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What is Authentic Tantra?

The term "tantra" comes from the Sanskrit word meaning "weave", or "continuity". It is derived from ancient Hindu and Buddhist texts, and has even evolved into a New Age interest. There are many different forms of tantra, and some are authentic and some are not. Tantra does not require adherence to any particular religious beliefs, dogma, or rituals and rejects all forms of prejudice. Authentic tantra is a deep, subtle, spiritual practice in which adherents learn to use sensuality and breathing exercises to become completely present to reality, with an open heart, in order to simultaneously experience a greatly expanded state of love-based consciousness. Tantric practices are not performed in a quest for some future gratification, but rather, the benefits of the practices are imbedded within the practices themselves. Authentic tantra is not based on a hedonistic quest for worldly pleasure. Its principles teach us to slow down and re-sensitize ourselves to expand awareness to subtle pleasures and energy vibrations in ordinary things.

Love-based consciousness is the ability to sense and focus on the tiniest energy vibrations around us. In order to do this we must maintain a unified body, mind, and spirit, which means that we honor all three, without exclusion of our senses, desires, passions, emotions, or sexuality. In this state, we realize true happiness is not dependent upon the acquisition of wealth, possessions, or power, but a balanced integration of the body, mind, and spirit.

When we balance the body and spirit, we are able to dispassionately observe our (mindful) emotions, sensations, and thoughts from a neutral perspective--a perspective that allows us to see clearly without becoming caught up in or own sense of ego and personal agenda. As we shut down the autopilot of our lives and give focus to our senses, the senses become greatly enhanced. It takes much less effort to experience heightened levels of pleasure, or some even call it ecstasy. The result is liberation from fear, and self-doubt that is necessary for fresh creativity, true happiness, and sharper intuition. When we are no longer attached to self images and self concepts there is an experience of freeing expansion of consciousness similar to awakening energized from a long and incredibly restful sleep.

Tantra and Sexuality

Unfortunately, almost all exposure to tantra by westerners derives from misrepresentations and misunderstandings of the practice through some well-meaning so-called healers and some not so well meaning profiteers. Most often they make easy money by claiming that tantra is limited to sacred sex and a neurotic quest to live out bodily passions. This hyperbolic emphasis on sex positions, prolonged orgasms, sexual healing, controlling ejaculation, etc. simply preys upon the western puritanical aversion to sexuality, the unhealthy western fascination with sex and everything sexy, or both and has very little to do with authentic tantra. Sexual energy play is a small part of tantric practice, however, it holds no greater nor lesser significance in the tantric practices of say, smelling the essence of a fragrant flower or savoring a decadent chocolate.

It just so happens that sex is indeed a sensorial smorgasbord, and the most accessible internal energy source to most humans. For this reason, in some tantric paths because it is considered the most powerful energy available and therefore the most direct path to awakening to love-consciousness.

Tantra and Sensuality

Our senses are the way we perceive the world around us, including energetic fields. Science and spirituality meet where quantum physics and string theory are now proving the concepts of oneness and universal connectedness, envisioned by the ancient masters of tantra thousands of years ago. Essentially, the study of the properties of atomic and subatomic particles verifies that we all share a connection with the greater energy field of the universe. The universe is an energy force matrix that includes everything--us, animals, the planets and stars, and most importantly, God.

Energy is made up of tiny vibrations of the atomic and subatomic particles, and all matter is differentiated by the speed in which these particles move. In authentic tantra, the term sensuality refers the the practice of giving full awareness to all sensorial stimuli, i.e., input from sight, hearing, smell feeling/touch, taste and intuition.

In conclusion, this is but a tip of the iceberg presentation of authentic tantra. It by no means covers all of what authentic tantra is about. When looking for an authentic tantra workshop, guide, or book keep an open heart and mind but be wary of the following:

• Close ties to religious beliefs, dogmas, or other rigid ideas
• Sensuality euphemized as genital gratification
• Sales spiels promising primarily sex life enhancements
• Overemphasis on sacred sex with underemphasis on the sacredness of the ordinary
• Self-proclaimed gurus or sex therapists
• Offers of tantric massage, escorts, or release

Individual methodologies and exercises may differ within the realm of authentic tantra, due to its fluid and liberal application within diverse cultures, as long as the primary ideas are to enhance mindfulness, attention to the senses, and the mind/body/spirit balance as a way of life.

Lisa Branscomb, J.D. is the founder of LifeBliss Solutions, Life Coaching from a Tantric Perspective. She is dedicated to teaching how to incorporate simple tantric practices and sensuality into everyday life. For more information see: www.lifeblisssolutions.com

There is a need to understand the use of contraceptive measures or Condoms in sexual intercourse.

This article tells you the various ways in which you can bring more fun to the sexual activities along with your partner using Condom as a fantastic prop.

There is a lot of curiosity which women have when you try to use a condom.They generally like to read the detailing given at the back of the pack.Try to sneak into the sexuality poses shown at the back.Exposure to various types of condoms brings newness in every sexual closeness.

Let's check the different condom types available in the market.

• Extra Smooth condoms

These are targeted for better sexual pleasure for men. The lubricated and thin layer helps in smooth and close movement of penis, when inside the vagina.

• Dotted and Ribbed Condoms

These are for extra pleasure to the female counterpart.

• Flavored Condoms

These are for Oral Sex and then subsequent intercourse. The normal flavors you will find in the market are Orange, Banana, Strawberry, and chocolate.

• Condoms with Vibrators

These have gained popularity because of the sex toy inclusion in the condom it self. It is the female's favorites.

• Three in One Condoms

These have the right amount of dotted portion, ribbed at the shaft and smooth towards the tip for extra pleasure. Highly Recommended!

And before I close this article. There is an important instruction to al the men out there. Please ensure you are using the right end of the Condom and then rolling it in on your penis, else there is a lot of wastage of condoms because of wrong direction of insertion.

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At trade shows and product samplings here in the Midwest, people are always asking me, "What is a scone, exactly?"

Most people can describe what a scone ISNT. It isnt a biscuit. It isnt a cookie. And it isnt a cake.

But people have trouble explaining what a scone IS. Thats why its helpful to know a little about the history of the scone.

Scones originated in Scotland. In fact, some say this Scottish quick bread takes its name from the word Skohn or Skon, which refers to the Stone of Destiny, a place where Scottish kings were supposedly once crowned. Back then scones were made of oats. They were rolled into a large round, cut into triangles, and cooked on a griddle over an open fire or on top of the stove. Since baking powder hadnt been invented yet, buttermilk was used as the leavening agent. Traditionally, scones were served at high tea.

Todays scones are a little different. They come in many shapes and are usually made with flour. Baking powder is the leavening agent, and they are baked in the oven. Commerical scone mixes and scone pans are available today, too, making it even easier for people to prepare a delicious batch of this tempting treat.

While scones are still popular for tea, they are also enjoyed at breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and especially for snacks.

Suzanne Lieurance is a freelance writer and owner of the Three Angels Gourmet Co. which produces a unique line of "heavenly gourmet mixes" for sale at: http://www.threeangelsgourmet.com For additional food information and daily food tips, visit the Three Angels Gourmet Co. blog at http://www.threeangelsgourmet.blogspot.com