Not all Mexican Landlords will try what I have said in this article. But you’ve got to be on a hightened alert especially when a landlaord tries to get you to pay for several months advanced rent. Make sure this person is really the actual owner of the property. You can hire bilingual Mexicans to check for you.

Fact of Life #2

A Mexican landlord would rather die than ever return a deposit to a renter. Now, I do not know if that is actually true, but it would seem from those with whom I’ve spoken, Mexicans and Gringos alike, no one, and I mean not one soul, has been able to extract a deposit—ever.

Here is a list of the excuses I have gathered in my interviews with fellow expats and Mexicans who have tried to get their deposits back from Mexican landlords:

· You broke the electricity (how is this even possible?).

· You broke the hot water heater (which was vintage 1940).

· That frying pan of mine looks suspect (the landlord usually provides pots and pans).

· I had to replace the floor (that was installed when the house was built before World War I) and it is your fault.

· You were too noisy and the neighbors complained (huh?).

Something else that takes place constantly and that you have to watch for is the “Gringo Rental price” and the “Mexican Rental Price.”

Just why do Mexicans think they can exploit a Gringo when they see one coming down the pike? Now, is this true of all Mexicans without exception? I do not know since I have not met nor had experiences with “all Mexicans without exception.” But it is
beginning to look like my expat innocence (stupid naïveté) is getting a lesson in what it is “really like” to live in México.

I am a person who can get along with “almost” anyone. I have had the philosophy that someone is innocent until proven guilty. (Oh, my. How naïve is that?). Even if I hear the vilest rumors about someone, I generally regard them as just that—rumors—until that person actually acts out those rumors in my face. In other words, I always give someone the “benefit of the doubt” until he proves to me otherwise.

It is becoming apparent to me there “is” some anti-American sentiment here; only it is subtle and unassuming. I have yet to witness personally, or hear on the news, about any marches as were seen in Argentina the last time Bush was there, in which the locals chanted, “Yankee go home.” However, I do not exclude the possibility of seeing something like that someday in México.

How the anti-American sentiment shows itself here is Americans are seen as stupid, arrogant, imperialistic, and self-serving. (I do not entirely disagree with that evaluation. Witnessing some of the behavior of Americans in this country, I can see where the Mexicans get this idea.) However, this unfortunately seems to work itself out in the attitude “since some Americans are horrid behavioral monstrosities, we Mexicans can take advantage of all of them and exploit them”—and exploit them they do.

It used to be the only Gringos who would come to México were the rich ones. Thus, all of us are still seen in that light. Mexicans, in my experience, see gringo faces and think we are all fabulously wealthy. In fact, they think we throw more money away than a Mexican makes in a lifetime.

Traditionally, it was the “rich American” who would come to México, usually to the country’s west “Gold Coast,” and buy up all the real estate. You can still see this in cities like Puerto Vallarta. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who lived in Vallarta, were prime examples. These rich Americans would hire the locals as servants. The servants, when they went home after work, would tell family and friends just how Americans lived—like movie stars. They appeared to be, and were in most cases, fabulously wealthy and acted like the spoiled children that they, in most cases, were. Thus the stereotype was set.

The rich, upper class Americans became the local servants’ “PATRONS.” They would often pay their servants the lowest possible wages, but the locals accepted this because the Americans provided for them in other ways. They paid for the Mexican’s family members when they took ill, for the births of their children, baptisms, deaths, and so on. The rich Americans got by with treating the locals badly and paying them poorly because, in the long run, they would provide these extra services that benefited the Mexicans. One rich upper class American could not be outdone by his rich upper-class neighbor so he would keep up the Patron act to conform. Again, Mexicans benefited.

What Mexicans never saw, and had no experience with, was an American “middle class.” It didn’t exist then nor does it now exist in their culture. There was absolutely no concept of an American who wasn’t Elizabeth Taylor/Richard Burton rich. There was no concept of an American who could not, nor would want to, become their Rich American Patron and take care of them and all their family members. There was no idea what an American middle class looked like much less that one existed.

Mexicans with property to sell or rent have been accustomed to rich, upper-class Americans who would breeze into town and show a willingness to pay outrageous prices for everything from housing to food. There developed, therefore, the prices for “The Gringos” and the prices for “The Mexicans.”

My wife and I have seen this over and over again here in Guanajuato. We have experienced this with the landlords here. They see you coming and, suddenly, the local property owners start hearing, “Cha-ching, cha-ching.” Dollar signs start floating before their eyes. The vendors and service providers are the same way. Their culture evolved the idea that anyone from America is so wealthy, he can afford to pay higher prices than Mexicans can pay. They take full advantage of this.

If you are a Mexican trying to rent a house, you will be told one price. If you are an American, be prepared to pay through the nose.

It is, I believe, because Mexicans have no concept of a middle class, a class that is just now beginning to visit, and even expatriate, to México.

Our friends from northeastern America were paying $700.00 a month for their mortgage. They moved to México and a landlord charged them $600.00 a month to rent a studio apartment. But, they
were new to Guanajuato, the landlord knew it, and they were stuck with an overly inflated rental—BECAUSE THEY WERE GRINGOS.

Is this evil exploitation? Maybe. But it is their culture. If they are ever to change, it will have to be on their terms and in their time.

Is there anything you can do about it? Nope. If you cannot cope with it, then expatriating to México is not for you.

Our former landlord rented our former casita, less than 1000 square feet, with two bedrooms, one bath, and service patio with a washer, to us for $500.00 a month. That is OUTRAGEOUS for Central México.

Then, after we moved, she turned around and rented it for $700.00 a month to some other Americans. For Mexicans, the price for this property would have been around $400.00 a month.

Lastly, you have to watch out for landlords who believe you are such a filthy rich American that they have no qualms whatsoever about wiring the outside security lights into your meter and conveniently not tell you.

Doug Bower is a freelance writer and book author. His most recent writing credits include The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Houston Chronicle, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Associated Content, Transitions Abroad, International Living, Escape Artist, and The Front Porch Syndicate.

He is founder of Mexican Living Print & eBooks.

Wherever there’s a Knight, there’s action; movement; activity; drama. It’s better than Xena and Hercules, because it’s happening in your life. It’s your very own, exciting 5-star event.

But not all Knights create the same events.

If the Knight of Cups rides into your Tarot reading (unless he’s tempered by a card suggesting a let-down, such as the 8 of Cups; or a card suggesting caution, like the 7 of Swords), you can expect to be swept off your feet by a sensitive, romantic guy or gal. Go for it!

The Knight of Swords means well, but this guy will bring major chaos into your life. He’ll swoop in, create issues, and ride away - leaving you with a big mess to clean up. Not judging - some people thrive on theatre. And an encounter with the Knight of Swords can be very exciting.

The Knight of Wands, though. Ah, here’s a rescuer. (And if you’re a guy reading this, the rescuer may be part of yourself - or it may be a masculine quality in a woman friend.) The Knight of Wands is optimistic and honest. Gals, if you’ve picked this card after a question about your current guy, relax. He’s not cheating on you. Some Wand Knights are even a bit naive and may get discouraged if they can’t save you immediately, right now.

The Knight of Coins (aka Knight of Pentacles), is an OMG type of guy or gal. And wow is he a workaholic - not to the point of ignoring the rest of his life’s duties, but because his career and his ability to provide for and help others is important to him. Unlike the other Knights, he doesn’t gallop wildly anywhere. He thinks, he plans, and then he goes at his own pre-determined speed.

Don’t forget about archetypes.

When you get a Knight in your reading, he may also indicate

1. a part of yourself with these qualities,

2. an urging to use these parts of yourself to overcome an immediate obstacle,

3. some movement (emotional, mental, or travel-related) that you might want to consider.

These Knights are often pictured as men - but remember, in modern Tarot interpretations, the Knights are not gender-specific.

The Knights, Reversed

If a Knight lands into your reading reversed (upside down), he’s representing the same basic idea, but the outcome is not as sure or perhaps as quick. For instance, The Knight of Coins reversed indicates a need to re-think money plans before making any commitments. The reversed Knight of Swords could mean that the person galloping into your life may not be as potent or impactive as he appears. An upside down Knight of Wands, on the other hand, offers the gift of letting go of a project (or person) that is slowing you down. He reminds us to keep our long-term goals in mind and not get sidetracked. And finally, if you receive a reversed Knight of Cups, he is telling you to approach your activities and relationships with more thought, more planning, and perhaps more maturity.

Suzann has a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Northwestern University. She is a writer, and has worked as a professional Tarot reader. She runs the website Psychic Tea Shoppe.

Social networking. Social marketing. Web 2.0.

You may have heard these terms bandied about and wondered what exactly they are and (more importantly) what they mean for your business.

So let’s dig right in and get some answers. First, some definitions.

Social networking is actually a pretty broad term. It basically means any type of relationship-building amongst a group of people with a common interest (business or personal). However, that term has taken on a whole new dimension online, where social networking sites (MySpace, Linked In, Facebook) are popping up faster than you can say “Will you be my friend?”

These Web sites are designed around helping people network and build relationships via online, instead of the more traditional face-to-face networking meetings.

Which leads us to Web 2.0. No, it’s not a technical upgrade of the Web (I can hear all the sighs of relief as people everywhere realize they don’t need to be downloading or learning new software). Rather, it’s a new way to use the technical aspects of the Web to build better relationships with people. So it includes blogging, podcasts, social networking sites, video, webinars, etc.

Actually, what it really is is a shift in mindset. Rather than using these tools because they’re cool new tech gadgets, we’re using them to bring a more human element to the Web.

Now social marketing is used interchangeably as social networking, but that’s actually a misnomer (according to Wikipedia). Social marketing is an old term, which refers to marketing for the good of society or for social causes and has nothing to do with any of this.

So, back to social networking. This is wonderful news for business owners out there because it fits right in with how customers buy. Namely, people buy from people they know, like and trust. So building relationships using Web 2.0 techniques is a fabulous marketing strategy.

And many Web 2.0 techniques are either free or very low cost. All the social networking sites have free accounts (some have paid upgrades, but it’s still low). Podcasting can be free (or you can pay a very low fee to do the recording via the phone). Blogging can be free. You get the picture.

Now there is a downside. The downside is it does take time. So if you’re already feeling overwhelmed and frazzled, yes this could feel like another huge to-do on your list.

Which is why I’m going to tell you right now not to go there. There is help. Virtual assistants (also known as VAs) can assist you with these social networking tasks. Also, some marketing professionals offer social networking packages to do it all for you, so you don’t have to manage it or even learn much about it. In other words, you don’t have to go at it alone!

And you also don’t have to spend hours and hours on these tasks either. Pick ONE thing to do, then spend 1-2 hours a week on it. Once that’s mastered, than add a second task. (Or get it into a system so you can outsource it and then bring on a second task.)

Obviously the more time you (or someone on your team) can devote to social networking, the faster you’ll see results. But I don’t want you to beat yourself up if you don’t have a lot of time to do it or money to outsource. Do what you can and let the rest go.

The other thing to keep in mind is it also takes time to start seeing results. None of these techniques is for immediate results or a quick infusion of cash. These techniques are long-term strategies. They’re very effective, but they’ll take some time.

As for what to start on first, that’s up to you and what appeals to you (and what you think will appeal to your target market) but I’ll give you a quick summary of a couple of the major ones along with pros and cons:

1. Blogging.

Pros — This is a terrific way to build traffic to your site. My blog gets a tremendous amount of traffic and much of that spills over to the rest of my site. Plus, I have a Wordpress blog, so it’s built into my Web site and it comes with RSS and pinging and everything else a good blog should. (Did I mention it was free?)

Cons — You need to do some writing. And it does take time. (Either yours or someone on your team.) You should plan to post at least a couple of times a month — more is better.

2. Podcasting. (Podcasting is like having your own little radio show, except the audio is downloaded into an iPod rather than broadcasted.)

Pros — This is a terrific way to add credibility and build trust with your customers. Audio, especially when listened to on a podcast, is very intimate. You end up building a tighter bond with your customers than through reading alone. Adding audio to Web sites has been shown to increase conversion rates. (I.e. more people will buy when there’s audio involved.)

Cons — Time (you got to make time to do your podcast, and once you start, you need to do it regularly). This is also a bit more technical than blogging — you need to upload it to your site, to podcast directories, etc. Unless technology comes really easy for you, I would suggest finding someone to help you out (at least to get you started). And if you have a really dreadful voice I would think twice about doing a podcast.

3. Video.

Pros — Like audio, adding video to your site is great for increasing conversion rates. It adds a level of intimacy and helps your customers feel like they really know you.

Cons — Technical and time. For audio, all you need is a phone. Video you need a camera, a video editor, etc. Of course, once it’s done, you can use it in a lot of places, but getting it done may feel overwhelming.

4. Social networking sites. This is fast becoming a great way to find customers, form relationships and drive traffic to your site. However, before you dive into this, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, there are some 200 social networking sites out there and I’m sure that number continues to grow. But, MySpace enjoys a whopping 80 percent of that traffic. So it only makes sense that 80 percent of the time you’re devoting to social networking sites should be devoted to MySpace. And don’t think MySpace is just for kids! I’ve only been playing around with it for a couple of weeks and I’ve already made some pretty good connections, plus I’ve noticed a spike in my traffic and sign-ups for my newsletter. My friend Nancy has as great primer on how to use MySpace for business purposes.

The other two social networking sites I’m on are LinkedIn.com and Ryze.com. What I like about those two is they’re more focused on business, plus they don’t take a lot of time (so they fit nicely in the 20 percent of my time for the other sites). MySpace can be a time sucker, so just be aware of that.

Pros — Great for building relationships and appears to be good at driving Web traffic.

Cons — Takes time (Sensing a pattern here?) Also it’s very easy to waste a lot of time on MySpace as well.

My suggestion is to pick one of these techniques to start with, do it for awhile and see what happens. If you start seeing leads and results, stick with it and maybe add another one. If it looks like it’s not worth it (takes too much time and you’re seeing too few results) try another.

Michele PW (Michele Pariza Wacek) owns Creative Concepts and Copywriting LLC, a copywriting, marketing communications and creativity agency. She helps people become more successful at attracting new clients, selling products and services and boosting business. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site http://www.michelepw.com Copyright 2006 Michele Pariza Wacek.

In my previous article, I talked about revealing the Feng shui formula for house selection. The easiest way to do such assessment would be to consider the location of the main door and the corner of a house that is short or truncated like a missing piece of jigsaw puzzle. In Feng shui terminology, we termed the latter a “missing corner”. The main door is the most effective amplifier of any effects brought about by Feng shui formula because it is the most active part of the house with people passing through the main door every day or occupants opening or closing it for others reasons. For this reason, the qualitative aspect of the sector for which the door is located is usually positive. On the other hand, a missing corner indicates quality of the particular sector housing it is attenuated and usually attributed with the negative qualitative aspect of that sector. 

With the above in mind, house hunters can simply remember note the sector of which the main door and missing corner are located and assess the qualities of the house which are likely to be positive or negative. A generalized list of the qualities of each sector of the house is as follows:-
 
East sector’s is associated with legs, liver, eldest son, anger, progress. Hence when it is negative there will be issues on the legs, liver or eldest son occupying the house. When positive, it brings about the ability to progress in life.
 
The Southeast sector is associated with thighs, liver, eldest daughter, academic and sexuality. When this sector is positive, it bring about good academic achievements for its occupants. When this sector shows its negativities, it brings about issues with the eldest daughter, sexuality or thighs.
 
The North sector is associated with kidney, ears, abyss, middle son and intellect. When it is negative, there will be issues with kidney or middle son for the occupants in the house. When it is positive, it bestows its occupants with the ability to think and analyse.
 
The Northeast sector is associated with the youngest son, fingers, spleen and an end. When positive, it brings an end to undesired matters or associations. When negative, the youngest son or the fingers of the occupants may get hurt.
 
The Southwest sector is associated with the mother, romance, stomach and gentleness. When this corner is missing, there will be issues with health of the mother or stomach problems or romances problems for the occupants. When the southwest corner houses the door, it brings about gentleness and caring nature in its occupants. 
 
The Northwest sector is associated with wealth, father, head and lungs. A father living in a house with missing corner in northwest sector is likely to be vulnerable. Or other occupants of this house may suffer from wealth, head and lungs problems.
 
The West sector represents the mouth, the youngest daughter and the young in general. For couples looking to conceive, do avoid a house with missing west corner. It can bring about the gift of the gab when positive and legal issues with slander when negative.
 
The South sector represents beauty, eyes and the middle daughter. If the house has its door in the south sector, its occupants will be endowed with beauty or good eyes. If a house has missing corner in the south sector, the middle daughter will suffer or is seldom at home.
 
I hope readers will find this series of Feng shui tips for house selection useful.

I am a Fengshui Practitioner in private practice and I specialise in Ba Zi, ZWDS, Flying Star Fengshui, I-Ching and other Chinese Metaphysics tools. My blog site is at: http://fengshuiforward.com and http://fengshuiforward.com/forum

“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power. If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich.” Tao Te Ching

What is strength? The dictionary defines it as

1. The state or quality of being strong

2. Capacity or potential for effective action: a show of strength.

3. Degree of intensity, force, effectiveness, or potency in terms of a particular property, such as degree of concentration, distillation, or saturation; potency, operative effectiveness or potency, Intensity, as of sound or light.

So already we can see from the some of the definitions that knowing what your own strengths are, is a good way to build strength for you and your coaching business. To help you to be more effective in the way that you work. To make things more effective, or what I like - to make things easier. It’s always easier to do something you know you are good at, than something that feels miles out of your comfort zone, right?

And therefore, knowing what your strengths are enables you to focus first on what those strengths are, and try to find ways that work to your strengths - because the decisions you make from there will be stronger, more powerful than working from a place of weakness.

Here are just a few reasons why knowing about your own strengths can be useful to you as a coach:

1. It reminds you what you are great at which helps you build your self confidence & self esteem

2. It can show you new information & be a surprise or revelation for you, which helps with your reflective practice as continuing professional development for yourself

3. It helps you to make connections about why you work a certain way - and then use those connections to either do things differently or boost up the time you are spending working on things you are good at.

4. It can give you information or food for thought about the reason you are getting the results you are

5. It can give you a kick-start to do something different.

6. It can help you find out what you are less strong at & make decisions about what you do with those pieces of work.

Number six can be a great way to find out what kinds of work you can delegate when you can.

For instance, it may be that one of your lowest strengths is numerical work. So for me, I do the basic information for my tax return myself and delegate the rest to an accountant. It doesn’t make me excited looking at numbers apart from the story they tell about profit or loss, and I’d rather be working on things I find fun. Plus, I know the accountant can do a much better job, much faster, than I ever could.

So where can you find out more about discovering your strengths?

https://www.strengthsfinder.com/ is a great resource, and where you can find out more about the book Strengthsfinder 2.0 which is what I personally used, and what I use with my clients now to help them find out what their own strengths are. It also has a great list of other books that relate to strengths & how to use them to be more effective. When you buy the book, you get an access code that you can then complete an online quiz that gives you a list of your strengths and suggestions on how to take action with the information.

How do I use them personally? To define the way I do business, to focus my business on what I am good at, and start with this. I have limited time currently & starting this way enables me to be smarter about the work I do.

Claire Chapman is the coaches coach specializing in working with trainee & newly qualified coaches. Claire focuses on helping coaches to unearth their core strengths, to create space to explore themselves, their coaching & their business, & then to take tangible action to get the right results. Claire works with coaches via telephone for one to one coaching & with the Get Clients Now!(TM) program and other group coaching sessions. Visit the website now to sign up to receive the 30 day e-course “Lessons for Life” what they didn’t teach you at coach training school - and what to do about it. http://www.growasacoach.com

In my previous article about the psychological explanation of human resistance to change, I talked about how people are mentally conditioned against changes and usually back themselves up by falling back on precedent cases. A more extreme form of precedent cases are historical ones. Ask ourselves, do the past always oppose to changes in the future? Without change, how can improvements come about?

Ask yourself whether a man living in contemporary society like you will like a dish that was cooked exactly the same way 1000 years ago? With technological advancements we have high pressure cookers, deep fryers and plenty of other cooking equipments. Why should we still think that a dish that was cooked using wood and the pathetic stove of few hundred years ago is still the best way to process it? Such an insistence to adhere to historical practice betrayed one’s reluctance to innovate and follow up with times. 

In fact a Feng Shui practitioner ought to be lauded for his ability to modify and adapt Feng Shui advices to the modern and local context. Why is this so? The logic is that Feng Shui method evolved from a context was set few hundred years ago in China and houses and social practices have changed significantly since then. Even if Feng Shui methods were only developed in recent years in China, its geo-political and cultural differences with other countries meant that modification and adaptation of the methods must still be made for Feng Shui advice in another country.   
 
For example, few hundred years ago in China, toilets were never housed within the same roof as the living quarters.  But in modern society, toilets are under the same roof as the living quarters are the norm now and differences like this inevitably means that a Feng Shui practitioner that continues to copy methods listed in Feng Shui classics blindly run a great risk of messing up his client’s environment. Feng Shui practitioners should not be mistaken to think that they can continue to practice Feng Shui by following ancient Feng Shui classics to a T.

I am a Feng Shui Enthusiast in private practice and I specialise in Ba Zi or 4 Pillars, Zi Wei Dou Shu or ZWDS, Feng Shui, I-Ching, Qi Men Dun Jia or QMDJ, Chinese Name Analysis and other tools. My blog site is at: http://fengshuiforward.com and http://fengshuiforward.com/forum

What is your appetite like for the Word of God? Do you read the Bible or is the Bible a closed book?

There are truths in the Bible, and light for our lives, and love which we so need in this cruel cold harsh world - which can be found nowhere else. If there is I would like you to point me in that direction.

I have just been reading and writing about the details of what has been called the great second missionary journey. We can read all about it in Acts chapters 16 to 18. The record of what happened is exciting and most moving.

With that second missionary journey completed, this powerful man of God, Paul, rests at his home base of Antioch, but not for long. Soon he is off again, visiting the fellowships of disciples in Asia. Concern and compassion and care for these new believers flow from this man.

He wants only to do one thing - strengthen them - encourage them - and build them up in the faith.

There is a pattern here. Paul always went back to his home church, reporting how he got on, and giving something of what he and the team had experienced - greeting the church - thanking them for their prayers - and all that comes over in the letters he was later to write.

He has this desire - this longing - to visit the people he has led to faith in Jesus Christ - to see how they are doing - and how they are growing. His aim is to help them and look after them, and, he wants to feed them with the Word of God, which will enable them to grow. He wants their knowledge of the Word to become firmer and fuller. It is good that we return to this time and time again. We need to see what built up these young disciples of Jesus Christ.

Paul teaches. He does not seek to impress - nor entertain - nor amuse - nor does he accommodate certain tastes giving people what they might like to hear - and all that comes over so vividly in his letters.

God does not want us to be ignorant of the Scriptures. This is a living Word - a challenging Word - a healing Word - a saving Word - a satisfying Word - and as we feed upon nourishing spiritual food we will become healthy - which in turn will create an appetite for more and more.

There is nothing like the Word of God to enable us to grow and mature in every area of life. If you have not been reading it give it a real try. Try it and see for yourself if you have not been a Bible reader. At the end of one month you will be aware of a tremendous difference. At the end of two months the people around you will be aware of amazing changes in you. This is how we mature spiritually.

Meanwhile, God was working away in another area, preparing another situation for Paul to become involved in, but that must be for another article.

But what is God preparing for you in these present days? Do you know? Are you aware of how and where God would have you serve profitably and prophetically? If you ask Him, He may reveal something of what He has in store for you - but usually it is only one step at a time. Very few of us could cope with more!

Sandy Shaw

Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children’s Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.

He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled “Word from Scotland” on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column.

His M.A. and B.D. degrees are from The University of Edinburgh, and he continues to run and exercise regularly to maintain a level of physical fitness.

Sandy Shaw
sandyshaw63@yahoo.com

I’ve recently had an interesting (and sobering) experience as I’ve attempted to schedule a “black tie optional” event for 300 people - an experience which led me to think about the experiences we’re delivering to customers, right from the start of our “relationship”.

The phone call starts out friendly enough; there’s even excitement in the salesperson’s voice when he or she hears that my event is for 300 people. But the moment I mention that my local event will require no overnight rooms, an immediate and deadly reaction occurs:

• the person’s voice drops - noticeably
• their excitement and energy evaporate
• I hear, “oh…”

… and now I feel really special, as I’m passed to someone lower on the “food chain” because the person with whom I am speaking is no longer interested in talking to me. After all, my event is only worth $15,000 (that’s right, $15,000!) but has no overnight stay component from which the resort can profit… and the salesperson can collect a higher commission.

What they don’t realize is that I need to plan another event in the near future that will have overnight room needs, as well as food and beverage… and the way I am treated on this first event will determine whom I will even consider for the second.

Here’s what we tend to forget when dealing with customers on a regular basis, all of whom have different levels of knowledge, business and expectations of us - but all of whom are still emotional, “feeling” human beings:

• While this customer’s business may not seem big to you, their event (or whatever) is very important and BIG to them;
• They want to feel excited not only about the business itself, but about giving it to you;
• You never know what future business they may personally be able to give you… or whom they know who could give you future business.

Case in point: One of my real estate coaching clients once asked me, “Sandy, I just got a call from someone who has a $40,000 mobile home to sell. I really don’t want that small a piece of business - should I take it?”

My answer: If you really don’t want that business, refer it to someone and collect a referral commission (no matter how small the commission, you can still get paid for simply making a phone call). However, I asked one more question: “How did this business come to you?”

“It was referred to me by a past client.”

Aha! This changes the equation a bit, for three reasons:

• I must realize that I am not only serving the potential client calling about the mobile home, but the PAST client who remembered and referred me as well.
• If I throw this business away, what message am I sending to both clients (their business is too small for me to handle)?
• You never know who ELSE these clients may know who can give you the kind of business you prefer to handle.

(Obviously, if this business is completely out of my area or realm of expertise, I will better serve both clients by referring it to an expert elsewhere… but I’m talking about a piece of business that I could do well, is in my area and is just a matter of preference for me.)

The upshot is this: My client did take the $40,000 mobile home and sell it. Because she did a great job, that client referred her within months to a new client who had a $400,000 home to sell! Ka-ching!

What inadvertent messages do we send when customers call us with their important business, and we allow our “disappointment” in the value of that business to affect our manner, our tone of voice - even the way we think about and treat that customer?

No matter how you feel about someone’s business:

• Maintain a high interest and energy level when discussing it with them. Even if you’re disappointed, don’t let it show! Ensure their experience with you is completely positive from beginning to end - even if you don’t end up personally working with them;
• If you must say no, explain why. We often assume everyone knows the challenges we face - but they don’t. A brief explanation puts it into perspective and makes the customer feel valued, even when you’re saying no!
• If you refer it out, keep on top of it; don’t just disappear from the picture… keep yourself “top-of-mind” for appropriate future business by staying in touch and letting them know you’re not just “dumping” them on someone else and disappearing;
• Keep in mind that the Lifetime Value of each and every customer is usually worth MUCH MORE than the one piece of business at hand.

If you keep this in mind - and create unforgettably positive, reassuring and respectful experiences for your customers - you won’t have to worry about where your next paycheck will come from… referrals and repeat business will come your way and create a steadily rising business!

Sandy Geroux is a national speaker, trainer and author of It’s My Dream And Who Am I To Stop Me? An award-winning salesperson, she helps others achieve breakthrough performance with her programs on effective risk-taking, goal-setting and achievement, sales and customer service. Visit her on the web at http://www.SandyGeroux.com or e-mail her at sandyg@sandygeroux.com

Asian Herbs

I have found Chinese herb formulations quite effective in treating hemorrhoid symptoms. It is now easy to find these herbs, since there are Chinese herb store in most cities. If not, it is easy to go to the Internet and find what you need.

These herbs usually come in pill form; but you can also get store owners to mix you a formulation of dried herbs by simply telling them what ailment you are trying to treat. Most herbal stores usually have an acupuncturist that can diagnose your problem and prescribe a precise herbal combination.

These Chinese hemorrhoid herbs contain chemicals that are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, increase blood circulation, and lift Chi. Chi is the life force that powers all body and mind functions.

When checking these Chinese formulations just make sure the manufacturers note that they are low in heavy metals.

FARGELIN

FARGELIN - HUA ZHI LING WAN (hemorrhoid pills) contains the following herbs: San-Qi Ginseng Root, Baikal Skullcap Root, Sophora Flower, Callicarpa Leaf, Amber, Burnet-Bloodwort Root, Pig Gallbladder, Corydalis Root and Stem.

Fargelin promotes **** health and should not be used if you are pregnant.

HUAI JIAO WAN

Another herbal combination is HUAI JIAO WAN. It helps shrinks, reduces pain, and stops hemorrhoid bleeding. It contains the following herbs: Sophora japonica fruit, Sanguisorba officinalis root, Scutellaria baicalensis root, Citrus aurantium fruit-ripe, Ledebouriella divaricata root, Angelica sinensis root.

JING WAN HUNG

A third Chinese herbal hemorrhoid remedy is JING WAN HUNG or Ching Wan Huang (ointment.) It relieves hemorrhoid pain, burning, and itching. It contains the following herbs: Lobelia 27.5%, Myrrh 17.5%, Tang-kuei 12%, Borneol 12%, Sanguisorba 8.5%, Chaenomeles 8.5%, Frankincense 8.5%, Carthamus 8.5%, Pistacia.

You can buy any one of these combination at: http://www.seaofchi.com

Use these herbal combinations for only a week. If you don’t see any improvement, stop using them and see your medical practitioner.

Because there are many manufacturers of these herbal combination there will be variations in the ingredients and quality. Buy only from those companies that guarantee the quality of their product.

For more healing tips and information using natural remedies for hemorrhoids, go to this site now: Asian Herbal

Many people trade stocks on their own through self-directed accounts or they simply set up monthly RRSP contributions with their bank or employer. With your bank or employer, the only decision you make is which product to choose from the basket of options you’re given. Another option is to have a financial planner or full-service broker do the work for you.

Why would you choose to let a financial planner guide your portfolio?

Well, it could be that you just don’t have the time to do your own investing. Many professionals work long weeks and just don’t have the energy to read about the financial markets to see what’s going on. By the time the weekend hits, the only thing on their mind is to relax and recoup until Monday rolls around again.

Investing can also be intimidating, especially if you’re new to the world of investing. There are literally thousands of different stocks and mutual funds to choose from, which can overwhelm even the most seasoned and well-versed of investors.

A knowledgeable financial planner can help make the decisions for you to and help you wade through the potentially treacherous financial waters. They (should) have an extensive knowledge of the markets and various financial products that could possibly fit your needs.

They can also save you time, as they make all the decisions for you … again, based on your needs or risk profile. While you’re at work, they should be scouring the markets and finding products. Depending on what relationship you have, they may also ask your opinion on what investment they choose, and you still have the final say.

So, for peace of mind and convenience, a financial planner can help you achieve your financial goals, even if you don’t have any financial knowledge … but at what cost?

There are essentially two ways a financial planner gets paid - either by commission, or the might receive a flat rate from the client, in the form of a yearly fee.

As far as full-service brokers or financial planners go, they receive commission based on all the investment purchases and sales you make. Not only that, they can receive additional commissions - these commissions are called ‘trailer commissions’ - that are paid long after you’ve made the initial purchase of the investment vehicle and as long as you hold it.

But there may be question nagging at you: is there a potential conflict of interest, when a financial planner is paid by an investment company but is supposed to be representing your interests?

While I have no problem people making money off me - everyone has a right to earn a living and you have to pay for service - it is a cause for concern for me. How can someone be truly ‘objective’, if large commissions are dangled in front of them?

The answer is, you have to make sure you’re dealing with someone who truly has your best interests at heart. I’m not saying that financial planners are out to rip you off - most, are in fact, honest and hard working - but make sure you do your homework and continually monitor the performance of your portfolio and the purchases that are made on your behalf.

A friend of mine recently dumped his financial planner because he sensed that this guy wasn’t putting in a great deal of effort. As a matter of fact, he wasn’t even ready for their meetings - he would frequently ‘run the numbers’ during the meeting and ask silly questions that should have been answered beforehand.

So, what lesson can be learned?

Check your statements and ask questions - why was a particular investment purchased? Was it purchased because it matched your requirements or was the commission paid out very appealing…?

While there are certain laws that are there to protect you, you need to constantly monitor and make sure you’re getting the level of service you’d expect, regardless of the size of your portfolio.

Even though a financial planner can save you time and will do much of the work - the responsibility still rests with one person - YOU.

My name is Thomas Strumpski and I am a p/t business owner, accountant and aspiring singer! Please feel free to check out my blog on personal finance and development at: http://www.thestrump.com

Keeping A Hexagram Journal

I keep a I Ching hexagram journal. That way, I can record my readings, the change lines, and special notes or insights, etc. This is a good practice; the I Ching has a cumulative effect over time. The more I use it, the more insight I tend to get. And the revelations tend to build on one another, like the bricks that build up a house.

Keeping a journal allows me to go back and review my readings over the last year. In doing so, I get to see patterns, not only in my questioning, but in my thoughts and feelings surrounding the issues I faced during the year. I Ching journaling also enables me to detect recurring themes in the oracle’s answers. In addition, I tend to internalize the wisdom of the book more when I write my readings down.

Review of 2007 Readings

After reviewing the hexagrams I received in 2007, I noticed quite a dramatic shift from 2006. In 2006, my predominant hexagrams were numbers 21 and 45: REFORM and ASSEMBLING. This corresponds well with the tenor of 2006. In 2006 I was facing literally a life or death health situation. To know how to “move with the tao” in that situation required a wholesale REFORM of old attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. I literally had to disassemble and re-ASSEMBLE virtually all of my former spiritual and moral education in order to survive the storms of 2006. Thankfully, I was able to find the help and strength from spiritual friends who carried me through.

Last year, in 2007, the situation was different. The prevalent tenor of last year was #28 CRITICAL MASS. To be sure, there were “a profusion of elements all struggling to take form” in the Self, both spiritually and materially. The air was definitely “full of multifarious factors all demanding due attention.” Pivotal decisions had to be made, after 2006’s health struggles, about basic life issues: job, living arrangements, family, friends.

DETERIORATION (#23) and ADVERSITY (#47) were also recurring motifs in 2007. Though deterioration often connotes something negative, last year’s deterioration was unmistakably positive, as old self-defeating, life-denying habits of thought and conduct were summarily eliminated, one by one. What deteriorated was the old life that no longer worked; what supplanted the old life was a new life that is better than I could have hoped for.

This reminds me of the words of Jesus:

“If anyone is in Christ, the old has passed away. Behold, all things are made anew.”

2007: A Year of Enormous Change

The I Ching - not to mention the tao, for that matter - is all about change, and how to move with change. It teaches us how to stop resisting change. It educates us on the meaning of the specific changes in our lives. It alerts us to threatening change coming in the near future. And it affirms us when we successfully manage the changes of the past.

So, it is apropos that 2007 was a year of immense change; the tao would have it no other way. Much of that change involved #23 DETERIORATION.

Of course, whenever there is deterioration, there is always ADVERSITY. Change is never easy. Hence, number 47. I experienced great adversity last year, but I’m all the better for it. And I’m looking forward, with eyes of faith, to the wonderful things in store in 2008.

Gandalf the Grey has now become Gandalf the White (Lord of the Rings). That is a perfect metaphor for the changes I experienced in 2007.

Gnosis Arts I Ching Counseling Services

I grew up in the Midwest (Wisconsin) where hard work is not just valued but revered.

Taking care of yourself is not.

Of all the lessons I’ve had to learn in my business (and trust me there have been many) this is probably one of the hardest for me, and one I have to make a point of remembering.

Maybe this sounds familiar — you work and work until something happens and you stop for awhile. Maybe you get sick. Maybe you get over tired. Maybe a personal emergency happens (and be honest — it probably happened because you were neglecting your personal life to begin with) and you have to drop everything to deal with it.

Whatever it is, outside circumstances force you to take a break. You’re not taking a break for YOU.

Everyone is different, but for me I would battle feelings of guilt when I would take some time off. I should be working. There’s a to-do list sitting on my desk I should be going through. But the reality is your business is like your house. There is ALWAYS something you could be doing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should (or have to) be doing it.

If any of this is sounding familiar, read on. I’m going to share 3 reasons why you need to take regular breaks and be good to yourself.

1. There’s only one “you.” As an entrepreneur, your energy level is intimately tied to the success of your business. If you are constantly sick or have no energy, how on earth can you grow your business? And, for that matter, when you aren’t feeling well, do you really think you’re giving your clients the best service you could be? For the sake of your business and your clients, you owe it to yourself to take time off so you can be the best you can be during work times.

2. Get more done faster. Which scenario sounds better for your business — you wake at 7 am, exhausted and stressed, because you haven’t gotten enough sleep having gone to bed at midnight (and not falling asleep until 2 am) trying to finish “one last thing?” Or you wake at 7 am (or maybe 6 am) refreshed and energized for your work day, because you knocked off work at 5 pm, took some time off for yourself or your family, and was asleep by 10 pm?

I think you know the answer.

Yes, it can be very seductive to try and get “one more thing” done before you turn in for the night. But the reality is, you need your sleep. And you need time to unwind and get away from the computer before trying to fall asleep, or you aren’t going to sleep well.

Then, what ends up happening? You wake up dragging. So you’re not working as fast or as efficient as you could be. And you don’t finish everything you need to during a normal work day. So you try and catch up at night — and then you ***** up your sleep for another night.

It’s a vicious cycle. But if you can flip that, start getting a good night’s sleep each night, you’ll find that you have more energy during the day, you’ll get more done, and you don’t have to stay up late to finish those last to-do items.

This one can be tough to reverse. Be good to yourself. You might have to reorganize your schedule or to-do list for a week or two, so you have less to do during the day and can actually knock off at a reasonable time each night until you get yourself on a regular schedule.

3. Projects expand to fit the amount of time allowed to them. I never took physics but if this isn’t a physics law, it should be. As a freelancer, I experienced this all the time. During my slow periods, I still found myself working nearly the same amount as during my busy periods.

If I had 1 hour of work to do, and all day to do it, somehow it would take me all day to do it. If I had 6 hours of work to do and 4 hours to do it, I might not get everything done, but I would definitely zip through most of my to-do list.

It’s like when you’re about to go on vacation. There’s always this list of stuff you want to get done. You might not get everything done, but you’re probably more efficient the week before your vacation then the month prior.

Now if you start valuing taking time off for yourself, for instance maybe one day you decide you’re knocking off at 2 to go to a movie or take a nap or go to your kid’s soccer game, you’ll probably discover you get more done that day then you do on the days where you have a huge amount of open time available and no set “end” to your day.

The end result of all of this? You’ll end up working less hours overall, but during those hours you do work, you’ll probably be more efficient, productive, and happy (and you’ll also see your business grow more effortlessly and your clients will also be more satisfied).

Michele PW (Michele Pariza Wacek) is your Ka-Ching! marketing strategist and owns Creative Concepts and Copywriting LLC, a copywriting and marketing agency. She helps entrepreneurs become more successful at attracting more clients, selling more products and services and boosting their business. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.MichelePW.com

Copyright 2008 Michele Pariza Wacek.

What is a Miracle?

Dear Miraculous Ones,

The question for today is: What is a Miracle to you?

Further more:

How does one experience Miracles?

Where do Miracles come from?

How can we get some, or Not?

Can we see Miracles?

Are they for sale?

What color is a Miracle?

Some silly and not so silly questions!

The answers all lie within you and I and all of us, for we are the creators that manifest as Miracles. Our thoughts create Miracles. Miracles are wishes focused carefully. Miracles can be quite simple in fact. Sudden amazing occurrences are defined at times as Miracles.

What Miracles have you experienced in your life recently or ever? If you were to know, which I am sure you do, how did you create these Miracles? Taking these few minutes to ponder on these words, will activate your creative mind even further allowing more of your creative self to reveal itself.

Miracles are so wonderful. They give us such Joy all around. We believe in them as something so extra ordinary. They make us feel so good like we are loved and someone actually cares for us. Well, the truth of it all is, the Universe loves us and our Universal Consciousness which co-creates with this Universe creates all of the Miracles in our lives.

So, what does all of this tell us? Let us watch our thoughts carefully and create all the Miracles we want in our lives. One golden rule, and that is we must all be in a state of allowance.

So, today and everyday let us allow ourselves to be a source of Miracles in our lives and in others.”With our thoughts, all Miracles are possible
May the love and light of God and the Universe surround and Protect you, your loved ones and the planet earth.

Peace for all, Love is all, Joy to all, Wellness for all, Miracles are us and many many Blessings.

With Gratitude,

Michelle Morovaty

With God All Things Are Possible

ABOUT MICHELLE
Michelle Morovaty is an Intuitive Spiritual Teacher and Healer. She has healed herself from many challenges including Lupus CNS, a car accident and divorce. She uses her intuition and universal guidance to assist people through the healing process.

For more about Michelle see http://www.spiritualityinsideandout.com and for her healing guided meditation CD’s see http://www.insidenow.com

As I have mentioned previously, ( I am sure, many times) I work on line as a psychic, and have for several years. I ‘gave up’ working in the corporate world because I felt it was more important to help people than to balance a corporation’s general ledger for stock holders.

After the fall of Ms. Cleo (which, I am proud to say, I had a lot to do with) I started working for the two biggest companies on line which had psychics. One, I quit almost immediately, the other I will not be associated with past this month. I am giving up my chosen ‘profession’ because of the antics of these companies. I thought Ms. Cleo was a scam, I know these companies are. No one, who has any moral standards would stay and work for them.

By this time someone is asking - so why did you stay so long. The answer is simple - aside for financial reasons, I wanted to help people find their true path in life. I rejected all callers who asked when will they find their soul mate, etc. I thought, incorrectly, with the way this world is going that people would want to know how to help fix it, and find their true life path. Apparently I was wrong. Instead people are turning inward and asking instead - so how will all this affect me and how do I get what I want.

The more people are confused, the more they are turning to the use of spells, candles, curses, etc to achieve what they think they want in life. These things do not work. All they do is cost a lot of money to the sucker who is paying for them. I was told point blank - from Higher Powers - the use of spells, etc, goes against the Laws of Heaven. Anyone who uses them is turning to the Dark side. When I look at the so-called psychics on these sites, all I see are ‘experts’ claiming the use of such things will help prospective callers.

One of these sites has the ability to go to any caller’s computer and see what is on there. This was dangerous because some military people called on military computers. I understand the military found out about this and stopped this practice. The other of these sites is ‘owned’ by the Carlyle Corp. When I learned this, I quit them immediately.

When I told a friend I was quitting, I was asked - so what will you do now? I have no idea. I will continue to write and try to help people through my writings, but other than that - I do not know. I am not worried about it though. The Higher Powers have always taken care of me, and there is no reason to think they will not continue to do so.

People have asked me - so how do the Higher Powers tell you things. First of all - let me explain this - I have what is called true sight. This means, if someone starts telling me something - a picture develops in my mind and I can fill in the details they have not mentioned. As the picture unfolds,
I see what happens past the point they stop talking and see to conclusion of the ‘picture’. When
I was younger, I was very surprised everyone was not able to do this. This is just one of the abilities
I have.

Many years ago, on December 31st, I had voices literally screaming in my mind not to go out new years eve. I did not. A friend came over to spend new years with me so I would not be alone. He borrowed my car to drive a mile and a half to pick up some other friends who were also staying
home. He never made it. He lived through the wreck, but my car was totaled. The engine wound
up in the back seat. If I had been in the car, it would have been fatal for me.

Those are just two ways the Higher Powers communicate with me. The third, is over the computer. Whether the reader believes this or not, doesn’t matter, but I have copies of conversations from Higher Powers where they have told me what they want the world to know.

I have incorporated their words into everything I have written in the spirituality category. Most, not all, of these conversations occur when I am ‘chatting’ with Rhiannon Waits. Someone might say she is telling me these things. The difference is - she has no memory of these conversations and her screen is blank where my screen has the entire conversation. I print them out. After printing them, some have disappeared even though I have ‘saved’ them. In some instances, things I have written have been altered, adjusted or added to, such as Message Through the Grace of God and the Seven Essences. This title, by the way, I did not give. I called it My Vision. When I went back into my documents to proofread, it had changed.

I know the Dark One does not want me to ‘get the word out’. I know Lucifer likes the way things are going on this planet. Anyone who is trying to stay positive and live by the Laws are finding obstacles
in their way. This is Lucifer’s doing. He trying to get as many people as possible to give up and turn
to him. As the Higher Powers said - he is putting trip wires in the way of people who are going to the Light.

I am mentioning this so people will understand why things might be happening in their lives which are absolutely no fault of theirs. If they understand this, and absolutely reject the Dark one, they will find things will become much better for them.

I will try to get the government to set up some sort of guidelines for this psychic industry. As I mentioned, anyone can claim to be a psychic. There are absolutely no rules that govern this industry.
This is a free for all - literally - as most psychics do not even claim their earnings as there are no 1099’s sent at the end of the year.

I will continue to do psychic work - on my own site only. I will continue to try and help people find the Light and their true path. I will continue to write what the Higher Powers want the world to know.
I will continue to try and get their Message out. Everything else, as the expression goes - is in God’s Hands.

Athena Louise

http://www.athenalouise.com

Psychics, Psychos and Positive will soon be available. My next one, the Path to Spirituality is almost completed.

Henry Chester wrote, “Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world. It beats money, power and influence.”

Edward Appleton said, “I rate enthusiasm even above professional skill.”

And Mary Kay Ash went so far as to state, “A mediocre idea that generates enthusiasm will go farther than a great idea that inspires no one.”

The overall feeling from most of the quotations I discovered that refer to “enthusiasm” were that it breeds success and happiness. It is also the behavior most suggested in sales training. So, as I posed the question in the title, “Why do so few people have it and/or enjoy the benefits of enthusiasm?”

You may be thinking that I am just encountering the wrong people in the wrong situations. After all, there are lots of enthusiastic people. I wish there were. In my fitness classes, I do have a handful of enthusiastic students. They move, they sing, they yell and they smile. And yet I notice the majority act like they are just “putting up with it.”

Way back in the early 80s I was working as the manager of a textile design studio. There was a terrific young salesman named John who was enthusiastic about the fabrics and life in general. He and I put together a program for interior designers that consisted of him showing the new line of prints and my showing slides and explaining all about how those prints were created. The designers loved it, but the company VP thought that John and I were going overboard with our enthusiasm and halted our program.

And, then there is fake enthusiasm - worse than no enthusiasm. Bo Bennett agrees, “Faked enthusiasm is worse than bad acting - it is bad acting with the intent to deceive.” I think that this shows up often in sales. I feel that it is almost impossible to sell a product that one isn’t enthusiastic about.

In a past life I became involved with and sold a rather pricey goal setting program. It was my first foray into audio self-improvement. I loved it and was going gang busters, until a potential client asked me why he should pay close to $300 for my product when he could get a similar program from Nightingale Conant for only $70. I checked it out. My sales of the pricey program plummeted and I ended up selling Nightingale Conant tapes. I had lost my original enthusiasm.

It’s time to share some of the great quotations I found, and, if they don’t encourage you to work on your enthusiasm, I don’t know what will:

Dale Carnegie stated, “Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success.”

Was I Ching correct when he wrote, “He who possesses the source of enthusiasm will achieve great things. Doubt not. You will gather friends around you as a hair clasp gathers the hair.”

The strong and never, never give up statesman, Winston Churchill said, “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”

While Samuel Taylor Coleridge believed, “Nothing is so contagious as enthusiasm.”

And Benjamin Disraeli wrote, “Every production of genius must be the production of enthusiasm.”

All I know is that I love my life and live every day and every moment with enthusiasm. It may not be for everyone, but why not try it? It is much more FUN that way!

Chris King is an entrepreneur, professional speaker, storyteller, writer, website creator / designer, free agent, and fitness instructor. Sign up for her eclectic E-newsletter, Portfolio Potpourri, at http://www.freelanceliving.com You will find her information-packed E-book How to Leave Your Audiences Begging for MORE! at http://www.OutrageouslyPowerfulPresenter.com and her business website at http://www.CreativeKeys.biz

He felt the familiar dislocation as he drifted away from his physical form and came to rest beside the bed that contained his and his wife’s sleeping bodies. Looking down at them briefly, he felt both a part of them and as if he was a detached onlooker. This phenomenon had begun during a serious childhood illness and continued to occur in the present day. He became aware of the same conditions that had accompanied it in the past. The darkness was suffused with a vibrant blue aura as he hovered slightly above the floor.

The sense of well being and energy that permeated him was in no way related to the physical state of existence. Although he presently appeared to have a tangible body, this was probably a superfluous effect, as his thoughts were free and completely removed from bodily considerations. He experienced a profound lucidity that belied the possibility that this was a dream… Any further observations came to an abrupt halt, as just then, the doorbell rang.

He fleetingly acknowledged that this was unlikely in the early hours but he could not prevent his own immediate movement towards the head of the stairs. In passing, he noticed that his feet were not actually touching the steps as he descended the staircase and made to unlock the front door. It was far too late to heed the inner voice that startled him with its urgent imperative not to open the door.

Conclusions surfaced during the seconds that it had taken for him to commit to this inadvisable action.

The door that he was opening did not relate to this house but was instead one step removed from material reality. His instant reaction had left no pause between thought and deed and the fact that he’d taken his normal route through the house was attributable to habit rather than necessity.

Dread filled him as he swung the door back and absorbed the nightmare scene facing him. He retreated while realizing that he was not seeing the true face of the threat but, instead, a representation based upon his own expectations. Nevertheless, the danger was real and he had invited it into his home.

His mind raced as he decided that he must protect the souls in the bedroom above. He urgently backtracked up the stairs while facing the mélange of creatures that poured through the doorway. Positioning himself at the foot of the bed, between the couple and the approaching evil, he knew that only moments remained to ward off the impending harm. The horde crowded into the room and panic wracked him as he desperately searched for a way to fend off this impending peril.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a sense of calm and enlightenment infused him. Knowledge of what had to be done and a sheer confidence settled in where apprehension had previously existed.

Hesitation disappeared as he stared directly at the obscene and malevolent beings that pressed forward. Once prepared, he issued a command that left no room for negotiation…and quite simply ordered them to go!

His adversary seethed with anger but he knew now that they could only wreak havoc if he allowed them to…They fed off fear but could do no physical harm unless he first granted them permission.

With this knowledge he was also aware that what confronted him could never deny him providing he believed in himself and the greater powers that gave him existence.

Once again he commanded the evil to be gone and once more the throng endeavoured to intimidate him but their rebuttal was weaker now. Unwaveringly, he pressed them for a third time and the mass bridled but withdrew in spite of itself, vanishing into a void, leaving his home serene once more.

He relished the tranquillity for a moment before gradually turning to view the sleeping couple.

At that moment he heard a voice that conveyed a message of gentle pride as it congratulated him. “Well done” was all it said but, with that, a wave of warmth and love overcame him. He could not remember feeling such sheer contentment before and, uncharacteristically on these occasions, he was happy to return to his body. Drifting towards his inert form as it lay on the bed he let the restoration process take place.

There was a brief period of adjustment as the two forms began to merge, then finally they were one again. He opened his eyes and lay there for a while basking in the afterglow and then at last, with a smile on his face, he dropped off to sleep.

The sense of well being was still with him the following morning. He was making small talk with his wife when she happened to mention that she’d had a bad dream last night. She had dreamt that their doorbell had rung and, in her dream, they were both suddenly in danger…

Footnote:

For those of you that have experienced this phenomenon or something like it, perhaps you feel as I do that it cannot be easily dismissed. There are increasing reports of near-death experiences that bring with them a wealth of detail. The implication being that the Out of Body state may be more than simple fantasy. My own experiences over the years have provided substantial evidence both for myself and for those closest to me. The Tao Buddhists refer to our earthly existence as MAYA or Illusion, believing that we are in some way curtained off from true reality. One is given to wonder then what we would see, if we could pull aside the curtain?

Professional Numerologist and Astrologer, Peter Dobrovic offers personal consultations and professionally written reports based on over twenty years experience of practising Numerology. Peter, uses the three systems of Numerology, I Ching and the Chinese Horoscope to provide readings for his hundreds of satisified clients across the UK. You can visit his site at http://www.pdnumerology.com

He who stands on tiptoes

doesn’t stand firm.

He who rushes ahead

doesn’t go far.

He who tries to shine

dims his own light.

He who defines himself

can’t know who he really is.

He who has power over others

can’t empower himself.

He who clings to his work

will create nothing that endures.

Lao-tzu the author of the Tao Te Ching or The Way was born in China over 2500 years ago. His name is translated as the “Ancient Boy,” and he wrote one book that describes the art of living. It is a lesson in doing without doing; releasing myself into the deed itself so nothing becomes everything; like an athlete who enters a state of body awareness where the right stroke or the right movement happens by itself effortless. Without any interference of my conscious will I enter a state of non-effort, where the game plays the game or the poem writes the poem and the dancer and the dance are blended in unity. This is the way of the Tao.

By surrendering my thoughts of fear, anger, judgments and separation I learn to be compassionate and grateful. I feel the harmony that nature expresses and I become one with it. The more I let go of what I think I love, the more present love becomes and I begin to live my truth. I move from duality into a reality of love where all things have a message for me. There is no sin or evil to resist for it becomes a state of opaqueness, a state of self-absorption, which is in disharmony with the universal process. In the reality of love I clear my dirty windows of thought so that the light of wholeness shines in its splendor. My compassion becomes a tool for healing and I use it on myself in order to give it to others.

Lao-tzu understood that softness not rigidity was the tool needed to live in my changing world. Blending with the elements I am no longer a subject or an object; I am a whole part of the whole of nothing, which is the essence of everything. Traveling on my journey of remembering I can stand firmly on the ground and walk slowly in the pure light of awareness. I am able to empower myself and unite with my fellow travelers. I can work but enjoy the playfulness of the deed and be at peace with myself. Control is a self-help tool I use to calm my old friend the ego. Gratitude and giving are the tools that bring me joy and forgiveness. Abundance surrounds me and I sit in a seat of All There is, with all that I am.

The Ancient Boy is within me. Doing without doing is not only the expression of love; it is love itself. My energy is connected to the source of all energy and I am both the fuel and the flame. Changing constantly I expand and grow into a grander version of who I am; a spirit having a human experience. I float in the stream of consciousness that carries me through eternity and I become what I have always been; an expression of All There Is.

Howard (Hal) Thomas Manogue, was born in Philadelphia, and is a forerunner to the Indigo children, a now age term for misfit with an intuitive nature, a desire to know his truth with a gift of giving and sharing. Hal retired from the shoe industry after 35 years of sole searching, and discovered his real soul.

He enjoys art, music, philosophy, psychology, nature and people.

His poems have been published by: Mystic Pop Magazine, Children Of The New Earth Magazine, New Age Tribune, Seasons Of The Soul Newsletters, Lightship News and Writers In The Sky Newsletters. His essays can be found on Hal’s Blog and Website: http://halmanogue.blogspot.com/

http://www.shortsleeves.net

He lives in Franklin Tennessee.

Hal’s new book Short Sleeves Insights: Live A Ordinary Life In An Non-Ordinary Way will be in print in April. Visit any bookstore or Hal’s website to get a copy. Hal’s third Collection Of poetry: Short Sleeves A Book For Friends will also be in print in April.

The brain trust over at Google has come up with a little wacky, off-the-wall idea about Internet ads. Make them less annoying.

No, that’s it. That’s the whole plan. Seems like someone should have thought of that one a little earlier.

But bloggers can cash in with Google’s AdSense network. Instead of posting blinking lights, cheap animation and a bobbing and bouncing monkey (or the paper football, although I totally rock at that one) Google matches vertical or horizontal blocks of text with the content of the web page. The ads don’t blink or jump around. Instead, they match or relate to the topic at hand, so the reader isn’t seized with the immediate need to get it off the screen…right now…no matter what it costs.

Traffic goes up, income goes up. Making money on the Internet – it may be the World Wide Web’s Holy Grail. Still, despite the simplicity, there are several steps savvy bloggers can take to give AdSense added oomph.

Here are some other almost obvious tips:

• Don’t make it boring. Boring equals bad. More importantly, boring drives readers away in two clicks. No one wants to read for three days straight why organizing your closet via season, not color, makes sense. Try to keep content fresh and continually updated. The more often people check in to see what else is going on in your world, the more often you hear cha-ching. Wash-rinse-repeat a few times, and you have created a loyal and happy reader.

• Make it easy to read. People cannot read blue text on a black screen! Keeping the layout simple and clean is the easiest way not to ***** anything up. A general rule calls for placing an advertisement “above the fold,” or in place on the first portion of the screen before any scrolling is required.

• Think about ad placement. Don’t try to squish a horizontal advertisement into a vertical one. Google provides plenty of ad options from including a link to placing an ad in the middle of some text so no need exists to use the wrong ad. If you don’t know what size to make an idea, going too wide will look the best.

• Listen to your readers. Most of them are not to hesitant to give an honest opinion of a new advertisement type or content or anything else for that matter. If moving all your ads to the bottom of a rambling ode to your dead parakeet causes income to crash, then, well, maybe you shouldn’t do that. Consider making small, gradual changes and watching your traffic numbers.

• Remember why you started blogging. Bloggers blog for fun, for release, for a creative jolt and any other number of reasons. But, usually, not because the idea of sitting at the computer makes them think of a dentists’ drill. If it stops being fun for you, your readers will likely realize it. And who wants to be around that guy? If you find your self in a slump, give yourself permission to take a day or two off. Then, think about why you do this and what you want out of it. Plus, it’s totally an addiction, so after a day or two you will be itching to get back.

Just because it took surfers years to almost literally rising up in arms against pop ad is no reason your blog can’t start earning money now. Follow these tips and let Google’s AdSense do most of the work.

Michelle is a bona fide professional blogger. If you’re aiming for six figure online profits then you NEED her fun advice! Read her Make money online column and start profiting right away.

Research indicates that tea may work against heart attacks, stroke, and thrombosis. Tea contributes to this in several ways. It does so in a general way through its role as gentle stimulant to the heart and circulatory system. Secondly, it appears to keep the blood vessel walls soft. Thirdly, there is evidence that the phenols in tea inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the digestive tract, which could help decrease the cholesterol in the bloodstream. Fourthly, it may decrease the blood’s tendency to form thrombi, or unwanted clots. Often several of these functions operate together against stroke or heart attack. Strokes and thrombosis often occur because the blood vessels have lost their elasticity. Rutin, found in green tea, has long been prescribed to keep these walls soft.

Green tea has turned out to be a double-barrelled threat to tooth decay because of the natural polyphenols (tannin) and the fluoride it contains. Polyphenols tend to reduce the formation of plaque, while fluoride strengthens tooth enamel so that it can resist decay.

Considerable research is being carried out on the role of tea drinking in preventing cancer. Out of 25 papers related to health presented at the Hangzhou Symposium, seven reported on research on cancer and tumors. Green tea seems to get the best results, with Lung Ching Preferred. Stomach cancer, the number one cause of death in Japan, is at its lowest rate in Shizuoka prefecture along the coast southwest of Tokyo. One explanation is that Shizuoka is a tea-growing district and its inhabitants drink large amounts of green tea.

Researchers believe that green tea has an effect against cancer because it inhibits the formation or action of cancer-causing substances. Green tea may block the action of nitrosamines which can cause cancer, said Dr. Han Chi, and associate professor at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Hygiene under the Chinese Academy of Preventative Medicine. In a test of 145 types of tea, she and her colleagues rated green tea highest, with a blocking rate of 90 percent. Brick, Jasmine, oolong, and black tea followed in that order.

In China it is widely stated that green tea is a source of vitamin C. Since this vitamin is destroyed by heat and tea is made in hot water, this statement seems somewhat contradictory. However, recent tests in China have found that heat destruction of vitamin C does occur, but not in tea. Something in tea, as yet undetermined, apparently helps stabilize vitamin C.
The amount of vitamin C contained in green tea varies greatly depending on growing conditions, the age of the leaves at picking, and how long they have been stored. According to Chinese calculations, typical green tea made with three grams of dry leaves to a cup should yield about six milligrams of vitamin C in three infusions in water at 158 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit (70 to 100 degrees centigrade). Eighty-five percent of the vitamin C is released in one five minute infusion at 176 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees centigrade). Tea also contains vitamins B1, B2, K and bioflavonoids plus niacin, folic acid, and manganese, but in such small amounts as to be negligible.

Another way tea may help fight cancer is through preventing cell mutation. The antioxidant actions of the polyphenols in green tea inhibit mutation of the DNA in healthy cells, which can cause them to become cancer cells. In rats injected with a cancer-causing substance and fed green tea, cancer did not develop, but it did in the control group without tea.

An antioxidant made from green tea applied to the skin significantly inhibited growth of induced skin cancer in mice. In similar tests in Fujian province, green tea markedly decreased the incidence of Lung cancer in rats. It seems to be the epigallo catechin gallate (EGCC) that reduces the occurence of aberrant DNA replication in epithelial cells.

Some researchers claim tea acts as a mild germicide in the digestive tract to help prevent food poisoning and diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. “The antibacterial effects of tea have been well documented in Chinese scientific literature,” writes Dr. Albert Y. Leung in Chinese Herbal Remedies. “Green teas have stronger effects than black teas. They are effective against any types of bacteria, including those that cause dysentery, diphtheria, and cholera… in treating bacillary dysentery, amoebic dysentery, acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of stomach and intestine), and enteritis (inflammation of the intestine).”

When pregnant or nursing only small amounts of green tea should be used, it may also interfere with the action of MAO inhibitors and blood thinning medication. Also the consumption of green tea may interfere with the absorption of medicines. This article is intended to be for information about the nutritional benefits of green tea only and should not be regarded as medical advice in its own right. You should seek the assistance of a qualified physician if you require medical advice on any condition mentioned in this article.

Want to experience the benefits of green tea for yourself? Visit In Nature Green Teas which offers top quality Chinese teas (and herbs) for sale securely online.

Hinduism is more than an outer religion of certain rituals and formalities. Hinduism is in fact a way of life; a spiritual code. This spiritual code or Dharma is at the heart of Hinduism and governs the moral and spiritual practices of its believers. Through the practise of Yoga proscribed in Hindu scripture adherents can seek to attain union with God. As Sri Chinmoy writes:

“Know Thyself.” This is what Hinduism stands for. This is the quintessence of Hinduism”

As well as stressing the need for self-discovery, another notable feature of Hinduism is its tolerance. This is tolerance of other religions, other cultures and other spiritual paths. Inevitably certain fanatics have ignored this aspect, but the heart of Hinduism is notable for its inclusivity and oneness. “Unity in Diversity” is its goal. Hinduism as a religion is perhaps unique in not stressing the need for conversion. The Great Rishis and Saints offer the sublime truth that many are the paths to the goal. Sri Chinmoy states:

“ True Hinduism abjures all that divides and separates. Hinduism gives due importance to all the spiritual figures of the world. It recognises a great harmony in their teachings.”

As well as embracing the spiritual wisdom of other cultures, there is also great diversity within Hinduism itself. The different branches of Hinduism will appeal to people of different temperaments. For example in bhakti yoga the seeker meditates and concentrates on his chosen deity (Be it Sri Krishna or Maha Kali), feeling they are approaching God through the personal aspect of God. Another path of Hinduism, primarily the philosophy of Vedanta, stresses the Impersonal aspect of God and leads the adherent to see beyond the realm of matter or “maya”. Another confusion to outsiders is the multiplicity of Gods and Goddesses within Hinduism, but the Hindu scriptures teach these are but the various aspects and manifestations of the One Supreme God who embodies both the finite and infinite and at the same time transcends both. Hinduism happily embraces these diverse paths.

Hinduism is an adaptable religion it stems from the great Vedic Sages who wrote down the eternal truths of their meditations. Over the course of the centuries Hinduism has picked up new ideas, methods and has adapted to different cultures. However at the heart of Hinduism remains man’s essential quest for union with the Absolute Supreme. Sometimes the outer body of Hinduism appears to veer away from this truth. But Saints and sages throughout the ages have sought to reinvigorate Hinduism with the timeless and eternal message that Hinduism stands for.

R. Sedgewick is a spiritual seeker and writes on spiritual topics. He contributes to a site about Sri Chinmoy

The subtle energies of the body, Polarity Therapy,

Tantra and cultivating sexual energy

Empirical science has yet to prove the existence of the subtle anatomies. Yet the mystical traditions have articulated them for millennium. The Sepherot of the Kaballistic Tree of Life, the meridians of the Chinese acupuncture system and the chakras of the Ayurvedic system are examples. They all convey the knowledge of a subtle energy which they assert is the link between the spiritual realms and life as we know it. Each uses their unique language and concepts to describe the precipitation of the mind of God into energy and into physical manifestation. The Chinese call this energy ‘chi’, ‘ki’ by the Japanese and ‘prana’ by the Hindus. The Kahunas of Hawaii call it ‘mana’; Christ called it ‘light’.

The system of Ayurvedic medicine has evolved over the past 5,000 years. It is based on the Hindu scriptural Veda’s, which are the world’s oldest documented spiritual writings. Ayurveda offers a highly specific description of the subtle anatomy. It recognizes five sheaths, or layers of energy through the body. They are described from the most dense to the most subtle. The first and outer most layer is the bones, muscle and skin. The next, more, subtle sheath is respiration. Next in subtlety is the sheath of cognition, associated with the nervous system and the thinking mind. Next is the sheath of discretion, which relates to our moral choices and their consequences. Most subtle of all is the chakra system; the interface between the cosmic vibrations of creation and the grosser anatomical systems of the physical body.

Chakra, from the Sanskrit, means ‘wheel of spinning light.’ The ancients taught there are seven chakras in the body. They are located just in front of and along the spinal column. These generators and reservoirs of energy are also areas of consciousness. The first five chakras are associated with an element of nature (earth, water, fire, air, or ether) and with one of the senses (smell, taste, sight, touch and hearing). All of the chakras are associated with a tonal quality, a numerical and alphabetical value, and a color. When the chakras are in tune the body, mind and spirit experience harmony. Charles and Caroline Muir offer an analogy:

Consider the chakras as the strings of a guitar. Each string vibrates at a different frequency and gives off a different note. Over time the strings may resonate sharp or flat, and they require tuning. When they are in tune, the sound the guitar produces is harmonious. Similarly, when the chakras are in tune, one achieves harmony.

The Base chakra is found at the coccyx bone at the tip of the spine. It resonates with the earth element, the adrenal glands of the endocrine system and the sense of smell. It rules the organs of structure such as bones, muscles, and connective tissues as well as elimination. There is a correlation between the earth element and our need for structure and safety in the world.

The second chakra is found at the sacrum. It resonates with the water element, the reproductive glands and the sense of taste. It rules the fluids of the body such as blood, lymph, sexual secretions and tears. It correlates to sexuality and all creative energies. There is an interesting link between the sense of taste and sexuality in this chakra. Mantak Chia, in his book Taoist Secrets of Love, states:

Many people confuse the hunger for food and *** as being similar biological desires that are both necessary for survival. Clearly they are connected, as many people feeling sexual frustration turn to food for gratification. An imbalance in ching (sex) energy ranks as a major cause of obesity—when you are sexually frustrated, food is the easiest substitute.

The third chakra is found at the solar plexus. It resonates with the fire element, the Isle’s of Langerhan (which produce insulin in the pancreas) and the sense of sight. It rules the organs of digestion and metabolism. This chakra correlates to the assertion of and the abuse of power.

The fourth chakra is found at the heart. This is the center for the Air element, the thymus gland and the sense of touch. The heart chakra rules respiration and immunity. With the arms it addresses how we bring the world to us and how we share ourselves with the world. It correlates to a sense of altruistic love in the world.

The fifth chakra is found at the throat. It rules the Ether element, the thyroid and para-thyroid glands, the organs of speech and the sense of hearing. The throat chakra correlates to “speaking one’s truth” and to taking action based on that truth.

The last two chakras transcend the denser elements and senses. These are the subtlest energetic harmonics.

The sixth chakra, often called the 3rd eye, is found between the eye brows. It relates to the 6th sense of psychic and paranormal experience. It is associated with the pituitary gland of the endocrine system and is the source of spiritual vision.

The Crown Chakra is found at the top of the head and it relates to the pineal gland. This is the seat of mystical experience. It is the place where the mind releases all boundaries and concepts and experiences life in its full unity.
There are a number of energy therapy systems such as Reiki and Therapeutic Touch. In my own journey I have found Polarity Therapy to be the most effective way to effect the chakra energy system. Polarity Therapy is the life’s work and teachings of Dr. Randolph Stone. Dr. Stone was a doctor of osteopathy, a doctor of naturopathy and a chiropractor. He would treat clients for symptoms and then notice that they returned with the same chronic pains and illnesses. As well trained as he was he felt he was missing something. His curiosity led him to study mystical healing modalities across the world. Richard Gordon describes Dr. Stone’s search:

In China and France he studied acupuncture and herbology. In the orient, he learned reflexology and other eastern massage techniques. In the course of his work, he stumbled across the ancient Spagyric art of healing as taught by the great Doctor Paracelsus von Hohenheim, who had studied in Arabia. This provided Dr. Stone with essential knowledge of subtle electromagnetic fields of the body. Over the course of sixty years, Dr. Stone integrated this wealth of knowledge into a system he named Polarity Therapy.

Dr. Stone realized that successful healing must take place on the energetic fields as well as the physical level. That’s why chronic pain and illness often return when treatments just address the physical symptoms. Polarity utilizes gentle touch, rocking and deep pressure point work to release blocked energy in the energy fields. Dr. Robert K. Hall, MD teaches it this way: the work calls forth the spirit found at the very core of an individual. The essence of that core is Love. To experience true healing all the trauma and fear that is layered over that core of love must come out. That’s what we at the Lomi School call ‘working through the body.’ Many therapeutic models do their work ‘on’ a body, or something you ‘do’ to people. Working through the body calls forth the very essence of spirit.

Cultivating sexual energy

The Eastern traditions recognize that sexual energy can be a potent source of spiritual energy. The Kaballist’s have their ‘Sex Magic,’ the Taoists have their ****** rituals and the East Indians and Tibetans have Tantra. Tantra is the art and science of cultivating sexual energy and directing it to spiritual transformation. Deepak Chopra says,

“Tantra is the closest you can get to magic or alchemy or transmutation. Tantric rituals are basically spiritual disciplines that allow you to trap and transform power. When properly understood, tantra is one of the most dynamic and consistent paths to enlightenment. Of course, sexuality is a component of it. Tantra acknowledges that sexual energy is the most powerful energy in the universe because it is the creative energy in the universe.”

I think exploring the concepts and practices of ****** rituals are important for westerners. We have a deep sexual wounding from our Judeo-Christian heritage. Our sexual natures were first denied when Adam and Eve “saw their nakedness” as they were evicted from the Garden of Eden. The teaching of original sin is a body centered, sexual one. ****** rituals teach us to hold our bodies as sacred. To experience sexual energy as the cosmic creative gift that it is.

A primary key in Tantra is an ability to be present with your partner; to focus with eye-contact, to match the rhythms of the breath, or meditate together. Tantra also teaches the importance of mastering the ******. Women have four levels of orgasm: the clitoral orgasm, the vaginal orgasm, multiple ******* and the amrita, or divine nectar. Men are taught to master ejaculation. Rather than lose their sexual energy out through the ***** the orgasmic energy is directed up the chakras. Thus men become capable of multiple *******.

Tantric rituals are most effective in committed long-term relationships. The defenses and barriers of our personality are healed in the safety, intensity and intimacy of our primary relationships. My friend Sean Michael used to say, “Intimacy means In-To-Me- See.” Keith Hennessy defines intimacy as, “An un-armed encounter between two individuals.” Both of these describe the expression of a self without the armor of defenses, a vulnerability of just being with another person. Commitment is needed to create the container that allows all the personality defenses to present themselves. Safety and vulnerability come as those defenses are consciously healed. Mastering ****** energy has two primary results. As the art of love making it creates ecstatic satisfaction. It also generates intense energy for healing on all levels of body, mind and spirit.

As a teacher and a professional body-worker, I think it wise to add: a spiritual and body-centered transformation can be a personal journey and/or work with a teacher or professional. The practices that involve a teacher, a therapist or facilitator are not to be used for cultivating sexual energy. Healthy, consensual *** is defined as *** between two individuals who share an equal balance of power. This excludes professional relationships such as Doctor/Psychotherapist and patients, Lawyer/Massage therapist and clients, or teachers and students. *** between a client and professional is abusive. ****** rituals invoke powerful energetic experiences. Utilized unconsciously they negatively effect relationships and spiritual evolution.

Alan Davidson is the co-author of Healing the Heart of the World with Prince Charles, Carolyn Myss, John Gray, and Neal Donald Walsch. Alan, a Registered Massage Therapist since 1988, is the owner and director of Essential Touch Therapies in Houston, Texas. He has a B.S. from University of Houston, Downtown, with an emphasis on psychology, sociology, philosophy, and religion. Alan is fascinated with the intersection of bodywork, psychology, ritual, and spiritual practice. Having taught massage, meditation, yoga, and human transformation since 1990 he is currently on the teaching staff at NiaMoves Studio. Alan wholeheartedly believes, “Life is for the fun of it!” You can reach Alan at http://www.throughyourbody.com

As Winter is slowly giving way to Spring, it is easy to look around at all the new beginnings. Slowly, little plants are beginning to poke their heads out of the ground, and trees are blossoming into pretty shades of new pink, white, and lavender.

Spring is a wonderful time of the year to think about knitting. What it means to be knitting. Why I knit, and why I love it so much. What about knitting, is so fulfilling to me.

I think anyone who knits and loves to knit, will tell you they love to knit for a variety of reasons. At their core, those reasons all hold the same essence. Passion. Another word for it would be fulfillment. There is something beyond money, beyond fame, beyond ego, that has us knitting.

That something I like to call “the tao of knitting.”

Like the Bible, the Tao Te Ching is a spiritual guide; one that has been around for centuries. It inspires, teaches, assists with the rigors of daily life, and provides examples of how best to find peace within ourselves, for each other, and for the world in which we live.

Whether we be learning from the Tao Te Ching or learning how to knit, purl, and yarn-over, the lessons are very much the same. A few examples would be:

– building self-esteem and self-acceptance. Knitting is a great way to formulate self-esteem. In today’s harried, rushed world in which we all live, finding substance in the things we do is often a difficult endeavor. Too often we are left wondering if our talents are needed, and even if we have talents at all! By learning to knit, there is no doubt that when finished with our projects, that we always have something to show for our efforts; the trappings of our “yarn life” are always useful.

– bringing greater joy and creativity to daily life. Why, when you knit, it is practically a given, that those simple rhythms, those quiet needle clicks, and back-and-forth cadences of creating row upon row of our patterns, help to create endorphins in our brains; those key receptors which produce a calming effect in our lives. This is documented behavior. But, we knitters could have told you that.

– understand life as a series of changes and challenges. For life is transformation. It is always evolving into something else, something more, not less; yet, we have to see that for ourselves. Not a day goes by where we can say, joy is mixed with sadness, serenity is suffused with conflict, ease blends with difficulty. When we knit, oftentimes there are challenges to patterns, stitch work which may be initially foreign to anything which we’ve tried before, even words and phrases new to us, which make the going slow, indeed. Perserverance prevails, and when we stick to our resolve, we come away with knitted creations that are sublime; just this side of heaven, and truly our masterpieces.

So many of life’s little lessons are learned along the way, when we knit. Patience, self-awareness, growing in harmony with ourselves and other knitters we meet along the way, welcoming challenges as good things, allowing even the mistakes to have a place in our lives.

Follow your heart to all things knitted. It is the road which leads you to life.

Alice Seidel works as a freelance writer. She is the author of dozens of articles, a full-length book on knitting, and is the Author and Publisher of “Knit Stitch & Whimsy”, a monthly knitting newsletter. For details, visit ==> http://www.theknitstitch.com

Online distant psychic readings may be more accurate, reliable and genuine than face to face or telephone psychic readings. Distant psychic readings are usually conducted today via email and sometimes by traditional mail service. Distant psychic readings are conducted usually without the psychic reader ever meeting or speaking to the client. The client asks questions pertaining to his or her life and a psychic uses intuitive senses to determine a probable outcome or solution to those questions. Many times this practice is similar to methods used for remote viewing and distant healing. This method dispenses with the possibility of the reader picking up on visual or verbal clues evident in face to face or telephone readings.

Face to face and telephone psychic readings, as mentioned, run the risk of the reader tuning into visual and verbal clues offered by the client. These types of readings are often referred to as Cold Readings, or coaching and fishing for information used by many con artists and people posing as genuine psychics. It is my personal belief that the majority of today’s alleged psychics practice various forms of cold reading techniques. Genuine psychics do exist but they are few and far between. Perhaps less than five percent of all practicing psychics today exhibit actual intuitive abilities; the remaining will rely on showman tactics rather than psychic skills to conduct their readings. The truth is that many alleged psychics do little more than tell clients exactly what they want to hear.

Not all psychics who conduct in person or telephone psychic readings are disingenuous. However, I would advise anyone interested in receiving a psychic reading to seek out readers with a proven track record in providing distant readings. Psychics with knowledge and experience in areas of remote viewing, distant healing and other extra sensory skills which do not require a client’s input and feedback may also be considered preferable to those without such knowledge and skills. I would also caution those interested in psychic readings to avoid psychics who rely heavily on gimmicks and charisma alone to attract a clientele.

Jeffry R. Palmer is the author of several books dealing with the subjects of metaphysics and paranormal phenomena. His articles and columns have been featured in several popular international magazines. And his amazingly accurate and detailed psychic predictions have captured the attention of an international audience.

Personal psychic readings by Mr. Palmer are available through the http://the-psychic-detective.com web site. These psychic readings are kept in strict confidence, cover all aspects of life, are extremely accurate and detailed and are very simple to purchase. Mr. Palmer also offers a 100% money back guarantee to clients if they aren’t completely satisfied with their readings.

http://the-psychic-detective.com/Psychic-Readings.htm

The one-sentence soul secret of prevention of sickness is: Prevent sicknesses of the soul first; then prevention of all sicknesses will follow.

How did I discover this secret? You might find my story very interesting. As a medical intuitive, over my whole life’s practice, whenever I could see a dark shadow in someone’s organ or part of the body, I would ask the person, “Do you feel anything wrong with your body?” Many times, they told me what they were suffering from. It always matched what I saw.

In 2008 I was teaching a weekend workshop in Germany for about two hundred people. I talked about soul healing. I walked down the center aisle of the lecture hall, stopped suddenly, and pointed to a man sitting on the aisle. I asked him to stand up. I didn’t know his name. I had never met him before but I saw a big dark shadow at the top of his chest. I told everybody, “This man has a blockage in this area,” and I pointed to the top of his chest. He immediately reported, “This is amazing. How did he know I have a blockage here? Since childhood, I have had challenges in my lungs. They have bothered me for many, many years. I even had an operation on my chest.”

I offered this man a Divine Soul Operation to clear the dark shadow. A surgeon uses a scalpel to operate. A Soul Operation is not a medical service. It uses divine light to open the body spiritually and remove blockages. The Divine offers the Soul Operation. I am just a vehicle. I also offered the man a Divine Soul Transplant of Divine Lungs, which means that the Divine replaces the original souls of the lungs with new divine souls of lungs. After receiving the Soul Operation and the Soul Transplant, the man instantly felt a release and opening in his chest. He was very moved and touched.

This story shares the wisdom that I saw a dark shadow in the man’s lungs, which corresponded with discomfort he had in that area for his whole life. Sometimes when I see a dark shadow in a specific part of someone’s body and I ask that person if he or she has any problem there, the person may not feel any sickness or discomfort in that area at all. That was something that I was very curious about for many years. Finally, when I saw this situation again, I did soul communication. I asked the soul of the organ, “What does this dark shadow mean?” The answer was, “The soul of the organ is sick.” I had this “aha” moment a few years ago. Afterward I was able to observe many other cases. They all confirmed this major secret. Now is the time to share this major secret for prevention of sickness. This one-sentence secret is:

Before any system, any organ, any cell, any DNA or RNA becomes sick, the soul of the system, organ, cell, DNA or RNA becomes sick.

Soul sickness is indicated precisely by changes in the color of the soul. The normal color of the soul is gold. When the color changes to gray or dark, the soul is sick. For example, I saw a dark shadow in the liver area for a person. This person felt no discomfort at all in his liver area. A medical examination indicated that his liver function was completely normal. In conventional medicine, this is absolutely correct: his liver was normal. However, with the teaching of this chapter, you now know that his liver was not normal because the soul of his liver was already abnormal.

The soul of the liver is the boss of the mind and body of the liver. If the soul of the liver is sick, it will influence the energy flow of the liver. The energy flow of the liver will be blocked. Then sickness of the liver will occur. There are many kinds of sicknesses of the liver according to conventional modern medicine but, as Soul Mind Body Medicine teaches, they are all due to energetic and spiritual blockages. For soul healing, it does not matter what kind of sickness of the liver you have. Focus on healing the soul of the liver first; then healing of the mind and body of the liver will follow.

Dr. Sha was trained as a Western medical doctor and a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine. He is a grandmaster of many ancient disciplines, including tai chi, qi gong, feng shui, and the I Ching. He is the NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of Power Healing, Soul Mind Body Medicine, Soul Communication, Soul Wisdom and his new book The Power of the Soul. Visit http://www.drsha.com.