inadequate, cumbersome and inflexible.
Or, by contrast, politicians will use their spin doctors and allies in the corporate media to obscure the fact that they are quietly and temporarily becoming socialists to deal with the emergency. They will change the welfare rules so that all those in the gig economy they created – employed on zero-hours contracts – do not spread the virus because they cannot afford to self-quarantine or take days off sick.
Or most likely our leaders will pursue both options.
Permanent crisis
If acknowledged at all, the conclusion to be drawn from the crisis – that we all matter equally, that we need to look after one another, that we sink or swim together – will be treated as no more than an isolated, fleeting lesson specific to this crisis. Our leaders will refuse to draw more general lessons – ones that might highlight their own culpability – about how sane, humane societies should function all the time.
In fact, there is nothing unique about the coronavirus crisis. It is simply a heightened version of the less visible crisis we are now permanently mired in. As Britain sinks under floods each winter, as Australia burns each summer, as the southern states of the US are wrecked by hurricanes and its great plains become dustbowls, as the climate emergency becomes ever more tangible, we will learn this truth slowly and painfully.
Those deeply invested in the current system – and those so brainwashed they cannot see its flaws – will defend it to the bitter end. They will learn nothing from the virus. They will point to authoritarian states and warn that things could be far worse.
They will point a finger at Iran’s high death toll as confirmation that our profit-driven societies are better while ignoring the terrible damage we have inflicted on Iran’s health services after years of sabotaging its economy through ferocious sanctions. We left Iran all the more vulnerable to coronavirus because we wanted to engineer “regime change” – to interfere under the pretense of “humanitarian” concern – as we have sought to do in other countries whose resources we wished to control, from Iraq to Syria and Libya.
Iran will be held responsible for a crisis we willed, that our politicians intended (even if the speed and means came as a surprise), to overthrow its leaders. Iran’s failures will be cited as proof of our superior way of life, as we wail self-righteously about the outrage of a “Russian interference” whose contours we can barely articulate.
Valuing the common good
Those who defend our system, even as its internal logic collapses in the face of coronavirus and a climate emergency, will tell us how lucky we are to live in free societies where some – Amazon executives, home delivery services, pharmacies, toilet-paper manufacturers – can still make a quick buck from our panic and fear. As long as someone is exploiting us, as long as someone is growing fat and rich, we will be told the system works – and works better than anything else imaginable.
But in fact, late-stage capitalist societies like the US and the UK will struggle to claim even the limited successes against coronavirus of authoritarian governments. Is Trump in the US or Johnson in the UK – exemplars of “the market knows best” capitalism – likely to do better than China at containing and dealing with the virus?
This lesson is not about authoritarian versus “free” societies. This is about societies that treasure the commonwealth, that values the common good, above private greed and profit, above protecting the privileges of a wealth-elite.
In 2008, after decades of giving the banks what they wanted – free rein to make money by trading in hot air – the western economies all but imploded as an inflated bubble of empty liquidity burst. The banks and financial services were saved only by public bail-outs – taxpayers’ money. We were given no choice: the banks, we were told, were “too big to fail”.
We bought the banks with our commonwealth. But because private wealth is our era’s guiding star, the public was not allowed to own the banks they bought. And once the banks had been bailed out by us – perverse socialism for the rich – the banks went right back to making private money, enriching a tiny elite until the next crash.
Nowhere to fly to
The naive may think this was a one-off. But the failings of capitalism are inherent and structural, as the virus is already demonstrating and the climate emergency will drive home with alarming ferocity in the coming years.
The shut-down of borders means the airlines are quickly going bust. They didn’t put money away for a rainy day, of course. They didn’t save, they weren’t prudent. They are in a cut-throat world where they need to compete with rivals, to drive them out of business and make as much money as they can for shareholders.
Now there is nowhere for the airlines to fly to – and they will have no visible means to make money for months on end. Like the banks, they are too big to fail – and like the banks, they are demanding public money be spent to tide them over until they can once again rapaciously make profits for their shareholders. There will be many other corporations queuing up behind the airlines.
The banks that nearly tanked the global economy had to be bailed out because they were 'too big to fail'. Now we're about to do the same with airlines, even as they help to destroy the planet. Time to rethink our profit-driven priorities? https://t.co/kDjqSsITC1 — Jonathan Cook (@Jonathan_K_Cook) March 16, 2020
Sooner or later the public will be strong-armed once again to bail out these profit-driven corporations whose only efficiency is the central part they play in fuelling global warming and eradicating life on the planet. The airlines will be resuscitated until the inevitable next crisis arrives – one in which they are key players.
A boot stamping on a face
Capitalism is an efficient system for a tiny elite to make money at a terrible cost, and an increasingly untenable one, to wider society – and only until that system shows itself to be no longer efficient. Then wider society has to pick up the tab and assist the wealth-elite so the cycle can be begun all over again. Like a boot stamping on a human face – forever, as George Orwell warned long ago.
But it is not just that capitalism is economically self-destructive; it is morally vacant too. Again, we should study the exemplars of neoliberal orthodoxy: the UK and the US.
In Britain, the National Health Service – once the envy of the world – is in terminal decline after decades of privatizing and outsourcing its services. Now the same Conservative party that began the cannibalizing of the NHS is pleading with businesses such as car makers to address a severe shortage of ventilators, which will soon be needed to assist coronavirus patients.
Once, in an emergency, western governments would have been able to direct resources, both public and private, to save lives. Factories could have been repurposed for the common good. Today, the government behaves as if all it can do is incentivize business, pinning hopes on the profit motive and selfishness driving these firms to enter the ventilator market or to provide beds, in ways beneficial to public health.
The flaws in this approach should be glaring if we examine how a car manufacturer might respond to the request to adapt its factories to make ventilators.
If it is not persuaded that it can make easy money or if it thinks there are quicker or bigger profits to be made by continuing to make cars at a time when the public is frightened to use public transport, patients will die. If it holds back, waiting to see if there will be enough demand for ventilators to justify adapting its factories, patients will die. If it delays in the hope that ventilator shortages will drive up subsidies from a government fearful of the public backlash, patients will die. And if it makes ventilators on the cheap, to boost profits, without ensuring medical personnel oversees quality control, patients will die.
Survival rates will depend not on the common good, on our rallying to help those in need, on planning for the best outcome, but on the vagaries of the market. And not only on the market but on faulty, human perceptions of what constitute market forces.
Survival of the fittest
If this were not bad enough, Trump – in all his inflated vanity – is showing how that profit-motive can be extended from the business world he knows so intimately to the cynical political one he has been gradually mastering. According to reports, behind the scenes, he has been chasing after a silver bullet. He is speaking to international pharmaceutical companies to find one close to developing a vaccine so the United States can buy exclusive rights to it.
Reports suggest that he wants to offer the vaccine exclusively to the US public, in what would amount to the ultimate vote-winner in a re-election year. This would be the nadir of the dog-eat-dog philosophy – the survival of the fittest, the market decides worldview – we have been encouraged to worship over the past four decades. It is how people behave when they are denied a wider society to which they are responsible and which is responsible for them.
Covid-19 is a real test of whether we continue to let politicians play us. They can support proper medical care for all, making our societies stronger; or like Trump they can race for exclusive rights to a vaccine in the hope of buying re-election https://t.co/H2uFAVW6aG — Jonathan Cook (@Jonathan_K_Cook) March 16, 2020
But even should Trump eventually deign to let other countries enjoy the benefits of his privatized vaccine, this will not be about helping mankind, about the greater good. It will be about Trump the businessman-president turning a tidy profit for the US on the back of other’s desperation and suffering, as well as marketing himself a political hero on the global stage.
Or, more likely, it will be yet another chance for the US to demonstrate its “humanitarian” credentials, rewarding “good” countries by giving them access to the vaccine, while denying “bad” countries like Russia the right to protect their citizens.
Obscenely stunted worldview
It will be a perfect illustration on the global stage – and in bold technicolor – of how the American way of marketing health works. This is what happens when health is treated not as a public good but as a commodity to be bought, as a privilege to incentivize the workforce, as a measure of who is successful and who is unsuccessful.
The US, by far the richest country on the planet, has a dysfunctional health care system not because it cannot afford a good one, but because its political worldview is so obscenely stunted by the worship of wealth that it refuses to acknowledge the communal good, to respect the commonwealth of a healthy society.
The US health system is by far the most expensive in the world, but also the most inefficient . The vast bulk of “health spending” does not contribute to healing the sick but enriches the health industry of pharmaceutical corporations and health insurance companies. Analysts describe a third of all US health spending – $765 billion a year – as “wasted”. But “waste” is a euphemism. In fact, it is money stuffed into the pockets of corporations calling themselves the health industry as they defraud the commonwealth of US citizens. And the fraudulence is all the greater because despite this enormous expenditure more than one in 10 US citizens has no meaningful health cover. As never before, coronavirus will bring into focus the depraved inefficiency of this system – the model of profit-driven health care, of market forces that look out for the short-term interests of business, not the long-term interests of us all. There are alternatives. Right now, Americans are being offered a choice between a democratic socialist, Bernie Sanders, who champions health care as a right because it is a common good, and a Democratic party boss, Joe Biden, who champions the business lobbies he depends on for funding and his political success. One is being marginalized and vilified as a threat to the American way of life by a handful of corporations that own the US media, while the other is being propelled towards the Democratic nomination by those same corporations. Coronavirus has an important, urgent lesson to teach us. The question is: are we ready yet to listen?


consciouslifenews--2020-03-20--Morning Inspiration: Attempting to Leave Your Mark (Motivational Video)

We get one life and we start each moment with another perspective .
Try to remember that we have a @ @ @ @ @ our dreams during the course of life .
It 's up to you to leave @ @ @ @ @ during that time .
“ I do n't care who you are , what race @ @ @ @ @ gender , I do n't care about any of that stuff .
But what I @ @ @ @ @ have a dream inside of you and that dream you 've kept hidden from the @ @ @ @ @ excuses for it .
You 've delayed it .
You 've listened to people telling @ @ @ @ @ but deep down in your heart you know that you 're not living to your @ @ @ @ @ now something you 're just getting old with.
” Prince EA Tags : `` featured @ @ @ @ @ accomplish goals , How to achieve goals , how to live your dreams , leaving @ @

“I don't care who you are, what race, what age, what gender, I don't care about any of that stuff. But what I do know is that you have a dream inside of you and that dream you've kept hidden from the world, you've made excuses for it. You've delayed it. You've listened to people telling you to be realistic, but deep down in your heart you know that you're not living to your potential. And life is now something you're just getting old with.” Prince EA
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consciouslifenews--2020-03-20--How Commercial Robots Have Changed the Manufacturing Landscape

Robots were first introduced to the world of manufacturing in 1961 when the Unimate robot , the 4,000-pound arm , was incorporated in the General Motors assembly line .
The first robot was amazingly versatile for its time .
It completed tasks such as welding automobile parts together and pouring liquid metal diecasts with a lot of ease .
The introduction of Unimate to the manufacturing world sparked a robotics revolution because they could complete dangerous and tedious tasks with a high degree of accuracy and speed that no human could attain .
Since then , the robotics industry has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ robots to take human characteristics such as trainability , dexterity , sensing , and memory .
These advancements have increased their usefulness in the manufacturing industry .
With each change , take more tasks that could only be completed by humans .
Robots have revolutionized the manufacturing landscape because they can perform tasks repetitively with precision , and without getting tired .
The advancements in technology have expanded the world of robots by creating developing robots that complete complex tasks with precision .
Collaborative robots , also known as cobots , are responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacturing industries .
The new breed of robots can work together with humans in a collaborative environment .
Humans can train these robots with physical demonstrations , and the cobot takes up the task .
The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning has led to the creation of robots that can complete as many tasks as humans .
However , despite the developments in the robotics industry , they still need humans for programming and maintenance .
The robotics industry continues to expand globally .
In 2013 , there were about 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Experts predict that the robotic industry will hit the $ 30 billion mark by 2025 .
Here ’ s how commercial robots have changed the manufacturing landscape .
Since the widespread adoption of robots in manufacturing , many people have had the concern that robots will take away their jobs .
Robots can indeed eliminate undesirable jobs that too repetitive or dangerous for humans .
But what many don ’ t know is that robots help create new job opportunities such as engineering and programming .
Modern robots haven ’ t gotten to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent autonomously .
They will still need a human hand to complete some tasks .
People who are currently working on the production floor will have enough time to learn new skills that they can use in the industry .
The modern market is highly competitive , and companies can only thrive by streamlining their production lines to become more efficient and faster .
One significant advantage of incorporating a commercial robot in a production line is that it can run for hours without compromising the quality of your products .
They can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than what any human schedule can accomplish .
Since robots are highly precise , they can help eliminate mistakes that could potentially be made by human hand .
Industrial robots can multitask without making mistakes , unlike humans , who can easily make costly mistakes while multitasking .
Robots not only boosts productivity , but they can also have an impact on the local economies .
For instance , through increased productivity , companies will no longer need to relocate to countries with cheap and skilled labor .
They can achieve all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their processes .
Promoting the “ Greening ” of the Manufacturing Process For the last few years , there ’ s been a growing interest in green manufacturing , with many companies incorporating manufacturing processes that promote energy and environmental conservation .
Firstly , robots help improve manufacturing processes by minimizing the wastage of raw materials .
It also leads to the production of less waste that enters the environment .
Most of the modern robots are highly energy-efficient , which makes them suitable for use on the production floor .
Additionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the production floor will lessen the need for heat , lighting , and air conditioning in the production facility .

Robots were first introduced to the world of manufacturing in 1961 when the Unimate robot, the 4,000-pound arm, was incorporated in the General Motors assembly line. The first robot was amazingly versatile for its time. It completed tasks such as welding automobile parts together and pouring liquid metal diecasts with a lot of ease. The introduction of Unimate to the manufacturing world sparked a robotics revolution because they could complete dangerous and tedious tasks with a high degree of accuracy and speed that no human could attain.
Since then, the robotics industry has changed tremendously, increasing the ability of robots to take human characteristics such as trainability, dexterity, sensing, and memory. These advancements have increased their usefulness in the manufacturing industry. With each change, commercial robots take more tasks that could only be completed by humans.
Robots have revolutionized the manufacturing landscape because they can perform tasks repetitively with precision, and without getting tired. The advancements in technology have expanded the world of robots by creating developing robots that complete complex tasks with precision.
Collaborative Robots
Collaborative robots, also known as cobots, are responsible for the widespread use of robots in manufacturing industries. The new breed of robots can work together with humans in a collaborative environment. Humans can train these robots with physical demonstrations, and the cobot takes up the task. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning has led to the creation of robots that can complete as many tasks as humans.
However, despite the developments in the robotics industry, they still need humans for programming and maintenance. The robotics industry continues to expand globally. In 2013, there were about 8 million robots in the manufacturing industries. Experts predict that the robotic industry will hit the $30 billion mark by 2025. Here’s how commercial robots have changed the manufacturing landscape.
Creation of New Job Opportunities
Since the widespread adoption of robots in manufacturing, many people have had the concern that robots will take away their jobs. Robots can indeed eliminate undesirable jobs that too repetitive or dangerous for humans. But what many don’t know is that robots help create new job opportunities such as engineering and programming. Modern robots haven’t gotten to the point where they can operate 100 percent autonomously. They will still need a human hand to complete some tasks. People who are currently working on the production floor will have enough time to learn new skills that they can use in the industry.
They Promote Efficiency in Manufacturing
The modern market is highly competitive, and companies can only thrive by streamlining their production lines to become more efficient and faster. One significant advantage of incorporating a commercial robot in a production line is that it can run for hours without compromising the quality of your products. They can work around the clock, which is more than what any human schedule can accomplish.
Since robots are highly precise, they can help eliminate mistakes that could potentially be made by human hand. Industrial robots can multitask without making mistakes, unlike humans, who can easily make costly mistakes while multitasking. Robots not only boosts productivity, but they can also have an impact on the local economies.
For instance, through increased productivity, companies will no longer need to relocate to countries with cheap and skilled labor. They can achieve all their manufacturing needs locally by incorporating robots in their processes.
Promoting the “Greening” of the Manufacturing Process
For the last few years, there’s been a growing interest in green manufacturing, with many companies incorporating manufacturing processes that promote energy and environmental conservation. Firstly, robots help improve manufacturing processes by minimizing the wastage of raw materials. It also leads to the production of less waste that enters the environment.
Most of the modern robots are highly energy-efficient, which makes them suitable for use on the production floor. Additionally, reducing the number of human workers on the production floor will lessen the need for heat, lighting, and air conditioning in the production facility.