by: Mohamed Tohami
Are you determined to become a mega success story?
Then this article will show you the simplest formula for reaching heights of success you've only dreamed about.
Remember that simplicity is not the same thing as ineffectiveness, for true power lies in simplicity. As the saying goes, "Common sense is not always common practice."
Let's begin.
Psychologist Arnold H. Glasgow has said, "Success is simple: do what's right, the right way, at the right time."
That's a simple concept, yet very profound.
The quote lays out three easy steps to simplify success, but those steps must be integrated to work effectively ' you can't afford to skip even one of them.
The first step is to do what is right. If you skip the FIRST and most important step, you're eliminating your chances to succeed.
But how do you know what is right for you?
Simply put, the decisions you make every day must match with your true purpose in life. Every action you take must enhance and solidify who you are and what you were meant to accomplish in this life.
When you have a purpose, your actions naturally become more powerful because they are focused and united to fulfill a sole objective. Consequently, you achieve faster and better results.
The second step is to do it the right way. If you skip this step, you'll find yourself in a never-ending loop of trial and error where you'll just keep re-inventing the wheel, instead of re-inventing yourself.
It has often been said that the easiest way to become successful is to find someone who is already successful and follow in his footsteps.
Take that advice and learn from the best. Look for successful people who have reached the same level of success you want to reach, and learn from both their mistakes and their accomplishments. Imitate their lives, learn their methods, and discover their secrets.
The third and last simple step to success is to choose the right time. Take small actions every single day that lead you toward fulfilling your purpose. Prepare yourself so that when the right opportunity presents itself, you'll be ready to seize it and ride it to unimaginable levels of success. The right time to start taking action is NOW. Even the smallest action can make a big difference. Don't worry about the magnitude of your every move; focus instead on the collective power of all your small actions combined.
"Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time."
Do what is right by discovering your true purpose in life.
Do it the right way by learning from the best.
Do it at the right time by taking small actions and preparing yourself to seize opportunity when it presents itself.
Can success be that simple?
It can be if you start NOW!
Shamanic Healing and Soul Retrieval - Part 3
by: Jan Engels Smith
Soul loss creates a fragmentation of one's wholeness. Consequently, a person continually tries to fill the voids caused by the fragmentation. Attempts at "fulfillment" may include overt behaviors associated with drugs, alcohol, sex, faulty relationships, and food, or more subtle behaviors of verbal and nonverbal communication.
For example, listen carefully to conversations. There is a definite exchange of energy occurring at all times. Questions about what you do for a living, how much money you make, what education you have, and where you live often establish a hierarchy of energy. There will be a winner and a loser in these conversations if the intention of the questions is to establish position. When positive energy flows, people recognize and pursue their interdependence. Interdependent behavior is evident in mutually supportive relationships in which individuals retain their personal power and self-worth. In such relationships, a person is not striving for worthiness from such external criteria as wealth or beauty, but rather from a powerful inner sense of worthiness. This worthiness creates wholeness.
Understanding that interdependence is not the same as dependence is important. In fact, soul loss is often the result of dependence. This is why children are so susceptible to theft of a soul part. However, many adults are also highly dependent on others and subject to resultant soul loss. The journey to restoration of the soul part requires the individual to first move from dependence to independence.
This movement from dependence to independence is accomplished by regaining one's individual power. Many confuse this transition with being selfish. They have been taught for so long to give away their personal power to meet the needs of others that this transition can feel jolting. However, the acquisition of independence allows one to participate in the universe in a positive and personally powerful way. Once one's independence is established, the individual is able to move from independence to interdependence, becoming a part of the wholeness of life without the loss of individual energy.
This movement from dependence to independence to interdependence is part of the larger universal shift to identifying with the web of life. The recognition that we are all part of one another enhances every individual's personal power. We are capable of ending our personal fragmentation and the unnatural fragmentation we have created in the universe. We can have wholeness of person and wholeness of life, extending outward to the universal web of life.
Soul loss creates a fragmentation of one's wholeness. Consequently, a person continually tries to fill the voids caused by the fragmentation. Attempts at "fulfillment" may include overt behaviors associated with drugs, alcohol, sex, faulty relationships, and food, or more subtle behaviors of verbal and nonverbal communication.
For example, listen carefully to conversations. There is a definite exchange of energy occurring at all times. Questions about what you do for a living, how much money you make, what education you have, and where you live often establish a hierarchy of energy. There will be a winner and a loser in these conversations if the intention of the questions is to establish position. When positive energy flows, people recognize and pursue their interdependence. Interdependent behavior is evident in mutually supportive relationships in which individuals retain their personal power and self-worth. In such relationships, a person is not striving for worthiness from such external criteria as wealth or beauty, but rather from a powerful inner sense of worthiness. This worthiness creates wholeness.
Understanding that interdependence is not the same as dependence is important. In fact, soul loss is often the result of dependence. This is why children are so susceptible to theft of a soul part. However, many adults are also highly dependent on others and subject to resultant soul loss. The journey to restoration of the soul part requires the individual to first move from dependence to independence.
This movement from dependence to independence is accomplished by regaining one's individual power. Many confuse this transition with being selfish. They have been taught for so long to give away their personal power to meet the needs of others that this transition can feel jolting. However, the acquisition of independence allows one to participate in the universe in a positive and personally powerful way. Once one's independence is established, the individual is able to move from independence to interdependence, becoming a part of the wholeness of life without the loss of individual energy.
This movement from dependence to independence to interdependence is part of the larger universal shift to identifying with the web of life. The recognition that we are all part of one another enhances every individual's personal power. We are capable of ending our personal fragmentation and the unnatural fragmentation we have created in the universe. We can have wholeness of person and wholeness of life, extending outward to the universal web of life.
Now Mary - Now Martha!
by: Linda Fitzgerald
While downstairs for a lunch break (ah, peanut butter passion ice cream!), it occurred to me to talk about “Mary and Martha”.
Now don’t ask me why. The thought just occurred to me. But I think it has something to do with the Odds/Ends I first talked about here earlier this a.m. You know, the task-oriented vs the not so task-oriented (or something like that).
I’m sure most of you know a little something about Mary & Martha. Mary, Martha and their brother Lazarus were all close friends of Jesus. Not only was he their friend, but he was their Rabboni (means ‘teacher’ in Hebrew). They lived in Bethany, a small village within a days walk of Jerusalem. Whenever Jesus needed a break, he would drop by their home just to chat, eat, relax and recoup his energy.
The two women were dramatically different. Martha, the type-A personality with anal tendencies and a slight persecution complex, would have a “dither-fit”. Clean house, do laundry, kill the fatted calf and generally set about taking care of the domestic needs required to entertain the “teacher”. I imagine she worked herself into a “dither” as she scurried about to make everything ‘perfect’ for their visitor.
Mary on the other hand, had a more other-worldly approach to life. She was studious, eager to learn, more in touch with her inner life and less concerned about domestic matters. Oh I’m sure she did what was required of her in preparation for his visit, but when he got there - forget cooking, cleaning or anything else remotely related to domestication. While Martha ’slaved’ in the kitchen, Mary was perfectly content to sit at his feet, pry him with questions about life and matters of the spirit while her sister ’slaved’ away.
Being a good anal persecutory personality as she was, Martha complained loudly about her sister’s lack of respect for her (Martha) by leaving the preparation to Martha alone to sit at Jesus’ feet and soak up his every word.
Can you blame Martha? There’s a job to be done and “oh my goodness, do I always have to do it by myself!” Spoken by a tried and true task-oriented woman who has little or no time for the ‘fluff’ of wasting time learning something new and exciting from the “teacher”.
Martha must have proclaimed and complained loudly. Anyway, as the story goes, Jesus chided Martha for her uncharitable attitude toward her sister and gave Martha something profound to ‘chew on’. Basically his viewpoint was that “what difference is it to you, Martha, if your sister wants to focus on the things that make a true difference in life?”
Oh that must have boiled Martha’s blood! How dare he put her down in that way! After all, if it weren’t for her, he’d have nothing to eat or drink.
Now, what’s the moral or purpose for my retelling in modern context this ancient story? What occurs to me is that in each of us there is a Martha and a Mary! One to get the job done efficiently, effectively and in timely manner and one to take time to rest, relax, question, contemplate and take stock!
Last night, my “Martha” was on full display! Yes, I was typical “type-A”; somewhat “anal” and complained bitterly to ’self’ that I had to keep going over and over something with which I was quite comfortable and that time was ‘fleeting’ and nit-picking each word seemed a waste of time . . . etc, etc, etc!
Yet no one loves taking time to ’sit at the teacher’s feet’ and listen, contemplate and otherwise grow in wisdom, stature and hopefully ‘grace’. I love to learn new things. And I love to ‘vegetate’ from time to time - you know - do nothing. ABOLUTELY NOTHING!
As I reflect on this conversation and what prompted it, I’m amused. I’m amused that in one human person, there can be so much contradition. Before you think we’re not all included in this - please be advised that none of us gets a ‘pass’ on this one.
‘Tis true! There’s a Martha and a Mary in each of us. And that ‘ain’t bad. The key is knowing when it’s fully appropriate to let ‘Martha’ have her way and when it’s best to be a ‘Mary’.
And when in working with others, know which ‘lady’ ought to have the upper hand for the task at hand so that our human dealings will be one of cooperation, coordination and collaboration rather than a trip down ego-lane with Martha shouting from the kitchen while Mary turns a deaf ear.
Ah, just something to comtemplate as we head into the weekend!
May it be awesome, love-filled and rich with great ’stuff’!
While downstairs for a lunch break (ah, peanut butter passion ice cream!), it occurred to me to talk about “Mary and Martha”.
Now don’t ask me why. The thought just occurred to me. But I think it has something to do with the Odds/Ends I first talked about here earlier this a.m. You know, the task-oriented vs the not so task-oriented (or something like that).
I’m sure most of you know a little something about Mary & Martha. Mary, Martha and their brother Lazarus were all close friends of Jesus. Not only was he their friend, but he was their Rabboni (means ‘teacher’ in Hebrew). They lived in Bethany, a small village within a days walk of Jerusalem. Whenever Jesus needed a break, he would drop by their home just to chat, eat, relax and recoup his energy.
The two women were dramatically different. Martha, the type-A personality with anal tendencies and a slight persecution complex, would have a “dither-fit”. Clean house, do laundry, kill the fatted calf and generally set about taking care of the domestic needs required to entertain the “teacher”. I imagine she worked herself into a “dither” as she scurried about to make everything ‘perfect’ for their visitor.
Mary on the other hand, had a more other-worldly approach to life. She was studious, eager to learn, more in touch with her inner life and less concerned about domestic matters. Oh I’m sure she did what was required of her in preparation for his visit, but when he got there - forget cooking, cleaning or anything else remotely related to domestication. While Martha ’slaved’ in the kitchen, Mary was perfectly content to sit at his feet, pry him with questions about life and matters of the spirit while her sister ’slaved’ away.
Being a good anal persecutory personality as she was, Martha complained loudly about her sister’s lack of respect for her (Martha) by leaving the preparation to Martha alone to sit at Jesus’ feet and soak up his every word.
Can you blame Martha? There’s a job to be done and “oh my goodness, do I always have to do it by myself!” Spoken by a tried and true task-oriented woman who has little or no time for the ‘fluff’ of wasting time learning something new and exciting from the “teacher”.
Martha must have proclaimed and complained loudly. Anyway, as the story goes, Jesus chided Martha for her uncharitable attitude toward her sister and gave Martha something profound to ‘chew on’. Basically his viewpoint was that “what difference is it to you, Martha, if your sister wants to focus on the things that make a true difference in life?”
Oh that must have boiled Martha’s blood! How dare he put her down in that way! After all, if it weren’t for her, he’d have nothing to eat or drink.
Now, what’s the moral or purpose for my retelling in modern context this ancient story? What occurs to me is that in each of us there is a Martha and a Mary! One to get the job done efficiently, effectively and in timely manner and one to take time to rest, relax, question, contemplate and take stock!
Last night, my “Martha” was on full display! Yes, I was typical “type-A”; somewhat “anal” and complained bitterly to ’self’ that I had to keep going over and over something with which I was quite comfortable and that time was ‘fleeting’ and nit-picking each word seemed a waste of time . . . etc, etc, etc!
Yet no one loves taking time to ’sit at the teacher’s feet’ and listen, contemplate and otherwise grow in wisdom, stature and hopefully ‘grace’. I love to learn new things. And I love to ‘vegetate’ from time to time - you know - do nothing. ABOLUTELY NOTHING!
As I reflect on this conversation and what prompted it, I’m amused. I’m amused that in one human person, there can be so much contradition. Before you think we’re not all included in this - please be advised that none of us gets a ‘pass’ on this one.
‘Tis true! There’s a Martha and a Mary in each of us. And that ‘ain’t bad. The key is knowing when it’s fully appropriate to let ‘Martha’ have her way and when it’s best to be a ‘Mary’.
And when in working with others, know which ‘lady’ ought to have the upper hand for the task at hand so that our human dealings will be one of cooperation, coordination and collaboration rather than a trip down ego-lane with Martha shouting from the kitchen while Mary turns a deaf ear.
Ah, just something to comtemplate as we head into the weekend!
May it be awesome, love-filled and rich with great ’stuff’!
People Are Our Greatest Wealth - 10 ways to make the most of your treasure
by: Gina Gardiner
I believe that the work force of any organization represent their true wealth for without them the organization is going nowhere.
If you are the owner or Managing Director of any organization you will know what the assets of your company are worth. Your Financial Directors and accountants will no doubt provide you with balance sheets of your net worth, those assets which are depreciating and those investments which are growing in value.
What value do you put on your staff?
For many organizations the monthly staffing bill is the major expense of the organization and yet they appear to undervalue the amazing resource they have at their disposal.
The collective intelligence, skills, expertise, energy and enthusiasm of your staff is so much bigger than the sum of the individual parts. Optimising the potential of your staff can lead to a competitive edge and a more settled contented workforce it is well worth the investment in time and money.
Ten ways to ensure you maximise the staffing treasure you have at your disposal:
1) Have a clear strategic vision which is shared by everyone
It is particularly important in times of change or difficulty. Uncertainty and lack of clarity creates huge amounts of stress for the majority of people. Having a shared strategic vision enables all staff to understand what the organisation wants to achieve. It works like a light house in stormy waters.
2) Create effective systems of communication which work at every level within the organization. This is vital as the “Chinese whispers” and “Rumour” style of leadership are ineffective and divisive. Involve staff in creating a system of communication which works for everyone.
3) Ensure your decision making process has integrity
Where people have faith that decisions have been made for the right reasons they are much more likely to accept them willingly. There are still too many managers who opt for the easiest decision rather than the right one or they base their decision on the last person they spoke to.
4) Create a culture where everyone feels their ideas are welcomed and valued
Encouraging everyone to do their best is good business. Giving credit for the contribution that they make is a great way of achieving a culture of contribution.
5) Have high and explicit expectations of yourself and your staff.
These should be set out from the outset and provide the measure of performance. Where people are doing well ensure that this is noticed and that staff are made aware that their efforts are valued. Where people are found wanting they should be given constructive feedback and training if necessary. The “hard conversations” should take place in a professional and supportive way.
6) Encourage your staff to be solution finders rather than problem givers
This has a number of incredibly positive spin offs. You minimise the role of the “victim”, and encourage everyone to take responsibility for their contribution, it shares the work load and encourages a positive approach to the future.
7) Train everyone in good team behaviour
Leaders and managers should model the behaviour they want to encourage. The role of “ego” should be minimised and people encouraged to listen actively and contribute willingly.
8) Create a reward system which encourages collaboration and co-operation rather than competition
Encouraging staff to see each other as competition rather than as a useful resource may have short term benefits but in the end encouraging everyone to engage the customer or client to provide the best possible service will protect your future market and enable you to grow consistently.
9) Look for ways to grow and retain your staff.
The cost of recruiting Middle and Senior Managers is extremely high. Ongoing professional development leading to promotion will act as an incentive to improve performance and facilitate effective delegation and succession planning. Of course there will be times when you need fresh blood into the organization, then your track record for ongoing training and treating your staff well will become a great encouragement for others to join you.
10) Never take “good will” for granted.
Staff will give their time and energy willingly when they feel that their efforts are appreciated and valued. Take them for granted and they quickly become resentful and start to think “Why should I bother?” A simple thank you for a task well done goes a long way but be aware the simply going through the motions of showing appreciation has the potential to do harm to relationships.
http://www.graduatesolutions.co.uk
http://www.recoveringworkaholics.com
I believe that the work force of any organization represent their true wealth for without them the organization is going nowhere.
If you are the owner or Managing Director of any organization you will know what the assets of your company are worth. Your Financial Directors and accountants will no doubt provide you with balance sheets of your net worth, those assets which are depreciating and those investments which are growing in value.
What value do you put on your staff?
For many organizations the monthly staffing bill is the major expense of the organization and yet they appear to undervalue the amazing resource they have at their disposal.
The collective intelligence, skills, expertise, energy and enthusiasm of your staff is so much bigger than the sum of the individual parts. Optimising the potential of your staff can lead to a competitive edge and a more settled contented workforce it is well worth the investment in time and money.
Ten ways to ensure you maximise the staffing treasure you have at your disposal:
1) Have a clear strategic vision which is shared by everyone
It is particularly important in times of change or difficulty. Uncertainty and lack of clarity creates huge amounts of stress for the majority of people. Having a shared strategic vision enables all staff to understand what the organisation wants to achieve. It works like a light house in stormy waters.
2) Create effective systems of communication which work at every level within the organization. This is vital as the “Chinese whispers” and “Rumour” style of leadership are ineffective and divisive. Involve staff in creating a system of communication which works for everyone.
3) Ensure your decision making process has integrity
Where people have faith that decisions have been made for the right reasons they are much more likely to accept them willingly. There are still too many managers who opt for the easiest decision rather than the right one or they base their decision on the last person they spoke to.
4) Create a culture where everyone feels their ideas are welcomed and valued
Encouraging everyone to do their best is good business. Giving credit for the contribution that they make is a great way of achieving a culture of contribution.
5) Have high and explicit expectations of yourself and your staff.
These should be set out from the outset and provide the measure of performance. Where people are doing well ensure that this is noticed and that staff are made aware that their efforts are valued. Where people are found wanting they should be given constructive feedback and training if necessary. The “hard conversations” should take place in a professional and supportive way.
6) Encourage your staff to be solution finders rather than problem givers
This has a number of incredibly positive spin offs. You minimise the role of the “victim”, and encourage everyone to take responsibility for their contribution, it shares the work load and encourages a positive approach to the future.
7) Train everyone in good team behaviour
Leaders and managers should model the behaviour they want to encourage. The role of “ego” should be minimised and people encouraged to listen actively and contribute willingly.
8) Create a reward system which encourages collaboration and co-operation rather than competition
Encouraging staff to see each other as competition rather than as a useful resource may have short term benefits but in the end encouraging everyone to engage the customer or client to provide the best possible service will protect your future market and enable you to grow consistently.
9) Look for ways to grow and retain your staff.
The cost of recruiting Middle and Senior Managers is extremely high. Ongoing professional development leading to promotion will act as an incentive to improve performance and facilitate effective delegation and succession planning. Of course there will be times when you need fresh blood into the organization, then your track record for ongoing training and treating your staff well will become a great encouragement for others to join you.
10) Never take “good will” for granted.
Staff will give their time and energy willingly when they feel that their efforts are appreciated and valued. Take them for granted and they quickly become resentful and start to think “Why should I bother?” A simple thank you for a task well done goes a long way but be aware the simply going through the motions of showing appreciation has the potential to do harm to relationships.
http://www.graduatesolutions.co.uk
http://www.recoveringworkaholics.com
Compassion
by: Mary E. Martin
I never considered myself a particularly spiritual, or for that matter, a religious person. But I've found that in writing The Osgoode Trilogy, particularly the third, A Trial of One, that compassion has become very strong theme which runs through all three novels.
I just found this quote from Thomas Aquinas — "I would rather feel compassion than know the meaning of it." Surely, this must be the difference between the understanding of the head and the heart.
In the first novel in the trilogy, Conduct in Question, we have a man dubbed by the media as the "The Florist" who is a serial killer — so named because he tries to capture the easy flow of the line of the master painter, Matisse, in his carvings on his victims. He is a sadistic killer with an artistic bent.
You may feel [as I do] that the world has plenty of novels with serial killers and so, rather than detailing his rampages, I wanted to add some provocatively human touches to the character of the "Florist." More than anything else, he wants to experience the emotion of compassion.
When he speaks to his mother, who is long since dead, he says in frustration — "I know what the word compassion mean, mother, but what does it feel like?"
As the story nears its conclusion, the "Florist" gets his wish —a fleeting sense of compassion. About to murder his next victim, John, who is a truly simple soul — the church caretaker — the "Florist" is overcome with a compassionate sense and decides to spare him.
When the Florist silently stepped into the room, a strange sensation passed over him. Was this what Mother spoke of? As if disoriented, he stopped and shook his head. Was this compassion?
"It’s you!" said John, his smile radiating a sweetness the Florist had never seen before. He saw the muscles of the huge man flex; John's damp white shirt was matted to his skin. He saw the thinning but baby-fine hair, neatly combed in place. Suddenly he saw the simple man as more than an obstacle in his path. He thought that life could not have been easy for such an imbecile. He should be spared. Mother would be proud of his act of compassion.
In Final Paradox, our hero, Harry Jenkins learns that compassion means stepping into another's shoes and understanding what it feels like. Easy to say — hard to do! When Harry was eight, his father withdrew from almost all contact with his family after the death of Anna, his daughter —Harry's sister. Now, years later, while his father is in surgery for a brain aneurysm, Harry waits in the Quiet Room trying to understand how his father could have abandoned him as a child.
At the very moment of his asking, Harry gets his answer as he witnesses the following played out before him.
Harry caught his breath. An unearthly wailing came from the hallway. The door to the Quiet Room flew open. A tall, bony woman, wearing a mauve dress and yellow shawl, clung desperately to the arms of two men. One was old and hunched and the other muscular and attentive.
The florescent lighting illuminated the woman's face raw with agony.
"No! No!" As if possessed, she shook violently and her voice slid up octaves. "By the blood of Christ, no!" Clasping her hands to her ears, she began to moan, her eyes ricocheting about the room.
She screamed at the ceiling. "Why have you cursed me? He cannot be taken so soon."
Harry pressed his hands against his face. With all his heart, he wanted to pray. He had just witnessed the unholy wrenching of the spirit at the loss of a child, caused by blind hatred. As he touched the tears on his face, he began to understand. "God forgive me," he whispered. "I have known nothing! My father died along with Anna. I did nothing to help."
And that's exactly where Harry begins to understand his father and compassion — by actually experiencing his pain and loss. True, you may study compassion and quote clever sayings about it, but if you never feel another's pain and suffering in your heart and your gut, as if it were your very own, you do not know what it is.
Do you think some people are naturally more compassionate?
In A Trial of One, Harry's beloved, Natasha has her own struggles with compassion. She is forced to choose between two people she loves — Harry and her friend Sheila. Natasha recollects a conversation, years back, between her mother, Renee, and her Aunt Mila. The boss has demanded that Renee sleep with him so she can advance in the business.
"Oh, Renee! You poor kid!"
After a long silence, her mother said softly, "Once we'd done it, his eyes looked so sad and ashamed, like being him just wore him down."
Mila was aghast. "You felt sorry for him?"
"No, not really. But I can see how loneliness can make you crazy." Afterwards, we talked a bit, sitting on the bed in the motel. He was living all alone there because his wife had run off with the kids."
Natasha’s compassionate nature makes choosing between Harry and Sheila so difficult for her. Hurt and angry, Sheila has betrayed Natasha who now considers her next step as she wanders the beach.
Natasha turned and walked slowly past the riot of weeds and up to the cottage. Soon she would drive back to the city. She knew Harry was her passion, the one who had awakened her to herself. But she still heard Sheila's cry — one of all humanity — because it hurts! Sheila's pain, from fear of loss, was a pain shared by the whole world. She did not reach it by reason, but she knew there was only one thing she could do — act with love, care, and compassion.
Talking about love and compassion… having to decide between two people who love her, [Harry and Sheila] Natasha must find that balance between passion and compassion. Easy to say: hard to do!
I never considered myself a particularly spiritual, or for that matter, a religious person. But I've found that in writing The Osgoode Trilogy, particularly the third, A Trial of One, that compassion has become very strong theme which runs through all three novels.
I just found this quote from Thomas Aquinas — "I would rather feel compassion than know the meaning of it." Surely, this must be the difference between the understanding of the head and the heart.
In the first novel in the trilogy, Conduct in Question, we have a man dubbed by the media as the "The Florist" who is a serial killer — so named because he tries to capture the easy flow of the line of the master painter, Matisse, in his carvings on his victims. He is a sadistic killer with an artistic bent.
You may feel [as I do] that the world has plenty of novels with serial killers and so, rather than detailing his rampages, I wanted to add some provocatively human touches to the character of the "Florist." More than anything else, he wants to experience the emotion of compassion.
When he speaks to his mother, who is long since dead, he says in frustration — "I know what the word compassion mean, mother, but what does it feel like?"
As the story nears its conclusion, the "Florist" gets his wish —a fleeting sense of compassion. About to murder his next victim, John, who is a truly simple soul — the church caretaker — the "Florist" is overcome with a compassionate sense and decides to spare him.
When the Florist silently stepped into the room, a strange sensation passed over him. Was this what Mother spoke of? As if disoriented, he stopped and shook his head. Was this compassion?
"It’s you!" said John, his smile radiating a sweetness the Florist had never seen before. He saw the muscles of the huge man flex; John's damp white shirt was matted to his skin. He saw the thinning but baby-fine hair, neatly combed in place. Suddenly he saw the simple man as more than an obstacle in his path. He thought that life could not have been easy for such an imbecile. He should be spared. Mother would be proud of his act of compassion.
In Final Paradox, our hero, Harry Jenkins learns that compassion means stepping into another's shoes and understanding what it feels like. Easy to say — hard to do! When Harry was eight, his father withdrew from almost all contact with his family after the death of Anna, his daughter —Harry's sister. Now, years later, while his father is in surgery for a brain aneurysm, Harry waits in the Quiet Room trying to understand how his father could have abandoned him as a child.
At the very moment of his asking, Harry gets his answer as he witnesses the following played out before him.
Harry caught his breath. An unearthly wailing came from the hallway. The door to the Quiet Room flew open. A tall, bony woman, wearing a mauve dress and yellow shawl, clung desperately to the arms of two men. One was old and hunched and the other muscular and attentive.
The florescent lighting illuminated the woman's face raw with agony.
"No! No!" As if possessed, she shook violently and her voice slid up octaves. "By the blood of Christ, no!" Clasping her hands to her ears, she began to moan, her eyes ricocheting about the room.
She screamed at the ceiling. "Why have you cursed me? He cannot be taken so soon."
Harry pressed his hands against his face. With all his heart, he wanted to pray. He had just witnessed the unholy wrenching of the spirit at the loss of a child, caused by blind hatred. As he touched the tears on his face, he began to understand. "God forgive me," he whispered. "I have known nothing! My father died along with Anna. I did nothing to help."
And that's exactly where Harry begins to understand his father and compassion — by actually experiencing his pain and loss. True, you may study compassion and quote clever sayings about it, but if you never feel another's pain and suffering in your heart and your gut, as if it were your very own, you do not know what it is.
Do you think some people are naturally more compassionate?
In A Trial of One, Harry's beloved, Natasha has her own struggles with compassion. She is forced to choose between two people she loves — Harry and her friend Sheila. Natasha recollects a conversation, years back, between her mother, Renee, and her Aunt Mila. The boss has demanded that Renee sleep with him so she can advance in the business.
"Oh, Renee! You poor kid!"
After a long silence, her mother said softly, "Once we'd done it, his eyes looked so sad and ashamed, like being him just wore him down."
Mila was aghast. "You felt sorry for him?"
"No, not really. But I can see how loneliness can make you crazy." Afterwards, we talked a bit, sitting on the bed in the motel. He was living all alone there because his wife had run off with the kids."
Natasha’s compassionate nature makes choosing between Harry and Sheila so difficult for her. Hurt and angry, Sheila has betrayed Natasha who now considers her next step as she wanders the beach.
Natasha turned and walked slowly past the riot of weeds and up to the cottage. Soon she would drive back to the city. She knew Harry was her passion, the one who had awakened her to herself. But she still heard Sheila's cry — one of all humanity — because it hurts! Sheila's pain, from fear of loss, was a pain shared by the whole world. She did not reach it by reason, but she knew there was only one thing she could do — act with love, care, and compassion.
Talking about love and compassion… having to decide between two people who love her, [Harry and Sheila] Natasha must find that balance between passion and compassion. Easy to say: hard to do!
The Secret Sequel - Will it compare?
by: Winsome Coutts
When the Secret DVD was first released, and when people heard about it on Larry King and Oprah, everyone wanted a copy. I bought mine 5 minutes after seeing the trailer and I loved it. My eyes were opened. I still count it as one of my favorite movies.
Lots of people got really excited about it.
"At last", they cried, "NOW I understand. All I have to do is focus my thoughts on what I want, and change the language in my head. I can manifest ANYTHING I think about. As long as I think about it hard enough and long enough".
"I want to get results...and fast. I shouldn't have to wait for months or years to achieve my dreams. I am going to practice LOTS of visualizing and positive self talk. I'll get my Dream Life...NOW"
They eagerly watched The Secret over and over in anticipation that this would bring them their goals. They visualized their goals all day long. They made Vision Boards and Lists of Goals. They kept a Gratitude Journal.
Now these are all extremely useful tools. Use them.
But does only this really work? Is it possible just to manifest things just like this? Really?
This is where The Secret falls short. When you watch it you get the expectation that you can manifest your dream out of nowhere. That belief and faith will automatically bring you what you want. Well...yes, and..no!
You MUST take action.
Mike Dooley says: "Thoughts Become Things"
A friend of mine Gideon Shalwick's has a great quote that he uses: "Thoughts are only potential things. They become things only through specifically directed action."
The Secret DVD only briefly mentions taking action. But it needs to be really spelt out.
Focus on your goal. Visualize it with feeling and excitement. Repeat it in your head or out loud. But here is the important missing bit ..... every time you get a little idea just popping into your head about ways to get closer to what you want, you MUST act upon it. (Bob Doyle says: "You might get some inspired idea of some action to take".) That little idea is The Universe responding to you reaching out saying..."This is what I want".
Being focused and thinking constantly about your goals is important; you must focus on what you want. (John Assaraf says: "You become what you think about most but you also attract what you think about most").
But unless you DO something you are just a dreamer. Unless you ACT, Nothing will become.
"The Science of Getting Rich" was the little book which inspired The Secret DVD. In this book, Wallace D Wattles wrote:
"... man must not only think, but his personal action must supplement his thought. By thought you can cause the gold in the hearts of the mountains to be impelled toward you; but it will not mine itself, refine itself, coin itself into double eagles, and come rolling along the roads seeking its way into your pocket. Your pocketbook is not going to be transformed into Fortune's purse, which shall be always full of money without effort on your part. This is the crucial point in The Science of Getting Rich; right here, where thought and personal action must be combined. There are very many people who, consciously or unconsciously, set the creative forces in action by the strength and persistence of their desires, but who remain poor because they do not provide for the reception of the thing they want when it comes.
BY THOUGHT, THE THING YOU WANT IS BROUGHT TO YOU; BY ACTION YOU RECEIVE IT."
And you must act NOW. Do not wait until you are in the perfect situation, the perfect job, the perfect relationship. NOW is the only time you have. My friend Sherry who works in my local Organic Fruit and vegetable shop told me this the other day:
PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE
The Past is History
The Future is a Mystery
The Present is your Gift: Do It NOW
Put your whole mind and strength and act to the very best of your ability in the situation in which you presently find yourself. Do your absolute best in your current job today to provide service for your customers, your employer and your work colleagues. Be the best person you can with everyone you meet. Look after your health today as if your body was a sacred temple (it is).
Make every day a successful one. A successful day is when you have done the best you can, when you have been as efficient as you possibly can. You know if you have dallied around and wasted time and energy - having days like that actually take energy from you, disconnect you from The Universe. They don't feel good; YOU don't feel good.
Make very day a winner.
Now this doesn't mean that you should work yourself to the bone, working late with long hours and running around after the whims of other people. That is not successful.
If your days are ALL successful, you are moving in the right direction. Keep holding a clear image in your head of what you want, while being deeply grateful and The Universe will respond to you and bring you closer and closer to your dreams.
So - Does The Secret Really Work?
Well yes, and..no! It has made us aware that we can consciously use our brains to focus our thinking and putting our intention towards where we want to go. And as you change on the inside, you expose yourself to larger possibilities, BUT, when those possibilities come along, then this is the time to ACT.
Have a fabulously successful day.
When the Secret DVD was first released, and when people heard about it on Larry King and Oprah, everyone wanted a copy. I bought mine 5 minutes after seeing the trailer and I loved it. My eyes were opened. I still count it as one of my favorite movies.
Lots of people got really excited about it.
"At last", they cried, "NOW I understand. All I have to do is focus my thoughts on what I want, and change the language in my head. I can manifest ANYTHING I think about. As long as I think about it hard enough and long enough".
"I want to get results...and fast. I shouldn't have to wait for months or years to achieve my dreams. I am going to practice LOTS of visualizing and positive self talk. I'll get my Dream Life...NOW"
They eagerly watched The Secret over and over in anticipation that this would bring them their goals. They visualized their goals all day long. They made Vision Boards and Lists of Goals. They kept a Gratitude Journal.
Now these are all extremely useful tools. Use them.
But does only this really work? Is it possible just to manifest things just like this? Really?
This is where The Secret falls short. When you watch it you get the expectation that you can manifest your dream out of nowhere. That belief and faith will automatically bring you what you want. Well...yes, and..no!
You MUST take action.
Mike Dooley says: "Thoughts Become Things"
A friend of mine Gideon Shalwick's has a great quote that he uses: "Thoughts are only potential things. They become things only through specifically directed action."
The Secret DVD only briefly mentions taking action. But it needs to be really spelt out.
Focus on your goal. Visualize it with feeling and excitement. Repeat it in your head or out loud. But here is the important missing bit ..... every time you get a little idea just popping into your head about ways to get closer to what you want, you MUST act upon it. (Bob Doyle says: "You might get some inspired idea of some action to take".) That little idea is The Universe responding to you reaching out saying..."This is what I want".
Being focused and thinking constantly about your goals is important; you must focus on what you want. (John Assaraf says: "You become what you think about most but you also attract what you think about most").
But unless you DO something you are just a dreamer. Unless you ACT, Nothing will become.
"The Science of Getting Rich" was the little book which inspired The Secret DVD. In this book, Wallace D Wattles wrote:
"... man must not only think, but his personal action must supplement his thought. By thought you can cause the gold in the hearts of the mountains to be impelled toward you; but it will not mine itself, refine itself, coin itself into double eagles, and come rolling along the roads seeking its way into your pocket. Your pocketbook is not going to be transformed into Fortune's purse, which shall be always full of money without effort on your part. This is the crucial point in The Science of Getting Rich; right here, where thought and personal action must be combined. There are very many people who, consciously or unconsciously, set the creative forces in action by the strength and persistence of their desires, but who remain poor because they do not provide for the reception of the thing they want when it comes.
BY THOUGHT, THE THING YOU WANT IS BROUGHT TO YOU; BY ACTION YOU RECEIVE IT."
And you must act NOW. Do not wait until you are in the perfect situation, the perfect job, the perfect relationship. NOW is the only time you have. My friend Sherry who works in my local Organic Fruit and vegetable shop told me this the other day:
PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE
The Past is History
The Future is a Mystery
The Present is your Gift: Do It NOW
Put your whole mind and strength and act to the very best of your ability in the situation in which you presently find yourself. Do your absolute best in your current job today to provide service for your customers, your employer and your work colleagues. Be the best person you can with everyone you meet. Look after your health today as if your body was a sacred temple (it is).
Make every day a successful one. A successful day is when you have done the best you can, when you have been as efficient as you possibly can. You know if you have dallied around and wasted time and energy - having days like that actually take energy from you, disconnect you from The Universe. They don't feel good; YOU don't feel good.
Make very day a winner.
Now this doesn't mean that you should work yourself to the bone, working late with long hours and running around after the whims of other people. That is not successful.
If your days are ALL successful, you are moving in the right direction. Keep holding a clear image in your head of what you want, while being deeply grateful and The Universe will respond to you and bring you closer and closer to your dreams.
So - Does The Secret Really Work?
Well yes, and..no! It has made us aware that we can consciously use our brains to focus our thinking and putting our intention towards where we want to go. And as you change on the inside, you expose yourself to larger possibilities, BUT, when those possibilities come along, then this is the time to ACT.
Have a fabulously successful day.
5 Sure Fire Ways To Battle Insecurity
by: Kim McGinnis
First we are pushed out from our mother's womb, then we are passed around from person to person like a hot potato. Next we are subjected to going to some strange place with other strange youngsters, while Mommy and Daddy go off to work. It just gets scarier after that. So, after years of having it stripped away from us, how do we hang on to a little security in an increasingly insecure world? Here are some ways that may offer a little inspiration:
1. Learn to enjoy your own company. If your blood pressure rises when you realize you are going to be home alone, you really need to experience more evenings by yourself. Think back to a time when you were at your happiest. What were you doing? Even if you were with a dear friend, that does not mean you cannot recreate the feeling you had. Watercolor, get a kid's coloring book and some crayons and get busy. Sing in your underwear, using the spatula as a microphone. Have fun, when no one is watching, and you will be more secure being yourself when you are with others.
2. Practice saying positive affirmations. First right them down. Here are a few examples:
I am confident in a state of not knowing.
The power of love allows me to trust my instincts above all.
My inspirational contribution is a unique gift to the Universe.
I am aware and open to all the spiritual healing life is bringing me.
Enlightenment is my birthright.
I am always connected to our inner source which provides me with constant divine guidance.
Many times insecurity has its roots in negative messages, which were fed to us when we were growing up. These are false messages. The uncluttered truth is you are a divine being. Practice writing and speaking affirmations that confirm this, and you will be much closer to the freedom that comes with living a fulfilling life.
3. Take a public Speaking Class. Public speaking is known to be one of people's greatest fears. If this is true for you, this is a great exercise to try. Join a club that allows you to get your feet wet speaking in front of an audience. The organization, Toastmasters, provides a wonderful venue where the members have the opportunity to present a speech. The audience offers three positive comments, and then one constructive comment. This a creative way to learn something new in a supportive atmosphere.
Once you have this experience under your belt, your comfort level with soar. You will be more secure conversing with others, whether you are at a work-related black tie event or meeting someone on a first date from your online service.
4. Give Compliments. When you give other compliments, you are complimenting yourself. Look at the people around you, and pick up the best qualities that they have to offer. Maybe they have a warm smile, or they have graceful movements, or perhaps they have exquisite taste in clothing. When you begin to take the focus off of yourself and turn your attention to others, you will notice a dramatic rise in your comfort level. And when you start noticing more and more positive attributes in your fellow travelers, you will begin to notice more in yourself.
Be genuine. People love to be complimented, but they can tell when it is not sincere. There is no need to over do it, just express your thought in a light, off-handed way. They may be taken aback, and they will begin to look at you differently. When pure positive energy is exchanged in this way, amazing things will magically happen.
5. Write down your Goals. These could be work or personal. Start with one, and then move on to the next one. This should have nothing to do about the expectations of others. What are your dreams? Maybe you have spent your whole life in a job that you cannot stand. You have to know that it is never too late to change careers. You owe it to yourself, to dig deep, and be honest. Do a little research about what it would take to get there. Put these things on your to do list. Break down these steps so that they are achievable. Mark each one off as you accomplish them. Change happens incrementally. Persistence turns change into transformation.
The whole idea of security is a bit elusive. Somewhere a long the way, we came to believe that we need security. Security is good, to be without it is bad. Maybe, maybe not. Looked at from another way, we could say there is nothing wrong with feeling insecure. When we put our selves in challenging situations, we set up a foundation for us to reach another level of fulfillment. Once we move past the feeling of insecurity it gives way to a feeling of contentment. So, do not beat yourself up if you are feeling insecure.
Wake up to this new way of thinking: imagine your feeling of insecurity as a gift. Accept it, open it up, and examine it. Once you understand what you are holding, you can let it go.
First we are pushed out from our mother's womb, then we are passed around from person to person like a hot potato. Next we are subjected to going to some strange place with other strange youngsters, while Mommy and Daddy go off to work. It just gets scarier after that. So, after years of having it stripped away from us, how do we hang on to a little security in an increasingly insecure world? Here are some ways that may offer a little inspiration:
1. Learn to enjoy your own company. If your blood pressure rises when you realize you are going to be home alone, you really need to experience more evenings by yourself. Think back to a time when you were at your happiest. What were you doing? Even if you were with a dear friend, that does not mean you cannot recreate the feeling you had. Watercolor, get a kid's coloring book and some crayons and get busy. Sing in your underwear, using the spatula as a microphone. Have fun, when no one is watching, and you will be more secure being yourself when you are with others.
2. Practice saying positive affirmations. First right them down. Here are a few examples:
I am confident in a state of not knowing.
The power of love allows me to trust my instincts above all.
My inspirational contribution is a unique gift to the Universe.
I am aware and open to all the spiritual healing life is bringing me.
Enlightenment is my birthright.
I am always connected to our inner source which provides me with constant divine guidance.
Many times insecurity has its roots in negative messages, which were fed to us when we were growing up. These are false messages. The uncluttered truth is you are a divine being. Practice writing and speaking affirmations that confirm this, and you will be much closer to the freedom that comes with living a fulfilling life.
3. Take a public Speaking Class. Public speaking is known to be one of people's greatest fears. If this is true for you, this is a great exercise to try. Join a club that allows you to get your feet wet speaking in front of an audience. The organization, Toastmasters, provides a wonderful venue where the members have the opportunity to present a speech. The audience offers three positive comments, and then one constructive comment. This a creative way to learn something new in a supportive atmosphere.
Once you have this experience under your belt, your comfort level with soar. You will be more secure conversing with others, whether you are at a work-related black tie event or meeting someone on a first date from your online service.
4. Give Compliments. When you give other compliments, you are complimenting yourself. Look at the people around you, and pick up the best qualities that they have to offer. Maybe they have a warm smile, or they have graceful movements, or perhaps they have exquisite taste in clothing. When you begin to take the focus off of yourself and turn your attention to others, you will notice a dramatic rise in your comfort level. And when you start noticing more and more positive attributes in your fellow travelers, you will begin to notice more in yourself.
Be genuine. People love to be complimented, but they can tell when it is not sincere. There is no need to over do it, just express your thought in a light, off-handed way. They may be taken aback, and they will begin to look at you differently. When pure positive energy is exchanged in this way, amazing things will magically happen.
5. Write down your Goals. These could be work or personal. Start with one, and then move on to the next one. This should have nothing to do about the expectations of others. What are your dreams? Maybe you have spent your whole life in a job that you cannot stand. You have to know that it is never too late to change careers. You owe it to yourself, to dig deep, and be honest. Do a little research about what it would take to get there. Put these things on your to do list. Break down these steps so that they are achievable. Mark each one off as you accomplish them. Change happens incrementally. Persistence turns change into transformation.
The whole idea of security is a bit elusive. Somewhere a long the way, we came to believe that we need security. Security is good, to be without it is bad. Maybe, maybe not. Looked at from another way, we could say there is nothing wrong with feeling insecure. When we put our selves in challenging situations, we set up a foundation for us to reach another level of fulfillment. Once we move past the feeling of insecurity it gives way to a feeling of contentment. So, do not beat yourself up if you are feeling insecure.
Wake up to this new way of thinking: imagine your feeling of insecurity as a gift. Accept it, open it up, and examine it. Once you understand what you are holding, you can let it go.
Lose Weight and Keep it Off Using Audio Weight Loss Support
by: Gordon North
You've heard it all before:
“Lose 21 pounds in 21 days!”
“Eliminate carbs and lose weight quick”
“Take inches of your waist line with the new magic ab machine”
These weight loss claims, and thousands like them, have fooled many of us into thinking that we can drop pounds with ease in no time at all. I'm sure you've tried (and failed) countless fad diets and you've purchased the 'fool proof' exercise products that are now gathering dust underneath your bed because they just didn't work. Don't blame yourself for these numerous failed attempts – you just weren't given the correct information that you needed to achieve weight loss success.
But let's not dwell on the negatives. Today is the day that you begin your journey to a happier, healthier you. It's time to take control of your life and start a realistic weight loss plan, and I'm going to share a few tips to point you in the right direction. That means that I'm not going to convince you that there is a wonder product out there that will give you results in minutes, I'm just going to give you the cold, hard truth.
The fact of the matter is that in order to lose weight you must take a holistic approach by combining the right mindset with physical activity and healthy eating. Now, lets be honest, it's not going to happen overnight, but you should feel reassured that if you're committed to losing weight you will actually keep it off instead of piling on the pounds as soon as you fall off the bandwagon.
So where do we begin? Successful weight loss is largely dependent on your mindset. You have to want to lose weight and you must be prepared to get through the hard times to achieve your weight loss goals. After trying the crash diets and the 'celebrity body secrets' we all know that losing weight is certainly not as easy as companies make out, but weight loss hypnosis is a great way to keep you motivated through the tough times, maintain your focus, and give you the confidence you need to succeed (check out http://www.lodingo.com/_catalogue_11438/Fitness_Motivation). Audio hypnosis is particularly good as you can listen to it on your mp3 player whenever you like and it will cost you very little.
Once your head is in the right place it will be much easier to stick to a healthy diet and your exercise routines. But you don't have to feel alone as there are several eating and workout audio programs that can help you out. Qualified nutritionists and food experts will reveal how to maintain a healthy diet using a simple step-by-step process and will explain which foods you should be eating to boost your energy levels and lose weight. They will educate and encourage you to make smarter food choices by describing how to read food labels so you know exactly what you are putting into your body.
Similarly, you can have your own personal trainer on your iPod to give you the motivation you need to exercise. There are over 20 workout programs you can choose from that include physical activities such as dance conditioning, core training and fitness techniques (check thout out at http://lodingo.com/_catalogue/Workout+Audio+Downloads). The programs are perfect if you don't like going to the gym as the majority can be used in your own home according to your schedule. Alternatively, if you're a gym junkie many of the programs have been developed to get the most out of your exercise routine using equipment such as treadmills and elliptical machines. You can take your own fitness trainer with you on your iPod and forgo the additional expense of having to pay for the gym's personal trainers.
There are a number of advantages to using audio programs to support you in achieving your weight loss goals. Firstly, they are very inexpensive and they can be replayed over and over again so money won't be a barrier to a healthier lifestyle anymore. Secondly, audio programs can be used anytime and anywhere so you can be confident that you will have the time to take the steps to losing weight. Finally, they are discrete. If you would prefer that no-one knew that you are trying to lose weight then audio programs are the perfect solution as everyone will just think that you are listening to music on your mp3 player.
So now it's time for you to follow my lead and start using weight loss hypnosis, healthy eating plans and exercise routines to get the slim body that you deserve.
The only thing you've got to lose is an unhealthy lifestyle!
If you would like to try any of the audio products I have mentioned check out the range available at http://lodingo.com/_catalogue/Fitness+Audio+Downloads
Good luck!
You've heard it all before:
“Lose 21 pounds in 21 days!”
“Eliminate carbs and lose weight quick”
“Take inches of your waist line with the new magic ab machine”
These weight loss claims, and thousands like them, have fooled many of us into thinking that we can drop pounds with ease in no time at all. I'm sure you've tried (and failed) countless fad diets and you've purchased the 'fool proof' exercise products that are now gathering dust underneath your bed because they just didn't work. Don't blame yourself for these numerous failed attempts – you just weren't given the correct information that you needed to achieve weight loss success.
But let's not dwell on the negatives. Today is the day that you begin your journey to a happier, healthier you. It's time to take control of your life and start a realistic weight loss plan, and I'm going to share a few tips to point you in the right direction. That means that I'm not going to convince you that there is a wonder product out there that will give you results in minutes, I'm just going to give you the cold, hard truth.
The fact of the matter is that in order to lose weight you must take a holistic approach by combining the right mindset with physical activity and healthy eating. Now, lets be honest, it's not going to happen overnight, but you should feel reassured that if you're committed to losing weight you will actually keep it off instead of piling on the pounds as soon as you fall off the bandwagon.
So where do we begin? Successful weight loss is largely dependent on your mindset. You have to want to lose weight and you must be prepared to get through the hard times to achieve your weight loss goals. After trying the crash diets and the 'celebrity body secrets' we all know that losing weight is certainly not as easy as companies make out, but weight loss hypnosis is a great way to keep you motivated through the tough times, maintain your focus, and give you the confidence you need to succeed (check out http://www.lodingo.com/_catalogue_11438/Fitness_Motivation). Audio hypnosis is particularly good as you can listen to it on your mp3 player whenever you like and it will cost you very little.
Once your head is in the right place it will be much easier to stick to a healthy diet and your exercise routines. But you don't have to feel alone as there are several eating and workout audio programs that can help you out. Qualified nutritionists and food experts will reveal how to maintain a healthy diet using a simple step-by-step process and will explain which foods you should be eating to boost your energy levels and lose weight. They will educate and encourage you to make smarter food choices by describing how to read food labels so you know exactly what you are putting into your body.
Similarly, you can have your own personal trainer on your iPod to give you the motivation you need to exercise. There are over 20 workout programs you can choose from that include physical activities such as dance conditioning, core training and fitness techniques (check thout out at http://lodingo.com/_catalogue/Workout+Audio+Downloads). The programs are perfect if you don't like going to the gym as the majority can be used in your own home according to your schedule. Alternatively, if you're a gym junkie many of the programs have been developed to get the most out of your exercise routine using equipment such as treadmills and elliptical machines. You can take your own fitness trainer with you on your iPod and forgo the additional expense of having to pay for the gym's personal trainers.
There are a number of advantages to using audio programs to support you in achieving your weight loss goals. Firstly, they are very inexpensive and they can be replayed over and over again so money won't be a barrier to a healthier lifestyle anymore. Secondly, audio programs can be used anytime and anywhere so you can be confident that you will have the time to take the steps to losing weight. Finally, they are discrete. If you would prefer that no-one knew that you are trying to lose weight then audio programs are the perfect solution as everyone will just think that you are listening to music on your mp3 player.
So now it's time for you to follow my lead and start using weight loss hypnosis, healthy eating plans and exercise routines to get the slim body that you deserve.
The only thing you've got to lose is an unhealthy lifestyle!
If you would like to try any of the audio products I have mentioned check out the range available at http://lodingo.com/_catalogue/Fitness+Audio+Downloads
Good luck!
The Midlife Transition:' Are You in it?
by: Jennifer T. Grainger
Did you know that today's midlife women (ages 40 to 65) are the first generation of women to be culturally free to transition into their Second Adulthood?
Did you know that the midlife transition often includes:
- being dissatisfied with your life, your career, and your important relationships that have provided fulfillment for a long time.
- feeling anxious or restless and wanting to do something completely different, but not really knowing what it is.
- feeling confusion about who you are really, or where your life is going.
Most of our mothers and grandmothers never had a chance to blossom into their Authentic Selves. Trained from childhood to be subservient, and being financially dependent in a patriarchal society, they were expected to fade into the background, their main value being unpaid babysitters and community volunteers. Instead of fading some had "nervous breakdowns."
The Current Generation of Baby Bloomer Women Are Simply Not Going To Stand For It!
However, navigating the midlife transition is a daunting journey. There are very few role models to turn to. With the lack of a road map, and many external pressures for you to not change, the results are predictable: feelings of anger, guilt, confusion, doubt, anxiety, and the fear of being selfish.
Did you know that the midlife hormonal changes that can cause anxiety, fatigue, depression, fuzzy thinking, and mood swings are your body's way of telling you to STOP and PAY ATTENTION to yourself?
You'd think paying attention to yourself would be an easy thing to do.
It's not!
After spending the first half of your life caring for everyone else, you might find the connection to your Authentic Self high on the endangered species list!
I often hear women say, "But it feels so selfish to think about what I want." When they become convinced that "giving from a full cup" is beneficial to everyone, then I hear, "Wow, I didn't know it would be so hard to pay attention to what I want!"
The good news is:
- all of this is NORMAL
- there is plenty of help available
- when you successfully transition into your Second Adulthood, the people who resisted your changes the most, (including yourself) will receive the most benefit of engaging with you as a joyful and contented person who is passionately living her life On Purpose.
Here are a couple of books I found useful:
- Inventing the Rest of Our Lives: Women in Second Adulthood: What Matters: What Works: What's Next, by Suzanne Braun Levine
- If Not Now, When? Reclaiming Ourselves at Midlife, by Stephanie Marston
- Navigating Midlife: Women Becoming Themselves, Robyn Vickers-Willis
Lastly, don't be mislead by our youth obsessed culture. The rewards of being able to live authentically far outweigh the youth obsession. I am sure you have had the experience of seeing an older woman whose inner and outer beauty made it hard not to stare. Being a beautiful, attractive, mature woman gets easier every day with eating right, exercising (including facial muscles), good skin care, and thinking positively. That's what I am going for!
Did you know that today's midlife women (ages 40 to 65) are the first generation of women to be culturally free to transition into their Second Adulthood?
Did you know that the midlife transition often includes:
- being dissatisfied with your life, your career, and your important relationships that have provided fulfillment for a long time.
- feeling anxious or restless and wanting to do something completely different, but not really knowing what it is.
- feeling confusion about who you are really, or where your life is going.
Most of our mothers and grandmothers never had a chance to blossom into their Authentic Selves. Trained from childhood to be subservient, and being financially dependent in a patriarchal society, they were expected to fade into the background, their main value being unpaid babysitters and community volunteers. Instead of fading some had "nervous breakdowns."
The Current Generation of Baby Bloomer Women Are Simply Not Going To Stand For It!
However, navigating the midlife transition is a daunting journey. There are very few role models to turn to. With the lack of a road map, and many external pressures for you to not change, the results are predictable: feelings of anger, guilt, confusion, doubt, anxiety, and the fear of being selfish.
Did you know that the midlife hormonal changes that can cause anxiety, fatigue, depression, fuzzy thinking, and mood swings are your body's way of telling you to STOP and PAY ATTENTION to yourself?
You'd think paying attention to yourself would be an easy thing to do.
It's not!
After spending the first half of your life caring for everyone else, you might find the connection to your Authentic Self high on the endangered species list!
I often hear women say, "But it feels so selfish to think about what I want." When they become convinced that "giving from a full cup" is beneficial to everyone, then I hear, "Wow, I didn't know it would be so hard to pay attention to what I want!"
The good news is:
- all of this is NORMAL
- there is plenty of help available
- when you successfully transition into your Second Adulthood, the people who resisted your changes the most, (including yourself) will receive the most benefit of engaging with you as a joyful and contented person who is passionately living her life On Purpose.
Here are a couple of books I found useful:
- Inventing the Rest of Our Lives: Women in Second Adulthood: What Matters: What Works: What's Next, by Suzanne Braun Levine
- If Not Now, When? Reclaiming Ourselves at Midlife, by Stephanie Marston
- Navigating Midlife: Women Becoming Themselves, Robyn Vickers-Willis
Lastly, don't be mislead by our youth obsessed culture. The rewards of being able to live authentically far outweigh the youth obsession. I am sure you have had the experience of seeing an older woman whose inner and outer beauty made it hard not to stare. Being a beautiful, attractive, mature woman gets easier every day with eating right, exercising (including facial muscles), good skin care, and thinking positively. That's what I am going for!
Five Keys to Great Questions
by: Kevin Eikenberry
Toby was a young and ambitious salesperson. Part of his training had been to spend time with Janice, a veteran and very successful salesperson at the firm. As Toby went on sales calls with Janice he took notes, and one of the things he marveled at was Janice’s ability to ask great questions. In fact he had been collecting and recording her questions and had begun using the same questions himself.
Toby was disappointed though, as it seemed that the questions that worked so well for Janice didn’t seem to have the same result for him. He was pretty confident his timing was right – he wasn’t asking a particular question at an inappropriate time ... so he was confused.
He continued to try and practice for several weeks. Then at the annual sales conference, he decided to see if he could get some additional coaching from Janice. He asked her to have breakfast with him on the second morning the conference. Janice was pleased and quickly said yes; she appreciated Toby and thought he had a very bright future.
After they had placed their orders, Toby described his dilemma; he wanted to know Janice’s secret for asking questions so successfully. He explained that he felt it wasn’t the words themselves – in fact he proved it by showing her over two pages of handwritten questions he had heard her use successfully.
Janice listed intently and smiled. When Toby was finished, she, not surprisingly, asked a couple of clarifying questions to make sure she understood his situation. Toby smiled as he noticed her naturally using great questions yet again.
After their food had arrived, Janice sat quietly eating for a couple of minutes, clearly pondering Toby’s queries. As she finished her toast, she said, “I think there are five things that make for great questions beyond the words themselves, Toby. I’ve certainly thought about each of these things in the past, but perhaps never as a cohesive set. That’s why I took a couple of minutes to collect my thoughts.”
Toby smiled to assure her that he didn’t mind. Then he slid his plate away so he could take notes.
When Toby returned to his room after the full day of Conference activities, he reviewed his notes on Janice’s five keys. Here is his summary of those ideas.
Before You Ask The Question
Toby compiled these ideas as an acrostic so he wouldn’t forget – remember to put your questions on ICE . . .
I ntent – The intent of your question is as important as anything. This intent will guide the overall success with your question. In fact, if your intent is genuine, pure and sincere, it will allow even the clumsiest question to be successful. Regardless of the situation, consider why you are asking a particular question. If the question is meant to gain knowledge, help the other person, allow them to express themselves or in some other way be a step in serving them, your question will be more powerful.
C uriosity – When we are genuinely curious about the answer to our question we will ask better questions. Sometimes people ask a question in a perfunctory way, or they ask even though they already assume they know the answer. When we ask our questions from genuine curiosity, they will be more successful and effective.
E xpectancy – Ask questions expecting to get an answer, and expecting to get a valuable answer! When we ask our questions with a positive expectancy, we will ask much better questions.
After The Question is Asked
Toby realized that the other two ideas on his list come after the question has been asked. Janice’s advice for this critical time was:
Care About the Answer – While it may seem obvious, in reflecting on this point, he realized that when you have the ICE components before your question, you are in a much better position to truly care about the answer you receive. Janice reminded him that the question itself is only a vehicle to get to the answer – and so truly caring about the answer is a huge key to successful questions.
Listen – The last item on Toby’s list was something he knew Janice did well. Janice truly listened to the responses to her questions. Of course Toby knew that listening was important – everyone does, right – but as he reviewed the other four keys he realized that they all led up to and supported successful listening.
As Toby reviewed some of his recent sales calls he realized that his intense focus on asking the right question had diverted him from these five ideas and that these considerations before and after the question itself would be the key to greater success.
These keys aren’t just for Toby – but for everyone, in any interaction where you ask questions. Use these keys and you will unlock even greater power in your questions.
-----------------------------------------------------
Potential Pointer: Great questions are about more than the questions themselves. Your purpose for asking and your willingness to listen carefully are as important to the value of the question as the words themselves.
Toby was a young and ambitious salesperson. Part of his training had been to spend time with Janice, a veteran and very successful salesperson at the firm. As Toby went on sales calls with Janice he took notes, and one of the things he marveled at was Janice’s ability to ask great questions. In fact he had been collecting and recording her questions and had begun using the same questions himself.
Toby was disappointed though, as it seemed that the questions that worked so well for Janice didn’t seem to have the same result for him. He was pretty confident his timing was right – he wasn’t asking a particular question at an inappropriate time ... so he was confused.
He continued to try and practice for several weeks. Then at the annual sales conference, he decided to see if he could get some additional coaching from Janice. He asked her to have breakfast with him on the second morning the conference. Janice was pleased and quickly said yes; she appreciated Toby and thought he had a very bright future.
After they had placed their orders, Toby described his dilemma; he wanted to know Janice’s secret for asking questions so successfully. He explained that he felt it wasn’t the words themselves – in fact he proved it by showing her over two pages of handwritten questions he had heard her use successfully.
Janice listed intently and smiled. When Toby was finished, she, not surprisingly, asked a couple of clarifying questions to make sure she understood his situation. Toby smiled as he noticed her naturally using great questions yet again.
After their food had arrived, Janice sat quietly eating for a couple of minutes, clearly pondering Toby’s queries. As she finished her toast, she said, “I think there are five things that make for great questions beyond the words themselves, Toby. I’ve certainly thought about each of these things in the past, but perhaps never as a cohesive set. That’s why I took a couple of minutes to collect my thoughts.”
Toby smiled to assure her that he didn’t mind. Then he slid his plate away so he could take notes.
When Toby returned to his room after the full day of Conference activities, he reviewed his notes on Janice’s five keys. Here is his summary of those ideas.
Before You Ask The Question
Toby compiled these ideas as an acrostic so he wouldn’t forget – remember to put your questions on ICE . . .
I ntent – The intent of your question is as important as anything. This intent will guide the overall success with your question. In fact, if your intent is genuine, pure and sincere, it will allow even the clumsiest question to be successful. Regardless of the situation, consider why you are asking a particular question. If the question is meant to gain knowledge, help the other person, allow them to express themselves or in some other way be a step in serving them, your question will be more powerful.
C uriosity – When we are genuinely curious about the answer to our question we will ask better questions. Sometimes people ask a question in a perfunctory way, or they ask even though they already assume they know the answer. When we ask our questions from genuine curiosity, they will be more successful and effective.
E xpectancy – Ask questions expecting to get an answer, and expecting to get a valuable answer! When we ask our questions with a positive expectancy, we will ask much better questions.
After The Question is Asked
Toby realized that the other two ideas on his list come after the question has been asked. Janice’s advice for this critical time was:
Care About the Answer – While it may seem obvious, in reflecting on this point, he realized that when you have the ICE components before your question, you are in a much better position to truly care about the answer you receive. Janice reminded him that the question itself is only a vehicle to get to the answer – and so truly caring about the answer is a huge key to successful questions.
Listen – The last item on Toby’s list was something he knew Janice did well. Janice truly listened to the responses to her questions. Of course Toby knew that listening was important – everyone does, right – but as he reviewed the other four keys he realized that they all led up to and supported successful listening.
As Toby reviewed some of his recent sales calls he realized that his intense focus on asking the right question had diverted him from these five ideas and that these considerations before and after the question itself would be the key to greater success.
These keys aren’t just for Toby – but for everyone, in any interaction where you ask questions. Use these keys and you will unlock even greater power in your questions.
-----------------------------------------------------
Potential Pointer: Great questions are about more than the questions themselves. Your purpose for asking and your willingness to listen carefully are as important to the value of the question as the words themselves.
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