Quiet your mind!

Meditation is a great way to escape the grind of daily life. It has both mental and physical benefits, including reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and getting you more in tune with your body. It can even boost your immune system! Here are some ways to achieve stillness.

Nature Meditation

Finding time to meditate is getting more and more challenging each day. But stillness helps to calm and tame the weary mind. Nature is one of the places that immediately brings us in tune with harmony and a deeper sense of place, peace and purpose. By tuning into an image or sounds, even if we can’t immediately access natural places, the mind can take us back to the silence and peace instantly.

Morning Lake Meditation

Have you ever seen a lake at sunrise? It’s very often still like a mirror. Before jumping out of bed, imagine sitting by a lake. No ripples or waves appear. The dawn sky is perfectly reflected in the stillness. This is the nature of the mind at rest. Still, pure and capable of reflecting the light and beauty around it. The easiest time to access this pure stillness is in the early hours of the day before the rush.

Birds At Dawn Reflections

Birds seem happiest and most active at dawn. They awaken with energy and celebrate the divine. They express their joy and excitement at the birth of a new day by singing and chirping for no reason except that they are content to be alive. Their nature is to be happy. Imagine the cardinals, robins, sparrows and other birds you love. Tune into their love of life as they awaken at dawn and allow their nature to inspire you to start the day with the same joy.

Sunset Pause for Peace

Sunsets attract crowds because of their spectacular displays. They give a moment to pause and watch the world turn from light to dark. It’s a moment to notice the movement of the day, to check in, to become quiet and slow down during the period of transition. It’s especially a time to notice the beauty and harmony of the natural world. In many places where people gather to watch the sunset together, a natural stillness and silence set in as the sun moves into the sea or below the horizon. This quiet space offers a time to reflect on the goodness of the day and be fully in the beauty of the moment.

Starlight Meditation

The light of stars can only be seen by the human eye at night. They take us out of our small worlds and remind us that we’re a tiny fraction of something big, cosmic and Divine. The way they pass through the sky with order and grace gives confidence that something purposeful and very wise is guiding the movements of each individual thing in the universe. Contemplate a star and its origin. The mystery and magic of it are awe-inspiring. Your life, your coming into being is no less of a miracle to recognize and celebrate.

The Royal Baby

Prince William and Kate Middleton became parents with the birth of their first child on 22 July 2013, when their son Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge was born at 4.24pm weighing 8lbs 6oz.

Royal infants usually have historical names which are passed down through the generations. George is named after his great-great-grandfather King George VI, the Queen's father.

William and Kate may well need nannies to help with the care of their child while they fulfil their royal duties, but the royal couple are determined to be hands-on and fully involved in Prince George's upbringing.

Although he will undoubtedly grow up in the limelight, other members of the British family have said that William and Kate will know how to protect their child.

Murphy’s Laws

We all have some terribly bad days sometimes, and admit it: the best thing we can do is to learn how to laugh at ourselves. Fortunately, once there was a man named Edward Murphy, who made several laws of everyday-life. It’s weird, but these funny laws can really work, especially on those mentioned days… Check your knowledge! How many of these laws have you known?

If something just cannot go wrong, it will anyway.

If there is a possibility of several things going wrong, the one that will cause the most damage will be the one to go wrong.

If you perceive that there are four possible ways in which something can go wrong, and circumvent these, then a fifth way, unprepared for, will promptly develop.

If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.

Smile . . . tomorrow will be worse.

The other line always moves faster.

Everything goes wrong all at once.

In nature, nothing is ever right. Therefore, if everything is going right . . . something is wrong.

When working toward the solution of a problem, it always helps if you know the answer.
Corollary: Provided, of course, that you know there is a problem.

Everything takes longer than you think.

Everything takes longer than it takes.

You cannot successfully determine beforehand which side of the bread to butter.

The chance of the buttered side of the bread falling face down is directly proportional to the cost of the carpet.

A knowledge of Murphy's Law is no help in any situation.

Don't worry about Murphy's Law, you know it's gonna happen anyway, so just get on with it and get it over with!

Popular festivals of Hungary II.

Cervinus Art Fesztivál

You can find several different cultural programs from classical music concerts to historical plays here – Cervinus Art Fesztivál is a perfect destination for the whole family. While their children are taking part in archery and other sport events, parents can enjoy various theatrical performances.

Művészetek Völgye

This festival became popular for its classical-, and folk music concerts, plays, literary evenings and exhibitions. If you like arts, music and literature, Művészetek Völgye in Kapolcs is a great place to visit!

Bor, Mámor, Bénye

Oanophiles are waiting for enquirers in Tokaj, where Bor, Mámor, Bénye gastrocultural festival is organized. The original aim of this event was to show people the famous wines, growers and manufacturers of Tokaj.

Ördögkatlan Fesztivál

Simplicity and quality at the same place! There are so many and so various programs – it’s impossible to make a list of the handcrafting, music and family events. The only thing you can be sure about is wherever you go, you meet kindness and love in Ördögkatlan Fesztivál!

Hungarikum Fesztivál – Szeged

It’s a lot more than a simple festival – all products you see are Hungarian made by Hungarian people and reflects Hungarian culture! Purchase the best wines, taste the hot fish soup and feel the atmosphere of Hungarikum Fesztivál!

Debreceni Virágkarnevál

It started about a century ago with some bouquets but nowadays it’s getting more and more popular due to the huge statues made from flowers. The procession and fireworks attract thousands of people and children to Debrecen every year.

Nemzetközi Tiszai Halfesztivál

Imagine plenty of cauldrons and the smell of spicy fishsoup in the air on the bank of the River Tisza. Moreover, there are many different programs, and the market to purchase the goods of local traders.

Csabai Kolbászfesztivál

Don’t miss Csabai Kolbászfesztivál if you like sausages and Hungarian spices! Békés County is famous for its products and traditional methods of sausage-making. Hundreds of respecters arrive every year from around the world to purchase this popular and delicious speciality.

Gemeinsam helfen im Internet

Im Internet wird nicht nur Geld für junge Unternehmen gesammelt, das System des Crowdfunding hilft auch kleineren Entwicklungsprojekten. So werden für Schüler in Afrika Mal-Workshops finanziell unterstützt.

„Ich male etwas über den Frieden“, sagt der junge Mohamed Adam aus einem Slum der ghanaischen Hauptstadt Accra. Er und andere Kinder malen nach der Schule Bilder in einem Kunstatelier für Kinder. Das Atelier gehört dem Künstler-Kollektiv „Nima Muhinmanchi Art“. Die Künstler wollen Kindern aus armen Verhältnissen Kunst näherbringen.

Um diesen Workshop zu organisieren, wurden 1000 Dollar benötigt. Die Unterstützungskampagne lief auf der weltweit größten Crowdfunding-Plattform indiegogo.com. Fast 1600 Dollar spendeten Internet-Nutzer für das Projekt. Dafür bekamen sie – je nach Höhe ihrer Spende – Postkarten, T-Shirts oder sogar Original-Gemälde der Kinder.

Die Idee des Crowdfunding ist einfach: Auch wer nur einen Dollar oder Euro spendet, hilft mit. Dabei ist die Summe der Unterstützer wichtiger als die gespendete Summe, meint Joana Breidenbach. Sie hat im Jahr 2007 betterplace.org mitgegründet. Bisher hat die Crowdfunding-Plattform für fast 5000 Projekte in 147 Ländern zehn Millionen Euro gesammelt.

Breidenbach kennt das Geheimnis einer erfolgreichen Kampagne: Eine gute Idee und vor allem guteVernetzung. Sie verrät: „Die Projekte, die richtig gut laufen, sind die, die eine coole Geschichte haben … Das Zielpublikum, meistens jung und auf sozialen Netzwerken unterwegs, engagiert sich gern, wenn es sich angesprochen fühlt“, so Breidenbach. Dieses Engagement brauchen Künstler wie „Nima Muhinmanchi Art“, um ihre wichtige Arbeit fortzusetzen.
 

Glossar

Entwicklungsprojekt, -e (n.) – ein Projekt, das die wirtschaftliche Lage von Menschen oder Ländern der Dritten Welt verbessert
Spende, -n (f.) – Geld, mit dem man Menschen oder Organisationen hilft
sozial – hier:so, dass man damit Menschen hilft
Slum, -s (m., aus dem Englischen) – Stadtteil, in dem viele arme Menschen leben
Atelier, -s (n., aus dem Französischen) – der Raum, in dem man Kunst macht
Kollektiv, -e (n.) – die Gemeinschaft oder Gruppe, in der man zusammenarbeitet
aus armen Verhältnissen – mit armen Familien; in Armut lebend
jemandem etwas näher|bringen – jemanden mit etwas bekannt machen
Workshop, s (m., aus dem Englischen) – Kurs, in dem Teilnehmer etwas lernen und üben
benötigen – brauchen
Kampagne, -n (f.) – hier: Aktion, mit der auf etwas aufmerksam gemacht wird
laufen – hier: stattfinden; auch: funktionieren
weltweit – auf der ganzen Welt
Crowdfunding (n., aus dem Englischen) – Sammeln von Spenden im Internet
je nach – im Verhältnis zu
mit|gründen – gemeinsam mit anderen etwas gründen
Vernetzung (f., nur im Singular) – hier: die Tatsache, dass viele Menschen miteinander in Kontakt sind und einander informieren
Zielpublikum (n., nur im Singular) – die Menschen, die mit einer →Kampagne angesprochen werden sollen
sich engagieren – sich für etwas einsetzen; bei etwas helfen
sich angesprochen fühlen – sich für eine Sache interessieren, weil sie zu den eigenen Ideen und Gedanken passt
etwas fortsetzen – mit etwas weitermachen; etwas nicht beenden

Autorin/Autor:Anne Le Touzé-Schmitz/Michael Stegemann
Redaktion: Shirin Kasraeian

DW.DE

 

forrás (még több érdekes cikk és feladat): www.dw.de/deutschlernen

Popular festivals of Hungary I.

EFOTT
It was the summer of ’76 when some enthusiastic undergraduates organized the first EFOTT party in Abaliget after their exams. Since then it has been grown into a huge festival but still has a familiar tone that makes it so special.

Rockmaraton

As its name shows Rockmaraton is a really hard festival with rock and metal music in Pécs. You really can’t remonstrate its quality as it offers several sport and cultural programs – so you simply can’t be bored.

Hegyalja Fesztivál

It was more than a decade ago when the first Hegyalja Fesztivál was organised in Tokaj due to environmental protection. Of course it’s a great opportunity to taste the famous wines of the region, and admire the sights as well.

Volt Fesztivál

Volt is one of Hungary’s favourite festivals as the place, Sopron where it is organised makes it unforgettable. The historical city with its old and beautiful buildings and statues creates a fantastic atmosphere, especially at night.

Balaton Sound

Balaton Sound is a quite new and modern festival by Lake Balaton in Zamárdi, with tecktonic, dubstep and house music. It has already had several famous performers such as Moby, Fatboy Slim and David Guetta.

DUDIK

Thanks to the College of Dunaújváros, DUDIK has been organised every year since 2009. This festival is the only thing that lures hundreds of people to Dunaújváros.

VeszprémFest

With the most selective music and programs VeszprémFest became such famous that it has several visitors from around the country and abroad, as well. Fanciers of classical music, opera and jazz mustn’t miss the opportunity to spend a night in the city of Veszprém!

Sziget Fesztivál

There are many great festivals in Hungary, but Sziget Fesztivál is the best-known of all of them. It received awards such as UK Festival Awards for - Best Overseas Festival, and Europen Festival Awards - Best Major Festival which definitely shows that it has got no opponents.

The 10 Most-Clichéd Tourist Photos

After travelling around the world, people want to bring back some evidence of their latest trip – of course not just postcards and fridge magnets. Much like how there are hundreds of must-visit destinations, there're now must-take photos at landmarks around the world, too.

Below you can find a repertory of our favourite tourist-photos.

                       

Holding the Eiffel Tower

Posing as Christ the Redeemer

Pinching the Statue of Liberty

Drinking From a Parisian Fountain

Touching the Top of the Great Pyramid of Giza

Feeding Pigeons in St. Mark's Square

Crossing Abbey Road

Star-Walking on Hollywood Boulevard

Pushing the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Posing With a Royal Guard

Probably the guards of Buckingham Palace know the most jokes around the world – as they hear at least 100 every day due to tourists who want to make them laugh.