“Nature has given to men one tongue, but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.” Epictetus, Greek Philosopher

How well we listen determines quality of our connections with others whether at home or work. Yet, most of us did not master excellent communication skills in our family of origin. In fact, most of us haven’t taken any formal training in art of communication. And, as far as communication goes, listening is definitely key. Luckily, anyone can learn these skills. Excellence is developed with practice. The following steps will help you sharpen your listening skills.

1)Maintain good eye contact with person you are talking to. Eye contact is imperative in conversation, and makes it possible for you to sense underlying emotions as well as to assess facial expression and body language. Good eye contact says you are listening and are interested in person and conversation.

2)Empty your head of your own agenda, and listen to what speaker is saying. This is especially difficult if you disagree with what speaker is saying or have another opinion. Remember, you will have your turn to speak. Overcome temptation to jump in with your own opinion until you have truly explored what other person has to say. (This is particularly hard if you happen to be talking with your teenager!)

For humans and animals alike, essential oils are powerfully antiseptic, detoxifying and revitalizing, thus increasing resistance to disease while strengthening immune system. Essential oils can also be used to control pet odors and to purify air from dust, dander and allergens. For example, mix 50 drops of lemon essential oil in a 2-oz spray bottle filled with water. Shake very well several times and spray room. You'll notice immediately that it refreshes and cleanses air!

But aromatherapy offers more than just fragrance. Their remarkable actions upon animals -- most notably dogs, cats and horses -- are immediate, profound and long-lasting, positively affecting their overall health and emotional well-being.

Today we will focus on recipes and tips for Fido. As faithful friends, dogs bring affection, pure joy and loyalty into our lives. Most breeds thrive in outdoors, running and playing in freedom of nature. In fact, dogs will naturally purge their system in wilderness, carefully choosing specific plants their systems need, such as blackberries, raw carrots, etc. Now a domestic animal, most dogs have lost this natural instinct, and are becoming less resistant to illness in general.

Dogs have a predictable set of physical ailments that may occur during their life span. Today I'll share aromatherapy blends that will soothe and heal skin problems, remove and prevent fleas and ticks, relieve pain of rheumatism and arthritis, revive energy and control pet odor.

******** Blend to Relieve Skin Problems ******** Pour following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with Calendula oil. Apply to afflicted area.

-5 drops Lavender -6 drops Geranium

******** Blend to Relieve Itching ******** Pour following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with Calendula oil. Apply to afflicted area.

-4 drops Lavender -5 drops Geranium -3 drops Roman Chamomile

******** Blend to Combat Fleas ******** Fleas are nuisances for man and animal alike. This sinister pest hides within your pets' fur as well as in our carpets, parquet and window coverings.

Prepare following blend by pouring following ingredients into a 1-oz spray bottle:

-7.5 ml Mint essential oil -22.5 ml rubbing alcohol