Massage School Learning Experience

By Roblynn Neumann

At the end of our first day of massage school, we all circled up to share our feelings. I got teary eyed and said, "I miss my kids and cannot wait to go home and see them."

The months, weeks and days leading up to this experience had been very stressful for me. I had been a stay-at-home mom for the past fifteen years, with six children ranging in age from two to fifteen. I was embarking on my second career. My husband could not understand my stress and concerns. His constant reassurances that everything would be fine at home for the next five months, and that it was no big deal to undress in front of complete strangers, did not help.

As the first day of school got closer, I was so stressed that I broke out with a huge fever blister, right smack dab in the middle of my bottom lip. It hung around for the first two months of school!

It was amazing for me to realize how many of my ideas about education could be traced back to my elementary school teachers. I was actually remembering educational experiences from over twenty years ago; which fed right into my stress, of course.

Another stress was the unknowns of massage school in general. Would I be the old lady in a class full of young people? Would there be guys I would have to work with?

Did my brain even still function? All of these and many more doubts went through my mind.

The first day of school erased about half of these worries. There were eleven students in my class; all but three attending for the purpose of a second career, like myself. They all seemed harmless enough, including the three guys. What a relief!

Thus we embarked on our five month journey together. I have seen and heard about classes were everyone became instant friends forever. We were all pretty much to busy in our own lives for that to happen.

Massage school definitely has a way of showing you yourself, up close and personal. I had always considered myself to be laid back, nice. This unraveled with the first learning experience; which was just a nice name for a test. It is supposed to help mentally to call it something else. At that point I found out that I was very competitive, and even almost mean about it. Wow! Insight number one.

Another eye opener came a few weeks into school when we were having a communications class. I usually skipped these. In this particular situation we were to partner up with another student, and tell how we felt about each other. My partner told me that when we had begun school she did not like me, but she was beginning to! That hit pretty hard, obviously, since I still remember it.

Number three came in our daily circle when we were given time to share how clinics were going, and how we felt about the work we were doing outside of class. I was so excited to share about my work with the university cross-country team. When the teacher called my name, another student remarked, "What are you going to brag about today?" Boom! Insight number three.

I am glad to say these three and many other experiences did encourage introspection and change, but that did not make them any easier to take at the time. The biggest lesson learned was to be careful about the words coming out of my mouth. This has served me well in my business and my life. This lesson, still with my twelve years later, is the same, with this addition: be kind.

On the last day of massage school we all circled up to share our feelings for the last time. When my turn came I said, "I'm glad this is over, and I can't wait to go home to my children."
Everyone chuckled, but all agreed.

Roblynn Neumann is Co Director and owner of Costa Rica School of Integrative, a study abroad massage school located in Heredia Costa Rica. You can contact her at info@crmassageschool.com She has owned and run a private massage practice for 12 years, and taught for 3 years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roblynn_Neumann

Bathrobes - Completing Your Bathing Experience

By Niall Roche

Christmas is right around the corner and you're stuck for ideas on what to buy for all those people on your shopping list. What gift idea can you come up with that is useful, budget friendly and actually appreciated by the recipients? Bath robes are a wonderful gift option that work for anyone who enjoys taking a long relaxing bath.

Womens Robes
Any woman will appreciate a luxurious plush white bath robe - it's a classic gift that never goes out of fashion. If you add a small basket of bath products to that you'll have given her a gift she'll remember all year. If the woman you're buying for loves specific colors then consider shopping for a colored robe instead. If you aren't concerned about shopping for absorbent terry cloth robes, you may want to take a look at cotton or polyester women's bath robes that come in almost any conceivable pattern.

If you aren't concerned about looking for discount bath robes, you can shop for silk models or robe and nightgown sets. Shopping for these robes can be much trickier, since they tend to have very different styles and you will need to know the size of the lady you're buying the gift for; always go a size up instead of a size down when choosing items like this.

Mens Robes
The basic mens bath robe tends to come in two basic styles - short or long. If the man you're shopping for spends a lot of time hanging around the house in his boxer shorts you'll probably want to go for the short style. Of course, just like women's bath robes, men's robes also come in other fabrics. You can find checked and striped robes if you think the solid terry models everyone seems to have are too boring.

Kids Robes
Are you worried that robes aren't exactly the most exciting gifts in the whole world? They can be if you shop for the standard terry cloth bath robes that are commonly available. There are many designs and styles that will be popular with children, too.

For starters you can buy character bath robes with almost any popular cartoon character on them. From Spongebob to Disney princesses, you can find a robe that is sure to be a hit with whatever kid you're buying for. Matching slippers are a really great addition, especially since the slippers usually look like stuffed toy characters.

One other really cool bath robe idea for children is the hooden animal bathrobe. Your child can snuggle up in a warm and cozy duck or dog robe after a bath. Once he or she is dry, you'll probably have a bit of a struggle convincing your child that the robe has to hang back up on its hook until the next night's bath!

There's nothing better than stepping from a relaxing bath into a luxury bath robe. Nothing completes the bathing experience quite like your favourite bathrobe.

Find a huge rang of bathrobes online: http://Bathroomcentral.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niall_Roche

My Experience in Burkina Faso

By David Swanson

The day begins early enough, up at 5:30am, shower, dress, and breakfast on the porch at 6am sharp. Breakfast is the same everyday; oatmeal, fresh bread, (fetched from across the busy street), and delicious sliced fresh fruit from the local outdoor market. The weather? Well, it's going to be another hot one, at least over 100 degrees with high humidity. The sky is gray and overcast, not because of clouds, but from smoke, and exhaust created by the immense amount of traffic moving through the chaotic streets, burning trash, and the wood burning stoves of street venders preparing meals for the day.

This is my first trip to Burkina Faso, West Africa. I can't believe I'm finally here after being invited over and over by my brother who has been coming to the country for the past 25 years ministering to the Burkinabe people.

Burkina Faso, which was once known as Upper Volta, is one of the poorest countries in the world. The country was colonized by the French in the late 1800's. The name change to Burkina Faso came in 1960 when it gained independence from France. With a high population density and limited resources, most of the region remains economically suppressed. Islam has had a long history in Burkina Faso and represents around 55% of the population. Christianity has a smaller presence which is around 10% of the population.

My purpose for coming to Burkina Faso was to experience and see first hand the needs of the Burkinabe people. Aside from the basic needs for survival, like food and water, there are several other areas in which ministries can provide help to the people. The "Raise the Roof" ministry (a term coined by the Burkinabe), was one of the first ministries started in Burkina Faso. A new metal roof costing up to $1200 is placed on top of a church building that has been built of hand made mud bricks by the Burkinabe. The church once outfitted with a new roof will provide shade from the sun and the dry environment during the rare rains. Many pastors will pray for one of these roofs for several years before their prayers are answered.

The main staple, sagabou, in Burkina Faso is made from millet and sorghum. The growing season is from May through September. During this time they must have rain to help the crops grow. This past season the rain came late and was not enough. It came down in torrents and flooded some areas and washed away some homes and churches. It also washed away some of the crops. Most Burkinabe will eat a meal once a day and the meal is normally Sagabou with some variations and sauces. This year the main need of the Burkinabe will be food. Money raised from donations will buy several thousand pounds of millet and sorghum. A five pound bag may last a family of four up to a month if they have only one meal a day.

One thing I did experience while in Burkina Faso was the amazing love and faith of the Christians there. They have barely enough to survive, but what they have they will share with you knowing and trusting that God will provide for them. They are a joyful people. Their joy is contagious and comes from the Lord.

Learn more about the ministry in Burkina Faso by visiting Bukina Faso Missions

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Swanson

My Acupuncture Facelift Experience

By Jodi Hutchinson

Men and women do it. The vain and the rich do it. What is "it" they are doing? Cosmetic acupuncture, also known as acupuncture facial rejuvenation, has arrived from the Far East and is making its new home in the USA. This "new" modality of an ancient art uses ultra fine, sterile needles that may erase fine lines, reduce deeper wrinkles, and enhance skin tone.

Recently, I was invited to experience this all-natural "facelift." Without hesitation, I was on my way to another new venture.

Treatment is based on time tested principles of Chinese Medicine that views the body as a whole-meaning, your thigh bone is connected to the hip bone and your hip bone is connected to your heart-not exactly what I learned in anatomy class. Traditional acupuncture has been used to treat various ailments from migraines to arthritis and beyond. Qi, (pronounced chee) is the vital force or energy in our bodies. It circulates within continuous channels and flows throughout the body connecting our face to every other bone and organ. When the Qi is blocked or stagnant from stress, environmental toxins or poor diet, it is reflected in our tired, sagging, puffy faces.

So what happens during treatment? After an initial consultation with the acupuncturist we decided upon a plan to free my laugh lines and "crinkles" of wisdom around my eyes from their blocked Qi. I was taken to a cozy room where the lights were soft, the air was sweet with jasmine, and the music was serene. Then came the needles!

They are ultra-fine, sterilized stainless steel needles which are only used once. I was told I may feel a little tingling sensation, but it was painless except for some light pressure and the tingling. I became relaxed as calming warmth filled my body while I became one with the pincushion.
Upon completion I was handed a mirror and my face was glowing with total beauty and I felt refreshed. The tiny lines were obviously diminished and there was no "surprised expression."

The recommended course of treatment consists of twelve weekly sessions and it may take a few treatments for the lines to begin to diminish. Remember: it took decades of living to create our lines of wisdom. As with all treatments, there are many factors that determine individual results. Make sure you choose and acupuncturist with excellent references and years of experience. My glowing experience was memorable and refreshing.

Jodi Hutchinson, founder of Darshän Beauty LLC, has her B.S. degree in Physician Assistant and worked in Cardiac Surgery for 18 years. In 2001, Jodi left her 18 year career to walk the world, which included a trek across the Himalayan Mountains. Upon returning to the states, she was given a box of exotic face crèmes. Intrigued by the product purity and bio-energy qualities, she traveled back to India to meet the founding family of the herbal company. She created Darshän Beauty LLC following her return. A journey into the Indian jungle in 2004, to walk with the tribal villagers and farmers, ensured Jodi that working conditions and wages were equitable, and that the land, rivers, and herbs were not being overharvested. Jodi then returned to the USA to find that she had unknowingly contracted a complicated case of cerebral malaria. A near-death experience would transform and reawaken her into the eternal world of "beauty beyond appearance."

For more information visit http://www.darshanbeauty.com

Experience The Ancient World With A Tribal Tattoo

By Mike Selvon

Though it has become very popular in Western Cultures in the past few years, native people groups around the world have used the tribal tattoo for various purposes for thousands of years.
A brief history of these uses will give people who may want a tribal tattoo a better idea of exactly what they want in a tattoo. More than just designs, these tribal symbols are often fraught with meaning and can signify many different aspects of human life.

While there are many different cultures that provide the basis for tribal tattoos, we will look at just a few of them here in order to develop a basic understanding of the most popular types.

The first style is found in ancient Egypt. Tattoos of hieroglyphics have become increasingly popular as people are choosing to tattoo themselves with symbols that may be very meaningful to them, but that they want to remain rather cryptic to others.

In addition to hieroglyphs, the ancient Egyptians used tattoos to depict religious scenes.
Creatures that were half animal and half human represented the Egyptian gods and their beliefs about the afterlife.

Another form of tribal tattooing is found in Asia. A henna tattoo was used in many Hindu cultures to decorate a bride's body for her husband. This practice has become increasingly popular in recent years throughout Western cultures.

While not necessarily used as a wedding adornment, henna tattoos have found a place in gothic subculture as a means of decorating the body.

These tribal patterns are considered works of art by themselves and each one is to be a unique creation of the tattoo artist's abilities and vision.

Native Americans tribal designs have also found popularity in recent years. They are often abstract creations that denote an emotion. Power, peace, wisdom and authority are subtly portrayed in these tattoos.

Men typically get these designs wrapped around their upper arm, or they may have them wrap from their back, over their shoulder and down onto their arm.

Women will typically have these Native American body art designs placed in the small of their back, or on a shoulder.

Regardless, of the location or the origin, the popularity of tribal tattoo designs shows that people are open to listening and learning from the wisdom and traditions of other cultures.

Often, people who choose to get a tribal body art are trying to express an emotion or a message that they are unable to do with words, or a common image. The tribal tattoo design sets apart the message as being something special, unique and important.

Enrich your knowledge further about the tribal tattoo options from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback at our tattoo designs blog where a free gift awaits you.

World of Warcraft - The Ultimate Online Gaming Experience

By KJ Ross

Welcome to a world where the fun never end, the World of Warcraft. The game, popularly known as WoW, has clearly divided the gaming world into those who WoW, and well, those who don’t. WoW, launched by Blizzard Entertainment has virtually moved multiplayer online role playing games a step forward.

WoW shares many of its features with previously launched online multiplayer games.

Essentially, you battle with monsters and traverse the countryside, on your own, or along with others, take up quests, and you progressively reach higher levels. In the meantime, you obtain new abilities based on your professions and skills. However, in terms of its features and sheer quality, other games of the genre simply stand no against WoW. The game is undoubtedly in a league of its own and playing it is another experience altogether.

What with its countless levels of difficulty and numerous player-images, WoW can be quite a complex game. However, the controls and interface are done in such a way that you don’t feel the complexity. An attractive feature of the game is that it does not bore you to death with a wordy instruction manual right at the beginning, the instructions are simple, to the point and can’t get any clearer. You can start off with the game with the help of the tips that pop up now and then. You can refer the actual manual if you are ever confused about how to do something.

You can choose your character and race from a wide variety of options. In fact, there is so much choice that you might actually have trouble selecting what you want. You generally start out in a placed called Azeroth, where you can find a mixture of various settings which form a unique and exciting world. As in most other games, you will be rewarded with money, power and experience when you play well.

You cannot do without teamwork at points in this game. ‘Dungeons,’ for example, require teams of two to five players to work together. At the most difficult stage, you need to cross dungeons and attack guilds. This, however, requires months of careful playing and you might have to make several attempts before you actually reach the end.

A persistent criticism against WoW is that it the final stages are too difficult for the average gamer. Blizzard appears to have taken this criticism into consideration. They have released a number of patches to the game adjusting the levels of difficulty required to complete it.

However, since only a select few have reached that level, we can never be sure. In terms of the pace of the game and loading time, WoW stands out from among other games.

Playing WoW is hassle free for the most part. So if you have the time and a lot of extra energy, Maybe you should give WoW a try. Get ready for the ultimate gaming experience.

Be sure to check out my free listing of World of Warcraft quest guides as well as my free newsletter on World of Warcraft quest guides

In this newsletter, I reveal the secrets that top WoW gamers are using to build their characters faster and own the opposition. The web address is http://www.squidoo.com/world-of-warcraft-quest_guide