Brain GYM and Reading

https://ezinearticles.com/?Brain-GYM-and-Reading&id=9300591

My day began with taking a class on Brain Gym 101, led by Mari Miyoshi.

She is such a delight!

Brain Gym is this self-improvement technique discovered by Dr. Paul Dennison. It caught my attention because Dennison worked as a public-school teacher and reading specialist in the 1960s, researching more effective ways to help children and adults with learning difficulties. As a result, he came up with this technique.

It consists of 26 movements and works towards balancing your brain.

One of my absolute favourites was the sequence called PACE.

It begins with taking a sip of water, which nourishes your nervous system.

Sipping Water stands for E (Energy) in PACE.

BRAIN BUTTONS stand for C (Clear) in PACE.

Rest one hand over your navel. With the thumb and fingers of the other hand, feel for the two hollow areas under the collarbone, about one inch out from the canter of the chest. Rub these areas vigorously for 30 seconds. If you want to add an extra level of complexity, you can also look from left to right.

Why do we do it? This stimulates the carotid arteries which supply freshly oxygenated blood to the brain. They help re-establish directional messages from parts of the body to the brain, improving reading, writing, speaking and the ability to follow directions.

CROSS-CRAWL stands for A (Active) in PACE.

Standing up, "march" in place, alternately touching each hand to the opposite knee.

Continue during the course of four to eight complete, relaxed breaths.

Why do we do this? This exercise is wonderful for improving reading, listening, writing and memory. It co-ordinates the whole brain.

The last exercise in the sequence called Hook-Ups. It stands for P (Positive) in PACE.

Start by sitting in a chair, resting your left ankle on top of your right knee. Grasp your left ankle with your right hand and the ball of your right foot with your right hand. As you inhale, place your tongue flat against the roof of your mouth, about one-quarter of an inch behind your front teeth. Relax your tongue as you exhale. Close your eyes and rest in this posture for four to eight complete breaths.

Now uncross your legs, placing your feet flat on the floor. Lightly steeple the fingertips of both hands

together, as if you were enclosing a ball.

Keep your eyes closed as you continue to lift your tongue on the inhalation and lower it on the exhalation, relaxing in this position during the course of four to eight complete breaths.

This exercise connects the two hemispheres of the brain and strengthens the body's electrical energy, particularly in stressful environments such as offices. Reported benefits are increased vitality and improved self-esteem.

I plan to use this sequence to set the stage for learning and reading. It certainly had an energizing and soothing effect on my brain. I highly recommend the program!

Memory Course on Udemy https://www.udemy.com/5-steps-to-remembering/?couponCode=Friendsandfamily+

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9300591

Why A Leader, Must Think, OUTSIDE The Box?

After, over four decades, of involvement, in nearly every aspect of leadership, from identifying, qualifying, training, developing, planning, and consulting, to thousands of actual, and/ or, potential leaders, as well as serving, as a leader, in a variety of positions, for various organizations, I have come to believe, although one must understand the time - tested techniques, heritage, and ideas, he must be ready, willing, and able, to think, OUTSIDE the box! How can any group, benefit, when any leader, merely, remains within his personally created/ self - imposed, comfort zone, and, merely, proceeds forward, with the same - old, same - old ways, etc? With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means, and represents, and why it's such, an important, essential consideration, etc.

1. Options; opportunities; open - mind; offers: There are nearly always, several options, and alternatives, and a well - prepared, leader, considers these, and chooses the finest, possible opportunities! He proceeds, with an open - mind, and, considers, thoroughly, what each, offers, to make a difference, for the better!

2. Useful; uses; usual/ unusual; unique; urgent: Instead of just, doing, one should seek the most useful, approach, etc! How someone, uses his skills, etc, makes a huge difference! What unique skills, abilities, and/ or, mindset, someone possesses, often, becomes significant! A quality leader, clearly articulates, a compelling, inspiring, motivating message, in order, to communicate, and differentiate, between urgent priorities, and lesser ones!

3. Time - tested; timely; trendsetter: It's important to know, thoroughly, the time - tested, techniques, but, to also, avoid, being trapped, by them! Great leaders must be trendsetters, who proceed, in well - considered, timely ways!

4. Service; sustainable system; solutions: When the priority is quality service, someone looks to introduce viable, relevant, sustainable solutions, for the common good! He inspires others, to participate, and welcome, his system, for achieving, meaningful objectives!

5. Ideas; integrity; innovate; imagination: How should you, evaluate the quality of your ideas, and be certain, they are, in the best interests of those, you serve, and represent? Will you proceed, consistently, with genuine, absolute integrity, combined with a willingness to innovate, with a well - developed, relevant imagination?

6. Delve deeply; deliver: Go beyond the surface, and delve deeply into the true priorities, needs, and perceptions, and, do all you can, to deliver the finest leadership!

7. Empathy; emphasis; endurance; excellence: Will you take the time, to effectively, listen, and learn, from every conversation, and experience, so you might proceed, with genuine empathy? Will you align your emphasis, with this finding? Will you overcome obstacles, and have the endurance, to proceed forward, when others, will not, or cannot? How will you demand, your utmost degree of personal,genuine, excellence?

If you hope to be a real leader, think, OUTSIDE, the box! Will you settle for good - enough, or the same - old, same - old, when your constituents, deserve, and need better?

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands of leaders, and conducted personal development seminars, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. His company, PLAN2LEAD, LLC has an informative website http://plan2lead.net and Plan2lead can also be followed on Facebook http://facebook.com/Plan2lead

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Richard_Brody/492539

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10175041https://ezinearticles.com/?Why-A-Leader,-Must-Think,-OUTSIDE-The-Box?&id=10175041

Life Is a Treasure Hunt

Once upon a time there was an unusually optimistic little boy named Max. Max's parents were worried that he was actually incapable of seeing the world like a normal kid, so they decided to take him to a psychiatrist to see if she could talk some sense into him.

The psychiatrist was getting frustrated with Max's absolute refusal to perceive negativity and was ready to try anything. Christmas was coming and she made a wild suggestion to Max's parents. Instead of gifts this year, she encouraged them to fill the back yard with horse manure. Not knowing what else to do, his parents agreed.

On Christmas morning, they were shocked to see Max, instead of being horrified, actually shrieking with delight.

"Why are you so happy, Max?" his parents demanded. "Can't you see? With all this manure, there must be a pony here somewhere!"

This is an extreme example, to be sure, but I do strongly believe and continue to prove that:

Everything either IS a gift or it HAS a gift!

We all love the experiences that immediately feel like a gift - the financial windfall, the perfect job offer, the date with the wonderful someone. It's the other experiences - the ones that are masquerading as something unwanted - that require a shift in perception.

What if you truly believed that the very unwanted situation you are experiencing is actually a gift in disguise?

If you really believed there was a gift waiting for you, would you start looking for it? Would you make it fun? Would you turn it into a treasure hunt?

Everything changes when you align with this new perspective. You no longer give in to suffering and despair. You're too busy looking for and finding treasures!

Instead of responding from a low vibration:

*"Why me?"

*"I never get a break."

*"Why can't I ever get what I want?"

Maintain your power by sincerely asking:

*"What's the gift in this situation?"

*"What's perfect about this?"

*"What's the wonderful thing that will come of this?"

This is what the Buddhists call turning poison into medicine.

The Law of Attraction teaches that we attract what we focus on. If we give into a mindset of "life sucks," we will experience one sucky experience after another.

However, if we choose the mindset of "life is good!" and maintain the willingness to find the gift in everything, we will experience a steady stream of good times.

Life is a treasure hunt, so no matter what happens, let's focus all our resources on finding the treasure. And, like Max, we'll be happy and excited knowing there must be a pony here somewhere!

Everything either IS a gift or it HAS a gift!

Kate Corbin is a Law of Attraction Coach and the creator of Gold Star Coaching. Both her coaching practice and her three eBooks - "Dining at the Cosmic Cafe, How to Be and Do and Have Whatever You Desire;" "Manifesting from the Inside Out with the Law of Attraction;" and "Think and Grow Thin with the Law of Attraction" - are designed to empower you to truly live the life of your dreams. To contact Kate and download a free copy of her eBook "Magical Musings on the LOA," visit Gold Star Coaching.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kate_Corbin/32923

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9888772https://ezinearticles.com/?Life-Is-a-Treasure-Hunt&id=9888772

Japanese Psychology and Emotions

Emotions are impulses to act. They force you to stop, assess any potential threat, and then act, all within a split second. Some of the stronger emotions like fear and anger are very threatening and can trigger the fight or flight response all by themselves.

People often confuse negative emotions with stress. They are two different things. Negative emotions are just emotions. The stress response involves emotions but transcends them. How you perceive negative emotions and cope (or not cope) with them is the determining factor in whether or not they triggers a stress response.

For example, if you wake up feeling anxious you can tell yourself, "Huh, I'm feeling a little anxious this morning. I'll have to be extra careful to relax a little more today." This self-talk will defuse the stressful potential of the emotion. If you told yourself, " Wow, I'm really feeling anxious. I am so stressed," your mind would perceive you anxiety as a threat that you can't cope with and trigger a stress response. Anxiety, like any other emotion, is a feeling, not stress.

One of the cornerstones of my work is integrating Japanese psychology techniques drawn from Naikan and Morita therapy into stress management. These two forms of Japanese psychology incorporate a uniquely Eastern approach to understanding and managing emotions that is influenced by Buddhism.

The following five principles are derived from the work of David K Reynolds (2002), the person most responsible for bringing Japanese Psychology to the United States. These principles clearly illustrate a Japanese Psychology approach to understanding emotions.

Principle # 1. Your feelings are not controllable by your will.

While you can learn how to identify what you are feeling, and even understand how it relates to your stress, you can't switch feelings on and off with your willpower. Feelings arise on their own; they come and go like the wind. You cannot will yourself to feel something you don't feel. For example, stop reading and feel happy. Just use your will power to feel happy. OK, now shift your focus and be sad. Go ahead, feel sad.

As you can see, you cannot directly control them by your sheer will alone. What you can control is your behavior; what you do in response to your feelings.

Principle # 2. You must recognize and accept your feelings for what they are.

Since feelings come and go on their own, and they are beyond your ability to control, it doesn't make sense to feel responsible for them or feel guilty about being unable to control them. Rather than feel guilty or responsible for your feelings it is better to simply note what you are feeling, accept this, and move on.

Principle # 3. Every feeling, however unpleasant, has its uses.

Even though you cannot control your feelings, you can use them as a catalyst for action. Acknowledging that you are feeling guilty, for instance, can motivate you to change your behavior and stop doing whatever it is triggering the feeling. In this sense you are using the feeling to identify the behavior and change it.

Principle # 4. Your feelings will fade in time unless you re-stimulate them.

Feelings, both positive and negative, diminish over time. Unless you do something to re-stimulate them (like constantly think about them and sub-vocally bring them up) your negative feelings will start to fade. This is a completely different approach to dealing with feelings from the one promoted by Western Psychology which advocates that you must analyze your painful feelings and figure out "why" you feel the way you do before taking any action to make them disappear.

Principle # 5. Your feelings are influenced by your behavior.

Feelings change in response to behavior. For instance, you can help get rid of negative feelings more rapidly by doing something that promotes positive feelings. This will not only take your mind off your painful feelings, it will trigger new positive feelings.

The Japanese psychology approach to managing painful feelings is simple; since you cannot control or fully understand them, it is a waste of time working on them or analyzing them. It is better to simply acknowledge them, accept them for what they are, and stop blaming them for causing your behavior. It is more productive, and emotionally healthy, to shift your focus to what you can control, your behavior

A Six Step Action Plan for Coexisting With Your Painful Feelings

Purpose: The following exercise, A Six Step Action Plan for Coexisting With Your Feelings, is designed to teach you a simple technique for noticing, accepting, and coexisting with painful emotions. It incorporates principles and practices from ACT and Morita therapy and will help you become aware of your painful emotions and be able to co-exist with them.

Instructions:

1. This week, pay closer attention to your stressful emotions. You can use a journal to help you keep track of them.

2. Don't question them or try to figure out why you are feeling them. Merely note what you are feeling.

3. After a couple of days of attending to your troubling feelings use the following six steps to help you manage them:

Step 1. Identify the feeling - Pay close attention to feeling and describe how it affects your body and mind in a non-judgmental manner. Example (using anxiety related to giving a presentation):

"Isn't this interesting, I am getting anxious again. I notice that whenever I have to give a presentation, I feel this way. My neck muscles start to tighten, my hands get clammy, and I start to breathe more rapidly and in a shallow fashion."

Step 2. Accept the feeling- Tell yourself:

"I am definitely feeling anxious. I'd rather not feel this way but I guess it is normal to feel like this when I have to do stand up in front of a work group and give a presentation."

Step 3. Tell yourself that you can co-exist with these feelings and still take action - Example:

"I really envy people who find it easy to give presentations. It is hard for me to stand in front of a group but I can co-exist with my anxiety while giving the presentation. I'll have to prepare harder and just accept the discomfort."

Step 4. Redirect Your Focus - Rather than focus on your emotions, re-direct your focus to behaviors related to the stressful situation that you can change. For instance, in this example you can make sure that you know your subject inside and out. You can use practice rehearsal in front of a mirror or a couple of friends to get ready. Check your audiovisual aids and other props to take the focus off of you and onto the technology. Make sure you have back-up materials just in case your primary ones fail.

Step 5. Get physical -Take a break and do something physical during this step. If you are home, be sure to get in some vigorous physical activity. If you are at work, take a break and walk a few flights of stairs. If your worksite has a fitness facility, get in a workout.

Step 6. Reinforce your ability to co-exist - Remind yourself that you can give a productive presentation despite being anxious. Tell yourself:

"I can do this. My feelings do not have to control my behavior."

In time, becoming more mindful of your painful feelings and practicing co-existing with them will become part of your daily routine.

For over 25 years Dr. Rich Blonna has been helping people just like you conquer their stress and live values-based lives filled with passion and purpose. As a certified coach (CPC), counselor (NCC), and health education specialist (CHES), Dr. Rich has a been able to take the best from each of these helping professions and mold them into a unique approach to stress management. In addition to his coaching practice, Dr Rich is a full-time tenured university professor and is a well-known stress management and sex expert. For information about Dr Rich's Rethink Course go to: https://www.drrichblonna.com/courses/courses-for-everyone/the-5-steps-to-conquering-your-stress-home-study-program-rethink-course/

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Richard_Blonna/1223204

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10032836https://ezinearticles.com/?Japanese-Psychology-and-Emotions&id=10032836

I'm Not Angry, It's You, It's Your Fault!

I'm guessing that many of us will have, at some time, been in the presence of someone who seems angry, even hostile, for no apparent reason. They may even claim not to be angry; it's your fault, you who's imagining it, who's projecting your own issues and emotions into the situation. We may even find ourselves wondering what happened, could it really be our fault? We may be unclear as to how to proceed.

Some people have a tendency to blow up at the slightest opportunity, for the most trivial of reasons and then claim that they were not angry, that we provoked them, it's our fault and we're to blame! They may twist our words and actions, manipulate situations, 'gas light' us.

When we know there's no obvious reason for such an outburst we may wish to dig deeper and find clues to help us address the underlying issues behind such anger. If we can't simply walk away from the relationship how do we persuade a person to acknowledge the inappropriateness of their behaviour or help them accept that there are issues that need resolving?

What do you do if you suspect you're becoming that person?

- Notice if other people are starting to back away from you. Everyone can't be wrong! A big clue that you're the angry one who's behaving unreasonably is when you realise that people have stopped discussing sensitive matters with you. A shrug and a 'there's no point discussing it, you never listen', may be fine at busy or stressful times, but gradually others may start to form closer relationships whilst you become relegated to the role of outsider. Noticing this can provoke an increase of anger and frustration, but it can be the cue to start taking more responsibility for your alienating behaviour.

- Do people claim that you're not interested or don't understand? Relationships are not all about you and are meant to be a two-way exchange, even if you don't like or agree with the other person's point of view. Practise constructive listening. This means calmly reflecting back what you've heard so that the speaker is reassured that you've understood. It can be tough at first to resist the temptation to be mentally preparing your response before they've even finished speaking, but giving others respect and understanding will help to improve your relationships.

- A victim mentality can result in angry responses to any perceived criticism or rejection. This may be caused by unresolved issues, sometimes going back many years. That sneaking suspicion that we're not good enough, that we've succeeded by accident, that we'll be found out at any moment can cause defensive, angry responses in a bid to fend off further comments or investigation.

- 'Stop telling me what to do' is a common expression in households where young people are growing up and starting to flex their wings. Over time though, some people may seem incapable of phrasing requests in an acceptable way and so are seen as bossy, ego-driven and dominant, whereas others may be resistant to taking instruction well. This can be problematical in work-related situations. Learning to discuss matters respectfully can help avoid an escalation of tensions.

- Unresolved issues may be caused through an inability to properly communicate our feelings, ask for help or discuss what's going on. We may have learned to keep quiet and not express ourselves well or expect others to be psychic and intuit our true thoughts and feelings. Maybe we hate risking feeling vulnerable and anticipate that others won't understand. All these are our own issues that can prompt an angry response. It may be that a few counselling and hypnotherapy sessions can help us work through any unhelpful patterns of behaviour.

- Too much going on, where we're loathe to decline requests and continually accept more commitments can result in a stress overload and burnout. We may agree to requests out of concern or fear, perhaps of missing out, of appearing that we're not coping, that we're not up to the job. However, it's often better to explain what else is going on in our lives, to ask for extra training and discuss our situation. Sometimes other people issue requests without fully realising what other commitments we have.

- Counselling and hypnotherapy can help in resolving underlying issues of rejection, low self-esteem and confidence. It can be important to appreciate that perspective has a significant role too in our experience of anger. How we look at things, how we interpret what's going on is frequently done from how they impact on us and our lives. Getting to grips with the fact that others may be better than us in some areas, right in what they're saying, entitled to their point of view, can make a massive difference to the way we react to experiences. Accepting that we have to 'get over ourselves' can be a big step in the right direction.

- Learn to laugh at yourself when you see how uptight, foolish or wrong you're being. Self-awareness can deliver a much more relaxed, less stressed way of responding to things that happen and can enable everyone to ease up too and be more creative and supportive of each other.

- Finding a code word or effective way of recognising and calling 'time out' can be a valuable way of intercepting tense situations before they escalate. All parties need to agree in advance, but taking a break before anger erupts can give time to calm, recognise the triggers and maybe discuss them before too much harm is caused.

And don't forget, once said, things cannot be unsaid. They may be understood, excused, even forgiven, but it's less easy to forget harsh words spoken in anger.

Susan Leigh, counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer & media contributor offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support.

She's author of 3 books, 'Dealing with Stress, Managing its Impact', '101 Days of Inspiration #tipoftheday' and 'Dealing with Death, Coping with the Pain', all on Amazon & with easy to read sections, tips and ideas to help you feel more positive about your life.

To order a copy or for more information, help and free articles visit http://www.lifestyletherapy.net

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Susan_Leigh/399535

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10043786https://ezinearticles.com/?Im-Not-Angry,-Its-You,-Its-Your-Fault!&id=10043786

Do You Want To Understand Yourself Or To Simply Feel Better?

If someone is in a position where they experience a fair amount of anxiety or don't feel good about themselves, they can go one of two ways. Either they can look for a way to change how they feel or they can look into why they experience life in this way and what they can do once they have found out.

When it comes to the first approach, ones main priority will be to change how they experience life. As a result of this, it might not matter how this happens as long as their life changes.

A Miserable Existence

One may have experienced life in this way for a quite some time, and this may mean that they have got to the point where they are no longer willing to tolerate it. If they have anxiety problems, they could end up going on some type of medication.

Going to see their doctor will then have been the first step that they took and this will have been what was recommended. Alternatively, one could end up working with someone who is trained in cognitive behavioural therapy.

A New Life

If they do end up going on medication, it might not be long until they start to settle down and are able to live a 'normal' life. They will still be living on the same planet but it could seem as though they are somewhere else.

On the other hand, if they have cognitive behavioural therapy, it also might not be long until they feel relaxed. Their inner world will have changed, which will cause them to experience life differently.

The Same

If they have gone on medication, they probably won't have a deeper understanding of why their life was the way it was. And, even if one was told that a 'chemical imbalance' was the reason why their life was the way it was, it is unlikely to have increased their self-knowledge.

Yet, if they ended up having cognitive behavioural therapy, it could be said that they will have a deeper understanding of themselves. Nonetheless, this might only go as far as the affect that their thoughts have on them.

A Different Route

When it comes to the second approach, one will want to change how they experience life but it won't be the only thing that is on their mind. In addition to this, they will want to gain a deeper understanding of themselves.

Now, this could be because they are not in too much pain; then again, it might not be this black and white. They may believe that the only way for them to actually change their life is for them to understand why it is the way that it is.

On The Path

Through being this way, their life is not just going to consist of pleasure and pain - it will also include going to greater depths of their own being and gaining self-knowledge. Consequently, one may believe that what is going on for them is not something that needs to be changed or removed.

Instead, what is taking place could be seen as sign that something inside them is not right and needs to be looked at. Simply focusing on a symptom - or a number of symptoms - is then not going to interest them.

Going Deeper

So if one has an anxiety problem, what they could find is that this is because they have experienced trauma. Their whole being will be in survival mode, with this being the reason why they can't settle down.

Resolving this trauma most likely won't be easy or even pain free, but at least they will be able to deal with what is going on at the root and to gain a deeper understanding of themselves in the process. They will be doing what they need to do to reacquaint themself with themself.

Final Thoughts

If one is not in a good way and they want to gain a deeper understanding of why this is, they may need to reach out for the assistance of a therapist or healer. This can be a time when they will take a deeper look into what is taking place.

Along with this, one can look into what is going on at a deeper level. Thanks to the internet, there is plenty on information available that will allow one to understand themselves better.

Teacher, prolific writer, author, and consultant, Oliver JR Cooper, hails from England. His insightful commentary and analysis covers all aspects of human transformation, including love, partnership, self-love, and inner awareness. With over two thousand, two hundred in-depth articles highlighting human psychology and behaviour, Oliver offers hope along with his sound advice.

To find out more go to - http://www.oliverjrcooper.co.uk/

Feel free to join the Facebook Group -
https://www.facebook.com/OliverJRCooper

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Oliver_JR_Cooper/818466

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10169431https://ezinearticles.com/?Do-You-Want-To-Understand-Yourself-Or-To-Simply-Feel-Better?&id=10169431

How Helping Others Helps You

There's no doubt that helping people has been my life for many years. Right from the time when I was a programmer at British Aerospace and used to help my friends debug their programs to my business working with Chet Holmes and Tony Robbins as their business coach across the world.

The Huffington Post even reports on research that shows you're happier when you're helping people at work! More research also shows you live longer by contributing to others.

Of course, when I set out on my career I didn't know this research! I just loved to help people, which unfortunately when I started my own business meant I did a lot of work for nothing.

I learned my lesson - no food on the table - pretty quickly. However, that's never stopped me from helping people anyway.

The most exciting thing I found when I'm in the middle of something with other people is when they realize they can do more than they thought. A really lovely factor in coaching.

However, ultimately I realized I was only helping a small fraction of the number of people who could benefit from the knowledge and tools I had. So I wrote a short book (called Leap Ahead of Your Competitors) that was intended to help all the smaller companies with marketing and running a business. Because I wanted the maximum number of people to benefit I used to hand it out for free to those who couldn't afford my coaching but I knew would benefit from its contents.

Then I thought, part of the journey for any entrepreneur or business person is personal growth. A topic that is unseen but makes a huge difference to people, their families and people they know. So I decided to create a Facebook group called Personal Growth Tips to help people with their personal growth. If you'd like to take a peek it's at

Again, I didn't want to charge because my intention is to help as many people as possible to improve their current situations, but more than that I wanted their kids to benefit too. At the same time I know I'm not the fount of all personal growth knowledge! So I wanted to create a community that would help each other and grow together.

So, like I say the group is free to join and I'm looking at everyone who knows me to see who wants to grow and helps others do the same.

Here's the link to the Huffington Post article: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/30/helping-others-happy-altruism-work_n_3672477.html

Jim Symcox coaches businesses around the world. He's also a copywriter, blogger and the author of "How to Leap Ahead Of Your Competitors".

If you'd like to receive actionable personal growth tips each day, check out this new Facebook group I launched called Personal Growth Tips. Here's the link... it's free to join... https://www.facebook.com/groups/personalgrowthtipsgroup/

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jim_Symcox/10646

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10069220https://ezinearticles.com/?How-Helping-Others-Helps-You&id=10069220

Remember What You Read - How To Memorize What You Read!

Ten Steps To Personal Freedom

Most of us go through times in our lives when we learn to live inside self- imposed prisons of our own making and sometimes triggered by the way other people treat us. For instance, a low self-esteem can cripple our ability to function effectively and have an impact on the way we do life.

Social withdrawal and self-neglect can be outward signs of a low self-esteem and sometimes there are more serious consequences including eating disorders and depression. However, a surprising number of people don't think they are worth very much and spend a lot of time trying to bolster or change their perception of themselves by adapting their body image, going on crash diets, doing drugs and getting involved in heavy drinking. Most of us have become experts on how to use various coping mechanisms as an aid to survival, finding ways of covering up the way things really are.

Restraints placed upon us by those around us can also be debilitating factors in the way we live our lives. It's one thing to have a healthy sense of responsibility for the people around us, it's quite another thing to allow ourselves to be manipulated by others to the point where we feel imprisoned and trapped. A misinformed understanding of the unique value of every human being can have a huge impact on the way we live. If you don't believe you are unique and have a special place in this world with a special purpose to fulfil, then life can become quite pointless and under valued.

It's certainly true that a complicated family background and the way we were raised as children can have a long-term impact on our sense of self-worth, but we should not allow our past to dictate our future.

So here are my Ten Steps To Personal Freedom

1. Make an inventory of your life and count every blessing.

The old saying, "a pessimist sees the glass half empty; the optimist sees the glass half full and the engineer thinks that the glass is twice the size it should be," can be applied to the way we live our lives. Take time out to think about the good things in life, not the negative things. Focus on the positive. That doesn't mean we live in cloud cuckoo land and pretend that everything is OK when we know it isn't. It does mean that dwelling on the positive can have a profound effect on our attitude to life, relationships, love and life.

2. Create your own personal space and spend 10 minutes each day in silence

Mindfulness is becoming more and more popular because people are realising that in our frantic lives, we need time to be quiet and be refreshed in body, mind and spirit. Having time each day to relax and reflect can have a positive affect on our health and well-being.

3. Remember your value is counted in who you are, not what you do.

I was brought up with a conventional business diary and spent every waking moment trying to fill it with stuff. People too easily find their self-worth in what they do rather than in who they are. This is a big mistake and often the reason why people fall apart when the retire from working life. If other people only value you for what you do, they are not true friends.

4. Do not open the door to every opportunity that knocks.

If you are like me, you will have hundreds of files, eBooks, courses and business opportunities that you thought were a good idea at the time, but the reality is, you have never looked at most of them! Learning to be focussed enables you to be free from the shackles of endlessly striving after the next big thing, and never actually hitting the mark.

5. Get the right people around you in supportive partnerships.

If you mix with negative people who are always complaining and moaning about everything under the sun, that attitude will rub off on you too. That's no way to live your life. We are surrounded by bad stuff, things that can go wrong. But dwelling on these things will result in your life grinding to a halt and going nowhere.

6. Choose a mentor and speak about life and business once each month.

Find someone you can trust, and be ready for some mutual sharing of visions and dreams. This can be tremendously life-affirming, when you can find someone who relates to your aspirations for life and will encourage you to stay focussed and on the straight and narrow in order to reach your goals.

7. Set aside one clear day each week for relaxation.

It's built-in to the way we function most effectively as human beings. We need at least one day off each week, that way your working and activity time will be much more productive and fruitful.

8. Don't be afraid to fall in love - with the right person!

Love has become a dirty word in Western culture. It's been cheapened by endless Soap Opera's and "reality TV" shows. We so easily buy into the myth and end up in another self-imposed prison. However, finding love which is unconditional with someone who is your soul mate, is a wonderful thing. Many of us have been hurt by relationships that went wrong. And this can prevent us from trusting anyone again. Don't let negative experiences affect your openness for mutually loving relationships.

9. Set aside 10% of the money you earn for charity

Seriously! Giving money away to a reputable charity is hugely beneficial, not just for them! There is something very therapeutic about giving with a generous heart to those less fortunate than us. Not giving in a patronising way, but giving out of genuine care.

10. Go on a 2 week Short Term Mission Trip

If you feel trapped by life, take time out to go on a Short Term Mission Trip to a developing country. It will change your life. There are loads of opportunities out there, just make sure you choose a reputable mission agency, which will give you proper orientation training, ways to operate in a different culture with respect and sensitivity.

I could go on! But it's time to stop. Please read my other articles about self-help and life coaching.

Steve Flashman has had many years of experience as a Life Coach based not on theories and abstract ideas, but on his own life experience. He teaches strategies and techniques that will bring transformation to life, love and business. Life Coaching

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Steve_Flashman/249738

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10007096https://ezinearticles.com/?Ten-Steps-To-Personal-Freedom&id=10007096https://ezinearticles.com/?Ten-Steps-To-Personal-Freedom&id=10007096

ULTRA POWERFUL! Attract Abundance of Luck Money and Prosperity - Classical Music

5 tips To Make a Killer First Impression - Personality Development & English lessons by Niharika

WINNERS MINDSET - Best Motivational Video

Why Quality Leaders Never GIVE Up?

Although, there are so many essential, necessary, important considerations, in becoming a quality, meaningful, effective leader, one of the most important, which is too often, overlooked, is persistence! Often, it is merely, a matter of, which individual, is willing to persist, and persevere, when others, GIVE up, which differentiates the best leaders, from the rest, of the pack! There will always be, some obstacles, which interfere with one's primary plan, and, one, will, either, be prepared, with a contingency plan, or let the obstacle, become a debilitating problem. Great leadership comes from transforming obstacles, to challenges, instead of problems! It takes, simply, considering the difference, between, how one perceives and conceives obstacles, and whether, he lets them, handle him, or decides to control them, in a proactive, transformational way! With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and why it matters.

1. Generate goodwill; growth; greater good: If a leader fails to generate goodwill, how will he be able to inspire and motivate others to follow? If they don't follow, the group won't consistently, undergo the growth, necessary, to remain strong, relevant, and sustainable! Instead of considering the reasons to settle for less, one should focus on, the best course, to achieve the greater good!

2. Ideas; innovate; imagine; insecurities; instincts; insights: One must be willing to overcome any personal insecurities, and expand the limitations of his self - imposed, comfort zone! To do so, he must be able to imagine, what should be, and innovate, in order to implement, well - considered ideas! Great leaders develop the instincts, and have the insights, to proceed, forward, in a relevant, sustainable way!

3. Vision; vitality; value; values: Measure the quality, and meaning of one's vital, vibrant leader, by whether, it inspires and motivates others, with a sense of vitality, etc! A great leader delivers, both, meaningful, essential value, which aligns with the values of his group, and constituents!

4. Empathy; emphasis; energy/ energize; endurance; excellence: Becoming a better leader, begins with effectively, listening, and learning, from every conversation, and experience, in order to expend his emphasis, where it will energize others, in a positive way! Will you have the degree of personal energy, which enhances your endurance, so you continue, to pursue, what's needed and necessary, with the utmost degree of your personal excellence?

If you want to make a real difference, for the better, you must persist, and never GIVE up! Are you, ready, willing, and up, to the task?

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands of leaders, and conducted personal development seminars, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. His company, PLAN2LEAD, LLC has an informative website http://plan2lead.net and Plan2lead can also be followed on Facebook http://facebook.com/Plan2lead

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Richard_Brody/492539

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10148832https://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Quality-Leaders-Never-GIVE-Up?&id=10148832

Is Pleasure an Addiction?

When I naïvely asked the above question over a very pleasurable lunch with my friends, I got the following not very pleasurable reactions:

"Give me a break-having a few drinks after shopping for a couple hours is an addiction?"

"Are you telling us that having a good time addictive?"

My answer: "Okay, guys, what do you expect me to do, here" -leave, or explain what I was trying to say?"

Their response: "You're addicted to explanations, anyway, so go ahead and clarify your statement."

What is pleasure?

Pleasure is "A feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment, or an event or activity from which one derives enjoyment."

Here's my question for you: What do you really enjoy a lot?

Video games? Gambling? Drinking alcohol? Eating sugary foods? Shopping? Using street drugs? Cheating on your partner? Watching TV endlessly... watching porn or scary movies?

All of the above could become addictions.

Why?

Because they give you pleasure; they stimulate the brain's pleasure centre.

Any kind of stimulation of the pleasure centre releases massive amounts of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter and a neurohormone produced in the brain.

Don't stimulate your brain's pleasure centre too often-you can wear it out! The intense and repeated release of dopamine will damage the receptors in your brain and cause them to tire of stimulation.

We people like dopamine very much. In the field of science, dopamine is called "the pleasure neurotransmitter." With adequate amounts of dopamine, we feel good, happy, and satisfied.

And what's wrong with that? Nothing, really... except that many illegal drugs and the other things people enjoy, such as those mentioned above, also target with the brain's pleasure receptors, releasing dopamine and contributing to possible addiction.

Individuals who are addicted engage in the process of releasing dopamine even if they know it's bad for them.

The brain's pleasure centre can be damaged not only by overuse but by toxins or head trauma, as well. The result is the same.

After a while, an individual will need more stimulation or more extended periods of intense stimulation just to release adequate amounts of dopamine. What follows this overuse is that the brain's pleasure centre will be less responsive.

Translated, less responsive simply means that the brain will produce less dopamine.

But we do need dopamine-right?

Yes, we do. However, when less dopamine is released, a person may be headed for depression or for an addiction to the original stimulus (e.g., nicotine, drugs, alcohol).

In the beginning, a person turns to "pleasure"; after the brain's pleasure receptors are overused for a period of time, however, he or she is at risk for addiction.

In light of the information I've just shared, is the question, "Is pleasure an addiction" a valid one? The answer is a definite "yes," since any overuse of pleasure can lead to addiction.

Of course, it's important to enjoy the things you love-doing so makes for a happy and satisfying life. However, as the saying goes, "All things in moderation." If you keep this in mind, you'll steer clear of the path to addiction.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jahiel_Yasha_Kamhi/117690

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10045784https://ezinearticles.com/?Is-Pleasure-an-Addiction?&id=10045784

Are You Living an Insta Lie? Social Media Vs. Reality

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EFHbruKEmw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Social Media: Is It A Good For Someone To Compare Their Life With Others Online?

Whenever someone spends time on social media, they could end up looking through what their friends have been doing. Furthermore, they could look into what certain celebrities have been doing.

When this takes place, there could be times when they end up feeling happy and times when they end up feeling sad. There could also be a number of other emotional states that they go into when they look over what other people have been doing.

One Reason

Now, if one of their friends was to share a happy picture of themselves or some good news, it could result in them also feeling good. If the opposite took place, one could end up feeling bad.

What this could illustrate is that this is someone who they are really close to. Then again, one could just be someone who has a lot of empathy, which is why they have the tendency to experience strong emotions when go online.

Pulled In

Another reason why one could experience a strong reaction when they see what another person has been doing is because they have made a comparison. If one believes that their life is better than one of their friends, they could feel good; but if they don't, they could feel bad.

They might not simply compare their life with other people's lives, though; they could also compare their appearance with them too. If this was to take place, it is likely to show that one looks to what is going on 'out there' to gauge how well they are doing in life.

A Losing Battle

The trouble with this approach is that one didn't start from the same point as anyone else, and they are on their own path in life. Taking this into account, it would be far healthier for them to compare themselves with where they started.

By looking back on their own timeline and seeing where they started from, they will be able to accurately assess how well they are doing. When one compares their life with someone else's life, it will be similar to a dog comparing their life with a horse.

A Waste of Time

What will have most likely played a part in why one would compare their life with someone else's life is the conditioning that they have received throughout their life. Their time in the school system, for instance, will have most likely played a big part.

This would have probably been a time when they were just seen as another child who needed to be educated, as opposed to a child that already had knowledge within them. But if they were taught by people that had also gone though the same programming, this is to be expected.

An Illusion

At the same time, even if one did start off at the same starting point as everyone else and was also on the same path, it still doesn't mean that it would be a good idea for them to compare their life with others online. The reason for this is that what they see online might have very little basis in reality.

One can then believe that one of their friends is doing really well, yet it doesn't mean that this is actually the case. In the same way that someone can edit their pictures to make themselves look perfect; they can also edit their life to create the impression that everything is perfect.

Effortless

Just as a house can look great on the outside but be in complete mess on the inside, someone life's can also be the same. It is not as though it is hard for someone to make out that their life is perfect online.

To create this impression, the only thing that they need to do is to upload pictures where they are on holiday and are smiling. The areas of their life that are not going well can be kept offline.

No Better Off

One can then compare their life with someone else's life, believing that this person's life is better than theirs, and the other person could be in a very bad place. This person could even be looking at what one has been doing and wish that their life was like theirs.

But even though this person's life is not going well, they might be too ashamed to open up to anyone about it. Their need to maintain the image that they have created is going to be more important than their own happiness.

A Big Trap

What this shows is that not only can one suffer if they get too caught up in what they see online; they can also suffer if they use social media to try to make out that their life is perfect. One way for one to stop themselves from getting too sucked into what they see, is for them to think about what they are not seeing.

Ultimately, no matter how good someone's life is, there are bound to be things that they are not happy with. Everyone on this planet has stuff to deal with, and even if someone is rich, famous and talented, it doesn't mean that they don't have problems.

Conclusion

If one finds that they are not happy with the direction that their life is going, it will be a good idea for them to look into what they can do to get back on track. The time and energy that goes into comparing their life with others can be directed towards their own growth.

They owe it to themselves to live a life that is fulfilling, so fulfilling that they no longer need to compare their life with the edited lives that they see online. There is plenty of information online when it comes to what they can do to transform their life.

Teacher, prolific writer, author, and consultant, Oliver JR Cooper, hails from England. His insightful commentary and analysis covers all aspects of human transformation, including love, partnership, self-love, and inner awareness. With over two thousand, two hundred in-depth articles highlighting human psychology and behaviour, Oliver offers hope along with his sound advice.

To find out more go to - http://www.oliverjrcooper.co.uk/

Feel free to join the Facebook Group -
https://www.facebook.com/OliverJRCooper

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Oliver_JR_Cooper/818466

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10152549https://ezinearticles.com/?Social-Media:-Is-It-A-Good-For-Someone-To-Compare-Their-Life-With-Others-Online?&id=10152549

Get Inspired - Best Inspirational Quotes

How I Used The Law Of Attraction To Escape Debt, Fear And Panic

I was in my late 30's and nothing was going right. I was working in a building supplies yard picking up rubbish for minimum wage. I thought I had a bright future but everything just seemed to go wrong somewhere.

I'd picked up this job from an agency and soon got some H.G.V. (heavy goods vehicle) work, having just got my licence. But things just got worse and worse and worse! I had a number of crashes while driving on jobs delivering. I hit a bridge, a car and managed to drop someone's chutney - a whole pallet load, much to the owners dismay! That wasn't my best day - nor his.

Things were conspiring against me, I thought. Everywhere I went, devastation followed. My relationships were in tatters and my debt was growing. And it seemed there was nothing I could do to turn it all around.

I had remembered watching The Secret a few years earlier and losing patience with my efforts to 'manifest' my dream life (within a week)! Perhaps I was being too impatient! I knew there had to be something in it, so I decided to go back to the drawing board. I quit my job too. I had crashed twice for the same company and was costing them by the day! Just turning up back to the office made my skin crawl, knowing how useless I was!

Things had been better.

I had a huge debt sitting over me and was paying my rent on a credit card. I was just stressed out all the time. This was probably why things spiralled out of control.

I bought every book I could find on the subject of the law of attraction. I was soon in a far better state of mind, despite all the problems which hung over me. I picked up some work and started teaching a martial arts classes, something that had been a passion for years.

Things that I had given up on turned up to help me get back on track. Years earlier I had trained to do stunt work but my self-esteem had got so low that I had almost written it off as a bad idea. I picked up a few jobs and was able to pay off most of my credit card debt within a period of about 6 months.

My then girlfriend left me. I was away working on a film when it happened. I fell back into victim mode but knew I had to stay positive. I was beginning to realise that my state was the most important thing, and it was also my worse enemy.

Over the previous several months I had read every book I could find which mentioned the law of attraction: Working with the law by Raymond Holliwell, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Wallace Wattles - The Science Of Getting Rich, As A Man Thinketh, James Allen and so on and so on!

All these books taught the law of attraction and explained it in far greater detail than was explained in the movie The Secret. In the film The Secret, it is explained as thoughts becoming things. When I first saw the film, I was inspired but I didn't fully understand it. I thought I understood it but it was only superficial. I watched my thoughts and dreamt of what I wanted, but somehow things kept showing up that I didn't want.

Turns out I wasn't as positive as I thought I was! Despite spending a few hours meditation and visualising what a great life I would be having, it became clear later that I spent the rest of my time complaining and worrying. Not useful when you're trying to attract the wonderful life.

The problem was my life was worry (for me)! I was focusing on what was, not what could be. So I kept reinforcing the old patterns of behaviour and creating the 'stuff' to complain about.

Despite the short-term rest-bite which work gave me, I was unable to spend my time in any kind of enjoyment. I always defaulted back to my worry-some state of mind and over working in some way. My only escape from this state of mind which I constantly revisited was in getting drunk whenever the opportunity presented itself.

This of course didn't help my state of mind nor my bank balance. Whenever I gave up drinking, my life seemed to dramatically improve. I had money, work came in and things got better. But with the constant worrying and obsessing over needing a more secure source of income, plus having a lot of time off, I would inevitably find my self back on the booze!

When I finally clued up to this pattern I was creating, things began to change. I found an online mentorship program and learned how to market my kung fu school more effectively as well as build an online business. This gave me something to focus my restless mind on - which is what I was in desperate need of.

Having the right people in my life now is completely invaluable. I realise I had cut myself off from people and was spending a lot of time alone. This itself led to depression and anxiety. However, my connection to the online community meant I could network and meet up in person with other like-minded people. There was a resource online to connect to through social media and I started meeting people in my local area.

Through using what I believe to be the law of attraction, I've managed to escape the 9 to 5 jobs I hated so much, get out of a rut and overcome lack of confidence, fear and panic. I'm now able to work from home and teach martial arts without a job, a boss or to answer to anyone. It wasn't easy, but if I can do it, so can you!

What do you believe about the law of attraction. Will you take the red pill or the blue pill? Take the blue pill and the story ends, wake up in bed and believe whatever you want to believe. Take the red pill and you stay in wonderland and see how far the rabbit hole goes...

Tim Halloran is a stuntman, martial artist and online entrepreneur. To learn how to build your own online business see his site here: http://www.thelawofattractionsceptic.com

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tim_Halloran/488644

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10132455https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2986305195426133746#editor/target=post;postID=5796934017218893544

What If You Could Reverse A Previous Life Decision Or Action

No, I'm not Scrooge - Past Present and future. But just wondering - have you ever in hindsight considered how your life might be different today if you could go back in time and reverse a decision or action you took years ago?

Wish you had said no rather than yes at the Altar? Wish you had said yes rather than no for a job transfer? Ever said - I'll think about it before you said yes or no to a purchase, investment or opportunity?

I could go on with hundreds more of examples but as we approach the end of another year, I'm sure many people reflect on the quality of some aspect of their lives and how it might have been better or worse in some way if they had made a different decision or taken a different action?

Could this be you?

As the end of another year is quickly bringing me to yet another life ending, I have asked myself these questions in real and often painful detail for the first time. Sure, most of us from time to time reflect on some aspect of our lives but do we ever dig really deep into real personal outcomes, causes, reasons, expectations or agendas that could be major contributors to some or all of these circumstances? As a speaker and author - from vast global experience and meeting thousands of people around the world - is that the answer to this question is - no.

And why? Do we want to avoid the pain and guilt of mistakes? Can we not get out of denial 'that my life is not in my control and the needs to point fingers or blame'? Do we lack the courage or willingness to accept responsibility to make necessary changes that can or may improve our futures?

NO ONE knows tomorrow - let me repeat if you are reading this too quickly - NO ONE knows what tomorrow will look like, bring or be. I don't care how smart you are, how in touch you are, how intuitive you are, how beautiful or handsome you are, how poor or rich you are - GOT IT? No one knows how any decision or action will turn out in the future - ever. No one knows what tomorrow and life will look - whether positive or negative, chaos or La La land, health and happiness or sickness and loneliness.

So, do we all make mistakes along the way? I don't like to call them mistakes but "life teachers" instead. We can learn from them or repeat them again and again. We can try and change the outcomes with more wisdom, knowledge, information, and experience or we can accept that there is very little in life we can control.

If you don't think you have ever made a mistake does this make you stupid, arrogant or egotistical? Or, if you look back on all of life whether positive or negative saying to yourself - "I did the best I could at the time with what I had or what I knew. Sure, If I knew then what I know now, I would have done it (anything) differently." But unfortunately - that's not how "real life" works. Life is an ongoing adventure, journey, experiment, process and progression and it is not in control by you. Life has a funny way of sometimes using our bad or poor actions or decisions to teach us what we are often too haughty to accept or learn and it desires us to learn. Ever noticed, if we fail to learn important lessons, life has a funny way of bringing different people or circumstances into our lives again and again that are remarkably similar to previous people or circumstances to teach us what it wants us to learn before it's too late or our time here is over?

Guilty? I know I am - and I must admit - far too many times.

So, what does it take to accept and learn from what life gives us whether a winning Lottery ticket or the loss of someone close to us?

I don't like to preach since that is not my strength but what I can share is what years of life - some filled with pain, disappointment and anxiety others filled with joy, humility, and peace - have taught me.

You can trust, or you can question. You can learn, or you can blame. You can love, or you can hate. You can grow, or you can stay stuck. You can whine, or you can get busy. You can resist, or you can accept.

Need I go on?

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tim_Connor/43189

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10041158https://ezinearticles.com/?What-If-You-Could-Reverse-A-Previous-Life-Decision-Or-Action&id=10041158