Look Around and Within.

It's hard to stay positive when you feel as though there are no smooth roads to walk down. All the open signs are closed, and you're aimlessly wandering through emptiness... The truth is, it isn't an actual emptiness. The majority of society is wandering around in there with us. Many might think it's wrong to ignore reality, but in times like these, we cannot drown in it. We have to keep going. In the words of John Michael Montgomery, "Life's a dance." If we continue reminding ourselves that and dance together, the entire world will appear completely different. 

As we look around, we see unemployment, poverty, and a crumbling economy. What most people don't see is the connection we all share during these hard times. When finding a positive train of thought seems impossible, we shouldn't dwell on the darkness we find ourselves in. We need to remember our individual gifts and have faith we'll find the light. Something as small as playing the piano or riding your bike can form a smile and a sigh of relief; a reminder that the little things in life are priceless, and only we can create them. We can't forget that we aren't alone while we're online job searching or debating whether or not we should buy that new pair of shoes. We need to recognize that the people around us share the same struggle. We share the same pain, but we can also share the same happiness if we help one another find it. Smile at a stranger, share your talents and inspire someone. Most importantly-- never lose faith that things will get better. There's a reason we were taught 'Patience is a virtue.' 

Many struggle with their patience; especially when they have creative minds. Society and businesses generally claim to crave 'creative thinking'. However, if someone with blue hair walks through the door for an interview anywhere other than a Hair Salon or Tattoo Shop, they might as well deny the offer to avoid any false judgment. Creative thinkers typically express themselves through unique physical appearances, fashion, and many art forms. If conservative society wants a change through creative thinking, they need to learn to accept those that fit the criteria. It's a very confusing and frustrating paradox. It does nothing but separate us from one another. We're called the United States because we're supposed to stick together. How's that working out? 

HoopFurthur's Hoopspiration

"I shall now recall to mind that the motion of the heavenly bodies is circular, since the motion appropriate to a sphere is rotation in a circle."

Nicolaus Copernicus

Many hoopers find themselves watching one particular hooper more than others because they are inspired by that individual artist's style. Every hooper has their own 'flow', and imitations are just inspirations made into another form. Brandy Kimbrell, aka @hoopfurthur, is possibly one of the greatest hoopspirations. She has a YouTube account full of flawless videos of her amazing gift. As an individual performer at this year's Hulaween, Brandy proved her talents paid off and she is beginning to receive the recognition she deserves. 

Her videos and photographs are absolutely mesmerizing. It's nearly impossible to sit through an entire video and resist the urge to go grab a hula hoop. Her genuine passion for her abilities makes her even more likeable and enjoyable to watch. Even if you're not a hooper, she's definitely worth watching.

Brandy is the type of person that you don't have to share a similar passion with. Her overall passion for life and happiness makes her an admirable role model and human being. She has inspired thousands of people and she is unstoppable. Her fans will keep growing and good vibes are bound to keep flowing in her direction. 

Hula/Halloween: Call it What You Want

Because of its diverse worldwide recognition, Halloween is possibly the most fantastic holiday. It began as an annual ritual with bonfires and people dressed in dark clothing and masks. Its purpose was to blend in with and/or scare off the evil spirits and demons they believed would roam among the living that night. This simple tradition evolved into at least thousands of different universal celebrations. In present day, Halloween knows no boundaries. The most common and commercialized traditions involve costumes, trick-or-treaters and candy, haunted houses, watching scary movies, pranks, etc. Being that this night is said to connect the living with the dead more than any other, it is not uncommon today for spiritual people to perform Seances, use Ouija Boards, or read Tarot Cards. This belief also increases late-night graveyard attendance. The list could go on forever. People of all ages put serious dedication into Halloween. College students are known for their more risque attire and house parties, and typically celebrate a weekend prior because the holiday is not always a convenient party night. In this generation's counterculture, attending concerts and raves ranks at the top of the list for a great Halloween experience.

The most important aspect of all today's traditions is that there are no limits. Occasional controversy is expected. In the music scene, a costume doesn't really need to be a costume. People can wrap
themselves in rope-lighting or simply paint a rainbow on their face and blend right in. Halloween concerts are now the ultimate psychedelic experience. Jam Bands like Phish and String Cheese Incident have played these spectacular shows for decades, but due to the new wave of EDM (Electronic Dance Music) and its fans, they've taken things up a notch. Rather than hoping for a more exciting crowd and performance, SCI created their own holiday-- 'Hulaween'. As if the String Cheese Incident's Halloween shows weren't already intense enough, Hulaween is now a 3 day celebration and music festival. This year's lineup includes artists such as STS9, Big Gigantic, Moon Taxi, Eliot Lipp, and many other groups to combine and balance EDM and Jam Band vibes. Concerts like Hulaween are a great way for people from all over to come together and simply let go. Halloween brings out the strangest sides of people, and music always brings people together. Why not combine the two? 

Perfect Circles

While I debate hooping outdoors on this rainy day, I would like to express my love for all the hoopers out there through a series of photographs. You are all beautiful, and no one can deny it. I wish I could put a million on here, but that may be a bit excessive. These are some of my favorites: 

World Hoop Day

@HoopFurthur

Flow Me Your Trails

Meghan aka @FlowandGrow

LouFest: Lost in the Yim Yames Magic

My Doppelganger
aka Samantha or @OpheliaWild 

Long Hair Don't Care

Stella aka @StellaBlue9

Multitasking Required

Ruby aka @HoopyRuby

Take Me With You When You Go

Kaia aka @BohemianFlowerChild

In a World of My Own

@TwirlingCircus

Camp Bisco

Jackie aka @exuberance1

Nowhere But Here

@hoopsferdaze

Bend Without Breaking

@candy_the_hooper

Hoopside Down

@SunshineCook aka Circle Circus

Splish Splash

Kaitlyn aka @CircleMeWithSunshine

The Chakra System

The Chakra System's ancient tradition has reformed into a New Age practice. Evidence dating back to 1,500 B.C. India depicts the system's early development. The word 'chakra' means 'wheel' or 'disk'. The Chakra System's main purpose is balancing the mind, body, and spirit through the 7 energy centers located down the body's midline. In order to do this, each chakra must successfully transmit its energy to specific areas of the body. The faster the chakras spin, the more energy can be obtained and channeled; which leads to overall good health and well-being. People also use Chakra Stones and crystals as a form of healing and meditation in order to keep their chakras open and flowing. 

A simple break down of the 7 Chakras: 

1. Root: A representation of feeling grounded, stable, physically present and secure. When this chakra is open, one feels comfortable in the here and now. The Root is linked to the color red due to its connections with courage and physical and emotional survival. 

    Location: Base of the Spine/tailbone area.

2. Sacral: One's ability to accept and connect with others. It represents sexuality and expressing feelings freely without being overly emotional. The Sacral is one's sense of well-being and pleasure. The color orange links it to creativity, self-esteem, happiness, and sexuality. 

    Location: Lower abdomen; approximately 2 inches below the belly button. 

3. Solar Plexus: The Power Center. Feeling self-assured and in control. When the Solar Plexus is balanced, one has sufficient self-esteem and power. The color yellow represents these emotions of self-worth, and laughter. 

    Location: Upper abdomen/beneath the rib cage. 

4. Heart: One's overall ability to love. The Heart chakra depicts kindness, love, and affection. It exudes compassion towards relationships. Green connects it to friendliness, forgiveness, and unconditional love.

    Location: Above the heart at the center of the chest. 

5. Throat: The color Blue associates this chakra with self-expression and communication. When the Throat chakra is open, one can easily express themselves and communicate effectively. It allows one to express personal feelings and represents the truth. The Throat is the crossover between the physical and spiritual worlds. 

    Location: The Throat.

6. Third Eye: Visualization and Insight. The color Indigo is a great representation for this chakra because it is said to be an excellent meditative color for calming one's mind, and has proved to be a good sleep aid. The Third Eye is connected to mental clarity, intuition and wisdom. 

    Location: Forehead between the eyebrows. 

7. Crown: The highest chakra representing the ability to become one with world and fully connected spiritually. When the Crown is open, one is wise, unprejudiced, and aware of the world around them as well as themselves. It portrays our beauty inside and out, bliss, and our spiritual connections. The color violet connects these emotions of self-knowledge and higher-consciousness.The Crown chakra aids in finding and living one's life purpose. 

Chakra Healing and Balancing Kit

In order to open these chakras and stay in or find good health, many people use different meditation methods with chakra stones. There is an abundance of stones and crystals that go beyond the simple 7 chakra symbols. People believe that these stones hold the power to heal us physically and mentally the same way doctors use medication for healing. (Meditation vs. Medication?) They also make beautiful jewelry pieces, and by wearing these stones, people can remain balanced at all times.

Here are a couple websites worth checking out if you're interested in healing stones:

Spectrums of the Pentagram

Since the beginning of time, nearly all religions and beliefs have been misconstrued or misunderstood. Mysticism--a very broad, open-minded, spiritual belief system--might possibly take the lead. There are infinite types of Mysticism. Some aspects include; karma, divinity, reincarnation, unity between ultimate reality and the spiritual world, and living a life on the path to enlightenment. Many Mystics are considered 'Solitary Practitioners' because each individual finds a connection within themselves and the divine in their own way. Other religions and various symbols can be incorporated into Mysticism in order to provide followers with different outlets and approaches. 

In my opinion, the Pentagram is the most commonly misinterpreted and most significant mystic symbol. When people see a pentagram, they immediately seem to think 'Witch!', 'Devil worshipper!', or they're completely off and think it's the Star of David. Google the word "Pentagram" and see the symbol's endless results and fascinating uses. From ancient Greece, to the Latter Day Saint Movement, this symbol has been used nearly everywhere. The most basic concept of the pentagram is the 5 points and their continuous line in 5 straight segments. Each point holds a representation of the 5 elements and one's spiritual connection to them. Here is a basic outline: 

I bought my one and only pentagram in October 2006. I never knew much about them, but the pendant was so beautiful and for some reason it drew me in. I asked the lady at the store what they symbolized when they aren't upside down, and she explained the 5 elements and mystic uses. I've worn the pendant around my neck ever since. I started learning as much as I could about Mysticism. I finally found a belief that made sense. I felt as though I made sense. There are multiple purposes for my pentagram, and I am forever grateful that I found it (or it found me?). It provides my protection and intuition, connects my astrological signs--Taurus and Venus--and the 5 elements. My spirit is the highest element that descends to fire, moves to air, crosses over water, and ends with earth.

My Pentagram

I am fascinated by all religions and beliefs (or lack thereof) because I believe they are all the same. They all end at the same point. They acknowledge or question the existence of a higher power. Higher powers don't need to be a God or a specific figure. They can consist of anything in or outside of ourselves. 

(Because we all know that Pentagrams often remind us of witches and it's almost Halloween, this seemed necessary.)

I intend on conducting more spiritual exploration tomorrow, so tune in to see what's next! 

Your Own Reflection

Just when you think you've lost yourself, 
you'll find another side you never knew was there.

@twirling_circus