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How to Use Poker as a Mindfulness Practice

Most common mindfulness practices are fundamentally simple. Things like deep breathing, counted breaths, and short breaks and walks can help to calm us, clear our minds, and generate simultaneous states of relaxation and awareness. As much purpose as these small, simple practices have though, there are also some more involved activities that can assist with the development of greater mindfulness. And it may surprise some to learn that the game of poker is among them.

Gaming and Meditation

It is first important to understand that a link has been established between gaming and meditation in general. For a long time there were a lot of misconceptions about gaming as an active, almost violent practice meant solely for young people. But perceptions have changed over time. We now understand that people in all age groups play games of all kinds, and we further accept that a lot of these games have meditative qualities. Gamer testaments and a few scientific studies alike have indicated that the right game can have a soothing effect on one’s mental state.

This is the case with poker as well. A passion for many around the world, it’s a unique game that doesn’t necessarily fall under the umbrella of traditional “gaming” as we tend to think of the term. It is nonetheless similar with regard to mindfulness, however. Approached with intention, it can be a calming, almost meditative hobby for players.

Mental and Emotional Calm

When considering the game of poker specifically, one tends to think first of strategy, luck, and mathematics. In some sense, these are the building blocks of any given game of poker, and it will of course be important for any aspiring player to learn how they all factor in. However, what really helps successful players to win at poker is a sound mindset. The manifestation of a sound overall poker game requires that players learn to accept defeat and to avoid getting too high from a win. It demands reasonable approaches to betting and competition, clear-eyed social interaction, and the ability to operate without ego.

Add those factors up, and what success in poker really demands is mental and emotional calm. Players need skill and strategy to be sure, but above all else they need to be able to clear their minds of various pressures and shut out hasty impulses. This in and of itself is nearly a form of meditation, and certainly serves as a sort of training for mindfulness practice.

Focused Meditation

Beyond helping players to establish a general sense of mental and emotional calm, poker also leads to an ability to focus that, in its own way, is meditative. Generally, a focused meditation is described as the practice of focusing on something intently as a way of staying in the present moment and slowing down inner dialogue. It more or less means zeroing in on one subject to the exclusion of all else for the purpose of clearing one’s head — which is pretty much exactly what one has to do in poker! Even the slightest distraction can be a problem, and while the game demands a lot of attention it still makes for such narrow focus that one can clear one’s mind in a useful and soothing way.

Even given all of these benefits, poker does not comprise an entire mindfulness or meditation routine. For those interested in working on these aspects of personal wellness though, it’s always good to have one more option! Some will find this simple, popular card game to be legitimately beneficial.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our piece on how to boost your energy, especially useful as we enter a new year and search for fresh motivations!

How to Restore Antique Glassware

Getting your old antique glasses to look like new ones can be complicated. It involves many steps, from cleaning and resilvering to analyzing the refractive index and displaying the glasses.

Cleaning

Knowing how to clean your ancient glass is essential for preserving its beauty, whether you are a collector or want to exhibit your prized glassware. However, the process can be difficult and cause damage. If there are any damages, you should get them fixed right away by glass repairs Houston, TX specialist.

The correct way to clean glass is to use a soft, non-abrasive cleaner. For example, dish soap, distilled water, and dishwashing liquid can be used. These ingredients are gentle on metals and are effective at breaking up dirt and grease.

The best way to clean antique glass is to use a soft, lint-free cloth. Dip it into a bowl of distilled water and gently wipe down the surface. You can also soak a glass in warm water and dish soap solution.

If the dirt is stuck on the glass, you can use mild acid or vinegar to break it up. You can also use chamois leather or well-rung-out chamois to remove stubborn stains.

Analysis of Refractive Index

During the past centuries, many useful articles were produced from glasses. Besides the standard measurements of the density and bending strength, the analysis of the refractive index of a glass sample is also important. This information helps determine if the material is suitable for the intended use.

Several methods are available in the market which provides indirect measurements of the refractive index. Some of them require the sample to be immersed in liquid before measurement. Others are based on the structural parameters of the sample. However, these methods limit the accuracy of the samples’ refractive index. Therefore, the proposed method aims to directly measure glasses’ refractive index without requiring structural parameters.

This method has two advantages over traditional methods: measurement accuracy and environmental vibrations robustness. The accuracy of refractive index measurement can reach 5 x 10-4.

Removal of Old Silver

A cleaning solution can be a good way to remove old silver from antique glasses. The solution works quickly and doesn’t harm the environment.

A good solution is made of food-grade ingredients. You can find this product at many fabric stores. It would help to have a large container to soak your silver in.

You can also apply a baking soda bath to soften the tarnish. Again, it would help if you used aluminum foil to make this work. You can then polish the silver with a soft cloth.

Some people also use toothpaste. If you do, use a microfiber cloth to rub it onto the silver. Once the tarnish has been removed, rinse the silver with clean water. If the tarnish is still stubborn, you may need to apply more baking soda.

Resilvering

Whether you have an antique mirror or a glass piece, try resilvering it. Silvering is a chemical process that applies a thin layer of silver to the surface of a glass. It is a technique that has been used for centuries.

You should be aware that resilvering your mirror can be expensive. It is common for mirror resilvering to cost around $15 per square foot.

This process is a complicated one and requires the use of toxic chemicals. However, resilvering a mirror is well worth it.

The first step to resilvering your mirror is to clean it carefully. You should also remove the protective silver backing. This will allow you to reapply the silver layer.

Next, you need to apply the silver leaf. You can apply it in several places on the mirror. This will help to cover any scratches or cracks in the silver layer. You should use a soft felt cloth to smooth out any wrinkles.

5 Tips for Investing in Fixer-Upper Properties

Fixer-upper properties can be a great way to get into the real estate market. They can be purchased for much less than their full market value, and the profit potential is huge. 

However, investing in fixer-upper properties can also be tricky. There are many costs that you may not be aware of, and there are a lot of hidden problems that could arise. 

Fortunately, today’s guide is here to help. We’re now going to look at some of the best tips for investing in fixer-upper properties. 

Know what you’re getting into 

The first and most important tip is to make sure that you know what you’re getting into. Investing in a fixer-upper property is a big commitment, and it’s important to understand all the risks and rewards that come with the process. 

This means researching and finding out as much as possible about the property before you make a purchase. You should also factor in the potential costs of renovations, materials, and labour. 

Get a professional inspection 

Before making a purchase, it’s important to get a professional inspection. This will help identify any potential issues with the property and ensure it’s a worthwhile investment. 

It’s also a good idea to get a contractor to look over the property as well. This will give you a better idea of the costs associated with the renovations and help identify any potential issues before you make a purchase. 

Budget for hidden costs 

The next tip is to budget for hidden costs. This means taking into account all of the potential costs that may arise during the renovation process. 

This could range from the cost of materials and labour to any permits or even landlord insurance that may be required if you are letting in the interim. It’s crucial to factor in any potential hidden costs before making a purchase, so you’re not caught off guard later. 

Secure financing

It should also go without saying that you will need to secure financing before you make the purchase. This will ensure you have the money you need to complete the project and make a profit. 

There are several different financing options available, so make sure you research and find the best one for your situation. 

Be prepared for the market

Finally, it’s important to be prepared for the market. Once you’ve completed the renovations, you will need to find a buyer for the property. This means researching and finding out as much as possible about the market to get the best price for your property. On some occasions, this may even involve holding tight for a few months – just so the market can settle and you can get the best price for all the renovations you have invested in. A quick look at the recent sold prices in the area and conversations with local estate agents will help you no end.