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Lord Shiva’s Symbols and Life Lessons
In a stressful life have you ever thought how to stay calm and composed? Learn it from Lord Shiva. Today is Shivaratri, Lord Shiva’s day! People around the world chant “Har Har Mahadev” while seeking blessings from the Lord. Shiva is Yoga Guru, Shiva is destroyer, Shiva means simplicity.
Lord Shiva has been considered as the representation of the Supreme Being. He is known as the third element in the Hindu Trinity (Trimurti), the other two members being Lord Brahma – the creator and Lord Vishnu – the protector. However, there is more to Lord Shiva than simply being the only ascetic God. Have you ever noticed the various symbols associated with Lord Shiva? These symbols have several meanings that teach us how to lead a life. It is all related to our mind and body in various ways.
Lord Shiva’s meditation pose tells us that always have self control, keep calm, suppress negativity and materialistic matters does not matter. An uncontrolled mind can lead to a disastrous life. One cannot win battles when we lose focus and fall prey to desires and addictions. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the mind aligned to goals and heart too.
Let us see what we can learn in life from the other symbols that are associated with Lord Shiva
When youare in a relationship, you both should be able to express your feelings to one another. It helps to understand each other and reduces stress, improves your overall health.
Express yourself with your partner.Communicate by expressingyour true feelings. This will give relaxation to your mind and body. You will notice how your partner receives you and it may be good for your future wellbeing.
If you feel shy to communicate verbally, then express your feelings in a self-written card. Write your feelings in a note, letter or in poem. Until you express yourself, your partner might not able to understand you well. Expressing your feelings brings positive changes and takes a healthy turn in your love life.
Plan on volunteering in animal shelter, hospitals, foster care, homeless shelter, food kitchen etc. Plan this in the morning hours. You will have rest of the day for other activities. Spending some time while volunteering for good causemakes both of you feel better as you are helping others who are in need.
In your community there could be elders who are alone this pandemic and need help with stuffs. You both can visit them (while maintaining social distance), talk to them, take some goodies, spend time with them. You can also organize a small social distancing gathering for such people who are spending time alone.
You will spend ‘quality’ time together by doing something good. This could be a memorable Valentine’s day.
Taking a stroll in a beach or park is not a bad idea. We all need exercise to keep ourheart healthyand body fit. Move your body. Including activities helps to boost your metabolism.
Go for hiking, walking, roller skating, bicycling or any such activity that makes you both feel fit. Ask your partner what activity makes feel better so that you both can spend time together. Other suggestions partner yoga, visiting places, picnic or if there is a social distancing dance planned in your community, go for it with your partner.
Look for dark chocolates. Organic dark chocolates are better choice. Dark chocolates are good for blood flow, lowers blood pressure, heart friendly and rich source of antioxidants. Studies say that dark chocolates can improve blood sugar level, fight free radicals. Other health benefits of dark chocolates include, preventing memory loss, boost mood and improve cognition.
Dark chocolates support weight loss.Advantage of buying dark chocolate bars, most dark chocolates will come with several servings! If you are planning to buy dark chocolates, look for the one with not more than four grams of sugar per serving and 80% cacao in it for heart health.
Try a new recipe at home and serve. There are plenty of heart healthy recipes available. If you know which recipe and food can make loved one happy, give it a try. Some quick and easy recipes with fewer ingredients are passion among youngsters. It will be easy to find such recipes. Try baked fritters, soups, salads, desserts with less or no sugar (like almond fudge) heart healthy breakfast etc. to name a few. Add heart healthy seeds in smoothie flavored with cocoa or vanilla.Flax and chia seeds can be easily included in the recipes.
Cook with less or no oil, use fresh ingredients, avoid canned foods and premade food packages.
For the dinner, get cut fruits, include rainbow fruits. Berries are best. Get strawberry, blueberries and serve mixed fruit bowl. When you have varieties, there is no way for a boring dinner.
Image credit: Image by RitaE from Pixabay (CC by 0)
When we visit stores, all those heart shaped boxes filled with chocolates look attractive and irresistible. Instead of picking up an expensive box of chocolateget something that is natural and have heart healthy ingredients. Think about giving dry fruits, nuts, low fat cookies with natural ingredients. Fresh fruits, mixed fruit bowls including mango, strawberry, cantaloupe, watermelon, sweet grapes, berries can replace refined sugar. Add a bowl of strawberry-chocolate in your gift.
Prepare a goodie basked with these items andadd a flower bouquet. If the person is expecting sweet box gift from you, tell them why you chose the healthy snacks.
Candlelight dinner, stroll in the beach, chocolates, movie, and lots of fun -these could be the ideas for your upcoming Valentine’s day celebration. However, during this pandemic Valentine’s Day,scenario is different. This year think about heart and health of yours and your loved ones and plan on celebrating a healthy Valentine’s day.
Moreover, just a month back we celebrated holidays with cookies and sugar. We also thought about new year resolutionto stay fit. This Valentine’s day let us continue focusing on the heart health and how to stay fit during pandemic. Let us focus on recovering the world health.
Do you know? February is also Heart Health month. Here are few ideas how you can celebrate healthy Valentine’s day with your loved ones.
