#sanctifying hygiene

[cesarecitypilgrim]

Osservare gli animali/Allenare lo spirito 7 Observe Animals/Spiritual Training 7

L’arrivo della primavera dovrebbe portare un risveglio delle nostre energie vitali assopite dalla stagione invernale. Scrivo “dovrebbe” perché ormai nulla è certo e la costante ricerca di un modus vivendi basato sul concetto di “confort zone”, unitamente al mutamento climatico, ha portato a una omologazione dei ritmi di vita che non tiene più in alcun conto della natura. Siamo uomini che devono…

[artfortheartgod]

"I need to take a shower." - tired - implies a lack of hygiene - probable depression "I must perform the ritual." - compelling - sanctifies self-care - takes back the Pavlovian power that religion co-opted in our dumb monkey brains. - Bubbles likely

[kamreadsandrecs]

Seen from the twenty-first century—a century terrified by the finitude of the body—a temple like this is first and foremost an affront. For a sixteenth-century Spaniard, who had witnessed wars and autos-da-fé and seen the rebels of his time die, rot, and wither in cages hanging at the gates of cities, it would also have been astonishingly hygienic in its presentation of the macabre realities of life. The white floors; the skulls, bleached and bare. All sanctified by a tidy geometry. It wasn’t an edifying display of the suffering to which errors in conduct would lead, but a representation of things as they are: inside each of us is a skull, and that’s all that will be left of us when we’re gone; thanks for your participation.

from You Dreamed of Empires, by Álvaro Enrigue, trans. Natasha Wimmer

[kammartinez]

Seen from the twenty-first century—a century terrified by the finitude of the body—a temple like this is first and foremost an affront. For a sixteenth-century Spaniard, who had witnessed wars and autos-da-fé and seen the rebels of his time die, rot, and wither in cages hanging at the gates of cities, it would also have been astonishingly hygienic in its presentation of the macabre realities of life. The white floors; the skulls, bleached and bare. All sanctified by a tidy geometry. It wasn’t an edifying display of the suffering to which errors in conduct would lead, but a representation of things as they are: inside each of us is a skull, and that’s all that will be left of us when we’re gone; thanks for your participation.

from You Dreamed of Empires, by Álvaro Enrigue, trans. Natasha Wimmer

[littleobelia]

editing of nurserry2

He walks in the direction of his bus stop. There is a bus approaching, but he can’t make out the numbers. Too late he realises that it’s his bus. There’s no-one at the stop, so it blasts ahead and passes Harry, blowing black exhaust into his face. There won’t be another one for an hour. The Sunday timetable is the bane of his existence.

Someone he knows could drive past and see him near to crying. As soon as he thinks it he sees Martin Lee gunning past and hooking into the parking lot. Tardy Marty. He waves feebly in the direction of his colleague’s pale gold Astra, but he doesn't see him. Harry is invisible in his plain clothes. Out of scrubs he could be anyone. He walks on. He wants to see something extra-ordinary, an antidote to the misery, something to reinvigorate his faltering conviction that life is worth the pain. A man died in the night; had a fall at his council flat, brought it by ambulance, quickly acquired a UTI that wrought havoc to his kidneys, then whoopsy-daisy he was dead. Bed four, Mr Solomon Yeameni. His name was like a cryptic crossword clue. Solo – many. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. 

Maybe religion is the answer? Our Lady of Sorrows. Her doors are open to the street. He steps into the dim vestibule and already the traffic is muffled by an invisible membrane of solace. In the vestibule there is an automatic hand sanitiser dispenser on a purpose-built plinth. Out of habit he cups his palm underneath it. The machine senses his hand; he is not invisible. The machine knows he is there, he machine knows he is doing the right thing. The machine seeks to reward him, whirrs, purrs, deposits a dollop of alcohol mixed with glycerin on his hand. 

Harry rubs it in and feels sanctified. When their ward was audited two years ago he received a special commendation for his outstanding adherence to the hand hygiene protocol. He remembers with crystal clarity the euphoria of being singled out for doing something right, for a change. Praise is thin on the ground.

On the other side of a trestle table covered in pamphlets, there is an identical automatic dispenser on an identical plinth. Tacked on its face is a hand written label, which says “HOLY WATER”. 

It’s the first thing to make Harry genuinely smile in at least the past week. It’s a sardonic smile, but a smile none-the-less. He offers his hand to the sensor. The machine senses him, but it seems to hesitate, sizing him up. After a judgemental pause, it grinds and sputters disdainfully. Nothing comes out. 

Harry shrugs. He has satisfied his desire to see something novel. It’s extraordinary that such a thing even exists, such a wretched example of modern faith. It was probably full of pathogens; consecrated amoebae floating around in their stagnant bath. 

Through the creaking door into the cavernous interior of the church. The first thing he does is look up at the ceiling. When ceilings are tall you must look up and appreciate how tall they are. He learnt that from Grand Designs. 

The great oaken beams arch over him, protecting. There are six of them, like a giant rib cage. The emaciated body of Christ looms over the altar, his eyes downcast. Regarding him, Harry feels a faint impression of suffering, and then he feels merely faint. He has not eaten since yesterday evening. Portions of the host are stacked on the paten like so many poker chips and a silver platter holds dozens of little sips of wine in plastic thimble-sized cups, like raspberry jelly shots. His stomach growls miserably. He didn’t eat during his shift. The upside of this is that his bowels are minimally occupied, available to be filled from the other end. He’s a pragmatic self-harmer. 

He treads silently down the outer edge of the room between the pews and the rendered walls, past the Stations of the Cross in their gaudy frames, then he sits in one of the centre pews and closes his eyes, swaying slightly in his seat. Harry is early, the first one here. A man in white glides in unhurriedly and genuflects, then across the floor and out the opposite door, his feet nearly silent and invisible beneath his robe; it gives the impression that he is a prop on track, or perhaps something like a dalek. 

Hushed footsteps echo as the pews fill. The sound accumulates, proliferates, like incense smoke filling a shrine. His ears are suffused with whispers. He begins to fall asleep and his heavy head rolls to one side, pinching some nerve or other. He starts and winces, rubbing the affected part. 

He is not alone on his pew any more. He stands when his pewmates stand, and he sits when they sit, but he is too heavy and weary to bother with communion. The priest at the lectern has a prominent black beard, reflecting tiny filaments of light from the candles on the altar. It covers half his face, framing his moist little mouth in neatly combed and parted whiskers. He looks more like a lumberjack than a priest. Harry is so absorbed in the observation of this glossy, oily facial hair, that it takes him a while to realise the mass is not in English. 

He understands nothing. He thinks it might be Polish. Sibilant, slithering words, they trickle into his ears and fizz like vichy water, cleansing and soothing. When it's over an hour later he is catatonic. 

The sunlight greets him in the street, meek and docile. “You ought to be in bed, lad,” the sun murmurs, slipping behind a cloud. He wanders down the road to a bus stop, then pulls out his phone and books an uber to his address, 14-18 Hartwell Street. The screen goes black, and he is faced with his own decrepit reflection. He jostles the screen back to life. These days the phones wake up when they are jostled. The phone analyses his features, his puffy eyes, his swollen nose and his chapped lips. “You look worse for wear,” thinks the phone, unlocking.

Lent 2022 Harry types into the safari search bar. Google informs him that lent started a few weeks ago. That’s a shame; he was tempted to give something up. Meph. Or booze. Or porn. He opens a bookmarked site and looks at gifs of small, hairless men being fucked by larger, hairier ones. He pretends he’s small and hairless and unwrinkled. A spring chicken. Lately the follicles on his temples have packed up and migrated to his lower back. He’s sprouting little short and curlies right there at the top of his arse-crack. If his lumbar spine weren’t so stiff he’d be able to twist his torso to shave them off. 

He can’t do what this spring chicken in the gif is doing, arching his back like a cobra. He dims the screen to minimum brightness, though there is no one else around. The trembling, grainy moving images occupy his over-tired brain. He understands human mating, finds it comforting, though he doesn’t do it as often as one would like. He scarcely has the energy to masturbate. He’ll go home and have a long nap, and then maybe he’ll try. And if he can’t, he’ll get on the apps and find someone who can get it up and enjoy the vicarious sexual gratification. 

[small-cs-traffic-warden]

#Czech ineffable playlist ♪ 2

So… I enjoy looking up Czech songs about ineffable husbands. Or wives or whatever … And this song - it literally sings about a "BURNED CAR" !!!

So here it is, also for you, with English translation below.

Wanastowy Vjeci - Otevřená zlomenina srdečního svalu (Open heart muscle fracture)

I'm like the wind that blows a feather from your hand the dirt of one night, like the morning hygiene, a great water of tears that washes away the night's sins, tambourines ringing for spinal cord surgery. I'll straighten your spine, scratch your back, I'll blow on your heart, the betrayal of a friend. Love's purpose sanctifies resources and trash, the dirt of a one night you can't fly away. Open heart muscle fracture, torment and hangover, the smell of your grief. You'll release your sinful soul into the salty sea. Don't die, my baby, I want to tell you that… In a burned buggy, I'd like to ride to the stars, that shone from your eyes, before the woodworms get into your heart. Mmmm. In a burned car, I doesn't breath in two months. Alone with my guilt, I never want another, I don't think I hope anymore. Mmmm. Open wounds that heal, you're salting with tears. Your blood and flesh, I accept under both /the term of Utraquist Churches/. Same people in twilight have the same shadows. You disappeared like a phantom, I fall into the deep. Your lock of hair, I'll pour beeswax on it, I look at this beauty and I don't understand it with my brain. What you've given me, I'll give to no one, so tell me, my monkey, why I seek you in vain. Open heart muscle fracture, torment and hangover, the smell of your grief. You'll release your sinful soul into the salty sea. Don't die, my baby, I want to tell you that… In a burned buggy, I'd like to ride to the stars, that shone from your eyes, before the woodworms get into your heart. Mmmm. In a burned car, I haven't breathed in two months. Alone with my guilt, I never want another, I don't think I hope anymore.

[awakentheoracle-blog]

How Do Lightworkers Know They Need Protect Their Energy?

Energy management and protection are crucial parts of spiritual practice and general well-being for Lightworkers. Today, we'll examine the seven signs that indicate you should guard your energy and offer practical ways to defend yourself.

A persistent sensation of tiredness that persists even after extended periods of rest or attempts at relaxing is the first sign that your energy requires immediate protection. Your vitality seems to be evaporating into nothingness, and your spirit feels weary. This constant fatigue, which defies even the most restful sleep, is an obvious sign from your body and soul that you are running out of energy and that it is seeping through invisible cracks caused by the pressures of having an empathic nature and the burdensome emotional mask that you unconsciously wear over your shoulders.

What you really need is a deep, profound restoration of balance and vitality—not just physical rest. Rituals of cleansing act as a cleansing rain, clearing the dirt of collected energies that are not your own. Think of your energy field as a canvas that may be carefully cleaned to reveal only the vivid colors of your actual essence, eliminating any harmful imprints.

The first step in this transformation is the age-old ritual of smudging, in which sacred smoke from burning sage or Palo Santo dances over your aura, dispelling negative energy and engulfing the area in purity and Light. Allow the harmonic tones of singing bowls or bells to reverberate through your being as you walk through this sacred smoke. This will align your chakras and cause the surrounding air to vibrate with a melody of pure, positive energy. Your soul is revitalized by the sound waves which work as a broom to clear the dust of sluggish energy and invite a flow of chi.

In the silence that follows, immerse yourself in the restorative embrace of saltwater baths, allowing the briny waters to extract the physical and spiritual impurities from the core of your being. As you embark on this liquid cleanse, set the intention to release the energy bonds that have held you back from previous hurts and regrets, in addition to purifying your body. 

As you emerge from the water, encircle yourself with allies made of crystals that are in tune with your energy signature. These stones serve as protectors whether you wear them as jewelry or set them in your sacred space. Their vibrations create a shield that blocks negativity and intensifies your natural brightness, helping you to cut the ties that bind you to the past.

Visualize the etheric bonds pulling back or being tenderly severed, releasing you from the chains that bind you to past energy. This visual reclamation exercise gives you the power to take back your energy and creates the conditions for a path forward free of the weight of the past and a spiritual rejuvenation.

Create a protective energy field around yourself by imagining a bubble of white light or a reflective shield that will reflect back only love and optimism and repel any disruptive forces. By strengthening your aura against the entry of undesirable energy, this visualization makes sure that you always stay in a balanced and harmonious condition.

Lastly, incorporate essential oils into your everyday regimen. Their scents function as keys to open doorways to higher frequencies. Select oils whose scents align with your intentions, and use them to anchor peaceful, clear, and spiritually attuned states. You are reminded of your connection to the earth and the wealth of healing resources she provides in this fragrant haven.

By means of these rituals, your aura becomes sanctified, indicating that it is a sacred area that acknowledges the divine inside, in addition to being clear and purified. By treating spiritual hygiene holistically, you can create a shield around yourself that keeps the chaos of the outside world from dimming your Light. 

The overpowering feeling of negative emotional overload is the second sign that energy protection needs to be exercised with vigilance. This goes beyond simply experiencing a rough day or a brief period of melancholy. It's an unending barrage of outside feelings and energy that unexpectedly and uninvitedly penetrate into your aura. 

Be it from intimate relationships or the general atmosphere of public places, other people's emotional residue sticks to your soul, making you feel heavy, impairing your judgment, and upsetting your emotional balance. Beyond just causing mental distress, such absorption serves as a beacon for other harmful energies, starting a vicious cycle that can leave you feeling exhausted, uneasy, and out of balance all the time.

The constant assault of outside negativity that you've inadvertently adopted as your own muffles and dims the very essence of your existence, which is designed to shine brightly and offer warmth and healing. The technique of cord cutting becomes an effective weapon for recovering your emotional and energetic independence in the face of this assault.

This very intentional and visualization-based approach starts in the sacredness of a calm place where distractions from the outside world disappear and concentration becomes more acute. This hallowed ambiance can be enhanced by lighting candles or incense, which builds a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds. 

This ritual starts with grounding oneself. Visualizing roots reaching into the earth's core strengthens the connection to the healing energies below, and deep, deliberate breathing anchors the spirit. The intention's clarity is the essential component of cord cutting. It's a moment of extreme vulnerability and honesty, when one recognizes the cords that negatively connect their energy to others.

Imagine the cords stretching out in your mind, connecting you to the people or circumstances you want to be freed from. The ceremony invokes a higher spiritual being, such as Archangel Michael, who is known for his aura of protection and his ability to break these ethereal connections with a murmured invocation or mental command. 

The practitioner imagines Archangel Michael brandishing his sword of Light and compassionately and precisely severing the bonds. Every cut through these ties allows the long-carried heavy energies to be released and disperse into the ether. A spirit of release settles in as the ties come loose. Healing is necessary for the work to be finished.

The vision then moves to the cuts caused by the severed cords, which are being healed and sealed with Divine Light to guarantee a full recovery. At the conclusion of the ceremonies, there is an abundance of gratitude expressed either verbally or silently to the spiritual allies who supported and shielded them during the process. Once more, grounding brings the person into alignment with the material world, but they come out of it altered. The debris from previous entanglements being removed from their energy field.

Post-ritual care serves as a gentle reminder that healing happens outside of the practice and is just as important as the ceremony itself. The integration of this intense experience can be facilitated by rest, relaxation, and spending time in nature, which helps nourish the recently cleansed spirit. Cutting these cords releases the negative energies that have been tied to the connection or relationships, rather than breaking them. 

The exhausting experience of being around toxic individuals or settings is a third sign that Lightworkers need to be on the lookout for. These are more than just hard circumstances or tough people. They are negative vortexes that have the power to draw your vibrational energy down into a place of extreme discord and conflict.

These toxic interactions are like parasites that feed off your Light, contaminating your aura with their heavy, dense frequencies and leaving you feeling weak, lost, and cut off from your Higher Self. We can deflect negativity by imagining protective shields, like a robe of Light or a mirrored bubble, in the face of these energy vampires.

To start using visualizations for protection, center yourself and find a peaceful place to ground yourself. This groundwork is essential because it enables you to access your inner reservoir of calm and strength, which will serve as a strong base upon which to build your energetic barriers.

You next turn your attention to the imagery of your selected shield of protection once your mind has calmed and your spirit has become stable. For the Robe of Light, picture a radiant, vaporous garment emerging from the domains of unadulterated energy. The luminous threads of the universal Light are woven into its fabric. Imagine it gently enveloping you in its shimmering embrace, engulfing you from head to toe. Its weightlessness and warmth are a palpable example of heavenly protection, keeping any malicious energy from trying to enter your aura and harm you.

If you choose the mirrored bubble, visualize a fully encased sphere of reflected energy. Its indestructible, flawless surface reflects back anything in its immediate vicinity. You are protected from the negative intentions and energy that permeate the surroundings when you are inside this sphere. In addition to isolating you, the bubble actively reflects negativity back to its source in order to facilitate healing and transformation. The secret to this vision is to feel the experience, not just see, the complete security it offers, which enables you to keep your vibrational integrity intact even in the most trying situations.

These images are not just mental exercises. These are deliberate actions that harness the ability of intention to mold your energetic reality. You can communicate to the universe and your subconscious that you are committed to preserving your energy by clearly visualizing these shields. 

A discernible difficulty maintaining a grounded position is the fourth sign that requires immediate treatment. This difficulty goes beyond a momentary feeling of detachment. Your spiritual stability and clarity are seriously disturbed, much like a tree whose roots have been uprooted from the nurturing ground.

Reestablishing a connection with the grounding energy of the earth is an essential practice for both emotional balance and spiritual fortitude. It's the distinction between getting blown away by every wind gust and remaining still during a storm. Pay attention to the call from the earth to your spirit, encouraging you to reconnect.

You are not only physically connected to the earth but also emotionally when you walk barefoot on it and feel the soft grass beneath your feet or the warm shifting sands. It renews an essential connection. a prompt to acknowledge your inherent role in the natural world. This connection is reinforced by every step you take and every contact with the dirt beneath your bare souls. A method of grounding that is both physical and energetic that channels and pulls dispersed energy into the earth, where they can be neutralized and changed.

Grounding is more than just a physical action. You must engage in a very contemplative visualization in which you picture yourself planting roots that reach all the way to the earth's core. This vision is a potent demonstration of purpose and will. a spiritual anchor that securely connects your energy to the earth's. Imagine that these roots serve as both extensions of who you are and channels for the movement of energy between you and the enormous anchoring forces of the earth. The earth's calming, loving energies rise to fill you, securely attaching you to the physical reality that surrounds you and drawing down the chaotic, scattered energy that clouds your spirit. 

The issue of maintaining your sense of groundedness is a direct call to strengthen your spiritual pillars and seek out and participate in practices that help you rediscover your connection to the earth and your inner self. It serves as a reminder that growing closer to the earth and strengthening your connection with it can help you on your spiritual journey and keep you grounded, centered, and focused on your purpose and path. By grounding yourself, you regain both stability and clarity, which enables you to face the difficulties and complexities of the spiritual journey with grace and wisdom.

The absence of energetic protection is starting to weaken the basic foundations of spiritual practices, and the fifth sign signals this turning point. The deterioration of daily rituals that are vital for maintaining a connection with the Divine Source can be clearly felt as a weakening and diluting of their force.

The practices that used to inspire and motivate them now seem like hollow, ineffectual echoes of their previous selves. This dilution can be linked to a failure to protect one's energy, which lets outside negativity infiltrate and taint the sacred area of spiritual communication and meditation. 

In this environment, the importance of daily meditation becomes vital as it acts as a lifeline, reestablishing the practitioner's connection to the Source of all creation. Not only is meditation a technique, but it's also a sacred, secure community. A moment when the soul can fully replenish its essence and raise its vibration by drinking from the cosmic energy source.

Clarity is restored, purpose is confirmed, and spiritual life is revitalized via this close relationship. Sustaining a high vibration is not optional for the Lightworker traveling through the material world; it is necessary. Higher vibrations reject lower energies and attract experiences and entities that resonate at the same high frequency, acting as a shield..

It takes discipline and an intentional effort to participate in methods that both protect and magnify your energy to cultivate this vibrational quality. So, when spiritual practices are compromised, it is a clear indication that you need to strengthen your energetic barriers and recommit to regular rituals of protection and connection. It serves as a reminder that your spiritual path is both valuable and fragile, and that it should be treated with the highest respect and care.

You can make sure that your spiritual practices stay strong, resonant, and deeply nourishing—able to carry you through the ups and downs of your earthly journey—by realigning with Source and strengthening your energy boundaries.

The sixth sign appears as a clear cautionary tale about the dangers of going above and beyond in the selfless desire to help others. An admirable but risky undertaking that, in the absence of careful self-care, can cause severe energy depletion and burnout. Those with huge hearts and generous spirits frequently take this self-sacrificing path, but it becomes unsustainable when the scales tilt too far, leaving one's own cup empty and unable to be filled again from a source of personal energy that has been let to run dry.

This poses a risk not just to the physical self, where it can show up as fatigue and a compromised immune system, but also, and perhaps more subtly, to the spiritual self, where it could result in a fading of the inner Light that nourishes and leads individuals who are dedicated to helping others. The satisfaction and delight that formerly accompanied such work are replaced by weariness, bitterness, and a sense of meaninglessness. It becomes difficult to see what motivates a Lightworker to shine and spread their Light throughout the world. 

The reinforcement of limits and self-care at this crucial juncture becomes an unmistakable cry for renewal and preservation. In this case, self-care goes beyond simple indulgence. It is essential to make sure that one's well is always filled before giving to others, that one respects the boundaries of their energy, and that they must first recharge their own reserves. Establishing limits is just as important; they act as barriers to keep one's energy secure. Establishing boundaries for one's duties makes it possible to engage in a sustainable energy exchange that replenishes rather than depletes. 

The way forward is making a deliberate decision to take care of oneself with the same love and attention to detail that one gives to others. One finds the willpower to carry on serving without giving in to the emptiness of burnout in the peaceful times of introspection, the joyful deeds of self-nurturing, and the strong but compassionate setting of boundaries.

Serving others is a process, not a sprint. By guarding one's energy, we  make sure that the Light inside us survives and grows, illuminating the way for both ourselves and the people we try to assist.

The seventh sign appears as a bright light alerting you to the dangers of disregarding your intuition, your body's warning signs of energy imbalances, or breaches in your aura of protection. This is more than just a case of carelessness. It's risky to gamble with your spiritual health, letting gaps in your defenses grow wider and bringing discord and dissonance into your sacred place. 

As your spiritual radar, intuition is that deep inner knowing that can sense even the smallest shifts in your energetic balance and direct you toward actions that will keep your vibrational integrity intact. It would be like sailing into a hurricane and ignoring the lighthouse that is directing you to safety.

Your intuition is a direct conduit to the universal wisdom that aims to guide you toward growth and away from harm. It is the voice of the Divine. They make you aware of the intentions and hidden energies around you, giving you the chance to realign with your highest path, rebalance your energy, and strengthen your defenses.

The threat is not from these signs, which prove that you are part of the global current, but from the deliberate quiet that greets them. Ignoring these signs means you are turning off the core of your own guiding system and opening yourself up to the energies that want to drain and disrupt you.

It is not just advise to trust your intuition; rather, it is a call to action for Lightworkers to pay attention to the quiet, sometimes urgent messages that arise from the depths of their being. When it comes to making important decisions in life, like changing careers or making personal investments or figuring out the intricacies of interpersonal relationships, intuition is like a silent guide that frequently defies reason and points you in the direction of pathways that are incredibly meaningful for you.

It shows up as the small but meaningful choices you make, such as giving in to your body's need for food or sleep, recognizing the spontaneous need to take up a creative project, or following your intuition when it tells you to stay away from danger. This inner guiding system encourages you to take up new interests, make connections with mentors or friends, or even engage in spiritual practices that appear to be calling to you from a place outside of reason.

By allowing yourself to be led by the steadfast Light of your inner wisdom, you may travel the murky waters of your spiritual journey with grace and foresight, empowering and protecting yourself in the process.

Lightworkers can stand firmly on the foundation of energy protection, knowing that their Light and hearts stay open and unencumbered by the weight of outside negativity. It enables people to go through the challenges of their work with compassion, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose. 

By protecting one's energy, integrity, and nurturing spiritual well-being, these practices enable Lightworkers to carry on serving as healing and hope-filled role models in a world in dire need of their abilities.

#lightworker

[rp-mother-death]

hc + 🧼 for a hygiene-themed headcanon

Hygiene is very odd for Mia, quite frankly. In a body that doesn't heal or decay, she's left with quite a few things to manage. Keeping dry bones clean and free to move, working dirt and such out of her skin without tearing it, keeping her eyes free of dirt and damage, little things like that. Her hair no longer grows, nor does it produce oils, though with soaking it in the waters of purgatory it's lead to a dark colouration and a preservation that keeps it looking nice. She's a little anal with keeping it clean, all things considered.

She does like to indulge in cleaning up, often paying for deep oil massage to keep her skin well kept, as well as long soaks in sanctified water.

More basic every day things like teeth brushing and perfumes are used in a more common way, though occasionally when dressing up she will fill her ribs with flowers and incense when she really wants to wow someone.

It's not often she smells like a corpse, given that she isn't actively decaying anymore, but she does continue to put quite a lot of work into herself on a day to day basis that many may describe as vain.

[palkifoodsservices]

Event Catering in Greater Noida – Excellence by Palki Food Services

When it comes to event catering in Greater Noida, the name that stands out is Palki Food Services. Renowned for its impeccable standards and unmatched culinary expertise, Palki Food Services has earned its reputation as the premier choice for catering services in the region. Whether it's a lavish wedding, a corporate gathering, or an intimate family event, our team ensures every occasion is a memorable experience.

Why Choose Palki Food Services for Event Catering in Greater Noida?

Palki Food Services offers a seamless blend of quality, variety, and service, making us the preferred caterers in Greater Noida. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Unparalleled Culinary Excellence

Our chefs are masters in their craft, specializing in a wide range of cuisines, including:

Indian: Authentic flavors from North Indian curries to South Indian delicacies.

Continental: Elegant European dishes with a modern twist.

Asian: Flavorful Chinese, Thai, and Japanese cuisines.

Fusion: A creative mix of global flavors to surprise your taste buds.

2. Customized Menu Options

We believe every event is unique, and so should its menu. Our team works closely with clients to design bespoke menus that cater to specific tastes, dietary preferences, and cultural requirements.

3. Professional Service Staff

Our highly trained service staff ensures a flawless dining experience, from setting up the venue to serving dishes with warmth and efficiency. We prioritize guest satisfaction at every step.

4. Premium Quality Ingredients

We source only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients to prepare our dishes. Our commitment to quality reflects in every bite, ensuring a delectable experience for all your guests.

Types of Events We Cater To

At Palki Food Services, we cater to a variety of events, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable experience for each:

1. Wedding Catering

Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and we take pride in creating grand culinary experiences that match the magnificence of the occasion. From elaborate buffet spreads to curated sit-down dinners, we excel in providing food that complements the wedding theme and pleases every guest.

2. Corporate Events

For corporate gatherings, whether it’s a formal meeting, product launch, or a celebratory dinner, we offer tailored catering solutions that reflect professionalism and elegance. Our menus feature dishes that are both sophisticated and satisfying.

3. Social Gatherings

From birthday parties to anniversary celebrations, we bring joy to every occasion with our scrumptious food and impeccable service. We also offer live counters and interactive food stations for an added touch of excitement.

4. Religious Functions

For religious gatherings and festivals, we offer a range of pure vegetarian menus prepared in accordance with traditional customs, ensuring a sanctified and delightful experience.

Our Signature Services

1. Live Food Stations

Live food stations add an element of entertainment and freshness to any event. Guests can enjoy watching their food being prepared right before their eyes, from live pasta counters to interactive chaat stations.

2. Themed Catering

We specialize in themed catering to match the mood and aesthetics of your event. Whether it’s a royal banquet, a rustic farmhouse theme, or a chic modern vibe, our team tailors the menu and presentation to suit the occasion.

3. Hygienic and Safe Practices

Food safety is a top priority at Palki Food Services. We follow strict hygiene protocols and maintain the highest standards of cleanliness in our kitchen and service areas.

Catering Packages Tailored for Every Budget

We believe great food should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we offer a range of catering packages designed to fit various budgets. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a grand event, you can count on us to deliver excellence at a fair price.

1. Affordable Packages

Ideal for intimate gatherings, these packages offer quality food and service at budget-friendly prices.

2. Premium Packages

For larger events, we offer premium catering packages that include an extensive menu, exotic cuisines, and elegant presentations.

3. Bespoke Packages

Tailor your catering package to suit your exact requirements. Choose from a variety of dishes, services, and presentation styles to create a truly personalized experience.

How to Book Palki Food Services for Your Event

Booking our services is simple and hassle-free. Follow these steps:

Contact Us: Reach out via phone or our website to share your event details.

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[palmerhomes]

Elevating Workspace Excellence: The Art Of Office Cleaning Perth By GSB Office Cleaners

Boosting the Contemporary Workplace In Perth's hectic business world, how your office looks matters a lot. It is more than just a place of business—it is a representation of your diligence, professionalism, and morals. GSB Office Cleaners elevates the value of this aesthetic with our outstanding office cleaning Perth, demonstrating our understanding of its importance. Changing Environments, Promoting Excellence Office cleaning is more than just a chore for GSB Office Cleaners—it is a chance to change your space. We create an environment that encourages success, productivity, and creativity—we do not just clean. We transform your workplace into a center of creativity and cooperation by paying close attention to every little detail and having a strong desire for quality.

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[cowdungcakesforhomas]

Harnessing Tradition: Cow Dung Cakes for Soma Yagna

Introduction: Soma Yagna, an ancient Vedic ritual, holds profound significance in Hindu culture. It's a sacred ceremony where offerings are made to Agni, the god of fire, invoking divine blessings for prosperity and well-being. Among the essential elements of this ritual are the cow dung cakes, which play a pivotal role in the fire sacrifices. In this article, we delve into the significance, preparation, and cultural relevance of cow dung cakes in the Soma Yagna.

Significance of Cow Dung Cakes in Soma Yagna: Cow dung has been revered in Indian culture for centuries, known for its purifying properties and symbolic significance. In the context of Soma Yagna, cow dung cakes serve multiple purposes:

Fuel for the Sacred Fire: The sacred fire, Agni, is central to the Soma Yagna ritual. Cow dung cakes serve as an ideal fuel for the fire due to their slow-burning nature and ability to produce a steady flame. This ensures the continuity and stability of the sacrificial fire throughout the ceremony.

Purification and Sanctification: Cow dung is believed to possess purifying properties according to Ayurveda and Vedic traditions. Burning cow dung cakes during the Soma Yagna is symbolic of purifying the environment and sanctifying the ritual space, creating an atmosphere conducive to spiritual elevation.

Environmental Sustainability: Using cow dung cakes as fuel aligns with the principles of environmental sustainability and reverence for nature. Unlike synthetic fuels, cow dung is a renewable resource that minimizes carbon emissions and promotes ecological balance. Thus, incorporating cow dung cakes in Soma Yagna reflects a harmonious relationship between humans, animals, and the environment.

Preparation of Cow Dung Cakes: The preparation of cow dung cakes involves a meticulous process to ensure their efficacy and suitability for the ritual. Here's a brief overview of the preparation steps:

Collection of Cow Dung: Fresh cow dung is collected from indigenous cattle breeds known for their high-quality dung, such as Gir, Sahiwal, or Tharparkar cows. The dung is typically sourced from cows that are fed a natural diet and raised in a clean, hygienic environment.

Drying and Shaping: The collected cow dung is then dried thoroughly under the sun to remove excess moisture and enhance combustibility. Once dried, it is shaped into uniform patties or cakes using traditional molds or by hand. The cakes are typically small to medium-sized, allowing for easy handling and stacking.

Sun-drying and Storage: After shaping, the cow dung cakes are left to sun-dry for a few days to ensure complete dehydration and firmness. Once dried, they are stacked and stored in a dry, well-ventilated area, ready to be used for the Soma Yagna ceremony.

Cultural Relevance and Symbolism: The use of cow dung cakes in Soma Yagna extends beyond practical considerations; it embodies deep-rooted cultural symbolism and spiritual significance. In Hindu mythology and symbolism:

The cow is revered as a symbol of fertility, abundance, and nurturing energy.

Cow dung represents the Earth element and is associated with sustenance and regeneration.

Burning cow dung in the sacred fire symbolizes the transformation of impurities into purity, mirroring the spiritual journey of self-purification and enlightenment.

[eritvita]

“Such a myth,” teases Roland. “And lack of hygienic purposes ‘twards that bereavement of the great Amphibian. She is the Goddess, as art they all her followers and subtle priestesses.”

But those tales of bullying hast Roland to gawk, and to place an offended palm upon his own breast. “What bastards!” calls he, as he shuffles carefully through the silty mud, and through the clumping grass.

“What terrible species of humane rites! I am so very sorry,” says Roland solemnly, and reaches to grasp at Archer’s bicep in a tender solidarity. “May they be forever unhappy in their dominating lives. Wouldst thou wish to hold Her as wouldst She reveal Herself?" offers he. "I doubt wouldst She be too unkind to allow this sanctified gift.”

Archer can't help but laugh again as Roland double downs on his intentions. He tried to hide his fit and it evaporated into giggles. Pressing a few fingers against his lips to keep more from seeping out. He was sure Roland was doing this on purpose, though he could not deny it was a grand time.

"You do not feel that as being presumptuous?" He asks with a raise of a single brow. "What if the mistress of fortune and fates does not want to be kissed. What if she prefers to do the kissing?" He teases. "This is how we used to think you would get warts."

He shuffles closer to the log with Roland but stands still. His eyes keeping fixed on the shore and the grass half submerged on it's edge. A hand pressed to his chest. "Oh no my intimate friend. I never had to search them out- as my few companions always found them first and proceeded to either hide them in my pants or throw them in my hair."

He snickers a laugh that slowly fades. "Ahh... I only seemed to catch turtles. Such is my lot in life."

[rottingsam]

He can tell his brother is tired too, but maybe Dean’s feeling a different type of tired than he himself is experiencing. He’s quiet, which is unusual for his older sibling. He watches as Dean shucks off his jacket, listening to the thud of his boots being kicked off. Then comes the sound of metal against wood as he turns away to get his clean clothes from his bag. Dean’s undressing as well, shedding himself of all the weapons he has tucked away into articles of clothing.

His skin itches, his body aches and he feels like his body is getting consumed by the dirt. Personal hygiene was important to Sam, that’s all. He can’t stand the way the filth clings to his skin, he’s ready for the off white walls of the shower to sanctify his body.

With his clean pajamas rumpled in his fist, he turns to his brother, who's currently stripped down to his boxers and undershirt. He’s got the remote in his hand, pressing on the buttons but nothing is happening on the screen. He must feel Sam's stare because he turns his attention on his little brother, tired eyes, dark circles underneath them focus on his form. The room is only lit by a soft yellow light and Dean looks like something soft, something broken. He wants to kiss Dean when he looks like this.

[blissed-pissed-miss]

We observe 28 May as Menstrual hygiene day every day, but just sanctifying a day to menstrual hygiene is not sufficient.

Thousands of women every year die due to lack of menstrual hygiene and it is SHAMEFUL. it will astound you to know that lack of menstrual hygiene is the 5th biggest butcher of women. Most women don't die because of Alzheimer's, most women die due to lack of menstrual hygiene. Only 36% of women in India have the "gratification" to use menstrual pads. 28 million girls drop out of school because of a lack of sanitary pads.

Sanitary pads are fairly a luxury than a requirement universally in the world. I feel there is no need to allude to that there are so many taboos and voodoo related to menstruations.

We expect a woman to not enter the house during menstruation, she can't go to the temple, may not cook, she can't eat certain food. but why? Why do we still follow this silly voodoo in 2021? it is not 1921? is it?

These voodoos or to say "rules" for women were made in ages where people weren't aware of menstruation. Women weren't allowed in the kitchen? Because we expected them to rest, not be segregated against. These "rules" were made so that women can rest more as there were no such things as pads, tampons, or menstrual cups. but now times have changed. I need to, you need to, we all need to strengthen with time.

a packet of milk costs around 30 rupees for 500 ml, whereas a packet of sanitary pad cost 42 rupees. I'm not saying that milk is not a necessary item, it is very necessary but so are sanitary pads. Then why are we not treating it like one? When will we treat it like one? In India, only 36% of women have the luxury to use sanitary pads, but what about the rest? Because 36 is not a big number, but 64 is a big number.

Why can't a woman afford a sanitary pad, you may think? Let's look at ourselves.

On average, a casual women's labour earns around 2 dollars or 120 rupees. She is a mother, a sister, daughter, she has a family to feed. Will she spend 42 rupees on herself? Will she even spend a single penny on herself? she won't.

There is no GST on sanitary pads in India still they are very expensive. I feel there is a need to make sanitary pads free of cost. It won't be of any benefit for me or you or for the women living next door because we can afford it but it will be very much beneficial for a woman who is using dirty cloth during her periods right now.

It may seem ambitious, but if going to mars is possible, it is also possible. Let's get together to at least try to make this utopian dream possible. So that a woman doesn't teach her daughter how to use a dirty cloth during her first menstrual cycle or how to hide the stains but how to explore herself, her stains. They are beautiful, not embarrassing.

MENSTRUATION IS BEAUTIFUL

@vin-vinner-world

[jewish-privilege]

Among the Jewish tradition’s most cherished values is the sanctity of human life. With a few notable exceptions, one must not endanger their life in order to fulfill a religious obligation. And one must violate even the most significant commandments in order to save another person’s life. Saving one life is regarded as the equivalent of saving an entire world, and consequently, taking a life is seen as tantamount to destroying an entire world.

It’s not just about saving people who are in mortal danger (known as pikuah ha-nefesh). Jewish tradition also expresses its commitment to the supreme importance of human life through laws related to the preservation and protection of life. This class of commandments is known as shmirat ha-nefesh; literally, protecting life. It is derived from a biblical verse which teaches, “Be cautious with yourself and seriously guard your life” (Deuteronomy 4:9).

Rabbinic tradition understood this verse to mean that we are not allowed to knowingly endanger our lives or engage in behaviors that would likely result in disease or death. And we are similarly obligated to take steps to protect others’ lives, like building a parapet around the roofs of our houses to minimize the risk of someone accidentally falling.

Seen from this perspective, Jews ought to regard actions which help prevent us and others from contracting or communicating the novel coronavirus, like thoroughly washing our hands, wearing face masks, and remaining at home, as mitzvot, sacred obligations...

And if behaviors like thoroughly washing our hands, wearing face masks, and remaining at home are mitzvot, then they should be preceded by blessings. Relevant blessings accompany the performance of most other mitzvot...

We recite a blessing before fulfilling a commandment to indicate that the deed we are about to perform is thoughtful and deliberate. We affirm that we are doing the action intentionally, and for the sake of fulfilling a religious obligation. In this way, we affirm the spiritual significance of the behavior, turning the thoughtless and the mundane into the intentional and the sacred, and helping us live with more meaning and purpose...

And yet, for some unknown or inscrutable reason, there are not traditional blessings over each and every act that could be considered shmirat ha-nefesh. There is a blessing for constructing a parapet: “You are bountiful, Infinite our God, majesty of space and time, who has sanctified us with divine commandments and has commanded us to make a parapet.” But by tradition, building a parapet is the only act of protecting life that has an associated blessing.

Since there is a traditional blessing over erecting a parapet, it is tempting to simply apply that blessing to actions like hygienic hand-washing, wearing face masks, and staying at home. There are undoubtedly parallels between putting a fence on one’s roof for others’ safety and, say, putting a mask on one’s face for others’ safety. Still, it feels odd to use the same blessing for both acts. While analogous, they aren’t identical. Putting on a mask while reciting “to make a parapet” could diminish, rather than enhance, the intentionality of the act.

Instead, I propose creating a new blessing for the actions we take to keep ourselves and each other safe and healthy during a pandemic: “You are bountiful, Infinite our God, majesty of space and time, who has sanctified us with divine commandments and has commanded us about protecting life.” Or, in Hebrew: Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha-olam, Asher keed’shanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzeevanu al sh’mirat ha-nefesh.

...More importantly, a blessing will remind us that these actions are not just good but godly, not just for safety but for sanctity, not just required but righteous.

[amuseoffyre]

Crossing Paths - 928AD - Rila

Notes: I love stumbling on random saints.

928AD – Rila

“Oh, for Heaven’s sake!”

Crowley grinned up at the angel in the entrance to the cave. “Surprise!”

Aziraphale made a moue, stepping down into the cave, a chest cradled in his arms. “What on earth are you doing here?”

“Same old, same old,” Crowley replied, sprawling back against the cave wall. “What about you? Last I heard, you were holding court in Great Preslav?”

“Ah.” Aziraphale winced. “Well, you see, there’s a chap hereabouts that my fellow wants to meet. He’s been earning quite the reputation for miracles.”

It took a lot of effort to keep his face straight. “Miracles, eh? How about that?”

The angel’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Crowley…”

“Imagine! Miracles! All the way up here!”

“Crowley, what have you done?”

“Nothing!” He paused, considered. “Weeeeeeell, maybe 25 percent of nothing. 40 at a push.”

Aziraphale groaned. “You’re behind this? All of the…” He tried to flap his very full hand and resorted to flapping an elbow instead. “What the Hell are you doing? You can’t do miracles!”

“Ah, but I’m not.” Crowley couldn’t stop the grin from spreading. “The magical miracle hermit does. You know? Bit hairy? Not keen on hygiene or people? Occasionally beats himself up a bit?” He waved grandly around the cavern they were in. “Lives in a cave that is exactly 100 percent this one?”

The angel’s face fell. “Oh no.”

Crowley beamed at him. “Oh yes. You know I get assigned the holy ones. He’s getting really ratty with me. Turns out he doesn’t like the extra attention.”

“And you can… tolerate being in here?”

Crowley shrugged cheerfully. “S’a cave, angel. Not exactly sanctified, is it?” He got to his feet, dusting flecks of stone from his robes. “Oi, Ivan! You going to be less of a grumpy bugger today? You’ve got a visitor.”

Something moved in the gloomier crevice at the back of the cave.

“I told you to get out.”

“And I told you I’m not listening,” Crowley called back. “Anyway, didn’t your good Lord say you should welcome people into your home?” He winked at the angel. “Something about blessing the people who seek comfort and knowledge, yeah? Be nice and sociable and interact with everyone? Blah blah blah?”

The hermit stamped out from the smaller cavern. “You keep your blasphemy to yourself, demon. I–” He paused at the sight of Aziraphale. “Who are you?”

The angel pinked and opened up the chest. It was packed with gold and trinkets and all the kind of things an ascetic shunned. “I bring you a gift from–” He backed up a step at the dangerous gleam in the human’s eye and Crowley snickered. “I mean… er…”

“Another one!” Ivan grabbed a rock and hurled it at Aziraphale. “Out, demon! Out! I don’t want your temptations!”

“I beg your pardon!” Aziraphale yelped in indignation. “I’m not a demon!”

“Ha!” Ivan advanced on him, waving his well-worn crucifix. “You come here – here – bringing the trappings of wealth and greed and luxury, all dressed in silks and velvets!” He jabbed Aziraphale in the chest and Crowley had to smash his hands over his mouth to keep from laughing out loud at the absolute outrage on the angel’s face. “Take your wealth and money to someone who might succumb to your wiles!”

“I’m here, bringing you a gift from your Tsar!”

Ivan blinked owlishly at him. “My Tsar?”

“Yes!” Aziraphale was red in the face. “Tsar Peter! He’s come to seek your spiritual guidance! We heard about your miracles in the city! He wanted to come and pay his respects to you!”

Crowley rolled onto his feet and sauntered over, peering over Ivan’s skinny shoulder. “They did mention the ‘giving up all worldly possessions’ part of being a hermit, didn’t they?” he inquired. “Or did Pete miss the memo?” He reached for a jewel-crusted goblet. “Mind you, the place could do with a little brightening up.”

Ivan flapped a hand at him. “Off, demon!”

Crowley crossed his eyes and stuck out his tongue. “Hasn’t worked for the past three months. Isn’t about to work now.” He plopped himself back down on one of the boulders by the cavern wall and stretched out his legs. “So you going to take his shiny presents, then?”

Ivan glowered at him. Crowley had to admit he liked the stubborn old coot. Reminded him of a certain spell spent in the desert, centuries back.

“He means it as a token of respect,” Aziraphale put in with a quick smile. “He would be honoured to meet you.”

“Ooooh,” Crowley snickered. “Get him. He’d be honoured. Makes you special, doesn’t it? Boss of the country comes all this way from the big city just for an audience with you.” Ivan’s lips compressed to a thin line. “Oh, go on,” Crowley goaded, grinning at the matching expressions on both angel and saint’s faces. “Doesn’t it make you the teensiest bit proud? Bet he’ll fawn on you and dote and everything.”

The thin line turned hard and Ivan slammed the lid of the chest so hard that Aziraphale staggered.

“You may tell his Majesty,” he said without taking his eyes off Crowley’s face, “I cannot accept his gifts. When a man has so much and has so many who look to him for protection and care, that is where he must lay his fortunes. He cannot buy his way into Heaven with trinkets.”

Crowley gave him a grudging nod.

“You… could tell him so yourself,” Aziraphale said hopefully. “We came a long way. You’re a source of great inspiration to him.”

Ivan turned his full attention to Aziraphale and his sour expression changed, a small smile hidden in his tangled beard. “Come,” he said, leading the angel back out of the cavern.

“Going to go and show off your knowledge?” Crowley called after him, scrambling to his feet.

Outside on the track, Ivan turned to face him. “Not going anywhere, demon,” he said. He returned his smile to Aziraphale. “Your man – your Tsar – may see me, but what he seeks from me, I cannot give him. I am only a man. All that he seeks can only come from one greater by far than men and Kings.”

And, of course, Aziraphale positively beamed at him. He set down the chest, opening it and rummaging through it and Crowley rolled his eyes at the hint of a miracle.

“I know you can’t accept the money and gold,” the angel said, producing a miraculously intact bundle of fruits, breads and cheeses that could never have fit inside the chest, “but accept these small tokens. Please.”

Ivan nodded, covering one of the angel’s hands with his own. “Thank you.” He hesitated, glancing down the rocky hillside. “Your Tsar is below?”

Yes, Crowley thought eagerly, give in to the pride.

“He is,” Aziraphale said eagerly. “Will you come?”

The hermit stared pensively down the hillside, then smiled at the angel. “I will offer him my respects, but only from a distance,” he said. “I am not to be revered or treated as some great source of blessing or knowledge. Such things come from God alone. I will see him and he will see me as men. Nothing more.”

“Oh for Satan’s sake,” Crowley groaned. “Come on!”

Ivan smiled serenely at him. “Your work is done here, demon.”

Crowley made a face and threw a pebble at him.

Ivan chuckled. “Go and tell your Tsar to wait at the edge of his encampment,” he said. “I will come down soon.” He disappeared back into the crack in the cliff face, his bundle of food cradled in his arms.

“Ugh,” Crowley grumbled.

“He seems a very bright fellow,” Aziraphale offered sympathetically.

“Mm.” Crowley stooped and peered into Aziraphale’s chest. “Always have to watch out for the smart ones.” He poked through the bottles and cups. “Wine? They sent wine for a hermit?”

The angel sighed. “I know, but he was quite determined.”

“Well…” Crowley plucked the bottle out of the chest. “More for us, eh?”

The angel’s lips twitched. “Really, Crowley…”

For good measure, Crowley picked out two of the goblets and waggled them. “Meet you outside the camp in an hour, eh?” He closed the lid. “Off you trot, then. Got your Tsar to disappoint.”

“Honestly…” Aziraphale sighed fondly, picking up the chest. “Sometimes, I don’t know why I bother with you.”

“Wine!” Crowley called after him, waving the bottle over his head. “Wine and wit!”

“Something,” Aziraphale yelled back, “you frequently lack in equal measures.”

Crowley grinned in the afternoon sunlight.

Always a bit of a bastard, that angel.