THE POWER OF THE NIGHT

How can good sleep support mental and physical health?

In the first month of the year, when the days are still cold and dark, it is especially important to pay attention to the quality of sleep. The silence and power of the night will fill not only your body but your soul, so you will be able to face the challenges of life in a fresh and energetic way.

Why is good sleep important?

Good sleep is a secret weapon that we often underestimate, but it’s key to our recovery. Night rest helps to restore muscles, heal damaged cells, and strengthen the immune system to protect us from diseases. Sleep is not only a rest, but also a maintenance of our physical and mental health. Regular, deep sleep ensures that we wake up fresh and energetic every day. Do not ignore the power of rest, because proper sleep can change everything!

On the mental level, sleep helps to process daily events, settle thoughts, and create emotional balance. You have probably experienced that after a well-established night, all your problems seem to be solved, while even the simplest task can become a huge challenge.

The relationship between good sleep and winter

In January, longer nights and a slower rhythm of nature give us the opportunity to align ourselves with the rhythm of our body and season. This period is ideal for developing new sleep habits that support physical and mental recharging:

Avoid the blue screen: Turn off your phone and laptop 1-2 hours before going to bed. Blue light emitted by the blue screen can reduce the production of melatonin, which is a natural hormone for sleep. Try reading or diary writing instead, which will help calm your mind.

Evening routine: Find an evening ritual that will help you move from active day to relaxing night. A warm, fragrant bath, a cup of soothing herbal tea, or a few minutes of meditation can do wonders.

Dark and quiet: Make sure that your bedroom will provide you with a peaceful rest. Use a darkening curtain, or a sleeping mask, and reduce the noise level so that nothing can disturb you.

How does sleep affect mental and physical health?

Physical regeneration: During night sleep, your body switches to almost a “maintenance mode”. Muscles regenerate, tissues recover, and your immune system is actively working to become more resistant to disease.

Mental freshness: Adequate amounts and quality of sleep sharpens concentration, increases memory, and enhances creativity. If you don’t sleep enough, your brain becomes more prone to negative thoughts and you find it harder to solve problems.

Mood balance: Lack of sleep can cause irritability, anxiety, and lethargy. But with enough sleep, you can become more balanced, more optimistic, which also helps to maintain your relationships.

Simple steps for better sleep

Move during the day: Regular exercise not only increases your energy levels, but also helps you get tired in the evening to sleep deeper.

Avoid caffeine in the evening: Caffeine is found not only in coffee, but also in tea, chocolate and energy drinks. Try to drink something soothing, such as Rooibos tea, instead of them in the evening.

Find soothing scents: The evaporation or use of lavender or chamomile essential oils on a pillow can help you relax. A few drops in your bath water can also do wonders.

Night and spirituality

In the silence of the night, the world becomes quiet as if everything slowed down and gives you the opportunity to listen inward. The mind is calmer, the external noises are fading away, making it easier to focus on the inner world. This is the perfect time to deal with self-reflection, stop for a moment, and think about your day, your feelings. An evening meditation, even for a few minutes, can help you to see clearly and find peace. Light a candle, sing a mantra, or just let your thoughts calm down while listening to your inner peace. The tranquility of the night gives you the opportunity to develop a deeper connection with yourself and to re-align with your spiritual world, filled with the challenges of the next day.


For Krishna believers, devotees

For Krishna believers, the night can be a sacred time when they can come even closer to the Lord. Say an evening prayer or listen to a favorite bhajan before going to bed. With this, you can inspire not only your soul, but also your dreams so that they become clearer and more peaceful.

As January symbolizes a new beginning, improving your sleep habits will also give you the opportunity to renew on a physical and mental level. Take advantage of the power of the night and fill yourself with energy for the challenges of the year ahead.

KRISHNA-VALLEY: ONE OF THE LARGEST ECO VILLAGES AND ORGANIC FARMS IN EUROPE

Krishna-Valley, a community located in the heart of the tranquil Hungarian countryside, is one of the largest eco-villages and organic farms in Europe. The goal of Krishna-Valley is not only sustainable farming, but also the creation of a community and spiritual life that exist in harmony with nature. Why is this place special? How does the eco-village operate and why is it worth visiting? Through the following lines you will be introduced to the operation and goals of Krishna-Valley.

The story of Krishna-Valley

Krishna-Valley was founded in the early ’90s, with the aim of a community that provides a sustainable lifestyle and spiritual development for its members. The community follows the philosophy of the religion of vaishnavism, which builds on pure unselfish love, respect for nature, and a harmonious way of life. Over time, the Community has gained widespread recognition in Europe as an example of how to reconcile the challenges of modern life and natural, sustainable solutions.

Sustainable farming and eco-village operation

The basis of sustainable farming in the Krishna-Valley is the chemical-free organic farm, where food is produced locally in an environmentally friendly way. They work on the principles of permaculture, paying attention to the fact that production processes are not only for the benefit of people, but also of the whole environment. Vegetables, fruits and other products meet all your needs while having minimal impact on the environment.
The animals on the farm are kept in a careful, ethical manner, paying attention to the members of the community doing everything in a respectful way, in accordance with the rhythm of nature.

Environmentally friendly energy-, and water management

Krishna-Valley pays close attention to sustainability in all areas, so the use of environmentally friendly energy sources is also essential. Solar energy and wind power play an important role in the energy supply of the community, promoting independence from fossil fuels.

In water management, special attention is paid to the preservation and purification of water. For example, the root zone wastewater treatment system in the Krishna-Valley cleans wastewater in a chemical-free way while maintaining a natural balance. The roots of the reed can bind dirt, cleaning the water, which is eventually safely returned to the environment.

Krishna-Valley organic farm and local products

The range of organic farm products is varied: fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and many other locally made delicacies. All the products are free from chemicals and other artificial substances, ensuring that members of the community and visitors can consume the highest quality, natural food.
The operation of the farm is closely intertwined with the spirit of community life. Locally produced food help maintain the community while reducing the ecological footprint.

Sustainability in practice

Climate change has become a global problem and presents us with unexpected challenges. The earth, water and air are becoming increasingly polluted. Unfortunately, due to unilateral exploitation, we are facing increasingly serious environmental repercussions.

Beekeeping

The beekeeping of Krishna Valley is a beautiful example of the harmony of nature and sustainability. Bees cared for here not only give mouth-watering, natural honey, but also contribute to pollination of the flowers and plants of the farm. In beekeeping, the treatment of bees is completely non-violent and focuses on their protection, in accordance with the ecological and spiritual principles of Krishna-Valley. Visitors can learn about the process of making honey and even taste the sweet treasure of nature.

Textile workshop

The Krishna-Valley textile workshop is a special place for the preservation and transfer of traditional textile industry knowledge. Here you will learn how clothes and textiles are made in a sustainable way of natural materials such as flax, hemp, wool and silk. Visitors can learn about the whole process: from the preparation and spinning of fibres to weaving, to the plant-dyeing, and even try felting and manual printing block patterning. This ancient knowledge not only inspires in the spirit of self-sufficiency, but also gives the joy of artisan creation.

Cow Protection Centre

The Krishna-Valley Cow Protection Centre is a special example of love and respect for cows. Here cows are not only farm animals, but also valued members of the community who can live in peace for the rest of their lives. Visitors can learn about the principles of non-violent dairy farming, the work of the oxen in agriculture, and how it all relates to a sustainable, natural way of life.

Vegetarian cuisine

The vegetarian cuisine of Krishna-Valley is home to clean, tasty and nutritious food based on locally grown ingredients and ancient principles of ayurveda. The dishes made here are not only delicious, but also made with love, non-violently, considering the spiritual aspects of eating. Visitors can taste authentic Indian flavours and fresh, seasonal dishes, while gaining insight into the philosophy behind vegetarian meals.

Organic gardening

The organic gardening of Krishna-Valley is a living example of self-sufficiency and sustainability. Fresh vegetables and fruits, which are placed on the table of the community and guests, are grown exclusively by natural methods in the garden, without chemicals. Visitors can learn about the basics of organic farming, the methods of composting and soil renewal, while also gaining insight into how to live in harmony with nature.

The treadmill

Krishna-Valley is not only exemplary in the implementation of the principles of sustainability, but also serves as a model for many traditional technologies, research, and experiments. The purpose of the so-called treadmill house project, is to present traditional, animal power-operated technologies and economic methods, traditional and ecological elements of rural living and working culture.

Ecological footprint

Because it really matters what, where, how, and how much we consume. How much we transport our food and what lifestyle we live!

Human population on Earth (2018): 2.7 hectares per person
Hungary: 3.7 ha/person
Krishna-Valley: 1.6 ha/person

With Krishna-Valley lifestyle, Earth’s resources would be enough for up to 12 billion people!

Our plans and goals

The Krishna-Valley keeps going ahead with new programs, developments and innovative solutions. The aim of the community is to further combine spiritual life and sustainability, and to give more and more space for local products and community events.

Why are organic farms and eco-villages important?

Eco-villages and organic farms offer an alternative that can help us maintain contact with nature, in addition to the challenges of the modern world. The example of Krishna-Valley proves that sustainability and community life are not only possible, but also feasible in everyday life. Krishna-Valley is not just a place, but a philosophy that ensures us living in harmony with nature while building our future together is indeed possible.

Can Hatha Yoga Be the Saviour of People of Our Time?

“Connecting the body with nature is Hatha Yoga. The harmonization of mind and body is pranayama. The harmonization of mind and soul is jnana. The harmonization of soul and God is bhakti. This is the whole yoga system: the creation of harmony.”

Radhanatha Swami

Do you sit a lot? Do you make a lot of repetitive movements during your days? Do you often stick to your mobile screen?
Is there any stress in your life?
Do you sometimes feel like you can’t stop?
Is something wrong with your health?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, you need yoga.

Continue reading “Can Hatha Yoga Be the Saviour of People of Our Time?”

How Can We Find Our Place in the World?

In pursuit of our goal in life and happiness

We all have probably felt the feeling that we could not find our place in the world. It is if a space was inside of us, which we would like to fill with the great questions of life: Who am I? Why am I here? How can I be happy? These questions are not only philosophical reflections but are the defining elements of our daily lives that guide us.

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Henna: The Thousand-Year-Old Magic of The Art of The East

Colours, shapes, emotions… The art of henna embraces all these and is deeply rooted in Eastern cultures. Few people know that henna painting has a tradition of more than 5000 years in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Henna is a branch of the vaishnava arts and not only adorns, but also helps in self-realization, since it has a positive effect on our consciousness.

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Mahabharata: The Great Epic of India and the Hidden Wisdom of Krishna-Consciousness

One of the greatest treasures of Indian culture is the Mahabharata, a colossal epic work that explores the depths of the human soul while telling an exciting story. Mahabharata is not only a complete philosophical system, but also the essence of Indian religion and culture. Vyasadeva (the literary incarnation of Lord Krishna) put this monumental work down in writing about 5000 years ago, at the beginning of Kali Yuga. It is the world’s longest known verse, consisting of 100 000 stanzas (sloka), 200 000 lines, and 1.8 million words. It is about 15 times longer than the Bible, and a lighter reading than, for example, the texts from the four Vedas. This is why it is a recommended reading for the ones just getting to know Vedic knowledge, as the exciting story appeals to us much more, than the bald and hard to understand philosophy of the Vedas.

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