In times of stress and tension, my family often quotes the comforting old saying, "This too shall pass."  And lo and behold, it always does.  Patience, perserverance, perspective and the power of our minds, will always take us past the point that feels like the "no return zone."

William James has said, "The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his mind."  So allow yourself  and in-fact embrace, all the wonderful alternative therapies that can help you tap in-to the power of your mind.  Using the power of your mind can bring lasting benefits to many areas of your life.

No one can deny that we are a consumer based society...and according to the statistics (which are also available in abundance), we are doing this consumption thing very well, thank you...economic slump or not.  For one thing we are flooded with information.  I profess to being an information junky and will also admit that it often keeps me in state of constant flux, confusion and quite frankly, a bit stressed too.

Let's see...what shall I drink today?  Soda, no no,no! Ok, Diet Soda....oh! no, no, no that's now on the list of life threatening liquids...let's see....Diane Sawyer said I could have water.... that's right!  Water was a good choice. Now it's only water, water and only water. 

Well that's pretty easy, but there's a better way to even get your water these days.  Stop with all the individual water bottle purchases and get yourself a nice home tap water filter and one of those attractive new, safe re-fillable water bottles that are being seen everywhere. Get one that is BIG enough, so that it can actually takes your through your day, sipping happily on clean, cool water that doesn't hurt the environment or your wallet. Don't get me wrong, I still LIKE and will have an occasional diet soda. Quite frankly, who knows when even WATER will be on the hit list of no-no's?!

Another feel good action to take is to simply be a consumer who is aware and educated enough to support what is GOOD and BENEFICIAL to their LOCAL market areas. It's a win-win situation.  Local fruits and vegetables are fresher and cheaper.  You also get what is actually in season if you follow the "buy local" ideal. 

We have to do something to fight back all this chemurgical made food, beverages and stuff that we keep buying and burying our souls in.  Get-out there today and be aware of just what you are putting into that precious body of yours!  We always have a choice...be a wise consumer, you can do that!  Remember, all change begins with baby steps...

You've heard this before, but it's one of those issues  we need to revisit on a regular basis.  Infact, the whole "we are what we think" concept is a universal law that is designed to help us overcome whatever it is that we fear. If you fear speaking in public, situations will probably arise that necessitate speaking to others...either in a group, a family situation or to people you consider to be in an authority position.  Once you get over that fear of public speaking, there will be fewer similar challenges occurring in that particular arena. Don't get too excited though, cause as we know, there is always something else out there just a-waitin' to move right on in again!

Fear has very powerful emotional energy attached to it. Fear is part of the human condition and doesn't go away easily on it's own. However, the more we practice loving and compassionate thoughts and gestures, the less room there will be for fear to rear it's ugly head!

An exercise to release FEAR:
Once again, go back to your breath in fearful situations. Breath slowly and deeply.  Observe the fear from this safe place. Try to locate where you are holding these fearful feelings in you body.  When you find them,  imagine them massing together in a light.  Almost like seeing the energy field or aura  that is emitting the fearful feelings.  Using the power of your mind, see the fear being released out of your body and dissipating right in the atmosphere, breaking into millions of tiny pieces.  As you do this, say to yourself (or out loud), " I release this fear of_____________with love.  I thank this fear for showing me how to grow and move on...."  You will be amazed at how much you will feel,  if you use this exercise on a regular basis!

"When a man wantonly destroys one of the works of man we call him a vandal. When he destroys one of the works of god we call him a sportsman."

Joseph Wood Krutch (1893-1970) USA

Take time today or this weekend and open your heart and soul to the wonders of nature.  Look outside your window...depending on where you live, it might be amazing to watch a series of tiny little songbirds surviving in the winter snow.  Or maybe you are lucky enough to live in a warmer clime and have the pleasure of catching a glimpse of a butterfly or the popping up of a spring flower in your garden.  Whatever the situation, there is always something miraculous going on in the world of nature.  Stop for a few seconds everyday and just wonder at it's beauty and accomplishment.

And remember, we are all part of nature as too. Living well and harmoniously is every person's god given right. We need to insure that we understand what is important and what is not. Let nature be your guide.

Try rediscovering the joys of an imaginative journey through reading. Some of the most creative and successful people of our time, found solace and joy in reading. They actually credit the time travel of a good story as one of the keys to their success.    Keep a selection of soul nourishing books by your bedside.  Even if you just read a bit here and there, it will take you out of your own experience and into the world of another.  That is always a good way to grow and expand our own possibilities!

Sometimes it is difficult to get outside our own bodies, minds and experiences in order to get a good look at the bigger picture.  We all get so caught up with our own moment to moment feelings, that we take for granted the many things we can do, without even spending a penny... to make our lives more hopeful...a little brighter. 

Mother Teresa once said, " Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier."  

Narcissism is rappant in today's culture.  It is an odd disease, that makes everybody sick but the one who has it!  So step outside yourself today.  Or if someone else is casting a shadow over your light, take a bold step and decide it is time to shine on your own again.  And share what you have with others.  It will make you feel really good!

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