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Color Continuum

Colors add something to life which cannot be attained by any other mean, we simply make our life colorful, we skill our dreams colorful and skill our ideas colorfully all the time. Life can never be monochrome or even black and white, it has more than seven colors, more than 256 shades, more than thousands of tones and more than hundreds of thousands tinges.

We see, absorb, react, understand and communicate colors from centuries. Even before the creation of proper verbal language or dexterity shapes, color were the basic and most true expression of human activity and emotion. Being the most enchanting gift of nature, colors might have attracted human beings at the largest scale in this universe right there at beginning to ponder over, adopt and be familiar with. This oldest relationship is still as strong as it was ever before, after centuries of rapidly evolution of life and life style, social, economical, psychological, philosophical and rationale, colors got more and more attention of all the theories, inventions and discoveries.

From the clay toys to the electronically enhanced play stations, from the graffiti in Stone Age caves to the modern billboards and from the invention of wheel to the blowing space shuttles, colors never missed their place. Meditations to industrial revolution, the man has gone through many phases of knowing thy inner-self through mythology, religion, creed, ethics, philosophy and ideology, but was never running short of colors, either at realistic level or the suggestive and symbolic altitude.

Sun is the only and most crucial source of light and heat indispensable for life in the lap of mother earth and sunlight with all colors folded in it, is a blessing without any comment while it is proven that our skin and eyes need at least two hours exposure to sunlight for better health, modern lifestyle due to its architectural requirements and social life style has deprived us of this basic need in most of the metropolitan cities around the globe, that has forced us to naturist parks, beaches and abodes which are already controversial and unacceptable in most parts of the world. But sunlight is inevitable; there is no refute about it, so indispensable become the colors entrenched in sunlight.

Modern research has changed many old theories and concepts in total, but it has put more stress and emphasis on the nature, influence and impact of colors as an entity vital in human life from start to the end. Human behaviour and feelings are studied in terms of their exposure to different colors and the impact colors might cause at the root level. Today, modern man is pretty much familiar with Color Therapy, Color Psychology and Color Consultancy. Although these therapies are very old and were in practice in Egyptian age, but the scientific reasoning and principles are derived and worked on later in 19th century.

In ancient time, there were a strong belief that wearing a jewel with a specific gemstone of a particular color can add success, happiness and serenity in life, today it is discovered that wearing a certain color wrist-band or exposure to a certain color light can really make a difference in life, the reasoning behind this philosophy is that as each object, regardless of its size, shape and weight, has got its own frequency and wavelength, same is the case with colors, every color has got specific frequency, therefore, if we could get the true calculations based on different frequency, we can use a certain color to attain desired results from healing a bacteria infected wound to a viral disease, by knowing the bacteria and virus frequencies, or getting rid of the irritating pain causing elements or ironic situations.

Apart from medical scenario, psychological problems are more vulnerable to colors and color consultants are sure to provide all sorts of comfort to a worried person through the correct choice of color. Colors are categorized generally in two basic groups: Warm and Cool. Out of general spectrum of seven colors, Red, Orange and Yellow are taken as warm colors while; Blue, Purple, Turquoise and Green are considered as cool ones.

Red range of colors (red, orange, yellow) is viewed as active and exciting whereas, Blue range (blue, purple, turquoise, green) comes under the label of soothing and passive. Even physiological tests have affirmed the same idea by claiming that Red hues increase stimulate the autonomic nervous system and boost bodily tension as Cool hues act the other way round. An interesting study claims that babies cry more frequently in yellow rooms, weightlifters perform better in rooms painted blue, color consultants also claim that in colors used in certain environment can have impact on the emotions and performance of people living within.

One should not mix up the psychological, cultural, religious and political expression through colors since each scenario sees each color in a different way. Moreover, symbolic denotation is very much different from of the psychological one as symbolically, red for its illusive characteristic of appearing nearer than all other colors, is used to denote danger while in color psychology, yellow and black are used for the same purpose. Similar, is the case with green, denoting envy in many cultures symbolically, but associated with balance in color psychology.

Culturally different theories and ideologies are applied colors as various cultures make out colors differently; in South Asia, Green is associated with Islam, blue with Krishna( a powerful god of Hindu mythology), red is taken a symbol of purity while yellow stands for the status of Imperial Color. Whereas, in China red is associated with celebration and prosperity, white for mourning and death in contrary to black that is the most common color of mourning and death around the globe. In Europe colors are strongly bracketed together with political movements and parties, in European countries black is the color for Conservatism, brown is still associated with Nazis while, Socialism embraces red.

Although color psychology is relatively new area of scientific research as compare to the ancient Chinese, Egyptians and Indians who had strong belief in technique of healing with colors, chromo-therapy. Ancient Indians, in accordance with their chromo-therapy belief, have divided human body in seven energy circles, called Chakras in Sunskrit (ancient language of India) rendering each part to a certain color beginning from fore head to lower abdomen area. According to this division, first energy circle is situated at forehead, its color is purple, and therefore, purple color is useful in the treatment of ailments and pains related to this part of body.

Second energy circle or Chakra is located on face, just under the forehead and above the neck, the color for this part is blue, means the sense of smell, hear and see can be benefited by the blue color applications, either by wearing something blue or by shedding blue light to this area. Neck is the abode of third energy circle with turquoise hue specific to benefit all neck related problems and pains. Then comes the chest here lies the green colored energy circle, the most vital part of body with heart beating in it and under the ribcage delicacy of respiration system, green is considered to gain positively in all functions and health encaged in the ribcage.

With this the range of cool colors finishes, and starts the domain of warm hues, starting from yellow, comes the fifth energy circle in sequence, it determines the belly or upper abdomen, means all stomach and large intestine problems and pains can be relieved by applying the yellow. Orange is just lying next with lower abdomen area, collectively; yellow and orange circles help the digestive system and its related problems and pains. Next is the pubic area where genital, adrenal glands and kidneys with all sexual system is arranged by nature in a very multifaceted manner, here we find the energy circle with red color, red is the most popular color in general in India, after studying this ancient research on colors, I came to know about the reason behind the traditional red wedding dress of the bride, taken as compulsory in all parts of India.

This is a very fascinating partition of human body with reference to explicit colors, keep in mind that there is no energy circle or Chakra found in arms or legs as there is no imperative function or vital organ in these areas, therefore, we can say about this division of human body as very much based on todays modern physiology and anatomy. Apart from color therapy and color psychology, as they could be taken as more professional knowledge, colors add life in all walks, from hairstyle to dress, pair of glasses to shoes, pen to paper, guns to roses, colors are live everywhere. Mountains see their shades of gray, brown and green reflections in the lakes, intoxicate the seeing eye, clouds with tinges of black and gray, kiss the air warmly.

Flowers, leaves, birds and butterflies, present a pallet, compel the viewer to profound and enjoy the every impact of all these colors that can be seen, felt and absorbed.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (28 August 174922 March 1832) ,Renowned German Polymath said:

...they maintained that shade is a part of light. It sounds absurd when I express it; but so it is: for they said that colors, which are shadow and the result of shade, are light itself, or, which amounts to the same thing, are the beams of light, broken now in one way, now in another. *Conversations with Eckermann, entry: Jan. 4, 1824; trans. Wallace Wood.

posted by ujzboi @ 7:08 PM 0 comments

A Brief History of Incense

Ancient Incense

Mankind has used incense, in its earliest forms, since the dawn of human history. With the discovery of fire, our ancestors would have realised that most materials give off a unique and sometimes powerful aroma when burnt. The difference between the smell of a handful of Parsley and that of a Pine tree branch is greatly emphasized when each is burnt. Then as now, the air is quickly filled with intoxicating aromas simply by throwing some dried leaves, spices or twigs into a fire.

There is historic evidence in most cultures that our ancestors used incense burning for sacred and healing purposes. From ancient times people recognised that aromas produced by burning materials could heighten the senses, both sight and smell. When early man gathered around his fire, the smell of aromatic woods, herbs and leaves carried by heaven-wards spirals of smoke was a rare sensory pleasure - from this discovery it was no doubt a short step to dedicating fragrant products to the Gods, by adding them to a fire, which would also carry the good wishes and prayers of men upwards on the heat of the flames. Other benefits ascribed to the burning of incense included the purification of an area, to change a mood (to facilitate meditation or religious practices) and to cleanse and disinfect living spaces, especially after pollution caused by, for instance, death or illness.

The Rise of Incense and The "Frankincense Trail"

Several thousands of years before the advent of Christianity, the plants, herbs and spices that produced the best incense were traded as highly desirable commodities. For many years Frankincense from the Arabian peninsula was actually a more valuable currency than gold or silver. In almost every religion, aromatic oils, leaves and powders were considered a gift from the Gods, symbolic of divine grace. Frankincense was used in vast quantities by the ancient Egyptians, Persians and Assyrians, and via them, by the Romans, who would have learnt of its use when coming into contact with eastern nations.

The significance of the belief that the three wise men brought Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh to the infant Jesus was both the princely nature of the gifts and their symbolic significance - Frankincense was a costly gift literally "fit for a king", while Bitter Myrrh referred to the bittersweet fate awaiting the messiah.

The trade in Frankincense flourished for centuries, particularly in the Arabian peninsula area of Oman, and its use can be traced back to the reign of the Queen of Sheba, who reigned over the Hadramut Kingdom which included Oman. The Frankincense trade flourished for fifteen hundred years, peaking at the height of the Roman Empire. The trade only declined due to reduced demand after the fall of the Roman Empire and also because of the exorbitant taxes levied along the strictly controlled trade routes.

The Parallel History of Smudging

The idea of purification through smoke is certainly not the sole preserve of the world to the east of the Atlantic - the Native North Americans have also burned herbal smoke mixtures in ceremonial cleansing and healing rituals for thousands of years. Smudging (the common name given to the sacred smoke bowl blessing) has been a part of Native American tradition since ancient times.

As with its Eastern counterparts, the "smudging" or burning of herbs and resins was and continues to be a practise held literally sacred by many traditional cultures. Smudging takes many forms; herbs are either tied into bundles called "smudge sticks", or the longer, tendril like herbs may be braided into "ropes". Smudging calls on the spirits of sacred plants to drive away negative energies and restore balance. The most popular herbs and plants for smudging include Cedar, Sage, Sweetgrass and Tobacco. Each of these plants is imbued with a unique quality and specific energy and as such are known as "Sacred Plant Helpers". Their smoke is ceremonially fanned through the energy field (aura) to cleanse negative energies, heal, bless and attract positive forces.

Smudging continues to this day as an integral part of Native American purification rituals -all spaces and the tools used for healings must be smudged, and smudging is an integral part of other important ceremonies such as medicine wheel gatherings, the vision quest and sweat lodge.

Incense and Modern Religion

The use of incense in organised religion continues as a relevant and important aspect of several confirmed religions, being used to prepare the congregation for prayer and ritual. In the Roman Catholic and Eastern churches, incense is a sacramental, that is - "an action or object of ecclesiastical origin that serves to express or increase devotion" (Merriam Webster online dictionary).

The Roman Catholic Church has always recognized the value of rites and ceremonial observances, not only for increasing the solemnity of her services but for arousing a spirit of devotion in those who minister at them and those who attend them. For a period the use of incense was discontinued in the Western Church because of its close association with pagan worship, but it has always been used in the Eastern Church. The incense used today is powder or grains of resin or vegetable gums or other such substances which, when burned, give off a sweet smelling of smoke. Perhaps ironically, the Roman Catholic church now shares a devotion to incense at the heart of its rituals with the increasing number of practising pagans and wiccans, the very groups it sought to dissociate itself from.

The mystical meanings ascribed to incense by the church hardly differs from those of our ancestors. By its burning, incense symbolizes the zeal of the faithful, its sweet fragrance echoes the "odour of sanctity" believed to be exuded by saints and martyrs, and its rising smoke symbolises the ascent of prayers to heaven. Also, incense creates a cloud, which is another symbol for godliness.

The Founder of Modern "Aromatherapy"

Incense has quite rightly been called the forefather of modern Aromatherapy, and its use as the earliest form of healing based on scent is undisputed. Today, there has been resurgence in the use of essential oils and the burning of incense as tools to employ the power of Aromatherapy, which is now recognised as being able, via the stimulation of the olfactory nerves, to produce physical, emotional and psychological effects independent of the thinking process.

As we smell scents, whether it be incense, fresh paint or sausage and mash(!) our mind is busy working on a subconscious level - deciding whether we like it and determining whether we recognise it. These responses are created in the limbic system - or more accurately the information is sent via the nerves to the olfactory epithelium, which is part of the limbic system in the brain. Data is then transmitted to the conscious parts of the brain. The limbic system is the oldest and most primitive section of the brain - it stores information about every scent ever smelled, and provides responses and reactions to various stimuli. It is considered the seat of memory, and as such is a powerful mood affecter.

All smell is molecular - in other words, when we smell a scent, we are registering a physical molecule that disconnects itself from its carrier and drifts in the air - arriving through the nose to the mucous membrane which has millions of odour-receptor cells and cilia to catch and identify scent molecules in the air. Unlike our other four senses, the nerve system for smell is directly exposed to its source of stimulation - this explains the immediate, unthinking effect of scents on the nervous system. Scent can cause an instant and overwhelming reaction, either pleasant or unpleasant, in a way that no other sensation can.

In addition, our ability to learn and our capacity for sympathy are also located in the limbic system, hence the often close link that feelings of sympathy and antipathy often have with smells. The limbic system is also responsible for creativity, inspiration, and all non-thinking, automatic life processes such as heartbeat, hormone regulation and respiration. Scent can affect all of of these powerful bodily processes.

The use of incense, and of essential oils in modern Aromatherapy has validated the belief held by our ancient forefathers. Many of the reactions and decisions we make are intrinsically linked to our sense of smell, and many areas of our health and relaxation can be positively affected by smell, and by definition, through Aromatherapy. Incense can help to:

cleanse the atmosphere

aid calm and reduce anxiety, stress, and fear

revitalize, stimulate, and renew energy

alleviate insomnia

prepare the mind and body for prayer, meditation and contemplation

accelerate healing

Follow the example of the ancients, and allow the fragrant smoke from incense to cleanse your living space, relax your body, calm your mind, create a spiritual atmosphere and heighten your awareness.

Margaret McGoverne is the founder of The Holistic Shop.com website http://www.theholisticshop.com where you can buy gifts and products for the wellbeing of mind body and soul.

posted by ujzboi @ 3:10 PM 0 comments

Croquet - Quintessentially English

Croquet is the quintessential upper-class English summer sport. It is the reserve of the well-spoken, wealthy gentlemen of London and the Home Counties.

Dont get me wrong, Croquet is a fantastic game. It looks beautiful, strictly laid out on an immaculate lawn, coloured balls dancing through elegant white hoops, white trousers and collared shirts betraying its ancient English heritage. It goes so well with sunshine, barbeques and Pimms summer cocktails. There is a handicapping system, like in golf, so that good players can play pleasantly and competitively with beginners. While its basic rules are easy to pick up, its extended, complicated and convoluted laws together with reams written on tactics can satisfy the most ardent and enthusiastic player, umpire, or spectator. A nice gentile game, one would suppose. We might be led to think that this great game, like cricket, tennis and golf, should break out from its ultra-posh home and become democratised such that anyone can and does play. We might start lobbying for inner-city Croquet lawns: Astroturfed permanent installations so that fourteen-year-olds can have a game on a Friday night instead of littering the steps of Debenhams. But we would be very wrong to do so.

When John Prescott was photographed playing the game in his country retreat when officially stepping in as PM while Tony was on holiday, there was an uproar. This man, elected as the peoples champion in the northern Labour heartlands, was betraying his roots, his party and the ordinary working folk of this great country. Croquet is not for working men. It is part of the aristocratic culture that a Labour leader ought to oppose or at least avoid. Croquet must retain these associations: it must be seen as an exclusive and snobby pastime, relic of the empire and everything bad. To make it popular would be a disaster.

The reason is that Croquet causes ones blood to boil. You can miss a ball or hoop you are right next to, surrendering your turn and the chance to get into a leading position. And in missing, you have also put your balls right next to those of your opponent, who gleefully steps up to whack your balls fifty metres apart and impossibly distant from the hoop you had been a foot away from and so far from the other balls that they are a mere dot on the horizon. He then goes on a break and leaves his balls next to each other so that he can wreak havoc when he returns. Recovery is then impossible. If you get your balls close together, your opponent sends them apart again. If you get close to a hoop, you will spend half an hour hitting the rim and having to start again.

There is no other game in which a small mistake or an opponents fluke will cost you so dear. There is no other game that will frustrate every sinew in your body. There is no other game in which your misfortune is transferred so readily to your opponents smug glee. There is no other game which is so directly and personally vindictive. There is no other game that generates quite as much hate for the opponent. There is no other game in which a three stone mallet is given to you. And therefore it is no small mercy that there is no other game quite so restrained by social graces. Without the strict gentlemanly code of conduct, backed up by a close-knit and exclusive society that knows you and your family; without the need to keep up a good reputation and behave in the way expected by your peers in front of powerful men and impressionable ladies, the Croquet lawn would be a bloodbath. This game must be handled with extreme caution.

By Paul Bowers, I write for Mio Destino and for it's blog site MioBlog writing articles of interest to their international clients.

The company sells high end, designer lingerie, swimwear, corsets, pajamas and mens underwear predominantly from Italy and France but also from the US, Canada and other parts old Europe.

posted by ujzboi @ 3:05 PM 0 comments