Month: October 2012

Meditation and Its Benefits

Not everyone will understand the concept of meditation. It is to provide a spiritual benefit, as well as, have mental and physical benefits. There are different types of meditation techniques that many individuals employ, such as yoga, lighting candles, and many others, which all carry a strong spiritual healing. When
the mind and body are in sync with each other, there are overall good health benefits for the whole body. In Australia, meditation Sydney offers courses in Transcendental Meditation which is one of the most well researched forms of meditation.

Of course most of us understand the meditation benefits when it comes to the spiritual and psychological benefits which are:

General mind and body improvements – this improvement stems from the mind focusing on a specific part of one’s body, when this happens an increase in blood flow goes to that part of the body giving it more oxygen, providing an improved body part.

Concentration Benefits – certain meditation techniques, such as concentration meditation, can improve and strengthen one’s mind. Many athletes utilize this type of meditation because it provides improvement for the mind to control effectively what it wants the body to do.

Health Benefits

There are also health benefits to meditation, most individuals believe that meditation benefits only include psychological ones but this isn’t the facts. There are many health benefits that meditation can provide for individuals who suffer from heart problems, chronic allergies, and Meditation can lower the consumption of oxygen while decreasing the individual’s respiratory rate. Most individuals find that meditation provides an atmosphere of deeper relaxation which helps reduce stress and anxiety symptoms from their bodies. This means that muscles are more relaxed alleviating pain and tension in the muscles. Another meditation benefit is that it improves the immune system by increasing our body’s cells that destroys bacteria and other agents that are harmful. Individuals who suffer from obesity, constant headaches, and even insomnia all have one thing in common which is a low level of serotonin. Meditation benefits include an increase in the production of serotonin which can be beneficial for those suffering from these conditions. An increased level of serotonin can keep us happy since serotonin influences our behavior and moods.

Today, there are many healthcare professionals who have started to incorporated different meditation techniques into their patients treatment plans because of its wide array of benefits. Healthcare professionals are learning that meditation benefits don’t just include spiritual and psychological benefits but have health benefits as well.

Learn to Filter Water to Enhance Outdoor Survival Skills

Outdoor survival skills are extremely important if you should become lost or stranded out in the wilderness. Finding water is one of the greatest survival skills you can learn, but what happens if the water is dirty and unfit for consumption? It is important to learn how to filter water.

It is important to know that filtering water is not the same as purifying water making it safe for drinking, but in an emergency, this outdoor survival skill can be extremely useful.

When the best water available is muddy water, you will need a filter to clean the water. Filtering water removes all visible dirt particles making it safer for drinking. This does not remove microbes and bacteria from the water, but often it can make the water taste better.

To filter water, you must begin with a container. A bottle will work well. Cut the bottom off of the jug and use similarly to a funnel. Using a can will work, too. Poke several holes in the bottom of the can with your pocket knife, for best results. Then let the water fall through the holes and into a separate clean container.

There are several methods to filter water in the wilderness. Here is another option for you to consider during an emergency. Strain the water through a cloth or piece of clothing over a container. This may remove some particles.

Use what nature provides. If you have rocks and sand, alternate these in layers to make a filter. The more layers you have, the better.

Make a cone from bark if you can’t find some other type of container. Layer the rocks and sand inside the cone. Tie the bottom of the cone together with string, Placing small rocks on the bottom of the cone as the last layer will help hold the bark together.

Use both fine and coarse layers in the filter, alternating between the two. At the bottom of the cone, you will need to stop the sand from pouring through. This isn’t difficult. Use grass that is not poisonous, several pebbles, or a piece of cotton material.

Pour collected water through the filter. Catch the water in a container after it has gone through the filter. If the water is not clear, pass it through the filter again. Repeat until the water runs clear.

Again, it is important to know that just because the water is clear, does not make the water completely safe to drink. The water still needs to be purified. The water may contain tiny bacteria that can pass through the filter.

Knowing how to filter water is a vital outdoor survival skill. Keep yourself alive by making sure water is safe for consumption and staying hydrated until you can get the help you need. Even if filtering water isn’t as healthy as purification, it can be a step closer to water that is safer for drinking. Practice this valuable skill before you actually need it. It could really save your life.