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The Flow Of The Universe
The flow of the universe moves through everything. It's in the rocks that form, get pounded into dust, and are blown away. It is the blossoming of a flower born from a seed planted in the spring. The growth cycle that every human being goes through is part of this natural flow. The current that takes us down life's paths is this flow. When we move with it, rather than resisting, we are riding on the universal current that allows us to flow with life.
Many people live their lives struggling against this current. They try to use force or resistance to will their lives into happening the way they think it should. Others move with this flow like a sailor using the wind, trusting that the universe is taking them exactly where they need to be at all times. This flow is accessible to everyone because it moves through and around us. We are always riding this flow. It's just a matter of whether we are willing to go with it or resist it. Choosing to go with the flow is often a matter of letting go of the notion that we need to be in control at all times. The flow is always taking you where you need to go. It's just a matter of deciding whether you plan on taking the ride or having it take you there with you dragging your feet.
Learning to step into the flow can help you feel a connection to a force that is greater than you and is always there to support you. The decision to go with the flow can take courage because you are surrendering the notion that you need to do everything by yourself. Riding the flow of the universe can be effortless, exhilarating, and not like anything you ever expected. When you are open to being in this flow, you open yourself to possibilities that exist beyond the grasp of your control. As a child, you were naturally swept by the flow. Tears of sadness falling down your face could just as quickly turn to tears of laughter. Just the tiniest wave carrying you forward off the shores of the ocean could carry you into peals of delight. Our souls feel good when we go with the flow of the universe. All we have to do is make the choice to ride its currents.
What do you think?
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Powertalk
Tips for Becoming a More Powerful Communicator
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– By Jan Phillips
Part of our evolutionary process is learning how to communicate more effectively and efficiently. Few of us have had much training in the matter, and most of us have experienced the consequences of communication breakdowns. We all know what doesn’t work, and how badly it feels to be unheard and misunderstood.
I learned how to speak from a man who didn’t know how to listen. I once worked for a CEO who had no space or time for my emotions or conversational process--so I wrote an article called “Who’s Listening?” for a newsletter I created every month. Since I had been so thrown off guard by his apparent disinterest in the “whole” me, I was led to question what it was about my own communication style that made it hard for us to talk.
These are the questïons I asked myself and ultimately included in the article. I hope they help.
1. Are you being negative? Nobody enjoys being in the presence of negative energy. Try listening to yourself as you speak. Pay attention to your tone of voice. If you are whining, stop it. If you are being cynical or complaining, stop it. For one week, try turning your complaints into requests and see if you notice a difference in how your ideas are received.
2. Do you share opinions, but not your inner self? When’s the last time you were in the presence of a powerful speaker? What do you remember about what the speaker said? Chances are, whoever was talking was sharing some personal story, illustrating a point with an anecdote. Listeners get enrolled in a conversation when the speaker actually shares something meaningful about his or her life. Rich communication nevër occurs by accident. It takes intention and attention. Think of the most engaging conversationalist you know. Next time you hear that person, listen for how much of themselves they really share. Try sharing something personal next time you’re in a conversation with someone who’s important to your life. Trust them enough to admit a fear of yours, to tell a story from your childhood, or to share a vision you have for the future. We are all waiting to have these conversations, but no one wants to go first. Try going first.
3. Are you planning what you want to say while others speak, instead of listening? This one always backfires. It’s a dead giveaway. People know when you’re doing it because your responses to their speaking are usually inappropriate, and communication breaks down rapidly. No one listens back to someone who hasn’t listened to them. Instead of spouting off your opinions immediately after a person has spoken, ask them something about what they just said. Pay attention to their speaking and they will pay more attention to yours.
4. Do you live up to your word? Did you ever know someone who was always going to do this and always promising to do that and nevër came through? Did you stop listening to that person after awhile? The world is full of dreamers and planners, but it’s people’s actions, not their dreams, that inspire us. Open up and share something you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of. If you have something you want to accomplish, ask for support. People will not take us seriously if they see we do not take our own words and commitments seriously.
5. Have you created an environment for listening? It is not easy to listen to someone in a room where TVs and radios are in competition with humans. If real communication is important to you, try turning off the tube and finding a commercial-free FM station that plays music conducive to conversation. Classical music stimulates the alpha waves in our brains and keeps our creative juices flowing.
6. Do you speak as a victim of circumstances or as a creator of possibilities? People who speak as if the world were out to get them have a difficult time finding listeners. No one wants to get pulled into the emotional quicksand that a “victim” seems to be buried in. Consider how you respond as a listener to other people’s tales of woe? Do you tire quickly in that context? Do you get depressed and feel burdened? Energy is contagious. If you speak as the one who’s designing your life, rather than as a victim of other peoples’ actions, you will empower yourself and others.
7. Does your listener know the value of your relationship with her or him? Establishing a background of trust and relatedness is critical to communication. The better sense a person has of you and of your commitment to the relationship, the more open they will be to your speaking. If what needs to be communicated is difficult or risky, it often helps to begin by stating what’s at stake for you and how important honesty is to the relationship.
8. Do you inquire about what may be important to your listener, or do you mostly talk about yourself? One way to ensure that your listener is with you is to include her or his interests in your conversation. The next time you have coffee with your neighbor or sit next to your co-worker in the cafeteria, initiate a conversation about something you know that person is interested in. If she’s a ski enthusiast, ask her about her favorite places to ski. If he’s into computer games, strike up a conversation about an article you read on the subject. People listen up and open up when you show a genuine regard for something they’re interested in.
9. If people listened to you like you listen to others, would you be satisfied? Most of us have a person in our life who plays the role of listener when we really need to talk about something. If you have such a person, consider what particular skills this person has at listening. Why did you pick her or him as your sounding board? What is it that makes you trust them? What body language do they exhibit when you speak that lets you know they’re with you? Is it helpful to have people give you advice when you share something difficult, or would you prefer they just listen
and let you sort things out in their presence? Can you be present to someone’s pain without trying to solve all their problems? Observe how you listen the next time someone shares something difficult and see if you can refrain from offering advice and platitudes.
10. Are you complaining to the wrong people? It doesn’t help anyone to complain to people who have no power to change things. If something is wrong, find out who’s in charge and take your concern to the right person.
About the Author:
Jan Phillips is a principal with 9th Element Group, a master communicator, thought leader, keynote speaker and award-winning author who is currently writing The Art of Original Thinking: The Making of a Thought Leader (9th Element Press). Jan describes the steps to becoming a Thought Leader and discusses the impact of Thought Leaders in their workplaces, communities and organizations. More info at: http://www.9thelementgroup.com/original_think.php?id=67
----------------------------------------------------
– By Jan Phillips
Part of our evolutionary process is learning how to communicate more effectively and efficiently. Few of us have had much training in the matter, and most of us have experienced the consequences of communication breakdowns. We all know what doesn’t work, and how badly it feels to be unheard and misunderstood.
I learned how to speak from a man who didn’t know how to listen. I once worked for a CEO who had no space or time for my emotions or conversational process--so I wrote an article called “Who’s Listening?” for a newsletter I created every month. Since I had been so thrown off guard by his apparent disinterest in the “whole” me, I was led to question what it was about my own communication style that made it hard for us to talk.
These are the questïons I asked myself and ultimately included in the article. I hope they help.
1. Are you being negative? Nobody enjoys being in the presence of negative energy. Try listening to yourself as you speak. Pay attention to your tone of voice. If you are whining, stop it. If you are being cynical or complaining, stop it. For one week, try turning your complaints into requests and see if you notice a difference in how your ideas are received.
2. Do you share opinions, but not your inner self? When’s the last time you were in the presence of a powerful speaker? What do you remember about what the speaker said? Chances are, whoever was talking was sharing some personal story, illustrating a point with an anecdote. Listeners get enrolled in a conversation when the speaker actually shares something meaningful about his or her life. Rich communication nevër occurs by accident. It takes intention and attention. Think of the most engaging conversationalist you know. Next time you hear that person, listen for how much of themselves they really share. Try sharing something personal next time you’re in a conversation with someone who’s important to your life. Trust them enough to admit a fear of yours, to tell a story from your childhood, or to share a vision you have for the future. We are all waiting to have these conversations, but no one wants to go first. Try going first.
3. Are you planning what you want to say while others speak, instead of listening? This one always backfires. It’s a dead giveaway. People know when you’re doing it because your responses to their speaking are usually inappropriate, and communication breaks down rapidly. No one listens back to someone who hasn’t listened to them. Instead of spouting off your opinions immediately after a person has spoken, ask them something about what they just said. Pay attention to their speaking and they will pay more attention to yours.
4. Do you live up to your word? Did you ever know someone who was always going to do this and always promising to do that and nevër came through? Did you stop listening to that person after awhile? The world is full of dreamers and planners, but it’s people’s actions, not their dreams, that inspire us. Open up and share something you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of. If you have something you want to accomplish, ask for support. People will not take us seriously if they see we do not take our own words and commitments seriously.
5. Have you created an environment for listening? It is not easy to listen to someone in a room where TVs and radios are in competition with humans. If real communication is important to you, try turning off the tube and finding a commercial-free FM station that plays music conducive to conversation. Classical music stimulates the alpha waves in our brains and keeps our creative juices flowing.
6. Do you speak as a victim of circumstances or as a creator of possibilities? People who speak as if the world were out to get them have a difficult time finding listeners. No one wants to get pulled into the emotional quicksand that a “victim” seems to be buried in. Consider how you respond as a listener to other people’s tales of woe? Do you tire quickly in that context? Do you get depressed and feel burdened? Energy is contagious. If you speak as the one who’s designing your life, rather than as a victim of other peoples’ actions, you will empower yourself and others.
7. Does your listener know the value of your relationship with her or him? Establishing a background of trust and relatedness is critical to communication. The better sense a person has of you and of your commitment to the relationship, the more open they will be to your speaking. If what needs to be communicated is difficult or risky, it often helps to begin by stating what’s at stake for you and how important honesty is to the relationship.
8. Do you inquire about what may be important to your listener, or do you mostly talk about yourself? One way to ensure that your listener is with you is to include her or his interests in your conversation. The next time you have coffee with your neighbor or sit next to your co-worker in the cafeteria, initiate a conversation about something you know that person is interested in. If she’s a ski enthusiast, ask her about her favorite places to ski. If he’s into computer games, strike up a conversation about an article you read on the subject. People listen up and open up when you show a genuine regard for something they’re interested in.
9. If people listened to you like you listen to others, would you be satisfied? Most of us have a person in our life who plays the role of listener when we really need to talk about something. If you have such a person, consider what particular skills this person has at listening. Why did you pick her or him as your sounding board? What is it that makes you trust them? What body language do they exhibit when you speak that lets you know they’re with you? Is it helpful to have people give you advice when you share something difficult, or would you prefer they just listen
and let you sort things out in their presence? Can you be present to someone’s pain without trying to solve all their problems? Observe how you listen the next time someone shares something difficult and see if you can refrain from offering advice and platitudes.
10. Are you complaining to the wrong people? It doesn’t help anyone to complain to people who have no power to change things. If something is wrong, find out who’s in charge and take your concern to the right person.
About the Author:
Jan Phillips is a principal with 9th Element Group, a master communicator, thought leader, keynote speaker and award-winning author who is currently writing The Art of Original Thinking: The Making of a Thought Leader (9th Element Press). Jan describes the steps to becoming a Thought Leader and discusses the impact of Thought Leaders in their workplaces, communities and organizations. More info at: http://www.9thelementgroup.com/original_think.php?id=67
SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE MAKE DECISIONS
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It's your life. You decide what you're going to do with it. If you don't run your own life, someone else will. You're in control of your life to the degree that you make decisions. To control the outcome of anything. You control the action at the point of decision making. If you let others make decisions for you, you give up control. When you control the decisions, you control the actions. Take charge of your life, so there is no longer a need to ask permission of others. When you ask permission, you're giving someone "veto" power over your life. Only you are responsible for your life. Take control and start making those decisions.
©2005 by Max Steingart
It's your life. You decide what you're going to do with it. If you don't run your own life, someone else will. You're in control of your life to the degree that you make decisions. To control the outcome of anything. You control the action at the point of decision making. If you let others make decisions for you, you give up control. When you control the decisions, you control the actions. Take charge of your life, so there is no longer a need to ask permission of others. When you ask permission, you're giving someone "veto" power over your life. Only you are responsible for your life. Take control and start making those decisions.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Plunging Into The Deep
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Life Can Be Scary
Life can take us on a roller coaster ride full of highs and lows and twists and turns. Even for those of us who enjoy unexpected thrills, it's frightening to suddenly find ourselves heading for a deep plunge. Yet, it happens to all of us. At these moments, it is important to remember that you are not alone in your experiences. No matter how brave, strong, or levelheaded we are, sometimes, we all get scared.
Our fears may revolve around our physical safety, particularly if we are not feeling well, living under difficult circumstances, or doing work that exposes us to hazardous conditions. Or, we may be experiencing financial woes that are causing us to be fearful about making ends meet. We may also fear the loss of a loved one who is sick, or we may be scared of never finding someone special to spend our life with. We may be scared to start at a new school, begin a different job, move to a new town, or meet new people. Whatever our fears are, they are valid, and we do not need to feel ashamed or embarrassed that we are, at times, afraid.
It may be comforting to know that everyone gets scared, and it is perfectly OK. Sometimes just acknowledging our fears is enough to make us feel better. And while it sometimes takes a lot more to ease our mind, we can console ourselves with the knowledge that life can be scary at times. Giving ourselves permission to be scared lets us move through our fears so we can let it go. It also makes it alright to share our fears with others. Sharing our apprehensions with other people can make our fears less overwhelming because we are not letting them grow inside of us as pent up emotions. Sharing our fears also can lighten our burden because we are not carrying our worries all by ourselves. Remember that you are not alone.
What do you think?
Life Can Be Scary
Life can take us on a roller coaster ride full of highs and lows and twists and turns. Even for those of us who enjoy unexpected thrills, it's frightening to suddenly find ourselves heading for a deep plunge. Yet, it happens to all of us. At these moments, it is important to remember that you are not alone in your experiences. No matter how brave, strong, or levelheaded we are, sometimes, we all get scared.
Our fears may revolve around our physical safety, particularly if we are not feeling well, living under difficult circumstances, or doing work that exposes us to hazardous conditions. Or, we may be experiencing financial woes that are causing us to be fearful about making ends meet. We may also fear the loss of a loved one who is sick, or we may be scared of never finding someone special to spend our life with. We may be scared to start at a new school, begin a different job, move to a new town, or meet new people. Whatever our fears are, they are valid, and we do not need to feel ashamed or embarrassed that we are, at times, afraid.
It may be comforting to know that everyone gets scared, and it is perfectly OK. Sometimes just acknowledging our fears is enough to make us feel better. And while it sometimes takes a lot more to ease our mind, we can console ourselves with the knowledge that life can be scary at times. Giving ourselves permission to be scared lets us move through our fears so we can let it go. It also makes it alright to share our fears with others. Sharing our apprehensions with other people can make our fears less overwhelming because we are not letting them grow inside of us as pent up emotions. Sharing our fears also can lighten our burden because we are not carrying our worries all by ourselves. Remember that you are not alone.
What do you think?
Make Tonight Your Night
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– By Jon Gordon
You have had a long day. All you feel like doing when you get home is crashing on the couch. After all, this may be a common occurrence. But then someone like me comes along and says it doesn't have to be this way. I ask you if you would like to have more energy in the evening. You say "yes." I ask you if you would rather be active than sitting on a couch in the evening. You say, "Yes, if only I had the energy I would be more active." Well, there are a few simple changes or additions to your evening routine that can make all the difference. Hëre are a few action steps to
make tonight your night:
1. Eat an energizing snack before dinner: According to William Nagler, M.D., psychiatrist at the Universïty of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, evidence indicates that simple hunger-related tensions contribute to fading energy, negative emotions and late-day arguments. When you eat a snack before dinner you will most likely be in better spirits and eat less for dinner. If you are like me and you get very irritable when you don't eat, this strategy will improve your life
significantly.
Examples of healthy snacks include: fruit, soup, slice of whole grain bread and low fat yogurt
2. Create a buffer zone: Take 15 to 20 minutes to be by yourself after walking in the door before having conversations about personal, financial or professional matters. According to Robert K. Cooper, Ph.D., evidence suggests that over half of the most damaging arguments are started or magnified within fifteen minutes of people greeting each other at the end of the day. This makes sense when you think about how you feel at the end of the day. If you walk in the door and your significant other hits you with a list of bills that needs to be paid you are likely to get into an argument. Nöw I know why my mother said, "Don't talk to your father until he has eaten dinner." When we take the time to walk in the house, get comfortable and then engage in conversations and family time, we will likely have less stressful arguments.
3. Eat smaller dinners: Eat enough to satisfy you but not so much that you want to go to bed after eating.
4. Take a light 10-minute walk after dinner: Instead of plopping down to watch television, take a walk. Walking after dinner, within a half-hour time frame, is like pouring gasoline on a fire. It exponentially increases your metabolism and gives you a double boost of energy according to Bryant Stamford, Ph.D., exercise physiologist at the Universïty of Louisville. You will also likely eat less high fat foods later in the evening and be in a better mood. The walk will also help you sleep better.
5. Play at Night: Play with your kids or pet. When the weather gets warm, do some effortless gardening. Put on the music and dance. According to Robert K. Cooper, "Your body's inherent and ancient metabolic patterns are poised for a wavelike downturn from about 4 p.m." Playing at night helps us combat fatigue and stress.
6. Reflect: Think about all the things you are thankful for and say "Thank You." I like to go outside and look at the stars (a benefit of living at the beach is that you can see them) and think about how lucky I am to be alive. The world may be crazy on the outside but reflecting and being thankful can make things peaceful on the inside.
May your day be filled with boundless energy.
Visit me at http://www.jongordon.com
Jon
About the Author:
Jon Gordon is known internationally as The Energy Addict. He's been called "America's Premiere Energy Coach" by various media and organizations throughout the country. His mission is to help you fuel your life, energize your career and get addicted to positive energy. For more information, visit http://www.energyaddict.com
– By Jon Gordon
You have had a long day. All you feel like doing when you get home is crashing on the couch. After all, this may be a common occurrence. But then someone like me comes along and says it doesn't have to be this way. I ask you if you would like to have more energy in the evening. You say "yes." I ask you if you would rather be active than sitting on a couch in the evening. You say, "Yes, if only I had the energy I would be more active." Well, there are a few simple changes or additions to your evening routine that can make all the difference. Hëre are a few action steps to
make tonight your night:
1. Eat an energizing snack before dinner: According to William Nagler, M.D., psychiatrist at the Universïty of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, evidence indicates that simple hunger-related tensions contribute to fading energy, negative emotions and late-day arguments. When you eat a snack before dinner you will most likely be in better spirits and eat less for dinner. If you are like me and you get very irritable when you don't eat, this strategy will improve your life
significantly.
Examples of healthy snacks include: fruit, soup, slice of whole grain bread and low fat yogurt
2. Create a buffer zone: Take 15 to 20 minutes to be by yourself after walking in the door before having conversations about personal, financial or professional matters. According to Robert K. Cooper, Ph.D., evidence suggests that over half of the most damaging arguments are started or magnified within fifteen minutes of people greeting each other at the end of the day. This makes sense when you think about how you feel at the end of the day. If you walk in the door and your significant other hits you with a list of bills that needs to be paid you are likely to get into an argument. Nöw I know why my mother said, "Don't talk to your father until he has eaten dinner." When we take the time to walk in the house, get comfortable and then engage in conversations and family time, we will likely have less stressful arguments.
3. Eat smaller dinners: Eat enough to satisfy you but not so much that you want to go to bed after eating.
4. Take a light 10-minute walk after dinner: Instead of plopping down to watch television, take a walk. Walking after dinner, within a half-hour time frame, is like pouring gasoline on a fire. It exponentially increases your metabolism and gives you a double boost of energy according to Bryant Stamford, Ph.D., exercise physiologist at the Universïty of Louisville. You will also likely eat less high fat foods later in the evening and be in a better mood. The walk will also help you sleep better.
5. Play at Night: Play with your kids or pet. When the weather gets warm, do some effortless gardening. Put on the music and dance. According to Robert K. Cooper, "Your body's inherent and ancient metabolic patterns are poised for a wavelike downturn from about 4 p.m." Playing at night helps us combat fatigue and stress.
6. Reflect: Think about all the things you are thankful for and say "Thank You." I like to go outside and look at the stars (a benefit of living at the beach is that you can see them) and think about how lucky I am to be alive. The world may be crazy on the outside but reflecting and being thankful can make things peaceful on the inside.
May your day be filled with boundless energy.
Visit me at http://www.jongordon.com
Jon
About the Author:
Jon Gordon is known internationally as The Energy Addict. He's been called "America's Premiere Energy Coach" by various media and organizations throughout the country. His mission is to help you fuel your life, energize your career and get addicted to positive energy. For more information, visit http://www.energyaddict.com
MAKING CHOICES IS YOUR GREATEST POWER
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While your character is formed by your circumstances, your desires can shape those circumstances. The one thing over which you have absolute control is your own thoughts. It is this that puts you in a position to control your own destiny. Nature is constantly at work around you. Character and destiny are her handiwork. She gives you love and hate, jealousy and reverence. You have the power to choose which impulse you follow. At any time you can decide to alter the course of your life. No one can ever take that away from you. You can do what you want to do and be who you want to be. Your greatest power is the power to choose.
©2005 by Max Steingart
While your character is formed by your circumstances, your desires can shape those circumstances. The one thing over which you have absolute control is your own thoughts. It is this that puts you in a position to control your own destiny. Nature is constantly at work around you. Character and destiny are her handiwork. She gives you love and hate, jealousy and reverence. You have the power to choose which impulse you follow. At any time you can decide to alter the course of your life. No one can ever take that away from you. You can do what you want to do and be who you want to be. Your greatest power is the power to choose.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Monday, November 28, 2005
Planetary Wisdom
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DailyOM Horoscopes
We are proud to announce the new DailyOM Horoscopes, a free newsletter based on your sun sign. Seven days each week, your daily astrological insight offering a more personal variety of guidance will appear in your email inbox when you register for free. True wisdom is made up of both universal knowledge and individual inspiration, and whereas the original DailyOM Inspirational message can be applied to you in a general way, the new DailyOM Horoscopes are specifically tailored to your life, as influenced by the stars.
The wisdom of astrology is based on the positions and cycles of stars and planets and can tell you much about your thoughts and feelings, your present, and your future. As you move through life, it may often feel like events are taking place for a reason or that your emotions exist outside of your control. Everything that happens to you and everything you feel has the potential to be seen as a gift from the universe. Each horoscope contains personalized insights that show you how you can benefit from each day's unique gifts. Just as the existing DailyOM Inspirational Email presents a piece of wisdom or a lesson for everyone, each horoscope presents a piece of wisdom or lesson just for you. Your DailyOM Horoscope is made up of a guide to the day related to your feelings and potential, as well as a gem of wisdom that you can apply both the day you read the horoscope and for the rest of your life.
Taken together, the DailyOM Inspirational Email and the new DailyOM Horoscopes complement each other wonderfully. We hope you will enjoy consulting the wisdom of your personal horoscope as much as you enjoy reading each day's inspirational message.
Click here for your free daily horoscope.
What do you think?
DailyOM Horoscopes
We are proud to announce the new DailyOM Horoscopes, a free newsletter based on your sun sign. Seven days each week, your daily astrological insight offering a more personal variety of guidance will appear in your email inbox when you register for free. True wisdom is made up of both universal knowledge and individual inspiration, and whereas the original DailyOM Inspirational message can be applied to you in a general way, the new DailyOM Horoscopes are specifically tailored to your life, as influenced by the stars.
The wisdom of astrology is based on the positions and cycles of stars and planets and can tell you much about your thoughts and feelings, your present, and your future. As you move through life, it may often feel like events are taking place for a reason or that your emotions exist outside of your control. Everything that happens to you and everything you feel has the potential to be seen as a gift from the universe. Each horoscope contains personalized insights that show you how you can benefit from each day's unique gifts. Just as the existing DailyOM Inspirational Email presents a piece of wisdom or a lesson for everyone, each horoscope presents a piece of wisdom or lesson just for you. Your DailyOM Horoscope is made up of a guide to the day related to your feelings and potential, as well as a gem of wisdom that you can apply both the day you read the horoscope and for the rest of your life.
Taken together, the DailyOM Inspirational Email and the new DailyOM Horoscopes complement each other wonderfully. We hope you will enjoy consulting the wisdom of your personal horoscope as much as you enjoy reading each day's inspirational message.
Click here for your free daily horoscope.
What do you think?
Influencing Your Subconscious
Can You Really Improve Your Way Of Life?
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– By Louisa Croft
Did you ever hear about that trial of flashing subconscious messages on a cinema screen that reportedly improved the sale of Coke and popcorn without the viewers being aware? Or maybe you've heard about songs where there is a message that can be transmitted to the subconscious mind without the listener actually being 'consciously' aware of it.
The latter popular fact (or fiction) hints at paranoia but nevertheless opens up the concept of subconscious influencing for good or for bad. There are hundreds of things in the world today that contain influential subliminal messages - whether they be in a natural förm occurring in our upbringing or immediate environment or whether they be synthetic or custom made. Examples of synthetic attempts to subliminally (to do with the subconscious) convey messages can be found in music, television, radio, internet advertising, hypnosis and forms of meditation. Of course if intentionally used in the media it would be unsettling, seeing as we are
at the mercy of commercial interests. But what if we could subliminally alter ourselves in ways that we want to improve and remove weaknesses?
I'm talking about subliminal messages helping us with things such as giving up smokïng or being more confident. In basic terms, a subliminal message is aimed at altering a persons' behavior, whether it be a subtle or drastic change, and you can easily control the messages sent to your subconscious mind by simply being aware of the subliminal messages and controlling them to your advantage.
In the past, audio tapes have been sold with the purpose of doing just this. Only they would be subliminally stimulating material to do with popular goals people try to achieve, such as weïght loss and public speaking. So there wasn't really much latitude to cater to people's unique individual goals.
Then what methods are there to create subliminal stimuli toward what each individual wants to achieve? Well, the traditional places used are hypnosis and therapy sessions, and other forms of self improvement provided in private consultation. But the expenses that go with this can limit its viability.
But then again why does it matter to be able to custom-make messages and not tap into the available library of problem fixers and motivation starters found in tapes, CD's and books? The answer lies in the fact that we all have different habits, different reasons why we fear success and respond differently to different words and visual stimuli.
Enter subliminal software into the frame, nöw that computers are as common a household appliance as the television. Most subliminal software programs allow you to input what you want to tell you subconscious in your own words (i.e. words that you easily digest and understand), reprogramming your mind to have the belief and optimism embedded within, eradicate the habit you're trying to overcome and choosing the way you want your body and determination to respond to a particular object, activity or event.
It's indeed something to get curious and excited about, and the makers of this subliminal software claim that what they offer allows you to do just that. A company, subliminalpc.com, promotes a software product that you download called Subliminal PC. They suggest through the use of their software that users are helped to improve confidence, losë weïght, drop bad habits, increase positive thinking, reverse depression, jealousy, intimidation, etc.... Subliminal PC is not the only software of its kind out there, with Brain Bullet being another example.
Perhaps the real benefit of this kind of product is you have nothing to lose, seeing as it requires no extra commitment in time from the user. You literally do nothing extra and just use the PC how you normally would with the program running in the background while you're 'dramatically improving the way you live for the better.' Most packages on the web can be purchased at minimal cost and there isn't much to losë nöw that dedicated time is taken out of the equation. When searching for this type of product, you need to be fully aware of your budget - generally speaking, you can find the best products for around the $40 to $50 mark. Any more and you could be spending more than you need to - and possible more than you can afford; any less, and the quality of this mind-changing product could be questionable.
Of course a conscious effort should be made to research the sciences and technologies promoted when purchasing any product of such a nature. But it just goes to show that if we recognize that our attitude toward success and failure stems from years of subconscious altering experiences and stimuli, the answer to reaching our goals would start with training our subconscious in a positive way.
About the Author:
Based in the United Kingdom and still a yöung writer at 26 years old, Louisa Taberner Croft has been completing articles very recently as a part-time interest, although plans on pursuing her interest further as her creative and factual writing styles develop and become more established.
-------------------------------------------------
– By Louisa Croft
Did you ever hear about that trial of flashing subconscious messages on a cinema screen that reportedly improved the sale of Coke and popcorn without the viewers being aware? Or maybe you've heard about songs where there is a message that can be transmitted to the subconscious mind without the listener actually being 'consciously' aware of it.
The latter popular fact (or fiction) hints at paranoia but nevertheless opens up the concept of subconscious influencing for good or for bad. There are hundreds of things in the world today that contain influential subliminal messages - whether they be in a natural förm occurring in our upbringing or immediate environment or whether they be synthetic or custom made. Examples of synthetic attempts to subliminally (to do with the subconscious) convey messages can be found in music, television, radio, internet advertising, hypnosis and forms of meditation. Of course if intentionally used in the media it would be unsettling, seeing as we are
at the mercy of commercial interests. But what if we could subliminally alter ourselves in ways that we want to improve and remove weaknesses?
I'm talking about subliminal messages helping us with things such as giving up smokïng or being more confident. In basic terms, a subliminal message is aimed at altering a persons' behavior, whether it be a subtle or drastic change, and you can easily control the messages sent to your subconscious mind by simply being aware of the subliminal messages and controlling them to your advantage.
In the past, audio tapes have been sold with the purpose of doing just this. Only they would be subliminally stimulating material to do with popular goals people try to achieve, such as weïght loss and public speaking. So there wasn't really much latitude to cater to people's unique individual goals.
Then what methods are there to create subliminal stimuli toward what each individual wants to achieve? Well, the traditional places used are hypnosis and therapy sessions, and other forms of self improvement provided in private consultation. But the expenses that go with this can limit its viability.
But then again why does it matter to be able to custom-make messages and not tap into the available library of problem fixers and motivation starters found in tapes, CD's and books? The answer lies in the fact that we all have different habits, different reasons why we fear success and respond differently to different words and visual stimuli.
Enter subliminal software into the frame, nöw that computers are as common a household appliance as the television. Most subliminal software programs allow you to input what you want to tell you subconscious in your own words (i.e. words that you easily digest and understand), reprogramming your mind to have the belief and optimism embedded within, eradicate the habit you're trying to overcome and choosing the way you want your body and determination to respond to a particular object, activity or event.
It's indeed something to get curious and excited about, and the makers of this subliminal software claim that what they offer allows you to do just that. A company, subliminalpc.com, promotes a software product that you download called Subliminal PC. They suggest through the use of their software that users are helped to improve confidence, losë weïght, drop bad habits, increase positive thinking, reverse depression, jealousy, intimidation, etc.... Subliminal PC is not the only software of its kind out there, with Brain Bullet being another example.
Perhaps the real benefit of this kind of product is you have nothing to lose, seeing as it requires no extra commitment in time from the user. You literally do nothing extra and just use the PC how you normally would with the program running in the background while you're 'dramatically improving the way you live for the better.' Most packages on the web can be purchased at minimal cost and there isn't much to losë nöw that dedicated time is taken out of the equation. When searching for this type of product, you need to be fully aware of your budget - generally speaking, you can find the best products for around the $40 to $50 mark. Any more and you could be spending more than you need to - and possible more than you can afford; any less, and the quality of this mind-changing product could be questionable.
Of course a conscious effort should be made to research the sciences and technologies promoted when purchasing any product of such a nature. But it just goes to show that if we recognize that our attitude toward success and failure stems from years of subconscious altering experiences and stimuli, the answer to reaching our goals would start with training our subconscious in a positive way.
About the Author:
Based in the United Kingdom and still a yöung writer at 26 years old, Louisa Taberner Croft has been completing articles very recently as a part-time interest, although plans on pursuing her interest further as her creative and factual writing styles develop and become more established.
THE HIGHWAY TO SUCCESS IS A TOLL ROAD
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You must give up something to get whatever you want in life. The greater the value, the greater the sacrifice that will be required. Everything has a price. Nothing worthwhile will come easily to you. Work, continuous work and hard work, is the only way to accomplish the results that last. You pay a price if you want to make things better, and you pay a price for just leaving things as they are. You'll find no success at bargain basement prices.
©2005 by Max Steingart
You must give up something to get whatever you want in life. The greater the value, the greater the sacrifice that will be required. Everything has a price. Nothing worthwhile will come easily to you. Work, continuous work and hard work, is the only way to accomplish the results that last. You pay a price if you want to make things better, and you pay a price for just leaving things as they are. You'll find no success at bargain basement prices.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Friday, November 25, 2005
Microcosm Of The Universe
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The Way Of Vastu
Vastu offers you the potential to receive guidance from the source of universal abundance by creating a microcosm of the universe within your personal environment. In this way, by aligning yourself with the source of all abundance, you will find it becomes much easier to manifest your dreams of a fulfilling and prosperous life.
Just as the earth manifests forces composed of the five elements, so does the human brain. Your brain and body are electrical energy conductors. The thalamus is the relay center for all the sensory and motor activities that occur in the brain. Neurological research shows that the firing patterns of the neurons in the thalamus function differently when you are facing different directions. Your mind, then, can be considered the interactive result of the earth's magnetic field on your brain cells. You are like an energetic tuning fork! You work best when you're in harmony with your environment. If you place your body in alignment with the magnetic axis, you will think and act more in tune with nature. It will feel as though you're flowing along with the current of a stream instead of struggling to swim against the flow.
Your success is directly related to the orientation and shape of your environment. Whether the space in question is an apartment, a home, an office building, or a single office within a larger building, the east and north directions exert important, beneficial influences on the inhabitants. Structures that are oriented to the east receive positive solar influences. Those oriented to the north gain positive magnetic influences. In order for you to experience their blessings of prosperity and abundance, creativity and productivity, the abundant energies from these two directions must enter an environment without obstruction. If these beneficial energies are blocked, you will experience setbacks and frustrations, and you will use up more energy than necessary to create the life you desire.
In a square or rectangular structure, the five elements enhance and support your life at an optimum level. An irregularly shaped structure, on the other hand, interrupts their natural flow. When the five elements are not free to circulate properly, their energies get stuck and create stress in the environment. This is similar to a river that winds in so many directions that the water gets trapped in eddies, becomes stagnant, and moves slowly. According to one of the premises of Einstein's Kinetic Theory of Matter, atoms move in a straight line and are always in motion. This motion is facilitated by a square or rectangular shape.
This is reprinted from The Way of Vastu: Creating Prosperity Through The Power Of The Vedas by Michael and Robin Mastro.
What do you think?
The Way Of Vastu
Vastu offers you the potential to receive guidance from the source of universal abundance by creating a microcosm of the universe within your personal environment. In this way, by aligning yourself with the source of all abundance, you will find it becomes much easier to manifest your dreams of a fulfilling and prosperous life.
Just as the earth manifests forces composed of the five elements, so does the human brain. Your brain and body are electrical energy conductors. The thalamus is the relay center for all the sensory and motor activities that occur in the brain. Neurological research shows that the firing patterns of the neurons in the thalamus function differently when you are facing different directions. Your mind, then, can be considered the interactive result of the earth's magnetic field on your brain cells. You are like an energetic tuning fork! You work best when you're in harmony with your environment. If you place your body in alignment with the magnetic axis, you will think and act more in tune with nature. It will feel as though you're flowing along with the current of a stream instead of struggling to swim against the flow.
Your success is directly related to the orientation and shape of your environment. Whether the space in question is an apartment, a home, an office building, or a single office within a larger building, the east and north directions exert important, beneficial influences on the inhabitants. Structures that are oriented to the east receive positive solar influences. Those oriented to the north gain positive magnetic influences. In order for you to experience their blessings of prosperity and abundance, creativity and productivity, the abundant energies from these two directions must enter an environment without obstruction. If these beneficial energies are blocked, you will experience setbacks and frustrations, and you will use up more energy than necessary to create the life you desire.
In a square or rectangular structure, the five elements enhance and support your life at an optimum level. An irregularly shaped structure, on the other hand, interrupts their natural flow. When the five elements are not free to circulate properly, their energies get stuck and create stress in the environment. This is similar to a river that winds in so many directions that the water gets trapped in eddies, becomes stagnant, and moves slowly. According to one of the premises of Einstein's Kinetic Theory of Matter, atoms move in a straight line and are always in motion. This motion is facilitated by a square or rectangular shape.
This is reprinted from The Way of Vastu: Creating Prosperity Through The Power Of The Vedas by Michael and Robin Mastro.
What do you think?
Be Thankful
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- By Unknown Author
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire, If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations. Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge. Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary. Because it means you've made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.
~ Author Unknown ~
- By Unknown Author
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire, If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations. Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge. Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary. Because it means you've made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.
~ Author Unknown ~
ALL KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
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You build the power to accomplish your goals when you educate yourself.This power comes from knowing how to do something.Power is the product of understanding. The most successful people in life are the ones with the best information.People with power are people who know how to get things done.Knowing how to do something is sometimesvirtually the same as having done it.Knowledge will come to youby having your eyes and mind always open.There is no knowledge that is not power. In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king.
©2005 by Max Steingart
You build the power to accomplish your goals when you educate yourself.This power comes from knowing how to do something.Power is the product of understanding. The most successful people in life are the ones with the best information.People with power are people who know how to get things done.Knowing how to do something is sometimesvirtually the same as having done it.Knowledge will come to youby having your eyes and mind always open.There is no knowledge that is not power. In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Savoring Ceremony
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Tea Rituals
Coffee may be the power beverage that gets us revved up in the morning and fuels us when we're burning the midnight oil, but tea is the drink we turn to when we want to relax and be refreshed at the same time. Black, green, white, herbal, hot, or ice cold, tea is more than a soothing beverage. It can be a ritual, a cultural experience, and even a spiritual practice.
The reverence for tea has inspired ceremony in many cultures. From the spirituality of Chanoyu, the Japanese way of preparing and serving tea, to the sharing of Maté in Latin America, tea rituals are for celebration, ceremony, and relationship bonding. In China, tea rituals are part of many wedding ceremonies with the bride and groom serving their elder relatives in a show of respect and gratitude. The Chinese art of drinking and serving tea has been a source of inspiration for poetry and song. The Russian custom of chaepitie has inspired a unique style of teapots, caddies, teacups, and cozies. The samovar, a special brewing device, has become the symbol of the Russian tea ceremony and an object of art in its own right. Iced tea, popular in the U.S., as well as other parts of the world, is a modern ritual bringing cool relief on a sweltering summer day.
You can turn your own tea time with a friend into a simple ceremony by preparing your tea with the intention of offering nourishment and good wishes to the other person. When you are seated together, rather than drinking your tea right away, look at one another and express your gratitude and appreciation for your friendship. When you pour the tea, again intend it as an offering. Drink your tea slowly, savoring its flavor and aroma. Let its warmth or its coolness soothe your body. When you are finished drinking your tea, thank your friend for taking part in this nourishing ritual with you. Whether savored in the presence of another or tasted alone, the custom of drinking tea provides a soothing pause in our hectic world. Drinking tea can be a daily ritual that brings inner calm and clarity to the body, mind, and soul.
What do you think?
Tea Rituals
Coffee may be the power beverage that gets us revved up in the morning and fuels us when we're burning the midnight oil, but tea is the drink we turn to when we want to relax and be refreshed at the same time. Black, green, white, herbal, hot, or ice cold, tea is more than a soothing beverage. It can be a ritual, a cultural experience, and even a spiritual practice.
The reverence for tea has inspired ceremony in many cultures. From the spirituality of Chanoyu, the Japanese way of preparing and serving tea, to the sharing of Maté in Latin America, tea rituals are for celebration, ceremony, and relationship bonding. In China, tea rituals are part of many wedding ceremonies with the bride and groom serving their elder relatives in a show of respect and gratitude. The Chinese art of drinking and serving tea has been a source of inspiration for poetry and song. The Russian custom of chaepitie has inspired a unique style of teapots, caddies, teacups, and cozies. The samovar, a special brewing device, has become the symbol of the Russian tea ceremony and an object of art in its own right. Iced tea, popular in the U.S., as well as other parts of the world, is a modern ritual bringing cool relief on a sweltering summer day.
You can turn your own tea time with a friend into a simple ceremony by preparing your tea with the intention of offering nourishment and good wishes to the other person. When you are seated together, rather than drinking your tea right away, look at one another and express your gratitude and appreciation for your friendship. When you pour the tea, again intend it as an offering. Drink your tea slowly, savoring its flavor and aroma. Let its warmth or its coolness soothe your body. When you are finished drinking your tea, thank your friend for taking part in this nourishing ritual with you. Whether savored in the presence of another or tasted alone, the custom of drinking tea provides a soothing pause in our hectic world. Drinking tea can be a daily ritual that brings inner calm and clarity to the body, mind, and soul.
What do you think?
Your Ideal Self and Life
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- By Brian Tracy
Your self-concept is made up of three parts, each of which affects each of the others. Understanding these three parts enables you to put your hands on the keyboard of your own mental computer. When you learn to take charge of the development of a new and positive self-concept of selling, you can then control your sales destiny for the rest of your career.
Determine Your Direction
The first part of the self-concept is the "self-ideal." Your self-ideal largely determines the direction in which you are going with your life. It guides the growth and evolution of your character and personality. Your self-ideal is a combination of all of the qualities and attributes of other people that you most admire. Your self-ideal is a description of the person you would very much like to be if you could embody the qualities that you most aspire to.
Strive Toward Excellence
Throughout your life, you have seen and read about the qualities of courage, confidence, compassion, love, fortitude, perseverance, patience, forgiveness and integrity. Over time, these qualities have distilled in you an ideal to which you aspire. You might not always live up to the very best that you know, but you are constantly striving to be a better person in light of those qualities that you value so highly. In fact, everything that you do on a day-to-day basis is affected by your comparing your activities with these ideal qualities and your striving to behave consistent with them.
Clarity Is Essential
Successful salespeople have very clear ideals for themselves and their careers. Unsuccessful salespeople have fuzzy ideals. Successful salespeople are very clear about being excellent in every part of their work and their personal lives. Unsuccessful salespeople don't give the subject very much thought. One of the primary characteristics of successful men and women in every walk of life is that they have very clearly defined ideals and they are very aware of whether or not their current behaviors are consistent with their idealized behaviors.
Set Challenging Goals
Part of your ideals are your goals. As you set higher and more challenging goals, your self-ideal improves and crystallizes. When you set goals for the kind of person you want to be and the kind of life you want to live, your self-ideal rises and becomes a greater guiding and motivating force in your life.
Your Future Is Unlimited
Perhaps the most important thing for you to realize is that whatever anyone else has done or become, you can do or become as well. Improvements in your self-ideal begin in your imagination, and in your imagination, there are no limits except the ones that you accept.
What is your ideal vision of the very best person you could possibly become? How would you behave each day if you were already that person? Asking yourself these questions and then living your life consistent with the answers is the first step to creating yourself in your ideal image.
Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action.
First, dream big dreams. Set big, exciting, challenging goals and ideals for yourself in every part of your life. Allow yourself to imagine a wonderful life ahead.
Second, think about how you would act if you were an outstanding person in every way. Then, practice being this person, as though you were acting a role in a play.
You’ll immediately notice a difference in your behavior.
About the Author:
Brian Tracy is the most listened to audio author on personal and business success in the world today. His fast-moving talks and seminars on leadership, sales, managerial effectiveness and business strategy are loaded with powerful, proven ideas and strategies that people can immediately apply to get better results in every area. You can visit his web site at http://www.briantracy.com.
- By Brian Tracy
Your self-concept is made up of three parts, each of which affects each of the others. Understanding these three parts enables you to put your hands on the keyboard of your own mental computer. When you learn to take charge of the development of a new and positive self-concept of selling, you can then control your sales destiny for the rest of your career.
Determine Your Direction
The first part of the self-concept is the "self-ideal." Your self-ideal largely determines the direction in which you are going with your life. It guides the growth and evolution of your character and personality. Your self-ideal is a combination of all of the qualities and attributes of other people that you most admire. Your self-ideal is a description of the person you would very much like to be if you could embody the qualities that you most aspire to.
Strive Toward Excellence
Throughout your life, you have seen and read about the qualities of courage, confidence, compassion, love, fortitude, perseverance, patience, forgiveness and integrity. Over time, these qualities have distilled in you an ideal to which you aspire. You might not always live up to the very best that you know, but you are constantly striving to be a better person in light of those qualities that you value so highly. In fact, everything that you do on a day-to-day basis is affected by your comparing your activities with these ideal qualities and your striving to behave consistent with them.
Clarity Is Essential
Successful salespeople have very clear ideals for themselves and their careers. Unsuccessful salespeople have fuzzy ideals. Successful salespeople are very clear about being excellent in every part of their work and their personal lives. Unsuccessful salespeople don't give the subject very much thought. One of the primary characteristics of successful men and women in every walk of life is that they have very clearly defined ideals and they are very aware of whether or not their current behaviors are consistent with their idealized behaviors.
Set Challenging Goals
Part of your ideals are your goals. As you set higher and more challenging goals, your self-ideal improves and crystallizes. When you set goals for the kind of person you want to be and the kind of life you want to live, your self-ideal rises and becomes a greater guiding and motivating force in your life.
Your Future Is Unlimited
Perhaps the most important thing for you to realize is that whatever anyone else has done or become, you can do or become as well. Improvements in your self-ideal begin in your imagination, and in your imagination, there are no limits except the ones that you accept.
What is your ideal vision of the very best person you could possibly become? How would you behave each day if you were already that person? Asking yourself these questions and then living your life consistent with the answers is the first step to creating yourself in your ideal image.
Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action.
First, dream big dreams. Set big, exciting, challenging goals and ideals for yourself in every part of your life. Allow yourself to imagine a wonderful life ahead.
Second, think about how you would act if you were an outstanding person in every way. Then, practice being this person, as though you were acting a role in a play.
You’ll immediately notice a difference in your behavior.
About the Author:
Brian Tracy is the most listened to audio author on personal and business success in the world today. His fast-moving talks and seminars on leadership, sales, managerial effectiveness and business strategy are loaded with powerful, proven ideas and strategies that people can immediately apply to get better results in every area. You can visit his web site at http://www.briantracy.com.
DESIRE IS THE STARTING POINT FOR SUCCESS
--------------------------------------------------
The first thing that will contribute to reaching your goal is that you simply want to reach it badly enough. You must learn how to desire with sufficient intensity to be successful. If you have the desire you have the power to attain success. You can really have anything you want in life if you go after it. But you have to want it. As a drowning soul desires air, as a shipwrecked person craves fresh water, so must you feel that intense, eager, insistent, demanding, ravenous desire for your success. Your desire for success must be so strong within you that it becomes the very breath of your life. It must be your first thought when you wake up, and your last thought when you go to bed at night. You can have anything you want if you go after it with intensity.
©2005 by Max Steingart
The first thing that will contribute to reaching your goal is that you simply want to reach it badly enough. You must learn how to desire with sufficient intensity to be successful. If you have the desire you have the power to attain success. You can really have anything you want in life if you go after it. But you have to want it. As a drowning soul desires air, as a shipwrecked person craves fresh water, so must you feel that intense, eager, insistent, demanding, ravenous desire for your success. Your desire for success must be so strong within you that it becomes the very breath of your life. It must be your first thought when you wake up, and your last thought when you go to bed at night. You can have anything you want if you go after it with intensity.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Burning Brightly
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Allowing Your Soul To Shine
At times, we've all wanted to crawl under a rock and hide away from the world. We may have preferred to be invisible rather than let other people see us or notice that we exist. This desire not to be seen often happens when we are feeling very hurt, angry, or simply weary of the world. And while we may console ourselves with the defense that we are shy, an introvert, or a loner, we may actually be hiding.
When we hide and make believe that we are invisible, we can think that we no one sees us even though, truthfully, we are only really hiding from ourselves. And while we may try to live life as inconspicuously as possible, we only succeed in becoming more conspicuous because people can't help but notice that we are trying to hide our light. None of us are meant to hide; each one of us radiates a unique brilliance that is meant to illuminate the world. When we try to dim our light, we diminish the natural radiance of the Universe, and we deprive the people around us of the unique gifts and talents that we are here to share.
Stepping out of the wings and letting your light shine is actually a way to serve the planet. We each have a responsibility to contribute to our community, and we do this when we let ourselves be seen. It doesn't do anyone any good when we try to hide. We are all beings of light and we are here to light the way for each other. When we let ourselves shine, we become a bright mirror that others can see their own reflected brilliance through, and they can't help but want to shine also. Shine your light out into the world, bless those around you by sharing your gifts, and watch the universe glow.
What do you think?
Allowing Your Soul To Shine
At times, we've all wanted to crawl under a rock and hide away from the world. We may have preferred to be invisible rather than let other people see us or notice that we exist. This desire not to be seen often happens when we are feeling very hurt, angry, or simply weary of the world. And while we may console ourselves with the defense that we are shy, an introvert, or a loner, we may actually be hiding.
When we hide and make believe that we are invisible, we can think that we no one sees us even though, truthfully, we are only really hiding from ourselves. And while we may try to live life as inconspicuously as possible, we only succeed in becoming more conspicuous because people can't help but notice that we are trying to hide our light. None of us are meant to hide; each one of us radiates a unique brilliance that is meant to illuminate the world. When we try to dim our light, we diminish the natural radiance of the Universe, and we deprive the people around us of the unique gifts and talents that we are here to share.
Stepping out of the wings and letting your light shine is actually a way to serve the planet. We each have a responsibility to contribute to our community, and we do this when we let ourselves be seen. It doesn't do anyone any good when we try to hide. We are all beings of light and we are here to light the way for each other. When we let ourselves shine, we become a bright mirror that others can see their own reflected brilliance through, and they can't help but want to shine also. Shine your light out into the world, bless those around you by sharing your gifts, and watch the universe glow.
What do you think?
10 Ideas to Help You Remember
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– By Maria Gracia
You are busy and you have tons of things to do. How can you possibly remember it all?
Having a sharp memory recall can be as simple as finding ways to help jog your memory throughout the day. Hëre are 10 quick ideas:
1. Write It Down.
With the amount of things you have to remember in any given day, why should you try to stuff it all into your memory bank? When you want to remember something, the very best thing to do is write it down. Then, when you need to recall it, it will be there for you in an instant.
2. Keep It Together.
When you write down things you want to remember, keep them in one consistent place. Otherwise, you're going to spend a lot of time looking for your notes.
3. Maintain Good Health.
Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and exercise. These are all important for your memory, staying focused and being alert.
4. Record Your Thoughts.
Sometimes you might want to remember something, but it's impossible for you to write it down, such as when you're driving. A little hand held tape recorder is a wonderful gadget to carry around with you and record your thoughts, or your parking space number, or a phöne number you see on a billboard.
5. Call Yourself.
If you're at the office, and you want to do something when you arrive home, call your answering machine and leave yourself a message. When you get home, you'll listen to your message and remember exactly what you wanted to do.
6. Believe In Yourself.
If you keep saying you have a bad memory, you'll probably continue to have a bad memory. It's important to have a motivated, I CAN remember attitude.
7. Send Yourself E-Mail Reminders.
There are many frëe e-mail reminder services available. You simply type in what you want to remember, such as a birthday, anniversary or event, and you then receive an e-mail reminder when the date is approaching.
8. Post Sticky Notes.
Those wonderful, little sticky notes can be amazing memory helpers. Want to remember something before you leave the house? Jot it down on a Post-It Note and stick it on the inside of your door. You'll be sure to see it as you're getting ready to walk out. Have to make an urgënt call first thing in the morning? Leave a Post-It Note on your telephone.
9. Set Timers and Alarms.
Take advantage of alarm clocks and timers throughout the day. Have to take the clothes out of the wash at 3:00? Set your alarm clock to remind you. Want to leave for the basketball game by 6:15? Set your timer to beep a few minutes before.
10. Use Visual Reminders.
Visual reminders can help you remember and focus. I especially like visual reminders for remembering your goals. If your goal is to take a trip to a beautiful island in a few years, keep a magazine photograph of the island right on your desk. If your goal is to own your own business one day, find a picture or ornament that will help remind you of this goal each day.
About the Author:
Maria Gracia, founder of http://www.getorganizednow.com and author of the book "Finally Organized, Finally Frëe," can help you organize your home, your office and your life.
– By Maria Gracia
You are busy and you have tons of things to do. How can you possibly remember it all?
Having a sharp memory recall can be as simple as finding ways to help jog your memory throughout the day. Hëre are 10 quick ideas:
1. Write It Down.
With the amount of things you have to remember in any given day, why should you try to stuff it all into your memory bank? When you want to remember something, the very best thing to do is write it down. Then, when you need to recall it, it will be there for you in an instant.
2. Keep It Together.
When you write down things you want to remember, keep them in one consistent place. Otherwise, you're going to spend a lot of time looking for your notes.
3. Maintain Good Health.
Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and exercise. These are all important for your memory, staying focused and being alert.
4. Record Your Thoughts.
Sometimes you might want to remember something, but it's impossible for you to write it down, such as when you're driving. A little hand held tape recorder is a wonderful gadget to carry around with you and record your thoughts, or your parking space number, or a phöne number you see on a billboard.
5. Call Yourself.
If you're at the office, and you want to do something when you arrive home, call your answering machine and leave yourself a message. When you get home, you'll listen to your message and remember exactly what you wanted to do.
6. Believe In Yourself.
If you keep saying you have a bad memory, you'll probably continue to have a bad memory. It's important to have a motivated, I CAN remember attitude.
7. Send Yourself E-Mail Reminders.
There are many frëe e-mail reminder services available. You simply type in what you want to remember, such as a birthday, anniversary or event, and you then receive an e-mail reminder when the date is approaching.
8. Post Sticky Notes.
Those wonderful, little sticky notes can be amazing memory helpers. Want to remember something before you leave the house? Jot it down on a Post-It Note and stick it on the inside of your door. You'll be sure to see it as you're getting ready to walk out. Have to make an urgënt call first thing in the morning? Leave a Post-It Note on your telephone.
9. Set Timers and Alarms.
Take advantage of alarm clocks and timers throughout the day. Have to take the clothes out of the wash at 3:00? Set your alarm clock to remind you. Want to leave for the basketball game by 6:15? Set your timer to beep a few minutes before.
10. Use Visual Reminders.
Visual reminders can help you remember and focus. I especially like visual reminders for remembering your goals. If your goal is to take a trip to a beautiful island in a few years, keep a magazine photograph of the island right on your desk. If your goal is to own your own business one day, find a picture or ornament that will help remind you of this goal each day.
About the Author:
Maria Gracia, founder of http://www.getorganizednow.com and author of the book "Finally Organized, Finally Frëe," can help you organize your home, your office and your life.
LOVE IS ETERNAL
-------------------------------------------------
Once you have learned to love; who you are, what you do, and those around you, you will have truly learned to live. Search for love, for it is the most important ingredient of life. Without it, you life will echo emptiness. With it, your life will vibrate with warmth and meaning. Even during any hardship, love will shine through. To love abundantly is to live abundantly. To love forever is to live forever. Be thankful for what you have now, and the opportunities for love and success that are before you.
Happy Thanksgiving.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Once you have learned to love; who you are, what you do, and those around you, you will have truly learned to live. Search for love, for it is the most important ingredient of life. Without it, you life will echo emptiness. With it, your life will vibrate with warmth and meaning. Even during any hardship, love will shine through. To love abundantly is to live abundantly. To love forever is to live forever. Be thankful for what you have now, and the opportunities for love and success that are before you.
Happy Thanksgiving.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Embracing Unpredictability
--------------------------------------------------
When Life Throws You A Curve Ball
In life, we are always setting goals for ourselves and working to make them happen. This gives us focus and ensures that we use our time and energy efficiently and effectively. It also provides us with a sense of purpose and direction. We know where we are going and what we want to do. But quite often, due to forces outside our control, things do not go as we had planned-the flat tire on the way to the wedding, the unforeseen flu virus-and we have to adjust to a postponement or create a whole new set of circumstances. Even positive turns of fortune - an unexpected influx of cash or falling in love - require us to be flexible and to reconsider our plans and priorities, sometimes in the blink of an eye. This is what happens when life throws you a curve ball.
The ability to accept what is happening and let go of your original expectations is key when dealing with these unexpected turns of fate. We have a tendency to get stuck in our heads, clinging to an idea of how we think life should go, and we can have a hard time accepting anything that doesn't comply with that idea. The fact is that life is unpredictable. The trip you thought was for business - and when the deal fell through, you got depressed - actually landed you at the airport two days earlier than planned so you could meet the love of your life. Your car breaks down, and you are late for an appointment. While it's true that you never arrive at that important meeting, you end up spending a few relaxing hours with people you would never have met otherwise.
In order to keep us awake to opportunity and to teach us equanimity, the universe throws us the occasional curve ball. Remember that curve balls are not only life's way of keeping us awake, which is a gift in and of itself; they are also often life's way of bringing us wonderful surprises. Next time a curve ball comes your way, take a deep breath, say thank you, and open your mind to a new opportunity.
What do you think?
When Life Throws You A Curve Ball
In life, we are always setting goals for ourselves and working to make them happen. This gives us focus and ensures that we use our time and energy efficiently and effectively. It also provides us with a sense of purpose and direction. We know where we are going and what we want to do. But quite often, due to forces outside our control, things do not go as we had planned-the flat tire on the way to the wedding, the unforeseen flu virus-and we have to adjust to a postponement or create a whole new set of circumstances. Even positive turns of fortune - an unexpected influx of cash or falling in love - require us to be flexible and to reconsider our plans and priorities, sometimes in the blink of an eye. This is what happens when life throws you a curve ball.
The ability to accept what is happening and let go of your original expectations is key when dealing with these unexpected turns of fate. We have a tendency to get stuck in our heads, clinging to an idea of how we think life should go, and we can have a hard time accepting anything that doesn't comply with that idea. The fact is that life is unpredictable. The trip you thought was for business - and when the deal fell through, you got depressed - actually landed you at the airport two days earlier than planned so you could meet the love of your life. Your car breaks down, and you are late for an appointment. While it's true that you never arrive at that important meeting, you end up spending a few relaxing hours with people you would never have met otherwise.
In order to keep us awake to opportunity and to teach us equanimity, the universe throws us the occasional curve ball. Remember that curve balls are not only life's way of keeping us awake, which is a gift in and of itself; they are also often life's way of bringing us wonderful surprises. Next time a curve ball comes your way, take a deep breath, say thank you, and open your mind to a new opportunity.
What do you think?
10 Steps to Detect and Stop Secrët Self-Sabotage
----------------------------------------------------
– By Guy Finley
It's a little known - yet much denied fact - that people treat you the way you secretly ask to be treated. Your unspoken request that determines how others behave toward you is extended to - and received by - everyone you meet.
What is your invisible inner life? It's the way you actually feel - as opposed to the way you're trying to appear - when meeting any person or event.
In other words, your invisible inner life is your real inner condition. It's this state of internal affairs that communicates with others long before any words are exchanged. These silent signals from your inner self are what a person receives first upon meeting you. The reading of them determines from that point forward, the basis of your relationship. This unseen dialogue that goes on behind the scenes whenever two people meet is commonly understood as "sizing one another up." But hëre's the point of this introduction.
We're often led to act against ourselves by an undetected weakness that goes before us - trying to pass itself off to others - as strength. This is secrët self-sabotage. It sinks us in our personal and business relationships as surely as a torpedo wrecks the ship it strikes.
Any person you feel the need to control or dominate - so that he or she will treat you as you "think" you should be treated - will always be in control of you and treat you accordingly. Why? Because anyone from whom you want something, psychologically speaking, is always in secrët command of you.
It would nevër dawn on any person to want to be more powerful or superior to someone else unless there was some psychic character within him or her that secretly felt itself to be weaker or lesser than that other individual.
Any action we take to appear strong before another person is actually read by that person as a weakness. If you doubt this finding, review the past interactions and results of your own relationships. The general rule of thumb is that the more you demand or crave the respect of others, the less likely you are to receive it.
So it makes no sense to try and change the way others treat you by learning calculated behaviors or attitude techniques in order to appear in charge. Stop trying to be strong. Instead, start catching yourself about to act from weakness. Don't be too surprised by this unusual instruction. A brief examination reveals its wisdom. Following are ten examples of where you may be secretly sabotaging yourself while wrongly assuming you're strengthening your position with others.
1. Fawning before people to wïn their favor.
2. Expressing contrived concern for someone's well being.
3. Making small talk to smooth out the edges.
4. Hanging onto someone's every word.
5. Looking for someone's approval.
6. Asking if someone is angry with you.
7. Fishing for a kind word.
8. Trying to impress someone.
9. Gossiping.
10. Explaining yourself to others.
The next time you feel yourself about to give in to any of the above behaviors, give yourself a quick and simple internal test. This test will help you chëck for and cancel any undetected weakness that's about to make you sabotage yourself.
Hëre's what to do: Run a pressure chëck.
Hëre's how:
Come wide awake and run a quick inner scan within yourself to see if that remark you're about to make, or the answer you're about to give without having been asked for it, is something you really want to do. Are you about to speak because you're afraid of some as yet undisclosed consequence if you don't?
Your awareness of any pressure building within you is proof that it's some förm of fear - and not you - that wants to do the explaining, fawning, impressing, blabbing, or whatever the self-sabotaging act the inner pressure is pushing you to commit.
Each time you feel this pressurized urge to give yourself away, silently but solidly refuse to release this pressure by giving in to its demands. It may help you to succeed sooner if you know that fear has no voice unless it tricks you into giving it one. So stay silent. Your conscious silence stops self-sabotage.
Special Summary: In any and every moment of your life, you are either in command of yourself or you are being commanded.
Excerpted from Design Your Destiny, Copyright 1999 - Guy Finley. Published by Llewellyn Publications
About the Author:
Guy Finley is the best-selling author of more than 18 books and tape albums on self-realization and higher success. His works, which have sold over a million copies worldwide and have been translated into ten languages, are recommended by doctors, ministers, and industry leaders. For information about Guy Finley's books, booklets, tapes, and helpful on-going study groups call (541) 476-1200 or visit
http://www.guyfinley.com where you can also sign up to receive a frëe, weekly Key Lesson.
– By Guy Finley
It's a little known - yet much denied fact - that people treat you the way you secretly ask to be treated. Your unspoken request that determines how others behave toward you is extended to - and received by - everyone you meet.
What is your invisible inner life? It's the way you actually feel - as opposed to the way you're trying to appear - when meeting any person or event.
In other words, your invisible inner life is your real inner condition. It's this state of internal affairs that communicates with others long before any words are exchanged. These silent signals from your inner self are what a person receives first upon meeting you. The reading of them determines from that point forward, the basis of your relationship. This unseen dialogue that goes on behind the scenes whenever two people meet is commonly understood as "sizing one another up." But hëre's the point of this introduction.
We're often led to act against ourselves by an undetected weakness that goes before us - trying to pass itself off to others - as strength. This is secrët self-sabotage. It sinks us in our personal and business relationships as surely as a torpedo wrecks the ship it strikes.
Any person you feel the need to control or dominate - so that he or she will treat you as you "think" you should be treated - will always be in control of you and treat you accordingly. Why? Because anyone from whom you want something, psychologically speaking, is always in secrët command of you.
It would nevër dawn on any person to want to be more powerful or superior to someone else unless there was some psychic character within him or her that secretly felt itself to be weaker or lesser than that other individual.
Any action we take to appear strong before another person is actually read by that person as a weakness. If you doubt this finding, review the past interactions and results of your own relationships. The general rule of thumb is that the more you demand or crave the respect of others, the less likely you are to receive it.
So it makes no sense to try and change the way others treat you by learning calculated behaviors or attitude techniques in order to appear in charge. Stop trying to be strong. Instead, start catching yourself about to act from weakness. Don't be too surprised by this unusual instruction. A brief examination reveals its wisdom. Following are ten examples of where you may be secretly sabotaging yourself while wrongly assuming you're strengthening your position with others.
1. Fawning before people to wïn their favor.
2. Expressing contrived concern for someone's well being.
3. Making small talk to smooth out the edges.
4. Hanging onto someone's every word.
5. Looking for someone's approval.
6. Asking if someone is angry with you.
7. Fishing for a kind word.
8. Trying to impress someone.
9. Gossiping.
10. Explaining yourself to others.
The next time you feel yourself about to give in to any of the above behaviors, give yourself a quick and simple internal test. This test will help you chëck for and cancel any undetected weakness that's about to make you sabotage yourself.
Hëre's what to do: Run a pressure chëck.
Hëre's how:
Come wide awake and run a quick inner scan within yourself to see if that remark you're about to make, or the answer you're about to give without having been asked for it, is something you really want to do. Are you about to speak because you're afraid of some as yet undisclosed consequence if you don't?
Your awareness of any pressure building within you is proof that it's some förm of fear - and not you - that wants to do the explaining, fawning, impressing, blabbing, or whatever the self-sabotaging act the inner pressure is pushing you to commit.
Each time you feel this pressurized urge to give yourself away, silently but solidly refuse to release this pressure by giving in to its demands. It may help you to succeed sooner if you know that fear has no voice unless it tricks you into giving it one. So stay silent. Your conscious silence stops self-sabotage.
Special Summary: In any and every moment of your life, you are either in command of yourself or you are being commanded.
Excerpted from Design Your Destiny, Copyright 1999 - Guy Finley. Published by Llewellyn Publications
About the Author:
Guy Finley is the best-selling author of more than 18 books and tape albums on self-realization and higher success. His works, which have sold over a million copies worldwide and have been translated into ten languages, are recommended by doctors, ministers, and industry leaders. For information about Guy Finley's books, booklets, tapes, and helpful on-going study groups call (541) 476-1200 or visit
http://www.guyfinley.com where you can also sign up to receive a frëe, weekly Key Lesson.
SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE ARE DREAMERS
------------------------------------------------
Your dreams are your vision of where you'll be after the battle, your prize at the end of your journey to success. Your goals are the steps you take to finally attain your prize. Unless you're willing to work hard and establish some discipline in your life, all of your dreams will be pipe dreams, little mental fantasy trips that will never materialize. Make concrete steps toward fulfilling your ultimate dream, and start with solid objectives and goals. Your dreams are where you want to go, your goals are how you get there. The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want. Don't be afraid to think big and dare to be great. Dreamers are not content with mediocrity. They never dream of going halfway. People with goals succeed because they know where they're going.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Your dreams are your vision of where you'll be after the battle, your prize at the end of your journey to success. Your goals are the steps you take to finally attain your prize. Unless you're willing to work hard and establish some discipline in your life, all of your dreams will be pipe dreams, little mental fantasy trips that will never materialize. Make concrete steps toward fulfilling your ultimate dream, and start with solid objectives and goals. Your dreams are where you want to go, your goals are how you get there. The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want. Don't be afraid to think big and dare to be great. Dreamers are not content with mediocrity. They never dream of going halfway. People with goals succeed because they know where they're going.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Monday, November 21, 2005
Personal Tales
------------------------------------------------
Writing Your Story
Everyone, at one time or another, has wanted to express his or her story. Writing a memoir to read privately, share with family or friends, or publish is an emotionally satisfying way to gain perspective on your experiences while sharing your unique voice. We've all experienced feelings and events in our lives that we are longing to write down. Giving in to that urge can give you an outlet for purging any frustration, anxiety, or long-dormant feelings. No one else has to read it. You may even want to write your story without reading it right away. Satisfying the need to tell your story is not predicated upon your writing ability. It does, however take effort to write down the truth in detail. Your memories, captured on paper as descriptive scenes, sights, sounds, and scents, may at first seem disconnected or incomplete. But rest assured that you possess the ability to shape your recollections into stories.
Everyone wants to be heard. Reading your story to others can meet that need. Writing your story can also help you understand your life experiences. And when you finish writing, you may be surprised at what you have accomplished. Your story can encompass as much or as little of your life as you prefer. You may surprise yourself with new insights, or you may find yourself exploring your roots, your identity, and your future through your words. Allow your writing to guide you and write as truthfully as possible. Don't worry about what others will think of your personal journey, your style of writing, or your words.
Research has shown that writing a personal narrative filled with feelings and perceptions can create long-term health benefits. As you write, remember to have compassion for yourself, particularly when writing about traumatic events. If you are a young person, you can add to your life story as you grow older. Your writing may help family members know you better, or they may understand themselves more through reading about your experiences. More importantly, you are expressing yourself in a permanent way, giving a gift to yourself, and letting your voice be heard.
What do you think?
Writing Your Story
Everyone, at one time or another, has wanted to express his or her story. Writing a memoir to read privately, share with family or friends, or publish is an emotionally satisfying way to gain perspective on your experiences while sharing your unique voice. We've all experienced feelings and events in our lives that we are longing to write down. Giving in to that urge can give you an outlet for purging any frustration, anxiety, or long-dormant feelings. No one else has to read it. You may even want to write your story without reading it right away. Satisfying the need to tell your story is not predicated upon your writing ability. It does, however take effort to write down the truth in detail. Your memories, captured on paper as descriptive scenes, sights, sounds, and scents, may at first seem disconnected or incomplete. But rest assured that you possess the ability to shape your recollections into stories.
Everyone wants to be heard. Reading your story to others can meet that need. Writing your story can also help you understand your life experiences. And when you finish writing, you may be surprised at what you have accomplished. Your story can encompass as much or as little of your life as you prefer. You may surprise yourself with new insights, or you may find yourself exploring your roots, your identity, and your future through your words. Allow your writing to guide you and write as truthfully as possible. Don't worry about what others will think of your personal journey, your style of writing, or your words.
Research has shown that writing a personal narrative filled with feelings and perceptions can create long-term health benefits. As you write, remember to have compassion for yourself, particularly when writing about traumatic events. If you are a young person, you can add to your life story as you grow older. Your writing may help family members know you better, or they may understand themselves more through reading about your experiences. More importantly, you are expressing yourself in a permanent way, giving a gift to yourself, and letting your voice be heard.
What do you think?
Using Your Brain(waves) to Enhance Your Creativity
-----------------------------------------------------------
– By David Allen
The brain normally operates at different frequencies, depending on the type of mental activity involved. These frequencies are divided into four main types of brainwave patterns:
* Beta waves (between 13-40 HZ) are associated with peak concentration, heightened alertness and visual acuity.
* Alpha waves (between 7-12 HZ) are associated with deep relaxation and are considered the gateway to our creativity
* Theta waves (between 4-7 HZ) are associated with the twilight state that we experience fleetingly as we drift off to sleep and are strongly linked with creativity and intuition.
* Delta waves (between 0-4 HZ.) are associated with deep sleep.
As we slow the brainwave patterns from beta to alpha to theta to delta, there is a corresponding increase in balance or synchronization between the two hemispheres of the brain. Scientists have noted that these slower brainwave patterns are accompanied by deep tranquility, flashes of creative insight, euphoria, intensely focused attention, and enhanced learning abilities.
Several audio programs are available that make it easy to control brainwave activity. The programs work by using a series of tones at precise frequencies to induce the desired brainwave activity. The tones are masked by soothing classical music or natural rainfall sounds. Many of these programs use a “binaural beat” where different frequencies are delivered to each ear. When listened to using headphones, the two hemispheres of the brain work together to integrate the two sounds and guide the brain into specific frequency patterns.
These synchronized brainwaves have long been associated with meditative states. The reason that binaural beats work to induce these states of consciousness has to do with the physiology of the brain. Each hemisphere of the brain has its own sound-processing center that receives signals from each ear. When a binaural beat is presented to both ears, it causes an increase in the communication between the two hemispheres until the brain synchronizes the different frequencies into one.
Binaural beats that are embedded in music or background sounds can be used to enhance creativity and intuition as well as for related applications such as promoting relaxation, meditation, stress reduction, super learning, telepathy, out-of-body experience and lucid dreaming. The binaural beats can also be used with positive affirmations and visualization techniques to increase their effect.
The response to binaural beat stimulation may differ between people. For instance, its effectiveness can depend on the person’s ability to relax and focus their attention. However, this resistance can often be overcome by practices such as humming, breathing exercises, and biofeedback techniques.
A highly regarded binaural beat program is the Insight CD which provides great value at approximately $35 for the basic program (compared to hundreds of dollars for some other programs). An even better value is the combined Insight CD and Focus 2-CD set for about $48. The additional Focus CDs promote different brainwave activity levels for different applications such as brainstorming, working on the computer or exercising in order to enhance concentration, clarity and problem-solving skills.
About the Author:
David Allen is an award-winning inventor with a strong interest in simple and practical methods to enhance creative thinking. Visit http://www.creativityboosters.com for more easy ways to increase your creativity.
– By David Allen
The brain normally operates at different frequencies, depending on the type of mental activity involved. These frequencies are divided into four main types of brainwave patterns:
* Beta waves (between 13-40 HZ) are associated with peak concentration, heightened alertness and visual acuity.
* Alpha waves (between 7-12 HZ) are associated with deep relaxation and are considered the gateway to our creativity
* Theta waves (between 4-7 HZ) are associated with the twilight state that we experience fleetingly as we drift off to sleep and are strongly linked with creativity and intuition.
* Delta waves (between 0-4 HZ.) are associated with deep sleep.
As we slow the brainwave patterns from beta to alpha to theta to delta, there is a corresponding increase in balance or synchronization between the two hemispheres of the brain. Scientists have noted that these slower brainwave patterns are accompanied by deep tranquility, flashes of creative insight, euphoria, intensely focused attention, and enhanced learning abilities.
Several audio programs are available that make it easy to control brainwave activity. The programs work by using a series of tones at precise frequencies to induce the desired brainwave activity. The tones are masked by soothing classical music or natural rainfall sounds. Many of these programs use a “binaural beat” where different frequencies are delivered to each ear. When listened to using headphones, the two hemispheres of the brain work together to integrate the two sounds and guide the brain into specific frequency patterns.
These synchronized brainwaves have long been associated with meditative states. The reason that binaural beats work to induce these states of consciousness has to do with the physiology of the brain. Each hemisphere of the brain has its own sound-processing center that receives signals from each ear. When a binaural beat is presented to both ears, it causes an increase in the communication between the two hemispheres until the brain synchronizes the different frequencies into one.
Binaural beats that are embedded in music or background sounds can be used to enhance creativity and intuition as well as for related applications such as promoting relaxation, meditation, stress reduction, super learning, telepathy, out-of-body experience and lucid dreaming. The binaural beats can also be used with positive affirmations and visualization techniques to increase their effect.
The response to binaural beat stimulation may differ between people. For instance, its effectiveness can depend on the person’s ability to relax and focus their attention. However, this resistance can often be overcome by practices such as humming, breathing exercises, and biofeedback techniques.
A highly regarded binaural beat program is the Insight CD which provides great value at approximately $35 for the basic program (compared to hundreds of dollars for some other programs). An even better value is the combined Insight CD and Focus 2-CD set for about $48. The additional Focus CDs promote different brainwave activity levels for different applications such as brainstorming, working on the computer or exercising in order to enhance concentration, clarity and problem-solving skills.
About the Author:
David Allen is an award-winning inventor with a strong interest in simple and practical methods to enhance creative thinking. Visit http://www.creativityboosters.com for more easy ways to increase your creativity.
LOVE WHAT YOU DO, OR DO SOMETHING ELSE
-------------------------------------------------
You'll never achieve real success unless you like what you're doing. No one has ever succeeded in a line of endeavor which they did not like. Your chances of success are directly proportional to the degree of pleasure you derive from what you do. If you're in a job you hate, face the fact squarely and get out. It's better to be a failure in something you love, than attempting to be a success in something you don't. Don't set compensation as a goal. Find the work you love, and the compensation will follow. The more you love what you are doing, the more successful it will be for you.
©2005 by Max Steingart
You'll never achieve real success unless you like what you're doing. No one has ever succeeded in a line of endeavor which they did not like. Your chances of success are directly proportional to the degree of pleasure you derive from what you do. If you're in a job you hate, face the fact squarely and get out. It's better to be a failure in something you love, than attempting to be a success in something you don't. Don't set compensation as a goal. Find the work you love, and the compensation will follow. The more you love what you are doing, the more successful it will be for you.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Friday, November 18, 2005
Winged Formation
-------------------------------------------------
Birds Fly In A V
As they swoop, drift, and glide, inscribing magnificent patterns across the sky, birds are serene displays of grace and beauty. Long a source of inspiration, birds can be messengers from the spirit realm, or a symbol of the human soul, as they cast off their earthly mooring and soar heavenward. An upturned wing, a graceful flutter, all so effortless and free... More magnificent still is the inspiring sight of birds migrating, progressing steadily across the horizon in a solid V formation that is a singular pattern too unique to be mere chance.
Pushing steadily forward, this aerodynamic V reduces air resistance for the whole flock. With wings moving in harmony, the feathered group continues its course across the sky, covering more ground together in community than as individuals. When the bird at the front gets tired, she will move to the rear of the formation where the wind drag is lowest, and a more rested bird can take her place.
By learning from the example of our winged guides, all of us can feel empowered to take on daring challenges as we chart adventurous courses. Feel the strength of others moving alongside you, as their presence lends power to your wings during this journey across the sky of life. When buffeted by unexpected gusts, we can choose to find refuge in the loving shelter of friends and family. We may even marvel as an otherwise difficult day passes by like a swift wind, as a kindred spirit charts a way for us through the clouds and rain ahead. If your wings begin to ache on your journey, look around for somebody else to fly at the front for a while. All of us move faster when we move together. Let your ego drop earthwards as we all soar ever higher.
What do you think?
Birds Fly In A V
As they swoop, drift, and glide, inscribing magnificent patterns across the sky, birds are serene displays of grace and beauty. Long a source of inspiration, birds can be messengers from the spirit realm, or a symbol of the human soul, as they cast off their earthly mooring and soar heavenward. An upturned wing, a graceful flutter, all so effortless and free... More magnificent still is the inspiring sight of birds migrating, progressing steadily across the horizon in a solid V formation that is a singular pattern too unique to be mere chance.
Pushing steadily forward, this aerodynamic V reduces air resistance for the whole flock. With wings moving in harmony, the feathered group continues its course across the sky, covering more ground together in community than as individuals. When the bird at the front gets tired, she will move to the rear of the formation where the wind drag is lowest, and a more rested bird can take her place.
By learning from the example of our winged guides, all of us can feel empowered to take on daring challenges as we chart adventurous courses. Feel the strength of others moving alongside you, as their presence lends power to your wings during this journey across the sky of life. When buffeted by unexpected gusts, we can choose to find refuge in the loving shelter of friends and family. We may even marvel as an otherwise difficult day passes by like a swift wind, as a kindred spirit charts a way for us through the clouds and rain ahead. If your wings begin to ache on your journey, look around for somebody else to fly at the front for a while. All of us move faster when we move together. Let your ego drop earthwards as we all soar ever higher.
What do you think?
Be Special to Others
-------------------------------------------------
- From AsAManThinketh.net
A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead.
Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could.
Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die.
He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?"
The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.
This story teaches two lessons:
1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.
2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill him or her. Be careful of what you say.
Speak life to those who cross your path.
The power of words.... it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times. Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another.
Sent to you as a courtesy of...
Your friends at AsAManThinketh.net
For a free eBook of James Allens classic:
http://www.AsAManThinketh.net
- From AsAManThinketh.net
A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead.
Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could.
Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die.
He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?"
The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.
This story teaches two lessons:
1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.
2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill him or her. Be careful of what you say.
Speak life to those who cross your path.
The power of words.... it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times. Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another.
Sent to you as a courtesy of...
Your friends at AsAManThinketh.net
For a free eBook of James Allens classic:
http://www.AsAManThinketh.net
LIFE RESPONDS TO YOUR OUTLOOK
------------------------------------------------
Life is largely a matter of expectation. You must expect to succeed, if you want to succeed.
When you expect things to happen, strangely enough, they do happen. Expectation energizes your goals and give them momentum.
When you believe something good can happen, it will happen. The dreams you believe in come to be.
Set your goals high. If you begin with some wild expectations you'll succeed beyond your wildest expectations.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Life is largely a matter of expectation. You must expect to succeed, if you want to succeed.
When you expect things to happen, strangely enough, they do happen. Expectation energizes your goals and give them momentum.
When you believe something good can happen, it will happen. The dreams you believe in come to be.
Set your goals high. If you begin with some wild expectations you'll succeed beyond your wildest expectations.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Ask Yourself
-------------------------------------------------
The Answers Within Us
Many of us seek the answers to life's questions by looking outside of ourselves and trying to glean advice from the people around us. But as each of us is unique, with our own personal histories, our own sense of right and wrong, and our own way of experiencing the world that defines our realities, looking to others for our answers is only partially helpful. The answers to our personal questions can be most often found by looking within. When you realize that you always have access to the part of you that always knows what you need and is meant to act as your inner compass, you can stop searching outside of yourself. If you can learn to hear, trust, and embrace the wisdom that lives within you, you will be able to confidently navigate your life.
Trusting your inner wisdom may be awkward at first, particularly if you grew up around people who taught you to look to others for answers. We each have exclusive access to our inner knowing. All we have to do is remember how to listen. Remember to be patient as you relearn how to hear, receive, and follow your own guidance. If you are unsure about whether following your inner wisdom will prove reliable, you may want to think of a time when you did trust your own knowing and everything worked out. Recall how the answers came to you, how they felt in your body as you considered them, and what happened when you acted upon this guidance. Now, recall a time when you didn't trust yourself and the results didn't work out as you had hoped. Trusting your own guidance can help you avoid going against what you instinctively know is right for you.
When you second guess yourself and go against what you know to be your truth, you can easily go off course because you are no longer following your inner compass. By looking inside yourself for the answers to your life's questions, you are consulting your best guide. Only you can know the how's and why's of your life. The answers that you seek can be found when you start answering your own questions.
What do you think?
The Answers Within Us
Many of us seek the answers to life's questions by looking outside of ourselves and trying to glean advice from the people around us. But as each of us is unique, with our own personal histories, our own sense of right and wrong, and our own way of experiencing the world that defines our realities, looking to others for our answers is only partially helpful. The answers to our personal questions can be most often found by looking within. When you realize that you always have access to the part of you that always knows what you need and is meant to act as your inner compass, you can stop searching outside of yourself. If you can learn to hear, trust, and embrace the wisdom that lives within you, you will be able to confidently navigate your life.
Trusting your inner wisdom may be awkward at first, particularly if you grew up around people who taught you to look to others for answers. We each have exclusive access to our inner knowing. All we have to do is remember how to listen. Remember to be patient as you relearn how to hear, receive, and follow your own guidance. If you are unsure about whether following your inner wisdom will prove reliable, you may want to think of a time when you did trust your own knowing and everything worked out. Recall how the answers came to you, how they felt in your body as you considered them, and what happened when you acted upon this guidance. Now, recall a time when you didn't trust yourself and the results didn't work out as you had hoped. Trusting your own guidance can help you avoid going against what you instinctively know is right for you.
When you second guess yourself and go against what you know to be your truth, you can easily go off course because you are no longer following your inner compass. By looking inside yourself for the answers to your life's questions, you are consulting your best guide. Only you can know the how's and why's of your life. The answers that you seek can be found when you start answering your own questions.
What do you think?
The Four Steps To A Super Attitude
-------------------------------------------------
- By Brian Tracy
Decide How To React
It is not what happens to you that counts. It is how you react to what happens to you, especially when you have unexpected problems of any kind.
In this newsletter, you learn powerful strategies you can use to keep yourself thinking and acting positively and creatively.
Here are four things you can do to assure that your attitude is the very best it can be, under all circumstances.
Focus On The Future
First, whatever challenges you face, focus on the future rather than on the past. Instead of worrying about who did what and who is to blame, focus on where you want to be and what you want to do. Get a clear mental image of your ideal successful future, and then take whatever action you can to begin moving in that direction. Get your mind, your thoughts, and your mental images on the future.
Think About The Solution
Second, whenever you’re faced with a difficulty, focus on the solution rather than on the problem. Think and talk about the ideal solution to the obstacle or setback, rather than wasting time rehashing and reflecting on the problem. Solutions are inherently positive, whereas problems are inherently negative. The instant that you begin thinking in terms of solutions, you become a positive and constructive human being.
Look For The Good
Third, assume that something good is hidden within each difficulty or challenge. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, a major proponent of positive thinking, once said, “Whenever God wants to give us a gift, he wraps it up in a problem.” The bigger the gift you have coming, the bigger the problem you will receive. But the wonderful thing is that if you look for the gift, you will always find it.
Seek The Valuable Lesson
Fourth, assume that whatever situation you are facing at the moment is exactly the right situation you need to ultimately be successful. This situation has been sent to you to help you learn something, to help you become better, to help you expand and grow.
Decide To Be Positive
A Positive Mental Attitude is indispensable to your success. You can be as positive as you want to be if you will simply think about the future, focus on the solution and look for the good. If you do what other successful people do, if you use your mind to exert mental control over the situation, you will be positive and cheerful most of the time. And you will reap the benefits enjoyed by all successful people.
Action Exercises
Here are three steps you can take immediately to put these ideas into action:
First, become solution-oriented with every difficulty you face. Make a habit of looking for the answers to your questions, the solutions to your problems.
Second, seek for the valuable lesson in every adversity. Make a list of every idea or insight you can gain from every setback or difficulty.
Third, think on paper. Take some time to write out every detail of the problem, and then take the most logical next step to solve it.
About the author:
Brian Tracy is a best selling author of several self help books. He gives lectures, does consulting for personal development, and he is also the most listened to audio author on personal and business success in the world today. His fast-moving talks and seminars on leadership, sales, managerial effectiveness and business strategy are loaded with powerful, proven ideas and strategies that people can immediately apply to get better results in every area. For more info go to his web site at http://www.briantracy.com.
- By Brian Tracy
Decide How To React
It is not what happens to you that counts. It is how you react to what happens to you, especially when you have unexpected problems of any kind.
In this newsletter, you learn powerful strategies you can use to keep yourself thinking and acting positively and creatively.
Here are four things you can do to assure that your attitude is the very best it can be, under all circumstances.
Focus On The Future
First, whatever challenges you face, focus on the future rather than on the past. Instead of worrying about who did what and who is to blame, focus on where you want to be and what you want to do. Get a clear mental image of your ideal successful future, and then take whatever action you can to begin moving in that direction. Get your mind, your thoughts, and your mental images on the future.
Think About The Solution
Second, whenever you’re faced with a difficulty, focus on the solution rather than on the problem. Think and talk about the ideal solution to the obstacle or setback, rather than wasting time rehashing and reflecting on the problem. Solutions are inherently positive, whereas problems are inherently negative. The instant that you begin thinking in terms of solutions, you become a positive and constructive human being.
Look For The Good
Third, assume that something good is hidden within each difficulty or challenge. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, a major proponent of positive thinking, once said, “Whenever God wants to give us a gift, he wraps it up in a problem.” The bigger the gift you have coming, the bigger the problem you will receive. But the wonderful thing is that if you look for the gift, you will always find it.
Seek The Valuable Lesson
Fourth, assume that whatever situation you are facing at the moment is exactly the right situation you need to ultimately be successful. This situation has been sent to you to help you learn something, to help you become better, to help you expand and grow.
Decide To Be Positive
A Positive Mental Attitude is indispensable to your success. You can be as positive as you want to be if you will simply think about the future, focus on the solution and look for the good. If you do what other successful people do, if you use your mind to exert mental control over the situation, you will be positive and cheerful most of the time. And you will reap the benefits enjoyed by all successful people.
Action Exercises
Here are three steps you can take immediately to put these ideas into action:
First, become solution-oriented with every difficulty you face. Make a habit of looking for the answers to your questions, the solutions to your problems.
Second, seek for the valuable lesson in every adversity. Make a list of every idea or insight you can gain from every setback or difficulty.
Third, think on paper. Take some time to write out every detail of the problem, and then take the most logical next step to solve it.
About the author:
Brian Tracy is a best selling author of several self help books. He gives lectures, does consulting for personal development, and he is also the most listened to audio author on personal and business success in the world today. His fast-moving talks and seminars on leadership, sales, managerial effectiveness and business strategy are loaded with powerful, proven ideas and strategies that people can immediately apply to get better results in every area. For more info go to his web site at http://www.briantracy.com.
IT'S ALWAYS A GOOD TIME TO CHANGE
------------------------------------------------
The first step toward getting somewhere is to decide that you're not going to stay where you are.
You're a product of your environment. So choose an environment that will best develop you toward your goals.
Analyze your life in terms of your environment. Are the things around you helping you toward your success or are they holding you back?
Your world today is a living expression of how you are using and have used your mind. It's something that you can change at any time.
You don't have to remain a captive of your environment. Don't say "If I could change, I would change," say "I can change, and I will change."
©2005 by Max Steingart
The first step toward getting somewhere is to decide that you're not going to stay where you are.
You're a product of your environment. So choose an environment that will best develop you toward your goals.
Analyze your life in terms of your environment. Are the things around you helping you toward your success or are they holding you back?
Your world today is a living expression of how you are using and have used your mind. It's something that you can change at any time.
You don't have to remain a captive of your environment. Don't say "If I could change, I would change," say "I can change, and I will change."
©2005 by Max Steingart
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Evolution Of The Soul
-------------------------------------------------
Life Lessons Through Reincarnation
You meet someone for the first time and feel as if you know them already. You're in a town that you've never been to before, yet you recognize streets and buildings. You start playing a new sport and amaze everyone, including yourself, at your natural abilities and intuitive knowing of the rules. We often describe such experiences as déjà vu: the experience or feeling that a new situation has happened to us before. Then again, the possibility does exist that we have actually lived these experiences in the past or, rather, in another lifetime.
Many spiritual practices believe that reincarnation is real: Our souls return to this earth over a series of lifetimes to evolve, learn, grow, transform, and become more spiritually attuned through the course of each life. When we reincarnate, it is believed that we tend to cycle through our different lives with many of the same people. Often these traveling "soul" companions are the ones we enter into relationships with; we work through our unresolved issues together so that we may heal. When we struggle or keep encountering blocks that keep us from reaching our goals, there may be a specific lesson that we are supposed to learn in this lifetime. Being naturally blessed with a musical talent or another gift can be a special ability that you worked hard to develop in a past life. You may even have lived before as another gender or as part of a different social or economic class. Each lifetime brings with it specific lessons that are necessary for our spiritual evolution.
Past life recall can give us valuable insights into our past, present, and future lives. The knowledge of how we lived before can help us overcome present obstacles, understand phobias, and resolve relationship issues. There are workshops you can take to learn about past lives, and past life regression therapists can guide you on your journey backward in time. You can learn to visit your past lives through your dreams, meditation, and trance work. It is even possible to see full scenes of a former lifetime flash before you in your mind's eye as if you were watching a movie. While looking back at your past lives can be exciting and enlightening, it is important to remember that the answers you are seeking to this life can only truly be found by living this one. Look to your past to see where you've been, but remember that the life that matters most is the one that you are living now.
What do you think?
Life Lessons Through Reincarnation
You meet someone for the first time and feel as if you know them already. You're in a town that you've never been to before, yet you recognize streets and buildings. You start playing a new sport and amaze everyone, including yourself, at your natural abilities and intuitive knowing of the rules. We often describe such experiences as déjà vu: the experience or feeling that a new situation has happened to us before. Then again, the possibility does exist that we have actually lived these experiences in the past or, rather, in another lifetime.
Many spiritual practices believe that reincarnation is real: Our souls return to this earth over a series of lifetimes to evolve, learn, grow, transform, and become more spiritually attuned through the course of each life. When we reincarnate, it is believed that we tend to cycle through our different lives with many of the same people. Often these traveling "soul" companions are the ones we enter into relationships with; we work through our unresolved issues together so that we may heal. When we struggle or keep encountering blocks that keep us from reaching our goals, there may be a specific lesson that we are supposed to learn in this lifetime. Being naturally blessed with a musical talent or another gift can be a special ability that you worked hard to develop in a past life. You may even have lived before as another gender or as part of a different social or economic class. Each lifetime brings with it specific lessons that are necessary for our spiritual evolution.
Past life recall can give us valuable insights into our past, present, and future lives. The knowledge of how we lived before can help us overcome present obstacles, understand phobias, and resolve relationship issues. There are workshops you can take to learn about past lives, and past life regression therapists can guide you on your journey backward in time. You can learn to visit your past lives through your dreams, meditation, and trance work. It is even possible to see full scenes of a former lifetime flash before you in your mind's eye as if you were watching a movie. While looking back at your past lives can be exciting and enlightening, it is important to remember that the answers you are seeking to this life can only truly be found by living this one. Look to your past to see where you've been, but remember that the life that matters most is the one that you are living now.
What do you think?
The 12 Gifts of Christmas - Today & Every Day
----------------------------------------------------
– By Michael Norwood
There is a great mystery about the deeper meaning of the well-known Christmas carol, “The 12 Days of Christmas.”
Many believe the 12 Gifts described in the song (ie. a partridge in a pear tree) are just nonsensical lyrics made up for children.
Others believe these Gifts contain hidden meaning about the essence of faith.
No one but the long-ago deceased writer of the song will ever know.
My personal belief is that everything in the universe has layers of hidden meaning, whether we intend it as such or not.
And when we can begin to harvest that secrët significance, whether it is the same for two different people or not, life becomes infinitely richer.
The following are descriptions of a new set of “12 Gifts of Christmas” – something I also call “The 12 Gifts of Life.”
Whatever you choose to call them, their significance lies in how they can empower you to discover ever more joy and abundance, and to overcome your greatest challenges.
Herë is a summary of these 12 beautiful Gifts:
Gift 1 – Insight
Rather than constantly looking for happiness “outside” yourself from others and from material things, life and your challenges compel you to look “inward.” Both strength and joy are found when you develop this “Insight” to see beyond the surface of things. And thrillingly, you find answers to questïons that have up to nöw perplexed you, whether you are looking for ways to mend a relationship, overcome failure, or achieve financïal freedom.
Gift 2 – Proportion
The bïgger your challenges, the greater you receive this Gift. The Gift of Proportion allows you to weigh all of your future ups and downs against the scales of what you already have faced. As such, life becomes much “easier.” Everyday obstacles become not nearly so daunting. Spiritual peace and financial wealth are two results from this beautiful Gift. After all, the richest of us are those who prove hardiest in triumphing over our greatest challenges.
Gift 3 – Dignity
We often spend so much time in fear of what other people think. Gift 3 of Dignity allows you to use your challenges to keep your head raised with the knowingness of your own integrity; to keep walking forward to become a model of grace under pressure; and to keep on walking, one step at a time, out of the depths of surviving to the heights of joy-filled thriving.
Gift 4 – Forgiveness
Inability to forgive yourself makes you a prisoner of your own life. As humans, we are far from perfect. Our mission is to move forward based on the lessons we learn from our big and small mistakes. When you can’t forgive yourself, you find it easy to not forgive others as well. You subconsciously make those you can’t forgive your fellow inmates, and your self-created isolating iron bars close in ever tighter around you. Yet, with the simple sometimes unspoken words to yourself or to another, “I forgive you,” a doorway is opened that avails a grace that lightens your days and illuminates your path.
Gift 5 – Faith
Wise men say there are only two emotions in the universe - love and fear. All other emotions are birthed from one of these two. So why is Faith so important and powerful for you and me? Faith is the “bridge” between your greatest fears and your highest love. Faith is the path you choose to transform tragedy into triumph, grief into grace and mistakes into steppingstones to the highest wealth. Faith in a better tomorrow is the spark that ignites you to keep taking your next step to that distant
light. And, finally, Faith is the key that opens your own heart to let the grace of God shine through your eyes.
Gift 6 – Humor
A wise friend once told me, “Humor is a förm of religion.” As shocking as this statement was at first, when I looked deeper, I realized he was right. Humor when appropriately used, can be the greatest of all Gifts. Like Gift 5 of Faith, it can be used to lift us up from our fears. Like Gift 4 of Forgiveness, it can provide the shift we need to frëe ourselves from our egos and our need to be right. And similar to Gift 3 of Dignity, it can raise us up from our greatest falls to laugh at ourselves and with others so we can continue on taking our next steps to a brighter tomorrow.
Gift 7 – Acceptance
We, as human beings, are powerful beyond our imaginations to shape our world and mold our destinies. Yet, the challenge is always recognizing what we can and can’t change. Gift 7 of Acceptance allows us to know when we need to go around an obstacle instead of through it. Its whispers provide us peace by letting us know that which is best left for another day. And its light keeps us from the shadows, illuminating the path where our Highest Power deems we will best serve and be served.
Gift 8 – Discomfort
This is the strangest of all the Gifts. And yet, it is in a certain way the most beautiful one. The Gift of Discomfort shows how the universe can be a paradox – how that which we seek to avoid, discomfort, is in truth that which guides us. It shows us when we are moving away from where we should be, whether that means with another person, in another conversation or on another path. Ignore this Gift’s signals, and see how quickly largër signals appear in the förm of conflict and adversity. Begin heeding all this Gift offers, and witness how your life slowly begins to be filled with ever greater peace and wealth.
Gift 9 – Silence
Our days are filled with so much activity and noise, it often drowns out our deepest nature. That nature, found in our silences, replenishes us and returns us back to a comfort in our own skins and a oneness with the rest of the world. And yet, why is it we are so drawn to the attractions of the latest toy ... the noise of the loudest hawker ... the charms of the most alluring seductïon? Can it not be that an occasional closing of our eyes and quieting of our minds can attune us to a richness around us and a love inside of us that monëy can nevër buy? And if so, why should we ignore for even one day longer that which costs not a cent, and yet delivers the greatest of all riches?
Gift 10 – Presence
The sister of Gift 9 of Silence is Gift 10 of Presence. When we have silence inside, we become Present to all that is available outside. This means being present to opportunities we otherwise may miss from being too preoccupied. This includes the momentary window a chance phrase gives us to reconnect with someone with whom we may be at odds. Likewise, it means enjoying something as simple as the daily setting sun – so easy to ignore yet so nourishing to our souls.
The Gifts of Life are all around us. It is our Gift of Presence that allows us to receive them.
Gift 11 – Giving
The Gift of Giving affirms our oneness with the universe; how we are part of a greater cycle where we receive in ever greater abundance along the continuum of our Giving. This Giving does not mean only of our possessions. It includes the frëe sharing of our smiles, our laughter, our words of comfort and our gestures of kindness. Rather than seeking to hold and contain, The Gift of Giving asks you to be a vessel where love, music and monëy continually flows to you as it flows through you.
Gift 12 – Grace
The sum total of being open to all the Gifts of Life results in living a life of Grace. This Gift manifests with the simple joy and abundance nevër farther away than the celebration of the person in front of you, the enjoyment of the silence inside you, and the excitement from the horizon always within your sight. It doesn’t take much, but it does take vigilance. Open your eyes and allow The 12 Gifts of Life and of Christmas to cut through the shifting shadows of all which may distract you. Therein you’ll find a life of grace filled with all 12 Gifts and many more.
About the Author:
Dr. Michael Norwood is the best-selling author of "The 9 Insights of the Wealthy Soul," a story in which he first revealed "The 12 Gifts of Life." The book has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and has been hailed by the producer from Touched by and Angel and 3 NY Times bestselling authors. You can read his book and receive his "12 Gifts of Life" movies for frëe at http://snipurl.com/9hut
– By Michael Norwood
There is a great mystery about the deeper meaning of the well-known Christmas carol, “The 12 Days of Christmas.”
Many believe the 12 Gifts described in the song (ie. a partridge in a pear tree) are just nonsensical lyrics made up for children.
Others believe these Gifts contain hidden meaning about the essence of faith.
No one but the long-ago deceased writer of the song will ever know.
My personal belief is that everything in the universe has layers of hidden meaning, whether we intend it as such or not.
And when we can begin to harvest that secrët significance, whether it is the same for two different people or not, life becomes infinitely richer.
The following are descriptions of a new set of “12 Gifts of Christmas” – something I also call “The 12 Gifts of Life.”
Whatever you choose to call them, their significance lies in how they can empower you to discover ever more joy and abundance, and to overcome your greatest challenges.
Herë is a summary of these 12 beautiful Gifts:
Gift 1 – Insight
Rather than constantly looking for happiness “outside” yourself from others and from material things, life and your challenges compel you to look “inward.” Both strength and joy are found when you develop this “Insight” to see beyond the surface of things. And thrillingly, you find answers to questïons that have up to nöw perplexed you, whether you are looking for ways to mend a relationship, overcome failure, or achieve financïal freedom.
Gift 2 – Proportion
The bïgger your challenges, the greater you receive this Gift. The Gift of Proportion allows you to weigh all of your future ups and downs against the scales of what you already have faced. As such, life becomes much “easier.” Everyday obstacles become not nearly so daunting. Spiritual peace and financial wealth are two results from this beautiful Gift. After all, the richest of us are those who prove hardiest in triumphing over our greatest challenges.
Gift 3 – Dignity
We often spend so much time in fear of what other people think. Gift 3 of Dignity allows you to use your challenges to keep your head raised with the knowingness of your own integrity; to keep walking forward to become a model of grace under pressure; and to keep on walking, one step at a time, out of the depths of surviving to the heights of joy-filled thriving.
Gift 4 – Forgiveness
Inability to forgive yourself makes you a prisoner of your own life. As humans, we are far from perfect. Our mission is to move forward based on the lessons we learn from our big and small mistakes. When you can’t forgive yourself, you find it easy to not forgive others as well. You subconsciously make those you can’t forgive your fellow inmates, and your self-created isolating iron bars close in ever tighter around you. Yet, with the simple sometimes unspoken words to yourself or to another, “I forgive you,” a doorway is opened that avails a grace that lightens your days and illuminates your path.
Gift 5 – Faith
Wise men say there are only two emotions in the universe - love and fear. All other emotions are birthed from one of these two. So why is Faith so important and powerful for you and me? Faith is the “bridge” between your greatest fears and your highest love. Faith is the path you choose to transform tragedy into triumph, grief into grace and mistakes into steppingstones to the highest wealth. Faith in a better tomorrow is the spark that ignites you to keep taking your next step to that distant
light. And, finally, Faith is the key that opens your own heart to let the grace of God shine through your eyes.
Gift 6 – Humor
A wise friend once told me, “Humor is a förm of religion.” As shocking as this statement was at first, when I looked deeper, I realized he was right. Humor when appropriately used, can be the greatest of all Gifts. Like Gift 5 of Faith, it can be used to lift us up from our fears. Like Gift 4 of Forgiveness, it can provide the shift we need to frëe ourselves from our egos and our need to be right. And similar to Gift 3 of Dignity, it can raise us up from our greatest falls to laugh at ourselves and with others so we can continue on taking our next steps to a brighter tomorrow.
Gift 7 – Acceptance
We, as human beings, are powerful beyond our imaginations to shape our world and mold our destinies. Yet, the challenge is always recognizing what we can and can’t change. Gift 7 of Acceptance allows us to know when we need to go around an obstacle instead of through it. Its whispers provide us peace by letting us know that which is best left for another day. And its light keeps us from the shadows, illuminating the path where our Highest Power deems we will best serve and be served.
Gift 8 – Discomfort
This is the strangest of all the Gifts. And yet, it is in a certain way the most beautiful one. The Gift of Discomfort shows how the universe can be a paradox – how that which we seek to avoid, discomfort, is in truth that which guides us. It shows us when we are moving away from where we should be, whether that means with another person, in another conversation or on another path. Ignore this Gift’s signals, and see how quickly largër signals appear in the förm of conflict and adversity. Begin heeding all this Gift offers, and witness how your life slowly begins to be filled with ever greater peace and wealth.
Gift 9 – Silence
Our days are filled with so much activity and noise, it often drowns out our deepest nature. That nature, found in our silences, replenishes us and returns us back to a comfort in our own skins and a oneness with the rest of the world. And yet, why is it we are so drawn to the attractions of the latest toy ... the noise of the loudest hawker ... the charms of the most alluring seductïon? Can it not be that an occasional closing of our eyes and quieting of our minds can attune us to a richness around us and a love inside of us that monëy can nevër buy? And if so, why should we ignore for even one day longer that which costs not a cent, and yet delivers the greatest of all riches?
Gift 10 – Presence
The sister of Gift 9 of Silence is Gift 10 of Presence. When we have silence inside, we become Present to all that is available outside. This means being present to opportunities we otherwise may miss from being too preoccupied. This includes the momentary window a chance phrase gives us to reconnect with someone with whom we may be at odds. Likewise, it means enjoying something as simple as the daily setting sun – so easy to ignore yet so nourishing to our souls.
The Gifts of Life are all around us. It is our Gift of Presence that allows us to receive them.
Gift 11 – Giving
The Gift of Giving affirms our oneness with the universe; how we are part of a greater cycle where we receive in ever greater abundance along the continuum of our Giving. This Giving does not mean only of our possessions. It includes the frëe sharing of our smiles, our laughter, our words of comfort and our gestures of kindness. Rather than seeking to hold and contain, The Gift of Giving asks you to be a vessel where love, music and monëy continually flows to you as it flows through you.
Gift 12 – Grace
The sum total of being open to all the Gifts of Life results in living a life of Grace. This Gift manifests with the simple joy and abundance nevër farther away than the celebration of the person in front of you, the enjoyment of the silence inside you, and the excitement from the horizon always within your sight. It doesn’t take much, but it does take vigilance. Open your eyes and allow The 12 Gifts of Life and of Christmas to cut through the shifting shadows of all which may distract you. Therein you’ll find a life of grace filled with all 12 Gifts and many more.
About the Author:
Dr. Michael Norwood is the best-selling author of "The 9 Insights of the Wealthy Soul," a story in which he first revealed "The 12 Gifts of Life." The book has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and has been hailed by the producer from Touched by and Angel and 3 NY Times bestselling authors. You can read his book and receive his "12 Gifts of Life" movies for frëe at http://snipurl.com/9hut
NEVER SAY NEVER
NEVER SAY NEVER
--------------------------------------------------
There is no such thing as no chance. Don't think about the things you can't do. Think about the things you can do.
No matter what the level of your ability is, you have more potential than you can ever develop in a lifetime.
You have powers you never dreamed of. You can do things you never thought you could do. There are no limitations to what you can do except the limitations of your own mind.
Your range of available choices right now is limitless. Look at things as they can be.
©2005 by Max Steingart
--------------------------------------------------
There is no such thing as no chance. Don't think about the things you can't do. Think about the things you can do.
No matter what the level of your ability is, you have more potential than you can ever develop in a lifetime.
You have powers you never dreamed of. You can do things you never thought you could do. There are no limitations to what you can do except the limitations of your own mind.
Your range of available choices right now is limitless. Look at things as they can be.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
In All Kinds Of Weather
-------------------------------------------------
Being Happy For Friends
When we are close friends with someone, we intuitively know when they need a hug, a helping hand, or a sympathetic ear. Likewise, when we are going through bleak periods in our lives, we count on friends to support us through loss, illness, and other setbacks, both big and small. And while part of being a good friend means being there when the other person needs us, it is just as important to be there for our friends so we can share in their joyous celebrations and triumphs.
After all, who else would our friends want to celebrate their promotions, graduations, marriages, and good news with than their loved ones and good friends. Yet depending on what is happening in our lives, it can sometimes be difficult to be there for our friends during the good times. We can become so busy with our own lives that we forget to make time. Or, we may be so focused on our own problems that we may not feel like celebrating with our friends. We may even take their joyful moments for granted, assuming that as long as we're there for our friends during the bad times that we are doing our jobs. Yet part of being a true friend means also being there during the good times. Success and happiness can feel empty without someone to share them with, and who better to join in our victory dances than our good friends.
Taking the time from our busy lives to honor our friends' happy moments is a wonderful way to show them that they matter. And in many ways, by wanting you around during their happy occasions, your friends are also honoring you. After all, it is the people we cherish that we want around us to sing at our birthdays, visit our newborn babies, and pop open that bottle of champagne with when we reach a milestone moment. The next time a friend wants you to be there to celebrate with them, remember to feel honored that they thought of asking you. Together, you can celebrate their happiness and your rich friendship.
What do you think?
Being Happy For Friends
When we are close friends with someone, we intuitively know when they need a hug, a helping hand, or a sympathetic ear. Likewise, when we are going through bleak periods in our lives, we count on friends to support us through loss, illness, and other setbacks, both big and small. And while part of being a good friend means being there when the other person needs us, it is just as important to be there for our friends so we can share in their joyous celebrations and triumphs.
After all, who else would our friends want to celebrate their promotions, graduations, marriages, and good news with than their loved ones and good friends. Yet depending on what is happening in our lives, it can sometimes be difficult to be there for our friends during the good times. We can become so busy with our own lives that we forget to make time. Or, we may be so focused on our own problems that we may not feel like celebrating with our friends. We may even take their joyful moments for granted, assuming that as long as we're there for our friends during the bad times that we are doing our jobs. Yet part of being a true friend means also being there during the good times. Success and happiness can feel empty without someone to share them with, and who better to join in our victory dances than our good friends.
Taking the time from our busy lives to honor our friends' happy moments is a wonderful way to show them that they matter. And in many ways, by wanting you around during their happy occasions, your friends are also honoring you. After all, it is the people we cherish that we want around us to sing at our birthdays, visit our newborn babies, and pop open that bottle of champagne with when we reach a milestone moment. The next time a friend wants you to be there to celebrate with them, remember to feel honored that they thought of asking you. Together, you can celebrate their happiness and your rich friendship.
What do you think?
Daily Planning
----------------------------------------------------
– By Dr. Donald E. Wetmore
A poet once said, "The most powerful time is when you are alone, thinking about what you are to do rather than the doing itself." You've been reminded many times, "A stitch in time saves nine." Daily Planning is the time you ought to set aside each evening to plan out and take control over the most precious resource at your command, the next twenty-four hours. Done correctly, Daily Planning is not an expense that will cost you time but an ïnvestment that will pay you back many times over the time invested.
Herë are four important steps to follow each day during your Daily Planning time.
1. Create a To Do list of everything you "have to" do and everything you "want to" do during the next day. If you want to manage it, you have to measure it first. Add action steps to take care of your commitments and responsibilities, but also include other action items to help you to balance your life more effectively and achieve more of your goals in each of your Seven Vital Areas: health, family, financial, intellectual, social, professional, and spiritual.
2. Review every item on your To Do list and ask yourself three questïons with regard to each of item:
a. "Is this the best use of my time?" If it is, plan to do it. If it isn't, try to figure out a way to delegate it.
b. "Is there a better or more efficient way of handling or completing this item?" For example, combining telephone calls and making them all together.
c. "Is there anything I can do in advance to prepare for this task?" Do you need supplies or information from another to get it done?
Most of the time I cannot delegate my tasks, find a better way to do it, or do anything to better prepare for it, but I can always find a few ways to improve. Whatever those improvements are, add them to your To Do list as action items
3. Review any Appointments and Scheduled events you have planned for the next day and ask yourself the same three questïons you asked in step #2 above. As you review each commitment, determine if it is the best use of your time. Maybe you are scheduled to attend a meeting that has little value to you. Try to get excused. See if there is a better way to handle each commitment. For example, instead of actually meeting with someone, are you able to fax, email, or call that person instead? Can you do anything to better prepare for it? If you have a doctor's appointment, are there questïons you can write down to ask the doctor. Whatever these improvements are, add them to your To Do list as actions items.
4. Prioritize your To Do list. Place the number "1" next to the most important item on your list. Place the number "2" next to the second most important item. Continue prioritizing the entire list. You nöw have a To Do list of all the items you "have to" do, but more importantly, all the items you "want to" do, including action items to help you achieve your goals and better life balance, and make your appointments and scheduled events and To Do list items flow more smoothly.
The process of Daily Planning will save you more time in the long run than what you spend to do it and will increase your daily productivity each day.
My article, "Crucial v Not Crucial," will help you to easily identify what you really need to get done in your day to increase your productivity. It's frëe. To get yours nöw, email your request for: "crucial" to: mailto:ctsem@msn.com
About the Author:
Dr. Donald E. Wetmore has been a full-time Professional Speaker for the last 20 years having made over 2,000 presentations to audiences from around the globe. He is available to conduct his dynamic Time Management Seminars at your location helping your people get more done in less time, with less stress. For more information, contact Don via email at: ctsem@msn.com or call him at: (203) 929-9902. Also, sign up for his frëe Time Management Discussion List. Just go to http://www.topica.com/lists/timemanagement and select "subscribe."
– By Dr. Donald E. Wetmore
A poet once said, "The most powerful time is when you are alone, thinking about what you are to do rather than the doing itself." You've been reminded many times, "A stitch in time saves nine." Daily Planning is the time you ought to set aside each evening to plan out and take control over the most precious resource at your command, the next twenty-four hours. Done correctly, Daily Planning is not an expense that will cost you time but an ïnvestment that will pay you back many times over the time invested.
Herë are four important steps to follow each day during your Daily Planning time.
1. Create a To Do list of everything you "have to" do and everything you "want to" do during the next day. If you want to manage it, you have to measure it first. Add action steps to take care of your commitments and responsibilities, but also include other action items to help you to balance your life more effectively and achieve more of your goals in each of your Seven Vital Areas: health, family, financial, intellectual, social, professional, and spiritual.
2. Review every item on your To Do list and ask yourself three questïons with regard to each of item:
a. "Is this the best use of my time?" If it is, plan to do it. If it isn't, try to figure out a way to delegate it.
b. "Is there a better or more efficient way of handling or completing this item?" For example, combining telephone calls and making them all together.
c. "Is there anything I can do in advance to prepare for this task?" Do you need supplies or information from another to get it done?
Most of the time I cannot delegate my tasks, find a better way to do it, or do anything to better prepare for it, but I can always find a few ways to improve. Whatever those improvements are, add them to your To Do list as action items
3. Review any Appointments and Scheduled events you have planned for the next day and ask yourself the same three questïons you asked in step #2 above. As you review each commitment, determine if it is the best use of your time. Maybe you are scheduled to attend a meeting that has little value to you. Try to get excused. See if there is a better way to handle each commitment. For example, instead of actually meeting with someone, are you able to fax, email, or call that person instead? Can you do anything to better prepare for it? If you have a doctor's appointment, are there questïons you can write down to ask the doctor. Whatever these improvements are, add them to your To Do list as actions items.
4. Prioritize your To Do list. Place the number "1" next to the most important item on your list. Place the number "2" next to the second most important item. Continue prioritizing the entire list. You nöw have a To Do list of all the items you "have to" do, but more importantly, all the items you "want to" do, including action items to help you achieve your goals and better life balance, and make your appointments and scheduled events and To Do list items flow more smoothly.
The process of Daily Planning will save you more time in the long run than what you spend to do it and will increase your daily productivity each day.
My article, "Crucial v Not Crucial," will help you to easily identify what you really need to get done in your day to increase your productivity. It's frëe. To get yours nöw, email your request for: "crucial" to: mailto:ctsem@msn.com
About the Author:
Dr. Donald E. Wetmore has been a full-time Professional Speaker for the last 20 years having made over 2,000 presentations to audiences from around the globe. He is available to conduct his dynamic Time Management Seminars at your location helping your people get more done in less time, with less stress. For more information, contact Don via email at: ctsem@msn.com or call him at: (203) 929-9902. Also, sign up for his frëe Time Management Discussion List. Just go to http://www.topica.com/lists/timemanagement and select "subscribe."
RICHES LIE WITHIN YOU
------------------------------------------------
Wealth without enjoyment is little consolation. Your real riches in life are riches of the head and heart. Satisfaction comes when you appreciate what you have.
While success is getting what you want, true happiness is wanting what you get.
It's not how much you have, but how much you enjoy that truly matters. Riches lie within you, not in your material possessions.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Wealth without enjoyment is little consolation. Your real riches in life are riches of the head and heart. Satisfaction comes when you appreciate what you have.
While success is getting what you want, true happiness is wanting what you get.
It's not how much you have, but how much you enjoy that truly matters. Riches lie within you, not in your material possessions.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Monday, November 14, 2005
Stepping Into Consciousness
-------------------------------------------------
Being Aware
Life is a journey comprised of many steps on our personal path that takes us down a winding road of constant evolution. And each day, we are provided with a myriad of opportunities that can allow us to transform into our next best selves. One moment we are presented with an opportunity to react differently when yet another someone in our life rubs us the wrong way; on another day we may find ourselves wanting to walk away from a particular circumstance but are not sure if we can. Eventually, we may find ourselves stuck in a rut that we can never seem to get out of. We may even make the same choices over and over again because we don't know how to choose otherwise. Rather than moving us forward, our personal paths may take us in a seemingly never-ending circle where our actions and choices lead us nowhere but to where we've already been. It is during these moments that awareness can be the first step to change.
Awareness is when we are able to realize what we are doing. We observe ourselves, noticing our reactions, actions, and choices as if we were a detached viewer. Awareness is the first step to change because we can't make a change unless we are aware that one needs to be made in the first place. We can then begin understanding why we are doing what we are doing. Afterward, it becomes difficult not to change because we are no longer asleep to the truth behind our behaviors. We also begin to realize that, just as much as we are the root source behind the causes for our behaviors, we are also the originator for any changes that we want to happen.
There is a freedom that comes with awareness. Rather than thinking that we are stuck in a repetitive cycle where there is no escape, we begin to see that we very much play a hand in creating our lives. Whether we are aware of them or not, our behaviors and choices are always ours to make. Our past and our present no longer have to dictate our future when we choose to be aware. We are then free to move beyond our old limits, make new choices, and take new actions. With awareness, our paths can't help but wind us forward in our lives while paving the way for new experiences and new ways of being. It is through awareness that we can continue to consciously evolve.
What do you think?
Being Aware
Life is a journey comprised of many steps on our personal path that takes us down a winding road of constant evolution. And each day, we are provided with a myriad of opportunities that can allow us to transform into our next best selves. One moment we are presented with an opportunity to react differently when yet another someone in our life rubs us the wrong way; on another day we may find ourselves wanting to walk away from a particular circumstance but are not sure if we can. Eventually, we may find ourselves stuck in a rut that we can never seem to get out of. We may even make the same choices over and over again because we don't know how to choose otherwise. Rather than moving us forward, our personal paths may take us in a seemingly never-ending circle where our actions and choices lead us nowhere but to where we've already been. It is during these moments that awareness can be the first step to change.
Awareness is when we are able to realize what we are doing. We observe ourselves, noticing our reactions, actions, and choices as if we were a detached viewer. Awareness is the first step to change because we can't make a change unless we are aware that one needs to be made in the first place. We can then begin understanding why we are doing what we are doing. Afterward, it becomes difficult not to change because we are no longer asleep to the truth behind our behaviors. We also begin to realize that, just as much as we are the root source behind the causes for our behaviors, we are also the originator for any changes that we want to happen.
There is a freedom that comes with awareness. Rather than thinking that we are stuck in a repetitive cycle where there is no escape, we begin to see that we very much play a hand in creating our lives. Whether we are aware of them or not, our behaviors and choices are always ours to make. Our past and our present no longer have to dictate our future when we choose to be aware. We are then free to move beyond our old limits, make new choices, and take new actions. With awareness, our paths can't help but wind us forward in our lives while paving the way for new experiences and new ways of being. It is through awareness that we can continue to consciously evolve.
What do you think?
The Difference Between Good and Great
--------------------------------------------------
- By Suzanne Falter-Barns
Ever notice how some people have all the luck? They seem to attract clients and business effortlessly, and win awards without even trying. Even the media seems to seek them out.
So what makes THEM the anointed ones…. and not you?
The difference is passion.
Passion is what makes us get up in the morning, excited about what we're going to do. It's what pushes us through tasks we'd rather not do - and propels us through those that are ordinarily intimidating.
Passion is something bigger, too. It's a healing essence that makes whatever we do seem guided, and so very attractive to others. Things that are passionately created are truly magnetic - we all want a piece, so we, too, can be healed.
I first became aware of this on a speaking tour I did in Florida a few years back. At the time, I spoke at a New Age bookstore/tea salon in Key West, FL called Kindred Spirit.
This wasn't a 'must do' stop on the circuit of major bookstores; when the owners invited me to speak, they didn't even have a location yet for their store. Still, there was something about Kelly and Karen, the owners, which resonated with me when I met them at a conference.
They had a certain intensity, the air of women on a mission. It was clear they would have exactly the space they wanted, and it would be great. Not only that, I would do an event with them, and that would be great. The Powers That Be were clearly whispering in their ear.
When I got to Key West, my hunch was confirmed. Every inch of this store held things that were beautiful and unique, each artfully arranged. Karen had hand-painted fresh, original calligraphy on the walls, and they had composed their space so you could wander at will, finding treasures at every turn. There was even a tiny antechamber, beautifully decorated, where you could have a reading with a remarkable psychic. Lace-covered tea tables here and there waited for you to sit down, relax, and have superb cup of tea. The effect of being in Kindred Spirit was that my travel-jagged soul was immediately soothed. This store had the ability to heal people.
That healing comes from what some call "the essence". It's an immutable standard for your work that comes from within, a refusal to deliver less than exactly what your soul told you to create. And this takes considerable work.
When I met Karen and Kelly, they were coming off of weeks of 12-hour days putting the finishing touches on their store and holding their first event. They had that slightly insane, but critically important vision you get that pushes you forward, and forward, and forward, until you do create exactly what you want. They had passion, pure and simple.
And please note that such work is not just a non-stop string of blissed out moments of creativity. There are many when you just want to go home and climb into bed. There are just as many when you lie awake worrying. Still, there is something sacred and holy that pushes you forward, whether it be the 'essence' or your own hands-on interpretation of God or Spirit.
Not surprisingly, all of Key West turned out for my talk at Kindred Spirit; the event was electric! All, I say, because people wanted that healing at the heart of Karen and Kelly's hard work.
So how do you summon up the essence? For Karen and Kelly, it was just a matter of finding the courage to leave their jobs and follow their heart. And that's true for all of us. If you can listen to your inner voices, you'll find that back there behind the voices of doubt is your own private cheering squad.
They want you to go for the gusto and begin your dreams; they want you to live your dreams - and they'll make it more possible than you may believe. I say anyone can summon up their passion. First they have to find the courage to begin. Then they simply have to dig in and find that gift they're blessed with, and move on to share it with others.
May you be as moved as I've been by the healing work of all creators, great, small, famous and unknown, who are driven by nothing more than their desire to deliver what they feel. And may you discover the same within yourself.
- Suzanne Falter-Barns
For information on how to find the time, energy, and money to live your purpose in life, check out Suzanne's free ezine, The Joy Letter. Sign up at http://www.howmuchjoy.com/joyletter.html and receive our valuable report, 35 Guaranteed Time Savers. And find even more tips and tools at the Blast of Joy blog http://selfhelpsalon.typepad.com/blast_o_joy
- By Suzanne Falter-Barns
Ever notice how some people have all the luck? They seem to attract clients and business effortlessly, and win awards without even trying. Even the media seems to seek them out.
So what makes THEM the anointed ones…. and not you?
The difference is passion.
Passion is what makes us get up in the morning, excited about what we're going to do. It's what pushes us through tasks we'd rather not do - and propels us through those that are ordinarily intimidating.
Passion is something bigger, too. It's a healing essence that makes whatever we do seem guided, and so very attractive to others. Things that are passionately created are truly magnetic - we all want a piece, so we, too, can be healed.
I first became aware of this on a speaking tour I did in Florida a few years back. At the time, I spoke at a New Age bookstore/tea salon in Key West, FL called Kindred Spirit.
This wasn't a 'must do' stop on the circuit of major bookstores; when the owners invited me to speak, they didn't even have a location yet for their store. Still, there was something about Kelly and Karen, the owners, which resonated with me when I met them at a conference.
They had a certain intensity, the air of women on a mission. It was clear they would have exactly the space they wanted, and it would be great. Not only that, I would do an event with them, and that would be great. The Powers That Be were clearly whispering in their ear.
When I got to Key West, my hunch was confirmed. Every inch of this store held things that were beautiful and unique, each artfully arranged. Karen had hand-painted fresh, original calligraphy on the walls, and they had composed their space so you could wander at will, finding treasures at every turn. There was even a tiny antechamber, beautifully decorated, where you could have a reading with a remarkable psychic. Lace-covered tea tables here and there waited for you to sit down, relax, and have superb cup of tea. The effect of being in Kindred Spirit was that my travel-jagged soul was immediately soothed. This store had the ability to heal people.
That healing comes from what some call "the essence". It's an immutable standard for your work that comes from within, a refusal to deliver less than exactly what your soul told you to create. And this takes considerable work.
When I met Karen and Kelly, they were coming off of weeks of 12-hour days putting the finishing touches on their store and holding their first event. They had that slightly insane, but critically important vision you get that pushes you forward, and forward, and forward, until you do create exactly what you want. They had passion, pure and simple.
And please note that such work is not just a non-stop string of blissed out moments of creativity. There are many when you just want to go home and climb into bed. There are just as many when you lie awake worrying. Still, there is something sacred and holy that pushes you forward, whether it be the 'essence' or your own hands-on interpretation of God or Spirit.
Not surprisingly, all of Key West turned out for my talk at Kindred Spirit; the event was electric! All, I say, because people wanted that healing at the heart of Karen and Kelly's hard work.
So how do you summon up the essence? For Karen and Kelly, it was just a matter of finding the courage to leave their jobs and follow their heart. And that's true for all of us. If you can listen to your inner voices, you'll find that back there behind the voices of doubt is your own private cheering squad.
They want you to go for the gusto and begin your dreams; they want you to live your dreams - and they'll make it more possible than you may believe. I say anyone can summon up their passion. First they have to find the courage to begin. Then they simply have to dig in and find that gift they're blessed with, and move on to share it with others.
May you be as moved as I've been by the healing work of all creators, great, small, famous and unknown, who are driven by nothing more than their desire to deliver what they feel. And may you discover the same within yourself.
- Suzanne Falter-Barns
For information on how to find the time, energy, and money to live your purpose in life, check out Suzanne's free ezine, The Joy Letter. Sign up at http://www.howmuchjoy.com/joyletter.html and receive our valuable report, 35 Guaranteed Time Savers. And find even more tips and tools at the Blast of Joy blog http://selfhelpsalon.typepad.com/blast_o_joy
YOU MUST MAKE YOUR OWN OPPORTUNITIES
-------------------------------------------------
Your destiny isn't a matter of chance, it's a matter of the choices you make. Success isn't something you wait for, it's something you must pursue.
Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities to be successful. Seize common occasions and turn them into great ones. Opportunities sometimes come disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat.
Start where you are. You are, at this moment, standing right in the middle of opportunity.
If you act on your dreams you can live them.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Your destiny isn't a matter of chance, it's a matter of the choices you make. Success isn't something you wait for, it's something you must pursue.
Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities to be successful. Seize common occasions and turn them into great ones. Opportunities sometimes come disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat.
Start where you are. You are, at this moment, standing right in the middle of opportunity.
If you act on your dreams you can live them.
©2005 by Max Steingart
Friday, November 11, 2005
Beyond Words
-------------------------------------------------
Body Language
So much can be revealed to us when we listen to the language of our bodies. Our bodies are always speaking, sending us messages through the way we move, the sensations that arise from within, and the gestures and expressions that we make when we are communicating with others. Tuning in to the language of our bodies can be very enlightening, especially as most communication is believed to take place nonverbally. It is also believed that the body never lies, and that if we want to know the truth about ourselves and others, then we should listen to what our bodies have to say. Anyone who has ever flirted with someone they are attracted to has probably, at one point in time or another, brushed their hands through their hair or found themselves leaning forward to get closer to that person. Someone feeling defensive will tend to cross their arms over their chest, while a person who wants to withhold something may look away when speaking.
If you want to know how you truly feel about a person or a situation, then it is a good idea to tune in to what you are feeling inside. Excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and fear are just some of the messages that your body wants you to hear. Your body can also be a very reliable compass. Anyone who has ever been somewhere they don't want to be has probably experienced their bodies trying to move them away from that particular circumstance. And while it can be very easy to talk ourselves into and out of choices we may make with our minds, it isn't so easy to change the truth of our hearts that reside within our bodies.
To begin tuning in to this subtle form of communication, start taking the time to notice what your body is telling you. Greet each feeling or sensation as a message carrying wisdom from your body. Tune in to what your body is telling you about the situations and people you encounter and listen to what others are communicating to you through their bodies. We already are subconsciously receptive to the language of our bodies, but when we choose to consciously pay attention, we hear and understand so much more about ourselves and the people around us.
What do you think?
Body Language
So much can be revealed to us when we listen to the language of our bodies. Our bodies are always speaking, sending us messages through the way we move, the sensations that arise from within, and the gestures and expressions that we make when we are communicating with others. Tuning in to the language of our bodies can be very enlightening, especially as most communication is believed to take place nonverbally. It is also believed that the body never lies, and that if we want to know the truth about ourselves and others, then we should listen to what our bodies have to say. Anyone who has ever flirted with someone they are attracted to has probably, at one point in time or another, brushed their hands through their hair or found themselves leaning forward to get closer to that person. Someone feeling defensive will tend to cross their arms over their chest, while a person who wants to withhold something may look away when speaking.
If you want to know how you truly feel about a person or a situation, then it is a good idea to tune in to what you are feeling inside. Excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and fear are just some of the messages that your body wants you to hear. Your body can also be a very reliable compass. Anyone who has ever been somewhere they don't want to be has probably experienced their bodies trying to move them away from that particular circumstance. And while it can be very easy to talk ourselves into and out of choices we may make with our minds, it isn't so easy to change the truth of our hearts that reside within our bodies.
To begin tuning in to this subtle form of communication, start taking the time to notice what your body is telling you. Greet each feeling or sensation as a message carrying wisdom from your body. Tune in to what your body is telling you about the situations and people you encounter and listen to what others are communicating to you through their bodies. We already are subconsciously receptive to the language of our bodies, but when we choose to consciously pay attention, we hear and understand so much more about ourselves and the people around us.
What do you think?
Psychology of the Hero Soul
---------------------------------------------------
– By Sharif N. Khan
“Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyway.” – John Wayne
"Courage is the cliché hallmark attributed to the hero. I say cliché because people talk about courage as if it is some mysterious force only a hero is born with. Courage is a vague and fleeting concept for many people because they lack it themselves. People lack courage because they lack knowledge. They have no idea where the true source of courage comes from. Even worse, they don’t know it and continue to live in fear. As Socrates pointed out, 'People not only don’t know, but they don’t know that they don’t know.'
This is why so many people on earth live in fear. Fear of death. Fear of life. Fear of living their nightmares. And fear of living their dreams. Most people are followers because they lack self-confidence and live in constant fear. Anyone who is brave and can show them how to overcome fear, they follow and respect. But...anyone that reminds people of their own fear, they attack and abuse viciously! This is human nature in its lowest, animal form.
What is fear? Fear is the perception or misperception of the unknown. Perception of how we negatively view reality, but not reality itself. I once heard somewhere, a useful acronym for FEAR: False Evidence that Appears Real. The ‘false evidence’ being our own manufactured worries, doubts, and negative images often of events that haven’t even taken place yet. William Shakespeare understood this principal well when he said, 'Our doubts are traitors, and make us losë the good we oft might wïn, by fearing to attempt.'
The cause of fear is lack of knowledge. Therefore, ‘knowledge is the antidote to fear’ according to the great American hero philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson. That is why heroes are brave souls. They immerse themselves with knowledge, plus knowledge, plus knowledge. Heroes know that they don’t know, but are willing to learn. They are humble and learn from everyone regardless of rank or status. Leaders know their potential. Followers ignore their potential. Courage and self-confidence come from
knowledge and self-knowledge...
This being said, no human hero is entirely fearless. Great heroes are not born fearless and brave. Nelson Mandela had this to say about courage: 'I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it...I felt fear myself more times than I can remember, but I hid it behind a mask of boldness. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.'" [Excerpted from "Psychology of the Hero Soul," by Sharif Khan, Chapter 16.]
The Hero Soul is available at special quantity discounts for bülk purchases for säles promotions, premiums, fundraising, educational use, or honoring your heroes through reward and recognition.
About the Author:
Sharif Khan is a professional speaker, coach, and author of "Psychology of the Hero Soul," an inspirational book on awakening the Hero within and developing your leadership potential. You can reach him at sharif@herosoul.com or by visiting http://www.herosoul.com
– By Sharif N. Khan
“Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyway.” – John Wayne
"Courage is the cliché hallmark attributed to the hero. I say cliché because people talk about courage as if it is some mysterious force only a hero is born with. Courage is a vague and fleeting concept for many people because they lack it themselves. People lack courage because they lack knowledge. They have no idea where the true source of courage comes from. Even worse, they don’t know it and continue to live in fear. As Socrates pointed out, 'People not only don’t know, but they don’t know that they don’t know.'
This is why so many people on earth live in fear. Fear of death. Fear of life. Fear of living their nightmares. And fear of living their dreams. Most people are followers because they lack self-confidence and live in constant fear. Anyone who is brave and can show them how to overcome fear, they follow and respect. But...anyone that reminds people of their own fear, they attack and abuse viciously! This is human nature in its lowest, animal form.
What is fear? Fear is the perception or misperception of the unknown. Perception of how we negatively view reality, but not reality itself. I once heard somewhere, a useful acronym for FEAR: False Evidence that Appears Real. The ‘false evidence’ being our own manufactured worries, doubts, and negative images often of events that haven’t even taken place yet. William Shakespeare understood this principal well when he said, 'Our doubts are traitors, and make us losë the good we oft might wïn, by fearing to attempt.'
The cause of fear is lack of knowledge. Therefore, ‘knowledge is the antidote to fear’ according to the great American hero philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson. That is why heroes are brave souls. They immerse themselves with knowledge, plus knowledge, plus knowledge. Heroes know that they don’t know, but are willing to learn. They are humble and learn from everyone regardless of rank or status. Leaders know their potential. Followers ignore their potential. Courage and self-confidence come from
knowledge and self-knowledge...
This being said, no human hero is entirely fearless. Great heroes are not born fearless and brave. Nelson Mandela had this to say about courage: 'I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it...I felt fear myself more times than I can remember, but I hid it behind a mask of boldness. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.'" [Excerpted from "Psychology of the Hero Soul," by Sharif Khan, Chapter 16.]
The Hero Soul is available at special quantity discounts for bülk purchases for säles promotions, premiums, fundraising, educational use, or honoring your heroes through reward and recognition.
About the Author:
Sharif Khan is a professional speaker, coach, and author of "Psychology of the Hero Soul," an inspirational book on awakening the Hero within and developing your leadership potential. You can reach him at sharif@herosoul.com or by visiting http://www.herosoul.com
YOU MUST ACT ON YOUR DREAMS TO BE SUCCESSFUL
-------------------------------------------------
If you want to be successful, you can start at any time. But you must start.
Don't make the mistake of not doing anything because you can only do a little. Do what you can do.
It will always be your attitude at the beginning of any difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.
To be aware of what you want and not go after it, to spend years wondering if something could have materialized, and never knowing if it could have been, is a tragic waste of your life. The worst thing you can do is not to try.
To reach a port, you must sail. You must sail, not lie at anchor. You must sail off in the direction of your dreams, not drift.
A journey of a thousand miles, begins with one step.
©2005 by Max Steingart
If you want to be successful, you can start at any time. But you must start.
Don't make the mistake of not doing anything because you can only do a little. Do what you can do.
It will always be your attitude at the beginning of any difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.
To be aware of what you want and not go after it, to spend years wondering if something could have materialized, and never knowing if it could have been, is a tragic waste of your life. The worst thing you can do is not to try.
To reach a port, you must sail. You must sail, not lie at anchor. You must sail off in the direction of your dreams, not drift.
A journey of a thousand miles, begins with one step.
©2005 by Max Steingart
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