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Semi-truck Driver Dangles From Bridge - Hero Firefighter Immediately Springs Into Action
Uplifting News

Semi-truck Driver Dangles From Bridge - Hero Firefighter Immediately Springs Into Action

First responders are trained to help in all kinds of emergency situations, but that doesn’t mean they necessarily see all of those situations on the field. So when something scary and larger than life actually happens, they have to rely on their training and experience to potentially save a life.Thankfully, one firefighter did exactly that when he responded to a wild emergency situation one day above the Ohio River.A Harrowing AccidentEarlier this month, a semi-truck driver was heading over the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge on the Ohio River when another vehicle crossed into the wrong lane. The car struck the semi, which swerved through the guardrail and over the side. The driver got stuck in the cab, which was dangling from the bridge.When firefighters responded to the scene, they immediately sprang into action. According to the Louisville Fire Department's chief, Brian O’Neill, the driver was incredibly lucky not to wind up in the water.“If you look at the way that that semi-truck threaded the needle of those bridge stanchions, but then ended up getting wedged in there and not plowing through and ending up in the water is tremendously lucky,” he told GMA.“She was you know, scared,” firefighter Bryce Carden added about the driver.A Heroic RescueTo save the unnamed driver, Carden had to rappel down the side of the bridge. He then hooked the woman into his harness and slowly hoisted her back up. The entire operation took about 40 minutes, which must have been terrifying for that driver.“Finally, when she realized she was safe and she was going to live, she was overcome with emotions as anybody would be,” Carden said.The woman was understandably shaken and wanted to heal in private, which is why authorities didn’t release her name. Two other people involved in the crash were seriously injured, but it appears as though this driver will be okay.As for Carden, people are hailing him as a hero.“I’ve played a very small piece in a large puzzle,” Carden said. “I contribute all of the success of it to the guys topside and the guys on the bottom who helped make it happen.”Thanking a First ResponderStories like these remind us that emergency responders face all kinds of circumstances and situations, and they’re willing to risk their own lives to help ours. Sure, this story made headlines because it’s not every day that you see a truck dangling from a bridge or a firefighter rappelling to save someone.However, there are plenty of everyday situations in which first responders put themselves in harm’s way to help someone else. This story is just a nice reminder for us to thank them for their service. That can be a simple “Thanks for your service” when you come across an ambulance driver, firefighter, or police officer in your daily life. It can also be a handwritten card or note.Either way, these men and women work to keep our communities safe, and gratitude always goes a long way. More from Goalcast:Firefighter Tragically Kills Pastor’s Pregnant Wife – Instead of Getting Revenge, the Widower Befriends HimFirefighter Delivers Baby Then Learns Her Mom Can’t Keep Her – So He Adopts Her and Gives Her a HomeYoung Boy Runs His Bike Into a Car and Dents It by Accident — The Driver Gets Out and Does the Unthinkable

Breathwork Training and Techniques
Emotional Health

Breathwork Training and Techniques

“Next time you feel anxious, pause what you’re doing, sit back, and take a few deep breaths,” the doctor suggested. This was the first time I’d looked for medical help for my anxiety. I was experiencing multiple panic attacks, and knew it was time to tackle what I was facing. But breathing exercises? Really? Compared to the fire-like fear burning me from the inside out on a daily basis, being told to take a few deep breaths seemed… insulting.I smiled politely and left, and it took some time to start researching the benefits of conscious breathing practices. It started with an incredibly basic video tutorial on “how to breathe properly.” That was around 13 years ago. Since then, breathwork practices have risen in popularity, from the resurgence of ancient practices such as Kundalini and yoga, to the paradigm-shifting brilliance of Wim Hof, the Ice Man.As Hof himself said, “because it’s so simple, it’s not understood. The confusion comes from thinking only complexity has value.” The world is increasingly complex. The way we feel is increasingly complex. Surely something as simple as breathwork can’t be that impactful for our parasympathetic nervous system, can it? Well, you might be surprised!Here, we’ll provide an overview of the transformative power of breathwork. We’ll share a few pointers and techniques to allow you to integrate conscious energy breathing into your self-care or personal development inventory. So, take a deep breath, try to live in the present moment, and read on.What is breathwork?Breathwork has been used as a tool of healing and transformation for thousands of years. Ancient traditions from Hinduism, Buddhism, Qigong, Taoism, Sufism, and Christianity have turned to conscious connected circular breathing as part of a spiritual practice, as have shamanic and indigenous cultures. Throughout history, the breath has always been intertwined with the human spirit, and so it’s not surprising that breathwork therapy exists, and that it’s possible to find a great deal of inner peace through the practice.PranayamaThe practice of Pranayama is a core teaching of Eastern traditions, popularized by the modern-day Yoga movement. In Sanskrit, prana means breath or life force, a link between body and soul. A similar link is made in the Western world. The word psyche comes from the Greek psykhē, meaning “the soul, mind, spirit; life, one's life, the invisible animating principle or entity which occupies and directs the physical body,” or “to blow, or to breathe.”In the West, the breathwork movement was popularized with two distinct practices that originated in the 1960s — Holotropic Breathwork and Rebirthing. The first was created by psychotherapist Stanislav Grof and his wife, Christine Grof. The latter was created by Leonard Orr, based on his experience with gurus in the Himalayas, before being joined by Sondra Ray. Part of the modern resurgence of breathwork has been due to the growing number of scientific studies that demonstrate its benefits. Wim Hof, who himself discovered breathwork and cold therapy at a young age, has been a pioneer in bridging the scientific and the spiritual.The benefits of a breathwork practice Like it was when my 18-year-old self sat in the doctor’s office, it can be hard to believe the impact various breathing practices can have on chronic stress. Studies have shown it to be effective in healing trauma, in helping to overcome anxiety, and boosting mood. Research has shown that different breathing rhythms link to different emotions — think of the shallow, quick breaths when fearful, in comparison to slow, steady breathing whilst relaxed. Consciously taking control of the breath stimulates the body’s vagus nerve, which regulates the body's relaxation response. Unlike other processes in the body, the breath is a hybrid between unconscious and conscious. Chances are, you haven’t paid too much attention to your breathing whilst reading this article. Yet at a moment's notice, you can take a few seconds of focused breathing, and notice the impact on the body.Due to the profound impact on the vagus nerve, there are many, many health benefits of breathwork, including reduced blood pressure, reduced stress, reduced anxiety, relieved insomnia, and improved pain management.Different deep breathing techniquesTaking a few moments to pause and breathe deeply has immediate benefits. This can be done as part of a morning routine, or throughout the day.As a practice, though, there are a number of breathwork techniques that can be applied for different results. But before introducing the techniques, a brief understanding of the mechanics of breathing. Four main types of breathingThere are four main types of breathing: eupnea, diaphragmatic, costal, and hyperpnea.Eupnea is a quiet and relaxed state of breathing that doesn’t require conscious thought. Diaphragmatic (known as belly breathing or deep breathing) includes the conscious use of the diaphragm, filling the lungs more efficiently. Coastal breathing, or shallow breathing, only uses the intercostal muscles. Hyperpnea is the body’s response to needing more oxygen, usually during exercise, which differs from hyperventilation, where the body becomes over-oxygenized.Breathwork techniques manipulate breathing in different ways, in order to stimulate different responses. Below are some of the most common breathing techniques to try.Diaphragmatic breathingBuddhist guru Thich Nhat Hanh encourages people to “breathe in deeply to bring your mind home to your body.” It’s wise advice. Deep breathing is a great starting point. It helps you to understand how the body adjusts to different types of breath and makes you alert to the difference between shallow breathing. To breathe deeply, start by exhaling (we tend to hold our breath unconsciously), then take a long deep breath through the nostrils. To get a better understanding of how to activate your diaphragm, place your hand on your stomach, and feel the gentle rise and fall.Box breathingOriginating from the Navy SEALS, box breathing, or square breathing, consists of four blocks of four. Begin by emptying your lungs and exhaling, before holding your breath for four seconds. Then inhale for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, and exhale for four seconds. When repeated, this technique is great for improving focus and reducing stress.Alternate nostril breathing A technique popular in yoga, alternate nostril breathing involves closing one nostril, and alternating inhalations and exhalations. Essentially, you close one nostril, inhale, then close the other nostril, and exhale. In Sanskrit, this is known as nadi shodhana pranayama. Nadi is the body’s subtle energy channel, and shodhana means “purify” — so this technique purifies the body’s subtle energy. Consequently, it’s a great primer for meditation or yoga.Coherent breathingAlso known as the 5-5 breath, coherent breathing is a simple anecdote to the shallow, unconscious breathing patterns that develop through stress and disconnection from the body. It’s a way to induce relaxation and calm, and one of the easiest techniques to apply in any circumstance. Start by bringing awareness to your natural breath. Then adjust your breath, and begin by breathing in for five seconds, and exhaling for five seconds, for a minute. You can work with increasing inhalations and exhalations to 10 seconds, extending the overall practice to 10 or 20 minutes.The Wim Hof Method(Getty)The Ice Man is arguably the modern-day guru of breathwork. His breathing techniques are one of the pillars of his method of teaching (alongside cold exposure and mindset work) that has allowed him to defy physical limitations, submerging into ice-cold waters, and running desert marathons, without water. Please note this method isn’t recommended whilst driving or standing up. The technique is as follows:Wim Hof Step 1Get comfortable. It’s recommended not to try the exercise whilst standing up.Wim Hof Step 2Take 30 or 40 breaths. These should be deep breaths, into the diaphragm, until a tingling sensation is experienced in the head or body. Although it can feel like hyperventilation, this isn’t the case (although it’s advised to stop if you feel dizzy). Allow breathing to follow a circular motion.Wim Hof Step 3After the cycle of breathing is complete, breathe out and hold your breath for as long as feels comfortable, without force. Wim Hof Step 4Once you can no longer hold your breath, breathe in and hold the breath for 10-15 seconds.The above breathing techniques are able to be applied in the comfort of your own home, though always be careful if feeling lightheaded. The two techniques mentioned above, Rebirthing and Holotropic Breathwork, are recommended either by attending workshops or working directly with a professional trained in the relevant technique.When should you use breathwork?It can be overwhelming to start to explore the health benefits of breathwork and uncover lots of information about various practices, with lists including lots of different techniques. You might need a moment to catch your breath just to know where to begin! Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong. Finding your style comes down to trial and error, as well as considering your motivation for exploring breathwork.Some people turn to breathwork at times of high-stress or anxiety (think about an introvert about to enter into a stressful social situation. It might be a tool to keep at hand for times when you need to regulate and calm down. Others develop a breathwork practice and integrate a breathing technique fully into their self-development inventory. For example, I once attended a Holotropic Breathwork session, and the majority of people were regulars. This is common, due to its benefits, and the community that forms around regular meetings.Choose based on your needsHow you choose to integrate breathwork is down to you. Consider what your needs are. Are you looking for relaxation tools? Are you looking for healing or a deeper connection to your body? Are you looking to go full-on Wim Hof mode, activate deep breathing, and walk half-naked into a lake in mid-January?Breathwork is part of the mainstream approach to self-healing and grounding, there are plenty of options to join workshops, or find tutorials or courses online. It depends how seriously you wish to take the practice. Maybe a few minutes per day suits you. Or maybe you’ve dabbled with breathwork, enjoy its health benefits, and want to explore the practice more deeply.Personally, I’ve incorporated breathwork as part of my meditation and general emotional regulation. As I started meditation and mindfulness, I became clear on the way my breathing was affecting my emotions and body. My anxiety was always accompanied by shallow breathing or even holding my breath. For a while, I used the practice of breathing deeply whenever I found myself breathing in a certain way.As an extension, these techniques are also effective for public speaking or even having a difficult conversion. Whenever you feel angry, sad, or emotional in a way that makes you reactive, never underestimate the power of taking a few deep breaths to refind your center. The more you get used to deep breathing, the easier it’ll be.What you should know before starting breathworkSome years ago I attended a conference, which I won’t name, where one of the attendees held a breathwork session. Around 20 or 30 people attended, with only two teachers. It was my first experience with breathwork, and I was “sitting” for my partner, who has what I can only describe as an out-of-body experience. Breathwork surfaces deep emotions, including trauma. That often requires supervision. Unsurprisingly, after the workshop, many people complained.While some techniques are great for regulation and relaxation, deeper techniques aren’t to be done alone. There’s a reason Holotropic Breathwork has so much support and structure, with a number of trained specialists nearby to guide. You can apply the basic techniques as you wish, but if a certain technique is one that alters consciousness (the holotropic state, for example, has been likened to a psychedelic experience), consider the support of a professional.Caution aside, I believe breathwork to be a foundation of any process of healing or personal growth. As a tether between conscious and unconscious, fight-or-flight and relaxation, gaining control of the breath is the first giant leap in gaining control over the body and mind.(Catherine Delahaye / Getty)In a world of growing complexity, sometimes the solutions are more simple than they seem.

Crystals for Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide
Self

Crystals for Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide

Humans have been fascinated by crystals for millenia. Often in gorgeous, lustrous, glass-like formations, crystals are appealing for their stunning beauty and beguiling for their intricate, rugged structure alike. But in addition to their gorgeous appearance, the best crystals have a mysterious charm and therapeutic energy that many people find healing. And natural and complementary medicine practitioners often use crystals and healing stones for their restorative properties.In fact, we know that people have believed that crystals had healing powers for the mind and body just about as far back as recorded history goes. There is evidence of crystals being used for a huge variety of healing (and magical) purposes for the human mind and body in such ancient lands as Egypt, India, Greece, Rome, and Sumer. The first documented use of an ancient healing stone is from Mesopotamia, the birthplace of human civilization.Whether for protection, calming, restorative, emotional regulation, or magical purposes, many powers have been ascribed to various crystals over time. Note that while anecdotal evidence is strong and tons of alternative medicine practitioners (and patients) tout the benefits of healing crystals, there is a lack of conclusive scientific research on efficacy. However, today, many people swear by using the gentle energy of their best healing crystals to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Popular support of the calming energy of crystals is especially strong for using crystals for anxiety. In this guide, we will discuss how beautiful crystals might help when you feel anxious, how to select the right crystals for anxiety, and how you (or a crystal healer) can use them to relieve stress and anxiety.Healing crystals for anxietyCrystals have an allure that many attribute to a special energy that gives these stones healing powers. They are a natural, safe tool that many find uniquely relaxing and restorative.Throughout history, different healing and rejuvenating abilities have been ascribed to different crystals, from curing night terrors to warding off evil spirits to drawing in love. Additionally, various cultural, religious, and ethnic traditions believe crystals do different things. (Rebecca Redmond / EyeEm / Getty)However, the most common powers crystals are thought to have are those of protection and healing of the human body and mind.Today, crystal healing is a common alternative medicine technique used by crystal healers to treat a variety of ailments. From improving your emotional balance and soothing stress to finding inner strength, self love, and inner peace, crystals may provide fantastic self care and stress relief for people with anxiety. These attributes make crystal healing particularly appealing to many people with social anxiety, in particular. To learn more about how to overcome anxiety, read our blog on the subject.Crystal healing: How crystals relieve anxietyAs there isn’t conclusive proof of how (or whether) crystal healing works, it is unclear exactly what makes crystals restorative. Believers say healing crystals facilitate the body’s energy flow, helping the body to heal itself. Additionally, the specific energies of each crystal is said to influence the mind and body of the wearing, bringing wellbeing and banishing negativity.The general idea, which goes back thousands of years, is that adorning yourself with the right crystals can offer healing, protective, and restorative powers. Key in this equation is selecting the best crystal nearby for the ailment you hope to cure or manage. So, for those with anxiety, certain crystals may provide better results than others, in terms of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. Some crystals may promote feelings of calm, while others offer rejuvenation or positivity. You’ll want to think about the feelings you want to get from the crystals you use and how that energy and emotion may work to soothe your anxiety. Then, match your desired feelings to the crystal or crystals that are known to promote those responses.Belief mattersIf you want to use crystals for anxiety, it’s key that you are open and receptive to the idea that the right crystal will have the power to help you. In fact, while specific evidence on the efficacy of crystals for healing is thin, much research shows that if you believe something will heal you that it often does, at least to some extent. This is called the placebo effect.According to the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, “The placebo effect is a beneficial health outcome resulting from a person’s anticipation that an intervention will help.” Interestingly, studies have shown that placebos have been shown to offer effective healing power even when people know they are receiving a placebo. In other words, if you believe that crystals are healing for your anxiety, then they very well might be.It’s important to note that crystals should not be used to replace any treatments or anti-anxiety medications you are receiving for a mental health condition. Instead, think of healing crystals as an extra boost you can use in tandem with whatever other methods you use to help ease your anxiety. These other approaches may include cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, and other stress-relieving techniques, such as meditation, exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and breathing exercises.Crystals for social anxietyFor those with social anxiety, you’ll want to choose crystals that promote relaxation, inner peace, and stress relief. Think about what negative feelings you are experiencing when you have anxiety. Then, choose crystals that tend to counteract or balance those feelings with more positive energies.You’ll also want to consider which crystals appeal to you specifically, as particular crystals may resonate with you stronger than others do. And they may work better for relieving your symptoms of social anxiety when you feel a connection to that crystal. Trust your instincts on which crystals draw you in. Crystal healers can also help guide you.Crystals for child anxietyMany children who have anxiety also respond well to using crystals as a part of their self care and self-soothing. During times of stress, kids can use various crystals to help recenter themselves and regain a sense of calm. Many kids are drawn to the beauty and diversity of these stones, which makes tapping into their healing powers very accessible.Choosing the right crystalsKey to using crystals for healing is to pick the right one (or ones) that will address whatever issues you’re hoping to solve. Below, we offer descriptions and potential healing powers of some of the most commonly used crystals for anxiety to help you choose the right one for your needs.AmethystAmethyst is one of the most frequently used healing crystals, particularly for anxiety. It’s also one of the most stunning. This beautiful glass-like, purple-hued crystal is actually a variety of quartz. Unlike a smoky quartz or a clear quartz, the amethyst’s name comes from the Greek for “not intoxicated,” as ancient Greeks believed wearing amethyst would prevent a person from getting drunk. Today, amethyst, which ranges in color from a pale, translucent lavender to a deep, dark, almost black purple, is most often associated with bringing a sense of calm and wellbeing. This healing crystal is also praised for helping the wearer to manage their emotions and clear their mind. Some natural health providers also use this crystal to help with addiction.In addition to its healing powers, amethyst is popular as a gemstone for jewelry. It is also the birthstone of February.AngeliteThis crystal is said to promote balance and alignment of the chakras. It comes in a range of pale shades, including blue, white, brown, violet, rose, and gray. Also called the angel stone, angelite may help you find inner peace and connect to your true spirit.AquamarineThis beguiling gemstone looks like a tidy capsule of the sea itself. Aquamarine is thought to contain some of the healing power of the ocean, too. It’s also called the mermaid stone, and is imbued with the wondrous spirit and song of those mythical creatures. Vibrant blue-green in color, aquamarine helps center the mind, cooling and calming your energy in times of stress and anxiety.Black tourmalineAlso called schorl, black tourmaline is a black triangle-shaped crystal that looks like hunks of finely packed charcoal. It offers protection and helps you feel grounded. Black tourmaline is also known as a powerful antidote to panic attacks, shielding you from dark thoughts and/or flipping negative energy into positive vibes.Blue lace agateAs its name implies, blue lace agate is blue with a lacy appearance. It is a relatively rare crystal and part of the agate family. Its sky blue color, which is threaded with layers of white (and sometimes pale brown) offers a soothing energy. Blue lace agate also has come to symbolize hope, positivity, happiness, and truth. CelestiteCelestite (also called celestine) is a pale or clear blue crystal. It is commonly used for meditation to help focus the mind. It is also thought to have heavenly qualities that promote inner peace, quiet, and calm. Incidentally, it is a source of the element strontium, which is used to make fireworks.CitrineThis crystal, which is also a type of quartz, comes in a range of bright yellow to orange hues. It is claimed to promote optimism and prosperity. Natural citrine is rare. Instead, many are manufactured out of amethysts that are turned yellow-orange using heat. KyaniteThis gorgeous, high vibrational crystal is white with vivid splashes of bright to baby blue or blue with pale spots, giving it a bewitching otherworldly appearance. This powerful stone also comes in shades of orange, green, and black. Praised for its ability to enhance spiritual wellness, kyanite provides a powerful jolt of calm—and clear-headedness—for those that need it.Lapis lazuliSometimes associated with throat healing and the throat chakra, this vivid blue stone has a mesmerizing energy that calms and offers protection. Lapis lazuli is also heralded for connecting you to your inner wisdom—and bringing anxiety to its knees. Like looking into the deep blue sky, this healing crystal helps you regain emotional balance, washing over the human body with waves of calming energy. MoonstoneTechnically sodium potassium aluminium silicate, moonstone has an ethereal, opalescent look. It comes in a variety of iridescent colors, including blue, white, as a pink crystal, or in purple, orange, green, or brown. Often used in jewelry, moonstone emanates hope, intuition, and sensitivity. This crystal is also often associated with femininity and connecting with one’s inner self.RhodoniteRhodonite comes in a range of rose, red, and pink shades. It is known to promote compassion, forgiveness, and emotional regulation. Its pink color is thought to link it to your heart or emotional center. In addition to its self soothing qualities, wearing rhodonite is thought to help attract love into your life. This powerful healing crystal is also often used to help the wearer overcome trauma and panic attacks.Rose quartzThis very popular gemstone, which is also called hyaline quartz, is known to attract love and encourage positive feelings for the self and those around you. Rose quartz is praised for boosting emotional healing, self love, self-acceptance, and inner peace. Transparent and pale pink in color, rose quartz forms in beautiful glass-like shapes. A crystal with gentle yet powerful energy, rose quartz is used to promote harmony, both internally and with those in your life. Tiger’s EyeTiger’s eye is lauded as a superb protection stone that fosters mental clarity. The gorgeous, shiny mineral looks like smooth, lustrous wood. It comes in a rich range of reddish, chocolatey browns to golden yellows, which form in stripes. Tiger’s eye is known for fostering inner strength, which is why it is sought after by people who have anxiety. This durable quartz gemstone is primarily found in South Africa and Thailand.How to use crystals for anxiety?Crystals can be used in a multitude of ways to help combat anxiety and other feelings of stress or unease. Essentially, you can use the crystals at times when you feel anxious to help you regain control, calm, and peace. You can also use them preventatively when you anticipate that anxiety may strike. Many people create a crystal grid, or arrangement of their healing crystals, to magnify the power of each one and facilitate their personal healing.You can interact with crystals in a variety of ways, too. These include wearing the crystal, say in a necklace or other piece of jewelry, or placing a crystal on your person, such as in a pocket or right on your skin. Sometimes, people will lie down and place a variety of crystals on their bare skin. You might also simply keep the healing crystal near you, such as on your bedside table. Or set up a crystal grid.Alternative medicine practitioners may incorporate crystals into various treatments, such as massage, reiki, ayurvedic healing, and Chinese medicine.Where can you buy crystals for anxiety?Crystals are widely available. You can find them at a variety of retailers, from alternative medicine-themed shops and spas to specialty grocery stores and boutiques specifically centered on crystal healing. You’ll also find a huge selection online.The takeawayCrystals have been loved and trusted for their healing properties for countless generations. The calming qualities of many crystals make them a good fit for helping you cope with anxiety. Plus, there are really no drawbacks or risks of using them. So, if you’re so inclined and feel drawn to a particular type of crystal, try it out and see if having or wearing the crystal helps you manage your anxiety. You’ve got nothing to lose—and the healing crystal just might help you overcome your anxiety.