Mind Body Spirit And Fluttering Thoughts

Keep Liver Wellness. Avoid Liver Damage.

2008-10-07T08:42:00.001+08:00

Good rest and sound sleep is very
Important... if u don't sleep well,
The toxic in your body will accumulate..
Affecting your health and your mood...

The main causes of liver damage are:
1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are the main cause.
2. Not urinating in the morning.
3. Too much eating.
4. Skipping breakfast.
5. Consuming too much medication.
6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring, and artificial sweetener.
7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil. As much as possible reduce cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils like olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you are tired, except if the body is very fit.
8. Consuming overly done foods also add to the burden of liver. Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies should be finished in one sitting, do not store.

We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits. Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our body to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according to 'schedule.'

Because: Evening at 9 - 11pm : is the time for eliminating unnecessary/ toxic chemicals (de-toxification) from the antibody system (lymph nodes). This time duration should be spent by relaxing or listening to music. If during this time a housewife is still in an unrelaxed state such as washing the dishes or monitoring children doing their homework, this will have a negative impact on her health.

Evening at 11pm - 1am : The de-toxification process in the liver, and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state.

Early morning 1 - 3am : de-toxification process in the gall, also ideally done in a deep sleep state.

Early morning 3 - 5am : de-toxification in the lungs. Therefore there will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time. Since the de-toxification process had reached the respiratory tract, there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with toxin removal process.

Morning 5 - 7am : de-toxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.

Morning 7 - 9am : Absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, you should be having breakfast at this time.

Breakfast should be earlier, before 6:30am, for those who are sick..

Breakfast before 7:30am is very beneficial to those wanting to stay fit. Those who always skip breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to eat breakfast late until 9 -10am rather than no meal at all. Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of removing unnecessary chemicals.

Aside from that, midnight to 4am is the time when the bone marrow produces blood.

Therefore, have a good sleep and don't sleep late.

Be At The Cause Or Effect?

2008-10-06T21:17:00.003+08:00

A story.........

A boy was born to a couple after eleven years of marriage. They were a loving couple and the boy was the gem of their eyes. When the boy was around two years old, one morning the husband saw a medicine bottle open. He was late for office so he asked his wife to cap the bottle and keep it in the cupboard. His wife, preoccupied in the kitchen totally forgot the matter.

The boy saw the bottle and playfully went to the bottle fascinated by its color and drank it all. It happened to be a poisonous medicine meant for adults in small dosages. When the child collapsed the mother hurried him to the hospital. He died. The mother was stunned. She was terrified how she was going to face her husband. When the distraught father came to the hospital and saw the dead child, he looked at his wife and uttered just five words.

QUESTIONS :

1. What were the five words ?

2. What is the implication of this story?

Scroll down to read....

ANSWER :

The husband just said "I am with you Darling". The husband's totally unexpected reaction is a proactive behavior. The child is dead. He can never be brought back to life. There is no point in finding fault with the mother. Besides, if only he had taken time to keep the bottle away, this would not have happened. No one is to be blamed. She had also lost her only child. What she needed at that moment was consolation and sympathy from the husband. That is what he gave her. If everyone can look at life with this kind of perspective, there would be much fewer problems in the world. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness, and fears. And you will find things are actually not as difficult as you think.

MORAL OF THE STORY

This story is really worth reading. Sometimes we spend time in asking who is responsible or whom to blame, whether in a relationship, in a job or with the people we know. By this way we miss out some warmth in human relationship.

Sand And Stones

2008-09-04T10:12:00.002+08:00

Sand & Stones

TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING
THROUGH THE DESERT
DURING SOME POINT OF THE
JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN
ARGUMENT; AND ONE FRIEND
SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE
IN THE FACE

THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED
WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT
SAYING ANYTHING,
WROTE IN THE SAND

TODAY MY BEST FRIEND
SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE

THEY KEPT ON WALKING,
UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS,
WHERE THEY DECIDED
TO TAKE A BATH

THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN
SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE
MIRE! AND STARTED DROWNING,
BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.

AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM
THE NEAR DROWNING,
HE WROTE ON A STONE:
'TODAY MY BEST FRIEND
SAVED MY LIFE'

THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED
AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND
ASKED HIM, 'AFTER I HURT YOU,
YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW,
YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?'

THE FRIEND REPLIED
'WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US
WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN
IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF
FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.
BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES
SOMETHING GOOD FOR US,
WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE
WHERE NO WIND
CAN EVER ERASE IT'

LEARN TO WRITE
YOUR HURTS IN
THE SAND AND TO
CARVE YOUR
BENEFITS IN STONE.

THEY SAY IT TAKES A
MINUTE TO FIND A SPECIAL
PERSON, AN HOUR TO
APPRECIATE
THEM, A DAY
TO LOVE THEM, BUT THEN
AN ENTIRE LIFE
TO FORGET THEM.

Voluntary And Involuntary Consciousness In An Awakened State

2008-07-30T17:59:00.003+08:00

Consider these 2 aspects. When we are in an awakened state, would you agreed that we will have 2 operating sub-states. The voluntary and the involuntary states.

Most of us know one and not the other. Most of us know of the voluntary consciousness and are unaware of the involuntary consciousness. When we were at birth, we dwelled in the involuntary state, and very shortly thereafter, the voluntary consciousness overpowered the former to such an extent, the involuntary consciousness can rapidly varnished from our Being. We become attached to the stories of our past and the hope of a future. We no longer become Being in Now.

The voluntary state mind is one when our mind can direct our actions. When we wish to do something, we will have our mind direct our to carry out that piece of action such as when we want to go into a state of mind of happiness. Our mind determines the form and outcome of an action.

An involuntary state of mind is when we become an observer of our state of mind. In other words, we become dissociated from events that are happening to us and the environment. We strive in the presence or NOW; just Being. We become positively centered and balanced irrespective of every negative emotions that surround us. When someone special passed on, we see the positivity of the event and not be attached to any negative emotion what might be happening around us. There may be pain, suffering, sadness correlated with the passing on. However, it we can remain in a involuntary state of mind, we are no longer afraid of death. With centerness and balance, we are able to handle tasks rationally and positively. We no longer allow our our state of mind to control our the outcome of our actions.

When pain occurs if we hurt ourselves, we are able to dissipate that pain and dissociate any hurt. With training, we can therefore, let our involuntary mind be in an operative choice. We shall not be at the EFFECT end of the equation...we will always strive at the CAUSE end of that equation. We will be inductive instead of deduction. We will look at the big picture instead of the little ones.

How can we train ourselves to rebuild our involuntary consciousness? One way is to perform something that we are very familiar with. Breathing!! Yes..breathing (Pranayama) is a process that each of use are very familiar with. With a set of breathing regiments and processes, we can train ourselves to achieve a state of dissociation and not to be attached or related to an action/happening going on around us. Breathing and followed by a state of meditation is really a gym for our mind to practise and journey to discover the involuntary state of consciousness. Have discovered it, there will be stillness; a Being of unattached centerness adn balance. A calmness. At the highest level of involuntary consciousness, there will no longer be either positive state or a negative one. One doesn't take sides; no doesn't participates; one doesn't engage; one doesn't influence.

No more boundaries.

Your perspective is welcome...

2 Choices

2008-07-24T16:53:00.002+08:00

What would you do? You make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one.. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question: 'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?'

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, physically and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'

Then he told the following story:

Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'

Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. His Father watched with a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first! Run to first!' Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!' Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball .... the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third! Shay, run to third!'

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!' Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.

'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.

Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his father so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.

Dreams

2008-07-09T09:35:00.004+08:00

I would like to share this short movie clip with you. It is about Moving Dreams. Be inspired!!

It's very inspirational.

The Dreams Movie

Beauty Of Dreams

2008-07-08T17:19:00.002+08:00

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Now

2008-07-02T10:19:00.004+08:00

All journeys, long or short, are the same.

One step, one breathe, one moment.

Enjoy each step, each breathe, each moment by being in NOW.

Perseverance

2008-06-16T10:27:00.001+08:00

Perseverance is not a long race:

It's many short races,

One after another.

Walter Elliot

Must Watch Movies

2008-06-13T17:12:00.003+08:00

I invite you to watch these series of truly inspirational movies. Just few minutes of each will transform you perspectives of how you may view your connection with others.

Enjoy!!

Finding Joy Movie

Change Is Good Movie

Do You Walk The Talk Movie

The Strangest Secret Movie

Eagle School Movie

The Race Movie

The Power Of Attitude

Appreciation Movie

One Solitary Life Movie

Nature Of Success Movie

Time And Love

The Extra Degree

Simple Truth Of Service

Power Of Attitude Movie

Nature Of Success Movie

paper air plane movie

Law Of Nature And Error In Time

2008-04-10T10:22:00.005+08:00

Watch this Esoteric Agenda Video. This is lengthy video (more than 2 hours) and offer you a difference perspective of our world.

Watch Video

On A Lighter Side

2008-03-04T15:24:00.000+08:00

I urgently needed a few days off work, but, I knew the Boss would not allow
me to take leave. I thought that maybe if I acted 'Crazy', then he would
tell me to take a few days off. So, I hung upside-down on the ceiling and
made funny noises.

My co-worker (who's blonde) asked me what I was doing.

I told her that I was pretending to be a light bulb so that the Boss might
think I was 'Crazy' and give me a few days off.

A few minutes later the Boss came into the office and asked, 'What in the
name of good GOD are you doing?'

I told him I was a light bulb.

He said, 'You are clearly stressed out.
Go home and recuperate for a couple of days.'

I jumped down and walked out of the office...

When my co-worker (the blonde) followed me, the Boss asked her, '…And where
do you think you're going?!'

(You're gonna love this....)

She said, 'I'm going home too. I can't work in the dark.'

Going Against The Wind

2008-02-14T11:37:00.001+08:00

When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.

- Henry Ford

Love And Being Loved

2008-02-13T16:05:00.000+08:00

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
while loving someone deeply gives you courage"

Lao-Tzu

Slow Down And Look Around

2008-02-12T15:25:00.000+08:00

"Life moves pretty fast.
If you don't stop and look around once in awhile,
you could miss it."
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle"

Yoga And Yiou

2008-02-11T13:58:00.001+08:00

Workshop session with Swami Yogananda – 3rd to 6th Feb. 2008
(A 99-year old yogi from the Himalayas)

For general health perform the following asanas daily:

1 All the asanas for the joints

2 The following asanas:

a) Lying down with the arms stretched up, above the head, raise the left leg a few times, then the right leg followed by both legs.

b) Boat Pose (raise the arms, legs and body balancing only on the buttocks)

c) Lying down with the arms stretched by the sides (T-Shape), lift and stretch the right leg to the left hand and lock with the thumb and index finger, then the other side and both legs together.

d) Sleeping Abdominal Stretch Pose – bend the knees and place arms in T Shape.
- Bend the knees to the left and head to the right and repeat on the other side.
- Soles 1 ½ feet apart and perform as above.
- Cross legs and perform as above
- Right foot on left knee, perform as above, then on the other side.

Some Natural Remedies for Common Health Problems -

1 To cure Depression -

Take Vegetarian food or easily digestible food, stay with good company of
friends/family, exercise regularly, have a change of Environment (go for a holiday
or do something out of routine).

2 To cure burning sensation on the soles, sides of the body and arms -

Pitta is high – take simple vegetarian food (non spicy), cold milk, cold bath and oil
massage

3 To cure Diebeties -

a. Swami said if, Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist) is performed for 15
minutes on each side, the patient can eat 1kg of sweet and if performed for 5
minutes on each side, balances the sugar levels.

b. Soak 100 gms of Fenugreek powder in a glass of water overnight and drink it in the
morning OR

c. Mix 100 gms of Fenugreek powder with atta and make 1 chappati and eat daily

4 To stop hair dropping and graying -

Mix 200 ml coconut oil with 100ml lemon juice and apply on the head twice daily.

5 To improve brain cells & eyesight (and stop using spectacles) -

a. Blend ½ kg of Jintan Manis, ½ kg of Almond, ½ kg of rock sugar together and
take 2 table spoons with 1 glass of fresh milk/soya bean milk/water every morning
daily.

b. Rub some mustard oil on the toes and in between the toes of the feet about 20 to
30 minutes before bathing every morning.

c. Rub some oil (can be any oil but preferably mustard) on the soles of the feet,
below the big toes for 5 minutes on each side daily.

6 For General Health and to prevent any illness -

According to your age, take that many fenugreek seeds and soak in a glass of water
overnight. In the morning, drink the water and chew the soft seeds.

7 To cure Sinus Problem -

Perform jala neti and/or sutra neti

8 To cure Migraine Problem -

Eat pure Indian Ghee ‘Jelabis or put 2 drops of mustard oil in each ear daily until
the problem is cured.

9 To cure skin allergies -

Drink 2 glasses of (white) pear juice in the night. It will give you loose motions in
the morning which will clear out the skin allergies.

10 To cure Ringing Ears Problem -

Deep fry 4 to 5 cloves of garlic in mustard oil till dark brown. Remove the garlic
cloves, cool the oil and store it in a bottle. Put 2 drops of this oil in each ear daily
till the problem is cured.

11 If your sleep is disturbed by a bad cough at night -

Place a small piece of raw ginger or turmeric in your mouth and go to sleep.

12 To cure Asthma -

Drink only warm water and eat 1 carrot every morning for 1 month.

13 To reduce Weight -

Only drink warm water and only eat fruits.

14 Swami Yogananda’s daily breakfast (remedy for long and healthy life) -

a. Soak 4 table spoons of whole wheat & 1 table spoon of fenugreek seeds in a glass
of water overnight. In the morning, drink only the water with 100gms of ginger
powder, 100 ml of honey and 100 ml of lemon juice mixed together. Keep the
seeds wrapped in a piece of cloth to sprout for next day’s breakfast.

b. Mix the sprouted ingredients (whole wheat & fenugreek seeds) with 5 or 6 almonds
and 5 or 6 dates, mince into a paste and have it for breakfast daily.

Other advise given throughout the workshop -

1. RESTING -

a. When taking a short nap during the day, sleep on the Right side
b. When retiring for the day at night, sleep on the Left side.
(no one asked why!)

2. Changing the flow of breath from 1 nostril to the other -

To activate the right nostril:-
a. Sit comfortably and place the right palm under the left armpit

b. Lie down straight looking up and perform 8 rounds of Kapalabhati pranayam,
then turn to the right, perform 16 rounds of Kapalabhati pranayam and turn to
the left to perform 32 rounds of Kapalabhati pranayam.

(to activate the left nostril do the above on reverse side)

3. To live a healthy life -

a. Avoid tea, sugar and cold drinks
b. Take only warm water
c. Take 1 glass of warm water ½ hour before meals and another glass of warm
water 1 hour after meals.

Just 5 Good Reasons To Live

2008-02-11T11:16:00.000+08:00

Five (5) lessons about the way we treat people.

1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.

During my second month of college, our professor
gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student
and had breezed through the questions until I read
the last one:

"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the
cleaning woman several times. She was tall,
dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name?

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question
blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if
the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

"Absolutely, " said the professor. "In your careers,
you will meet many people. All are significant. They
deserve your attention and care, even if all you do
is smile and say "hello."

I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her
name was Dorothy.

2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain

One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American
woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway
trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had
broken down and she desperately needed a ride
Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
A young white man stopped to help her, generally
unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man
took her to safety, helped her get assistance! e and put her into a taxicab.

She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his
address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a
knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a
giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A
special note was attached.

It read:
"Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway
the other night. The rain drenched not only my
clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along.
Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying
husband's bedside just before he passed away... God
bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving
others."

Sincerely,
Mrs. Nat King Cole.

3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those
who serve.

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less,
a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and
sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in
front of him.

"How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked.
"Fifty cents," replied the waitress.

The little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and
studied the coins in it.

"Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired.

By now more people were waiting for a table and the
waitress was growing impatient.

" Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied.

The little boy again counted his coins.

"I'll have the plain ice cream," he said.

The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on
the table and walked away The boy finished the ice
cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress
came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the
table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish,
were two nickels and five pennies..

You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had
to have enough left to leave her a tip.

4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a
roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if
anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the
king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by
and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the
King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did
anything about getting the stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of
vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the
peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the
stone to the side of the road. After much pushing
and straining, he finally succeeded. After the
peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed
a purse lying in the road where the boulder had
been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note
from the King indicating that the gold was for the
person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The
peasant learned what many of us never understand!

Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve
our condition.

5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a
hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who
was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only
chance of recovery appeared to be a blood
transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had
miraculously survived the same disease and had
developed the antibodies needed to combat the
illness. The doctor explained the situation to her
little brother, and asked the little boy if he would
be willing to give his blood to his sister.

I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a
deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save
her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed
next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing
the color returning to her cheek. Then his face
grew pale and his smile faded.

He looked up at the doctor and asked with a
trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away".

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the
doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his
sister all of his blood in order to save her.

Footnote :

"Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been
hurt, and dance like you do when nobody's watching."

A VIew On Aging

2008-02-07T16:48:00.000+08:00

Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions.

'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key!!

You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back.
You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.

'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life . . . you BECOME 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony. YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!

But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?

You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.

But wait!!! You MAKE IT to 60. You didn't think you would!

So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE IT to 60.

You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!

You get into your 80s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30 ; you REACH bedtime and it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; 'I Was JUST 92.'

Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. 'I'm 100 and a half!'

May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them.'

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.
Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health : If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9 Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING :

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

George Carlin's Views on Aging

A Small Touching Story - A Gentle Reminder

2008-02-05T14:29:00.000+08:00

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.

SON: "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"

DAD: "Yeah sure, what is it?"

SON: "Daddy, how much do you make an hour?"

DAD: "That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?"

SON: "I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?"

DAD: "If you must know, I make RM100 an hour."

SON: "Oh," the little boy replied, with his head down.

SON: "Daddy, may I please borrow R M50?"

The father was furious, "If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I work hard everyday for such this childish behavior."

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.

The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?

After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think: Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that RM 50 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.

"Are you asleep, son?" He asked.

"No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy.

"I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier" said the man.

"It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the R M50 you asked for."

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. "Oh, thank you daddy!" He yelled.

Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father.

"Why do you want more money if you already have some?" the father grumbled.

"Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied.

"Daddy, I have R M100 now, can I buy an hour of your time?

Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you."

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness.

It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without spending some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our heart.

Do remember to share that R M100 worth of your time with someone you love.

If we leave this world today, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days.

But the family and friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than onto our family.

Making A Difference

2008-01-21T11:30:00.000+08:00

Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to
do his writing.He had a habit of walking on the beach before he
began his work. One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked
down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He
smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So
he began to walk faster to catch up. As he got closer, he saw that
it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing, but instead he
was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently
throwing it into the ocean.

As he got closer he called out, "Good morning! What are you doing?"
The young man paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish in
the ocean."

"I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the
ocean?"

"The sun is up, and the tide is going out. And if I don't throw them
in they'll die."

"But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of
beach, and starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a
difference!"

The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked another
starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and
said, "It made a difference for that one."

Each of us can make a difference to this world. Everybody is useful
and it is just the matter of whether u want to make a difference.

Save Our Mother Earth

2007-12-27T12:04:00.000+08:00

Going into 2008 may seem just another day for many of us. However to me, there is a lot each one of us can do for 2008 and beyond.

Our earth is dying by the seconds. Yes!! And you have to believe that's true. We've to be concerned for the only place we call "Home".

View this awesome 20-minute video by Annie Leonard to find out "how we can save our planet".

www.storyofstuff.com

Here is a teaser -

www.youtube.com/watch?v=P56http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P56-zWupDcI

Inspirational Wisdom To Start Off The Day

2007-12-06T08:25:00.000+08:00

I'm back finally after close to a 2-month hiatus!! It's not that I've abandoned my Mind Body Spirit Posts. I've allocated the past months to expand my Internet marketing business. Yes, I've been totally focused. Now that task is almost done, not yet but almost, I thought I better put down a thought for today. Just in case, you might be wondering the stuff I've been involved in during the past weeks, take a look at -

Video Audio Tutorial

Autopilot Monetized Wordpress Blog

University For Internet Marketing

I would like to leave these following quotes. I hope they kindle a glow of inspiration to each one of us reading them.

“You see things and say ‘Why?’ but I dream things and say ‘Why not?’”
- George Bernard Shaw

“The true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience but how he stands at times of controversy and challenges.”
- Martin Luther King Jr.

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
- Mark Twain

“That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well.”
- Abraham Lincoln

“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in that gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”
- Theodore Roosevelt

“Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.”
- Winston Churchill

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
- Thomas Edison

Till the next time...

Om

Dreams Are Yours To Share: Live Your Dreams: The Gesture

2007-10-19T09:33:00.000+08:00

It's is always always good to share. Sharing enriches lives. Indeed dreams are meant to be shared. Otherwise, dreams are absolutely meaningless. It'll be such tragedies to hold on to one's dreams and grasp them tight, never to let them go.

Sharing dreams make each of us and others we shared our dreams reach out for the Stars.

Read Dan's wonderful desire to share.

Dan Hanosh's Dreams Are Yours To Share: Live your Dreams: The Gesture

What's The Price Of A Kiss?

2007-10-18T13:51:00.000+08:00

I would love to kiss you.
The price of kissing is your life.
Now my loving is running toward my life shouting,
What a bargain, let's buy it.

Awards

2007-10-17T16:31:00.000+08:00

Awards

Thanks a million, Morgan.

This is an award bestowed by Morgan for me probably 3 weeks ago. I am not very good with posting my awards as they come. However, I've always immediately sent my gratitude and thanks to each one of my friends who gave them to me.

This next award is from Jang Bok Jae. He gave me a surprise just a few minutes ago saying that he has given me one. This time I'm making it a point to post it up almost as quickly as I can. Thanks...Jang Bok Jae!!

I know these awards mean a great deal. And they represent splendid friendship, generous effort of sharing, care for others, and most of all, a connection that has enormously value and support for me, personnally. A connection of Mind and Spirit.

These awards are absolutely priceless.

Thank you!!

Footnote - If you haven't visited Morgan's or Jang Bok Jae's blogs, I recommend that you drop over at theirs now.

Our First Night

2007-10-16T16:29:00.000+08:00

A beautiful poem. You've got to check it out.

The Beautiful Art: Our First Night

Natural Herbalism

2007-10-15T12:41:00.000+08:00

Natural Herbalism

Many of us today are very much into Alternative Medicine. Due to the much excessive use of antibiotics, our immune system has been compromised and chemically overdosed. Bacteria and viruses mutate rapidly as a result. Our human defence mechanism against these bacteria and viruses are not longer effective. These medicines, at best, will give us instant temporary relief. Nothing beyond that. The reason simply enough to understand and rational. Such medicine addresses the symptoms and never the root causes.

I'm a staunch believer in natural herbalism. Herbs resolve the cause of our illnesses. By using herbs, we ensure that the root cause is taken care of, so that, a possibility of being immune or a non-reoccurrence is much higher.

Have you noticed when animals get sick, how they will immediately go to a grass patch or a field? They instinctively knew and are be able to sniff out herbs for the cure to get them back to well-being.

How often do we feel dehydrated after a full prescribed dosage of medicine? That sign is not just skin deep. It's a deep-rooted sign that our body is signaling to us and reacting to such chemicals we unconsciously put into our body system.

Many a times, natural herbalism is the way to go.

There are many sources of herbs for different healing and cures amongst which include -

Herbs for Men including the ever so popular seek for A Remedy to stop Premature Ejaculation.

To learn more about Natural Herbalism or Alternative Medicine, visit this LINK.

Making the Impossible Possible

2007-10-13T11:50:00.000+08:00

When you think of the IMPOSSIBLE...think of this. Get your spirit up and NOW, put into action what you thought was impossible. Nothing is impossible if you put you mind to it. It's only your state of mind.

Meditation Practices

2007-10-12T22:40:00.000+08:00

An interesting video on Meditation Practices.

Love Yourself

2007-10-11T21:19:00.000+08:00

Below is an article that I picked up from Maggie's blog and I've requested her permission to post it here to share with everyone.

It's about - Loving Yourself.

Relationships are how we relate to others. We have a relationship with everyone that we know and who is close to us. This is not reserved for our family or someone who we are involved with. Every interaction we have with another is the act of relating.

If we have a problem relating to others, this affects our ability to have supportive relationships. We have to ask ourselves if our relationships are supportive and if they are not, then ask ourselves why they are not. Everyone wants the perfect romance or marriage, but not everyone looks at the mechanics of how to have one. If we fail to have supportive relationships in our life, how can we have the perfect relationship?

Lets look at what is a supportive relationship. The word support is very important. It means that our interaction supports another. This means more than supporting another in their decisions or actions, rather through the act of supporting, we honour and validate who the other person is. In turn, this validates who we are. Both are supported, no one loses, no ego’s involved, and in so doing, we honour the relationship. This is what it means to have a supportive relationship. This is the desired goal. Now, how do we accomplish it?

There are several reasons why we may have problems relating to others. One primary reason is our behavioural patterns. These patterns are developed over a course of our lives. It starts when we are children, through to our adolescence, and by the time we are adults, we have established our behavioural patterns for our relationships. We can have both positive and negative behavioural patterns.

What causes negative behavioural patterns? If we look at a person’s life, we can readily see which is negative or positive behaviour. But we may not easily see the cause of the negative.

The cause usually resides in the past in which a trauma or an event occurred that effects how we behave in the future. If that event occurs again, or if something happens currently to cause us to experience that trauma again, that is when we respond to it. Situations can act as triggers, which may cause us to react to the person that is involved in the situation. This causes a negative behavioural pattern. Until we can identify the problem, we are powerless to do anything about it.

Whatever the situation was to trigger a reactionary response, the cause must be discovered in order to heal the original fracture. In Shamanism terms this is called a Soul Fracture. A fracture of the Self. Each self is part of the whole which comprises the soul. Soul Fractures occur for a variety of reasons and may or may not relate to this current lifetime. Traumas have occurred in past lifetimes that may or may not have been addressed. The Soul holds the body of these life experiences. Furthermore, the life process itself can be very painful for some. Past experiences that have dishonoured, or invalidated who we are, cause us to close ourselves off even more. These experiences build up over a matter of time and unless a clearing occurs, emotional or physical problems may develop.

If a problem has been identified, what can we do about it? One can try to clear it themselves, or one can go to a practioner who is adept at doing clearings. In order to clear, one must identify the original cause that created a behavioural pattern. Then, move through the experience of that situation, and experience the emotions that we have associated with it. Then, we must have closure or completion. This means completing it anyway that we are able. As long as, we feel that we have a sense of completion for the experience.

So, after we have identified the cause and received closure or completion, then we let it go. This does not mean to forgive or forget, that is not what it is to release. The act of releasing is our readiness to heal. Only after the experience has cleared can healing occur.

The healing process is a time when we must be very loving to ourselves. If we beat up ourselves about the experience that had caused us harm or our past reaction to it, then we cannot heal. In being loving to ourselves, we validate what we had experienced at that time and our emotions for it. Our emotions are always valid. So it’s important for us to do this self validation in order to heal.

Love is the energy that helps us to heal, whether we give this love to ourselves, or we receive it from another. When we look at having supportive, loving relationships in our life, why not start with ourselves? Because that is where love comes from. This is what transforms our relationships and our lives. We must love the self first. And we cannot do that until we have healed and become whole.

There are plenty more wonderful articles that Maggie has written. Check it out HERE and enjoy.

Attachment

2007-10-10T10:16:00.000+08:00

Don't count the days;
Make the days count.

How many of us let each second goes by without being aware of the seconds ticking past?

How many of us needed approval from people around us when we embark something?

How many of us attuned to those around us before we decide to act or not act?

Why is it so that before we act on something, we owe our decisions to others around us?

Are we not capable of making decisions for just us alone?

Why do we have to be so attached to things and people?

Can we just let go of our attachments, feel free, feel liberated?

Is it so difficult to let go of all the negative energies we possess and make room for the positive one to enter our lives?

To make days count, isn't feeling free the greatest and only reason why we live our lives?

Enjoy life, this is not a rehearsal.

Live each day in the present and make it beautiful.

Heal the Past...Live in the Present...dream for the Future.

We've always had strong desire in each one of us to transform; to make changes to our lives. Come the new year, we make resolutions and most of these we'll find difficult to keep those promises to ourselves.

Why is that so?

Is it because we're so preciously attached to our comfort zone that we never want to let go; to make room for transformation can take place?

Or is it just because we do things that matter to others and we don't have space at all for ourselves?

If we keep our baggages, how can we created new space for transformations to occurred.

Morgan is only fine example of how she decided to to let go and Healed her past, to let the Process of Miracles to seep into her life. I admire her greatly for the journey she has taken. By doing so, she has embraced a newly found self. A Present to Live for. Now Dream for your Future, Morgan.

Visit her blog and let me know what do you think...

The Pilgrimage To Awakening

2007-10-09T11:04:00.000+08:00

Here is an article I read in The Star today. It's a short story about Ven Heng Sure. Here is a brief insight into an interview with him. Before we start, just a little about him.

Borned Christopher R. Clowey in 1949, in Teledo, Ohio, he took the name of Ven Heng Sure in 1976. He attended the University of California in Berkeley in the 60s and attained Masters in Oriental Languages. Later, he attained a PhD in Graduate Thelogical Union in Berkeley. He's 58 now and has been in robes for 30 years.

Back in 1977, a young monk in his full robes of 7-piece sash and the Avatamsaka Sutra tied to his back, took 3 steps and then made a full prostration by the roadside. He got up and repeated the procedure - "san bu, yi bai" meaning "3 steps, 1 bow" - Throughout the day, every day, for 2 years and 9 months!!

That was the bowing pilgrimage undertaken by Venerable Heng Sure from May 1977 till the end of 1979. He covered some 1,280 km of the California Costal Highway from Pasadena to Utah. At the same time, he took a vow of silence for 6 year.

Rain or shine, snow or hail, this young man remained steadfast to his religious practice despite being viewed as weird by the American public at the time.

The following are some of his answers in a recent email interview.

"Why the vow of silence during the bowing pilgrimage?"

The bowing pilgrimage helped me to begin to see through the illusion of self-importance; the silence vow taught me that my inner wiring was crooked. I couldn't tell the truth from a lie because my motive for speech was so often a wish to make others like me. If a joke or an exaggeration could get laugh then I would twist or embellish the truth without a care. When one person prevents one arrogant thought and one crooked word from entering the mainstream social interchange, then that's a wholesome deed. Our minds touch each other; when my mind is free of anger and cynicism, I've benefited the world.

"After 30 years in robes, what is the most gratifying things you've gained?"

A growing awareness that my thoughts matter a great deal to the well-being of the planet and our larger human and non-human family. If i can refuse to get depressed or frightened by what people do, if I can resolutely bring my chaotic thoughts back to stillness, and wonder at the marvel of the infinite conditions swirling around me, and if I can vow to never harm a soul with thought, word, or deed, then my feet are on the path to awakening.

For more wisdom, visit Ven Heng Sure's blog by clicking HERE.

Self Hypnosis:

2007-10-08T14:57:00.000+08:00

This author came to Mind Body Spirit and left a comment. I reciprocated and visited this blog titled Self Hypnosis. I found the blog very engaging. For those who are keen to know more about Self Hypnosis, Psychotherapy and what there topics are all about, click on the LINK below. You'll certainly find C. Kamran's articles very interesting read.

Enjoy!!

Psychotherapy very effective

Process Of Miracles

2007-10-05T21:31:00.000+08:00

Something, somehow and sometime things unexpectedly happen. It’s a great feeling when such amazing occasions come about.

Months ago, I came across this blog. When I browse through it was giving my goose pimples. The blog relates to someone young. At her age, she went through so so much. What is fabulous and magical is the fight she put up to transform. Who she is now is person world apart from whom she was not too long ago. She found the strength, determination, the greatness to move away from the effect and became the cause. She has become a girl with so much to hope, love and goodness to share. She has become who I named “my baby sister”. She is Mighty Morgan. A miracle!!

Yesterday I invited Morgan to be a co-author with me for the Mind Body And Spirit blog. And this morning my “baby sister” agreed. I’m honored and happy. Read her blog and you’ll know what I meant. Morgan have a very touching blog. And see how well she writes too.

Toast to you, baby sister!! You’re special.

Life Isn't About Finding Yourself. It Is About Creating Yourself.

2007-10-03T18:34:00.000+08:00

Life isn't about find yourself. Life is about creating yourself.

Which one are you? How many of us really know who we are? Are we who we are by the mere fact that others said so?

There are Us who others said, "we're good". Then we know that we're good. The next moment, some others just said, "we're morons". We react and became angry.

Are we playing the roles that others want us to be?

Who's in control?

Those who wish us to be what they want us to be?

Or we're in control of our life?

There are individuals who meditate. They achieved a state of calmness and serenity. The moment some of these individuals departed from the meditative state and encountered a challenge, they forgot about time they spent meditating to be strong inside. Instead they shifted their state and got out out of control.

Were they being dictated and controlled by the situation or the person at the Cause and these individuals became the Effect?

I would said many of us go about every second of our daily lives without truly searching ourselves of who we are. Whether all the things that we're doing, are we pleasing ourselves or satisfying others around us?

Even if we managed to find out who we really are, is that what life's finally all about? If there something else what we can achieve during our journey here?

How about creating ourselves?

Do we just want to live this life, one day at a time, plodding along without taking positive steps to making each passing day matters and creating a difference for ourselves. Only when we can make that difference for ourselves can we then make a positive difference for others.

What do you think? I hope you can please share...

Awareness

2007-09-28T15:50:00.000+08:00

The event is nothing;

The respond is everything.

We do have a choice;

We can't change the event but we can change our perception.

An event is always in the past tense. Do we want to live the past? It's gone. That event coming back will not be exactly the same. Just like water in a flowing river, that water will never ever be the same. Do we want to expand our energies in an event that has already gone past for good? An anger, an irritation, a frustration, a sadness, a guilt, a fear.

Making a choice is being in the "Presence". Being in "Now". Letting the Past go. Releasing it. Finding a closure. Forgiving. Our life's meant to be a joyful journey. We're all here to live. Forgiving and releasing what has just pasted is the beginning to be aware of our Being.

Being in the Presence. Being in Now.

Similar to being in a relationship. Many of us during the times when we're being with our parents, spouses, friends or children, we're in a state of drifted lost. We're not being aware of the joy of those connections. Our daily pressures and demand distant us from enjoying those connections. We tend to be lost in enjoying those relationships. We're lost in our own thoughts while being with them. We aren't being in an Aware state. We're not in the flow. We're being around our relationships for the sake of just being around. How often do we enjoy everyone single moment when we're being around them. It's not the amount time that we spent being with them. It's about the quality time, although it might be for just a few minutes. If each of those minutes is a joy to both parties, those moments were not lost.

Just like when we fall in love, each moment is a blissful romantic moment. We're in the flow; we're being in absolute awareness; we're being in absolute presence.

Think about this story...

A king was once asked by a man, "how can you be in a state of constant awareness. You've all the richness to corrupt you, to spoil you. You've the power to distract you".

The king replied, "why not. Let me show you. Now carry this hot pot of oil on your head and never spill a drop. Follow me for a stroll beyond the gates of my palace".

The king and the man walked past busy streets filled with aromas, sounds of music, whispers, snake charmers and beautiful women.

Having returning to the palace after the walk, the king asked the man, "now relate to me what you'd heard, the smell, things you've seen and felt ".

The man replied, "how could I've done any of those. I was concentrating on making sure the pot of oil was steadily balanced on my head".

The king replied, "there you go. You're in an absolute state of bliss. In total awareness and nothing else in important. You're in the Presence. The events around you didn't matter at all. You're totally absorb with the moments while the pot of oil was on your head".

Just like - each breathe that we take, it's a new breathe. We chose to enjoy that new breathe or treat it as just another breathe. "If it is to be, it is up to me".

Make that choice NOW.

Beauty of Maths

2007-09-27T14:15:00.000+08:00

Beauty of Math!

1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321

1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111

9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888

Brilliant, isn't it?
And look at this symmetry:
1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111 345678987654321

Now, take a look at this...

101%

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:

What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?
Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?
We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER 100%.
How about ACHIEVING 101%?

What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these questions:

If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

If:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

And:
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But:
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:

L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%
Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:
While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

Detox

2007-09-26T11:22:00.000+08:00

Detoxification. What is it? In general it is the removal of toxic substances from the body. It is one of the major functions of the liver, lower gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, but can also be achieved artificially by techniques such as dialysis and chelation therapy. Below provides more information into drug addiction and detoxification help.

There are many sorts of detox methods available in the marketplace. These include -

There are also possibilities of -

Just to wet the appetite; what is Opiate Detox?

Opiate addiction is a drug addiction,. To get rid of the concern, one afflicted with it, requires an opiate detox followed by opiate treatment. When a patient begins taking a regimen of an opiate for pain management, the chemical in the drug attaches to the opiate receptors in the brain and spinal cord. When the body gets accustomed to this drug, it stops functioning normally and becomes physically dependent. When the level of the drug drops below the amount that the body is accustomed to, withdrawal symptoms occur. It is these symptoms that signify a prescription drug addiction.

To know more about other forms of addictions and available methods / help for detoxification, visit these LINKS.

These links offer you insights into each form of addiction and provide assistance. If you knew of anyone with a drug addiction, these links are good places to seek more information and help.

Suboxone Detox Centers

Suboxone Treatment Programs

Drug Rehabilitation At Home

Methadone Detox Program

Methadone Detox Programs

Methadone Treatment

Drug Detox Services

Pain Pill Addiction Help

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

3900 Saturdays And 1,000 Marbles

2007-09-25T16:36:00.000+08:00

3900 Saturdays And 1,000 Marbles

The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable.

A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the garage with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it:

I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net. Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice. You know the kind; he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business. He was telling whom-ever he was talking with something about "a thousand marbles." I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say--

"Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. It's too bad you missed your daughter's "dance recital" he continued."Let me tell you something that has helped me keep my own priorities." And that's when he began to explain his theory of a "thousand marbles."

"You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years."

"Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900, which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now, stick with me, Tom, I'm getting to the important part.It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail", he went on, "and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays."

"I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy. So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside a large, clear plastic container right here in the shack next to my gear."

"Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away. I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight ."

"Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure that if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time."

"It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band. This is a 75 Year old Man, K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning!"

You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter.
Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. " C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast."

"What brought this on?" she asked with a smile.

"Oh, nothing special, it's just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. And hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out? I need to buy some marbles."

p/s ... "If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you." - Winnie the Pooh.

Worldview Of NLP

2007-09-24T21:23:00.000+08:00

The Worldview and working model of Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) covers the underlying philosophy of NLP, and how and why this philosophy is intended to be used in practice.

Neuro-linguistic programming is an approach to communication and psychology. It is based upon observing naturally self-taught expertise, and modeling the processes and habitual patterns such experts seem to repeatedly use which seem to be responsible for the results they obtain. As such, NLP has its own methodology and philosophical approach towards being effective within the human world, born of pragmatism rather than theory.

Much of NLP's philosophy, worldview and approach, and discussion of their basis, was laid out in its early books, such as Structure of Magic vol. 1 + 2 and Frogs into Princes.

Contents

* 1 Overview of NLP
* 2 Techniques v. attitudes
* 3 Purpose and basis of NLP's world view
* 4 Skills vs. philosophy in NLP
* 5 Features of NLP's world view
o 5.1 Subjectivity
o 5.2 Human nature
o 5.3 Systems view
o 5.4 Meaning and context in communication
o 5.5 Form and content
o 5.6 NLP is in the present and oriented towards the future
* 6 Common sayings (or principles)
* 7 How NLP applies its philosophy

Overview of NLP

Main article: Neuro-linguistic programming

Neuro-linguistic programming studies and models how people think about and perceive aspects of their life, and how to work with the underlying cognitive and emotional processes at a practical level. The range of potential uses is varied, and NLP has an exceptionally broad and adaptable structure.

The field originated in the work of Richard Bandler, John Grinder in association with polymath Gregory Bateson in Santa Cruz, California in the early 1970s, when they recorded and studied in depth several world renowned therapists who seemed to obtain almost magical[1] results by the therapeutic standards of the time. They concluded that a comprehensive set of self-taught approaches and skills was largely responsible for their success, that these could be summarized and expanded upon, and that much of human perception and experience was also structured and could be worked with effectively in this way. They stated, in contravention of the professional wisdom of that time, that the internal human experience demonstrated itself in people's behaviors, and could be worked with directly given an appropriate mindset, and that this was why certain individuals were so singularly successful as therapists compared to the norm.

Despite its substantial influence and adoption of its viewpoints, extreme skepticism persists in some quarters, due both to its pop psychology usage and non-traditional approach to psychology.

Techniques v. attitudes

Grinder and Bandler made very clear that there was a profound (although blurred) difference between skills and techniques as a basis for working with people, and attitudes and approaches.

"People who come to us in therapy typically have pain in their lives and experience little or no choice in matters which they consider important. All therapies are confronted with the problem of responding adequately to such people. Responding adequately in this context means to us assisting in changing the client's experience in some way which enriches it. Rarely do therapies accomplish this by changing the world. Their approach, then, is typically to change the client's experience of the world. People do not operate directly on the world, but operate necessarily on the world through their perception or model of the world. Therapies, then, characteristically operate to change the client's model of the world and consequently the client's behavior and experiences."

Purpose and basis of NLP's world view

The founders of NLP emphasize that in their experience, experts in human communication all have a similar approach, and it is this approach (and not the technical skills) which distinguishes them, and which can be learned:

"When you watch and listen to Virginia Satir and Milton Erickson do therapy, they apparently could not be more different...People also report that the experiences of being with them are profoundly different. However, if you examine their behavior and the essential key patterns and sequences of what they do, they are similar.... The same was true of Fritz Perls... when he was operating in what I consider a powerful and effective way, he was using the same sequences of patterns that you will find in their work.

Analyzing this further, Grinder and Bandler stated that there were a very few common traits such people – whether top therapists, top executives or top salespeople – all seemed to share:

1. Everything they did in their work, was pro-active (rather than reactive), directed moment to moment by well-formed outcomes rather than formalized fixed beliefs
2. They were exceedingly flexible in approach and refused to be tied down to using their skills in any one fixed way of thinking or working
3. They were extremely aware moment by moment, of the non-verbal feedback (unconscious communicationn and metaphor) they were getting, and responded to it - usually in kind rather than by analyzing it
4. They enjoyed the challenges of difficult ("resistant") clients, seeing them as a chance to learn rather than an intractable "problem"
5. They respected the client as someone doing the best they knew how (rather than judging them as "broken" or "working")
6. They had certain common skills and things they were aware of and noticed, intuitively "wired in"
7. They worked with great precision, purpose, and skill
8. They kept trying many many different things until they learned enough about the structure holding a problem in place to change it

They summarized their findings:

"You need only three things to be an absolutely exquisite communicator. We have found that there are three major patterns in the behavior of every therapeutic wizard we've talked to — and executives, and salespeople. The first one is to know what outcome you want. The second is that you need flexibility in your behavior. You need to be able to generate lots and lots of different behaviors to find out what responses you get. The third is you need to have enough sensory experience to notice when you get the responses that you want..."

Skills vs. philosophy in NLP

Grinder and Bandler stated categorically that although these people had developed many innovative and effective skills,[10] the core of their effectiveness was neither their skills, nor some mystical or unknowable quality or personality. It was primarily the attitudes, approaches and philosophies they had in common which made them capable of effective work, and these could be learned and transmitted. When this was done, others could learn from these models to be effective the same way. This approach became central within the philosophy and epistemology of NLP:

What we essentially do is to pay very little attention to what people say they do and a great deal of attention to what they do... We know that our modeling has been successful when we can systematically get the same behavioral outcome [results] as the person we have modeled. And when we can teach somebody else to be able to get the same outcomes in a systematic way, that's an even stronger test.

We don't know what Virginia Satir really does with families. However, we can describe her behavior in such a way that we can come to any one of you and say 'Here. Take this. Do these things in this sequence. Practice until it becomes a systematic part of your unconscious behavior, and you will end up being able to elicit the same responses that Virginia elicits.' We do not test the description we arrive at for 'accuracy', or how it fits with neurological data, or statistics about what should be going on. All we do in order to understand whether our description is an adequate model... is to find out whether it works or not: - are you able to exhibit effectively in your behavior the same patterns that Virginia exhibits in hers, and get the same results?

We will be making statements up here which may have no relationship to the 'truth,' to what's 'really going on.' We do know, however, that the model that we have made up of her behavior has been effective. After being exposed to it and practicing the patterns and the descriptions that we have offered, people's behavior changes in ways that make them effective in the same way that Satir is.

– Frogs into Princes, pp.7, 9-10

Features of NLP's world view

Subjectivity

Unlike classical psychology, the subjective character of experience is integral to NLP. (Subjective in the NLP sense means "as internally experienced", rather than 'arbitrary' or 'whimsical'). It is taken for granted that what people perceive, believe and feel, is more significant to their lives than what is objectively 'true', and takes for granted that each person's awareness and inner world is different and unique. It is emphasized that one must leave ones' own preconceptions behind, and be willing to understand and work within the other person's "reality", to have any great effect, since no one map of reality can be said to be "true". There are only (in NLP's view) better or worse maps, a concept taken from Korzybski's general semantics.

There is an order and a structured logic to it. But that order and logic varies individually and people interact and judge their (and others) lives and actions based upon their own understandings of the world, not upon some objective reality.

Human nature

NLP does not (subject to physiological pathology) consider people "broken" or "working". All people have a neurology, experience of life, and the innate ability to change their perspective on any aspect of their life, and the nature of neurology is very adaptable. They also have great wisdom in their unconscious minds, even if they do not seem to be able to always use it or it seems on the surface, dysfunctional. One does not have to be in trance for unconscious processes to be effective.

NLP view human authenticity as bound up with the capability to respond and how much awareness of choice is experienced in actions and responses. Bandler comments, "We're talking about basic beliefs regarding human capability. Here's the only truth about that. Nobody knows."

In NLP, "understanding" is less important than change. Most human learning occurs outside consciousness, and some learnings may even be sabotaged by conscious attention. According to NLP, the brain is capable of learning (or re-learning) patterns extremely fast, and that change can happen quickly, often without conscious mediation. Dysfunctional patterns can be addressed through cognitive routes (talking therapies) or non-cognitive routes (working with the body and unconscious mind), and particularly, by directly retraining the mind to use its innate capability to learn new patterns in a deliberate manner. NLP believes that "People already have all the resources they need, to change", that the mind/brain is very willing to change once it "knows" how, and that guided with skill and sensitivity, change provides an increased sense of control over ones' life.

A powerful demonstration of these interactions by Baxter (1994) found that NLP reframing used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder in place of Prozac, resulted in the same raised serotonin levels and reduced caudate nucleus activity as control subjects who took medication (as measured by positron emission tomography, a type of neural imaging).

Systems view

People are complex adaptive (learning) systems and processes, and have a richness to them which no simple system can fully predict or capture. Our bodies, our societies, and our planet form an ecology of complex systems and sub-systems all of which interact with and mutually influence each other. "Intuitively obvious" results are not always to be expected. Positive and negative feedback, leverage points, interpretational context, and other features of complex systems will come into play. In humans, the body impacts on the mind, and the mind impacts on the body. Thought, emotional state, somatic awareness, perception, and body usage, as well as neurochemistry and other hormonal interactions, and external circumstances, are all profoundly interdependent and deeply connected, and any can influence or be influenced by another.

In NLP it is therefore seen as important not to make untested assumptions about individuals, that there are many more ways than the obvious to approach a seemingly intractable problem, it is understood there will usually be unconscious goals, limiting beliefs or secondary gains present in any situation, and that there is an art as well as a skill in perceiving how best to approach this. Change is also systemic. That is, it does not happen in a vacuum and is not limited to the "problem area", but usually is connected to other aspects of life, which are part of the situation as well as a necessary part of any solution. Partly for this reason, NLP leaves deliberately open and unlimited, its areas of interest and its scope.

As a special case of systemic thinking, NLP emphasizes that change is relational. That is, change happens in a relational context, whether the self-relationship or the relationship with another person (parent, friend, partner, employer, co-worker, role model, clinician, trainer). Change happens in a relationship, and the quality of that relationship, known as rapport, is often critical to the ability to change.

Meaning and context in communication

NLP views meaning as only existing within a given context, a view known as cultural relativism which is axiomatic in anthropology. Because of this, NLP states The meaning of communication is the result you get – it is not message sent, but message received, and willingness to set aside preconceived interpretive frames, which is most significant in communication.

The process of interpreting "meaning" from thought and speech is complex and (as pointed out in sciences such as cognitive linguistics, transformational grammar and general semantics) can involve a wide range of distortions, errors, and mistranslations because internal experiences, thoughts and feelings have to be translated back and forth through conscious perceptual filters, into crude symbols known as 'words'. The resulting patterns of speech are considered highly revealing of the unconscious perceptual filters involved.

NLP considers all behavior, at some level, communicative. Thus even undesired or clinical states such as depression and confusion have a structure, a purpose, and an underlying communication – or in other words, on their own terms, all mental states have a rational structure within their given context. Such states are often viewed by NLP not as problems, but as valuable resource states which are not being understood or acted upon, or a part of a person trying to grow or change, or which require a better 'map' of reality. NLP also considers much communication metaphorical, and that even its own tools can be philosophically interpreted as metaphors used to guide useful responses, rather than literal objective 'truth statements'.

Form and content

In NLP, underlying subjective (perceived, cognitive) structure ("form") matters more than specific situational "content". The subjective structure of a perceived problem matters more than the situation in which it is embedded. This is an embodiment of the form/content distinction in philosophy, also favored by Western psychiatric medicine (an innovation first argued for by psychiatrists Karl Jaspers and Kurt Schneider), and is also a feature within cognitive linguistics.

NLP takes this principle into the field, with so-called "content free" work being a common respected NLP skill – that is, where no details of the situation are shared or sought, but only the cognitive features of how it is structured are relevant. Despite the practitioner lacking knowledge of the actual situation, knowledge of the structural aspects alone (modalities, strategies, outcome orientation and the like) are often sufficient by themselves to allow NLP to work with full effectiveness. Common rationales for working with reduced content in this manner are:

* The less content is involved, the more the practitioner is client- rather than self- or interpretation-focussed
* The less distraction (ie, loss of strategic focus) due to content is likely to arise.
* Other than perhaps for rapport purposes, the extra information is generally not very relevant to NLP's strategic structural approach, so it is wasteful of time to dwell on it

NLP is in the present and oriented towards the future

No matter the personal history, the only memory of it is in the present neurology and life. The past has no existence independent of this. Therefore what is explored is the memory and impressions of events in the present – present experiences, present constructions, and present limits, including the present beliefs about their existence and origins. What is then aimed for is to build in the present, a changed future, where old, outdated, or dysfunctional beliefs and patterns are no longer an issue.

Common sayings (or principles)

The following are some of NLP's most recognized principles and presuppositions, in their well known aphoristic forms. They are often summarized as soundbites so as to be short, pithy, and memorable, and a fuller discussion of these (as well as some of the other common NLP sayings) is given in Principles of NLP.

Perspectives:

* The map is not the territory
* People already have all the resources they need to succeed [or change]

Systemic view:

* Life and 'Mind' are systemic processes

Information and interpretation:

* Behind every behavior is a positive intention
* There is no failure, only feedback
* The meaning of your communication is the response you get
* Choice is better than no choice (and flexibility is the way one gets choice)
* Multiple descriptions are better than one
* There are no resistant clients; there are only incompetent [less skilled] therapists

Working approaches:

* If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got
(or: If what you are doing isn't working, try something [anything] else)
* Good NLP is 90% information gathering and testing, and 10% changework
* Everyone is different
* Use whatever works
* If something can be done effectively and ecologically in ten minutes, don't spend an hour doing it

Dunning-Kruger Effect

2007-09-17T15:30:00.000+08:00

Dunning-Kruger Effect

The Dunning-Kruger effect is the phenomenon wherein people who have little knowledge think that they know more than others who have much more knowledge.

The phenomenon was demonstrated in a series of experiments performed by Justin Kruger and David Dunning, then both of Cornell University. Their results were published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in December 1999.

Kruger and Dunning noted a number of previous studies which tend to suggest that in skills as diverse as reading comprehension, operating a motor vehicle, and playing chess or tennis, "ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge" (as Charles Darwin put it). They hypothesized that with a typical skill which humans may possess in greater or lesser degree,

1. incompetent individuals tend to overestimate their own level of skill,
2. incompetent individuals fail to recognize genuine skill in others,
3. incompetent individuals fail to recognize the extremity of their inadequacy,
4. if they can be trained to substantially improve their own skill level, these individuals can recognize and acknowledge their own previous lack of skill.

They set out to test these hypotheses on human subjects consisting of Cornell undergraduates who were registered in various psychology courses.

In a series of studies, Kruger and Dunning examined self-assessment of logical reasoning skills, grammatical skills, and humor. After being shown their test scores, the subjects were again asked to estimate their own rank, whereupon the competent group accurately estimated their rank, while the incompetent group still overestimated their own rank. As Dunning and Kruger noted,

“ Across 4 studies, the authors found that participants scoring in the bottom quartile on tests of humor, grammar, and logic grossly overestimated their test performance and ability. Although test scores put them in the 12th percentile, they estimated themselves to be in the 62nd. ”

Meanwhile, people with true knowledge tended to underestimate their competence.

A follow-up study suggests that grossly incompetent students improve both their skill level and their ability to estimate their class rank only after extensive tutoring in the skills they had previously lacked.

Daniel Ames and Lara Kammrath extended this work to sensitivity to others, and the subjects' perception of how sensitive they were.

Some more work by Burson Larrick and Joshua Klayman has suggested that the effect is not so obvious and may be due to noise and bias levels.

Dunning and Kruger won the 2000 Ig Nobel prize for their work.

source - Wikipedia

Miracle

2007-09-16T13:50:00.000+08:00

I'D LIKE THIS BACK IF IT APPLIES

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet.

She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully.

Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes.

Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.

She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. 'I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,' he said without waiting for a reply to his question.

'Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. 'He's really, really sick ... and I want to buy a miracle.'

'I beg your pardon?' said the pharmacist.

'His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?'

'We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you,' the pharmacist said, softening a little.

'Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs.'

The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, 'What kind of a miracle does your brother need?'

' I don't know,' Tess replied with her eyes welling up. 'I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money.'

'How much do you have?' asked the man from Chicago .

'One dollar and eleven cents,' Tess answered barely au dibly.

'And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.'

'Well, what a coincidence,' smiled the man. 'A dollar and eleven cents - the exact price of a miracle for little brothers.'

He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said 'Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need.'

That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well.

Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.

'That surgery,' her Mom whispered. 'was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?'

Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost ... one dollar and eleven cents ... plus the faith of a little child.

In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need.

A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law. I know you'll keep the ball moving!

Here it goes. Throw it back to someone who means something to you!

A ball is a circle, no beginning, no end. It keeps us together like our Circle of Friends. But the treasure inside for you to see is the treasure of friendship you've granted to me.

Today I pass the friendship ball to you.

Pass it on to someone who is a friend to you.

MY OATH TO YOU...

When you are sad ... I will dry your tears.

When you are scared ... I will comfort your fears.

When you are worried ... I will give you hope.

When you are confused ... I will help you cope.

And when you are lost ... And can't see the light, I shall be your beacon ... Shining ever so bright.

This is my oath ... I pledge till the end.

Why you may ask? Bec au se you're my friend.

Signed:

GOD

Patience And Tolerence

2007-09-15T15:01:00.000+08:00

Let's discuss about these two words today.

Patience.

Tolerance.

Patience is - the ability to endure waiting, delay, or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset, or to persevere calmly when faced with difficulties.

Tolerance (Toleration) is a term used in social, cultural and religious contexts to describe attitudes and practices that prohibit discrimination against those whose practices or group memberships may be disapproved of by those in the majority. Though developed to refer to the religious toleration of minority religious sects following the Protestant Reformation, these terms are increasingly used to refer to a wider range of tolerated practices and groups, such as the toleration of sexual practices and orientations, or of political parties or ideas widely considered objectionable.

The principle of toleration is controversial. Liberal critics may see in it an inappropriate implication that the "tolerated" custom or behavior is an aberration or that authorities have a right to punish difference; such critics may instead emphasize notions such as civility or pluralism. Other critics, some sympathetic to traditional fundamentalism, condemn toleration as a form of moral relativism. On the other hand, defenders of toleration may define it as involving positive regard for difference or, alternately, may regard a narrow definition of the term as more specific and useful than its proposed alternatives, since it does not require false expression of enthusiasm for groups or practices that are genuinely disapproved of.

Now...these words have been referred to as virtues to have. I would like to offer another point of view. These two seemingly virtues are to me "Struggles". Why?

Patience and Tolerance provoke a negative feeling. And inner struggle.

I know he is late but I'll be patient. I'll endure this habit of his of always being late.

He makes me angry but I will tolerate this anger. I'll not lose my patience.

The society is tolerant of the minority.

These words have negative energies. By being tolerant and patient, the acts themselves sap us of our inner energies. Being in these states, adopting these mental states and behaviors, we'll have to struggle with our feelings, our inner representations, our sub-modalites.

We create "Parts" within us that we might not even know. These thoughts unconsciously split our personality, our Being into parts.

What do you think?

Finding Life's Enchantments: Finding Serenity

2007-09-14T17:47:00.000+08:00

Amongst every chaos there is an order of things. Look for it and you'll find a pattern. Believe it!! (If you wish to know more about Chaos read the Theory Of Chaos by James Gleik. A very interesting book).

When we are faced with challenges and concerns, never hide, run away or bolt. Slow down, pause for a moment. Go, gravitate deep inside us. We'll certainly find a shelter, a calm and peace within us.

On a daily basis, build that serene home bit by bit and reside it in our mind, body and spirit. When we need it, we have a true home to go back to rest and relax.

Meditation, yoga, pranayama and cleansing give us that home for well-being.

I've found a link and she explained it well. Visit her blog at the LINK below. Titania. Thanks for sharing.

Serenity

Awards From My Super Friends And I Have Got Lots Of Them; Super Friends, I Meant

2007-09-13T10:33:00.000+08:00

I've been busy and was not posting any new entry for some few days. I told myself this morning that I must pause and do my blog. Unwind. Pattern interrupt. Yes...I'm doing exactly that and a calm cloak falls over me at this moment when I'm in thought of a few of my super friends who have over the past 6 weeks given me 4 special awards. These awards mean a whole lot to me as they were the least expected and from friends that I've developed the past several months. Friends whom I've yet not met and from far away land. Special special friends indeed.

I'll like to acknowledge their kindness and quiet encouragement when I most unexpectedly needed them. And most of all - for their precious friendship and support. I'm totally happy and satisfied. How much more do I need really?

Morgan - Strong and determined. I adore her as my "Baby Sister".

Corey - A sweet friend that I recently got to know and I'm certain I'll enjoy letting that friendship grow and nurture. Corey has requested me to acknowledge Edagowa to whom I must say "thank you". And also dropping by to visit me.

Floyd & Brian - Both of these friends that I hardly write at all and know they intrigue me. They gave me something to think about, ponder about people. There are just so many good and peace loving individuals in this world. Who say they are dwindling in numbers?? I don't think so...

There are a few more friends that I'll like to mentioned here.

Kim - She's very a beautiful person. Nice and I'm fortunate to know her.

Jang Bok Jae - A special friend and a country man. He's ever so kind and helpful. Always full of encouragement and support.

Deborah - She's gentle and has always the kindest words for me.

To every one of them, I would like to award them this award below. "Thank You" for being my friends...reading and listening...for being there. Much love...

Inner Child

2007-09-06T14:59:00.000+08:00

Think about this -

"Being" takes precedence over "Doing." An infant or a young child is always in Being. We adult filter messages and stimuli all the time that we constantly remain at the Doing without pausing to be at Being.

IF IT IS TRUE WE CREATE OUR OWN REALITY THEN WHY THE BLEEP DO WE CREATE SUCH CHAOS?

It is a scientifically-proven fact that our mind does not know the difference between what is real and what is imagined.

What we conceive we achieve.

"What the Bleep Do We Know?"
is taking the metaphysical and recovery worlds by storm. The movie's storyline weaves a womans addictive battles with quirky animation to depict the impact our thoughts have on every cell of our body. Sprinkled between the real and imaginary scenes are interviews with some of the world's most renowned quantum physicists, spiritualists and alternative healers who substantiate the movie's suggestions with compelling research and extraordinary possibilities.

One significant scene features the work of Dr. Masaru Emoto who "...discovered that crystals formed in frozen water reveal changes when specific, concentrated thoughts are directed toward them. He found that water from clear springs and water that has been exposed to loving words shows brilliant, complex, and colorful snowflake patterns. In contrast, polluted water, or water exposed to negative thoughts, forms incomplete, asymmetrical patterns with dull colors."

When you focus positive, loving thoughts on your dreams
your mind starts the process of creating them

UNLESS

those thoughts get ambushed by your doubts and fears
which then create chaos and frustration.

If terror, betrayal, fear of abandonment or shame are attached to the manifestation of our dreams, those dreams will eventually be annihilated with negativity. If our dreams are based on the values of others instead of our own internal values and desires we deny the essence of our true self. The manifestation of our dreams is contingent on our being connected to our true self. When we are not connected, we feel a loss not only of our dreams but also a loss of our true self!

This loss of our true self evolves from our adapting to become who we think we need to be in hopes of feeling accepted and loved. Loss activates the process of grief. It is involuntary. It is a natural, predictable series of emotional responses we engage in any time we experience loss of any kind. These emotional responses affect the way we think and the manner in which we express our emotions.

"What the Bleep Do We Know?" offers its audience the latest scientific research supporting the existence of a bio-chemical component linked to these emotional responses. What you think, feel and say plays such a profound role that you literally can (and unconsciously do) use your thoughts, feelings and statements to impact your cells.

Athletes know this. Cancer-survivors know this. They have long known the power of positive, deliberate intention and affirmation. They employ these techniques with great success. What most of us do not keep in mind, on a day-to-day basis, however, is the fact that when our thoughts, feelings and statements are negative they produce negative results. Our cells flat-line... become lethargic... and are programmed to energetically attract exactly what we intend. If we tell ourselves we are fat, our cells create fat. If we tell ourselves we are a failure, we creative situations in which we fail. If we fear getting hurt, we attract hurtful situations. This pattern of negative belief systems, self-negating feelings and incriminating self-talk begins in childhood in response to the first moment we are confronted with not feeling safe.

THE ESSENTIAL WOUND - Each of us experienced that climatic moment when we realized we were not safe. It is part of the human experience. Many refer to this moment as the essential wound. Our psyche experiences a trauma which shatters our basic assumption about our world. This trauma can be a result of neglect, sexual or physical abuse or mental cruelty through shame and belittlement. It can be experienced in this lifetime or can even be carried over from a previous lifetime. The DNA blueprint of our first remembered soul experience of being unsafe is carried in the etheric body and impacts the force field of our current incarnation.

In response to this realization, irrespective of its origin, our psyche goes into shock. We either dissociate from the emotion of the event or bury recall of the event, thus banishing the memory deep into the unconscious mind. The stress of these traumas, however, gets recorded in the electrical systems of our bodies and ultimately emerges as symptoms of what is called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder-PTSD - Until recently it was thought PTSD affected only combat veterans. Now scientists know that, in fact, not only are survivors of atrocities such as the Holocaust, torture, war, natural disasters, catastrophic illnesses, and horrific accidents susceptible to PTSD but anyone who is exposed to an on-going threat to his or her safety, such as physical or sexual abuse, rape, domestic violence, family alcoholism, or any experience which threatens ones basic survival can develop a form of PTSD. Remarkably, this holds true even if a person witnesses a traumatic event. If, as a child, you observed the abuse of your mother or the abuse of a sibling you can develop debilitating symptoms from just having been a witness.

Traumas of such great magnitude shatter our basic assumption about the world and our personal safety. The impact can leave us feeling alienated, distrustful or overly clinging. These responses are buried and surface only when there is a trigger which brings these feelings back to the surface. However, underneath the surface, the electrically-charged emotions related to these traumas are forever coded in our bodies and are conditioning our cells to attract exactly that which we most fear. The process becomes circular our fear perpetuates this Post Traumatic Stress response and our PTS response perpetuates our fear. This fear creates anxiety. Anxiety is the first stage of grief. We are perpetually responding to the never-ending loss of our true self. Why? Because when we feel unsafe, we deny our true self and develop the adapted self as we become who we think we need to be in order to be loved and protected.

Source: Create Reality - Create Chaos By Cathryn Taylor, M.A., MFT, LADC

Pranayama

2007-09-01T21:13:00.000+08:00

Pranayama (Sanskrit: prāṇāyāma) is a Sanskrit word often translated as control of the life force (prana). When used as a technical term in yoga, it is often translated more specifically as "breath control." Literal translations include A. A. Macdonell's "suspension of breath" and I. K. Taimni's "regulation of breath."

Pranayama (Devanagari: prāṇāyāma) is a Sanskrit compound.

V. S. Apte provides fourteen different meanings for the word prana (Devanagari: prāṇa) including these:

* Breath, respiration
* The breath of life, vital air, principle of life (usually plural in this sense, there being five such vital airs generally assumed, but three, six, seven, nine, and even ten are also spoke of)
* Energy, vigor
* The spirit or soul

Of these meanings, the concept of "vital air" is used by Bhattacharyya to describe the concept as used in Sanskrit texts dealing with pranayama. Thomas McEvilley translates "prana" as "spirit-energy".

Monier-Williams defines the compound prāṇāyāma as "N. of the three 'breath-exercises' performed during Saṃdhyā (See pūraka, recaka, kumbhaka." This technical definition refers to a particular system of breath control with three processes as explained by Bhattacharyya: pūraka (to take the breath inside), kumbhaka (to retain it), and recaka (to discharge it). There are also other processes of pranayama in addition to this three-step model.

Macdonell gives the etymology as prāṇa + āyāma and defines it as "suspension of breath."

Apte's definition of āyāmaḥ derives it from ā + yām and provides several variant meanings for it when used in compounds. The first three meanings have to do with "length", "expansion, extension", and "stretching, extending", but in the specific case of use in the compound prāṇāyāma he defines āyāmaḥ as meaning "restrain, control, stopping."

An alternative etymology for the compound is cited by Ramamurti Mishra, who says that:

"Expansion of individual energy into cosmic energy is called prāṇāyāma (prāṇa, energy + ayām, expansion)."

The word "yama" (Devanagari: yāma) means "cessation" or more generally "control" or "restraint."

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Pranayama is the fourth 'limb' of the eight limbs of Raja Yoga mentioned in verse 2.29 in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Patanjali discusses his specific approach to pranayama in verses 2.49 through 2.51, and devotes verses 2.52 and 2.53 to explaining the benefits of the practice. Patanjali refers to pranayama as the control of life force that comes as a result of practicing the various breathing techniques, rather than the numerous breathing exercises themselves.

Many yoga teachers advise that pranayama should be part of an overall practice that includes the other limbs of Patanjali's Raja Yoga teachings, especially Yama, Niyama, and Asana.

Medical claims

Several researchers have reported that pranayama techniques are beneficial in treating a range of stress related disorders,[32] improving autonomic functions, relieving symptoms of asthma, and reducing signs of oxidative stress. Practitioners report that the practice of pranayama develops a steady mind, strong will-power, and sound judgement, and also claim that sustained pranayama practice extends life and enhances perception.

Cautions & contraindications

Many yoga teachers recommend that pranayama techniques be practiced with care, and that advanced pranayama techniques should be practiced under the guidance of a teacher. These cautions are also made in traditional Hindu literature.

Quotes

"Prana is a subtle invisible force. It is the life-force that pervades the body. It is the factor that connects the body and the mind, because it is connected on one side with the body and on the other side with the mind. It is the connecting link between the body and the mind. The body and the mind have no direct connection. They are connected through Prana only and this Prana is different from the breathing you have in your physical body." — Swami Chidananda Saraswati.

"Yoga works primarily with the energy in the body, through the science of pranayama, or energy-control. Prana means also ‘breath.’ Yoga teaches how, through breath-control, to still the mind and attain higher states of awareness. The higher teachings of yoga take one beyond techniques, and show the yogi, or yoga practitioner, how to direct his concentration in such a way as not only to harmonize human with divine consciousness, but to merge his consciousness in the Infinite." — Paramahansa Yogananda

An Open Mind

2007-08-31T14:48:00.000+08:00

"The mind is like a parachute - it works only when it is open."

The Dalai Lama

Ambition Harmony Mind

2007-08-30T18:01:00.000+08:00

Wisdom of Tao I Ching

Ambition
Those who wish to change the world
According with their desire
cannot succeed.

The world is shaped by the Way;
It cannot be shaped by the self.
Trying to change it, you damage it;
Trying to possess it, you lose it.

So some will lead, while others follow.
Some will be warm, others cold
Some will be strong, others weak.
Some will get where they are going
While others fall by the side of the road.

So the sage will be neither extravagant nor violent.

Harmony
Embracing the Way, you become embraced;
Breathing gently, you become newborn;
Clearing your mind, you become clear;
Nurturing your children, you become impartial;
Opening your heart, you become accepted;
Accepting the world, you embrace the Way.

Bearing and nurturing,
Creating but not owning,
Giving without demanding,
This is harmony.

Mind
The Way bears sensation,
Sensation bears memory,
Sensation and memory bear abstraction,
And abstraction bears all the world;
Each thing in the world bears feeling and doing,
And, imbued with mind, harmony with the Way.

As others have taught, so do I teach,
"Who loses harmony opposes nature";
This is the root of my teaching.

Care at the Beginning
What lies still is easy to grasp;
What lies far off is easy to anticipate;
What is brittle is easy to shatter;
What is small is easy to disperse.

Yet a tree broader than a man can
embrace is born of a tiny shoot;
A dam greater than a river can
overflow starts with a clod of earth;
A journey of a thousand miles begins at the spot under one's feet.

Therefore deal with things before they happen;
Create order before there is confusion.

Impure Mind

2007-08-29T20:12:00.000+08:00

"Impure mind is a past master in creating false grounds for continuing its present state of Being."

Life. Live It. Love it!!

2007-08-29T13:47:00.000+08:00

Every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Fear not that your life will end, be afraid that it'll never begin.

Energize...energize

2007-08-25T19:44:00.000+08:00

Energies flow where your intention goes.

How true that is. Many of us at one time or another, had some dreams that we gave up on. Or never ever got started. For those occasions, we were never focused enough to direct our energies appropriately to those dreams. Somehow or rather we had the comfort zone to get the better of us. Perhaps, we gave up or gave in too soon. We tried and tried and tried. At a spur of the moment when we need that comfort, we relented and gave up instantly on those dreams. We might be so very close to them. Yet not knowing, we gave in and submitted totally at the very last mile. Sigh!!

Realizing a dream needs action, courage and uncompromising perseverance. We need absolute motivation. Powerful motivation that we need to effortlessly summon within us. Strength. Do or die. That an attitude. We must adopt.

Yes. Finally. We've to believe absolutely in ourselves.

If it is to be, it is up to me!!

Only then can all our dreams burn blazing trails. Only then can we make our all dreams come true.

Always There

2007-08-25T11:44:00.000+08:00

Always There.

How many of us are dependable? Whenever a shoulder is needed, will that someone be always there to offer it?

Making Our Hearts Sing

2007-08-24T11:18:00.000+08:00

Dreams...dreams...

I got hold of this beautiful message from HERE. I thought it's too far beautiful as not to share it. This song is from Diana Ross - If We Hold On Together.

Don’t lose your way
With each passing day
You’ve come so far
Don’t throw it away
Live believing
Dreams are for weaving
Wonders are waiting to start
Live your story
Faith hope and glory
Hold to the truth in your heart

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by for you and I

Souls in the wind
Must learn how to bend
Seek our a star
Hold on to the end
Valley, mountain
There is a fountain
Washes our tears all away
Worlds are swaying
Someone is praying
Please let them come home to stay

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by for you and I

When we are out there in the dark
We’ll dream about the sun
In the dark we’ll feel the light
Warm our hearts.. everyone

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
As high as souls can fly
The clouds roll by
For you and I

The Duality of Pain And Pleasure

2007-08-23T11:21:00.000+08:00

Our materialistic world is full of dualities and contradictions. Without Pain we know not of Pleasure. Only when we welcome Pain, we know and appreciate the sheer essence of Pleasure.

I can't agree with you more. If our hearts know not of Pain, how do we know there is Love?

If we don't grow trees in our hearts, we'll not let singing birds into hearts.

PeaceBella has puts it so well. Check out her blog for her posting that's below and many her other inspirational thoughts.

Welcome Pain

It is the fire of suffering that brings forth the gold of godliness. ~ Madame Guyon

Pain knows no boundaries. The experience of loss may be universal, but how we deal with loss creates character. We have all been hurt. One we loved has disappointed us along the way. Old lovers, friends, and family have let us down at some point. Perhaps it was hwen we needed them most, or when we weren't looking.

We have all also been slighted at one time or another in our jobs. All too familiar is the memory of a bruised ego as a result of not getting a promotion or deflated spirits when we weren't recognized for our hard work.

Though it may not feel like it while in the throes of gut-wrenching pain, you grow and gain strength as you work through the loss, the hurt, and the confusion. Perhaps you learn to appreciate what you have after losing someone close to your heart. Maybe you feel strengthened by simply surviving the experience and not giving up. Maybe you discovered powers you never thought you had because you were able to actually help a close friend through her loss.

Pain teaches you in unexpected ways how to be wiser and stronger, how to face your fears and not run away from them, and how to strengthen your resolve to rise above loss and find the blessings in disguise.

It hurts to fall down and skin your knee. As a child, if you hadn't fallen so often, you wouldn't know the joy of riding a bike or even walking. Feeling pain is essential to feeling alive. The question isn't how to negate it; rather, it's how to face it head on and deal with it so you come out better on the other end.

Like many others, you may have a tendency to not allow a wound to heal. With emotional wounds, it takes time and forgiveness to let go of pain. Wallowing in loss, holding grudges, harbouring anger and resentment, and being judgmental of others will do no good. The pain, though it may be buried or hidden from view, lingers and chips away at your very soul.

To find peace of mind, you must come to terms with pain and its value and role in your life. Expect pain to occur in everyday life. Strive to learn from it. Recognize why you feel hurt. It's alright to work your way through the loss and mourn. Then, give yourself time. Time heals.

With pain in your heart, there is no room for peace to enter.

Welcome peace by welcoming pain as a necessary teacher in life. Welcome peace by forgiving and moving on.

Awesome Guy Blogger Award

2007-08-22T15:58:00.000+08:00

In July, Kim has given my an award. Thanks so very much, Kim. You're awesome.

Just imagine a friend such as Kim...a friend whom I've yet to meet. Yet if felt that I've know Kim for years. It has only been just a few months.

There are 5 others whom I got to know on the blogosphere. Strange how things work in mysteriously ways. Friends miles apart in foreign lands whom we've yet to meet. Maybe one day. Soon or later. When time is right.

I'd recommend that if you'd not yet visited Kim's blog, do visit it. She has great postings there that she shared. Click on this LINK.

Awesome Guy Blogger Awards

หินทิเบต (ดี ซี ไอ) TIBETAN DZI BEADS

2007-08-21T16:31:00.000+08:00

I've been wearing a small Dzi bead with 2 stripes for more than 2 years now. For the first 12 hours when I wore it, I'd a very warm sensation all over my body and was thirty for hours. I guessed something was working on my body!! Something good, I know. I've wore it since.

During my visit to Bangkok early this year, I bought one in a open market. I've safe-kept that one.

For some knowledge what Dzi Beads are, you can check out this link.

หินทิเบต (ดี ซี ไอ) DZI BEADS

Internal Bra

2007-08-20T15:02:00.000+08:00

Israel's 'Cup&Up' promises uplifting breasts without the surgical risk
By Hannah Meyers August 09, 2007

'What we've done is build a silicon bra, insert it into the body and attach it to the ribs and to the fascia. It's like a normal external bra.'

Israeli company promises a safer, surer approach to "body sculpting"

Make way for the Israeli flab-busters

Researchers find clue to breast cancer treatment

Meytav

It may not sound kosher but Israeli researchers are using pigs to test an innovative technology they say will replace cosmetic breast surgery. But we'll get back to that later.

The MIM technique (Minimally Invasive Mastopexy), developed by the startup of the same name, promises to reshape, support and lift breast soft tissue in a much more minimally invasive manner than today's cosmetic breast surgery. They're calling their breast support kit the 'Cup&Up'.

"Today in aesthetic surgery, plastic surgeons reshape many body parts - the nose, butt, hands, tummy - most of the procedures are very intensive, risky ones, with long recovery periods, problems with scars, inconvenience. We're trying to develop a method to replace those surgical procedures with minimally invasive kits," says the MIM CEO Adi Cohen.

As women age, breasts may begin to sag, a process often accelerated by pregnancy and nursing. Mastopexy involves massive interference with both internal and external breast tissues and the procedure is expensive requiring long term recovery with potential risks and complications. Despite the risks, millions of invasive breast procedures are performed each year.

Another problem with current procedures is their failure to prevent breasts from later sagging. "They last only for limited period of time after treatment," Cohen told ISRAEL21c. "Newton is around, and gravity is working, and everything is falling again - what we call ptosis."

"What we've done is build a silicon bra, insert it into the body and attach it to the ribs and to the fascia. It's like a normal external bra," he continues, "where a strip lies on the shoulder and attaches around the body. We attach it to the ribs instead of to the shoulder, and to the fascia in the lower part of the body."

Cohen, who served as an Israeli Air Force captain for seven years before entering the business world heard about the MIM concept from its inventor Dr. Eyal Gur, head of microsurgery at Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital.

"I call it an internal bra," Gur told ISRAEL21c. "All women are looking for the right bra that will hold their breasts in the position they like or prefer aesthetically. There's an increasing trend towards buying push-up bras to enhance the upward breast pull.

"So I was thinking that with a harness created from materials used in medicine - silicon, threads and very small anchoring screws - we could support breast tissue and avoid further breast sagging."

The procedure is minimally invasive requiring two small openings through which the device is attached to the ribs.

"It may sound scary but take a look at cosmetic and plastic surgery - that's much more invasive," said Gur. "The most prevalent procedure in the world is breast implantation. Who is the crazy woman who agreed to be the first woman to put silicon into her body? Very strange things happen within the cosmetic world and the MIM is not as crazy as it sounds; that's the end point of what I'm saying."

Cohen founded MIM in 2004 as part of the Meytav technological incubator in Kiryat Shmona. Within three years they have produced a final prototype which has undergone rigorous testing.

According to Gur, tests applied included strength, fatigue and endurance "because the device in the body will have to endure running, spinning bike riding."

And the pigs?

"There isn't a single animal tissue or organ that behaves like a female's breast, not even in monkeys," said Gur. "Since the pigskin most closely resembles human skin, we inserted silicon implants inside the pig chest wall and supported them by using our device. We were testing staying power, tissue reaction and damage or injury to muscles or ribs. The results showed the Cup&Up held in place nicely without complications; this paved the way for human clinical trials, a major juncture for the life of any company."

CEO Cohen expects the trials to begin in a few months outside of Israel. MIM is considering cooperation with American plastic surgeons and with Sweden, Brazil, and India based partners.

Cohen, who has years of experience working with industrial companies but none with an aesthetic treatment venture like MIM, admits he was surprised to discover the subject's popularity. He recalls discussing the MIM technique over Friday night dinner with friends.

"All the women said, 'I want to be the first one!' It was like a fire in the fields! Everyone was very enthusiastic about the idea," he said. "The aesthetic market is growing rapidly; most women are willing to try things out - it's becoming like a trend."

Whereas in the past only older women wanted to reshape their bodies, today teen girls are open to augmentation treatments and breast-lifts added Cohen. "We're not encouraging this trend, we are simply trying to minimize risk."

"There's intense interest already," Gur concurs. "Women talk with about it as do plastic surgeons worldwide and some leading international figures are interested in cooperating with us. Statistic show that about 8% of American women who undergo breast lifts end up filing malpractice suits due to sagging. Our device is safer than breast surgery and will prevent the need for these women to undergo a second invasive procedure."

Sun Salutation - In Action

2007-08-18T17:33:00.000+08:00

I covered the static poses of the Sun Salutation n August 1. I thought it would be best to also cover this Mother of Yoga Asanas with a video of exactly how this Sun Salutation is perform. Take a look at these videos (Part 1 and Part 2 by audioyoga and one video by yogacards) with basic instructions. Take note of the breathing which is of utmost importance while doing the sequences.

By courtesy of youtube, www.audioyoga.com and www.yogacards.com

The Power Of Present Moment !

2007-08-17T12:09:00.000+08:00

Now. Not the Past. Not the Future. It's NOW!!

This is when "Flow" begins. Find out more, click on to the link below.

The power of present moment !

Yoga Bridge Pose

2007-08-16T11:22:00.000+08:00

Bridge Pose




		1. Lie on your back. 2. Bend your knees so that the soles of your feet are flat on the floor. 3. Put your arms above your head on the floor and relax them. 4. Inhale, arching the pelvis up. Hold for several seconds. 5. Exhale as you slowly come down. Continue to inhale up and exhale down for one minute. 6. Relax on your back with your eye's closed for a few minutes.

Triple Warmer 15 TW 15

Shoulder and neck pain, arm and elbow painful and cannot be raised, stiff neck.

Gall Bladder 20
GB 20

Alternately hot and cold, eyes foggy, nervousness, painful shoulder, reumatism, stiff neck, upper parts of the body feel heavy or hot.

Gall Bladder 21
GB 21

The major point where shoulder tension collects. Traditionally used to release stiff neck, regulate hyperthyroidism, and relieve rheumatism.

Bladder 10
B 10

Head heavy, spasm of the neck muscles, limbs and body not coordinated, throat sore or swollen.

Small Intestine 10
SI 10

Muscular pain, numbness, swelling or arthritis in the shoulder-scapula region.

Benefits: fatigue, cold hands or feet, nervous exhaustion, irritability, shoulder pain or ache, excessive anger, hypertension, resistance to colds and flu.

Dieting And Will Power- Strange Bed Fellow?

2007-08-14T11:13:00.000+08:00

Many of us at one time or another might have considered dieting. Many would have tried varied programs and methods. How often do all these work? Is it because of the programs, methods or just us? Read more about it in the link below. I've also left a comment there. Enjoy.

Healthy Diets: Dieting And Will Power- Strange Bed Fellow?

Peaceful Warrior

2007-08-13T18:18:00.000+08:00

I'm home!! Have been away for more than 2 weeks. Renewed and recharged. I've something to share.

On my flight home, I did something I've never ever done before. I finished a book (more than 213 pages) while on a plane. I was totally absorbed in this book. There are so much learning tips and living skills that one can pick up from the book. I strongly recommend that everyone reads it. I'm so glad I did. I bought it in Little Italy, New York from a quaint little shop that sells all things from Tibet. Read it and you'll know what I meant.

Just something from page 161 of the book to provoke your interest.

Happiness = Satisfaction / Desires

"You're rich if you've enough money to satisfy all your desires. So there are 2 ways to be rich. You earn, inherit, borrow, beg, or steal enough money to meet all your desires; or you cultivate a simple lifestyle of few desires; that way you always have enough money.

"A peaceful warrior has the insight and discipline to choose simple ways p to know the difference between needs and wants. We have few basic needs and endless wants. Full attention to every moment is my pleasure. Attention costs no money; your only investment is training. It's cheaper!!".

The secret of happiness is not found on seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.

Sun Salutation

2007-08-01T22:30:00.000+08:00

For a very comprehensive instruction for the Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar, go to click on this LINK. Surya namaskar's sequence of postures is most scientific as it completes the circuit within the body. The cycle of blood flowing in and out from the heart into the right and left sides of the body is completed.

4 Wives

2007-07-31T18:22:00.000+08:00

Intriguing? 4 wives!! Which male doesn't wish so?

Hmmmm......

FEAR

2007-07-30T17:25:00.000+08:00

Morgan has provided me an insight into her perspective of what FEAR is really all about. She went through a very challenging journey that not many of us have experienced. Many would have given up for good. She conquered her previous perception of fear. She has a new meaning that gurus should adopt. Morgan just recently shared the FEAR she went through and what she thought of it then and what she thinks of it now. She wrote so eloquently. She indeed has style!! Morgan. Over to you.

Reflections

2007-07-29T15:57:00.000+08:00

Time to reflect.

First Time

2007-07-28T17:23:00.000+08:00

A song. A lovely Mandarin song (I'm sorry, gals and guys who don't understand Chinese but the picture does speak a thousand words). Snippets of playful romance and finally leading to the words - "I love you".

Your first time. Can you remember when and how you said these 3 little magic words?? What was the response you got??

For those waiting for these magic words, how would you've reacted when these are being said to you? Would you take the choice to say these words first?? Or just wait...

Happiness - A Different Take

2007-07-27T13:21:00.000+08:00

Many of us have a different take about what "Happiness" is about. Here is Roshawn Hall's perspective.

SECRET OF MIND: Using Positive Affirmations to Achieve Success

Our Amazing Brain

2007-07-26T09:20:00.000+08:00

If you can read this, your brain is 50% faster than those who can't. Now make an attempt.

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid, too.
Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe tuo fo 100 anc.

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs forwrad it sahred whti firends.

Rasa Sayang

2007-07-25T16:51:00.000+08:00

I thought I've some fun today. A Malaysian song. A very lively song and simple to sing along. Very popular song that goes many many years back. Check out the video.

We Determine How We Want Our Map Of The World To Be

2007-07-24T17:52:00.000+08:00

“Be the change you want to see in the world” –

Mahatma Gandhi

Golden Thoughts

2007-07-23T13:19:00.000+08:00

Dunn posted 9 pictures that spoke volume about Man and his doings. These are such Golden Thoughts I must share with you.

A picture is worth more than a thousand words.

Must Read Files: Golden Thoughts

I Once Planted a Garden...

2007-07-22T12:14:00.000+08:00

Wow...!! A Potent Explosive Combination - Kim and Mighty Morgan

Read...read...read!!

PoeARTica: I Once Planted a Garden...

Thank You For Your Time

2007-07-21T11:37:00.000+08:00

A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door.

It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, 'Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday.' Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

'Jack, did you hear me?'

'Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago,' Jack said.

'Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it,' Mom told him.

'I loved that old house he lived in,' Jack said.

'You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life,' she said.

'He's the one who taught me carpentry,' he said. 'I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important . Mom, I'll be there for the funeral,' Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.

Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture . Jack stopped suddenly.

'What's wrong, Jack?' his Mom asked. 'The box is gone,' he said. 'What box?' Mom asked.

'There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'' Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

'Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him,' Jack said. 'I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom.'

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. 'Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days,' the note read.

Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. 'Mr. Harold Belser' it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside.

'Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life.' A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.

Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved:

'Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser.'

'The thing he valued most was . . . my time'

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. 'Why?' Janet, his assistant asked.

'I need some time to spend with my son,' he said. 'Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!'

'Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.'

Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way. Yes I know who!

3. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you. I agree.. Especially when they finally know all we did are for their good..

4. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep. really!

5. You mean the world to someone.

6. If not for you, someone may not be living.

7. You are special and unique.

8. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it.

9. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.

10. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

12. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know and you'll both be happy.

13. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.

Love Goes Around And Comes Around

2007-07-20T10:49:00.000+08:00

I love to share one of my buddies' posting in his blog to you. It's meaningful and goes to show that love conquers all. Money doesn't buy everything.

Here's just a snippet from his blog. For more, do read the rest in his blog filled with other interesting entries.

Ever since I started blogging and learn about the Internet, I am amazed at how many people are earning a living online. I think it is a wonderful thing, to be able to earn a living from home! Before long, one would have heard of some big names in this arena of making money online! I was thrilled by the possibility of earning that much! One would be blind not to noticed the number of visitors they get per day! Obviously many want to emulate their successes. They become the icons of the Internet World and become sought after speakers at all sorts of Symposiums and Conferences. Well and good and I admire their capabilities, intelligence and perseverance.

Listening..Learning..Living: The most successful people! By Jang Bok Jae

Thank You, Christina

2007-07-20T10:10:00.000+08:00

Christina said -

2.Franco Yong at Misson Teddy Bear his mission is to give Teddy Bears to kids in need, never having love & for the sick and needy kids that will bring smiles to their faces. this is truly a charitable act. Franco speaks of love & giving Francos motto: "We must be fully responsible for all the decisions we take. Mind, Body And Spirit"
Franco The Charity blogger award

The Charity Blogger Award For those who use blogging to help others and to raise awareness of those in need. Those who post missing persons posters, charity links, or who are involved in fund raising campaigns, or who make posts about charitable causes. Those who care enough to help others deserve this award.

Here's my take.

There're good people all over the world. They're all around us. It's because they're good people, they don't go around making themselves noticed. One person is Christina. Today, Christina has indeed made my day. She has given an award to me. By doing so she has inspired me to further my cause of wanting to make a good difference in those lives that might not even get a chance to live through another day. The hungry, the starving and those who need vitamins, medicine would just need USD 1.00 a day per person to have that difference from being alive. If only each of the billions of us on this planet could just give USD 1.00 a year, just imagine how profound a transformation that would make to their lives and those connected to them?

Christina. I say "a BIG thank you" to you. You've inspired me to go for another mile and another and another. Thank You!!

How Can I Sleep?

2007-07-19T21:44:00.000+08:00

ZZZzzz ... Isn't sleep such an enjoyable thing to do? Most of our days on this earth is spent on sleeping. Why is sleep then so so important? Insomnia is deemed by many as a unbearable torture!! I can't sleep. Have we thought of making sleep as a habit? Perhaps, many of us are already practicing it.

So what is sleep and why are we into it in such a big time? In Wikipedia "SLEEP" means -

Sleep is the state of natural rest observed in humans and throughout the animal kingdom, in all mammals and birds, and in many reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

In humans, other mammals, and many other animals that have been studied - such as fish, birds, mice, ants, and fruit-flies - regular sleep is necessary for survival. The capability for arousal from sleep is a protective mechanism and also necessary for health and survival.

Let's take a look at the function of sleep. What do we gain from having this ritual that we call "sleep"?

Restoration

Sleep may be a dynamic time of healing and growth for organisms. For example, during stages 3 and 4, or slow-wave sleep, growth hormone levels increase, and immune function changes. In some studies, sleep deprivation led to decrements in immune function, and extreme, extended deprivation to altered metabolism.^{[citation needed]} But sleep deprivation has not been conclusively shown to significantly impact organ, muscular, cardiac or other somatic function in ways that suggest that any of these systems are primarily influenced by sleep.

Anabolic/catabolic cycle

Non-REM sleep may be an anabolic state marked by physiological processes of growth and rejuvenation of the organism's immune, nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems (but see above). Sleep might restore neurons and increase production of brain proteins and certain hormones. Wakefulness may perhaps be viewed as a cyclical, temporary, hyperactive catabolic awaken?" instead of "Why do we sleep?" yields a different perspective of how sleep and its stages contribute to a healthy organism. state during which the organism acquires nourishment and procreates. Also, during sleep, an organism is vulnerable; when awake it may perceive and avoid threats. Asking "Why do we

Ontogenesis

According to the ontogenetic hypothesis of REM sleep, the activity occurring during neonatal REM sleep (or active sleep) seems to be particularly important to the developing organism (Marks et al., 1995). Studies investigating the effects of deprivation of active sleep have shown that deprivation early in life can result in behavioral problems, permanent sleep disruption, decreased brain mass (Mirmiran et al. 1983), and an abnormal amount of neuronal cell death (Morrissey, Duntley & Anch, 2004).

Memory processing

Many scientists believe that memory depends on sleep. REM sleep appears to help the consolidation of spatial and procedural memory, while slow-wave sleep helps with the consolidation of declarative memories. When experimental subjects are asked to memorize academic material, especially if it involves organized, systematic thought, their retention is markedly increased after a night's sleep. On the other hand, the effectiveness of mere rote memorization is similar with or without an intervening period of sleep. Some memory theorists argue that saving memory directly into long-term memory is a slow and error-prone process, and propose that cerebral input is first saved in a temporary memory store, and then encoded and transferred into long-term memory during sleep (Zhang, 2004). But although many findings support these ideas, many sleep scientists do not believe that sleep's primary function is related to memory. They point out that many of the studies cited by proponents of this theory are contradictory or confounded by the side-effects caused by the experimental manipulations. A more salient issue is that only a handful of studies have shown that sleep actually influences brain plasticity, the mechanism underlying remembering and forgetting (Benington and Frank, 2003).

Preservation

One view, "Preservation and Protection", is that sleep serves an adaptive function. It protects the individual during that portion of the 24-hour day in which being awake, and hence roaming around, would place the individual at greatest risk. Organisms do not require 24 hours to feed themselves and meet other necessities. From this perspective of adaptation, organisms are safer by staying out of harm's way where potentially they could be prey to other stronger organisms. They sleep at times that maximize their safety, given their physical capacities and their habitats. (Allison & Cicchetti, 1976; Webb, 1982).

But this theory does not explain why the brain disengages from the external environment during normal sleep. A more advantageous adaptation for animals would be to seclude themselves but remain quietly awake to avoid predation. In fact, animals who are preyed upon usually disengage from the external environment to a lesser degree. Another argument against the theory is that sleep is not simply a passive consequence of removing the animal from the environment, but is a "drive": animals alter their behaviors in order to obtain sleep. Therefore, circadian regulation is more than sufficient to explain periods of activity and quiescence that are adaptive to an organism, but the more peculiar specializations of sleep probably serve different and unknown functions.

These theories are not mutually exclusive; each may contain truths that may be validated in the future. Recent studies show that sleep is phylogenetically ancient (Shaw et al Science 2000, Hendricks et al Neuron 2000). Thus, to understand the function of sleep, we must study simple animals that predated arthropoda and chordata phyla, as well as the roles of proteins and enzymes in basic metabolism. Some sleep features are unique to mammals (e.g. REM sleep and thermoregulation) and so probably did not occur in sleep-like states of primordial metazoa.

Let's forget the complex jargons and stuff. We all need and want sleep. How do we get it without encounter difficulty. Simply put...the following tips may just help you sleep better.

1.Sleep only when you're sleepy
....This reduces the time you are awake in bed.

2.If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, get up and do something boring until you feel sleepy
......Sit quietly in the dark or read the warranty on your refrigerator. Don't expose yourself to bright light while you are up. The light gives cues to your brain that it is time to wake up.

3.Don't take naps
......This will ensure you are tired at bedtime. If you just can't make it through the day without a nap, sleep less than one hour, before 3 pm.

4.Get up and go to bed the same time every day
.....Even on weekends! When your sleep cycle has a regular rhythm, you will feel better.

5.Refrain from exercise at least 4 hours before bedtime (sex not counted)
.....Regular exercise is recommended to help you sleep well, but the timing of the workout is important. Exercising in the morning or early afternoon will not interfere with sleep.

6.Develop sleep rituals
.....It is important to give your body cues that it is time to slow down and sleep. Listen to relaxing music, read something soothing for 15 minutes, have a cup of caffeine free tea, do relaxation exercises.

7.Only use your bed for sleeping and sex
.....Refrain from using your bed to watch TV, pay bills, do work or reading. So when you go to bed your body knows it is time to sleep (or have sex).

8.Stay away from caffeine, nicotine and alcohol at least 4-6 hours before bed
....Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that interfere with your ability to fall asleep. Coffee, tea, cola, cocoa, chocolate and some prescription and non-prescription drugs contain caffeine. Cigarettes and some drugs contain nicotine. Alcohol may seem to help you sleep in the beginning as it slows brain activity, but you will end end up having fragmented sleep.

9.Have a light snack before bed
......If your stomach is too empty, that can interfere with sleep. However, if you eat a heavy meal before bedtime, that can interfere as well. Dairy products and turkey contain tryptophan, which acts as a natural sleep inducer. Tryptophan is probably why a warm glass of milk is sometimes recommended.

10.Take a hot bath 90 minutes before bedtime
.....A hot bath will raise your body temperature, but it is the drop in body temperature that may leave you feeling sleepy.

11.Make sure your bed and bedroom are quiet and comfortable
......A hot room can be uncomfortable. A cooler room along with enough blankets to stay warm is recommended. If light in the early morning bothers you, get a blackout shade or wear a slumber mask. If noise bothers you, wear earplugs.

12.Use sunlight to set your biological clock
.......As soon as you get up in the morning, go outside and turn your face to the sun for 15 minutes.

Tagged

2007-07-18T10:45:00.000+08:00

A sweet friend, Christina, whom Ive just recently met in cyberspace tagged me. I guessed, I'll have to find another 6 more friends I admire to tag making up to 12 for the list including Christina of course.

Christian Harleyblues

Kim Laketrees

Morgan The Process of a Miracle a 30 Day Experiment

Help Sresskills.net

Crushed by Crushed by ingsoc

EastCoastLife

Deborah Life In The Fast Lane

Jang Bok Jae

Allison M - great poem

Jenny How - fantastic ebay tips

Nursemyra - Gimcrack Hospital

They're all very inspirational blogs with refreshing perspectives, thoughts and tips.

Enjoy!!

About Morgan

2007-07-17T14:58:00.000+08:00

This is about Morgan's personal story.

I met her in cyberspace a couple of weeks ago. It's about how she overcame one of life's most difficult challenges at her young age, and writing such a touching and real story to share so that others challenged with her same past journey could look upon her as a mentor. I hope now that you having read what Morgan has shared, you would spread this wisdom of hers with your friends and have them share the story too.

Day 17...Stepping through the door.

I haven't written because I've been moving from my apartment back out to my parents' house in Long Island. It's a bit of a distance between both locations so much of my time has been occupied with driving and sitting in traffic.

I don't know about anyone else in this world but when I'm driving I'm in la-la land. Some of my craziest, kookiest ideas happen during this time. That's how I came up with this experiment.

I'm also very guilty of having conversations with myself as I drive.

I don't know why.
Half the time I don't even realize I'm doing it.

I tend to become aware that I am having a full on conversation with myself when I stop at red lights and notice the person in the car next to me.

All of a sudden I get real self conscious and will pretend I'm talking on my cell phone so the person in the car next to me doesn't think I'm totally nuts.

But I do have a bit of the "Nut" factor in me.
I'm okay with that...it makes my life more interesting and at times very chaotic.

So I'm having a conversation with myself trying to really determine what I want to do in life.

I know I'm not okay with sitting in an office trading 40 + hours of my time, energy and life so that the boss can go on vacation every month while I struggle to stay above water.

Did that.
Not Interested.

I know I don't want to go back to school again to find another career that bores the hell out of me.

So I asked myself,

"Self.....What do you want to do?"

and of course I answer myself.......

"I want to write."

When I was in rehab two years ago I met a man by the name of "The Rev."
He ran a few of the workshops in the rehab. I have been through so many different types of facilities and drug treatment programs and they all gave me the same information.

I had the information..it wasn't enough.

I needed understanding.
I needed comprehension.
I needed it to be said in a way that it hadn't been said before.

He was the man that did this....as he quotes,

"The clarity of my words are inescapable...they pierce the heart of understanding."

Now this was not any type of Reverend I ever met before....totally different.
The first time I met him he told us all...

"I don't preach at the first church of the nicy nice.
This ain't for the little old lady who sits in the first pew with hands folded, this is for addicts and alcoholics spoken in the language of the streets."

He has quietly touched and saved so many lives with his words.

He saved my life.

I lived a life of active addiction.
I know the ways of the streets.
I know how to manipulate the best of them.
I know how to be whoever I need to be in a moment to get what I want.
I know how to hide within myself.....so who I am can't be revealed.

This is not the end of the story. There is more to this story. Please click here to continue on. Otherwise there is much to be missed.