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Author: Mariya Nariychuk

From Ukraine to the World: The Stories Behind Beloved Holiday Melodies

From Ukraine to the World: The Stories Behind Beloved Holiday Melodies

What is your favorite holiday song? Mine is Carol of the Bells. It’s a melody that immediately brings me joy and nostalgia, mainly since it’s featured in so many classic movies, like my mom’s favorite, Home Alone. But there’s something even more special about it for me – it’s originally a Ukrainian folk song called Щедрик (Shchedryk). In Ukrainian, “Щедрик” means “Bountiful” or ”Generous One.” This song tells the story of a little swallow flying into a home, bringing tidings of prosperity…

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Mastering Essay Writing: Practical Tips to Crush It!

Mastering Essay Writing: Practical Tips to Crush It!

Writing an essay can feel like a big challenge – but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some practical strategies to make the process smoother and, dare I say, even enjoyable.   Decode the Prompt! What to Do: Before you start writing, make sure you truly understand what the essay question is asking. Pro Tip: Break it into parts and identify keywords like “analyze,” “compare,” or “discuss.” Create a checklist so you don’t miss anything! Create a Strong Statement!…

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Harnessing Lunar Energy For Skill Growth

Harnessing Lunar Energy For Skill Growth

The new moon phase started last Friday, November 1st,  in Swati – one of the 27 lunar constellations in Vedic astrology. In Ayurveda, the new moon is a time for introspection, rest, and renewal. Meanwhile, Swati Nakshatra represents a unique blend of independence, adaptability, and communication, making it a powerful nakshatra for those seeking exploration and personal growth. This lunar phase is ideal for setting intentions, purifying the mind and body, and aligning with natural rhythms. Whether you want to…

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The Motor Power of Speech: A Journey into Language Learning

The Motor Power of Speech: A Journey into Language Learning

Imagine someone telling you for the first time: “Speech is 100% motor.” This simple statement flipped everything I thought I knew about language upside down. For years, I’d approached language as purely mental – a game of vocabulary, grammar rules, and memorization. But that one statement completely shifted my perspective on how we learn and use languages. I first encountered this concept during an intensive training program, where I was learning to become a Spelling-to-Communicate practitioner under the expert guidance…

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Live Longer And Healthier Through Conscious Breathing

Live Longer And Healthier Through Conscious Breathing

My Honest Review of Eddie Stern’s “Healing Through Breathing: Four Lessons for Lasting Health and Happiness” Eddie Stern, a renowned yoga teacher, author, and lecturer, known for his work in the Ashtanga Yoga tradition, studied under the famous yoga master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. He has co-authored and published several books on yoga and is involved in projects promoting the therapeutic and holistic aspects of yoga. “Healing Through Breathing” is a gem and a must-read. Having read it three times,…

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Unlocking Your Ayurvedic Blueprint: Discover Your Dosha for Balanced Living

Unlocking Your Ayurvedic Blueprint: Discover Your Dosha for Balanced Living

Pitta, Vata, and Kapha… Do you know your dosha? My personal dive into these fundamental bodily energies started, when someone asked me this question. Understanding my dosha became incredibly valuable in maintaining balance and well-being, particularly during stressful times, which go on and off. As a Pitta dosha individual myself, this knowledge has been instrumental in helping me manage stress and respond more effectively to challenging situations. The concept of doshas originates from Ayurveda (from Sanskrit, meaning “science of life”),…

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Sunny Arizona Skincare Secrets: Busting Sunscreen Myths and Embracing Radiant, Ageless Skin

Sunny Arizona Skincare Secrets: Busting Sunscreen Myths and Embracing Radiant, Ageless Skin

Let’s dive into the world of sunscreen! While I won’t preach about using it religiously, let’s bust a few myths and explore the sunny side of skincare. Living in sunny Arizona, I adore the warmth – even if it can be intense at times. I’ll take it any day over the cold. The sun and I have a mutual love affair; it kisses my skin generously, but this affection can lead to unwanted visitors like melasma. For years, I’ve mistaken…

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Unlock Your Learning Potential: 5 Strategies for Effortless Knowledge Retention

Unlock Your Learning Potential: 5 Strategies for Effortless Knowledge Retention

If you ever delved into the realm of learning, you stumbled upon the VAKT concept – Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, and Tactile. Well, buckle up because we’re not here to revisit that. Don’t get me wrong; VAKT is a gem, and I fount it very helpful and beneficial, but I’m all about that personalized approach. The real question on everyone’s mind is this: How do you, your students (yes, your kid counts!), learn like champs – quick, effective, and with memories…

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My Journey with the Piano from Trauma to Triumph. Unveiling the Secrets Behind the Piano Keys

My Journey with the Piano from Trauma to Triumph. Unveiling the Secrets Behind the Piano Keys

I’ve always been fascinated by the piano. There is something magical about it. I remember once in high school, I fell in love just by listening to someone play. My journey with the piano began when my parents brought home a fortepiano, a sleek ebony beauty that seemed to hold the key to a realm of emotions. It sat gracefully in our living room, its ebony and ivory keys like a gateway to an enchanting realm of emotions, where melodies…

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Beyond the Crash: Lessons from a Split-Second

Beyond the Crash: Lessons from a Split-Second

It was a split-second shift. Moments earlier, I had been the epitome of confidence behind the wheel – a careful driver, yielding to others, attentive to every detail of the road. Then, in an instant, it felt as though I was a mere spectator as my body seized control. It happened. The memories that linger are not of sights or sensations but of sounds: the deafening bang, the abrupt explosion of the airbag. Despite my certainty of having the right…

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