Sunday, May 31, 2009

Stress Management and the Ego

Here's how to do it. We can observe ourselves. There are ancient meditation practices based on simple self observation.

We take a moment and just notice ourselves. This can be done by noticing the feelings in our bodies. Notice our breathing. Notice the inhale and exhale. You can do this as a regular practice as a powerful stress management technique. You can get fast relief when you find yourself in stressful situations.

If you wish, you can listen to a free audio meditation on self observation. This will help you get started. After you've used the audio for a while, you can practice self observation on your own.

What does this have to do with the ego? When we observe "our self" we are usually observing the ego. This observation tends to help us realize that we are not really the ego. This is a very powerful step in stress management. It skyrockets the way we experience life.

You can practice this throughout the day. You might decide to walk very slowly and observing yourself when you're walking. This greatly increases your awareness and brings you into the Now.

Over time this can be amazingly relaxing practice of stress management. It brings amazing relief. You'll get more insights about life. You can step out of life's challenges. You can return to the challenges with a refreshed and relaxed state of mind.

Copyright 2006 by Jim Kitzmiller

Jim Kitzmiller is the author of Rocket Fuel for the Soul -- Blissercise Self-Help Manual. The book's bliss exercises (blissercises) surpass usual positive thinking approaches by bypassing the logical mind. The blissercises cover 46 different areas of life.

Jim leads self-help workshops and does spiritual coaching.

Council Of Nicaea Conclusion

Video Book Review - The Magic of Beleiving, by Claude Bristol

I don't need to write anything, watch the video

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, More on Claude Bristol

Greg is currently working on a personal development library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Power Of Myth
Value Of Change In Your Life

The Importance of Becoming Emotionally Self Aware

Emotional self-awareness is the foundational competency of the Emotional Intelligence (EI) model I have worked with for over a decade. This competency provides a solid base upon which to build and enhance Emotional Intelligence competencies including emotional self-management, emotional self-motivation, empathy and nurturing relationships. Yet many of us go through our day unaware and very accepting of the emotional roller coaster daily events evoke. And without recognizing where we are expending our emotional energy, it becomes difficult to progress to developing other EI competencies.

As we all deal with stress on a daily basis, we become accustomed to the pressures and hardly notice when the heat is turned up. Our stress levels rise when we experience negative emotions and are unable to cope with the challenges of our environment. We've all heard of the damaging effects of stress, but what's surprising is that many people don't realize they are experiencing negative emotions. If you don't know what emotion you're feeling, you don't have the information you need to decide whether to stay in that emotion or change or transform it.

Jane's Story:

One of my EI workshop participants, Jane (not her real name) worked in a technical field. It seemed far-fetched to Jane that emotions and emotional intelligence could be important to performance. The concept that emotions played no role in her work was reinforced by both the company culture and the extremely objective, rational nature of her profession. This impression also carried over into her personal life. When we had our goal-setting interview before the workshop, Jane told me that she didn't notice emotions and emotions played no role in her work. She also told me that her colleagues were difficult to work with. Disconnected from her emotions, Jane didn't see the emotional impact she had on others. Additionally, her boss perceived Jane as causing all her problems. He felt the difficulties Jane was having were due to her distant behavior and lack of emotional self-awareness and insensitivity to others.

During and after our first training session, Jane started practicing techniques to help her become more aware of her emotions. At our first coaching session, Jane, with tears in her eyes, revealed that she finally recognized that she did have emotions and those emotions, the negative ones, were hampering her work and home relationships. She realized that distancing herself made her peers feel that she was inapproachable. Jane confided in her boss about her revelation. Before this discussion, Jane's boss had no idea that she was clueless about her behavior and its impact on others. This understanding shed a new light on what was going on and, with this different perspective, the boss became more willing to listen to Jane and support her.

Jane's story is not uncommon. Many of us lack an awareness of our feelings and how those feelings may be affecting our work and our relationships. Disregarding emotions and focusing on getting the work done, especially in technical roles, seems to be a cultural predisposition. What we don't realize is that disregarding emotion is detrimental to effectiveness and productivity.

Without the awareness of the importance of emotions, we do not have insight into how our responses to negative feelings are affecting us and those around us. On a personal level, negative emotions spark a cascade of 1400 biochemical events, some of which result in physiological changes such as increased adrenaline, heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol (the stress hormone). This negatively affects your physical energy, mental clarity, and personal effectiveness. Experiencing these negative emotions, can cause us to become defensive, short with people and sometimes angry. And when others observe this response, we can loose their valuable suggestions, insight and help as they start avoiding us.

Even with the awareness of how important emotions are, people may experience a personal anxiety or hesitancy to openly advocate for developing EI skills. Some of my workshop participants have reported significant benefits from using the EI techniques I teach, yet, particularly in a technical field such as Engineering, are hesitant to promote an EI program for others. While there certainly is a bell-shaped curve of those who do or don't make a choice to benefit from the development of EI skills, not providing the opportunity is an opportunity lost for everybody.

What Can You Do?

Start by identifying typical situations at work or at home in which you feel negative emotions such as anxiety, frustration, anger, fear, or sadness. For example, you may feel frustrated when people who have important information don't show up for a meeting. Or you may feel angry when you see a certain person because he always wastes your time. Or you may feel anxiety when your boss approaches you about a particular project. Or you may feel depressed on Sunday night when you think about all the work facing you the coming week. Identifying these situations helps you realize those events that trigger negative emotions.

Next, pay attention to and name the emotions the identified triggers evoke. Also recognize and name the positive emotions you experience during fun times such as playing with a puppy, sharing dinner with friends, or just sitting in the sunshine. Start developing an emotional vocabulary and expand upon it as the occasion permits.

Create a baseline of where you are expending your emotional energy now. Draw a four-box grid, labeling the two right boxes as positive emotions and the two left as negative emotions. Label the upper two boxes as high-energy emotions and the lower two low-energy emotions. Recall the day's activities, interactions and events. For each, identify your emotion and write the emotion in the appropriate box on the grid, noting how long you were in the emotion. For example, hesitant would lie in the lower left box while anger would lie in the upper left box. Peaceful would lie in the lower right box and excited in the upper right box. Annoyed, depending on your level of annoyance, would lie somewhere in the left two boxes.

When you finish you will have an emotional map of your day. You were in the zone of peak performance if the frequency and duration of your emotions lie on the right side of the grid. If they lie on the left side, you are in a stress zone. As you develop your EI skills, periodically recreate this map. Over time you will want to see yourself more frequently in the two right quadrants by choosing to transform negative emotions into positive, productive emotions.

Byron Stock guides individuals and organizations toward excellence by helping them develop their Emotional Intelligence skills as a powerful tool to achieve strategic objectives, lead change and create resilient, high-performing organizational cultures. Learn about Byron's quick, easy, proven techniques to harness the power of your Emotional Intelligence at http://www.ByronStock.com .

Religious Freedom

Positive Thinking For People Who Can't Think Positively

Have you tried all the positive thinking techniques but found that they just don't work? If so I'd recommend using one of the meridian energy techniques such as EFT or Chinosis.

Those allow you to focus on the reality of the situation - however good or bad it is - and use some simple techniques to change the way you feel about it.

I have to admit that I was very skeptical when I first came across them. The basic principle of focusing on something bad went against all my training as a hypnotherapist. I'd always been taught to focus on the positive. So, if someone wanted to be more confident I would help them to imagine being confident - acting confidently, their voice steady and confident and feeling relaxed about the whole situation.

In EFT though I was asking them to use phrases such as "Even though I feel really embarrassed when a stranger talks to me and I know I'm going to go bright red I deeply and completely accept myself". Then they were expected to repeat the statement. By all rights it shouldn't work. But I rapidly changed my mind as I noticed the changes in my clients' attitudes. They started off in a negative state of mind but soon changed into a more positive one and the statements changed from negative to positive.

Chinosis is different in that it doesn't need words so it's really good for those emotions where you can't express them, when you don't really know all the ins and outs of your feelings. Instead, you simply focus on a feeling and let that adapt itself into a more positive one.

I'm now a huge fan of meridian energy techniques and teach them to virtually all my clients. I can't completely explain how they work but I suggest treating them the same way that I treat electricity. I don't really know how it works but as long as I can turn the light on and see when it gets dark I don't really care. I know how to use it for my benefit and that's all I'm interested in.

You can find out more about EFT at www.emofree.com and more about Chinosis at www.chinosis.com.

Sharon Stiles uses hypnotherapy, CBT, NLP, EFT and Chinosis to help people reduce stress and anxiety and increase positivity and motivation in their personal and work lives. Her online seminar "Stress Less" at http://www.sharonstiles.co.uk/stressless gives practical and mental techniques to help reduce stress. She also offer individual sessions in Bristol, UK and by webcam.

Is King Solomon Going To Heaven

Random Acts of Kindness and Pay it Forward

You can actually push the envelope a bit more in your life by practicing good deeds for no seemingly special or specific reason.

One very powerful action and attitude you can embrace is the practice of random acts of kindness while also creating the pay-it-forward system of living. Random acts of kindness are just that: They're random, and they're kind.

When you give out of your pure desire to give and you expect nothing in return, AND you do this only to benefit others, then you're practicing random acts of kindness. Think about the energy you're sowing: Love, acceptance, care, support, and generosity. These are all very powerful seeds to be planting in the garden of your life.

And although you do this without any expectation of return (in fact, you do it just for the sake of doing it, which in itself is a precious gift), the truth is these acts will benefit you in countless ways. I've never met anyone, given the choice to do anything they wanted to do, who wouldn't want to give merely for the purpose of helping humankind in some way.

Pay-it-forward comes from the movie of the same title. It was a system dreamed up by a very wise, very young man who proposed, as part of a homework assignment, if we each did something positive for three other people and asked them to do the same for three other people, in a very short time everyone in the world would be positively affected.

It's easy to pay back people when they've done you a favor. But this system is about doing someone a favor, then asking them to return it by doing one for someone else. Again, you're planting the seeds of lush abundance and prosperity by practicing random acts of kindness and by adopting a pay-it-forward attitude.

What can random act of kindness can you pay forward today? Get started and plant those seeds today that will provide you with a fruitful harvest tomorrow.

Ken Donaldson has been offering counseling, coaching, and educational programs since 1987. His programs are focused on empowering people to have more successful lives, businesses and relationships. Claim your FREE Relationship Success Special Report at http://www.marryufirst.com/ Ken is the author of Marry YourSelf First! Saying "I DO" to a Life of Passion, Power and Purpose.

Studying On Faith Alone

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Super High School Basketball Story

What a great inspirational story about a young man on a high school basketball team. Sometimes it's not all about what you think

Check out one of his recommended books, You Can Have It All

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

One Step Away From Success
Directory Of Great Web Sites

Replace Stinking Thinking With Accurate Thinking

The term Accurate Thinking is popping up in more and more places these days. What is Accurate Thinking? Knowing the world just is, events simply are, and what happens just happens. Those concepts constitute Accurate Thinking.

People assign meaning to events, often creating Stinking Thinking. Stinking Thinking kinds of thoughts cause you to feel hurt, sad, angry etc. Such thoughts lead to judgments about how something is, and how it should be, according to you.

When something in your life goes differently from how you expected, you have two choices. You can interpret the result as being good (or bad) OR you can simply recognize that the event just went the way the event went.

Accurate Thinking entails knowing you control how your world flows or ripples. You alone place obstacles, and you alone burst through obstacles, once you see how you created them in the first place with the stories spoken in your mind. Life comes down to the choices you make in each instance.

How do you find possible choices? Ask questions. You got to ask questions. The quality of your life depends on the quality of the questions you ask yourself.

Start by asking what you were thinking when you had certain feelings or emotions. Notice the thoughts that were present for you during specific emotional experiences and you will uncover hidden information about how to alter your reality around those types of situations.

Replace old choices and old actions with new thoughts and new actions, with actions that allow you to feel differently--happier and healthier. The more you repeat your new behaviors, the sooner your new habits will form. For most people new behaviors become automatic in 21-28 days.

Remember what you think about yourself determines your self esteem and dictates the limits you impose on yourself. Want to change your self esteem? Live consciously. Catch yourself feeling down. Ask yourself what thoughts had you in such a mood. Then think happier thoughts--and automatically flip the switch to a happier way of being.

Simple? Yes. Easy? No. Creating change takes replacing the disempowering programs in your subconscious mind with new, healthier programs, for full and optimal functioning.

Nothing can stop you when you choose to be someone who does things you've never done. Discover how to stay on track so you don't derail yourself in Ali Bierman's free ebook What You Don't Know You Don't Know. Grab your free copy now at http://creatingthelife.com/ebook.html

Education Leads To Success

Questioning About Your Religion - Movie Video

Are you one of those who believed in your religion wholeheartedly and never has doubted it. Watch this video to gather some more information about questioning your religion.

Start Living Your Dreams Today and Create a Wonderful Life For Yourself And Your Family. Greg Vanden Berge is one of the best inspirations on the planet. You will be hearing a lot about this guy in the future. You can count on it.

Use Religion Responsibly

Fear - Eliminate It

You will accomplish more than you thought possible by making a strong commitment, without any fear, which will distract you from your intent, dreams and goals. The challenges you face with any commitment is an unavoidable element of the goal-realization process. If you allow fear or worry to come into mind, you can quickly dissuade yourself from pursuing your purpose, mission or dreams.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, the great nineteenth-century philosopher and poet, said, Do the thing you are afraid to do, and the death of fear is certain. If you keep this in mind you can wrestle the biggest success saboteurFEARout of existence.

If you examine the word FEAR, you will realize that other words stick like velcro'afraid, anxious, anxiety and phobia. There are two types of fearreal and imagined. Real fear includesthose things, which have potential danger such as: lightening, tornadoes, hail, snow storms, thin ice, being near wild animals, high risk activities, etc. Imagined fear includes things that are imaginedand have little basis in fact. The sky is falling syndromeFalse Evidence Appearing Real.

Be prepared to do your best in conditions of adversity, overcome your fear through your strength of will, skills, talents and previous successes. Simply avoid thinking failure is an option. If you are committed to letting nothing stop you from success, you will achieve your wildest dreams. The more difficult the path is before you, the greater your determination will serve you. Fear and unadulterated commitment can not co-exist in your mind. It is when you bring the fears into your mind, that they take hold and run the show. If you consistently focus on your intent, dreams and goals and avoid putting fear thoughts in your mind you will succeed.

When you stay focused on your intent, dreams and goals you will see the true usefulness of your aptitudes. As a result, your pursuits that promise to further your success will. As you stay focused on tackling those tasks which have unnerved or stymied you before your determination will allow you to conquer them with little difficulty.

If you are unable to release the grip of fear seeking professional help is warranted. As an inspirational and motivational Life Coach, I know the struggles you have faced. Working together one step at a time and at your own pace you can propel your progress faster and more effectively than you imagined. A Life Coach can help you eliminate your fears and you can start living the life you deserve to live.

Unlike behavioral psychology and psychoanalysis, Life Coaching can be done face-to-face or via phone. Therefore, if you would like to engage with a Life Coach you are not restricted to being in the same location as the Life Coach.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Life Coach, Hypnotherapist, Author, "101 Great Ways To Improve Your Life." Dr. Dorothy has the unique gift of connecting people with a broad range of profound principles that resonate in the deepest part of their being. She brings awareness to concepts not typically obvious to one's daily thoughts and feelings. http://www.drdorothy.net

Religious Freedom

Friday, May 29, 2009

Is King Solomon Going to Heaven? Rethinking Christianity

The old testament mentions King Solomon as the wealthiest person that ever lived on the earth at that time and there would be no one wealthier than him in the future. Does this qualify him as a rich person?

There is also the story of the talons. This story mentions a master who rewards one of his servants for using the money his master left him to make more money, by investing it. The slave that chose to bury his talons in the ground, to hide and protect them was considered to be slothful and wicked.

Does this mean that all men and women that invest their money and seek profits are good people? Why would these people be considered good and a rich man will have a hard time entering the kingdom of heaven?

Is there a difference between King Solomon's wealth and the rich person in the Bible verse, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

Now maybe these are just stories created by man and has nothing to do with what the Jewish and Christian God really thinks. But if there is a difference between King Solomon and the rich person, what's the difference? Does King Solomon really get to enter the kingdom of heaven?, or as Jesus mentioned, will it simply be harder for him to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Didn't King Solomon build God's temple and create a beautiful world for most Jewish people to live in? If you're not confused yet, you will be if you continue to read more of my biblical verses that just don't make sense.

If you're what I would consider one of God's ultimate believers in your religion but have no proof that it's true, but choose to answer with the simple statement," You'd Need to Believe or Have Faith." I would suggest you read other books about other religions or spiritual living .

This is just one example of what I would consider a story in the Bible. If you truly view the Bible as the ultimate guide for good living, do you get confused with certain statements or Bible verses. This really doesn't answer the question, whether or not someone like King Solomon actually gets to enter the kingdom of heaven. I used him as an example but there are many others that could have a life of riches on earth, but difficulties going to heaven if the statement Jesus made was correct about the rich man in the eye of the needle.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his latest articles, How Did You Choose Your Religion

Teenage Drug Problems

Religious Freedom For Life

In the United States of America, we believe that we have this freedom, and it gives us the choice to belong to any religious organization in the country. We can even make up our own religions, if we want to. I have the right, in this country to start a new religious movement, without any persecution from the government. The government might choose not to persecute me but I would imagine, that other religious organizations will.

First Amendment to the United States Constitution - Freedom of Religion, of Speech, of the Press, to Petition, and to Assemble.

This must have been very important to our founding fathers. A lot of people left England to come to America, before the United States Constitution was ever thought of. Before there was even a United States of America. People have been coming to the English colonies for over 150 years before the First Amendment was even signed. Often escaping religious persecution.

Religious freedom was very important to America's ancestors and founding fathers. We can only study history to find out how important religious freedom actually was. In the United States today, we really don't give it much thought. What religious freedom really means and the hardships and battles throughout history. They sacrificed, so that we could reap the benefits today.

Freedom of religion isn't the same today as it was 300 years ago. The country's leaders often dictated what religion you could belong to. This was the end of your religious freedom but today things are different. Organized religions have become extremely influential and powerful in today's world, often influencing governments and world leaders. When will these large religious organizations become powerful enough to take away our religious freedom. Do you honestly think things are getting better, or are we soon going to have one or even a few religions throughout the world.

How many Christians do you know that do most of their business with other Christians? How many Jewish people choose to do the same thing? I don't consider this religious freedom. In the State of Utah, it's well known, that if you're not part of the Mormon Church or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you're probably not going to prosper, unless you convert to their religion. This might sound like, something you would expect back in the stone ages, but it still goes on today.

Religious freedom is a lot more than just being able to choose your own religion. It's becoming a choice economically, politically and of course socially. At what point do you financially make a decision to become part of a large religious organization, out of necessity. The simple need to feed your family. I believe religion is going to become a bigger problem in the future than it ever was in the past as we see more financial and political power forming in these religious organizations.

I'm not trying to scare anyone, I'm simply suggesting that we start associating with people from other religions or spiritual beliefs. We could learn a lot if we just open our ears and close our mouth. Become part of the solution and not the problem.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended authors, Norman Vincent Peale Books

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion

Teenage Pier Pressure

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Weight Loss Motivation

Lack of motivation is a major reason many people fail when it comes to losing weight. I myself know first hand. All the daily distractions in life can leave you distracted from what you truly want. This article will address 3-ways to stay motivated and give you better chances of succeeding.

Weight Loss Motivation Tip #1

The first step is convincing yourself this is something you must have. Write down the three main reason why you must lose weight. It could be anything such as health benefits, wanting more energy, wanting to increase your life span, etc. Re-sight these on a daily basis to keep you focused on why you must succeed.

It takes years to get out of shape, and even less to get in shape. The average life span for a human is around 70 years. Did you know it can take as little as 6 months to 1 year to get in shape for the average overweight person? Before you start any program, make sure you are willing to commit 6 months to 1 year at it. It will not happen overnight. Its going to take time and energy. Remember your why reasons to help keep you on track.


Weight Loss Motivation Tip #2

The next step is finding a program that works to follow. You should not just buy the first fad diets or exercising gimmick you see on the television. Most people know a handful of people who have tried some form of diet or exercise program that worked. Go to these people and find out exactly what they did. If you do not know anyone, you can find many forums and review sites on the Internet of real user that explain exactly what they have done. Visit some of these websites to for ideas.

Weight Loss Motivation Tip #3

The final step is having someone to motivate and consistently push you to keep going. This could be a spouse, friend, partner, or even someone on an Internet message board. You do not have to go it alone in fact, having someone to keep you motivated will increase your chances of success.

Everybody wants to get in shape and life healthy. In my opinion, everyone can. Using these weight loss motivation tips can drastically help increase your chances of weight loss success. Remember to identify your why reason, stick to a program that works, and find someone to keep you motivated.

This article is written by M. Martin. Find more tips, articles, and reviews for the top diet and exercise programs at Lose Pounds Fast a blog operated by M. Martin.

M. Martin lost 60 pounds following Fat Loss 4 Idiots diet program. A full review for this program can be found at Lose Pounds Fast

Experiment With Your Waitress

Monday, May 25, 2009

The Times They Are Changing

We live in a very interesting time in world history. The evolution of getting to this point has never been so dynamic. Even though all the events that have taken place prior to this point in time have great significance, and the fact that it is what brought us here, our current world environment has been propelled into the 21st century with lightening speed. The advancement of technology in communications, information, and the internet has created the instant information age. And with that our conscious minds have become more inter connected with the world than ever before.

What is interesting is that this phenomenon is the staging ground for all of us to become more enlightened. We are, and always have been connected to the entire universe. We all have roots in the universe because consciousness affects our physical world, which includes all living things right down to the individual cells. Our minds have a great influence on our health and well being and on how we view the world. Our existence in the universe is born of a sense of participation and kinship with all others and all matter. The basic oneness of the universe is the central characteristic of the mystical experience, but is also one of the most important revelations of modern physics, (i.e. quantum physics). But I don't want to talk about quantum theory; I want to talk about the human connectedness, and what I detect as a shift in the thinking of more and more people.

Because of the information age, a fast paced lifestyle, what's in it for me attitude, and a win at all cost mentality, too many people began losing sight of the connection we all have with each other and the universe. The ideal of we are all in this together was fading, and taking responsibility for the common good of all, had begun to disappear. Over the last decade, an exponential amount of negative actions and the pursuits of an ideology of egotism have brought us to this juncture. But there is hope because I see the beginning of a change in the minds of many people.

Now, more than ever people are placing an increased importance on relationships. Taking stock of what really matters, like family, friends, and community. There is a new awareness that we are all connected to the universe, and that human consciousness and the physical world are intertwined. The realization is that there is a profound interaction that exists between conscious mental activity and the physical world itself.

We cannot separate our own existence from that of the outside world. We are not only associated with the earth that we inhabit, but with the furthest reaches of the cosmos. We affect all of those about us, so events such as caring, loving, and confiding exert profound consequences on the universe.

Following the Laws of Attraction, the universe gives us what we want if follow our dreams and our passions, but it also takes away if we lose sight of that connection that exists between us all. I believe that there is a change in the winds of time because there is the beginning of an understanding of this relationship. Maybe, just maybe it could be the start of the new Age of Enlightenment.

http://www.enerchilivingspaces.com/

Owner : EnerChi Living Spaces & Gallery. We are a unique Home & Garden decor store. Specializing in Feng Shui design and consultation. We offer one-of-a-kind gifts and personalized ideas for decorating your home, garden and office. We offer workshops in Feng Shui decorating, meditation, journal writing, and manifesting your dreams. We support our local artists and musicians with shows and vignettes. Our merchandise is selected from all over the world with an emphasis on Asian Western design. The store exhibits a unique blend of products in a tranquil peaceful setting. We have just launched a home staging service for our local market. We have just completed an expansion to over 2,000 square ft. and our new website has launched. http://www.enerchilivingspaces.com

Power Of Faith

10 Ways to Deal With Negative Thinking, Panic and Paralyzing Fears

I recently heard from a friend who had been laid off at the newspaper she worked at because of the faltering economy. She didn't have many job leads and her motivation was at an all-time low. She felt that there was nothing more frightening than being a writer in an uncertain job market.

Panic and fear quickly took over; where would she go from go from there?

How would she pay her bills?

How would she cope with uncertainty?

Her mind was plagued with self-doubting, self-defeating thoughts and she began to spiral out of control, right into a dangerous state of anxiety that threatened to paralyze her into stagnant ground forever.

As she began to realize what a toll her predicament was leaving her in, it became clear to her that she needed to take action and do something to get herself out of the hole she was in.

Once she sat down and began to reflect on things, working through the paralyzing fear and the negativity that came along with the devastation of losing her dream job and having to start over from the beginning, everything started to make sense and she was on a roll!

Sometimes it takes a moment of crisis to help us refocus our thoughts and energies into what we want our professional and personal goals to be and what we need to accomplish.

The following points will help you focus and concentrate on the positive rather than dwell on the negative, motivating you to move forward into action rather than leaving you stuck in a rut.

Reading through them should help you gain some perspective into your particular situation:

1. Allow yourself to be upset and grieve if things have gone wrong

Sometimes you suffer from start-up inertia because you're having to make a new start and you're stubbornly holding on to the way things were.

It is perfectly normal to feel panicked, upset, angry, sad, even outraged; you wouldn't be human if you didn't feel that way.

Take some time to get in touch with those feelings.

The night my friend got laid off she drove home, fell into bed and literally could not move for 45 minutes.

Then she called me.

I got her to get up, take a long shower, change into some comfortable clothes, and then she spent some time sat in front of the television watching 'Friends'.

Give your mind and body time to settle into the initial shock of change, whatever it may be. But focus primarily on how you feel and let those feelings out.

2. Take a DEEP BREATH!

Your mind deserves it, your body deserves it, your lungs deserve it.

Taking deep breaths improves circulation, calms anxiety and helps you focus.

Once you're done moping, take a deep breath and start to move.

3. Organize your home, organize your life

Is your house a mess? What about your room or your home office? Can you not see yourself going through the piles of papers on top of your desk? Have you looked at your bills lately and seen what you have?

If you haven't done any of these things, now is the time to do it.

There is nothing more stressful when we are in a state of panic than a living space that has no room for us to live in it.

So tackle the mess; wash those clothes, clean out that pantry, throw out the clutter, get those bills out of the way.

You'll be surprised how much more motivated you will be when you surround yourself with cleanliness and order.

4. Surround yourself with positive people

Now would be a good time to reconnect with friends that you haven't spoken to in a while, or even with the friends that you talked to just yesterday, those friends that always have an encouraging word, who are helpful and positive.

Do yourself a favor and avoid people who are always down in the dumps, or who always have something negative to say.

However:

5. Don't confuse negativity with constructive criticism

Some friends may seem like they're helping but they're just feeding the cynicism. Conversely, friends that may appear to be negative are actually offering ways to help by sharing your experiences and showing you a better way to focus.

Listen to the people that are there for you, take what you can use, and dismiss those things that you don't want to use or that you can't use. Don't allow yourself to be brought down by it.

Take charge of your life again.

6. Have someone objective to talk to

When possible, sometimes having an objective third party to talk to and run ideas by can be tremendously helpful.

In some cases, a therapist can be of vital importance in your growth process towards finding yourself and focusing on your career and life goals. They can provide you with a perspective that is sound, rational and unbiased, while still keeping your best interests in mind.

7. Keep a journal of your progress

Write your ideas and your thoughts down and read over them the day after. You will gain some valuable perspective and insight into your own growth and where you are at.

8. Get out of the house!

Take your laptop or notebook to the local coffee shop or park, somewhere with some interaction and get out into the world! This will give you a chance to get out of the house and possibly meet some people, network and create some opportunities towards accomplishing your goals.

9. Actively look for opportunities to do the things that you love most and turn them into opportunities for you

Do you enjoy attending art shows? Love doing volunteer work? Do you like fishing with friends or going to the library or attending meetings for local organizations?

These are all things that would not only satisfy the craving for you to do something that you enjoy, but it would also present you with opportunities to network, meet people that could help you get ahead, and spend time taking care of yourself and your mental and emotional health.

10. Finally, SMILE and BELIEVE!

Easier said than done, I know. Believe me, nothing about my friend's situation warranted a smile and some faith. But had she not kept herself smiling, it would have been so much harder to be positive and pull out of that state of anxiety.

Believe in yourself and the things that you have accomplished and remember that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to do.

So get your coat, get your shoes, get your smile and go out into the world!

Taking heed of these valuable insights will help you create and maintain a positive energy source in your life and keep inertia at bay. You will feel better, be more motivated and definitely more at peace.

All it takes is for you to make that first move. Don't let panic paralyze you into inertia. Anything is possible; it's up to you to make it happen!

Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert. He recently produced a very popular free report that reveals how to crush procrastination and sustain lasting motivation. Apply now because it is available for a limited time only at: stay motivated

Programming Yourself For Success

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Yoga Exercise - Self Mastery With 5 Universal Human Laws and Yoga Exercise

For greater self understanding, use a recent event that upset you or a yoga exercise like Tree Pose as a test.

The Law of Non-Harming, Non-Violence

Not harming self, others, give up hostilities.

Outcome: Deep peace within. To have such a depth of inner peace that impacts others.

Tip: Notice when you tend to harm, injure or hurt others in thoughts, speech and actions. Nurture the opposite quality. Keep it simple by identifying one area you will work with: thoughts, words or actions.

In life or your practice, notice how you speak to yourself when you lose balance.

The Law of Truthfulness, Honesty

Honesty in thoughts, speech, and actions

Outcome: Will is naturally granted.

Tip: Notice if when you tend to avoid speaking the truth.

If speaking the truth causes someone harm, is it really speaking the truth?

Notice what is happening on the inside as well, the way you are thinking and feeling, and if there is any discrepancy between this inside world and the outside world. Try a yoga exercise like standing on one leg, Tree Pose. for this.

The Law of Non-Stealing

To avoid taking from others, in both physical and subtle ways

Outcome: Things flow to you naturally.

Tip: Notice if what you take, takes some things away from others.

As you self study, check to see if your words contribute in any way to others having less time to share. And if you tend to keep quiet, could this be considered stealing by withholding information.

The Law of Chastity

To avoid dissipation of the life energy, to conserve life energy

Outcome: Vitality

Tip: If you tend to forget the higher reality, practice the remembrance of the Divine and notice the effect on your energy.

Decide that for 30 seconds, you will avoid chasing after thoughts that surface and focus on remembering a higher ideal. For self study, notice your reaction to this idea.

The Law of Non-Possessiveness

No grasping material possessions or name and fame.

Outcome: Greater awareness of your past and future.

Tip: We identify with our job, house, car, wealth, beauty, education, country of origin, etc. What is your "I am....." statement?

Play with an image to encourage letting go. Perhaps create one of a clenched fist opening slowly. You may find that the action of opening and closing your hands symbolic. Gently wrap each hand around its thumb as you inhale, then pause the breath for as long as is comfortable. What is it, or who is it you are holding on to. As you exhale, release the breath and slowly stretch the hands wide. Is it time to let go? Repeat this yoga exercise 10 times.

And now, I'd like to invite you to claim your free download of guided relaxation and perception checklist for self mastery when you visit http://www.yogatogo.com. and please sign up for our newsletter for more tips for your healing journey.

From Heather Greaves - the Self Care Expert and Body Therapies Yoga Training

Friday, May 22, 2009

Dale Carnegie - Video

I Recommend Watching This Video and Then Picking up the Book If You're in the Sales Business.

Just how big of a deal is Money in Organized Religion. Your money is used for various things and some of them, you might not really want to spend the money on. Something to think about.

If you want to read something funny and get your daily laugh in, you need to read this, it's funny Using Religion Responsibility. It's based on overindulgence.

Can One Book Change Your Life
Committed People To Success

Are You Happy to Lead a Mediocre Life Just Because Others Do?

When we read historical novels, we may laugh at the pointless lives that the gentry of that period led. The well to do who lived centuries ago spent their lives in idle pursuits totally oblivious (in most cases) to the wretchedness of the poor who spent all their waking hours working in return for meagre sustenance. And they were so overly concerned with living their lives according to regimented protocol; it just wasn't "the done thing" to do things differently than the way the neighbours did things. The lives of the poor were just as pointless because they failed to realise that they could improve themselves if only they tried. The few who did succeed in breaking free of poverty were generally ostracised by their families because they dared to do things differently.

But are we any different today? Have we really learnt anything at all? The activities of the 21st century are vastly different from those of previous times but many are just as pointless. And today, in this current advanced era, people on the whole are still far too concerned with what their family, friends and neighbours think. Very few people are willing to change.

Is your life perfect? If it is then there is no need to change anything. But I have never yet met anyone with a perfect life, have you? Some people have a career they love but their family life suffers. Some people have very good relationships with their families and friends but their health and fitness are not very good. And some people have a totally stuffed up life in nearly all areas. Even if we have some things right, there are always areas in which we can improve ourselves, we shouldn't just get to a certain age and stop. Life is all about learning; it isn't something reserved for the young.

People will say, "Oh I couldn't do it that way because everyone I know does it this way!" But are all those people you know getting perfect results! Very unlikely! So why keep doing things a certain way, with mediocre results, just because everyone else does it that way? Isn't it time to make a change and do things your own way? Maybe, just maybe, you will see vast improvements in your life. And if you stuff up or don't get it quite right the first time, don't give up. Just keep on trying things out until you find what really works for you. Don't be bothered by those who try to deter you. Your true friends will support you and the opinion of the rest of them doesn't matter!

One thing to remember - if others object to what you are doing or becoming, it is because it is a reflection of something in their own lives that they need to deal with. When they see you becoming successful in some area of your life, they feel unsettled because they know that they should be trying to make improvements in their lives too and you are reminding them of that deficiency in themselves! So it is never about you, it is about them. The sad fact is that most people are quite prepared to plod along living a mediocre existence. They really cannot see that there are better possibilities for them if only they make an effort. But you can see the possibilities, so go and live your dreams!

Spirituality is a way of life for me! It isn't just what I think; it is what I feel. I have two spiritually based websites:

"Eye Of The Archer" provides resources for your spiritual and personal development including articles, newsletter and help available by email.
http://www.eyeofthearcher.com.au

"All Things Spiritual" is your one stop website for all your spiritual, new age and metaphysical needs, desires and interests.
http://www.allthingsspiritual.info

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Why Is Faith Important - Zig Ziglar Video

Zig Ziglar explains how come your faith is so important. Listen to one of the best motivational speakers in the world explain his belief in Christianity.

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Is Jesus The Only Way To Heaven

Overcoming Negative Self-Talk With Positive Affirmations

Motivational affirmations are a great way to lift our mood when things aren't going our way. Our mood is controlled by our internal dialogue which can be our best friend or our own worst enemy. It can limit us from doing what we want to do resulting in a lack of confidence even though we know that other people believe in our abilities. It doesn't have to be that way because we all have complete control over the way we think and feel (whether you believe that or not!) and can regain control by using a variety of methods, one I recommend is affirmations.

Using affirmations can change how you think about yourself and how you view the world around you. These positive statements can bring you the motivation you seek, as well as happiness, joy, and passion. When you're feeling down repeating affirmations can immediately improve your mood. Even though affirmations can work immediately don't think of them as a quick fix. Positive affirmations are most effective in the long-term so you can get what you deeply desire out of life.

When you use affirmations, you are literally reprogramming the way you think. You replace your negative self-talk and doubts with positive, motivating thoughts. Eventually, these positive thoughts become reality. These motivational affirmations work because they push away the negative thoughts that are limiting you day in and day out. You can leave your negative thinking in the past if you fill your current thoughts with positive, motivational affirmations.

Before you know it these positive affirmations will become second nature allowing you to change your life systematically, one thought at a time. Here are ten motivational affirmations you can use to improve your mood:

1. I welcome positive energy and I use that feeling to accomplish more.

2. I use my energy to live my life to the fullest.

3. No matter what I'm working on, I'm always committed to completing my goal.

4. I trust my thought processes. They are clear and I am very capable.

5. I can find my own intrinsic motivator.

6. No matter how hard I may fall, I get back up, dust myself off, and forge on.

7. No matter the challenge, I will see it through.

8. I enjoy being responsible for my actions.

9. My life is full of purpose, exciting chang, and many recognized deeds.

10. By commemorating the smallest nuggets of success I am motivated to complete the larger tasks.

Use this list of affirmations in those moments of frustration to help you find the motivation you need to continue. Repeat them in the morning when you first wake up, or make them your last thoughts at night before you sleep. Add your own energy into them by making them your own, change the words or add to them. Affirmations are far more powerful when you create them for yourself because they have special meaning for you. It doesn't matter where you get them, as long as they speak to your heart and are focused on the present.

We all need a motivational boost from time to time. Now you don't have to look to other people or situations to keep you moving forward. Keep your affirmation list updated with the thoughts you'd like to be thinking, repeat your affirmations several times a day, and soon you will easily be able to command and master your emotions rather than having them control you.

If you are on a journey towards self realization gain access to free personal growth resources information and audios at Inspirational Guidance. Sign up to receive our free ezine "Discovering Greatness Experiencing Joy" http://www.inspirationalguidance.com

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Learning to Create the Life of Your Dreams With - BEing the Titus Concept, by Al Diaz

The world is full of self-help books that tell us we need help, and where we've messed-up our lives, and what we should do to fix them; but "BEing The Titus Concept," by Al Diaz, isn't another one of those. Having read hundreds of self-help and personal development books, I came to the conclusion that life is supposed to be simple; and so are the fixes to common, everyday problems. In fact, I didn't really realize exactly how right I was, or exactly how simple life could be, until I finished reading, "BEing The Titus Concept!"

In this book, Al Diaz adeptly guides all of us, regardless of our various levels of "spiritual maturity," or "spiritual development," into a place of deep understanding and abiding love for our Source - The Source of All Creation. With gentle reminders of the wisdom you already possess, and simple exercises to help unlock powerful, but hidden and untapped, resources within each of us, "BEing The Titus Principle" is tantamount to a "spiritual GPS" device - accelerating your progress down the path of self-discovery and self-realization.

I read this book in my spare time over the course of two-days - hardly a major investment in time - and found it easy, and even fun, to read. After reading the first fifteen-pages, I was already incorporating some of Al's principles and awareness into my own practice with The Belief Formula - amplifying what I feel is the most important variable in the process of creation: the Power of Love, Acceptance, and Gratitude. This book could have easily been named, "The Techniques of the Masters of Life," or, "The Gracefully Simple Way To Make Your Life Graceful and Simple;" because this book provides just that - simple, easy-to-understand, step-by-step guidance to understanding our power and role as co-creators of our own experience.

With the techniques, methods, and concepts contained within this book, we can all become masters of our own experience and creators of our own destinies. "BEing The Titus Concept," for that reason alone, is a definite must-read, and a powerful and valuable addition to the library of any spiritual student or aspirant!

Pete Koerner is the author of The Belief Formula: The Secret to Unlocking the Power of Prayer. The Belief Formula is a look at how you can use ancient wisdom and modern scientific awareness to learn how to use your mind to reclaim your health and create the life of your dreams. Visit Pete's blog and download your Free Illustrated Guide To Self-Empowerment With EFT, at: http://www.ExploreExpandEvolve.com/free_download/

Visit http://TheTitusConcept.com/BEingEbookSalesPage.html/ for more information about this wonderful book and find out about the FREE GIFT you will receive for purchasing BEing The Titus Concept on Amazon during its Official Launch on December 5th, 2008.

Spending 15 Minutes Each Day

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Seven Spiritual Principles That Shape Our Lives

What if there were seven spiritual principles that shaped our lives?What if these principles encompassed all religions, had ancient origins from our earliest civilizations, were available without the need of a spiritual leader, became simple steps toward a personal spiritual answer, and had a practical application to daily life?

Might they provide a greater sense of security? Might they encourage peace of mind? Might they make us happier?

Years ago I read about Seven Cosmic Principles in a book, The Secret Doctrine of The Rosicrucians. The Rosicrucians, an ancient group that continues to exist today, did not create these Principles; they simply compiled ancient beliefs that provide answers about the purpose and meaning of life. While that book is available today, discussions are confusing. I want to clarify and explain those concepts.

I am not a Rosicrucian and have no affiliation with that organization. While other groups list some or all of these same concepts, thisgroup collected and described them most successfully. Each of the Seven Cosmic Principles can be traced back to the beginning of recorded time, to the earliest philosophies and beliefs.

The term "Cosmic Principles" seemed too remote, too esoteric, too unapproachable. Were they related to our daily routines? Could they make a difference in dealing with the problems that we confront in our relationships, our work, our lives?

The Seven Principles evolved into Seven Steps. They are a life focus, not a dogmatic religious view or fixation on death. They are a simple do-it-yourself guide to a personal, practical spirituality.

Seven Simple Steps

Step One - Everything is connected.

"As above, so below." We are interrelated; there is a unity in life. The smallest atom and the largest galactic unit are connected and governed by the same rules. We are part of everything around us, and everything is part of us. We are not alone.

Step Two - Everything happens for a reason.

"What goes around, comes around." There is order in this seemingly chaotic world. There is a cause and effect, a reaction to every action. Nothing happens by chance, nothing "bad" happens. Life is governed by law and order.

Step Three - We change.

The world vibrates, and we vibrate. Science teaches us this rule that applies to everything in the universe. Transition is a normal part of life, not something to be feared.

Step Four - We move.

From vibration comes rhythm. Everything has a beat or pattern. Seasons change; tides rise and fall; day turns to night. Patterns affect all of life; we move in a defined rhythm or within a recurring pattern.

Step Five - We progress.

Our pattern is not static, however. Just as vibrations change, the pattern governing our lives moves in a circle, not a closed cycle but one that spirals upward. We progress.

Step Six - We balance.

Everything has its opposite. There is polarity in the world and in the universe. Our challenge is to try to find the middle ground, the median point, and avoid the extremes. We search for moderation in every emotion, every decision, every activity.

Step Seven - We create.

Sex attraction governs our lives and the universe. Life is creation. But this is not the "sex" of a limited male/female physical encounter. Sex attraction unites the masculine and feminine characteristics within us.

Our role is to combine the seven steps of connection, order, change, movement, progress, balance, and creativity in our lives. This is a guide to our spiritual life. This is Practical Spirituality, a life focus.

Cheryl A. Chatfield, Ph.D. is a writer and teacher. Her small, nonprofit organization, The Nottingham Institute, promotes materials for everyday spirituality for those who don't find answers in organized religions. To read more of these Seven Spiritual Principles, order Do It Yourself Guide To Spirituality: Seven Simple Steps. Visit http://nottinstitute.org to download this material and/or to sign up for a free monthly Practical Spirituality Newsletter.

How Do I Know What The Universe

The Spiritual Root Causes of Problems in Life

The root causes of the problems in our life. In this article, we discuss the function of the realm of spirituality regarding the difficulties in or lives. Ignorance regarding the existence and role of the spiritual dimension and understanding its duties in our difficulties would only frustrate our attempts to completely conquer these problems. We need to first know and understand the root cause of a difficulty in order to overcome it completely. By digging deeper into the root of every difficulty, after the true and complete diagnosis has been made, can the proper therapy now be given. Most of us are not aware of the factors that contribute spiritually the root cause of 80% of the difficulties in our lives for the mere reason that they are beyond the discernment of our mind, intellect, most especially our five senses.

Whether a certain difficulty has a root cause spiritually attached with its details could be truly known and perceived surely only via the medium of highly activated sixth sense. Modern scientific studies regard the cause of a particular problem to being either psychological or physical. For this reason, we go finding for the causes and possible remedy only in these 2 areas. For instance:

1.) Narcotic abuse is known as a psychological setback and can be treated accordingly with psychotherapy.

2.) Itching and irritation is known as having a physical cause and can be primarily treated with physical medicines. However, there's a third cause of our problems in life and that is spiritual.

But the causes are not as simply and readily understood as they are beyond the knowledge and comprehension of the modern science. In fact, root causes in connection with spirituality of our difficulties really affect our lives to a large extent. Actually, the WHO (World Health Organization) defines health as "a state or condition of positive health in the physical, social, mental and spiritual dimensions. Consequently, it has been found out that well being in the spiritual sense is also an element that contributes to our health. However, research spearheaded by SSRF (Spiritual Science Research Foundation) discloses the actual extent in which factors regarding to spirituality participate to our complete being.

Through this research, SSRF has discovered the breakdown, on average, among the 3 root causes being accountable for difficulties in our lives. Breakdown of the root causes of the problems in our lives. 30% Spiritual, psychological/or physical. 50% Purely spiritual. 20% Psychological and/or physical in nature. Thus, up to 80% of our difficulties have their root cause in the realm of spirituality. And how can you overcome or conquer these difficulties in your life? These kinds of difficulties could only be conquered through spiritual means like either through:

1.) Specified spiritual healing therapy carried out to overpower a particular sign or symptom brought about by some factors in the field of spirituality.

2.) Spiritual practice helps in building our entire spiritual energy to fight those problems. In this manner, difficulties and problems that have their root cause in the realm of spirituality could either be determined or we get the strength to bear them with tolerance.

The author of this article Amy Twain is a Self Improvement Coach who has been successfully coaching and guiding clients for many years. Amy recently decided to go public and share her knowledge and experience through her website http://www.innerzine.com. You can sign up for her free newsletter and join her coaching program.

Louise Hay

How Does One's Consciousness Change As We Evolve and Become More Spiritual?

An understanding of how we can break the cycle of cause and effect and gain stability in our lives.

The main change we notice is from being caught up in an individual thought, and having it take over our entire mind, to having a more expanded view on life. When we get a very strong thought especially a negative one it can sweep us along and we can find that we have done things that we really did not want to do.

To avoid this happening it is possible to experience thoughts on different levels. I.e. if a strong unpleasant thought comes into the mind, take the mind to the physical body and you may experience a twitching or sensation in one or more parts of the body. Just let the mind experience that sensation for a little while. Think of that area of the body regaining in balance and harmony. When the sensation eases take the mind back to the thinking process and you will find that those strong emotions have passed.

Through this process you have managed to break the cycle of action and reaction that continues to cause these tensions to build up in our bodies. It is also noticeable that as the mind expands, this is when, the consciousness starts to experience more at the same time. Therefore each individual thought occupies a much smaller part of our consciousness.

If you can imagine the mind like the ocean and our consciousness and thoughts like the waves of the ocean, then as our mind becomes conscious of the more subtle layers, we get more depth to it. We start to take in more of the silent layers of the ocean so that you have the waves and you have the still water under the waves at the same time.

Message channelled by George Lockett (C) Copyright 2006, All Rights Reserved.

* New book * "A Journey into the Self -- the multi-dimensional nature of being human": HealerGeorge Web Site and New Book

Description: What is this book going to do for YOU? For those who are seeking a complete energetic makeover, as you read it you will feel a stirring and awakening in the depths of your heart. For those who have questions about Shifts in Consciousness, Energy Balancing and Healing within the body, you will find clear answers.

Read HealerGeorges Blog: Curezone Blog or ask at question at: Ask HealerGeorge

Marcus Aurelius

Christian Zionists, Jews, and Israel

For the record, I am a Bible-believer, a Christian-Zionist (one who believes the Prophets foretold the restoration of Jews first of all 12 Tribes of Israel to the Promised Land of Israel before the end of this world as we know it). I am not a Protestant or a "Jew for Jesus" and certainly not a member of the Roman Catholic Cult. I am a baptized member of the Sabbath-keeping Church of God (who believe the plain truth of the Bible that Herbert W. Armstrong taught).

It grieves me when I'm on various Jewish sites, pro-Israel sites, and some vainly try and pigeonhole my calls for Jews to follow Judaism to the Jewish Homeland to become better Jews and falsely accuse me of only "wanting Jews to die so Jesus can return." Nothing could be further from the truth! (Away with stereotypes! Are all Jews rich or liberal?). I share what Judaism teaches about aliyah (ascent, emigration to Eretz Yisrael - the Land of Israel). Did the Ramban want Jews to return to Zion and die so Jesus could return? Preposterous, eh? Indeed.

I also do not fall for the rapture myth, as some allege, striving to substantiate their theories as to why I have such a great love for Jews and Israel, failing to grasp that I truly believe in the Israelite origins of the West, especially the revelation of Joseph as the Anglo-Saxon peoples, as taught by Brit Am Israel and others, and am convinced the Jews are the ethnic brethren of British-Israelites (contrary to those groups who reject the Jews as illegitimate), and that the Land of Israel is also our ancient and future inheritance. This precious knowledge and love for klal Yisrael (all Israel, collective 12 Tribes) is my God-given motivation and why I yearn to return to Zion and stay attached to it while in exile (due to an unjust deportation I've suffered for highlighting the plight of the Temple Mount under illegal Nazi-Muslim occupation).

The Bible clearly teaches, recognized by both Jews and Christians, that the Jews would again be living in the Promised Land of Israel in preparation for the coming of King Messiah. Judaism teaches it "hastens the day of redemption" and Christians say "amen." We can agree on that point and permit time to tell who fulfills the prophecies completely, as all will be revealed and Israel and Judah will be reunited, reconciled, and Jerusalem saved from Gentile occupation. The Jews also believe that Elijah will herald the coming of the King to fulfill the Prophets and teach Torah, and Christians know the chief spokesman between the Two Witnesses will announce - in the spirit of Elijah (who is dead and buried) - the Kingdom of God.

I want Jews to return to Eretz Yisrael because it is loving obedience to God, as well as Israel's future construction of the Third Temple, the Temple of God (not just of the Jews as some slander) even though Israel must be warned not to trust Europe's lying guarantees of peace and security or their imminent Antiochus Epiphanes who will betray Israel and occupy Jerusalem and pollute the Temple of God, if they're not careful to hear and heed the Prophets.

Despite unwarranted hatred from some hypocritical Jews who treat all Christians shamefully, failing to distinguish between those who are honest friends of Jews and Israel and those who aren't, I want to express unconditional love to help save Jews from physical and spiritual harm. I want Jews to live and prosper and love and obey God and be blessed rather than to continue to suffer escalating divine punishments for sin that will only intensify (Dan. 9:11). I hope to help avert another holocaust, one that will target the British-Israelites (the "Lost Ten Tribes") and Jews, ignited by the German-dominated EU under Roman Catholic influence.

May all 12 Tribes of Israel remember our Hebrew roots and biblical responsibilities, turn from our national idolatry and immorality (2 Chron. 7:14), and be restored to world power and prosperity and ascend even greater heights of glory as a truly United Kingdom, One Nation Under God.

David Ben-Ariel is a Christian-Zionist writer and author of Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise and Fall. With a focus on the Middle East and Jerusalem, his analytical articles help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out the Beyond Babylon blog.

Thoughts Create Wealth

Friday, May 15, 2009

Setting and Achieving Real Estate Goals

Is one, one of those people that plan for their death more than they plan for their immediate future? Well, I know one thinks one is not, but if one has already written one's will and probably has no goals for the next three to ten years, it could mean just that; one is more concerned and planning more for one's demise, than for one's time before death. It is therefore time that one started setting goals. However, remember that goals are more than just what one puts in writing. Ideally, the goals are just like the spoken word; not true until proven by action. Here are a few tips that will ensure that one sets good and easy to achieve goals.

Specific Goals

When one is specific with one's goals, one is able to prioritize what matters to ones most either in the short term or the long term. If for example one needs to buy a car, and a Mercedes at that, one also need a decent home for one's family, college education for one, one's partner one's children and other activities which could include travel, one can prioritize what is most important. By doing this, one is able to strategize where to allocate one's resources first. Remember that goals push us to act. Having more goals for ranging from one moth, three months, six months, an year or even 10 years will make one a more proactive person. In turn, this makes one leads a more prosperous, fulfilling life.

Set Realistic Goals

Remember that one are kidding no one, if one's goals are no believable even to one, one's chances of achieving them is almost nil. One must gauge how much one is likely to achieve and set one's goals based on that. Goals that are not realistic will just end up disappointing one and eroding one's confidence for one's abilities.

Set Quantifiable Goals

When setting the goals remember that measuring one's achievements is of major importance. For example instead of saying that one will be financially independent in five years, just state how much money one wants to have accumulated in saving by that time. Alternatively, one can have the amount worth of equity one intends to have accumulated in the short term and long term. If one is targeting a particular income annually, then break this down to monthly incomes and see how achievable that goal is. Should one find that one is earning more or less than earlier envisaged, one is free to make amendments to one's goals. An admirable character trait among successful people is the fact that they make goals fast and are equally fast to make adjustments when the need arises. They do not hesitate, waver or even engage in negative thoughts about themselves.

Set Harmonious Goals

Harmony and condition between one's goals and actions should go hand-in-hand. If one has set a goal to use time more efficiently, then by al mean s avoid contradicting goals like having more time to relax and spend with family and friends. If this is to happen, one will no doubt have a hard time balancing the two.

Have a Vision of the Goal

Take some minutes each day and visualize physically as having achieved the goal. It may look faked afterwards, but that is the whole idea of visualizing the goal. Because it is not yet real, it pays to engage one's fantasies. Ever heard of 'act like you got it until you do'? Well, it is the idea that has propelled many successful people to their goals. This helps one to be more determined towards achieving one's goals, since one possess them in one's mind.

Work Towards Goals

Without working towards one's goals, they just remain a fantasy in one's mind that will probably never see the light of day. Prioritize one's work such that each day moves one closer to the goals.

Give Them Numbers

By giving one's goals specific numbers in the order of importance, one is able to ensure that enough justification is given to e ach goal. If one's goal is to have a better home, what is the supporting reason for the goal, is it because one are not comfortable with one's current home or just because one wants to move to a safer neighborhood. Are there more pressing goals like sending one's children to college? Ideally, the reason for one's goal setting should be important than one's goal. Several goals often present tough choices because they demand so much of one's time and resources, but remember that by setting them, one is acknowledging a need in one's life.

Examine, Evaluate and Modify

Flexibility is one thing that determines how fast one achieves one's goals. When one examines and evaluates one's goal, one is able to know the adjustments needed. Because some things happen different than one had expected, one must be able to factor this in. No matter what happens however, one must always strive at self improving works. Working harder on physically rather than on the job will lead to personal development, which is the background of one's persona

Have Deadlines

As earlier stated, a goal without set deadlines is just conversation. Try to set one's goals in the four areas listed below

Financial

One's goals should reflect the income, cash flow, equity and the net worth one wants to have.

Fitness

Fitness goals helps one lives a better, healthier life and in turn gives one better chances of achieving some of the other goals whose achievement depends on one's physical wellbeing. The phrase about the apple a day keeping the doctor away rings true to this day. Do things that will ensure that one remains healthy because this not only affects one, but one's family as well. It is advisable to start with the simple steps and then adjust with time.

Family

Family goals could include spending more time with one's family, taking family vacations, visiting places together or even visiting relatives. The goals include how often one would want to get involved in this family goals. There are a variety of family goals that one can set, just choose what matches the needs of one's family.

Faith

Faith based goals include spiritual goals, associations with one's friends and basically everything that one believes in. One's spiritual believes shape up one's actions and also affects the kind of company that one keeps. Now that one have decided to set goals, it is also advisable that one chooses friends that believe in one's goals. It pays to be around people that encourage one and even put one into account whenever one seem to relax on the efforts to reach one's goals. The biggest mistake one can ever do is hand out with non-believers in one's goals because such will only draw one back. Remember that birds of a feather fly together. If one wants to earn 1 million dollars by the end of the year, then be with people that have the same goal, or that have already achieved this. The latter group is just evidence that one's goal is indeed achievable. However, this does not mean that one gets rid of all one's friends. No one can keep them but never let them in on what one is out to achieve. The idea behind successful goal setting is to have a goal and a vision to achieve just that, who knows, one could just be the next millionaire, home owner or wealthiest farmer!

Julia Vakulenko is a licensed broker associate with Tampa4U.com Realty. She has one of the hardest working Tampa Real Estate team in Florida and also in2Va Team for Northern Virginia Real Estate.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Change, Happiness, Success And Our Core Values

The saying that "change is the only constant thing in this world" holds profound meaning in every sense of the word. Backed by this universal truth is also the dictum that there is no such thing as 'forever'. However, amidst all these acclaimed universal truths, there are things in this world that stay eternal: One of them our set of core values the fundamentals that enable us to find happiness and success in our lives.

In his # 1 National Bestseller book that sold over 10 million copies, author Stephen R. Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (1990 ed.) illustrates his own personal experience on change. As a parent, he claims that to change a situation, we first have to change ourselves, and to change ourselves effectively, we first have to change our perceptions. However, Dr. Phil argues that it's more complicated than that. Illustrated in his book Life Strategies - Stop Making Excuses! Do What Works, Do What Matters (1999 ed.), he firmly wants to instill in our minds the glaring truth about change that we can not change what we do not acknowledge. In similar fashion, I totally agree on his argument. It's like saying that the hardest thing to open in this world is a closed mind - therefore making change difficult to occur.

There are some people who have a mindset to make some changes in their lives and choose to be happy. Even the great Chinese philosopher Confucius would agree in his belief that "man must be wise and unafraid to live a happy life" - a philosophy similarly shared by his contemporary, Mencius where he enumerates three mature virtues of his 'great man' as wisdom, compassion and courage deliberated in Lin Yutang's book, The Importance of Living (1962 ed.) a must-to-read book for daily living.

Likewise, Stephen R. Covey focuses the "Character Ethic" as the foundation of success things like integrity, humility, fidelity, temperance, courage, justice, patience, industry, simplicity, modesty and the Golden Rule.

In his book, he presented Benjamin Franklin's autobiography as the epitome of these values "a man's effort to integrate certain principles and habits deep within his nature", he explained. The Character Ethic, according to Covey teaches us that there are basic principles of effective living, and that people can only experience true success and enduring happiness as they learn and integrate these principles into their basic character.

In addition, Anthony Scire's dynamic and contemporary book The Power of 2 (2003 ed.) promotes building solid relationships over the long term and encouraging us to be "nice, kind and good" to everyone we know and meet. This highlights Henry James's core value of kindness:"Three things in human life are important", he said. "The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind." In the same book, then eminent Bishop Fulton J. Sheen admonished us to also take control of our emotions so that we may live a successful and happy life. He said: "Each of us makes his own weather determines the color of the skies in the emotional universe which he inhabits."

Change therefore is inevitable in our lives. If - and when it comes, our core values should help us adapt to the consequences of change. Hence, as exemplified by great and wise men of past and present generations, our happiness and success depend upon our core values and attitudes.

Letty R. Vendramini
http://www.7PowerWords.com/

Your Voyage To Happiness Begins Here. Learn how you can find real happiness in your life and how to live it to the full. Abandon unhappiness and achieve true lasting happiness. Discover the "real you" and unleash the joy within.

Visit http://www.BestSecretsToHappiness.com/ and receive Your FREE Happiness Report Worth $47 On How You Can Find True Lasting Happiness In Your Life. Click now to download. Alternatively Letty regularly writes articles on How To Sustain True, Lasting Happiness available to view at http://www.BestSecretsToHappiness.com/blog/

Letty R. Stevens Vendramini acquired two degrees in Bachelor of Philosophy (Ph.B) Minor in English and Bachelor of Social Work (BSocWk). Letty teaches subjects in Philosophy, Psychology, Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, English Grammar and Composition, Research and Thesis Writing and Business Ethics. Letty is a part-time Private Practitioner in Social Work-Counseling. She is also a writer, a newspaper columnist/correspondent and an editor.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

What Makes A Great Presenter?

Every day millions of people around the world make a presentation. Yet most of us who have been to meetings know that very few of those people are truly great. At each meeting there is usually only one person who stands out head and shoulders above the rest as someone who really connects with us in the audience. The truth is, most presenters are just plain average and quite a few are simply dreadful. So, how can you move from being a run of the mill presenter to being fantastic?

Every one of us has the ability to be truly great as a presenter. There is nothing particularly special about the people who stand out as brilliant. However, the average presenter is usually holding themselves back, doing things which prevent them from being good.

At every training course run by The Presentation Business we spend some time debating what makes a great presenter. This inevitably leads to a discussion of what the bad presenters do wrong. Having kept a record of what these sessions considered I have been able to produce a definitive list of what to do to make your presentations great.

The overwhelming conclusion of all these discussions is: content is NOT important. Of the hundreds of people who have debated what makes a great presenter not a single person has mentioned the value of the content. Your audiences are likely to think in just the same way. They are NOT interested in what you are saying, but the way you are saying it. If you say it well, that appears to make the content interesting. But what this means is, if you concentrate your planning and preparation on content, you are likely only to be average.

The most important factor for great presenters according to our discussions is that they make a personal connection to every member of the audience. This means lots of eye contact, liberal use of the words I and you, and that everything you deliver is done form the audiences perspective. This means you need to know a great deal about your audience in advance so you can do this.

The connection you make between yourself and your audience seems to be enhanced by the widespread use of examples. Our discussions at training courses show that your audience expects you to show rather than tell. In other words, you dont need to give them messages and content; instead you need to give them lots of examples and they will work out the message for themselves.

A further element of this aspect of being a great presenter is that these examples should always include you. Your audience wants to know about your thoughts, your feelings and your opinions. They want to share your experiences. If all you deliver is content, this does not help your audience. They could get your content from a book, a web site or some other non human contact. The fact that you are presenting to them means your audience wants to hear from you personally.

Your audience also wants you to be a living person. They dont want to hear from a statue. In other words you need to be active. The discussions held at our training courses show time and time again that presenters who move are the one who gain the most attention. If you think about this, it is quite understandable. In social situations we are active we use gestures, we move our bodies and change posture. To avoid doing so when presenting makes you look abnormal and this serves to disconnect you. There is also a big advantage to moving it helps reduce nerves when presenting.

As well as moving to be natural, our discussions show that great presenters are interactive. They ask questions, they involve the audience and essentially they treat the presentation as a conversation. This helps boost the connection between themselves and the audience. Thats because for the audience the interactivity appears normal, whereas being spoken at for a great length of time does not.

Another important aspect of making your presentation appear normal is that your audience expects you to deliver your material without any prompts. Conversations do not need notes! Hence your presentation will benefit from appearing normal if you do not use notes or any prompts of any kind including bullet points on slides. Discussions at our training sessions show time and time again that audiences do not like presenters who use notes, prompt cards, bullet point slides or any other form of memory jogger. Audiences expect presenters to know their stuff. Great presenters never use notes.

An extension of the lack of notes concept is that great presenters talk from the heart. They are passionate about their subject and they are emotional. The dispassionate, business-like presenter is one of the most disliked, according to our discussions. What this means is that you should talk less about your subject and much more about your experiences as this will help boost your passion.

Our training sessions also reveal that audiences want to have fun. They want to see you enjoying yourself and they want to have a laugh. This does not mean you need to tell jokes, but it does mean your audiences expect you to be light. Even for serious subjects it seems that audiences expect some kind of lightness. They want humour and they want you to smile. Straight faced, dry presenters are particularly disliked by audiences.

One final aspect that is revealed by the discussions at our training sessions and that is everyone in your audience expects the presenter to motivate them. This does not mean you need to be a motivational speaker. Rather what it means is that your audience is expecting you to tell them what to do. Your audience does not expect a presenter simply to deliver information they can get that from a book or a web site. Instead great presenters give audiences some action to take.

All of these discussion points suggest that those presenters who treat their presentation as a conversation who just have a chat with the audience are the ones marked out as truly great. People who give presentations by delivering content are seen as boring and uninteresting. This also means their messages are not conveyed, so they may as well not be presenting in the first place.

Oh, and one final thing. Our discussions show that audiences simply detest the use of computerised slides. They just want to hear from you. Truly great presenters therefore do one other vital thing they switch off the projector!

Graham Jones runs The Presentation Business at http://www.presentationbiz.com which specialises in helping people become great public speakers.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Leadership and the Higher Self - Are Leaders Born Or Made?

When we think of a leader, who comes to mind? There are examples from the past and present, adults and children, and leaders in spiritual, political, or even physical realms. Leaders' influence may be felt globally, or only in their neighborhoods or families. So what characteristics do leaders have? The following list comes from my own life experiences and my associations with a variety of leaders over time. An enormously successful business leader shared his Five Cs of leadership with me, to which I added a sixth: Conscience. The person who leads from the front and embodies these six qualities IS a leader.

Leaders lead from the front. Always demanding more of themselves than others, leaders are at the front of the charge, not observing from a distance. There are tremendous military examples, and you can probably name more than I. There are also quieter examples: the minister who asks a congregation to support a charity, and then is the first in line to serve; Florence Nightingale, who left a comfortable British lifestyle to create the professional nursing role, in spite of enormous societal barriers; and the team leader who stays with the emergency crews during disaster relief efforts, shift after shift, instead of monitoring progress from a distance.

Conviction. A leader has a passionately held conviction, belief, or vision with which all thought and action are aligned. Think of people like Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahandas K. Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela. They had deeply held convictions which drove their actions. As you will see throughout this list, they also led from the front and inspired millions of people.

Commitment. Leaders remain committed to their cause regardless of circumstances. Think of Joan of Arc, a French peasant girl whose spiritual experiences fueled her heroic leadership of French troops against English enemies during the 1400s. Always at risk of injury, torture, capture, and death, Joan of Arc's actions changed history, long past her early death at the stake. Or look more closely within your own circle of relationships. Is there a child who toils toward a goal, perhaps a spot on the varsity team, or a position in the school orchestra, committed in thought, word, and deed?

Confidence. A leader has confidence that goals will be achieved. A leader radiates this confidence to others. A leader does not dissipate valuable mental and physical energy through doubt. This knowing attracts the very outcome desired.

Courage. A leader has the courage to act on beliefs. Courage isn't a lack of fear; courage is acting in spite of fear. Think of Pat Tillman, a larger than life professional football player at the peak of his career who joined the military after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He gave up his lifestyle to become an army Ranger specifically to protect others from terrorists, to follow his beliefs. With courage, he fought. With courage, he died in a tragic incident of friendly fire. Think also of the handicapped child who risks failure and humiliation in order to achieve the same developmental milestones as peers. This is quiet, endless courage with no fanfare.

Consistency. A leader holds true to values, words, and actions, all of which align. A leader does not change direction according to the winds of favor. Followers count on a leader to be reliable and consistent. Think of the parent (leader) who faces anger and rejection from a teenage child (follower) when limits are enforced. Remaining consistent in parental behavior and limit setting is essential to help the child develop, and this means tolerating the negative feelings from the teenager. We've all played one of these roles.

Conscience. None of the other five qualities matter without conscience. You will have examples that come to mind, some of wide renown, and some of very personal moment. My father was one of the most conscientious people I have ever met. By this I mean that his conscience was an integral part of his physical and spiritual fiber. As a child, I was often frustrated by what felt like his rigid code of ethics which interfered with my immediate gratification! A lifetime later, I value this ruler, this measure by which choices must be made in life's often "grey" areas. He bequeathed much to me, yet nothing more precious than this.

Leaders are made, not born. Every decision point offers the opportunity to choose in the direction of leadership. It is a simple, difficult way of being. Choose now, and at every moment.

Deborah A. Orr, RN, Ph.D. is a grateful psychologist with many life changing experiences to date. She has begun a new venture where leadership thrives. To learn more about this leadership business, visit Phoenix and Dragon, Inc. at http://www.growinginspirit.net