I am an educator as well as a coach and am interested in what it is that brings out the best in the people with whom I work. Over the last few years I have read a great deal of research on the power of beliefs. I am convinced that it is essential that I hold, and communicate to my students or clients that I believe in their ability to learn, to heal, and to grow.
We have to hold and project these beliefs even when, or perhaps, especially when the person we are working with does not hold them. In a recent study, it was found that teenagers from economically disadvantaged families were more likely to attend college if their parents, especially their mothers, were optimistic about the teens chances of enrolling in college.
I read once about a teacher who was given a list of student names with numbers ranging from 125 to180 after their names at the beginning of the school year. Believing that she had been given a class of gifted students, she worked hard all year to provide opportunities for these students to do well. At the end of the year, she asked for another class of gifted students since they had all performed outstandingly. She was told that the numbers were their locker numbers, not their IQs.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Friday, May 12, 2006
The Two Choices We Face
Each of us has two distinct choices to make about what we will do with our lives. The first choice we can make is to be less than we have the capacity to be. To earn less. To have less. To read less and think less. To try less and discipline ourselves less. These are the choices that lead to an empty life. These are the choices that, once made, lead to a life of constant apprehension instead of a life of wondrous anticipation.
And the second choice?
To do it all!
To become all that we can possibly be. To read every book that we possibly can. To earn as much as we possibly can. To give and share as much as we possibly can. To strive and produce and accomplish as much as we possibly can. All of us have the choice.
To do or not to do. To be or not to be. To be all or to be less or to be nothing at all.
Like the tree, it would be a worthy challenge for us all to stretch upward and outward to the full measure of our capabilities. Why not do all that we can, every moment that we can, the best that we can, for as long as we can?
Our ultimate life objective should be to create as much as our talent and ability and desire will permit. To settle for doing less than we could do is to fail in this worthiest of undertakings.
And the second choice?
To do it all!
To become all that we can possibly be. To read every book that we possibly can. To earn as much as we possibly can. To give and share as much as we possibly can. To strive and produce and accomplish as much as we possibly can. All of us have the choice.
To do or not to do. To be or not to be. To be all or to be less or to be nothing at all.
Like the tree, it would be a worthy challenge for us all to stretch upward and outward to the full measure of our capabilities. Why not do all that we can, every moment that we can, the best that we can, for as long as we can?
Our ultimate life objective should be to create as much as our talent and ability and desire will permit. To settle for doing less than we could do is to fail in this worthiest of undertakings.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Sharing Your Experiences and Your Potential!
Who dares to teach must never cease to learn. - John Cotton Dana
Example isn't another way to teach, it is the only way to teach. --Albert Einstein
Many people are living way below their potential. When you have started to play the game of how much potential you can summon up inside you, you can start to teach others.
It's no fun, if we are in this alone. It's no fun to be the only one in the gym. You want to share with your friends. Life is not only about you; it's about others as well. Imagine what kind of world we would be living in if everyone started to tap into their true potential. Imagine no more feeling bad about you. Imagine rising to the heights!
Let me take that back! Don't imagine any of them! CREATE THEM! YOU CAN! I DARE YOU! Are you ready for the greatest challenge in your life? You have so much in you. Don't let this life be lived in vain. I am on the same journey you are. There is so much that we can do for each other. I urge you to take this sincere message about your potential as seriously as possible. We don't know how much time we have left, but we can control how that time is spent! What do you want to do? Grab a towel, let's head to the gym of life's experiences and see what we can do with all that's available!
Example isn't another way to teach, it is the only way to teach. --Albert Einstein
Many people are living way below their potential. When you have started to play the game of how much potential you can summon up inside you, you can start to teach others.
It's no fun, if we are in this alone. It's no fun to be the only one in the gym. You want to share with your friends. Life is not only about you; it's about others as well. Imagine what kind of world we would be living in if everyone started to tap into their true potential. Imagine no more feeling bad about you. Imagine rising to the heights!
Let me take that back! Don't imagine any of them! CREATE THEM! YOU CAN! I DARE YOU! Are you ready for the greatest challenge in your life? You have so much in you. Don't let this life be lived in vain. I am on the same journey you are. There is so much that we can do for each other. I urge you to take this sincere message about your potential as seriously as possible. We don't know how much time we have left, but we can control how that time is spent! What do you want to do? Grab a towel, let's head to the gym of life's experiences and see what we can do with all that's available!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Love the Opportunity
Somebody said you have to love what you do, but that is not necessarily true. What is true is that you have to love the opportunity. The opportunity to build life, future, health, success and fortune.
Knocking on someone's door or making that extra call may not be something you love to do, but you love the opportunity of what might be behind that door or call.
For example, a guy says, "I'm digging ditches. Should I love digging ditches?" The answer is, "No, you don't have to love digging ditches, but if it is your first entry onto the ladder of success, you say, 'I'm glad somebody gave me the opportunity to dig ditches and I'm going to do it so well, I won't be here long.'"
You can be inspired by having found something; even though you are making mistakes in the beginning and even though it is a little distasteful taking on a new discipline that you haven't learned before. You don't have to love it, you just have to learn to appreciate where you live, appreciate opportunity and appreciate the person who brought you the good news; that found you.
Appreciate the person who believed in you before you believed in yourself, appreciate the person who said, "Hey, if I can do it, you can do it."
You might not like the stone you are on right now, but it's sure to be one of the stones that lead to great opportunities in the future.
Knocking on someone's door or making that extra call may not be something you love to do, but you love the opportunity of what might be behind that door or call.
For example, a guy says, "I'm digging ditches. Should I love digging ditches?" The answer is, "No, you don't have to love digging ditches, but if it is your first entry onto the ladder of success, you say, 'I'm glad somebody gave me the opportunity to dig ditches and I'm going to do it so well, I won't be here long.'"
You can be inspired by having found something; even though you are making mistakes in the beginning and even though it is a little distasteful taking on a new discipline that you haven't learned before. You don't have to love it, you just have to learn to appreciate where you live, appreciate opportunity and appreciate the person who brought you the good news; that found you.
Appreciate the person who believed in you before you believed in yourself, appreciate the person who said, "Hey, if I can do it, you can do it."
You might not like the stone you are on right now, but it's sure to be one of the stones that lead to great opportunities in the future.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Why Be Great?
Have you ever thought of what it would take to make you "truly great" at what you do?
Look around you at your employees and co-workers and ask yourself whether any of them are "truly great" at what they do. No doubt, some of them really excel at their jobs and at life, while others just seem to get by. What is it that separates those that excel from those that don't?
Is it education? Training? Commitment? Willingness to work extra hours?
Do those that excel posses better communication skills, or maybe those that excel also have better technical knowledge?
If you put these factors to the test, I think that you will be surprised by the answers. Because those that truly excel at anything have one key factor in common. Those that excel at anything are simply those that are most passionate about it.
With the Olympics just completed, you saw world- class athletes competing with one another to see who was the best of the best. You saw hundreds of dedicated, passionate athletes whose skill levels are so high that the difference in their performances are measured in tenths or even hundredths of a second. The worst of these athletes still possess amazing skills and perform at levels far above those that most of us could ever even conceive.
Certainly, the Olympic athletes have amazing talent, but they also work with an unprecedented dedication to perfect their skills. However, for them, it's a labor of love because of the passion that they feel for their sport. They did not become great in a day; instead, they have dedicated their lives to being great.
Look around you at your employees and co-workers and ask yourself whether any of them are "truly great" at what they do. No doubt, some of them really excel at their jobs and at life, while others just seem to get by. What is it that separates those that excel from those that don't?
Is it education? Training? Commitment? Willingness to work extra hours?
Do those that excel posses better communication skills, or maybe those that excel also have better technical knowledge?
If you put these factors to the test, I think that you will be surprised by the answers. Because those that truly excel at anything have one key factor in common. Those that excel at anything are simply those that are most passionate about it.
With the Olympics just completed, you saw world- class athletes competing with one another to see who was the best of the best. You saw hundreds of dedicated, passionate athletes whose skill levels are so high that the difference in their performances are measured in tenths or even hundredths of a second. The worst of these athletes still possess amazing skills and perform at levels far above those that most of us could ever even conceive.
Certainly, the Olympic athletes have amazing talent, but they also work with an unprecedented dedication to perfect their skills. However, for them, it's a labor of love because of the passion that they feel for their sport. They did not become great in a day; instead, they have dedicated their lives to being great.
Monday, May 08, 2006
What is it that inspires you?
Have you ever thought? What inspires YOU? What is it that drives you day in and day out?
What is it that inspires you?
You can begin to see that if nothing inspires you, excites you, or lights up your life you are really missing something. You are just like a robot performing task after task. We believe that deep down you have places where you can be touched. You have a place that is solely ours. Solely for you to show the world. Can you name it?
However, what inspires you? What makes you go to that space where you continue to do what you do for hour after hour, when you forget the need to eat and drink. What is it that inspires you?
Some artists suggest that it is their imagination that inspires them. The need to tell the world what is going on in their heads. The links that they make. The different ways of viewing the world. After all literature, music and visual arts are all about the originator communicating with the rest of us.
When we tap into whatever it is that inspires us, we become a full member of society. We are able to share our ideas, thoughts and emotions. As we share and show our dreams, emotions, ideas, and thoughts then we gradually become to understand the person we truly are.
So, the role of inspiration is more than we first thought. More that just a drive to action. It actually enables you to understand the very essence of yourself and what you have to offer the world.
Inspiration gives you understanding.Inspiration gives you an identity.Inspiration gives you a way of being.
Can you really live without knowing what inspires you?
What is it that inspires you?
You can begin to see that if nothing inspires you, excites you, or lights up your life you are really missing something. You are just like a robot performing task after task. We believe that deep down you have places where you can be touched. You have a place that is solely ours. Solely for you to show the world. Can you name it?
However, what inspires you? What makes you go to that space where you continue to do what you do for hour after hour, when you forget the need to eat and drink. What is it that inspires you?
Some artists suggest that it is their imagination that inspires them. The need to tell the world what is going on in their heads. The links that they make. The different ways of viewing the world. After all literature, music and visual arts are all about the originator communicating with the rest of us.
When we tap into whatever it is that inspires us, we become a full member of society. We are able to share our ideas, thoughts and emotions. As we share and show our dreams, emotions, ideas, and thoughts then we gradually become to understand the person we truly are.
So, the role of inspiration is more than we first thought. More that just a drive to action. It actually enables you to understand the very essence of yourself and what you have to offer the world.
Inspiration gives you understanding.Inspiration gives you an identity.Inspiration gives you a way of being.
Can you really live without knowing what inspires you?
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Human resist to change
All of us are resistant to change, whether it's in using a different tool, a technique a choice in partners, or lifestyle.
The ones that resist the most have big labels like, orthodox, traditionalist, and extremist. They are the defenders of the faith, of the known, and of the accepted.
Some of the rest of us are followers, disciples, and supporters; we are the middlemen, the ones that support the orthodox, the traditionalist and the extremist because after all without us what would these people be defending. We are the ones the cast the deciding votes for this group and the next group which are the leaders, the explorers and the visionaries.
All of these people are grouped together on a small planet with intention, it didn't happen by accident. What we are doing is creating chaos, and what chaos does, is drive us to create order or make sense of what it is we are doing.
In my day job, I am paired up with all of these kinds of people every day in their homes and I may spend as long as two hours in conversation with them.
I understand that those that I bring into my life represent opportunities for change and I bring them to me deliberately for purpose of change. I also know that I will not always recognize them as such. I know that opportunity always knocks more than once and that I live in choice and freedom that is unconditionally mine by my very nature as a spiritual human being. This one area flows easily from me without all the resistance. Symbols of resistance are acknowledgements for me that I can relate to and move past from awareness of their existence, and they do not need to be changed or ignored, but simply noticed as I would notice a turn in my path or a pothole in the road.
Resistance may be a human condition, but it is also spiritual because that is what we are, and it has purpose.
The ones that resist the most have big labels like, orthodox, traditionalist, and extremist. They are the defenders of the faith, of the known, and of the accepted.
Some of the rest of us are followers, disciples, and supporters; we are the middlemen, the ones that support the orthodox, the traditionalist and the extremist because after all without us what would these people be defending. We are the ones the cast the deciding votes for this group and the next group which are the leaders, the explorers and the visionaries.
All of these people are grouped together on a small planet with intention, it didn't happen by accident. What we are doing is creating chaos, and what chaos does, is drive us to create order or make sense of what it is we are doing.
In my day job, I am paired up with all of these kinds of people every day in their homes and I may spend as long as two hours in conversation with them.
I understand that those that I bring into my life represent opportunities for change and I bring them to me deliberately for purpose of change. I also know that I will not always recognize them as such. I know that opportunity always knocks more than once and that I live in choice and freedom that is unconditionally mine by my very nature as a spiritual human being. This one area flows easily from me without all the resistance. Symbols of resistance are acknowledgements for me that I can relate to and move past from awareness of their existence, and they do not need to be changed or ignored, but simply noticed as I would notice a turn in my path or a pothole in the road.
Resistance may be a human condition, but it is also spiritual because that is what we are, and it has purpose.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Who are you?
I have a question for you.
Who are you?
This may be a simply enough question but before you attempt to answer this question let us go on a voyage of personal self-discovery, which will allow you to find an acceptable answer.
The difference between the "Living" and the "Non Living" is the existence of the spiritual soul that manages the physical body from birth to death. The soul expresses itself through the five senses of the physical body. Without the soul, the physical body cannot express or maintain itself.
The reflection you see when you look into a mirror will be that of your physical body which gradually ages. Your soul is "seen" through your personality. You may look old when you look in a mirror but you could feel and act like a child.
The word "I" is used to refer to the experiences and wishes of the soul with statements such as "I am", "I love" and "I hope".
The word "My" is used to refer to the physical body, possessions and activities with statements such as "My hand" "My car" or "My job"
The advantage of knowing "who I am" is to realise and use the powerful spiritual energy that is within your body.
So back to the question, who are you?
I cannot give you the answer as only you know. I have just set the question to make you think.
Friday, May 05, 2006
7 Strategies to Overcoming Anxiety and Panic Attacks
1) READ: - Read as much as possible about anxiety and understand what are some of the causes. (Email me for link to books).
2) PROFESSIONAL HELP: - Go to a counselor or therapist to find the underlying cause of the anxiety. The physical discomforts are trying to get your attention - Pay attention to a greater dis-ease within. Pray God to send you to the right person. He will.
3) RELAXATION: - Listen to a tape or CD for RELAXATION This was one of the things that helped me tremendously. I needed to reprogram my mind with positive and true statements that were life giving and empowering. Click below for CD's and cassette tapes to help you overcome anxiety and panic attacks. Breathing correctly is a part of relaxation.
4) EXERCISE: - Physical exercise has tremendous value. It releases chemicals that generate good feelings, called pheromones. It's good to feel good!
5) HEALING IN GOD'S WORD: - Meditate on scriptures that enhance your trust in God. One scripture that helps me when I really let it sink in is: Matthew 5:25-34. Am I not more than a bird to God? You better believe it and so are you! Birds don't work or store up food yet God takes care of them. Wow! The next time you see a bird think about that!
6) MAP YOUR JOURNEY: - Create a time line by drawing on a sheet of paper when your first signs of discomfort started. Write down what major events happened at that same time. Note the year/date. Go back as far as you can. This process helps you to take a bird's eye view of your life. When I did this exercise, I found that the first time I experienced a full panic attack was in 1984 and I had just made a major move from someone very dear to me. I also discovered that their agoraphobia before any panic attack ever appeared. Do this it will help you understand what has been going on and what triggers extreme anxiety. (You may need to use than one piece of paper).
7) God’s Power to Heal: - Remember, God still heals. We must let go of all the passed disappointments, and betrayals. God is not like any human being with whom we have had a relationship. God faithful and just. Jesus walked this earth so you can talk to Him about yours trials. Pray as the early disciples did, "Lord, increase my faith". FAITH is the opposite of anxiety. Faith not only pleases God but keeps us trusting in God's fatherly care. I am a witness!! Praise God!
2) PROFESSIONAL HELP: - Go to a counselor or therapist to find the underlying cause of the anxiety. The physical discomforts are trying to get your attention - Pay attention to a greater dis-ease within. Pray God to send you to the right person. He will.
3) RELAXATION: - Listen to a tape or CD for RELAXATION This was one of the things that helped me tremendously. I needed to reprogram my mind with positive and true statements that were life giving and empowering. Click below for CD's and cassette tapes to help you overcome anxiety and panic attacks. Breathing correctly is a part of relaxation.
4) EXERCISE: - Physical exercise has tremendous value. It releases chemicals that generate good feelings, called pheromones. It's good to feel good!
5) HEALING IN GOD'S WORD: - Meditate on scriptures that enhance your trust in God. One scripture that helps me when I really let it sink in is: Matthew 5:25-34. Am I not more than a bird to God? You better believe it and so are you! Birds don't work or store up food yet God takes care of them. Wow! The next time you see a bird think about that!
6) MAP YOUR JOURNEY: - Create a time line by drawing on a sheet of paper when your first signs of discomfort started. Write down what major events happened at that same time. Note the year/date. Go back as far as you can. This process helps you to take a bird's eye view of your life. When I did this exercise, I found that the first time I experienced a full panic attack was in 1984 and I had just made a major move from someone very dear to me. I also discovered that their agoraphobia before any panic attack ever appeared. Do this it will help you understand what has been going on and what triggers extreme anxiety. (You may need to use than one piece of paper).
7) God’s Power to Heal: - Remember, God still heals. We must let go of all the passed disappointments, and betrayals. God is not like any human being with whom we have had a relationship. God faithful and just. Jesus walked this earth so you can talk to Him about yours trials. Pray as the early disciples did, "Lord, increase my faith". FAITH is the opposite of anxiety. Faith not only pleases God but keeps us trusting in God's fatherly care. I am a witness!! Praise God!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Easy Ways You Can Feel Happier, Be Healthier and Live Longer
Let's just say? First thing when you popped out of bed this morning, you woke up and found a little yellow post-it note stuck on the bathroom mirror that could transform your life. You smiled, instantly recognizing this very familiar word.
With so much to gain and absolutely nothing to lose, are you ready to take these 10 tips to heart so you can giggle a little, snicker some, chuckle boisterously, cackle raucously, snort unexpectedly and hoot and holler through happy tears of joy? Wrap yourself in a humorous perspective and laugh your way to a seriously healthy, happy and upbeat life!
Here are five easy ways to grab more giggles and exercise your funny bone?
1. Get a Funny Buddy. Unite yourself with a laughing partner, friend, buddy or companion that you always know you can turn to for a laugh. Make a laughing agreement and shake on it, then surround yourself with more funny people. Make an effort to be around these lighthearted folks every chance you get.
2. Lose your wits. Be super silly for 10 seconds and let your brilliant foolish kid out to play.
3. Be a Silly Spectator. Stand back and scope out the outlandish, outrageous and crazy hilarity of humans. You will thank me the next time you are trying to ward off feelings of frustration and boredom in line at the DMV, out shopping or in the waiting room of the doctor's office. Take it up a notch, bring your entertainment home with you, and imitate their quirks, qualities or peculiarities that made you snicker earlier in the day.
4. Make Over the Ordinary. Recount your everyday experiences in a fun way and relive them! People laugh at the stuff they can relate to. It's the ordinary, everyday, run of the mill things we find funny. Some of the best sitcoms and funniest comedians (Seinfeld is a perfect example) create material out of the everyday perils of life. It's their passion and strong point of view that strikes an emotional cord in us and makes us burst out with laughter. Go for it and liven your stories up with attitudes, opinions, voices and dialects. Be spontaneous and let it fly!
5. Give Your Stories a Pay Off! The best stories have a punchy point, a profound lesson or a great big finish. Start with the end in mind. Give your friends a payoff for their attention. When you get close to the end, stop, take a deep breath and give the story a moment of silence. Let 'em dangle in anticipation before you end with a big bang! Adding more energy, impact and volume will give your story meaning, closure and give you the rewards of laughter.
With so much to gain and absolutely nothing to lose, are you ready to take these 10 tips to heart so you can giggle a little, snicker some, chuckle boisterously, cackle raucously, snort unexpectedly and hoot and holler through happy tears of joy? Wrap yourself in a humorous perspective and laugh your way to a seriously healthy, happy and upbeat life!
Here are five easy ways to grab more giggles and exercise your funny bone?
1. Get a Funny Buddy. Unite yourself with a laughing partner, friend, buddy or companion that you always know you can turn to for a laugh. Make a laughing agreement and shake on it, then surround yourself with more funny people. Make an effort to be around these lighthearted folks every chance you get.
2. Lose your wits. Be super silly for 10 seconds and let your brilliant foolish kid out to play.
3. Be a Silly Spectator. Stand back and scope out the outlandish, outrageous and crazy hilarity of humans. You will thank me the next time you are trying to ward off feelings of frustration and boredom in line at the DMV, out shopping or in the waiting room of the doctor's office. Take it up a notch, bring your entertainment home with you, and imitate their quirks, qualities or peculiarities that made you snicker earlier in the day.
4. Make Over the Ordinary. Recount your everyday experiences in a fun way and relive them! People laugh at the stuff they can relate to. It's the ordinary, everyday, run of the mill things we find funny. Some of the best sitcoms and funniest comedians (Seinfeld is a perfect example) create material out of the everyday perils of life. It's their passion and strong point of view that strikes an emotional cord in us and makes us burst out with laughter. Go for it and liven your stories up with attitudes, opinions, voices and dialects. Be spontaneous and let it fly!
5. Give Your Stories a Pay Off! The best stories have a punchy point, a profound lesson or a great big finish. Start with the end in mind. Give your friends a payoff for their attention. When you get close to the end, stop, take a deep breath and give the story a moment of silence. Let 'em dangle in anticipation before you end with a big bang! Adding more energy, impact and volume will give your story meaning, closure and give you the rewards of laughter.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Positive Mental Attitude
- Smile
- Laugh
- Greet people courteously
- Be enthusiastic
- Dream. Engage in 'Imagineering'. Set a goal. Aim high.
- Act. Work your plan. Do not be and Excusiologists’.
- Be single minded in your purpose.
- Love your work.
- Be focused at all times. Be dedicated, disciplined and regular in your work.
- Show commitment.
- Strive for excellence. Set your own benchmark.
- 'Sharpen the saw, 'Polish the brass' everyday.
- Be humble and open- minded. Always wear your 'white belt'.
- Be open to change. Don't be afraid of taking risks.
- Don't be judgmental. Forgive and forget.
- Develop a loving attitude to all around you.
- Accept adversity and disappointments. Overcome them and emerge stronger.
- Cultivate a working philosophy of life: Turn every experience, 'good' or 'bad', into a 'learning' experience.
- Be your own critic. Strive for improvement. Be a life-long ardent student of life.
- Live each day as though it were your last.
- Lead. The five key *facets of leadership are... Focus, Authenticity, Courage, Empathy, Timing.
- Remember, we are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.
Note:
*(Taken from one of the motivational Leadership article)
Saturday, April 29, 2006
How to Use Humor to Improve Your Relationships
Humor has long been considered one of the most effective tools to judge the quality of any relationship. If there is laughter present, you can assume that the relationship is a healthy one. When the laughter ceases you can be quite certain that the relationship is on the down slide. This laughter barometer can be applied to any relationship at home, at work and at play. Laughter means that you're having fun and fun means that things are going well.. Look at the relationships around you. Do the couples laugh a lot together? Has the laughter stopped in some of your relationships?
Here are a few ideas you can use to make certain that laughter remains an ever-present reality in your relationships thus ensuring their quality and endurance. Remember introducing humor to previously humorless relationships might take time but the results will be worth the effort. Start slowly by working on your own fun loving, cheery disposition. Laughter and humor are contagious so it will not be long before others catch the bug.
- Remember that a sense of humor is learned, not inherited.
- Begin to cultivate an atmosphere of humor and laughter in your relationships. Try to enjoy and share humor as often as you can.
- Learn to laugh at yourself. If you don't, you leave the job to others.
- Watch comedy movies and television programs as often a possible.
- Encourage others to share their humor. Listen and appreciate it when they do. When someone sees that, you have enjoyed their humorous contribution they will be eager to continue sharing.
- If you don 't laugh as much as you used to and want to correct the situation start associating with humorous, fun loving people and avoid the downers.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Who Controls Your Mind
Who Controls Your Mind?
Few people are aware of the thoughts that pass through their minds. Thinking is performed like a habit, in an automatic manner. If the thoughts are positive, then it is all right, but if they are negative, they may cause trouble.
The mind is like small child, who accepts and takes for granted whatever it sees or hears, without judgment and without considering the consequences. If you let your mind behave as it likes and give it complete freedom, you lose your freedom.
We are constantly flooded with thoughts, ideas and information coming through the five senses, other people, the newspapers and TV. These thoughts, ideas and information penetrate the mind whether we are aware of this process or not.
This outside flow influences our behavior and reactions. It influences the way we think, our preferences, likes and dislikes. This means that we let outside powers shape our lives. So where is freedom?
Most people think and believe that their thoughts originate from them, but have they ever stopped and considered whether their thoughts, desires, likes and dislikes are really theirs? Maybe they are outside influences that they have unconsciously accepted.
In order to reduce the power of outside influences and thoughts on your life, you need to be aware of the thoughts and desires that enter your mind, and ask yourself whether you really like them, and are willing to accept them into your life. Analyze your motives and actions, and you will be surprised to find out that many of them were triggered by outside influences.
Learn not to accept every thought that you encounter. Find first whether it is for your own good to follow it. It may not be so easy at the start, because the mind will revolt against this control. If you want to be the master of your mind and life, you should not let other people's thoughts; desires and motives rule your life, unless you consciously choose so.
Few people are aware of the thoughts that pass through their minds. Thinking is performed like a habit, in an automatic manner. If the thoughts are positive, then it is all right, but if they are negative, they may cause trouble.
The mind is like small child, who accepts and takes for granted whatever it sees or hears, without judgment and without considering the consequences. If you let your mind behave as it likes and give it complete freedom, you lose your freedom.
We are constantly flooded with thoughts, ideas and information coming through the five senses, other people, the newspapers and TV. These thoughts, ideas and information penetrate the mind whether we are aware of this process or not.
This outside flow influences our behavior and reactions. It influences the way we think, our preferences, likes and dislikes. This means that we let outside powers shape our lives. So where is freedom?
Most people think and believe that their thoughts originate from them, but have they ever stopped and considered whether their thoughts, desires, likes and dislikes are really theirs? Maybe they are outside influences that they have unconsciously accepted.
In order to reduce the power of outside influences and thoughts on your life, you need to be aware of the thoughts and desires that enter your mind, and ask yourself whether you really like them, and are willing to accept them into your life. Analyze your motives and actions, and you will be surprised to find out that many of them were triggered by outside influences.
Learn not to accept every thought that you encounter. Find first whether it is for your own good to follow it. It may not be so easy at the start, because the mind will revolt against this control. If you want to be the master of your mind and life, you should not let other people's thoughts; desires and motives rule your life, unless you consciously choose so.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
4 Little Known Secrets of Meditation
Secret #1: The True Purpose of Meditation
Many people feel a sense of fascination when confronted with the possibility of mystic visions, psychic intuition and heightened mental functioning. While meditators often report these sorts of improvements, these experiences should not be the primary reason for practice. The purpose of meditation is to bring us back to ourselves.
As we become healthier, happier and realize greater self-awareness, the other benefits of meditation begin to follow naturally -- improved mental functioning, greater intuition as well as greater access to unconscious resources and abilities.
Secret #2: Distraction Does Not Equal Failure
Meditation is not work in the sense that you have to "force" yourself to concentrate completely for long periods. If we consciously try to prevent thinking, it's going to have a negative impact on the meditation.
Instead, whenever we become lost in thought or confusion, we simply acknowledge those thoughts and then gently return the attention to the object of the meditation. We do this as many times as distraction or thought occurs. Eventually, the mind becomes calmer and discursive thought begins to slow.
Secret #3: Insight Alone Is Not Enough
Insight alone will not transform our lives. Meditation is likely to help us by giving us larger perspectives and increasing clarity of thought. However, although our sense of inner guidance might become stronger, unless we ACT on that guidance, we will never manifest the changes we truly want in our lives.
This doesn't just mean we need to take action in our outer world, for example, having an honest conversation with a friend or paying a bill.
It also means we must actively request the assistance of the unconscious in a clear and persistent way. When you do that, as I teach in "Secrets of Meditation, Energy and Manifestation," you find yourself magnetically drawn toward your dreams with an irresistible impulse.
Secret #4: Learn To Let Go
Once you have made your request, it's important that you let go. Don't be concerned with HOW you're going to get what you truly want in your life. Needing to know how can hamper the process of making it manifest in the outer world. Learn to trust your unconscious.
Some changes -- perhaps all of them -- will happen automatically. I have personally found that many of my destructive habits simply dropped away with minimal conscious effort.
Many people feel a sense of fascination when confronted with the possibility of mystic visions, psychic intuition and heightened mental functioning. While meditators often report these sorts of improvements, these experiences should not be the primary reason for practice. The purpose of meditation is to bring us back to ourselves.
As we become healthier, happier and realize greater self-awareness, the other benefits of meditation begin to follow naturally -- improved mental functioning, greater intuition as well as greater access to unconscious resources and abilities.
Secret #2: Distraction Does Not Equal Failure
Meditation is not work in the sense that you have to "force" yourself to concentrate completely for long periods. If we consciously try to prevent thinking, it's going to have a negative impact on the meditation.
Instead, whenever we become lost in thought or confusion, we simply acknowledge those thoughts and then gently return the attention to the object of the meditation. We do this as many times as distraction or thought occurs. Eventually, the mind becomes calmer and discursive thought begins to slow.
Secret #3: Insight Alone Is Not Enough
Insight alone will not transform our lives. Meditation is likely to help us by giving us larger perspectives and increasing clarity of thought. However, although our sense of inner guidance might become stronger, unless we ACT on that guidance, we will never manifest the changes we truly want in our lives.
This doesn't just mean we need to take action in our outer world, for example, having an honest conversation with a friend or paying a bill.
It also means we must actively request the assistance of the unconscious in a clear and persistent way. When you do that, as I teach in "Secrets of Meditation, Energy and Manifestation," you find yourself magnetically drawn toward your dreams with an irresistible impulse.
Secret #4: Learn To Let Go
Once you have made your request, it's important that you let go. Don't be concerned with HOW you're going to get what you truly want in your life. Needing to know how can hamper the process of making it manifest in the outer world. Learn to trust your unconscious.
Some changes -- perhaps all of them -- will happen automatically. I have personally found that many of my destructive habits simply dropped away with minimal conscious effort.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Humans Who Are Disrespected Seek Revenge
The easiest way to gain enemies is to disrespect people. Inherently for some reason, humans who are disrespected more often than not seek revenge. This should be a warning of what happens in business deals, corporate brainstorming (with regards to hard earned and developed Organizational Capital) or even an outcast member of society. What is the most unfortunate situation in all of these instances is that the whole of the group loses from the possible ideas and innovations of these individuals. A corporate executive who starts to attack their peers at work starts and unending spiral of negativity, thus killing productivity, innovation and higher thought which is what a company most needs to succeed. In the case of an individual in society, we end up with those who withdraw their talents to the whole or plot the demise of the fiber holding the civilization together. We see this with vindictive writers, uni-bomber, and small fringe groups promoting their agendas.
As an observer of culture and society, philosophy and psychology, innovation and invention, science and religion, industry and philanthropy; I can safely say that although we have done better than any other previous civilization or country, we can do better and we must work on the elements which are needed to improve the flow of thought. Having participated in almost all categories of the human endeavor in our civilization, both from on the inside and outside, it often amazes me how we as a society over look some of the most obvious quick fixes to the unnecessary over indulged sound and fury which slows the forward progression of mankind at every turn. Think about this. The best time
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Quotes to Think About
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance? That principle is contempt prior to investigation. ? Herbert Spencer"
Albert Einstein - "We are seeking for the simplest possible scheme of thought that will bind together the observed facts."
"If we do not expect the unexpected, we will never find it.” Heraclitus
"Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives." - William James
"I feel that if we could be serious for an hour and really fathom, delve into ourselves as much as we can, we should be able to release, not through any action of will, a certain sense of energy that is awake all the time, which is beyond thought.” Jiddhu Krishnamurti, Madras, 1961
Albert Einstein - "We are seeking for the simplest possible scheme of thought that will bind together the observed facts."
"If we do not expect the unexpected, we will never find it.” Heraclitus
"Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives." - William James
"I feel that if we could be serious for an hour and really fathom, delve into ourselves as much as we can, we should be able to release, not through any action of will, a certain sense of energy that is awake all the time, which is beyond thought.” Jiddhu Krishnamurti, Madras, 1961
Friday, April 21, 2006
The ABCs Of A Great Life: J Is For Joviality
Laughter, humor, a lighthearted sense of being - all of these are an important part of a well balanced breakfast, er, life. Without humor, there is no hope. Without laughter, no love. In addition, with a heavy heart, we live only a life of sadness and despair. Our ability to laugh at our foibles and laugh with our friends is a key indicator for predicting how readily we'll bounce back from difficulties and how well we'll handle the curveballs that life throws our way, and a quick smile is always the best defense in a situation that's hit a sour note.
In addition, medical studies have shown that indeed, laughter is the best medicine. Not only does it flood our brain with "feel good" hormones and exercise our body's core trunk muscles with spontaneous and deep contractions, but it noticeably and effectively raises our immune system's defenses in ways that are only now being fully explored - an effect which lasts considerably longer than the laughter that triggered it. Laughing lowers your blood pressure and exercises the heart. It relieves stress and helps generate an overall stability of well-being.
People with notably jovial attitudes are seen as friendlier and better adjusted, and people are drawn to them like flies to honey. Socialization with peers becomes smoother and more enjoyable, and people can't wait to rejoin and reestablish the acquaintance of those with a good sense of humor.
Of course, this does not include "humor" that hurts - biting sarcasm, "witty" putdowns, jokes made at the expense of others, mockery and other such imposters. It is doubtful that any of these recreate the same effects as true humor and lightheartedness, and I know that they attract far fewer friends.
Go on laugh! It's good for you. Learn to bring laughter and joviality into your life and every step of the way will be filled with the warm embrace of good times spent with good friends in good health. Salut!
In addition, medical studies have shown that indeed, laughter is the best medicine. Not only does it flood our brain with "feel good" hormones and exercise our body's core trunk muscles with spontaneous and deep contractions, but it noticeably and effectively raises our immune system's defenses in ways that are only now being fully explored - an effect which lasts considerably longer than the laughter that triggered it. Laughing lowers your blood pressure and exercises the heart. It relieves stress and helps generate an overall stability of well-being.
People with notably jovial attitudes are seen as friendlier and better adjusted, and people are drawn to them like flies to honey. Socialization with peers becomes smoother and more enjoyable, and people can't wait to rejoin and reestablish the acquaintance of those with a good sense of humor.
Of course, this does not include "humor" that hurts - biting sarcasm, "witty" putdowns, jokes made at the expense of others, mockery and other such imposters. It is doubtful that any of these recreate the same effects as true humor and lightheartedness, and I know that they attract far fewer friends.
Go on laugh! It's good for you. Learn to bring laughter and joviality into your life and every step of the way will be filled with the warm embrace of good times spent with good friends in good health. Salut!
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Desire is the First Step
Desire is the First Step
When a member of a species determines it wants something a thought is born, which triggers a desire and thus starts the brain into a cycle innovation and strategy. If it is hunger in a Bald Eagle, it means flying over the river to catch a Salmon. If it is a tourist who is cold, it means going in and buying a sweatshirt. This comes first and is the reason we must first discuss the flow of thought before we attempt to discuss any other issues in our society.
You see a species and this includes mankind will attempt to solve the problems or fulfill that which it desires. We cannot change that it is human nature. We must recognize this fact before we attempt to fix anything else in the World we live. We must make sure that we allow for the free flow of thought and of course the freedom of thought. We must value thought and not underestimate the desire instincts of our species. A penny for your thoughts is a very good price, you should be buying, that is definitely a buyers market so take all you can get. Yet, we do not. Different cultures feel different about the flow of thought. Moreover, even we are worried about the past freedoms, which were taken in other civilizations and have pondered what would happen with the thought police.
Recently we saw the movie "Minority Report" with Tom Cruise discussing such possibilities as the thought police. To this day people are concerned from writings of science fiction writers about the thought police concept and 1984 is mentioned each time we discuss the Department of Homeland Security; Big Brother syndrome and the fears it evokes are alive and well to this day. Such possibilities would in fact be the death of freedom, civilization and what we believe to be the proper direction of the human race. Desire is innate; suppression of innate desires is disastrous. Think about it.
When a member of a species determines it wants something a thought is born, which triggers a desire and thus starts the brain into a cycle innovation and strategy. If it is hunger in a Bald Eagle, it means flying over the river to catch a Salmon. If it is a tourist who is cold, it means going in and buying a sweatshirt. This comes first and is the reason we must first discuss the flow of thought before we attempt to discuss any other issues in our society.
You see a species and this includes mankind will attempt to solve the problems or fulfill that which it desires. We cannot change that it is human nature. We must recognize this fact before we attempt to fix anything else in the World we live. We must make sure that we allow for the free flow of thought and of course the freedom of thought. We must value thought and not underestimate the desire instincts of our species. A penny for your thoughts is a very good price, you should be buying, that is definitely a buyers market so take all you can get. Yet, we do not. Different cultures feel different about the flow of thought. Moreover, even we are worried about the past freedoms, which were taken in other civilizations and have pondered what would happen with the thought police.
Recently we saw the movie "Minority Report" with Tom Cruise discussing such possibilities as the thought police. To this day people are concerned from writings of science fiction writers about the thought police concept and 1984 is mentioned each time we discuss the Department of Homeland Security; Big Brother syndrome and the fears it evokes are alive and well to this day. Such possibilities would in fact be the death of freedom, civilization and what we believe to be the proper direction of the human race. Desire is innate; suppression of innate desires is disastrous. Think about it.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Mental Health Stigma ?
What is Stigma?
Stigma is the use of stereotypes and labels when describing someone, and it is often attached to people who suffer from mental health issues. We don't fully understand how the brain works yet, but one thing we DO know is that it is an organ. Yet our society doesn't readily accept brain disorders the way we accept other organ disorders. Why is this so?
Stigma is a harsh reality for people who have mental health problems, because it prevents them from enjoying a normal and productive life. So many people today feel uncomfortable about mental health issues, despite the fact that there is growing evidence that more and more people are developing these problems. In fact, many people are so uncomfortable with the stigma that they would rather suffer in silence than get help they need.
Stigma is the use of stereotypes and labels when describing someone, and it is often attached to people who suffer from mental health issues. We don't fully understand how the brain works yet, but one thing we DO know is that it is an organ. Yet our society doesn't readily accept brain disorders the way we accept other organ disorders. Why is this so?
Stigma is a harsh reality for people who have mental health problems, because it prevents them from enjoying a normal and productive life. So many people today feel uncomfortable about mental health issues, despite the fact that there is growing evidence that more and more people are developing these problems. In fact, many people are so uncomfortable with the stigma that they would rather suffer in silence than get help they need.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Powerful Ways To Fire Up Your Motivation
It's so difficult to go on when everything seems to fail, isn't it? Are there times in your life when you really want to call it "quits" because you just can't see any good results from allthe hard work you have done?
Hold your horses!
Never ever, think of giving up. Winners never quit and quitters never win. Take all negative words out of your mental dictionary and focus on the solutions with utmost conviction and patience. The battle is never lost until you have abandoned your vision. However, what if you are exhausted physically, mentally, and most of all emotionally? Here are some sources of motivation to prompt you in reaching the peak of accomplishment.
- The Overwhelming Feeling of Attaining your Desired End
- The Reward System
- The Powerful Force of Humanity
- Take Care Of Your Health
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)