7 Signs Your Partner Is Madly In Love With You

They don't try to manipulate you.

When someone truly loves you, they don't play games and try to manipulate you. If you feel like you're being manipulated, confront them. It's not healthy if you're in a relationship with a manipulator.

They can always cheer you up.

Something about them - they can just always cheer you up even when you're the most down. They know how to push your funny buttons and can always put a smile in your face.

They believe you can do things on your own.

They don't have a sense that your hand must be held through every little task in life. They think you can handle your problems and goals on your own. But still...

They're there when you need them.

If you can't handle something on your own, there's no harm in that at all. They're there for you any time that you need them. They love you and all they want is for you to succeed.

They keep you grounded.

When your partner loves you, they won't let you get to full of yourself. They'll keep you grounded some. They won't let your head get too big.

They may not understand but they'll try to learn.

Every human is wired to be empathic. We are able to understand another's experience as if it were our own. Still, some things you have to experience to truly understand. Even if they don't understand, a partner who loves you will try.

They're your best friend.

Who wouldn't want to be?

http://www.higherperspectives.com/madly-in-love-with-you-1591093205.html

Grief Has No Expiration Date; You Don’t Need to Feel Guilty for Your Sadness

“They say time heals all wounds, but that presumes the source of the grief is finite.” ~Cassandra Clare

I lost my father to a heart attack when I was sixteen. I went to school on the morning of April 14, 2008 having a dad and went home that night not having one. I soon found myself dealing with an unfamiliar cocktail of emotions, pain so overwhelming that I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

Every time I thought I was pulling myself together, I’d notice his belt buckle sitting on the dresser, or a pair of his socks on the floor, and suddenly the haphazard stitches I’d been sewing myself up with would tear open with heart-wrenching sobs.

I lost the ability to make simple decisions like what takeout restaurant to order from or what to watch on TV. Nothing made sense that week.

Dad had been my best friend, though not in the sense that he tried to act my age or allowed me to get away with things. On the contrary, my father was quite strict, always pushing me to be a better person.

He was my best friend in that I could go to him with any worry and receive honest, unbiased advice. He forced me to see the good in myself instead of dwelling on the negative. I could cry in front of him knowing that he didn’t feel awkward or want to avoid me like dad characters on TV sitcoms.

On the day of his death I had to accept that I could rely on no one but myself. That in and of itself seemed challenging, but now I had the added burden of everyone else depending on me. I was the shoulder that my mother and younger sister cried on.

As the oldest child I became second in command under Mom. She relied on me for help with planning funeral details and making sure papers were in order. I didn’t mind the new role because it was empowering, as though by helping Mom I was giving back to Dad for everything he’d done for me.

My greatest character flaw has always been focusing on the future instead of remaining grounded in the present. Not surprisingly, my father’s death and my long-term response to grief were no different.

I cried for the entire week after he died. I cried along with everyone else at the funeral. Surely that’s all that grieving was supposed to be, right?

When the funeral was over and the house was devoid of mourners, I picked my life up from where I was before his death.

I avoided living in the “now” because the present was too painful, yet simultaneously tried to convince the rest of the world that I was a strong woman dealing with her pain. I stayed focus on getting into college and doing all of the things I knew my father would have wanted for me.

This worked well until my senior year of college. I was on the Dean’s List, I had just gotten accepted into graduate school, and graduation was right around the corner.

Then my boyfriend proposed.

Except, I never expected that he would propose with my mother’s engagement ring, the same ring my father bought and proposed with. There was now a reminder of my father glimmering on my finger every day that I couldn’t ignore.

Despite it being one of the happiest moments of my life, my engagement caused all of the sadness I’d buried to start bubbling up to the surface with such vigor that it felt like the day of his death all over again. I couldn’t run home and tell Dad the happy news. He wasn’t going to be able to walk me down the aisle.

I realized how much I had been lying to myself. I hadn’t finished grieving because I hadn’t started grieving in the first place. I had been so focused on taking on the role of adult of the house that I didn’t give myself the chance to feel angry, resentful, or depressed, or to find the acceptance I really needed in order to move on.

During the funeral people approached me to say that things would become easier in time. In truth, I don’t think this is ever the case. I have decided that grief never ends; we just find different ways of working with it in our lives.

At twenty-four, I pretend to be a stoic and emotionless professional woman, but discussing my father with people still melts me like butter. I think about him and write about him more now than I did seven years ago, and that’s okay. There are no time limits for grief other than the ones we force on ourselves.

If I could talk to my sixteen-year-old self, I’d tell her she shouldn’t feel guilty for her sadness. She’s entitled to grieve however she wants, for however long she wants. More importantly, I’d tell her that it’s important to take the time to sort out those feelings instead of hiding from them or putting other people first.

I admit that certain memories of Dad still trigger a twinge of heartache. I will always feel emptiness in my life without him here. But I am aware of how much of him still lives with me—in my smile, my hobbies, and in the shared memories of people in my life who had the honor of knowing him.

The key to grieving is not to try and stop it as quickly as possible. Grief cannot be shut off at will, despite how long I spent trying to convince myself otherwise. What matters is that we acknowledge that we are in pain and try to find the goodness in our life despite it.

I used to look down at my engagement ring and feel numbed by sadness, both for the past and for the things that can never be. But with a new mindfulness I can look at my ring, this gift from my father, and know for certain that I’m allowed to move on and find the same happiness that my parents had.

My father’s never going to disappear from my life; he’s just talking in ways that require careful listening.

Woman sitting alone image via Shutterstock

By Alyssa Pierce

http://tinybuddha.com/blog/theres-no-expiration-date-on-grief/

WHY YOU NEED TO BE GROUNDED

I’ve been conducting Psychic Workshops around Europe for the last three weeks, and have had the pleasure of working with some very talented Psychics and Mediums. One thing we have practiced is the ability to stay grounded. When you are grounded, you get out of your own head, and become connected with the earth energy – allowing you to be fully present in the moment, and open to messages from Spirit.

Going through this process with my students cause me to reflect back on my own early years as a medium, when I first realized the importance of spiritual grounding.

Although I’ve been able to connect with Spirit since I was a young boy, becoming a spiritual medium wasn’t my original career plan. I came to Los Angeles to pursue my dream of becoming a screenwriter, until the fateful day when I realized that the universe had other plans for me.

One day a coworker invited me to come with her to meet a medium named Brian Hurst. After delivering an uncannily accurate reading, Brian told me I had powerful mediumistic abilities, and predicted that I would use this gift to help other people.

Brian’s words haunted me. I started reading everything I could get my hands on about psychic ability and mediumship. I took advantage of every opportunity to try out my new skills – practicing endlessly on friends and co-workers.

What worried me was the idea that my own feelings and emotions, or random thoughts and energy from other people, would interfere with the signals I was getting from Spirit. I realized that the ability to discern those messages would be the key to my success. I instinctively knew that to become an effective medium I had to somehow still the thoughts in my own head, tap into my inner knowing, and become one with the universe.

I started meditating daily. I also joined a development circle, a group of mediums and psychics who were also working hard to enhance their abilities. In the group, we discussed the concept of staying spiritually grounded. I discovered that this practice would not only help me to tune out energetic “static” so that I could receive Spirit communications more clearly, but that it would also protect me from absorbing unwanted energy from other people (living and dead) as I went about my day to day activities.

Here’s how grounding works. Because we are electrically charged beings, we need a grounding chord – otherwise we have too much energy in the head area, which interferes with our spiritual connection. Grounding integrates our energy throughout the body- and also helps to shield us from other people’s energy.

In the development circle we’d meditate and practice guided meditations to quiet our minds and open ourselves up to Spirit. As I became more grounded and present, the signals became more frequent and clearer. I also found that I was able to effectively shield myself from other people’s energy and emotions. This became more and more important as I became more open, and tuned in to the energy around me.

Now the first thing I teach my students is how to ground themselves through meditation and visualization exercises! In fact my 8 week online course, The JVP Psychic and Intuitive Certification Course , starts off with grounding exercises, and explains how to get grounded and stay that way. If you’re interested in learning more, check out that course, along with my meditation downloads at www.jvpschoolofmysticalarts.com

By James Van Praagh

http://www.vanpraagh.com/why-you-need-to-be-grounded/

20 Ways Changing Your Space Can Change Your Life

Without space, where would we exist? Space is THAT important to life.

Not only is space vital, but we see and feel its importance even when we don't know exactly how to articulate it. You know the places you avoid. We all know when something is "off" or "not right" or feels "haunted," even if we don't know why or how to fix it.

We're inextricably tied to space and the energy of that space.

Take a moment to imagine the place where you've felt most at home in your life.

It's an amazing feeling, isn't it?

Do you feel that feeling now at home? If not, you can. You just need to make the connection.

Feng shui is the ancient art and science of creating incredible environments to support incredible lives. The more of a connection you can make to your own personal space, the more that space can help you to change your life.

Here are 20 of the most common ways I've seen lives change when spaces change:

1. You'll have more energy.

When you adjust your home in ways that eliminate basic obstacles and clutter, you create more flow in your life.

2. You'll clear away emotional blocks.

Get rid of just a few bits of emotionally loaded clutter and you'll feel the emotional weight associated with that clutter leave your life as well.

3. You'll amp up your personal style.

It's called "lifestyle" for a reason. Not "life obligation." Not "life rules." Beautification is also self-betterment.

4. You'll feel at home when you're at home.

Rather than simply being a place to live, a home reflects your confidence, security and deeper sense of belonging in life.

5. You'll become more creative.

A home filled with things that you love will inspire you to synergize new ideas, and even explore new ways to communicate.

6. You'll live with more depth.

The feeling of superficial existence — largely digital and fast-paced — melts greatly in the soft textures of a home that is a sanctuary.

7. You'll launch your dreams.

When you're organized and clear of clutter, you have a solid foundation to build a life that's so much more stable.

8. You'll break habits.

Going on vacation is a great way to help you break bad habits, as you remove common triggers to behavior when you go away. A home makeover can be just as effective, year-round.

9. You'll relax more.

Serene spaces — especially ones filled with nature — are intensely relaxing.

10. You'll sleep better.

Simple adjustments to your bedroom can help you sleep much more soundly.

11. You'll expand your social life.

Having a space to entertain instantly opens up your social life directly, but simply having a decluttered home that welcomes in fresh energy also opens up your life to more connection.

12. You'll make more money.

Money is energy. The more you can clear clutter and live in a high-energy space of beauty, the more abundance tends to come naturally.

13. You'll have more healthy boundaries.

Being drained by energy vampire personalities or overly committing yourself can leave you in last place; a clean, clear and organized home helps you put yourself first in an empowering way.

14. You'll think clearly.

Sit in chaos and darkness, and try to make important decisions. Now, go to a beautiful, light, refreshing space. Big difference, right?! A clear space reflects a clear mind.

15. You'll feel more wellness in your life.

Wellness is about connection. Connecting to your body, your emotions, your breath and your determination all fuel your well-being. Making this connection to your space will powerfully support your wellness revolution.

16. You'll make a fresh start.

In some sort of transition? Changing your home can help guide you through a time of big change, supporting you through a fresh start!

17. You'll become more grounded.

Imagination, ideas, vision and dreaming are all vital, but a grounded life helps you to put those ideas into action in a much more concrete way.

18. You'll risk bigger.

It's way easier to take a big risk if you're feeling great and supported by your life rather than when you're feeling stifled and confused.

19. You'll live with more purpose.

If your home is designed specifically to support and encourage your dreams, every step you take though that home you'll be reminded of your purpose!

20. You'll love more!

Ultimately, it's all about love, right? Love for your life, love for everyone in it, attracting love, living in love … all of it! From filling a room with colors that inspire you to decluttering objects from a brokenhearted era of the past, your environment can be a catalyst for so much more self-esteem and love every day.

Are you ready to make a space shift of your own? You can start small and open some windows for a few minutes, burn a candle and clean your house. That is a great feel-good step. You'll see and feel the difference instantly.

Want to really make a space shift of greatness? I've created a video course, Your Guide To DIY Feng Shui: Change Your Space To Change Your Life, to help you overhaul your space and your entire experience in the world. When you have a little guidance, you'll be amazed by how much better you feel!

Photo Credit: Getty Images
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-17608/20-ways-changing-your-space-can-change-your-life.html