Thursday, June 30, 2011

In the Space that Permeates

What is seen is merely a glimpse of what is unseen - Anaxagoras

The Science of Being Well
Chapter Two- Foundations of Faith  (11:27)

Whether we are jumping in with both feet or diving in head first.....Let's do it with enthusiasm!

The first truth is that "all things are made from one living substance, which in its original state permeates, penetrates and fills the interspaces of the universe" is how Wattles begins this second chapter.  And in this statement he has said a mouthful....

The key to understanding this statement is in the "space."  That this space exists, and is a creative power, is a tenet of ancient philosophy and a foundation of religion.  This reference can be traced  as far back as the Emerald Tablet and the Seven Principles of Hermes.  It is in this place that divine wisdom resides and the quanta waits to coalesce.

Ancient philosophers knew the space was there long before science found it. Most recently, this space, or Source, has been called the zero point field.  It  does, as Wattles contends, permeate and penetrate all things.  In fact, it connects all things and remembers all things.  It is the web that spins the illusion of  matter.

Beginning in the early 1900's, Albert Einstein and Neils Bohr  engaged in many experiments that spurred an ongoing debate which ultimately concluded in an understanding that energy exists both in waves and particles.  The state in which it is seen is determined by the observer. 

I heard a simple story that  illustrates this point. It goes something like this:

There were two employees from the same location who were selected for transfer to another location.  Upon notification of this transfer the first person asked the agent, "What are the people like in the new place?"  The agent replied "What are the people like where you are from?"  The first employee replied,  "they are rude and not very friendly." To which the agent knowingly replied "Oh, well, then I expect you'll find they are the same in the new location."

When the second employee was notified of the transfer, he also asked what to expect from the people in the new location.  Again, the agent asked, "What are the people like where you are from?"  The second employee enthusiastically replied, Oooooh,  they are wonderful,  kind, and generous!"  To which the agent replied, "Really! So are the people in the new location!"

And the moral of the story is: We see what we are looking for.....

In its natural state, energy is a wave.  It is pure potentiality - anything is possible - this is the living substance, the Source,  from which all things emanate.  Energy, in particle form, is the thought made manifest. It is the choice we make.

All the choices ever made are a part of the zero point field.  Every thought, every memory, every action is there.  It is collective consciousness.  We begin life bathed in this consciousness, soaking up all the behaviors, thoughts, and beliefs of our family members; learning to conform to the ideas of the culture in which we are born.  

The American culture is currently inundated with health threats of every shape and form.  The pharmaceutical companies, in conjunction with the American Medical Association,  propagandize drugs and tests for every disease imaginable.  As they impel their agenda to scare society into constantly thinking thoughts of disease, they are filling their pockets with untold profits.  To make matters worse, attaching fear to the thoughts of disease gives immense power to a very low vibration.

When thought creates form, it follows that the constant attention given to all these diseases actually perpetuates them.  Only by focusing on health can we overcome disease.
We are "capable of originating thought," and can therefore choose to think health and avoid any and all reference to disease.  We can focus our attention on health.  It is possible to learn the science of being well.

It begins with accepting two ideas.

1. There is a substance from which all things are made and which in its original state permeates, penetrates and fills the interspaces of the universe.  

2.  Man is a thinking center capable of original thought and his thought has power over his functioning.

To have perfect health, we must come into alignment with perfect health.  We must believe, think, and act in perfect health.

Without a doubt, health is a choice.

Tip of the Day:

Start wherever you are!

Use the Well-Being Chart to document your current feelings about your level of wellness in each dimension of your life.  Use the chart to pinpoint the areas where more attention would be beneficial.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Health is an Inside Job

The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while Nature cures the disease -Voltaire

The Science of Being Well
Chapter One


In Chapter One, Wattles begins his narration by postulating that in order for The Science of Being Well to be effective we have to accept certain ideas.  The first of these ideas is that the "perfectly natural performance of  function constitutes health".

He further states that the "perfectly natural performance of function results from the natural action of the principle of life". This principle of life is the Source.  It is the one living substance from which all things are made.  All life comes from it and it causes all the voluntary functions of  this life to be perfectly performed.

So the first tenet of The Science of Being Well is that the Power that heals is IN the patient.  Getting well does not depend on anything outside the patient.  The ability to return to health comes from inside the patient.  Remedies, introduced from outside the body, help the body by creating optimal conditions for healing to take place, but do not cause healing.  

Many times through the years clients have asked me if I think this thing or that thing will help them with their particular ailment...My response was generally, "what do you think?" because, in truth,  it doesn't  matter what I, or anyone else, thinks about a certain remedy.  The only belief that matters is the belief of the recipient of the treatment.
 
I understand that we look to others we feel have more knowledge or experience than us to provide us with advice about decisions that we do not trust ourselves to make.  Which is why I am a big proponent of tools. There are many tools we can use to decipher our truth.  I believe intuition is the best diviner of truth, but  I have previously mentioned muscle testing  and/or  simply asking yourself for the answer, until such time as you trust your intuition.

To make his point that the source of health is within each person, Wattles references many different modalities that are available to "help" us find health. He adeptly elucidates how they all work for some people some of the time.  

It is good to remember that this book was written in 1910. Conventional medicine did not have the power or clout that it now has.   Allopathy consisted of bloodletting, purging and highly toxic drugs. Homeopathy was introduced by a German physician that was unhappy with these methods and osteopathy separated from allopathy about the time this book was written.  The history is quite interesting!

According to Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 8th edition,

Allopathy is a system of medical therapy in which a disease or an abnormal condition is treated by creating an environment that is antagonistic to the disease or condition; for example, an antibiotic toxic to a pathogenic organism is administered to treat an infection.

Homeopathy is a system of therapeutics based on the theory that "like cures like." The theory was advanced in the late eighteenth century by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, who believed that a large amount of a particular drug may cause symptoms of a disease whereas moderate dosage may reduce those symptoms; thus some disease symptoms may be treated by very small doses of medicine.

Osteopathy is a system and philosophy of health care that separated from traditional (allopathic) medical practice about a century ago. It places emphasis on the musculoskeletal system, hence the name—osteo refers to bone and path refers to disease. Osteopaths also believe strongly in the healing power of the body and do their best to facilitate that strength.

Our current ‘medical model’ or allopathic approach to health comes from the work of  Louis Pasteur (1885) who created ‘germ theory.’  His theory basically states that germs are everywhere and will attack us if we do not protect ourselves with pharmaceutical substances. 

While the germs may be out there, we do not "catch" all diseases even when we come in contact with an infected person.  So we have to ask, Why not? 

A contemporary of Pasteur, Antoine Bechamp had a different idea.  He believed  that the biological terrain of the being is the cause of disease, not the germ itself.  Bechamp found that germs and parasites will only survive in acidic and favorable conditions and therefore mere exposure to germs is not enough to get sick.  Bechamp believed, the primary cause of disease is in us.

History shows that Pasteur had more support than Bechamp and his germ theory was adopted by the allopathic medical community.

The result was a war on germs.  Unfortunately, people stopped taking responsibility for their own health and let the doctors and pharmaceutical industry take charge. 

This is a key point.  Germ warfare has created a situation where a majority of people live in fear of  "catching" diseases and believe, that to have or maintain health, we must now look outside of ourselves.  Someone, other than us, knows what is best for us.  Futhermore, we have become conditioned to look for answers outside of ourselves and expect that answer to be in the form of a pill or a shot.  

"Some researchers believe many patients have subconscious associations between the experience of being treated – such as taking a pill or sitting in a doctor’s surgery – and recovery from illness....
This subliminal conditioning may trigger the release of hormones and affect people’s immune responses, helping them to feel better," reports David Derbyshire.

I, personally believe Wattles theory that the source of  health is within us and support Bechamp’s theory  that our body’s internal environment determines our health…no matter whom or what we are exposed to.  We get to choose the state of our health, through our thoughts, attitudes and actions. 

 

New research supports this belief beautifully.  My favorite authority on this subject is Dr. Bruce Lipton.  His book The Biology of Belief  supports our ability to think ourselves healthy.

"The implications of this research radically change our understanding of life. It shows that genes and DNA do not control our biology; that instead DNA is controlled by signals from outside the cell, including the energetic messages emanating from our positive and negative thoughts. Dr. Lipton’s profoundly hopeful synthesis of the latest and best research in cell biology and quantum physics is being hailed as a major breakthrough showing that our bodies can be changed as we retrain our thinking."

Despite what the fear mongers would like us to believe.....Health is an inside job that is, first and foremost, a thought process. What we think about comes about.   The source of health and well-being is inside of each one of us. 

Tip of the Day
Notice what you are thinking.... For every thought ask yourself, "is this true for me?"
Trust your hunches....Keep a journal to record  what you discover about your thoughts.
 
 

Monday, June 20, 2011

Wellness, Monistic Theory, Metaphysics, and Infinite Possibilities

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”-  Dr. Carl Sagan (American Astronomer, Writer and Scientist, 1934-1996)

The Science of Being Well
Preface

From the very start, The Science of Being Well, gives me an immediate impression that this is a book that will offer knowledge in the form of a tested  formula or protocol for maintaining or recovering health.

A read through the table of contents,  gives me a glimpse into chapters that pertain to eating, drinking, breathing and sleeping. From my experience, all of these things are important considerations in any effort  to maintain or move toward good health so, at this point, I am receptive to what this book has to offer.  


The preface tells me this is  a  "practical guide for health"  that is based on the Monistic Theory of the Universe - "that matter, mind, consciousness and life are manifestations of one Substance."  Well, practical is good, if that means I can apply the information to get results and I believe that we are all from one divine source, interconnected, and interdependent, but I have never heard it called a monistic theory.   Okay....I had to look this one up....

What I found is that the Monistic Theory  (fascinating book, by the way)  is an ancient tradition which, according to author Nhân Tử Nguyễn Văn Thọ,  was the "common heritage of Brahmanism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianis and of the Yi Jing (Dịch Kinh). 

Additionally, The Monistic Theory, under the guise of the Emanation Theory, was, and still is, the main creed of various Western Occult Societies of the past and present including Gnosticism, Kabbalah, Alchemy and  Freemasonry, etc. 


 
The monistic theory of the universe asserts that everything comes from one source which manifests itself as all of the elements of the physical world.  It is "the timeless metaphysical truth underlying the diverse religions.  It helps us get rid of everything man-made, of everything superstitious in religion, and discover what is divine, what is permanent, what is naturally carved in our own heart," (Nhân Tử Nguyễn Văn Thọ).

Ahhhhhh, what a beautiful sentiment....

Continuing, Wattles tells us that he has compiled this work so that even someone who is not familiar with New Thought or metaphysics may benefit from these principles. 

Since this work was published i n 1910, and that is "old" by my standards, I was curious when "New Thought" began.  I found that it began in the early 19th century and is an umbrella term for many diverse beliefs that promote experiencing God's presence through practical purposes. 

Then there is "metaphysics;"  the much maligned term with a very long and winding history.  Interestingly enough, it goes all the way back to classical antiquity and Aristotle.  Metaphysics generally seeks to explain inherent or universal elements of reality which are not easily discovered or experienced in our everyday life.

To seek knowledge that will help us understand our very being by asking questions and observing the answers does not seem at all sinister to me.  I am all for being the best person I can be for the highest good of  everyone, known or unknown to me, and the only way I know how to do that is to ask my heart what is right for me and then  to listen quietly for the answer.  


I am open to the infinite possibilities that exist around me....


I invite you to ask your questions....

Tip of the Day

To find your truth, ask a question with your hand over your heart.  After you ask the question  say.....my heart says..... 

Listen.....Usually, the first thought is your answer.  If you are unsure....test.....

Believe......You know everything you need to know.


 

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Introduction to The Science of Being Well

"The very best thing you can do for the whole world is to make the most of yourself."
— Wallace Wattles


Today I will be starting a new series based on The Science of Being Well by Wallace D. Wattles. You are cordially invited to download the unabridged version of this book in pdf format. You will find a free link at karafinger.com. If you are not a reader and prefer an audio book, you will also find an option to purchase the audio version on the same page.

Wallace D. Wattles was a philosopher and prolific writer. He was born in the mid 1800's and lived until 1911. He is most famous for his "The Science of" series. The Science of Being Well is the second in this trilogy.

Written over 100 years ago, this little book is an action-oriented plan for health and well-being. In a time when so many people find themselves with health issues, following the tenets of "The Science of Being Well" is a simple, albeit alternative, solution for addressing these issues.

Some people are just naturally open to new ideas while others are less willing to investigate alternative approaches to life, or in this case, health.  As the saying goes, "there are many ways to skin a cat." If these ideas are new to you, it is reassuring to note that, generally speaking, we know instantly if something (such as a philosophy of living) is "right" or "true" for us.

As mentioned in a previous post, we will get a sinking feeling in the pit of our stomach when something is just not true for us.  Another description some people use says  that a true statement makes us feel lighter, while a statement that is false makes us feel heavy.

At this point we should make mention that what is true for one person is not necessarily true for another. This is why it is so important to learn to tune in to what is true and right for each of us on an individual basis.  If by some chance you have been taken aback when you said something that sounded "just like your mother, father, etc," we can begin to  appreciate the need to separate ourselves from group thought and identify who we are and which of our beliefs actually belong to us.  Simply asking "Who does this belong to?," for each of our thoughts, will allow us space to determine if a belief belongs to us or if it is a gift from someone else.


This is a simple method for tuning in to your own internal signals...

Think of a time in the past when you had a "feeling" that something was going to go well prior to its occurrence  and then it actually did turn out well.  Think about how you felt when you had that sensation.  Additionally, note the location of the feeling.  Positive sensations are typically  associated with the upper half of the body.  This information will help to become aware of  your intuitive "hits."


There are also tools, such as muscle testing, or applied kinesiology, as well as other training techniques to help us learn to discern this valuable information.  These tools are especially helpful for those who do not yet trust their intuition.

As we begin this philosophical, as well as physical journey, into taking charge of our own health and well-being, we will begin a dialogue with our bodies.  Being present as we tune in to our bodies will give us the best results during our examination of the four voluntary aspects of our life that combine to determine our level of health.

Imagine! This book focuses on the everyday activities of eating, drinking, breathing and sleeping.  We can do this.....We can take charge of our own well being!

Let the journey begin!

How does it get any better than this?

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

The Science of Being Well - My Plan to Share My Perspective

I will be starting a new series using The Science of Being Well by Wallace D. Wattles.  You are invited to download this book.  You will find a free link at  karafinger.com.  If you are not a reader and prefer an audio book, you will find the option to purchase the audio version on the same page.

I am looking forward to developing this series and hope that it will develop from a monologue into a real life changing dialogue!  I will work to explain this volume and offer suggestions and tools that will make the words come to life.

For me, reading is an intuitive, as well as logical process.  As I read, I make notes, mentally and/or in a notebook I keep for such purposes, of words and/or phrases that create a sensation in my body.  This is the intuitive side of my process; how I interpret information and decide what to do next. Then, I search for definitions and explanations of the previously identified curiosities in order to facilitate my understanding of the material.  

This, then, is how I propose to dissect this manuscript.  Word by word, phrase by phrase and chapter by chapter, I will share my interpretation and understanding of this material. 

Let's get started!


Monday, June 13, 2011

Athene's Theory of Everything

My goodness. This is an amazing video. What an excellent explanation of, well, EVERYTHING!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Synchronicity in Action

By thought, the thing you want is brought to you. By action, you receive it - Wallace D Wattles

At the end of the post yesterday I suggested this activity...

Set an intention and then take some action within 24 hours that will move you toward achieving that intention.  Then pay attention to what happens....Expect miracles, look for synchronicity, coincidences, opportunities, etc and then take the next logical step toward achieving your goal.

Today, I thought I would share the types of things that may occur when you do expect miracles and look for synchronicity.  Take every opportunity to celebrate and  give thanks for the goodness that is on its way!


For us, these examples have become common occurrences!  I have also included a couple of my favorite "woo woo" (how could that happen) stories....

I can't say never, but I rarely have to wait for red lights...I just intend to get to my destination without interruption and go merrily on my way.  It works just like magic when you know the formula!

A few years back I decided that I don't want to stand in lines anymore...Not at the grocery store, the post office or the dreaded vehicle registration office where the lines are notorious for being hours long....And just like the parting of the Red Sea,  it is always my turn when I am ready for service.

There are five of us that get together regularly.  One afternoon we were going downtown to attend some event so on the way we decided that we wanted a parking spot in  front of the venue.  Of course there was an empty spot right at the front door waiting for us when we got there.  From that experience I decided to choose a parking spot that I designated as mine at various stores where I shop.  Usually the spot is empty when I arrive, but on the rare occasion that the spot is occupied when I get to the parking lot, the driver is preparing to leave as I get to the spot.
 
These small things, synchronicity in action, make life more pleasant and free up time for bigger, more important things....maybe these types of things are already happening for you....Ain't life grand!!


I am an information junkie....I read books, listen to recordings, go to seminars, etc....I freely share this information with my friends, so one day a dear friend called to ask me if I had any information about Doreen Virtue. I knew of her and had heard her speak, but I didn't have any recordings or books I could lend my friend....Lest anyone doubt the power of intention, let me assure you, it is amazing....

Later that same day I received an email from one of the tele-seminar series I  subscribe to announcing that Doreen Virtue would be the speaker that evening.  I forwarded the email to my friend and she had the information she needed.  Ask and you shall receive!

Get ready to be astounded.....
Besides being an information junkie, I love to play in the dirt... A couple of years ago, I  decided to create a patio edge rose garden. I read somewhere that roses and tomatoes are great companion plants because the roses enhance the flavor of the tomatoes. So naturally, as I am planting the roses, I am considering their placement in relation to the tomatoes I don't have, but will plant later and imagining how lovely it will all look.
Well, a couple of days later while I was watering my newly planted roses I noticed seedlings coming up in between the roses....I watered them everyday and chuckled to myself when they turned out to be darling little cherry tomato plants exactly where I imagined they should be....
All I can say is, "How cool is that!"

I could go on and on with similar stories....

My friends and I don't question these happenings, we expect them and are thankful when they show up. We know they are on their way to us, from wherever they are, the minute we intend them.

"The more gratefully we fix our minds on the Supreme when good things come to us, the more good things we will receive, and the more rapidly they will come; and the reason simply is that the mental attitude of gratitude draws the mind into closer touch with the source from which the blessings come." - Wallace D Wattles

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Tell Me Your Story

Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. -Maria Robinson

Today, just for a few minutes take the time to think about your "story."  If I met you for the first time today what would you tell me about yourself.... 

Pay close attention to what you would say.  Did you say you have an amazing life; that everything is perfect and you wouldn't change a thing?  Congratulations!  Very few people choose to tell such a wonderful story.

If on the other hand, you are one of the many that paint a less rosy picture, don't feel bad.  Your story is a result of core beliefs; beliefs you may not even know exist. From the day we are conceived, we are bathed in the thoughts, feelings and actions of other people such as our parents, grandparents, other relatives, teachers, clergy, etc. Their beliefs become our beliefs when we are very young. Beliefs are an acceptance that certain things are true.  The belief determines what we will or will not do and also how we do things.

The good news is once you decide to,  you can change your beliefs and achieve anything and everything you ever wanted to achieve.

Now, tell your story again..... write it down or say it into a tape recorder.    Listen, really listen, to what you are you saying....In that story is the best place to look for the clues to the beliefs you have and hold dear.


Listen for things like-life is hard, I wasn't born with a silver spoon, my family was poor, money doesn't grow on trees, my dad/mom was an alcoholic, I'm sick, I'm tired,  I'm sick and tired....

Anyway, you get the idea.....Listen for the phrases that are NOT positive and uplifting that you are saying about yourself and/or your life....There is probably a self-limiting belief in there somewhere that allows you to think  those things and then create them....

It is important to note, we are ALL master storytellers and when we add power to the story in the form of a belief, well then, the story becomes our life....It is what is called an out-picture....What is inside our head manifests in the physical world.

Bear with me here, and tell your story one more time, but this time be aware of how it makes you feel.  Is there a part of the story that you feel in the pit of your stomach....that gives you a "sinking feeling."  The location and the type of feeling let's us know that the statement is NOT true (not that the statement itself is a lie, but that it is not an accurate representation of who you really are) and/or has a negative emotion attached to it.

As a tapping practitioner, I know that those particular statements are a great place to start to unravel the beliefs that are holding you back from achieving your wildest dreams.  And the great thing about it is that once you  find the right belief  (sometimes it takes a few tries)....BOOM!  You can unravel the whole ball of yarn very quickly...It really is amazing stuff.  Just remember, all lasting achievement begins inside...When you change yourself, others, and the world around you, change. You will start to get different results.

When you remove the limiting beliefs, (change what you believe), you can change your story to anything you want it to be.  We truly are magnificent in our creative abilities. 

Try this activity.  Set an intention and then take some action within 24 hours that will move you toward achieving that intention.  Then pay attention to what happens....Expect miracles, look for synchronicity,  coincidences, opportunities, etc and then take the next logical step toward achieving your goal.

Believe you can....


  Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right. Henry Ford

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Serve Others

I expect to pass through life but once.  If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.  ~William Penn

In this series of posts are my reflections on the behaviors of successful people that are worthy of emulation...

We have previously identified that

Successful people are
  • Congruent
  • Present
They
  • Suspend Judgement
  • Cultivate Positive Thoughts
  • Understand the Power of Words
  • Are Physically Fit
  • Make the Best Use of Their Time
  • Study Successful Role Models
  • Listen
  • Serve Others
The final behavior worth emulation in this series is to serve others.  It is worth mentioning at the outset that giving is by far the best way to receive.

Serving others, or "giving",  can improve our life in three essential areas.  Giving has the power to improve our health, our bank account and invigorate our life and business.

If we have less than perfect health, giving can improve how we feel by changing our focus.  Based on the law of attraction, what we think about comes about....so if we are focused on how crummy we are feeling or our various aches and pains then we are resonating at a vibration that will attract more of this same suffering.

If, instead, we focus our attention elsewhere, on being thankful for something that is going well,  on giving a compliment to our caretaker or giving a smile to the next person we see....we have shifted our focus to something positive, which in turn lifts our vibration and helps us to feel better.  When we do this consistently, we consistently feel better.

In the same vein, we can improve our bank account...  It has been said that "begin tithing" is the best financial advice available.  Tithing is more about the process than about the 10% guidance. It is about giving a part of what you have for the benefit of others without the expectation of return.  It is about helping others by sharing our gifts, talents, and money. 

Tithing works because it helps us overcome our beliefs of sacrifice and scarcity with money.  Tithing is being grateful for the abundance that we already have.  It is a state of being able to give freely, without ties to a possession or money.  It is about knowing that we can give a share of our abundance because we already have an abundant life.

Finally, giving invigorates our life and our business.  When we serve others, from inspiration, we infuse our life with passion.  One way to test this is to give 29 gifts in 29 days....Think "random acts of kindness"....The gifts can be monetary, but they can also be as simple as letting someone go ahead of you in the check-out line.  Let the present moment inspire you.....It is amazing to watch the miracles unfold before us!

Tips for Serving Others
  • Be open to the moment.  
  • Believe there is enough to go around
  • Give in gratitude for the abundance that you already have
  • Give all gifts  from a place of love, without expectations  for receiving anything in return or judgements of how the gift should  be used
  • Become aware of all the ways it is possible to give
  • Feel the joy that comes from giving.
In closing, the truth is  "no-one has ever become poor by giving" (Anne Frank)

    Tuesday, June 7, 2011

    Active Listening

    We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. Epictetus


    In this series of posts are my reflections on the behaviors of successful people that are worthy of emulation...

    We have previously identified that

    Successful people are
    • Congruent
    • Present
    They
    • Suspend Judgement
    • Cultivate Positive Thoughts
    • Understand the Power of Words
    • Are Physically Fit
    • Make the Best Use of Their Time
    • Study Successful Role Models
    • Listen
    • Serve Others

    Listening is an important skill; in fact, it may be one of the most important skills we ever develop. How well we listen has a major impact on our effectiveness, and on the quality of our relationships with others.

    We listen to obtain information.
    We listen to understand.
    We listen for enjoyment.
    We listen to learn.

    Unfortunately, most of us do not listen very well.  We spend a lot of time tuning out.  Thankfully, there are simple actions we can undertake to enhance our listening skills.

    Our bodies, especially our faces give speakers many clues about our interest level. 

    The first thing we can do to be a good listener is to act like a good listener
    Begin by looking at the other person. Our eyes pick up the non-verbal signals that people send out when they are speaking.

    When we have established eye and face contact with the speaker, we must then react to the speaker by sending out non-verbal signals. Our face must move and give the range of emotions that indicate whether we are following what the speaker has to say. By moving our face to the information, we can better concentrate on what the person is saying. Staying focused and concentrating on what the speaker is saying is important to being an active listener.

    Our thoughts move about four times as fast as speech. With practice, while we are listening we will also be able to think about what we are hearing, really understand it, and give feedback to the speaker.

    Tips for Being an Active Listener
    • Be truly interested - Give your full attention to the person who is speaking.
    • Concentrate on what the speaker is saying.  Let the speaker finish before responding. Speakers appreciate having the chance to complete their thoughts without being interrupted.
    • Finish listening before beginning to speak! We can't really listen if we are distracted by what we're going to say next.
    • Ask questions to clarify what the speaker said.  It helps to paraphrase what the speaker said in our own words.
    • Give feedback. Sit up straight and look directly at the speaker. Now and then, nod to show that you understand. At appropriate points you may also smile, frown, laugh, or be silent. These are all ways to let the speaker know that you are really listening. Remember, you listen with your face as well as your ears!

    Becoming a better listener, improves our productivity, as well as our ability to influence, persuade and negotiate. In the end, active listening improves our chances for success!






     

    Monday, June 6, 2011

    Study Successsful Role Models

    That some should be rich shows that others may become rich, and hence is just encouragement to industry and enterprise.- Abraham Lincoln

    In this series of posts are my reflections on the behaviors of successful people that are worthy of emulation...

    We have previously identified that

    Successful people are
    • Congruent
    • Present
    They
    • Suspend Judgement
    • Cultivate Positive Thoughts
    • Understand the Power of Words
    • Are Physically Fit
    • Make the Best Use of Their Time
    • Study Successful Role Models
    • Listen
    • Serve Others

    It is important that we choose our role models very carefully because if we are not vigilant, we could end up just like them...

    It has been said that we should not hang out with someone we would not want to become.  This makes sense when we look further and find we become an amalgamation of the five people with which we spend the most time.  And this can include the people we spend time with in our minds...heroes, villains, presidents,  kings, writers, actors and imaginary friends....


    Here is a simple exercise.....Go ahead.....Try it.....

    1. What kind of person do you want to be?  List qualities that are important to you.

    2. Think of the 5 people with whom you spend the most time....What qualities do you like about them?

    3. Are these lists of qualities similar?

    4. Do these qualities move you forward.... toward your goals?

    5.  What qualities do you dislike about yourself?

    6.  What qualities do you dislike about the 5 people with whom you spend the most time?

    Is there a pattern...Are the qualities you like about yourself and the people you spend time with similar? What about the qualities you dislike.....

    Typically the things we like and dislike about others are the very things we like and dislike about ourselves....It is resonance....Like attracts like... 

    Become abundance and prosperity focused and concentrate on developing only relationships which are enriching, supportive and empowering!  Hang out with the people that are achieving what you want to achieve, earning the income you want to earn and making decisions you want to make...


    This is extremely important because our thoughts determine our feelings; our feelings determine our actions; our actions determine our results. If we adopt the thought patterns, habits and tendencies of people who are successful in the areas in which  we wish to achieve, we can expect to achieve similar results.

    In a nutshell, decide what you want to achieve, find someone who has already done it and then learn everything you can from them...


    It’s better to hang out with people better than you, … Pick out associates whose behavior is better than yours and you’ll drift in that direction.  Warren Buffet

    Saturday, June 4, 2011

    Making the Best Use of Time

    Waste neither time nor money, but make the best use of both. Without industry and frugality, nothing will do, and with them everything. Benjamin Franklin

    In this series of posts are my reflections on the behaviors of successful people that are worthy of emulation...

    We have previously identified that

    Successful people are
    • Congruent
    • Present
    They
    • Suspend Judgement
    • Cultivate Positive Thoughts
    • Understand the Power of Words
    • Are Physically Fit
    • Make the Best Use of Their Time
    • Study Successful Role Models
    • Listen
    • Serve Others
    In this post we will look at how successful people make the best use of their time.
    • Plan: Planning our day can help us accomplish more and feel more in control of our life. Write a to-do list, putting the most important tasks at the top. Keep a schedule of  daily activities to minimize conflicts and last-minute rushes.
    • Prioritize tasks: Time-consuming but relatively unimportant tasks can take up a lot of our day. Prioritizing tasks will ensure that time and energy are spent on those things that really matter and move us closer to our goal.
    • Stay focused:  Ask "HOW".  How will this activity get us closer to our goal. Spending time on tasks that move us forward are the most important
    • Delegate: Take a look at your to-do list and consider hiring someone to do time consuming tasks that take us away from making more money.
    • Quality First. Take the necessary time upfront in order to eliminate errors from rushing that will usually result in more time spent making corrections. It will save time in the end.
    • Break large, time-consuming tasks into smaller tasks. Work on them a few minutes at a time until you get them all done. Reward yourself for completing the small tasks.
    • Evaluate how we're spending our time. Keep a diary of everything we do for three days to determine how we're spending our time. Look for time that can be used more wisely. For example, could we take a bus or train to work and use the commute to catch up on reading? If so, we could free up some time to exercise or spend with family or friends.
    • Get plenty of sleep, have a healthy diet and exercise regularly. A healthy lifestyle can improve our focus and concentration, which will help improve our efficiency so that we can complete our work in less time.
    • Take a break when needed.  Need a break?  Take one. Our attention span is generally good for 20-30 minutes.  Take a walk. Do some quick stretches.   Take a day of vacation to rest and re-energize.
    The most important thing is to be aware of how we spend our time and know which tasks are the most important to get us to our goal.  Being busy for the sake of being busy does not move us closer to our goals.

    Implementing one tip per month so that it  becomes a habit is an easy way to begin....

    Time management is easy when we realize we have all the time there is....and make an effort to use it wisely.




      Friday, June 3, 2011

      Power of Physical Fitness

      Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states. ~Carol Welch


      In this series of posts are reflections on the behaviors of successful people that are worthy of emulation...

      We have previously identified that

      Successful people are
      • Congruent
      • Present
      They
      • Suspend Judgement
      • Cultivate Positive Thoughts
      • Understand the Power of Words
      • Are Physically Fit
      • Make the Best Use of Their Time
      • Study Successful Role Models
      • Listen
      • Serve Others
      The focus of this post is on the benefits of being physically fit beyond just health measures.... Increasing our level of physical fitness increases our energy level which gives us greater power to accomplish our goals. Higher energy levels help to increase our stamina and reduces fatigue, which means we are able to accomplish more with less effort. Increasing our level of physical fitness typically involves participating in some type of exercise which has the ability to improve our mood, as well as reduce tension and anxiety, while promoting relaxation.

      When we stay, or work to become, physically fit we are more likely to stay active and independent. We are also more likely to maintain mobility and keep a sharp mind. This leads to higher quality of life as we age.

      The more we increase our energy, the more likely our bodies will maintain themselves and avoid breaking down.

      Energy is the source of all accomplishment. For greater accomplishments, we need higher levels of energy. We can cultivate habits and activities, along with being in the present moment, that increase our energy such as smiling frequently, hugging a child or pet, or listening to uplifting music.

      One sure way we can boost our energy is to think of something that brings us immense joy. Another way is to think of something that made us laugh so hard it brought tears to our eyes. Sit with the feeling for just a minute. Really take the time to revel in it....

      Without a doubt, everything is energy...
      When we focus on learning how to access, control, and direct it, we have the power to achieve the best results with the least effort.

      Thursday, June 2, 2011

      The Power of Words

      Kind words do not cost much. They never blister the tongue or lips. They make other people good-natured. They also produce their own image on men's souls, and a beautiful image it is. --Blaise Pascal 

      In this series of posts are reflections on the behaviors of successful people that are worthy of emulation...

      We have previously identified that

      Successful people are
      • Congruent
      • Present
      They
      • Suspend Judgement
      • Cultivate Positive Thoughts
      • Understand the Power of Words
      • Are Physically Fit
      • Make the Best Use of Their Time
      • Study Successful Role Models
      • Listen
      • Serve Others
      This post will concentrate on the power of words....

      This short film illustrates the power of words to radically change your message and your effect upon the world.....



      Dr. Emoto also illustrates the power of words in his wonderful series of books called The Hidden Messages in Water. He freezes water into crystals to show the effect words have on the water.....from this we can expect that they have the same effect on everything....

      It is very important to choose our words carefully and it is just as important to choose the words we allow to be spoken to us through the music we listen to, the movies we watch or the company we keep....

      Words have the power to increase our personal power or to deplete it....

      Choose Wisely!

      Wednesday, June 1, 2011

      Cultivate Positive Thoughts

      Happiness is an attitude.  We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong.  The amount of work is the same.  ~Francesca Reigler 

      This series of posts are reflections on the behaviors of successful people that are worthy of emulation...

      We have previously identified that

      Successful people are
      • Congruent
      • Present
      They
      • Suspend Judgement
      • Cultivate Positive Thoughts
      • Understand the Power of Words
      • Are Physically Fit
      • Make the Best Use of Their Time
      • Study Successful Role Models
      • Listen
      • Serve Others
      The fourth behavior of successful people is the practice of cultivating positive thoughts.

      What we see in our mind is what we create.... what we think about is what will come about…

      The important thing for us to remember is we get to choose the experiences we have through the thoughts we 
      think and the actions we take.


      One way we can cultivate a positive attitude is to
      • Start each day with an open mind and a  grateful heart
      • Focus only on seeing the positive aspects of every situation and person you encounter
      • End each day with a grateful heart
      Men like Neils Bohr and Albert Einstein have shown through many experiment the duality of the universe. From these experiments, we know that an observer will see that which he expects to see...


      If we go through our day expecting everyone to be kind and helpful that is generally what we will find.  And if by some chance we encounter someone less so, we are happy knowing that we were kind and helpful to them anyway.

      Joe Vitale is known for being a motivational speaker.  He stated in an interview that he recently encountered someone from his past, some 40 years later, and was reminded, that as a young man, he was pessimistic and very negative. A very different person from the person he is today.  He said in the interview that he wanted to be a writer and so he was emulating the life of authors he admired.  The only problem was they were negative, pessimistic people.  After bouts with depression and even suicidal thoughts, he decided to find some new role models and  changed his life.  One thought at a time...

      I am a Reiki practitioner and would like to share the Reiki Principles here... 

      Just for Today

      Just for Today, Let Go of Anger.
      Just for Today, Let Go of Worry
      Just for Today, Do your work honestly.
      Just for Today, Be Kind to all Living things.
      Just for Today, Give Thanks for Your Many Blessings

      If one day seems impossible, then change the length to something attainable..... Just for this second, minute or hour......Success builds on success....Then celebrate the success and start anew....

      Just for today, I wish everyone, everywhere, all the best.