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Balance is key for proper technique and strength building, and developing a greater balance will allow you to have a more fulfilling yoga workout. Here five balance yoga poses, listed in order of increasing intensity.

Balance Yoga Poses for Beginners

 Tree Pose (Vrksasana): Tree Pose is a common favorite among many yoga enthusiasts. It’s a simple way to improve your balance without tiring out your legs. While initially challenging, once mastered, Tree Pose offers a truly centering and calming experience. To form the pose, stand with your feet together and your hands on your hips. Bend your right knee into your chest, then, keeping it bent, turn it out to the right side. Place your right foot against the inside of your left thigh. Inhale, raising your arms above your head, and then exhale, lowering them out to the sides. To come out of the pose, you can either return to standing or lean forward into Warrior 3, described below.

 Warrior 3 (Virabhadrasana III): This is a wonderful pose for increasing balance and stabilizing the legs. From Tree Pose, inhale, stretch your arms up over your head, and bring your knee in front of you, keeping it bent. As you exhale, press your palms together in front of your heart and take your bent knee under your body and extend it out behind you. Keep the back leg active and flex the foot. You can take your arms and stretch them out in front of you, out to the sides, or back along the sides of your body, whichever is the most comfortable for you.

 Eagle Pose (Garudasana): Eagle Pose strengthens the quadriceps and provides a nice twist for the legs and arms, and it is one of the best balance yoga poses for increasing leg strength. Start by standing tall with your feet together, then cross your left leg over your right, bending the knee to press the left foot into the back of the right calf. Bend the right leg and stretch your arms over your head. Next, lower your arms on an exhale and bend them to make a 90-degree angle. Your forearms should be perpendicular to the floor in front of your body. Take your right elbow and place it inside the crook of your left arm. Then face the palms toward each other and press them together as you sink deeper into the pose. Repeat the pose for the other side.

Intermediate Balance Yoga Poses

 Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana): This balance pose is a little trickier than Warrior 3, as it involves twisting the body and reaching one hand toward the floor. You can enter this pose from Triangle Pose or from Mountain Pose. Place your left hand on the ground, take your right hand to your hip, and lift your right leg into the air parallel to the floor. When you feel steady, extend your right arm into the air, perpendicular to the floor. Repeat on the other side.

 Upward Bow Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana): This pose is a great way to increase flexibility in addition to balance. Commonly known as a “bridge” pose in gymnastics, it is probably the riskiest of all of the balance yoga poses in this article, so be careful and don’t push yourself too hard. Start by lying down on your back with your arms stretched over your head. Bend your knees and point your toes straight in front of you. Plant your hands near your shoulders and come up onto the crown of your head first. When you feel balanced, push up with your arms into the full Upward Bow Pose. Stay here only for a few moments, then tuck your chin and slowly lower yourself to the ground. Stretch your arms over your head and hug your knees to your chest to neutralize your spine.

Shirsasana (Headstand) - Though inversions are challenging at first, this restful pose has a great effect on the body's internal systems. Use a wall and work gradually towards building enough core strength and a sense of balance to stand freely. This pose tones all the internal organs and circulatory system and calms the mind. A great way to start every day.

Don’t push yourself so hard that you risk falling, and always be sure to move slowly and safely. Beginner’s classes can be a great way to learn the correct forms of these balance yoga poses and receive feedback from a trained instructor.

Adopting a puppy is a big decision. Before taking the plunge, it is a good idea to research breeds, training techniques, breeders, and shelters.

Dogs have long been referred to as “man’s best friend.” They are often used in working situations (therapy dogs, Seeing Eye dogs, etc.) and make great companions. America has had a long love affair with its dogs, and each year more and more people adopt or buy a dog.

Pre-Puppy Adoption Process

Before deciding whether to adopt a dog, it is a good idea to research a few key things. For starters, research the many breeds of dogs. Information such as average size, amount of required daily activity, and other idiosyncrasies is readily available. Not all breeds will fit all lifestyles.

Another area of research is training. There are several popular training techniques practiced and taught (through books, websites, TV shows, and DVDs) by dog trainers. Some training techniques use positive reinforcement through affection, while others preach the use of treats. There are trainers who advocate shock collars for problem dogs, while others shun this practice. Classes exist from Puppy Kindergarten to Agility Training to Dominance Training. Before bringing a vulnerable puppy home, it is good to know the various types of training techniques. Practicing a specific training technique will make the transition process as smooth as possible.

The third area of research should consist of where to get the puppy. Most cities have county-run shelters, and there is an increasing number of private-run shelters popping. Both The Humane Society and The SPCA are excellent resources to utilize when looking for shelter.

All shelters have different rules and regulations; however, many do put unwanted dogs to sleep. Therefore, adopting from a shelter can potentially save a life. In addition, shelters are typically less expensive than buying a purebred dog from a breeder.

When a specific breed is desired, many choose to buy a puppy from a breeder. Before buying from a breeder, ensure that the breeder is reputable and that inhumane practices are not occurring in order to turn a large profit. Things such as over breeding of dogs and keeping the dogs in small, filthy cages do happen, so get references and visit the breeder before buying. Consult the Humane Society’s website for tips on how to find a reputable breeder.

Purebreds do exist in shelters, according to the Humane Society, one in four dogs in a shelter is a purebred. The challenge is finding the exact breed desired. A great resource for breed-specific puppy adoption is Petfinder. Petfinder is an online resource that enables users to key in a few search criteria, and it returns a list of dogs from area shelters and rescue groups that match the criteria.

Bringing the Puppy Home

Once proper research has been done, and a puppy has been chosen, it will be time to bring the newest family member home. This is an exciting time for the owners, especially for small children. However, this can be a very traumatic time for a young puppy. The puppy has most likely only been living for 8-10 weeks, and all that time was probably spent with his littermates and/or mother.

Before the puppy enters his new home, the owners should procure any necessary items the young dog will need. Keys items are a collar, a leash, food, treats, toys, and a crate. It is not necessary to focus heavily on training the first day, instead slowly introduce the new puppy to his new home.

The puppy needs to create a bond and build trust with his new owners. This is not something that will happen immediately, but with a lot of patience, positive reinforcement, and of course, love, a smooth transition will occur, and a lasting healthy companionship will grow.

There is more to astrology than simply reading your sun sign. It is a complete work of all the planets and more to make a chart just about you.

How many times have you opened a book about astrology and read all you could about your Sun sign, only to put the book down and think, “That doesn’t explain me at all.” The reason for that is because there is more to your astrology chart, personality, and life path then just your Sun sign. And even though your sun sign may explain your personality in a broad spectrum, you need to know how the rest of astrology works before you can really make sense of who you are.

The Sun

The Sun is the most active force in your astrological chart. It is the most talked about and the most popular. That makes sense since it is the bigger part of your personality, and that part is what the world gets to see the most often. The Sun is the living force for our entire planet, and as such, the Sun sign is the living force for who you are and how you achieve your goals. It is the part of yourself that you can at most times control, the force behind how you act, and how other people perceive you. Yet, it is not the only planet in your birth chart and, if read on its own, seldom makes complete sense to the reader.

Decanates

Your Sun sign is broke down into three decanates. The first decanate is the first 10 days of the sign, the second is the next 10 days, and the third is the last 10 days. It doesn’t always follow a 10-day cycle since not every month has 30 days. Decanates help to refine your Sun sign without losing the basics for the sign. This is the first of many reasons why two people with the same sign can seem very different.

Cusps

To be born on a cusp is to be born on the day that one sign moves into the next sign. People born on a cusp often have the influence of both signs in their personality, yet one is always stronger. That is because a sign doesn’t change just because the calendar marks it. It is when the Sun will move from one to the next. A person who is born on Sept 23, the day Virgo moves into Libra, will be one or the other depending on the time of their birth. If that person is born at 8:32 AM and the Sun is still in Virgo until 4:03 PM, that person is a Virgo, not a Libra. It is important for people born on a cusp day to know what time they were born and where the Sun was on that day to know which sign is truly theirs.

The Moon

The moon is the second most important planet in your birth chart. In some ways, it is just as important as the Sun, for one doesn’t work without the other. The moon sign is the inner, sometimes darker workings of your personality. It controls emotions and how you feel, reacts, and fantasize. It forms the parts of your personality that you normally don’t want others to see, and at times you yourself don’t want to admit too. All your secrets and inner personality are formed by your moon sign.

The Other Planets

Of course, it doesn’t end there; the rest of the planets and how they were aligned the day and time you were born to play a part in the forming of your unique personality. Each planet controls a different aspect of human nature. They are as follows:

    * Mercury-Intelligence
    * Venus-Love and Pleasure
    * Mars-Physical Energy
    * Jupiter-Good luck, Optimism, Success, Generosity
    * Saturn-Responsibility
    * Uranus-Change, Originality
    * Neptune-Mystery, Illusion
    * Pluto-Awesome power

When each planet is charted, it is then put into a House. Houses divide the influence of the planets into specific functions to further narrow down who you are and how you make life decisions, form opinions and achieve your goals. There are twelve houses, all representing something different for your personality and your life path.

    * House of Self
    * House of Money
    * House of Communication
    * House of Home
    * House of Creativity
    * House of Service and Health
    * House of Partnership and Marriage
    * House of Death and Regeneration
    * House of Mental exploration and long-distance travel
    * House of Career and Public standing
    * House of Friends, Hopes, and Wishes
    * House of Secrets, Sorrows, and Self-Undoing

Getting to Know Yourself

There is more to astrology than a person’s sun sign. This is just the basics. To fully understand all the elements of astrology and birth charts, one must study the subject. By learning about astrology, you get the chance to understand yourself from the inside out. Astrology is about learning and understanding human behavior, and the first step in understanding is to first get to know who you are.

Moving can be a stressful and arduous undertaking for us humans, never mind our animal companions. As people prepare for a move, they also need to think about their pets.

Moving can be a stressful and arduous undertaking for us humans, never mind our animal companions. As people prepare for a move, they are generally concerned with things like packing boxes, hiring movers, and changing addresses. But another very important thing to consider is the well-being of your family pet. Moving from one home to another can be traumatic for a pet if not handled properly, and there are several important steps to take in order to make the transition an easy one.

Before the Move

•  Plan transport – Ensure that your pet becomes acclimated to the actual act of transportation during the move. If your dog or cat is not used to being in a carrier or a car, plan accordingly and expose it to several short trips before moving day. Place its toys or blankets in the carrier or car with it so that it is surrounded by familiar objects.
•  Pack a bag – Gather enough food and water for the duration of the trip, and some extra in case of emergency. Bring bowls for feeding, toys, treats, and blankets, and a disposable litterbox for cats if needed. Also, it’s handy to have a pet first aid kit on hand.
•  Print paperwork – Print copies of your pet’s license and vaccination certificates, and ensure that your pet’s identification tags are up to date and show the correct contact information for your new address.

During the Move

•  Provide space – On the day of the move, ensure that your pet is in a safe, secure place away from the heavy moving traffic. It’s best to leave it with a friend or sitter, but if you must have it at home during the time of the move, place it in a quiet room with its bedding. Ensure that others know not to leave the door open, as the animals may spook easily during this stressful time, and open doors can provide a quick exit for scared pets.
•  Monitor behavior – Check in on your pet often to see how it’s doing and to provide it with food and water. It is normal for your pet to be stressed by the move, and any comfort you can provide it with will go a long way.
•  Ensure safety – Once in transit, make sure that your pet is safely confined and restrained, and make frequent stops to allow it to go to the bathroom and provide it with food and water.

After the Move

•  Explore together – Walk around your new home with your pet to monitor its reaction to and comfort within its new surroundings, and be sure to keep it restrained when near any open doors or open fencing, as it may be tempted to run away if frightened.
•  Set up camp – Pick out a spot for your pet’s stationary belongings, such as the food and water bowls and bed, and try not to move them from that spot. Signs of stability are very important at this stage, and this will provide it with comfort if its belongings are in the same place consistently.

Moving, involving packing and cleaning, is something that hardly anyone looks forward to. Follow these moving tips for an easier, more organized move.

For the most part, people know in advance that they will be moving or relocating. However, some moves are quick and unexpected. For the purposes of this article, these tips reflect planned moves. By following these tips for moving, you can save time and plan a more organized move. Make note of the various moving supplies mentioned, and get started!

Start Early

As moving can be a time of turmoil and unrest, it makes sense to start packing and weeding through your belongings as soon as you know you will be moving. But the reality of it is, a majority of people wait until the last minute. Starting to pack early will allow for more organized packing and a thoroughgoing through of unwanted trinkets and things you’ve outgrown. This is a great time to get rid of unused gadgets and donate old clothes to charity.

Buy or find sturdy moving boxes with enough room to organize and not overcrowd, which makes them heavy boxes of unorganized mess. Unpacking will be so much easier if you know what is in the box! Assign a theme to each box, choosing one word to define its articles. Write the location and theme on the outside of the box.

Consider investing a little money in buying plastic tubs to keep your belongings in for storage. These plastic storage tubs are durable and can easily be color-coded or labeled. They work excellent for storing art supplies, photographs, office supplies, clothing, pet supplies, etc.

Beware of Hidden Objects

Packing your residence in a particular order can help save time and back-breaking work. Begin by rounding up anything outside your home. Garden tools, outside toys, and other outside equipment can easily be forgotten during your move. Make sure to round up these items, bringing them into the garage or closer to the home.

Empty the closets, cabinets, and drawers. Some cabinets are very deep, revealing forgotten treasure or junk. Don’t forget to look under each sink. Pack up items not essential during your move. This way, you won’t overlook these hidden places during the move. Moving everything out into the open can help you take inventory of all your belongings, surveying for extra boxes needed or things to get rid of.

Consider Consistent Cleaning

How many people have waited until the last day of moving to do an overhaul cleaning of their rental unit in order to get a full refund on the deposit? Many people overlook this aspect of moving or neglect it thinking the rental company or new owner will just have a professional cleaning done. Yet, by keeping your home consistently clean, thoroughly cleaning when moving will be a lot easier.

Think of all the benefits of having a consistently clean home-like, fewer allergies, fewer pests, and more compliments! Find a detailed list of areas to clean and keep up. Make it a yearly or bi-annual task to be completed. Several overlooked areas to clean include cleaning the oven, cleaning behind the refrigerator and oven, cleaning under sinks, washing windows, etc.