Being A Kid Again

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Letting Yourself Have Fun

As we grow older and embrace the multitude of responsibilities that adulthood brings, we often bury a part of ourselves along the way. During childhood, each new day brought a new adventure in the form of play and learning. The fun you had was spontaneous and chaotic, unplanned and exuberant. While your obligations, successes and failures, anxiety about the future, and lofty goals may make it seem like it's dangerous to step out of the role and routine of an adult, the child within you still remembers what it was like to be full of mischief and good humor. Having fun for the pure delight of it can feel frivolous, but part of having fun is letting go and acting like a kid again. And a little fun can combat stress and lead to creative inspiration.

It can be difficult to get excited about the changing of the seasons or the coming of a new year when you work year round. But what better reason is there to have fun than the simple joy of long summer days that are great for searching for four-leaf clovers, piles of autumn leaves to jump in, making snow angels in the wintertime, or jumping through puddles in the spring? Kids know that fun doesn't have to be carefully planned or scheduled. Why not go to the nearest playground and spend some time on the swings? Or shoot crumpled paper basketballs into your wastebasket during a slow afternoon in the office? Fun can come from veering away from your normal routine. Have breakfast for dinner and cake for breakfast once in a while. Do something you haven't done since childhood, like make freezer pops, ride a bike, build a sandcastle, or paint with your fingers. Finding fun in unexpected places is a kind of joy no one can take away from you. Every day can be your own personal celebration, even when things aren't necessarily going your way.

A little fun can go a long way toward lifting your spirit, especially when you find yourself doing something a tad wacky, like doing a cannonball off the high dive. There are lessons to be learned in doing so, about staying carefree and doing something that makes you laugh every day.

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The Touchstone

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- Author Unknown

When the great library of Alexandria burned, the story goes, one book was saved. But it was not a valuable book; and so a poor man, who could read a little, bought it for a few coppers.

The book wasn't very interesting, but between its pages there was something very interesting indeed. It was a thin strip of vellum on which was written the secret of the "Touchstone"!

The touchstone was a small pebble that could turn any common metal into pure gold. The writing explained that it was lying among thousands and thousands of other pebbles that looked exactly like it. But the secret was this: The real stone would feel warm, while ordinary pebbles are cold.

So the man sold his few belongings, bought some simple supplies, camped on the seashore, and began testing pebbles.

He knew that if he picked up ordinary pebbles and threw them down again because they were cold, he might pick up the same pebble hundreds of times. So, when he felt one that was cold, he threw it into the sea. He spent a whole day doing this but none of them was the touchstone. Yet he went on and on this way. Pick up a pebble. Cold - throw it into the sea. Pick up another. Throw it into the sea.

The days stretched into weeks and the weeks into months. One day, however, about midafternoon, he picked up a pebble and it was warm. He threw it into the sea before he realized what he had done. He had formed such a strong habit of throwing each pebble into the sea that when the one he wanted came along, he still threw it away.

So it is with opportunity. Unless we are vigilant, it's asy to fail to recognize an opportunity when it is in hand and it's just as easy to throw it away.

- Author Unknown

WORK IS LOVE MADE VISIBLE

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Success in its highest and noblest form calls for peace of mind, enjoyment, and happiness. This comes only when you find the work that you like best.

If you enjoy what you do, you'll be successful. If you don't enjoy what you do, you won't be successful. Your success in any occupation depends on your enjoyment. Loving your work will make all the difference.

You'll never achieve real success unless you like what you're doing. Your chances for success will be directly proportional to the degree of pleasure you derive from what you do. If you have a job you hate, face the fact squarely and get out. Work is reward, not punishment.

You don't pay the price for success. You enjoy the price of success.

©2005 by Max Steingart

Sounds Of The Chakras

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Bija Mantras

Within each human being lies the power to affect change through the power of a chant, the spoken words, or even a gentle whisper. The body's chakras or energy centers, so closely intertwined with their corresponding regions of the body, can be represented in sound, which parallels the energy pattern of the chakras and is symbolic of their essences. These unique sounds are the bija, or seed, mantras. The mantras are the one-syllable seed sounds that, when said aloud, activate the energy of the chakras in order to purify and balance the mind and body. When you speak the bija mantras, you resonate with the energy of the associated chakra, helping you focus upon your own instinctive awareness of your body and its needs.

OM is the most renowned and expansive of the bija mantras. It is the mantra of assent and the form of creation, causing energy to surge upward and outward.

KRIM (pronounced as 'kreem') stimulates and transforms the lower chakras, awakening and purifying the body.

SHRIM (pronounced 'shreem') is associated with the head and third eye and, while promoting health, can be used to flood the senses with delight and beauty.

HRIM (pronounced 'hreem') holds creativity and healing powers. Speaking it has the power to awaken and purify the heart.

HUM (pronounced 'hoom') destroys negativity and inspires vitality throughout the body.

In traditional Hatha Yoga, the seven cleansing bija mantras associated with the chakras are:

LAM for the earth chakra (1)
VAM for the water chakra (2)
RAM for the fire chakra (3)
YAM for the heart chakra (4)
HAM for the throat chakra (5)
AUM for the third eye (6)
AH for the crown chakra (7)

But the seed mantras, which are vessels of a self-generating power, are by no means truly rigid. The meaning of each seed mantra can be subtly changed through their intonation and the intention of those who speak them. When you chant the bija mantras, either one at a time or in sequences most often beginning with OM, your mind will be gradually become attuned to the mantras' finer frequencies until the source energy is reached and the mantra becomes the seed of spiritual energy of the chakras.

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Blueprint: Change Your Life from the Inside Out:

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– By Paul Drayton

Part 1

WHAT IS A VISION?

Elephant.

When you read the word above, what happened?

If your mind is in reasonable shape, it would have shown you an elephant. If your mind is in above reasonable shape you will feel the elephant, smell it, sense its weight and hear it snort and trumpet. If your ability to envision is well developed, you will feel its motion and the emotion connected to it.

As you probably experienced with the vision of the elephant, a vision is not just an image. A true vision is a 3 dimensional exact replica of the object, containing not just the 5 physical senses - sight, sound, touch, smell and taste but also:

Emotion - all the moods and feelings connected to it.

Kinesthesia - a sense of body position and motion.

Time - past and future are contained in the vision. Although it exists here and now, it also contains the time frame in which it will be created.

Consequences - the effect the vision will have on the environment and people it comes into contact with.

Since a vision is so much more than just an image, I prefer to call it a hologram. A hologram is an exact duplicate of an object - the holograms you make of your goals are exact copies of how the goal will be when you have achieved it.

For example, if your goal was to make a million dollars and buy a new home, the hologram would contain you walking into your new house, smelling the fresh paint and roses in the hall, hearing your feet clack on the marble floor and feeling the softness of the leather recliner in the living room. It would also contain emotion - how you feel about yourself and the people around you, how you behave towards these people, your excitement when pulling up to your beautiful house in your new sports car. You would feel the kinesthesia of your body in the tailor made suits.

Part 2

CHANGING YOUR REALITY AND YOUR HOLOGRAMS

"these two wills, one old, one new, contended with each other and disturbed my soul"
- St Augustine

You can't change your behavior by changing your behavior.

Since what you do is based on your vision, trying to change what you do without changing the vision will cause stress and the feeling that you are fighting yourself. It's not just a feeling - you are fighting yourself! You are jamming 2 opposing visions into your mind and telling the body to do 2 opposing actions.

This is like having two people driving a car where one wants to go to New York and the other wants to go to San Francisco. A guaranteed recipe for disaster and failure.

Many self-help practices will help you 'reprogram' your mind to eliminate the opposition. You will overpower or drown out the opposing intention. This is the equivalent of handcuffing one of the drivers and stuffing him in the trunk. Yes, you now have freedom to drive where you want, but you've got something kicking and screaming in the trunk! Very annoying, and you have to keep the stereo loud to avoid hearing them. This makes it hard to focus on where you are going.

Wouldn't it be better to talk to the other driver and convince him to change his destination to the destination you want? Of course it would! In practice this means seeing the opposing vision and erasing it or modifying it to fit in with your primary vision. If you do this you won't fight against yourself and you won't have to force yourself to "do the right thing" - you will do it naturally, without stress.

Part 3

REPROGRAM OR ERASE?

Since your mind is going to attempt to bring into reality any vision that you give it, it is a good idea to give it only positive visions. This is the basis of positive mental attitude (PMA) and motivational style training - it puts the positive image in place.

This is good, as you must have the positive vision in place in order to achieve the goal. But what if you already have a negative vision in the space you are putting the positive vision in? The negative vision will constantly push the positive vision out. For example, you have a negative vision of yourself as a 'Loser' embedded by subtle, long-term mental and emotional abuse. This negative vision is so solidly embedded and locked in place by pain, it will not simply disappear when you bring in a new vision of yourself as a 'Winner'.

To put the 'Winner' vision permanently in place you must first erase and remove the 'Loser' vision. The chapter on identities explains how you can do this.

This is a BOOK EXCERPT: Blueprint: Change Your Life from the Inside Out: Understanding and controlling the invisible forces creating your life – By Paul Drayton

THE COURAGE TO BEGIN SEPARATES DREAMERS FROM ACHIEVERS

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Your difficulty and the difficulty of every individual who ever desired to achieve anything worthwhile, comes in the movement.

Don't always be intending to live a new life, but never find the time to begin living it. Most people fail because they never get started. They don't go. They don't overcome inertia. They don't begin.

Begin to free yourself at once by doing all that is possible with the means you have. As you proceed in this spirit the way will open for you to do more.

The worst thing you can do is not to try.

©2005 by Max Steingart

Reaching Out

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Asking For Help

We like to be helpful. We volunteer at schools, shelters, food banks. We give millions each year to charitable organizations. On a more intimate level we make chicken soup for sick friends, dog sit for our neighbors, even stop and help strangers with car trouble.

Yet many of us are reluctant to ask for help when we need it. Any number of reasons may keep us from reaching out and asking or even accepting assistance. Pride, embarrassment, not wanting to be an imposition, or fear of rejection can keep us from seeking help, even when we very well may be in need.

Needing help is not a weakness. It may be a challenge and a risk to ask for help, but that gives us one more opportunity to grow and learn. Reaching out to others teaches us many things about ourselves. Asking for help requires examining our own needs and accepting areas where there is room for improvement in our lives. We are called to put aside our egos and admit that we are not totally self-sufficient. There is certainly no shame in needing assistance setting up a new computer or asking someone to hem a pair of pants for us. There are times when we may need even more help, someone to drive us to the doctor, lend us money for an emergency, or talk to us when we're down. When we ask for help, we come to understand that we all need each other. And, allowing others to help us offers an opportunity for our family, friends, even strangers to feel useful and appreciated. Like we want to be helpful, so do others.

Reaching out for assistance teaches us to trust. Whether we call upon people, animals, angels, and/or the universe, we can believe our needs will be answered. We are ever reminded that there is compassion and that we are loved and cared for. Think of ways that you could use a little help in your life and reach out and ask. Let someone be of service to you today. Give and world gives back. Allow that to happen.

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Depression: What to Do about It

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– By Tony Schirtzinger

BE ANGRY OR BE DEPRESSED Depressed people are angry people who won't admit it. They tend to say nothing when they should be saying: "Get out of my way!"

Anger is a natural emotion which occurs whenever there is something in your way. We probably get at least a little angry about 20 times each day.

When we act on our anger we are saying: "I count, and what I want matters."

When we don't take action we are saying: "You count, I don't."

Ignoring our anger can make us believe that nobody counts and nothing matters.

BIOLOGY OR PSYCHOLOGY?

Professionals debate whether major depression is biological, psychological, or both. But everyone agrees that all depression, mild to severe, shows the need for better self-care.

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

You have probably heard: "We all get depressed sometimes." To the extent that this is true, it is a sad reflection of our guilt-ridden culture. It is not a reflection of some biological predisposition toward being depressed.

Any depression is a problem, and regularly occurring depression is a serious problem. If the suggestions given here do not help, therapy (either with or without medication) can speed things up considerably.

THE WAY OUT - WHAT TO DO ABOUT DEPRESSION

If you are seldom depressed, read this section for general ideas on self-improvement.

If you are often depressed, work your way down the list and spend as much time on each item as you need. Stay with it until you have completed each task (see "What You'll Learn").

1) Notice how prevalent anger is. Just go about your normal day and notice every time you see even the slightest sign of anger in the people around you.

What You'll Learn: You'll see that anger does occur about 20 times every day.

2) Notice how safe anger can be. Notice how people use their anger to get what they want, and how seldom they "get in trouble" for it.

What You'll Learn: You'll see that some people almost always get angry responses from others when they express their anger, but most people do not. Decide to learn from those who do not.

3) Make a list, on paper, of the best examples you can find of how people around you use their anger effectively. Put an asterisk on the examples you like most. Notice how often these people get what they want when they express their anger.

What You'll Learn: You'll show yourself how safe anger can be. You'll see that everyone has their own unique style of expressing anger, and that one or more of these styles "feels right" for you to use. You'll learn that people who express their anger get what they want much more often than people who do not.

4) Learn the physical sensation you feel whenever you get angry ("tight shoulder," "tense stomach," "pain in my chest," etc.). Notice that you get this same sensation every time you are angry - and that it varies from very slight to very strong depending on how angry you are. Get good at noticing even the slightest sensations of anger.

What You'll Learn: After accomplishing this task you will always know when you are angry, how strong your anger is, and how much energy you have to deal with each anger-inducing situation.

5) Begin to express your anger more and more, based on what you've learned about how others express their anger. Notice what happens to your depression.

What You'll Learn: The more anger you use, the less depressed you will feel.

6) Continue to experiment with expressing your anger. Focus on the results you get. Compare what actually happens with what you thought would happen. (In other words, compare reality to your scary fantasies.)

What You'll Learn: Everyone will learn that their scary fantasies are far worse than what happens in real life. Most people will learn that their scary fantasies were based on childhood realities, not on adult realities.

HOW YOU'LL CHANGE

When you are no longer depressed you will feel stronger, more energetic, and more enthused. You will have a renewed interest in all kinds of pleasure. Daily problems will still be there, but they will bother you much less. You will even begin to find opportunities where you used to find only problems!

HOW YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WILL CHANGE

Your relationships will improve immensely, just because you are less depressed. Everyone will enjoy being with you more because of your energy and spontaneity.

OTHER ARTICLES

This article is the second in a two-part series at my site on Depression.(See: "Depression: The Problem.") Also look for other articles on depression as well as articles on anger, motivation, discipline, etc. Look for ideas about how to avoid depression in every article!

About the Author:

Tony Schirtzinger is a therapist in Milwaukee. Visit his web site to read many articles like this one. You can also do your own "Relationship Analysis." And FREE letters of advice from a therapist are also available!

CHOOSE YOUR ENVIRONMENT WITH CARE

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Your own positive energy will compel things to turn out the way you desire when you're surrounded by positive people.

Your environment is your mental feeding ground from which the food that goes into your mind is extracted. Choose your environment with care, one that is positive, one that lifts you up and gives you wings to soar.

Create favorable conditions through your association with others. Avoid people who belittle your ambition. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.

We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us. It's your friends that make your world.

©2005 by Max Steingart

Potential Of Growth

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Seeds For Living

When we look at a giant sequoia tree, it is hard to imagine that it grew from a tiny seed no bigger than a flake of oatmeal. Conversely, to hold such a small thing as a seed in your hand and comprehend that contained within it is the blueprint for an entire forest of trees that will surpass the human lifespan by centuries is enough to stun the mind into silence. As small as that seed is, we are somehow even smaller.

And yet, we are grown seeds in our own right, originating in our mothers' wombs in a form too small to be seen with the naked eye, imbued with the same miraculous life force as sequoias. We drop our own seeds, in the form of children or creative projects that go on after we pass from the earth and a part of us continues on with them.

The environment in which they grow also influences seeds. A tree on a windswept mountain will have longer branches in the direction the wind blows. A houseplant will grow toward the window where the light comes in. The kind of plant grown is in the seed, but the shape it takes is due to its environment. Similarly, we are the products of both our genetic material and the kind of nurturing we received growing up. At the same time, we are always in the process of growth. Now it is up to us to provide the right surroundings for ourselves.

A lovely ritual to perform as an act of self-love is to plant a bulb or a seed in a pot and allow it to be a symbol of your intention to nurture yourself. Remember that you were once smaller than that small seed. Honor how amazing you have been to get as far as you have. Plant a piece of paper in the soil stating your intention to provide yourself with everything you need now to continue to grow strong and beautiful. Each time you water the seed, or talk to it, or move it to a more beneficial location, you are honoring and fostering your own expansion.

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Getting Past the Stuck Places

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– By Philip Humbert

Recently, I've been noticing how many conversations I have with folks who are "stuck." They are not failures in any sense of the word. They live healthy, productive lives with many successes to their credit. But they are also "treading water," "marking time," or "settling" for less than they desire. They are "trying," but are not making much progress toward their next goal or toward fulfilling their deepest desires.

We all experience this at times. Sometimes, after completing a major project we want to rest, enjoy the new level of success and catch our breath before moving on. Or, sometimes we aren't sure how to proceed and have to wait and ponder and get a new plan. There are many reasons to "pause," and that's often a good thing, but it is very different than being "stuck."

Being "stuck" is no good. It's frustrating, it's irritating, and it undermines our integrity, our self-worth, and our confidence. And, for some people, being stuck seems to be a lifestyle. They set unrealistic goals, or create roadblocks and delays, or have excuses, that prevent them from ever achieving, having, or enjoying the things they say they want in life.

For those people, I have no real solutions. If you wish to stay stuck, for whatever reason, that is your right.

But for folks who are determined to make progress, to get past the "stuck places," there are a few strategies that have seemed helpful, and I offer them with respect. We are all different, and we get stuck for different reasons, and we need strategies that fit our values and our situations, but here are some you may find useful:

1. Be honest about being stuck and get really frustrated about it! Say it out loud. Admit your situation to yourself, and get angry. Being stuck is no good and when you get clear enough, and frustrated enough, your brain will find a solution. Be clear that you will NOT stay stuck, and be DETERMINED to find a solution. Sometimes, healthy anger is a great motivator.

2. Get creative. List 20 crazy, insane, silly and original ways to move forward. Give yourself permission to brainstorm, to "mindmap,” or to simply do the opposite of what you've been trying. Shake loose, break the mold, or to use that old phrase, "think outside the box.” If you are stuck, get past it!

3. Do research. Other folks have achieved what you want to achieve, they found solutions and made it happen. Learn from them. Ask questions. Read the books. Attend seminars, take classes, call an expert, hire a coach, but find out how other people have succeeded and do what they did.

4. Question your intentions. Why are you stuck? Do you really want what you say you want? Really? Is there someone you love or whose opinion you value who disagrees with your goal? Are you sabotaging yourself because of ambivalence, confusion, or because you goal conflicts with your values? If so, resolve this first, then clarify your new goals and move forward.

5. Baby steps are OK. This is my personal favorite. When I'm stuck on something I truly want, I often give myself permission to make the smallest, simplest, crudest steps forward. I love BIG solutions and instant answers, but sometimes, on some issues, I have to settle for small, incremental progress. Sometimes, we have to trust that "inch by inch, anything's a cinch" and just creep forward until we find a way to make those giant leaps.

The key is to never stop moving. Too often, we confuse "trying,” or worrying, or talking or dreaming with actual movement. Those things do not take us forward. They actually undermine our progress and make us feel like victims.

If you have a dream, a goal or project, and if you really want to achieve it, find a way. There's a wonderful quote from Hannibal, "We will find a way, or make one." Take baby steps if you must. Ask for help, try a different way, hire a coach, but never, never, never settle for the status quo. Giving up, giving in, settling and sighing with regret are the only failures. Everything else is success-in-the-making.

Go for it!

© Copyright 2000 by Philip E. Humbert. All Rights Reserved.

About the Author:

By Dr Philip E. Humbert, author, speaker and personal success coach. Dr Humbert has hundreds of tips, tools and articles on his website that you can use for your own success! It's a great resource! Visit him on the web at: http://www.philiphumbert.com. And, be sure to sign up for his great newsletter!

SEE THE WORLD AS IT IS

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The truth is what it is. It's neither good nor bad. It's simple reality.

Tailor your concepts to fit reality, instead of trying to stuff reality into your concepts. No matter what you believe, it won't change the facts.

If we all worked on the assumption that what is accepted as true is really true, there would be little hope of advancement in the world.

Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored. If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it's still a foolish thing. Successful people are realistic and aren't trapped by false appearances.

Stay realistic on the road to success.

©2005 by Max Steingart

A Positive Shift

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Art Of Forgiveness

To forgive really is divine. It takes strength to set aside what is often justifiable anger. It's much easier to hold a grudge. Yet when we make the choice and allow ourselves to put aside that anger and to forgive those who have harmed us, we actually do ourselves a great service. Making the conscious decision to let go of pain is the beginning of healing.
But doing so is challenging because it is easy to become attached to seeing oneself as a victim and to hold onto resentment, even when the person who has harmed us is genuinely sorry. Forgiving someone is both one of the most difficult and one of the most spiritually rewarding choices we can make.

While forgiveness is a noble act, research shows that the person who forgives benefits as much, perhaps more, than those that are forgiven. Expressing true forgiveness is empowering because it helps us to stop feeling like victims and to dispel our own suffering at having been wronged. Our levels of anger and hostility decreases while our capacity to love increases. We are better able to control our anger and we have an enhanced capacity to trust. We are freed from the control of past events, which can help us to stop repeating negative behavior. Both our physical and mental health improves. Though many people feel forgiveness is something that must be asked for or earned by another, forgiveness is actually a gift you give to yourself.

When you are ready to let go of your anger and forgive, it can be helpful to do so internally, whether or not you intend on telling the one who wronged you. It doesn't matter if the person has passed on or if you don't have contact with them anymore. Keep in your mind's eye the person you want to forgive but do not dwell on their past actions or words. As you concentrate on them, sincerely wish for them everything you would want for yourself. Do this for as long as and as many times as it takes. It may be days, months or even a year before you sense a change. But you'll know when you are finished, because you will feel a positive shift and you will feel free.

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Someday starts today

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- Bruno Gideon

Are you a bit of a procrastinator? Do you find yourself daydreaming often? Does just about anything grab your attention more than the matter at hand? Procrastination is dangerous. It can easily hurt you, whether in your schooling, your job, your relationships, or your personality. And on top of all that, it can make you feel guilty. Enough reasons to do something about it. No, no, not later – now.

He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.
– Benjamin Franklin

I'm going to stop procrastinating ... once I get around to it.
– Anonymous

Sometimes putting off decisions and delaying action is a good thing. It allows time for reflection and may result in better action. But when putting things off becomes a general pattern, when it prevents you from attending to the things that really matter – then it is not a good thing. My tendency to procrastination is prompted by the little rebel inside me. He tells me, “Don’t do it now. After all, you are in control. Who’s to give you orders?” My little rebel is more of a help than a hindrance. He knows me well. I answer him, “You’re right. No one’s going to give me orders, including you!” And that releases me to do what needs to be done.

Try it. Someday starts today!

- Bruno Gideon

YOU CAN DEVELOP SUCCESS FROM ANY FAILURE

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Failure is one of the surest stepping stones to success. No element can do as much for you as failure can, if you're willing to study it and make capital out of it.
View every problem you encounter as an opportunity.

There is always a good side to every situation. Stay optimistic and try to see an opportunity in your problems, not pessimistic and see problems in every opportunity.
The optimist sees the doughnut, the pessimist sees the hole.

When it is dark enough you can see the stars.

©2005 by Max Steingart

Transcendental Chores

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Everyday Meditation In Repetitive Tasks

The idealized vision of a holy man sitting in deep meditation in a cave can sometimes lead us to believe that in order to attain, or maintain, enlightenment, we must abandon the commonplace world most of us inhabit. But many realized men and women have attested to the fact that the true test of enlightened awareness is the ability to live the ordinary life in an extraordinary way; and that to live in a spectacular world full of magic and beauty, we need only see the world we live in with more open eyes.

We have a tendency to view many of the repetitive tasks that fill our daily lives as something to be gotten through so we can get to the experiences we consider desirable, or transcendental. But the chores on our "to do" list, in and of themselves, are gateways to the enlightened state of mind. Every moment is an opportunity to awaken.

It can be difficult to believe that brushing your teeth could be as much fun as going to Paris, or as enlightening as a meditation retreat, but maybe it can. For people in an expanded state of awareness, every moment is miraculous and wild, and we all have access to this state of mind.

A powerful way to open ourselves more deeply to the world we think we know so well is to try to forget everything we think we know. Imagine you just suddenly found yourself in your body and are exploring the possibilities of having arms and legs for the first time. Imagine you have never seen a toothbrush before, or a pen, or a fork. Where did these things come from? The truth is, without even having to pretend, there is a great deal we do not know, and engaging with that mystery can imbue the cyclical tasks of our lives with new life.

When washing dishes, for example, we can take the time to tune into our breath and the sound of running water; the sensation of holding a wet plate in one hand and scrubbing it with the other; the colors and shapes of each item we wash. In this way, we transform a recurring chore into an exploration and appreciation of the mystery of being.


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Moments in Life

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- Author Unknown

There are moments in life when you miss someone so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real!

When the door of happiness closes, another opens; but often times we look so long at the closed door that we don't see the one, which has been opened for us.

Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your heart smile.

Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

- Author Unknown

Struggle

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-Author Unknown

A man found a cocoon of an emperor moth. He took it home so that he could watch the moth come out of the cocoon. On that day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the moth for several hours as the moth struggled to force the body through that little hole.

Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. It just seemed to be stuck. Then the man, in his kindness, decided to help the moth, so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The moth then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the moth because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the little moth spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It was never able to fly.

What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the moth to get through the tiny opening was the way of forcing fluid from the body of the moth into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon. Freedom and flight would only come after the struggle. By depriving the moth of a struggle, he deprived the moth of health.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we were to go through our life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Give every opportunity a chance. Leave no room for regrets.

-Author Unknown

YOUR LIFE WILL BE WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT

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The golden opportunity you are seeking lies within you. It's not in your environment. It's not in luck or chance, or in the help of others. It's all in you.

There are opportunities all around you. If the door of opportunity appears closed, you must knock on it and keep knocking on it until it opens.

You must become an opener of doors. You can develop your opportunities by applying persistence and tenacity to your possibilities.

Success doesn't come to you. You must go to success.

©2005 by Max Steingart

Herbal Bouquets

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Language Of Herbs

The healing powers of herbs have long been known. And, in addition to their medicinal properties herbs, like flowers, speak a silent, symbolic language. While in recent times, flowers have become the more popular way to convey messages of love and caring, in ancient times, and even as recent as the Victorian era, herbal bouquets were exchanged to express that which words could not.

Some herbs have many meanings, even varying in interpretation by different sources. Others have very specific messages, such as Rosemary which symbolizes remembrance says, "Your presence revives me." A considerate nosegay of Chives asks, "Why do you weep?" Verbena's reassuring message is "You have my confidence." Abor Vitae conveys unchanging friendship saying, "Live for me." Mugwort bestows sentiments of happiness and travel, telling its recipient, "Be not weary." Sage speaks of domestic virtues, long life, and good health. Its potent message is, "I will suffer all for you."

Alas, not all herbal messages are loving or even uplifting. Borage speaks of bluntness and says, "Your intentions only embarrass me." Lemon Balm begs, "Don't misuse me," and the spiciness of Savory tells it like it is, "The truth may be bitter." Goldenrod offers a little more encouragement while sending a message of indecision, pleading, "Allow me time to decide."

Still, the language of herbs can be light-hearted and humorous. The common cooking herb Parsley stands for useful knowledge, festivity, joy, and victory while claiming, "The woman of the house is boss." Sweet Marjoram tells a persistent admirer, "Your passion sends blushes to my cheeks."

The following offers the symbolic messages of other herbs:

Balm - sympathy
Basil (sweet) - good or best wishes, love or serious intentions
Bergamot (Monarda, Bee Balm) - compassion, sweet virtues
Betony - surprise, healing
Calendula - sacred affections, joy, remembrance, grief
Catnip - intoxification with love
Chamomile - energy in adversity
Cilantro (Coriander) - hidden worth
Cowslip - pensiveness, happiness
Dill - good spirits
Elder -zealousness
Fennel - worthy of praise or flattery
Geranium - present preference
Gloxinia - a proud spirit
Hop - injustice
Ivy - friendship, matrimony, fidelity, constancy
Lavender - acknowledgment, suspicion, devotion, loyalty
Mint - grief, homeliness, wisdom, eternal refreshment
Marigold - despair, grief, honesty
Nasturtium - optimism, splendor
Pennyroyal - flee away
Peppermint - cordiality
Santolina - protection
Sorrel - affection
Southernwood - bantering jest
Spearmint - warmth of sentiment
Tansy (Tannacetum) - resistance, life everlasting, hostile thoughts
Thyme - thriftiness, happiness, courage

Herbs heal on many levels and offer us a way to convey our sentiments through their beauty and fragrance. Herbs may be combined with other herbs or flowers in a posy or nosegay to convey just the sentiment you wish to express to someone you care about.


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Beating the "What-if" Blues

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– By Deanne Repich

Do you find that a lot of your negative thoughts begin with the words "What-if?" Does one anxious thought lead to another and another - only to become a negative spiral of worry? When this happens, you're probably using what-if thinking.

WHAT IS "WHAT-IF" THINKING?

What-if thinking occurs when you make negative predictions about the future, usually starting with the words "What if?" Most of us can relate to Juan's story of what-if thinking. Juan is running a few minutes late to work. The first thought that pops into his head is: "What if I'm late for my nine o' clock meeting?"

But his thoughts don't stop there.

His negative thoughts start snowballing. "What if I walk in late and everyone looks at me? What if I get nervous, start sweating, and feel embarrassed? What if my boss notices I can't handle it and I lose my job? What if I can't afford to feed my family?"

His body responds with a host of symptoms - his heart races, it's tough to breathe, and there's a knot in his stomach the size of Texas.

As you can see, when you use what-if thinking, one negative prediction usually leads to another, and another, and another. This negative chain has a snowball effect that leads to intense feelings of anxiety, loss of control, and physical symptoms.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Studies show that you have the power to change your thoughts. When you change your thoughts, you create biochemical changes in your brain that affect how your body and mind feel and react. In other words, change your thoughts and you change your reality!

How do you change your what-if thoughts? You do this by using the three "R"s - Recognize, Replace, and Reinforce.

1) RECOGNIZE. Keep a small notepad with you. Each time you notice yourself thinking a what-if thought, write it down. Writing things down helps you to slow down and expose habitual negative thoughts to the light of day. If you don't take the time to write down your what-if thoughts, it's easy to miss them because you are so used to them.

The Onion Technique.

The following technique can help you peel off layer after layer of negative thoughts and reach the core negative belief. I call it the Onion Technique because it's like peeling off layer after layer of an onion until you reach the core. Here's how it works. When you are in a fairly relaxed mood, take out your notepad and open it up to the first what-if thought. Read the thought and then ask yourself: "And what if that did happen? Then what would happen?" Write down your answer. Repeat this process of digging deeper several times, each time asking "And what if that did happen? Then what would happen?" and writing down your answer.

After several layers you will reach your core belief - the belief that is at the root of your fears. In Juan's case he might reach this core belief: "If I can't feed my family, my wife and kids will be disappointed in me. They'll leave me and I'll be all alone." His real fear - what is driving his what-if thoughts - is his fear of being rejected, unloved, and all alone if he disappoints the people he loves. That's the belief that Juan needs to replace in order to beat the what-if blues. His worry about arriving a few minutes late to the meeting will fade once he addresses this core issue.

2) REPLACE. Once you've pinpointed the core negative belief, decide what your new belief will be. Adjust the old belief so that it promotes your well being and reflects the reality you want to create. When creating your new belief, make sure to:

-- use the present tense

-- use "I statements"

-- focus on what you want (not what you don't want)

In Juan's case, here are several new beliefs he may want to use to replace the unhealthy belief:

-- "I am worthy of love, even when I disappoint others."

-- "I am loved for who I am, not how much I earn. I love my family and we will get through life's challenges together."

-- "Since I am human, I will disappoint the people I love occasionally. I can be imperfect and still receive love."

When you notice yourself using a what-if thought, stop it in its tracks. It may help to visualize the word "No" or "Stop" in big red letters in your mind. This action interrupts the thought. Then immediately change your focus by replacing the what-if thought with the new, healthier thought you created.

3) REINFORCE. Once you have chosen your new belief, reinforce it several times a day. Say the new belief with feeling. Believe that it is true, even if only for a moment. Think it. Say it aloud. Write it down. You can even record yourself saying the belief for several minutes and then play it back every night just as you're drifting off to sleep. Just like any other habit, the more you practice, the sooner it will become second nature to you.

Making the new belief a part of your life takes time and consistent practice, but the results are worth it. You chase away the what-if blues and the physical symptoms that go along with it. And even better, you change the way you look at life!

About the Author:

Deanne Repich is the Director of the National Institute of Anxiety and Stress, a former anxiety sufferer, and creator of the Conquer Your Anxiety Success Program. The course is a "take-action" self-study program that guides you step by step through over seventy practical strategies for overcoming anxiety. The course, a free newsletter, and other helpful resources are available at: http://www.ConquerAnxiety.com

THE SEED TO SUCCESS IS IN YOUR IMAGINATION

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Visualize all the things that you want in life. Then make your mental blueprint,
and begin to build what you imagine. Your imagination can show you how to turn your possibilities into reality.

You must make every thought, every fact, that comes into your mind pay you a profit.
Make those mental images work and produce for you. Think of things not as they are but as you want them to be. Don't just dream, be creative.

The will to succeed springs from the knowledge that you can succeed.

©2005 by Max Steingart

Your Own Subversion

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Overcoming Self-Sabotage

Each one of us is blessed with the ability to want. Some desire to achieve financial success, some to change the world, and others simply desire to change themselves for the better. Each one of us also has the power to make what we want become reality. Often, however, we subtly undermine our efforts by refusing support, adopting an air of ambivalence, over-committing, being indecisive, or listening to our doubts. This is self-sabotage. Sometimes it's not a deficiency of desire, intelligence, skill, or effort that is holding you back, but an internal tug-of-war based on fear. You know what you want from life but consciously or sub-consciously get in the own way of your efforts. There is a conflict between your desires and your feelings of worth and entitlement.

Self-sabotaging behavior can affect your motivation and your drive. You may drown your strong desires in television or food, avoid facing potentially challenging situations, or simply retreat inward. Accepting challenges, growing, making tough decisions, and working hard can seem truly frightening. It is easier to continue doing what you've always done. But the more you turn away from the means to achieve your life's dreams, the more your self-esteem and confidence is damaged. In that way, self-sabotage is cyclical. You shy away from getting what you want and then believe you lack the ability to get what you want. Self-sabotage can inspire feelings of depression, frustration, discouragement, and even anger because you are working against yourself. If you feel you have sabotaged your own efforts, remember and write down times in which you did so. Don't use the information to judge yourself. Rather, try to avoid similarly sabotaging yourself in the future.

Then, recognize that all worthwhile goals will take patience, organization, work, and a measure of confidence. Self-sabotage nearly always comes from feelings of inadequacy or underservedness, but those feelings can be overcome by giving yourself an extra portion of nurturing and love when you're working out a problem or formulating a long-term plan. All wants are special and valid and learning to overcome self-sabotage is an important part of achieving what you desire.

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Never give up!

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- By Bruno Gideon

A friend of mine, over 50 years old, unexpectedly lost his job. He was desperate, but only for one day. Then he told me that, despite his age, he was sure he could find another job. He went on the hunt immediately, going to interview after interview. It took him only three weeks to get a job – one that he continues to enjoy today. I could see that there were two secrets to his success: he fuelled his outlook with positive thinking and he refused to take no for an answer.

Never, never, never give up!
– Winston Churchill

I do not think there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.
– John D. Rockefeller

I shouldn’t have been surprised when my friend landed his job. History is replete with examples of people who succeeded because they believed in themselves and never gave up. Think of the novelist Stephen King. His first novel, Carrie, was rejected dozens of times, but he believed he was destined to be a published writer and has since sold millions of copies of his many books.

What about you? Are you about to give up? Take Churchill’s advice: Don’t!

- Bruno Gideon

The Impact of Attitude in Life

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- Unknown Author

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, then circumstances, than failures, than successes, than
what other people think, say, or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will
embrace for that day.

We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes.

- Unknown Author

YOU'VE GOT TO THINK BIG TO BE BIG

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High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation. You'll always hit what you aim for in the long run. Why not aim high?

If you don't have a dream, how are you going to make it come true?

Have the courage to follow your dreams. It's the first step towards attaining your destiny.

Big thinking precedes big achievement.

©2005 by Max Steingart

Balancing Heaven And Earth

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Importance Of Being Grounded

In the philosophy of the I Ching, human beings stand with one foot in heaven and one foot on earth. Keeping ourselves in balance in relation to these two realms empowers us to live on earth, in the visible domain, while receiving energy and inspiration from the invisible sphere of Heaven. In this way, we can embody-bring into form-the divine, which is the highest potential of humankind.

Our thoughts, dreams, visions and plans are all aspects of the Heaven realm, and they are vital to our well-being; however, it is easy to become intoxicated in this potential-rich territory, and sometimes we find ourselves disinterested in more earthly concerns. We may dismiss the importance of taking care of our bodies and homes, forgetting to pay bills and return phone calls. The tasks of the earthly realm can seem mundane compared to the apparently limitless mind, but being embodied is what enables us to transform our heady visions into new forms, giving us the traction we need to create change in the world. This is why caring for our bodies, and homes, is essential.

When we surrender excessive energy to the Heaven realm, we begin to feel rootless and scattered. This feeling is our psyches' way of letting us know that we need to get grounded.

Many activities can help us find our way back into connection with our bodies and with the earth, from creating art to doing yoga to breath meditation. Even the simple, humble act of doing dishes can bring us into a state of vibrant engagement with the world of form. This can be especially useful due to the fact that our homes often move into chaos during times of ungrounded-ness.

We can begin grounding ourselves with a simple visualization that strengthens our connection to the earth. Take a moment to get quiet and bring awareness to your first chakra, at the very base of your spine. At the same time, lift the crown of your head, elongating your spine, and imagine a cord of light dropping down from your tailbone deep into the center of the earth. Now consciously anchor it there. Take a few breaths, confirming your secure connection to the earth. The resulting sense of grounded-ness is the first step to masterfully bringing into form our as yet invisible dreams.

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Letting Go and Moving Forward

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– By Karim Hajee

Let's face it. Many of us choose to hang on to things that at some point have hurt us, angered us, made us feel sad, or depressed us. If we choose to hang on to them, we will never move forward and we could even create physical or medical damage to our bodies. To prevent this from happening we need to let go but no one really tells you how to let go and move forward. Sure it's easy to say: "Just let go, move forward, forget about it, just let go." But that really doesn’t work. I’m about to show you how to let go and start moving forward.

Why You Need to Let Go and Move Forward.

Throughout our lives we go through different experiences, some are positive and some we see as negative and unpleasant. When you hang on to a negative or unpleasant experience you are constantly thinking about it. And when you constantly think about that negative event you prevent yourself from healing. How many pleasant memories do you recall everyday? Chances are you're like most people and you have a number of unpleasant experiences that you're holding on to, which is preventing you from moving forward.

The more you carry the worse life gets. Why? Because you've filled your mind up with negative experiences, because you continually hang on to something that doesn't allow you to move forward, in short, you're carrying useless baggage that's really slowing you down.

Think of it this way: you're on a hiking trip and along the way you keep picking up heavy objects, things that really don't serve you. After a while, these objects begin to slow you down and unless you get rid of them, you'll never complete your trip.

To let go you have to get your mind to focus on different goals and different objectives. It's not about saying: I let go of the pain from my fight with ---- and move on. That will help, but if you really want to start moving on, then you have to get your mind to focus on new things, in the process you automatically let go of the things that have been slowing you down.

How to Let Go and Move Forward

Researchers believe that that if you hold on to negative feelings, sad emotions or depressing memories there is a possibility that you could reshape the human cell to the point where your thoughts of the past have a negative effect on your cells and your physical health.

Hanging on to negative past events is a process that can destroy your life in ways you're not even aware of. Ask yourself these questions: Do the negative things you hang on to serve you any purpose? Do they help you move forward? Do they work in your favor in any way? If you said no to any or all of the above then tell yourself this: This emotion/feeling doesn't help me so I'm letting it go and focusing on what is important. Then begin focusing on what you want next, focus on what is important and what can improve your life. This is a simple process that gets the mind moving in a new direction and you stop building negative energy created from the negative events/emotions, which only attracts more negative situations. When you begin focusing on more positive things you begin attracting positive situations.

The next step is to create an action plan, the past is over. Where do you want to go now and how do you plan to get there? You may not have the answers but merely thinking about the options forces your mind to go in a new direction and you automatically let go of unwanted feelings and emotions.

The key to your success is to train your mind to move in a new direction so you send new messages to your subconscious mind, which then brings you the opportunities to move forward.

The final step is to live in the present moment, to start living in the now. Living in the now is different than living for the moment. Living in the now is the process of enjoying everything that is going on at this present moment. Take a look around you and appreciate those things that you once thought were trivial. When you are here now you can be nowhere else. You are not hanging on to something, you are here now. I know some of you may say the following: "But Karim, where I am right now really sucks, I don't want to think about it." It only sucks because you're looking at all the negative things going on. Focus on a few of the positive things anything from nature to the wonderful family you may have. This forces your mind to look at things differently and tells your subconscious mind that you're ready for new possibilities, then you’ll begin to let go and move forward.

About the Author

Karim Hajee is the author and creator of the Creating Power system - which teaches you how to direct the power of your mind and subconscious mind so that you achieve your goals and live the life you want. To learn more visit: http://www.selfgrowth.com/products/karim.html

FEAR IS CONQUERED BY TAKING ACTION

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Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood. When you dare to face the things that scare you, you open the door to freedom and success.

Most of your obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them or procrastinating about dealing with them, you make up your mind to walk boldly through them.

Don't be afraid to take the steps you need to take to make those positive changes in your life. To fight your fears, you must act. Your fears increase when you wait, put off, or postpone. If you understood your situation enough,
you would never be afraid.

The attainment of your dreams is but a determined action away. Successful people take action.

©2005 by Max Steingart

Attention To Detail

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Putting Your Best Foot Forward

It's said that first impressions take less than a minute to form. Every day, whether we are conscious of it or not, we leave almost indelible suggestions of ourselves in the minds of others. These suggestions are based on a multitude of factors and help others form opinions on our level of organization, our stamina, our self-respect, and our respect for others. Most people want to be seen in a positive light and one way to ensure this is to put your best foot forward. Your style can speak volumes, representing your strengths, and can demonstrate that you know and are comfortable with yourself. Putting your best foot forward isn't about luxury cosmetics, an expensive hairdo, or the "right" clothing. The key is to be both confident in spirit and polished in manner and dress.

During both first impressions and later rendezvous, others consciously and unconsciously attribute meaning to the image you present. One can look stunning and put-together in a pair of jeans with attention to detail or flat in a flashy suit if hastily put on. Though it may seem superfluous or even shallow, spending a few extra moments each morning to sculpt a unique hairstyle, shave cleanly, or file a jagged fingernail, it will show the world you care about yourself and that you have an eye for detail. The more polished you look on the outside, the more confident you will feel on the inside, and it is a positive cycle: People with good self-esteem inevitably take better care of themselves. Taking time to focus on yourself before facing the world also benefits the soul. As you enjoy your morning routine, you will have time to reflect on the coming day and to focus on being the best you can be.

Putting your best foot forward is not about fitting into an image, embracing the latest fashions, or making yourself into something you're not. Your idea of what constitutes a finishing touch will be different from that of your friends and family. But, in the simple act of going a step further in your presentation of yourself, you will be able to demonstrate your respect for others and yourself, your attention to detail, your ability to organize and coordinate, your uniqueness, and your love of yourself.

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WHAT IF YOU HAD FOUR WIVES

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- Posted by Francis Yap

Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.

He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.

He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.

The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!

One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, "I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone."

Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No way!", replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.

The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!", replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!", replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave." Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.

Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go." The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"

In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives:

Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die.

Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others.

Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.

And our 1st wife is our Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go.

Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.

Thought for the day:

Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.

- Posted by Francis Yap

A GOOD SYSTEM SHORTENS THE ROAD TO A GOAL

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Having an intelligent plan is your first step to success. With a plan, you know where you're going. You'll know what progress you're making. And you'll have a pretty good idea of when you can expect to arrive. Meticulous planning will enable everything you do to appear spontaneous to other people.

Your goals can only be reached through the vehicle of a plan. One in which you fervently believe, and upon which you will vigorously act. There is no other route to success.

What do you want to achieve or avoid? The answers to these questions are your objectives. How do you go about achieving your desired results? The answer to this will be your strategy.

A good plan permits you to frame your life so that at some time in the future
fact and your dreams will meet.

Success or failure is often determined on the drawing board.

©2005 by Max Steingart

A Matter Of Choice

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The Law Of Attraction

One of the most wonderful abilities we have is the ability to make choices. We can choose to think positive thoughts or negative thoughts. Likewise, we can make an effort to ensure all our actions contribute to positive outcomes or we can convince ourselves that negative outcomes are inevitable. Such choices can then have a profound affect on your life, for they are the seeds you sow in the universe. Your words and deeds, even the thoughts kept hidden in your mind, contribute to your experience by attracting similar words, deeds, and thoughts because of the Law of Attraction. It is a natural law, as easy to understand as "like begets like" or "what you sow, so shall you reap." It means that what you give to the universe will come back to you, giving you a huge measure of control over the direction and quality of your own life.

If you are patient, you will no doubt be able to see the Law of Attraction at work in your own life. To give a simple example, a smile freely given to a stranger or coworker often nets a smile in return, while a scowl directed at the same individual will most likely cause them to scowl back. On a larger scale your thoughts, feelings, and reactions to people and situations subtly change your aura. These changes in energy can act like a magnet, pulling similar energy to you, be it positive or negative. As you walk your path, you can use the Law of Attraction to help you create the life you want to live by making a conscious decision to emit positive energy. If you are experiencing unpleasantness at home or work, perhaps analyze your own treatment of others. If you find yourself under a great deal of stress, ask yourself if you have been focusing on the expectation of stress. Remember that your thoughts, too, can attract positive or negative outcomes.

Will you choose to focus on beauty, peace, happiness, and love, or to dwell on the faults of others or the world? It's up to you. Because of the Law of Attraction, your focus can easily become your destiny. Learning to alter your reality by attracting only positive people and situations, or, indeed, anything you desire, will open an infinite number of doors.

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Two Wolves

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- Author Unknown

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between 2 "wolves" inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy,sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

- Author Unknown

REALITY FORMS AROUND YOUR COMMITMENTS

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The intense anticipation of things to come will transform your possibilities into reality. Your desires are the precursors of the things that you can have. They will in time externalize themselves into concrete fact.

Just as a small amount of fire makes a small amount of heat, weak desires bring weak results. Live your life with fire and passion. Always remember, if you care enough for the end result, you'll almost certainly attain it.

You can make your world.

©2005 by Max Steingart

Earth Acupuncture

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Balancing Geopathic Zones

Just as acupuncture can restore balance to our human bodies, earth acupuncture can be used to neutralize negative energy in the earth known as "geopathic zones." Landfill sites, construction, burial grounds, even a felled tree can all cause "geopathic stress" and, as our own energy constantly interact with the energy of earth's (and all of the universe's), we can be affected by imbalances in our environment.

While we can verbalize our aches and pains to our acupuncturist, the earth has other ways of communicating its ills. A garden that won't flourish no matter how much care and nurturing it is given, may be trying to tell its gardener that there is an imbalance well below its surface. Subterranean running water, mineral concentrations, fault lines and underground cavities can all be sources of geopathic stress. Natural disasters often occur in geopathic zones, animals will avoid such areas, and people living where there is negative energy may become ill.

Ancient people understood the importance of balancing earth energies and showing gratitude to Mother Earth by constructing medicine wheels, sacred stone sculptures, and statues. The architecture of pagodas, temples, and cathedrals are in reverence to universal energy and many of these grand structures serve as healing sites for geopathic zones.

To find and neutralize areas under stress, divining tools, just as those used to dowse for water on open land, can be used to find underground energy disturbances. There are professional dowsers, but anyone can learn to use a pendulum, L-rods, or any other dowsing tool. Once these geopathic zones are found, there is more than one way to neutralize the area. In open land or a garden, copper wire may be inserted to relive stress.

In your own yard, plant trees to bring the energy of the heavens to earth, decorate your garden with statues and stepping stones. Hang wind chimes and/or crystals in trees to encourage good energy flow throughout your garden and into your house. You can even build an altar or shrine in your garden where you can place offerings of flowers, shells, or other gifts of nature in gratitude to Mother Earth.

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This week's eMeditation

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- by Vic Johnson

"Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become." - As A Man Thinketh

The longer I live the more I realize how important it is that I always have a big dream in my life. Dreams are what cause us to bound out of bed in the morning instead of waking with anxiety or, even worse, apathy for the day ahead. When I don't have a dream in front of me it's easy to find fault with everything and self-pity comes easily.

There's an easy explanation for why we're not at our best when we don't have a dream - we were created to dream. The Proverbs writer tells us that "without a vision the people perish."

I've always liked a quote that I've heard attributed to both Oscar Hammerstein and Walt Disney, "If you don't have a dream, how are you going to make a dream come true?"

So why is it so hard for some of us to dream? Or so tough to believe that our dream can come true? Perhaps for some of us it's because we were programmed to "don't get your hopes up." While this was told to "protect" us, it had the opposite effect. For many years I wanted to believe in a dream (because I was created that way) but I was afraid of how I'd feel if I didn't get my dream. I was afraid to "get my hopes up."

So how do we start dreaming? Or how do we dream bigger? By changing our thoughts of course. Mark Victor Hansen, who says he's read As A Man Thinketh more than 25 times, writes in his book Dare To Win, "If you know exactly what you want, you can have it...Look around you. The world is filled with abundance."

A dream is nothing more than a thought or a series of thoughts. And James Allen tells us that "your circumstances may be uncongenial, but they shall not long remain so if you but perceive an Ideal (a dream) and strive to reach it. You cannot travel within and stand still without."

And that's worth thinking about.

- Vic Johnson

A Samurai and a Zen Master

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- Author Unknown

A samurai, a very proud warrior, came to see a Zen Master one day. The samurai was very famous, but looking at the beauty of the Master and the Grace of the moment, he suddenly felt inferior.

He said to the Master, "Why am I feeling inferior? Just a moment ago everything was okay. As I entered your court suddenly I felt inferior. I have never felt like that before. I have faced death many times, and I have never felt any fear -- why am I
now feeling frightened?"

The Master said, "Wait. When everyone else has gone, I will answer. " People continued the whole day to come and see the Master, and the samurai was getting more and more tired waiting. By evening the room was empty, and the samurai said, "Now, can you answer me?" The Master said, "Come outside."

It was a full moon night, the moon was just rising on the horizon. And he said, "Look at these trees. This tree is high in the sky and this small one beside it. They both have existed beside my window for years, and there has never been any problem. The smaller tree has never said to the big tree, 'Why do I feel inferior before you?' This tree is small, and that tree is big -- why have I never heard a whisper of it?"

The samurai said, "Because they can't compare." The Master replied, "Then you need not ask me. You know the answer."

- Author Unknown

THERE IS NO SUCCESS WITHOUT HARDSHIP

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The world is so constructed that if you wish to enjoy its pleasures, you must also endure its pains. Like it or not, you cannot have one without the other.

Success is not measured by what you accomplish. It's measured by the opposition you encounter, and the courage with which you maintain your struggle against the odds.

You'll find all things are difficult before they are easy. The greater your obstacles, the more glory in overcoming them. So, make up your mind before you start
that sacrifice is part of the package.

No pain, no gain;
No thorns, no throne;
No cross, no crown.

You have to go through the negative before you get to the positive. The highway to success is a toll road.

©2005 by Max Steingart

Minor Traveling Unattended

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- By Jerry Seiden (forwarded email by Elaine Davenport)

Right before the jetway door closed, I scrambled aboard the plane going from LA to Chicago , lugging my laptop and overstuffed briefcase. It was the first leg of an important business trip a few weeks before Christmas, and I was running late. I had a ton of work to catch up on. Half wishing, half praying I muttered, "Please God, do me a favor; let there be an empty seat next to mine, I don't need any distractions."

I was on the aisle in a two seat row. Across sat a businesswoman with her nose buried in a newspaper. No problem. But in the seat beside mine, next to the window, was a young boy wearing a big red tag around his neck: Minor Traveling Unattended.

The kid sat perfectly still, hands in his lap, eyes straight ahead. He'd probably been told never to talk to strangers. Good, I thought.

Then the flight attendant came by. "Michael, I have to sit down because we're about to take off," she said to the little boy. "This nice man will answer any of your questions, okay?"

Did I have a choice? I offered my hand, and Michael shook it twice, straight up and down.

"Hi, I'm Jerry," I said. "You must be about seven years old."

"I'll bet you don't have any kids," he responded.

"Why do you think that? Sure I do." I took out my wallet to show him pictures.

"Because I'm six."

"I was way off, huh?"

The captains' voice came over the speakers, "Flight attendants, prepare for takeoff."

Michael pulled his seat belt tighter and gripped the armrests as the jet engines roared.

I leaned over, "Right about now, I usually say a prayer. I asked God to keep the plane safe and to send angels to protect us."

"Amen," he said, then added, "but I'm not afraid of dying. I'm not afraid because my mama's already in Heaven."

"I'm sorry." I said.

"Why are you sorry?" he asked, peering out the window as the plane lifted off.

"I'm sorry you don't have your mama here."

My briefcase jostled at my feet, reminding me of all the work I needed to do.

"Look at those boats down there!" Michael said as the plane banked over the Pacific. "Where are they going?"

"Just going sailing, having a good time. And there's probably a fishing boat full of guys like you and me."

"Doing what?" he asked.

"Just fishing, maybe for bass or tuna. Does your dad ever take you fishing?"

"I don't have a dad," Michael sadly responded.

Only six years old and he didn't have a dad, and his Mom had died, and here he was flying halfway across the country all by himself. The least I could do was make sure he had a good flight. With my foot I pushed my briefcase under my seat.

"Do they have a bathroom here?" he asked, squirming a little.

"Sure," I said, "let me take you there."

I showed him how to work the "Occupied" sign, and what buttons to push on the sink, then he closed the door. When he emerged, he wore a wet shirt and a huge smile

"That sink shoots water everywhere!"

The attendants smiled.

Michael got the VIP treatment from the crew during snack time. I took out my laptop and tried to work on a talk I had to give, but my mind kept going to Michael. I couldn't stop looking at the crumpled grocery bag on the floor by his seat. He'd told me that everything he owned was in that bag. Poor kid.

While Michael was getting a tour of the cockpit the flight attendant told me his grandmother would pick him up in Chicago . In the seat pocket a large manila envelope held all the paperwork regarding his custody. He came back explaining, "I got wings! I got cards! I got more peanuts. I saw the pilot and he said I could come back anytime!"

For a while he stared at the manila envelope.

"What are you thinking?" I asked Michael.

He didn't answer. He buried his face in his hands and started sobbing. It had been years since I'd heard a little one cry like that. My kids were grown -- still I don't think they'd ever cried so hard. I rubbed his back and wondered where the flight attendant was.

"What's the matter buddy?" I asked.

All I got were muffled words "I don't know my grandma. Mama didn't want her to come visit and see her sick. What if Grandma doesn't want me? Where will I go?"

"Michael, do you remember the Christmas story? Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus? Remember how they came to Bethlehem just before Jesus was born? It was late and cold, and they didn't have anywhere to stay, no family, no hotels, not even hospitals where babies could be born. Well, God was watching out for them. He found them a place to stay; a stable with animals."

"Wait, wait," Michael tugged on my sleeve. "I know Jesus. I remember now." Then he closed his eyes, lifted his head and began to sing. His voice rang out with a strength that rocked his tiny frame. "Jeeesus looooves me--thiiiiiis I knowwwwwww. For the Biiiiiible tells meeeeee sooooo....."

Passengers turned or stood up to see the little boy who made the large sound. Michael didn't notice his audience. With his eyes shut tight and voice lifted high, he was in a good place.

"You've got a great voice," I told him when he was done. "I've never heard anyone sing like that."

"Mama said God gave me good pipes just like my grandma's," he said. "My grandma loves to sing, she sings in her church choir."

"Well, I'll bet you can sing there, too. The two of you will be running that choir."

The seat belt sign came on as we approached O'Hare. The flight attendant came by and said we just have a few minutes now, but she told Michael it's important that he put on his seat belt. People started stirring in their seats, like the kids before the final school bell. By the time the seat belt sign went off, passengers were rushing down the aisle. Michael and I stayed seated.

"Are you gonna go with me?" he asked.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world buddy!" I assured him.

Clutching his bag and the manila envelope in one hand, he grabbed my hand with the other. The two of us followed the flight attendant down the jetway. All the noises of the airport seemed to fill the corridor.

Michael stopped, flipping his hand from mine, he dropped to his knees. His mouth quivered. His eyes brimmed with tears.

"What's wrong Michael? I'll carry you if you want."

He opened his mouth and moved his lips, but it was as if his words were stuck in his throat. When I knelt next to him, he grabbed my neck. I felt his warm, wet face as he whispered in my ear, "I want my mama!"

I tried to stand, but Michael squeezed my neck even harder. Then I heard a rattle of footsteps on the corridor's metal floor.

"Is that you, baby?"

I couldn't see the woman behind me, but I heard the warmth in her voice.

"Oh baby," she cried. "Come here. Grandma loves you so much. I need a hug, baby. Let go of that nice man." She knelt beside Michael and me.

Michael's grandma stroked his arm. I smelled a hint of orange blossoms.

"You've got folks waiting for you out there, Michael. Do you know that you've got aunts, and uncles and cousins?"

She patted his skinny shoulders and started humming. Then she lifted her head and sang. I wondered if the flight attendant told her what to sing, or maybe she just knew what was right. Her strong, clear voice filled the passageway, "Jesus loves me -- this I know..."

Michael's gasps quieted. Still holding him, I rose, nodded hello to his grandma and watched her pick up the grocery bag. Right before we got to the doorway to the terminal, Michael loosened his grip around my neck and reached for his grandma.

As soon as she walked across the threshold with him, cheers erupted. From the size of the crowed, I figured family, friends, pastors, elders, deacons, choir members and most of the neighbors had come to meet Michael. A tall man tugged on Michael's ear and pulled off the red sign around his neck. It no longer applied.

As I made my way to the gate for my connecting flight, I barely noticed the weight of my overstuffed briefcase and laptop. I started to wonder who would be in the seat next to mine this time...And I smiled.

- By Jerry Seiden

Breathing For Health

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Deep Belly Breaths

Most of us take the act of breathing for granted, but without it we could not exist. Breath is the essence of life, and although we are always doing it, many of us do not do it properly. The simple act of breathing has become a scientific study, with books and workshops to instruct us how to do it correctly. So vital is proper breathing to physical, mental, and emotional health, that it is a primary component to many yoga practices. Pran means "life force"and yama means "control". Pranayama then is "control of breath".

Breath not only provides the oxygen so necessary to life, it connects our body to our mind and spirit. Natural, healthy breathing is essential to good health. Not only does proper breathing enhance heart, lung, and brain function, but oxygen flow is necessary to cell reproduction. A "cleansing breath" is aptly named for the intake of oxygen that restores the entire system. Breathing also puts us in touch with ourselves. Taking the time to learn to breathe properly makes us conscious of our breath, calling us to be present. Simple breathing techniques can relieve stress and help us work through anger and even depression.

A baby sleeping is the perfect example of proper breathing. The deep belly breathing that babies engage in, without even trying, is how best to oxygenate the body. Breathing deeply into the diaphragm brings energy to the Solar Plexus, the chakra that governs ego, emotions, and intellect. Following a baby's example, breathe deeply through your nose, expanding your abdomen fully. Slowly and completely exhale through your nose, pulling your abdomen in so that all the air is released before taking another full belly breath. Practicing deep belly breaths regularly will get you into the habit of breathing properly all the time, just like a baby.

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The 10 Things In Life You Control

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– By Jim Allen

There are just a few aspects of life that we can truly control, and it's useful to know just what those areas are. If you don't know, you'll spend a lot of time blaming others for your own failings. Try and exert too much control in areas you shouldn't and the universe will create some interesting ways to remind of your place.

So be prepared an learn the 10 things in life that you DO control:

1. What you do.

Your actions are yours alone. You choose to make them or not make them and you are responsible for the effects of those actions.

2. What you say.

Likewise, the words you speak (or write) are also consciously chosen. Like actions, they have an impact on your life and the lives of those you contact.

3. What you think.

Yes, there are some subconscious thoughts that you can't control. But the things that you really think about, your beliefs, your ideals, etc. are concepts you have chosen to accept and believe in.

4. Your work.

Many people like to overlook this one, it being much easier to say "Oh, I'm trapped in my job because I don't have a degree, experience, etc." Hogwash! That's simple a way of denying one's responsibility in having chosen the job in the first place. It's your job and you chose it. If you stay (or go), that's a choice as well.

5. The people you associate with.

There's a famous t-shirt that states: "It's hard to soar like an eagle when you're surrounded by turkeys." Colloquial is very often correct! Your friends can either lift you up or bring you down. You make the decision which type of friends you wish to have.

6. Your basic physical health.

Much about our health is a factor of genetics, environment, and exposure. Much more of our health is simply a matter of the things we choose: diet, exercise, drugs, sleep, routine physicals, check-ups, etc.

7. The environment you live in.

Your house, the condition of your home, the town you live in, the amenities available to you are all things you can control, although some to a lesser degree (i.e., you decide to tolerate them or move someplace else).

8. Your fiscal situation.

Having or not having enough money is a factor of what you make versus what you spend.

9. Your time.

You choose how to "spend" your time and how much of your time to give to various activities. You'll never get more time than the 24 hours your given each day.

10. Your legacy.

All your actions, words, and knowledge that you share while you are living become the gift that you leave when you are gone.

About the Author:

Jim M. Allen, personal & business success coach. For more ideas, visit http://www.CoachJim.com or subscribe to re:ACT!, Jim's bi-weekly newsletter by emailing: SubscribeACT@CoachJim.com

Hero or Zero?

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- Bruno Gideon

Are you a Hero, a Winner? Congratulations, but be careful. Remain humble, because “pride goeth before a fall.” Or are you down right now? Don’t panic. Winning means falling down and getting up, again and again. When you’re down, assure yourself that it’s only temporary. It is!

Even after a bad harvest there must be sowing.
– Seneca

He that can’t endure the bad, will not see the good.
– Yiddish proverb

What is the difference between a Winner and someone who is not there (yet)? Winners refuse to stay down. Falling down hurts, but it is part of the game, and it is never final. Tell yourself that it is temporary, concentrate on what’s coming next, and soon you will be on your way to being a Winner again. What really matters is that you don’t lose confidence in your ability to persevere. Never.

If you are down right now, do what singer Nat King Cole advised: “Take a deep breath, dust yourself off, and start all over again.”

-Bruno Gideon

FOCUS ON YOUR FUTURE NOT YOUR PAST

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Your future is a big adventure. Prepare for your future, don't live in the past. Savor your good memories, use any bad ones as lessons in life.

Carve out a niche for yourself in your imagined future. Think, feel and see yourself as successful. To achieve any goal in life, you need to project your end result. Think of the elation, the satisfaction, the joy you'll feel. Carry these ecstatic feelings with you every day and they'll bring your desired goals into view.

Sooner or later, you can win if you think you can. The cards you are dealt in life
are less important than the way you play them. Every day you're offered a new deal and new cards.

Success is in your future if you're willing to work for it.

©2005 by Max Steingart