Students Of Success

There is in every person the possibility of an integrated Soul Personality. However, normally the average person is split to a greater or lesser degree, dependent upon the amount of pain, trauma and undigested stress in their lives and dependent upon the amount of work they have done to integrate their personalities by means of therapy and meditation.

Therapy and psychology allow intellectual appreciation of the problem in ourselves and others. It takes meditation to heal the splits and integrate the separated selves.

Colin Ross (Ross, 1997) lists 11 dissociative features of the Shamen work, and relates each to Dissociative Identity Disorder or Splitting. These parallelisms are worth mentioning here, as they further ground the experiences of Split patients in a milieu that is pathological by reference to the abilities of Shamen which are integrated and real:

Possession by the Souls of Ancestors– In trance states, Shamen would often deliberately become possessed by the souls of dead ancestors, who would impart advice and wisdom. Again, it takes a strong sense of the Higher Soul Infused Personality to be able to enter into the various unintegrated parts of the personality and then return as it is easy to get lost.

For thousands of years it was common knowledge that Personalities migrated from body to body, lifetime after lifetime. Only a Soul Integrated personality can remember their past lifetimes, for example Buddha often talked about this. It is fairly common for Split patients to have at least one alter who claims to be a dead ancestor and their access to this information shows that these people are in the process of integration, their amnesia is starting to slip.

So called normal people have no access or experience of this reality through deep amnesia and they are fearful of the tales of ghosts and ancestors because of their not wanting to face up to their painful memories which are the real cause of their amnesia. However, there is no need for this fear. The real experiences we cannot face up to as children, once accessed in energy enhancement meditation are easily and painlessly digested and integrated by the adult.

Possession by Helping Spirits– These “familiars” were often invoked by Shamen during trance states as helpers and guides. Split patients almost always have helper personalities, some of whom claim to be from other dimensions or to be spirits.

Exhaustion Following Strenuous Trance Work– Intense trance events often left Shamen tired for a period of days. Spiritual work for the Integration of the split off parts of the Client takes energy. Intense psychological Split treatment sessions have a similar effect.

Stimulating Dissociation through Intoxication– As mentioned, it was rare for Shamen of old to use intoxicants, except, rarely, hallucinogenic mushrooms. Split patients, on the other hand, frequently resort to chemical paths to dissociation, and often manifest substance-abusing alters.

Why do you drink? Because I want to forget. What do you want to forget? I don’t know, I’ve forgotten! Split patients always resort to amnesia in order to handle painful events and amnesia is the symptom of a Split personality. So called normal people have split from their subconscious and Unconscious minds and this also is a symptom of a Split personality, whereas the Shamen and the enlightened have complete or better access to their shadow sides.

Out-of-Body Experiences– A common technique for Shamen was astral projection, or out-of -body travel, where they would project themselves into the spirit or real world to accomplish integration of their clients. This happens spontaneously in meditation which is a training in Integration. For thousands of years Shamen and the Enlightened have helped their clients in the field of healing and Personality Integration. Many Split patients have had out-of-body experiences, often at the time of childhood abuse, as a means of psychic escape but also as the first stage of attempting to heal the personality split. Sometimes they spontaneously succeed in healing themselves but often further help and training is needed. Chiron the wounded healer is the symbol of this process. Usually it is only the wounded healer who has been healed, who knows the process to heal others.

Transformation of Identity– During the possession state of trance, the shaman became reciprocally identified with the possessing spirit in a manner analogous to alter switching in Split patients, but Shamen always returned consciously to their main, Soul Personality. They have this ability not to get lost by having already integrated their Personalities which have then become more strong than the average personality. Split people are always lost.

An example of the training given to Shamen is available in a 5000 years old text called, “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.” In there a meditational methodology for integration with the soul has been extant for millennia. However, always the Guru Shaman who has walked the path was considered essential to the process of soul integration.

As can be seen from this list of correspondences, there is much commonality between the “professionally” achieved and culturally approved meditative states of the sub-arctic shaman, and the dissociative states of the split patient. Split patients are usually more highly evolved than the average person as their amnesia is starting to slip. They have more psychic ability, more meditative ability, more hypnotizability. Normal people do not have the ability to know that they are split, they think they are perfect. The symptoms of splitness need to be pointed out to normal average people before they can overcome the paradigm of not understanding that they are not yet integrated, they are split too..

This is an Introduction to Split Personality from many works of Psychology and the Shaman as Trained Healer and personality Integrator.. Later I hope to complete the work in 1. The concept of universal dissociation. 2. Multiple personalities, MPD. 3. The Integrated Soul Personality and Energy Enhancement Meditation.

The healer, Shaman, Enlightened through much training, always have the ability to come back to themselves, to re-integrate after helping the integration of a client.

However, the cure for split personality for everyone is integration of the splits by grounding all the negative energy created by traumatic experiences which sustains the splits. As we ground all the negative energy through meditation, so the splits disappear and one integrated soul personality becomes in charge..

Start your integrative Process by learning how to meditate and then speed it up with the advanced techniques of Energy Enhancement based upon the thousands of years old ancient effective techniques of Taoism, The Kundalini Kriyas, The five elemental circulations of the Qi of Chinese Alchemical Taoism, The Guided Meditation of the Emerald tablet of Hermes Trismegistus encapsulated in VITRIOL and The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Satchidanand,
Director of Energy Enhancement, is one of the leading teachers of Meditation!

http://www.energyenhancement.co.uk
http://www.energyenhancement.org

Introduction

Nearly all employers and human resource professionals are aware of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Yet, how often do you, your colleagues, or the average individual have contact with someone who is visually impaired/blind, using a wheel chair, or profoundly deaf? When you do, how do you react? Interact? Ignore? Assist? Marvel at their ability to move through their environment living full and productive lives?

What can you do to put yourself and the person with a disability at ease? Well, this is our purpose here. It is not to attempt to answer all your questions. Rather, to discuss appropriate methods for interacting with individuals who are disabled while squelching many myths and misconceptions. You’ll learn what to do and not do, techniques and technologies used for employment as well as in daily living.

How many times have you heard the preferred or proper method for interacting with someone with a disability? Probably never, if at all. In fact, the average individual rarely has any contact with someone who is blind, deaf, or mobility impaired. Therefore, you will be exposed to common courtesy rules governing your interactions with these individuals.

How does someone who cannot see a computer monitor or manipulate the keyboard use this most valuable technological tool of the coming century? Techniques of daily living such as setting the alarm clock, cooking on the grill, and the simple task of matching your wardrobe are tasks most of us take for granted. Yet, how would you perform these simple jobs from a wheelchair, without your eyesight, or hearing? You’ll learn about specialized tools, adaptive electronic equipment, and techniques used to live a full and productive life.

Communicating – Putting one another at ease

When you meet or come in contact with an individual who has a disability, don’t be ill at ease. If you are uncertain how to assist or interact, always speak directly to the individual. After all, they are the experts! You can never go wrong by asking. The experience will be more pleasant for all by remembering and following some simple points of courtesy.

Mobility Impaired

When conversing with a person who is mobility impaired, speak directly to the individual rather than to their companion. People who use wheelchairs are particularly sensitive to this type of treatment. If your conversation goes on for more than a few minutes or is expected to do so, consider sitting to be “eye-to-eye” while talking. It can be uncomfortable to look straight up for an extended period when seated.

Don’t be reluctant to use words like “Walk”, “Run”, or “Stand” when talking with a mobility-impaired person. Wheelchair users and people who are otherwise mobility impaired use these words, too.

Blind/Visually impaired

As with all people with disabilities, don’t ask their spouse or companion what they may want. Speak directly to the individual – just as you would anyone else in a similar situation. It isn’t necessary to raise your voice or address them in a child-like manner.

Many blind people have excellent voice recognition. However, just as a sighted person may remember a face, yet forget a name, the same can occur with voices. Always introduce yourself by name… “Hi Mary! It’s Fred!” This simple courtesy will avoid embarrassment for both parties. On a similar note, it’s nice to know who’s in the room with you. Please speak when you enter and exit. It’s helpful if others with you are introduced. Additional information is also beneficial such as knowing if there are children, dogs, or cats in the room.

Hearing Impaired

Hearing Impairment is usually divided into two basic groups: the deaf and the hard of hearing. Individuals who are deaf fall into one of two categories - cultural or oral. Those persons who primarily rely on sign language for communicating are in the cultural category. In contrast, people whose preferred method of communicating is lip reading or speech reading are in the oral category.

You may have noticed that the speaking voices of people who are deaf can often sound different from the voice of someone who has normal hearing. Without the ability to hear their own voice as well as that of others, modulating tones are difficult for someone with a hearing impairment. If you cannot clearly understand a person’s speaking voice, do not hide it. Admit that you are having difficulty and use pen and paper if necessary.

On the other hand, many hard of hearing people have trouble discriminating between words with similar sounds. Just as some words may sound alike, they can have very different meanings. For example, “sale” and “sail” have identical sounds, but totally different meanings. While “pen”, “men”, and “bend” are not close in meaning, they can sound the same to a hard of hearing individual. Thus, comprehending your message requires serious concentration.

If you are familiar with American Sign Language (ASL), by all means use it. Those you are communicating with will be most appreciative. Deaf/blind individuals can spell out words that do not have a given sign by using a technique known as “Finger Spelling”.

Mobility – Moving THROUGH YOUR environment safely

People with disabilities want to be treated the same as anyone else. Never rush up and startle someone with a disability by grabbing him or her. Your best approach is to assume he or she is independent. If the individual is in need of assistance, they will ask for help. You will never go wrong by asking first, rather than making assumptions!

You are most likely familiar with dogs used as guides by blind individuals. However, a service dog assists some mobility-impaired people. Remember… interaction with the service animal is permissible only with the expressed permission of the handler.

Mobility Impaired

There are many people who use a wheelchair or motorized scooter to get from point A to point B; many other mobility-impaired people use crutches, canes, leg braces and/or walkers. If you should observe someone using one of these devices approach an entrance to a building, you may wish to offer assistance. DO NOT automatically rush to open the door at the instant you see someone approaching in a wheelchair, using crutches or a walker. Rather, calmly walk to the door and offer assistance allowing the individual to accept or reject the offer. DO NOT be insistent, and DO NOT wait until the person is about to fall before offering your help.

Be aware of slippery floors and ramps, which can cause these devices to easily lose traction and slide on wet surfaces. A service dog assists some mobility-impaired people. These animals have full access to businesses and all public places. They are working animals, not pets. Distractions such as petting, whistling, clicking, and even establishing eye contact are not acceptable.

Blind/visually Impaired

Three (3) basic mobility options are available to blind or visually impaired travelers - sighted guide, white mobility cane, or a dog guide. Combinations of the last two are also commonly used in specific situations.

When walking with someone visually impaired, don’t grab his or her arm. Allow them to take yours grasping gently at your elbow. In this manner, they will keep a half step behind you. Your body movement will communicate information about the travel environment. Following along with you in this manner, curbs and steps can be easily negotiated. It is very helpful if you alert your traveling companion to these changes as well as announcing if an Entry/Exit door is being held open. This avoids confusion and embarrassment for all.

The use of a mobility cane is the first major step to travel independence for a blind person. Utilizing all available sensory input (smell, sound, and touch), the traveler has a greater opportunity for proper orientation to their environment. Orientation and Mobility Specialists teach techniques for proper use of a white mobility cane. This occupation requires a Masters degree from a university. Governmental agencies, rehabilitation centers, schools for the blind, and some public school systems offer this training.

For many people a dog guide brings a great sense of independence. Hundreds of people who are blind and visually impaired are trained with well disciplined and dedicated dogs as guides each year. It is important that all people know something about the way a dog guide team works and how to act when encountering one of these guides.

If a person who is using a dog appears to be in need of some assistance, approach him or her on their right side. The dog guide will usually be on the left. Do not touch or take the person by the arm without first asking if you can assist them. Under no circumstances, should a person take hold of the dog guide or the harness, this will confuse the dog and startle the individual. If assistance is accepted, offer your left elbow by brushing it against their arm as explained in the sighted guide technique.

In some instances, the person may choose not to make use of the sighted guide system. Instead, they may instruct the dog to “Follow” you. (Since experience with this command varies, so does the quality of the team’s performance.) If this is the case, walk ahead of them at a normal speed letting the person know when they are approaching turns, doorways, stairs, and drop-offs. If the person is seeking assistance for a street crossing, walk with them completely across the street and up on the opposite curb. The dog guide will again resume its duties once on the sidewalk.

The most common mistake many people make is touching, calling, clicking, or whistling to a working dog. Absolutely Do Not pet or distract a dog guide when it is in harness or when working. Always interact with the person and not the dog.

Hearing Impaired

Moving around in their environment presents some problems for deaf and hearing-impaired people. Sounds and movements out of their field of vision can create hazards. They may not be aware of traffic and emergency vehicles approaching from behind. Hearing aids will amplify these sounds, but direction may be difficult due to distortion.

Tools & Technology – Enhancing quality of life

Many of the chores and routine tasks associated with daily living can be frustrating to individuals with disabilities. Thankfully, specialized tools, equipment, and devices have been developed to help alleviate this frustration and enhance the quality of life with increased independence. Local agencies, rehabilitation centers, and libraries are excellent sources for more information. However, one of our best resources is the Internet. Online catalogues provide details about each item in stock while explaining its function.

Mobility Impaired

When we think of a person with a mobility impairment most of us immediately envision someone in a wheelchair. For sure, this is the most common, but mobility impairment involves much more than that. While there are many people using wheelchairs or motorized scooters, other impairments may necessitate the use of tools or devices such as crutches, canes, leg braces and/or walkers.

Technology is providing assistance in ways other than mobility devices. Some individuals who are unable to manipulate a computer keyboard now rely on voice recognition software to operate personal computers and other tools to make their lives easier and more productive.

Blind/visually Impaired

Electronics have opened up a new world of independence for visually impaired people living alone. Talking devices like clocks, thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, and computers have brought blind people into the 21st Century.

In fact, computers with screen reading software have opened new areas of employment never considered viable for workers with vision difficulty. Scanners convert printed text into voice output or Braille on a refreshable display. Documents can be printed in text or Braille, or transmitted electronically for co-workers. Surfing the net, reading and writing email, as well as managing personal and business finances are now nearly as easy for the blind as it is for the sighted.

To be sure, there are many challenges. Yet, progressive minded technicians are moving forward with improvements at a rapid rate. Micrometers, levels, and tape measures are available which emit electronic tones or have tactile markings. With specialized training, workers who are blind operate equipment like table saws, stamping machines, and manufacturing tools. Unfortunately, not enough of these individuals are working in mainstream jobs usually due to unfounded fears over safety issues.

Hearing Impaired

Frequently, people think a hearing aid is a “cure-all”. It is not. These devices do not function like normal hearing. Rather, they amplify sounds. A hearing aid mainly helps to make speech clearer and understandable at a shorter range. This will help avoid raising your voice while communicating. Unfortunately, background noises are more amplified and cause more distraction than it would to a person with normal hearing. Amplification devices are available for Telephones & other office equipment. TDD equipment allows total deaf individuals the ability to communicate via the telephone. Lights can be installed on devices to signal when a tone is present. Examples might be alarm clocks, doorbells, and telephones.

Summary:

It is incumbent upon us to adhere to and follow the simple rules and guidelines presented here. Remember, people with disabilities are people just like you. They don’t want pity or condescending treatment. Their sense of smell, touch, or hearing did not improve when they lost their vision. They simply rely on them more and may get more information through those senses than you do.

The development of specialized tools and devices has opened up a new world of independent living for people with mobility, vision, and hearing impairments. Simple jobs and ordinary task no longer require an assistant. Electronic devices and computers have broaden employment opportunities and enhanced quality of life for many.

It is important for you to know the correct procedure to offer assistance while not interfering with their independence.

Finally, remember that while individuals with disabilities appreciate attention the way we all do, he or she wants their friends, and others, to act natural with them and not overly solicitous. Most will discuss their disability with you if you’re curious, but it’s an old story to them. They have as many other interests as you do.

Copyright 2001 http://www.DrivingVision.com - All Rights Reserved

In 1972, Larry C. Colbert’s life changed suddenly and dramatically. He was diagnosed with retinitus pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease, and learned he would soon be blind. But, as Larry’s eyesight gradually faded, his insight deepened. Now he’s a motivational speaker who travels the world sharing humorous stories about dealing with change, overcoming adversity, and promoting diversity.

In his first book, “Insights from an out-of-sight guy”, Colbert shares the poignant story of his deep personal struggle with blindness, and the fear that kept him from embracing change. With remarkably frank dialog, and powerful and humorous examples from the best of his keynote speeches, Insights reveals Colbert’s intimate 30-year process of coming to “see” self, and provides practical and meaningful help for learning to cope with constant change, as well as managing the ideas, emotions, and attitudes that affect us all.

See http://drivingvision.com

What does the appearance of The Fool mean for you when it appears in a Tarot spread?
Do you get excited or worried?
In this short article we explain what The Fool means when he appears in the Tarot.

The Fool is perhaps one of the most important tarot cards in the deck.
He is the first card of the Major Arcana, the first of 22 cards.
He is also the only one of the Major Arcana to remain in our modern card deck, appearing as the Joker.
His journey is at a deeper level the journey we are all on - the journey through life and life’s troubles, as no matter how old we are or what experiences we have been through we will still contine to find ourselves in areas where we are unsure, and vulnerable.

The Fool has appeared in many guises over the centuries in the different decks that have appeared.
In the Visconti Sforza deck he is seen looking a bit like a tramp without shoes in his stocking soles, and threadbare at that!
He carries a large stick or staff over his shoulder as though ready to commence a long journey.

In the Wirth deck he looks a bit like the court jester of old, and most like the forerunner of today’s joker in the traditional card deck.
He has however a cat with it’s teeth sunk into his left leg, and a crocodile in the distance. The picture on this card seems to indicate the urge of The Fool to get on with his journey in spite of all obstacles both past and future.
The Arthurian Tarot portrays The Fool as Parsifal who sought the mythic Holy Grail, and the Mythic deck depicts him as the Greek god Dionysus, wearing animal skins of many colours, and dancing gaily at the edge of a cliff.

No matter which deck we use the appearance of The Fool is a sign that we should follow our own path no matter what.
We need to have the courage to jump off the cliff into a new venture if that’s what is called for.
We need to have faith in our convictions no matter how hard this might be.

There are risks to everything in life and the appearance of The Fool in a spread is a great opportunity for a new beginning provided you are willing to make the jump!

Leonard Mutch is a writer with an interest in all things psychic and paranormal. He makes it easy to develop an understanding of The Tarot at his Tarot Cards website.

Things have come a long way since my youth when readings were frequently done by mysterious old women in secluded booths masked by beaded curtains. Divination of all forms and Tarot Card reading in particular has attracted its quota of dubious readers. But how can you tell?

Many readers engage in their work with a genuine desire to help clients sort out life issues and offer the insight to help them do so. Some are in it purely to make money and I think that to a certain extent this has made the public skeptical. There is a need to be careful.

With so many media now advertising readings of various kinds, how do you tell where you are likely to get good information and what is likely to be a rip off? Well, for one thing, you should look out for personal contact. Usually individual readers who set up their own web sites are more reliable. If a site has been around for some time, if the reader is experienced and is willing to answer any enquiry you may have, then the signs are good.

Naturally you want to be happy that your credit card details are secure. Internet sites where secure payment systems are used are a good bet. Paypal and KAGI are examples of well established payment agencies. A good website is likely to use these types of secure systems, to protect its clients. It pays to be more cautious about sites which don’t use these types of systems and which take your card details themselves. A bona fide web site will also outline clearly what type of reading you get for your money and how much that reading is.

Areas where caution is needed are website or newspaper services where there is no clearly identifiable person dealing with the readings. If it’s organised by a virtually anonymous “company”, what are you getting? If there is no interaction with a real person, be cautious. Will the information you receive be genuine or something printed from a long list of “options” by a computer? If you are asked to send in your mobile phone number to receive your reading in that way, be very cautious. How much are the charges? Is this a “one-off” reading or will you be sent regular readings and how much will they be? If you are going to speak to a psychic on the phone, how much are the per minute charges? How much will they add up to if you speak for an hour, which is not uncommon? Often these kinds of operations are run by people who teach their readers to keep clients talking so they will spend more and more money. Ethical readings involve a one off payment for a well described service.

To avoid problems it is best to select a reading type from a site which offers a range of options. If you want detailed information about your life over the coming year, then you would be looking at a reading which is quite substantial and for which you would pay more. Simpler questions such as, “Will I find a lover?” can be covered in smaller layouts.

The issue is that you should choose a reading and know the cost beforehand. Sometimes clients think if they pay more they will hear more. This is another misconception about the nature of divination and it can be encouraged by readers whose focus is on making more money. There is usually a limit to how much can be seen about an issue at any time by a reader. So, if you choose an appropriate reading, it should cover the issue you are looking at adequately and there should be no need to have more readings on that topic. Indeed it can be unproductive to ask the same question again and again.

Provided you bear these points in mind, then the Internet offers a wide range of readers, from different traditions, who are able to help you in your quest to understand your life better. That is what a reading should be. It should not be a lip trembling moment of consulting about your “Fate” but a genuine enquiry into the possibilities around you at the time. Bearing all this in mind, may your readings be fruitful!

© Dianne Hardwick 2006

Dianne Hardwick has been reading tarot for over 30 years. For a free astrology forecast visit her website at http://www.diannehardwick.com/

Sights and Sounds of Inspiration Parable

Wind howling against the thin panes of glass. Electric spikes of guitar emanate from the
stereo mingled with muted, distant trumpet – plaintive sound against the winter sky.

Fingers begin moving on the computer keyboard as the drums enter the room quietly,
insistently. The colors of sound build as each idea is drawn out of its shell. Working in
simpatico with the sounds, ideas begin to generate and ooze from my mind onto the desk.

Splat, splatter, splash of colorful ideas arise, arise, arise. The howling wind, searching
music, and a me, willing partner, allow the ideas to be captured like ants in honey – one
tantalizing, sweet, textured taste at a time.

Principle

Inspiration is everywhere. We don’t have to wait for inspiration. We set the
circumstances to make inspiration arise by being open to the possibility that we might be
inspired by anything at any moment. We choose the entry point, yet the entry points are
infinite and omnipresent.

Practice

i. What simple steps are you taking to allow inspiration to arise in your life? Do you
have access to beautiful music and art or are you choosing television and other
distractions?

ii. Do you walk out of the door first thing in the morning and breathe the fresh air,
notice the outline of the trees against the sky, and revel in it?

iii. Practice being inspired. Smile sincerely even if you don’t feel like it. Give an idea
to someone even if you don’t feel like it. Write something, anything, even if you
don’t feel like it. If you are like me, pretty soon you will end up “feeling like it!”

Paradigm

We can live each moment inspired and filled-with perpetual, self-generated, and
renewing ideas by not waiting for permission to be inspired. We can participate in
circumstances in which to be inspired by creating powerful internal and external triggers
for inspiration. To be inspired means living a life of simple, powerful ideas that generate
joy.

© Rob Levit

http://www.roblevit.com
410-263-8779
roblevit@roblevit.com

Trees play an important role in Taoist practice … They serve, for one, as a metaphor for the human body, awakening to its natural state:

~ feet open and alive, like the roots of a tree, descending and spreading and drawing life-force/nutrients upward;

~ torso strong and fluid/radiant at its core, like the trunk of a tree containing and drawing sap upward, to nourish branches & leaves;

~ limbs lengthening, like the branches of a tree;

~ crown of the head soft & receptive, sense organs purified & spirit quickened, like the beautiful flowers and luscious fruits of trees in the spring and summer seasons.

What also has been discovered ~ through the “research” of the Masters of the Taoist martial & healing arts, and many generations of qigong practitioners ~ is that trees are actually nourished by the “negative” energy of human beings. So when we practice qigong next to a tree, and in that practice release energies that are harmful or constricting to us, the tree (that is our practice partner) absorbs these energies as though they were, to it, a form of food! The relationship is, by design, a mutually beneficial one.

When you’re cultivating the capacity to see the energy-bodies/auras of beings, trees are a good place to start … Somehow their subtle bodies tend to be more visible, at certain times of the day especially (dawn & dusk) than the subtle bodies of other life-forms. If you’d like to try this, go out at dawn or dusk, when the sun has dropped below the horizon, or hasn’t quite risen, but still there’s plenty of light in the sky … choose a tree (pine trees are great for this), and then let your gaze rest very softly upon it. Let your focus be diffuse, as though you were making a relaxed effort not only to see the entire tree, but at the same time to expand your peripheral vision. Or imagine that somehow you’re able, and are going to look right “through” the physical form of the tree. What you’ll notice, eventually, is a golden-white “outline,” which is the subtle body of your new friend, revealing itself to you.

Taoism presents us, also, with a whole variety of tree-hugging practices. And for the same reason that trees’ subtle bodies are relatively easy to see (because they have ~ at least the healthy ones ~ a lot of energy!), they also are great hugging partners: they’ll give you energy, balance your energy, and happily receive energy from you. And if you don’t have an actual tree handy, simply imagining the practice is almost as good … Stand with your feet shoulder-width, and parallel. Bend your knees just slightly (feeling the backs of the knees as soft and hollow), allowing your weight to descend fully into your feet, legs and pelvis. Then float your hands and elbows up to the level of your heart, palms facing your torso, creating a circle with your arms, with four or five inches between the gently extended fingers of your right & left hands … just as though you were indeed hugging a tree. And then imagine that you are hugging that tree, and as you hug the tree you’re also becoming a tree: feel your roots descending, sap being drawn upward through the center of your torso, your arms & legs lengthening, your crown softening to receive sunlight and the energy of the blue sky from above you, your senses becoming more clear and bright … Feel yourself blossoming, bearing fruit, becoming the meeting-place of Heaven & Earth … How wonderful!

Elizabeth Reninger holds Masters degrees in Sociology & Chinese Medicine, is a published poet, and has been exploring Yoga ~ in its Taoist, Buddhist & Hindu varieties ~ for more than twenty years. Her teachers include Richard Freeman and Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. For more essays on yoga-related topics, please visit her website at http://www.writingup.com/blog/elizabeth_reninger.

Expectation and intention – How adding these two simple principles to your life can explode it and move you forward faster!

When you expect something you hope in it that it will happen regardless of the obstacles or interference. You expect it to happen, there for you know that it will happen because you will work as smart as possible to make it manifest in your life.

Then there is intention, when you intend something, you put the intention out into the universe and have faith that it will happen. It is an intention of what you want, it doesn’t always happen but it holds an underlying intuitive force that decides for itself and for you whether it will manifest your desires for you.

So there are the two, expectation and intention. Now by themselves they are fine, they work. But when you add intention with expectation you have power, momentum, and drive. New possibilities arise, and your life takes a forward motion.

Why would these two facets make your life explode and boom with power?
By mixing the expectation of the outcome that you will create your desires with the intention that it will come about. You are mixing the intent with the expect, when these two are aligned with your spirit and the spirit of the collective mind you can be sure that your life will become more alive than ever before.

In order to develop your intention and your expectation I dare you this week to notice where the focus of the two of these lies. Are you focusing on what you want or don’t want? Where is your expectations placed? Could you raise that bar, to expect more?

Just notice, be your own observer – The rest of the answers will unfold as your path becomes more clear.

Why are we trying so hard? It is like we are in a race to get somewhere and we don’t even know where that is anymore. We have lost contact with spirit and the purpose we have given our lives and we are going around in circles chasing our tails.

I know better and yet I must catch myself from time to time and ask myself-why? The harder I try the less effective I am in manifesting what I desire. In the moment that I give into the system and stop trying to control it, the easier it gets.

I sometimes try to fool myself and say I need to know how it works so that I can pass it on to my readers and my ego really believes that. The fact is I discovered the secret long ago and have written many articles about it. I exposed the secret to manifesting and have demonstrated how it works effectively and I still constantly try to control it. I have learned but have not fully appreciated that there is nothing I have to do.

Survival is guaranteed as long as you know that it is so. Love, abundance and happiness are just a thought away, yet I insist on going through all the physical manifestations to make it happen. Life is so very easy once you begin to let it happen-once you know what it is you want to experience.

It doesn’t appear to be the human thing to just let things happen. We need to know how it happens and why, we need to be in control and move past ourselves, to be greater than all that we know, to be God!

In an effort to be God we have forgotten that we already are–that all of us are a piece of that which we call the creator and we are driven to prove it physically. It just doesn’t appear to be enough to know it, but we must be able to prove it. It is the human thing to look for purpose in our lives, and yet we look outside of ourselves to others for definition. We have forgotten that it is our ego that attaches purpose to our existence and has nothing to do with life. Life is purpose unto itself, it is self evident, its only purpose is to “be.”

It is in those moments that we let go, that we find the inner peace that we search for. It is a moment of surrender and knowingness that life will take care of itself. It is not about giving up, but giving into the process that will bring us what we desire. It is when we have this glimpse into our inner being that we realize that there is nothing to fear, nothing to worry about and nothing to want. We try to fool ourselves and say that rest comes in death, but death is just another beginning and a repeat of the former life if we have not yet learned how to give into the rhythm of life that moves in and out with each breath of air that we take. Our bodies have learned to surrender to this automatic, natural movement and sustain itself until a new thought comes along that ends it.

It is in the 65,000 or so thoughts that we have every day that try to take control that causes the confusion. It is poor choice and alienation from what it is that we desire and wish to experience in this lifetime that leads us to a life of struggle, disappointment and a sense of un-fulfilment. The truth is that we have made our lives too complicated within our ability to be effective.

It is when we move within our own rhythm or the beat of our own drum that we can truly enjoy life. Life is not in competition with life, and it is glorified within the ability to adapt and harmonize with the environment it finds itself. As one finds peace within oneself, he/she will find peace in all the things that are manifested into their lives, because peace is what is manifested first.

A person does not have to walk around in long, saintly robes through flower beds to demonstrate inner peace. Peace can be found on the corporate ladder as long as one is in tune with their natural abilities and are acting selfishly to manifest their lives in harmony with spiritual awareness.

To balance one’s life, you must look inward, and forget about what people have told you about yourself and what your purpose is. Discover yourself as if for the first time. Acknowledge what brings true happiness into your life, what you like and don’t like. Learn to act intuitively and in harmony with the purpose that you have defined for yourself. Learn to be flexible and know that your purpose and truth will change from time to time, acknowledge that life is constantly moving as does your environment and belief systems.

Immediately drop the concepts of “right and wrong,” “good and bad.” Replace those perceptions with “what works,” and “what does not work.” Understand that there is no reward for living a virtuous life, nor is there any punishment for living an immoral life, except for that which you bring upon yourself either way. Heaven and Hell are places in your mind and are experienced by you before or after death because that is what you believe.

Peace is also a place in your mind and you demonstrate it in physical life by doing peaceful things. All of physical life is just a manifestation of your own thoughts. You create all the circumstances of your life; you are not a victim of it.

Choose what you want to experience. Take responsibility for your life and your death and you will have made the connection to the power that is rightfully yours. Know also that death is not an escape but a rebirth into another life that takes over where you left off in this one.

Life is easy or hard as you determine it, it is your thoughts that lead you to demonstrate physically how easy or hard it is.

Peace, love and abundance are yours the very second you believe that you have these things. And from that moment on it is all you will bring into your life until your thoughts change again. You cannot ever find these things until you know that you have them.

I cannot stress long and hard enough how powerful your words are. Listen to your choice of words when you speak and you will have a pretty good idea why your life is the way it is. You must learn to control what you say and use the best words that you know to demonstrate what you are thinking. Do self analysis on yourself and be your own therapist. Your words say it all and they will not lie to you.

If your words point away from you then you have not taken responsibility for yourself and have given up your power to others. You are not living your life according to you. You are somebody’s shadow and you do not exist except behind the image of another and the sun can never shine on you.

There is never a price to pay for possessing true power, which is seen in the eyes of those who don’t have it. Power can not be taken from you, it can only be given. Because there is really only one soul and not individual souls there would have to be complete co-operation between the two parts in order for any event to happen. Your right hand cannot slap the left unless this agreement is there. There are no innocent victims. Everything has purpose and chance is just failure to recognize the obvious-that you create all the circumstances of your life.

Know this one thing-hope, faith and trust are steps in the future to knowing and it never comes. If you want it all now… “know that you have it.”

Take responsibility for your life and your death now, and you will assume the power that you so desperately seek. Do not victimize yourself, which is also a choice that makes you powerless. You do not have to live “long” to prosper, you need to live “well” to prosper, so live well and prosper.

Roy E. Klienwachter is a resident of British Columbia, Canada. A student of NLP, ordained minister, New Age Light Worker and Teacher. Roy has written and published five books on New Age wisdom. Roy’s books are thought provoking and designed to empower you to take responsibility for your life and what you create. His books and articles are written in the simplicity and eloquence of Zen wisdom.

You may not always agree with what he has to say. You will always come away with a new perspective and your thinking will never be the same.

Roy’s style is honest and comes straight from the heart without all the metaphorical mumble jumble and BS.

Visit Roy at: http://www.klienwachter.com

It’s easy to tell the difference between true inner guidance (spirit) and ego-driven guidance: the first is attended with Love and the second with Fear.

True inner guidance will always draw you into something that you are desiring or want to be, do or have. Naturally, in drawing you TO something, you are being led away from something else—avoiding unwanted circumstances.

This week I experienced a delightful lesson in true inner guidance. I was staying with my friend Anna, here in Victoria, BC, while waiting for my furniture to arrive. Last Friday the movers contacted me and let me know that they would arrive around 2pm that afternoon. Staples was also supposed to deliver my new desk that day, so I phoned their dispatcher to find out what time they would deliver, since I would have to drive over to my apartment to let them in.

Well, the dispatcher could not find a record of my desk for delivery. I spent two hours on the phone with him and Staples, trying to figure out what had happened to my desk. Finally, I prayed: “Please show me what to do. Should I stay at Anna’s? Or go to my apartment?”

Immediately, I noticed that I felt a strong urge to go to my apartment even though the movers would not be arriving for at least three hours.

I phoned the dispatcher and told him, “I’m going to my apartment, if one of your drivers realizes that he has my desk on his truck, just tell him to buzz me and I’ll let him in.” Then I wondered what I would do in an empty apartment for three hours.

My timing was perfect! I drove into the parking lot and was walking toward the front door of my apartment as the Staples truck arrived. I held the door open for the fellows delivering my desk!

Perfect! True inner guidance will alway be perfect.

Do you have a secret dream, desire or hope?

Contact Rebecca to learn how YOU can live your dream!

Rebecca is leading a training course for Coaches, Therapists, Nurses and other Professionals who are ready to make a paradigm shift within themselves (a change from one way of thinking to another) to better serve their clients or patients.

http://www.youcanhaveitall.com

Politics, music, movies, money, social issues, fashion, food, relationships, business, foreign affairs, religion, entertainment, beliefs, ethics, boxers or briefs, Coke or Pepsi, which hair product has the best hold; so many things to debate, so little time!

Spicy dialogue is one of the true joys of life. Nothing beats a good, healthy exchange of ideas and opinions. The problem is, all too often, differences quickly turn into polarized and personal attacks in an effort to prove “I’m right, he/she is wrong.”

A friend just told me about a recent argument between he and his ex-girlfriend. It is, quite possibly, the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Hopefully, you’ve never had to witness something this crazy, but chances are, you have. Worse yet, you may have even been a player in this sorta comedy of stupidity. Here’s the scoop:

Recently, my buddy ended a long-term relationship with his girlfriend. Even though both are in their late 20s, it seemed the only thing this romance was missing was a locker and a good-bye kiss after the last bell. During that oh-so-awkward time of breaking up, he had to retrieve his personal belongings from her home.

In a fine display of her maturity, he showed up to her house and found his belongings thrown out onto the front lawn; everything, that is, except his entire collection of DVD’s and CD’s.

The bitter ex-girlfriend claimed she knew nothing of the missing items, so he gave her two choices: find them within 24 hours or pay for them. Her response? “No! And besides, you’ve gained weight lately… and your haircut is stupid!” Huh? What do his belly and hairline have to do with $500 worth of stolen merchandise?

Granted, my buddy’s situation is a bit extreme, but the biggest issue I’ve noticed when people argue is getting off task. Often, instead of acknowledging the other person’s valid point, the “opponent” will bring up past grievances, personal shortcomings or any other number of claims that have nothing to do with the issue at hand. When this happens, the discussion has lost any chance to find common ground and resolution.

No where can you witness more arguments than on radio talk shows…except maybe when radio talk show hosts are interviewed on cable news shows. I mean, never before has there been such an venue for fighting, except for a steel cage match in the WCW.

So, with the recent Michael Jackson verdict, talking heads have been all over the tube giving their opinions. The evening the verdict was handed down, two California radio talk show hosts were interviewed on a 24 hour cable news channel. They summed up this point perfectly. Their exchange went a little something like this:

Talking head #1: Well, we’ve just seen the American justice system in action. A man was accused of a crime, was arrested, charged and brought before a jury of his peers. The jury viewed the evidence, listened to the arguments and determined there was not enough evidence for a conviction.

Talking Head #2: He’s a freak! That man is not right! No one should be that strange! The guy is just crazy!

I just shook my head in woeful amusement at this little exchange. It seemed better fitted for Jerry Springer than cable news…just without the slapping and nudity.

Talking Head #1 had a factual, legitimate and legal point. Talking Head #2 was so emotional about the verdict that all he could do was spout off his unfavorable opinion. Any further discussion was futile since, after each made their opening point, it showed their exchange wasn’t even on the same page.

Again, discussion and debate are great ways to expand one’s thinking. After all, it’s best to take in all other’s views and opinions before forming your own. That is the healthy part of arguing. But when those lively discussions turn into knock down, drag out, no holds barred insult contests, well, then all chances are lost for anything good coming out of it.

The only fair way to handle any disagreement is by staying on topic, being respectful and bringing up only relevant issues. Somehow, an emotionally heated argument can bring out the worst in people-name calling, false accusations and hurtful words that can’t be taken back.

Marcus Engel is a professional speaker/author who inspires audiences to achieve success by making intelligent choices. Blinded by a drunk driver at age 18, Marcus battled through two years of recovery and 300 hours of reconstructive facial surgery to reach his goal of returning to college. After graduating from Missouri State University in 2000, Marcus began sharing his story professionally to audiences nationwide. In 2002, Marcus founded his own publishing company with the release of his autobiography, “After This…An Inspirational Journey For All the Wrong Reasons.” His messages of empowerment and motivation have been witnessed by hundreds of thousands through his keynotes, his autobiography and his monthly newsletters. Marcus Engel is a speaker, a message, a story you will never forget! Visit http://www.MarcusEngel.com for more information!