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As humans, although many of us might feel ourselves to be alone or separate from others, we share this planet in coexistence with countless other creatures. And because of the very nature of our being, we are always constantly influencing all of those with which we coexist. In other words, we contribute to the creation of this earthly experience with our every breath. But, despite this inherent ‘power’, many of us do not know how to, or feel empowered to, make a real positive change in this world, fearing our efforts are meaningless in the larger scheme of things.

Roses may bloom in summer, but their rosehips will serve you well past the warm months. These little red gems contain 50% more vitamin C than an orange! Unfortunately, many people don’t seem to know their benefits (or even what a rosehip looks like). While I was out collecting rosehips from local rosebushes (they grow in a park in my neighborhood), people were looking at me like I had five heads. That didn’t stop me though, and it shouldn’t stop you! If you have your own rosebush, or know of local rose bushes, here are 3 ways to use their versatile fruit.

Imagine: sitting in class, about to take a final that will determine your grade for the overall class. You’ve been up all night studying and are now only fueled by four cups of coffee and the anxiety that is keeping you focused. The professor hands you your test packet and tells you to begin when you realize nothing you have studied is on the test. Your stomach begins to churn and before you can finish writing your name on the corner of your paper you bolt out of class to the nearest bathroom.

This is a common gesture across cultures. It is most frequently used to express frustration, disappointment, embarrassment, exhaustion, shock, and more.

This sign has even crossed the species divide as it was also observed in the animal kingdom. Zookeepers at the Colchester Zoo in England noticed a group of Mandrills adopting a similar gesture. They used it to signify their desire to be left alone.

This gesture has even found its way to the Internet world, becoming a popular meme to denote the same emotions.

I am an impatient person. Almost nothing happens fast enough for me. I want things yesterday. Wait for something? No thanks. This is an attitude supported by our society, in my opinion. There’s an underlying belief that if something isn’t happening on our timeline we need to move on. I notice in myself and others that we don’t want to wait – we want things to happen instantaneously.

Let’s delve into an age-old beauty practice that has its roots in Ayurveda…

An age-old Indian tradition practiced at most Indian weddings is the haldi (turmeric) ceremony of the bride-to-be, and sometimes even of the groom-to-be. Now while it is called the turmeric ceremony and there is a bit of turmeric that goes into the ubtan (paste) used to exfoliate, massage and then bathe the bride-to-be, the main ingredient of this ubtan is besan. What is besan? Nothing but chickpea or chana dal (Bengal Gram) flour.

My first introduction to yoga was as an elective tenth-grade PE class. While it may have been limited in education, it was an excellent beginner course that opened my eyes to a yoga revelation that has stuck with me since. One of the homework assignments was to scrape the tongue in the morning before brushing. Scrape the tongue? As odd as it sounded, in Ayurveda this is practiced on a daily basis. And by taking one look at your tongue in the AM, it is easy to see why.

Often regarded as a wet, polluted mess, the oceans have earned something of a bad rap over the years, but people forget just how much they can offer in the arena of health. Here are five benefits of living by the ocean.

The question of the connection between mental and physical health has been asked repetitively for centuries, and it has only been in the last several decades that Western medicine has caught up to holistic practices and began to acknowledge an interdependent relationship between the two. Mental and emotional patterns create biochemical pathways in the body, and it follows that just as the mind affects the body, so too the body can affect the mind.

I’ve grown up around plenty of pets my entire life. In fact, my mom has always been a part of animal rescue efforts. Needless to say, I know a thing or two about your average cat and dog. However, until recently, I was completely unaware that there are numerous proven health benefits that can come from caring for a furry friend or two. So, next time your kid starts begging you for either a kitten or puppy, take a moment to think it over before you simply shut them down (and inevitably crush their dreams).