Self Improvement Newsletter
Issue # 468, August 28-29, 2007
FREE Self
Improvement Newsletter, Click here!Please Visit Our Sponsors
Self Improvement Newsletter
Issue # 468, August 28-29, 2007
FREE Self
Improvement Newsletter, Click here!
Please Visit Our Sponsors
* Self Improvement and Personal Growth
Weekly Newsletter *
Issue # 468, Week of August 28-29, 2007
Publisher: David Riklan -
http://www.SelfGrowth.com
In this issue:
-- Quotes of the Week
-- Personal Growth Products and Services
-- Article: Work as a Spiritual Experience - By Bruce D Schneider, Ph.D., MCC
-- Article: Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation - By Mike
Robbins
-- Book Review: Avalanche: The 9 Principles for Uncovering True Wealth - By
Steve Sanduski, MBA, CFPR and Ron Carson, CFPR, CFS, ChFC
-- Brief News of the World
-- How to Subscribe and Unsubscribe from this Newsletter
Current Subscribers - 260,040 subscribers
Removal instructions are listed at the end of the newsletter.
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*** Quotes of the Week ***
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If you treat every situation as a life and death matter, you'll die a lot of times. - Dean Smith, American Basketball Coach
Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. - Dale Carnegie, 1888-1955, American Author/Lecturer/Course Developer
Knowledge rests not upon truth alone, but upon
error also. - Carl Jung, 1875-1961, Swiss Psychiatrist
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*** Personal Growth Products and Services ***
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*** Article: Work as a Spiritual Experience - By Bruce D Schneider, Ph.D., MCC
***
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I don't know about you, but when many people hear the word spirituality, they conjure images of monks, candles, religion, and perhaps even incense. Few picture a day in their work life, completely enjoying what they do, feeling totally fulfilled and as if they are making a difference in the world.
The true nature of spirituality goes beyond mysticism and magic, and finds its roots in very practical day-to-day activities. This is because we are spiritual beings first, and in physical form second. Nothing that we think or do in the physical sense can change who we really are. The key difference between spiritually enlightened people and those who sleep through life is their level of consciousness, or awareness of who they really are. Conscious people know they contribute to the whole and that they are part of one big family. Conscious people also know that in all settings, including their work life, they can remain aware of, and more importantly, express their true nature. This self-expression offers not only a feeling of purpose, but because there are less mental and emotional distractions, the ability to do what they do more efficiently and effectively.
Being conscious at work means working "in the flow." You let go of any ideas of separation from yourself and your co-workers or "superiors," as well as let go of any limiting beliefs you may have that suggest "spiritual" to be something you "do" instead of something you "are."
To create more of a sense of consciousness in what you do, let's start by creating a scenario. Imagine yourself at work. It's not a typical day. On this day you feel completely alive, relaxed, and invulnerable to any negativity or stress that your job can throw your way. You move through the day effortlessly, as if you were on autopilot, yet fully aware and in control of every action. As you come into contact with the many people you meet on this day, you notice that you appear to have a powerful influence on them. Your mood and energy seem to be rubbing off on everyone, and they leave you smiling, happy, and a little more positive.
What would your work life be like if, on command, you could create this experience? And what if you found out that the secret to being truly successful -- on all levels -- is feeling this on a regular basis? The key to this for work is to remember: It's not as important what you do, not even how you do it. What matters most is, "Who are you at work?"
You may want to try a little self-reflection by asking yourself the following: At work, how do I currently express myself? How would I like to express myself? Why is there a difference, and what can I, or better yet, what will I do about it? In order to become a conscious spiritual being at work, you need to express yourself fully, by breathing love into all you do.
This means to be your True self, at all times, even after you punch the clock.
What is it like to be more conscious at work? To be in the flow? I'm sure you've seen them. He is the conductor exuding power and poise as his orchestra performs a beautiful medley. She is the lawyer who fights for her client's life as if it were her own child on trial. She is the waitress who serves customers with as much enthusiasm and caring as her personal friends.
And he is the gas station attendant who still cleans your windshield even when his co-workers won't. Who are these people? They are spiritual beings who breathe life into their work. They are people who express themselves in what they do, and not simply for financial reward. They do it because they couldn't do their job any other way. They are living their soul's purpose and consciously doing what they do with love, and they are happier than most.
There are no "ideal" jobs. Not every person should be a healer or teacher. We need conductors, lawyers, waitresses, and gas station attendants. Each person lives his or her purpose by performing his or her job in a spiritually loving way, which reaps the many rewards of a purposeful and relatively stress-free life.
Once you are aware that you control your attitude on the job, which is the first and most important step, then you can continue raising your level of awareness by developing your own spiritual practice, combining reading, sharing information with like-minded people and through the practice of meditation.
Meditation helps you energetically connect yourself to the best part of you and helps keep your energy raised throughout the day. This means that you are less prone to stress, and that means you are more able to enjoy what you do and do it better. All meditation works, and any regular practice helps create a more rewarding life/work experience.
Whether it's meditation, self-reflection, or simply reminding yourself each day that you are a spiritual being experiencing yourself at all times, being more conscious of who you are and learning to express that will help you create a spiritual experience in your everyday life. Yes, even at work!
About the Author:
Bruce D Schneider, Ph.D., MCC is a Master Certified Coach, licensed
psychotherapist, Reiki Master, and author of "Relax, You're Already Perfect: 10
Spiritual Lessons... to Remember" (Hampton Roads Publishing, 2002). He's also
the founder and director of the Institute for Professional Empowerment Coaching.
Visit
http://www.IPECcoaching.com
Check out the Experts page for Bruce D
Schneider, the Official SelfGrowth.com Guide to Life Coaching:
http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/bruce_schneider.html
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*** Article: Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation - By Mike
Robbins ***
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Have you ever had something taken away from you only to realize how much you appreciated it after it was gone?
I often ask this question when I start one of my talks or seminars on appreciation. As I pause and wait for people to respond, many hands go up.
Most of us have taken someone or something for granted. We only truly realized how much that person or situation meant to us after the fact.
For example, at the age of 23, my professional baseball career ended abruptly when I blew out my pitching arm. I was in my third season in the minor leagues with the Kansas City Royals, and just like that, my childhood dream was over.
I realized looking back on my 18 years in competitive baseball that I had only one major regret: I pushed myself so hard that I'd forgotten to enjoy the game. I was so focused on "making it" and on overcoming my weaknesses, I had not taken much time to appreciate what I was doing along the way.
We often waste way too much of our time and energy focusing on what we don't like, what we're worried about, or what we think needs to be fixed, changed, or enhanced. We live in a culture obsessed with "bad stuff." Just turn on the news, listen to the conversations and negative attitudes of the people around you, or pay attention to the thoughts in your own head.
The Power of Appreciation in Your Life
What if we stopped this negative obsession and started paying attention to what and whom we appreciate, right now?
Imagine how this simple but profound shift could transform our lives, our families, our relationships, our results, our work groups, our communities, and more. Our experience is a function of what we focus on. Each and every moment, we have a choice about where we place our attention.
I am not advocating that we deny, avoid, or run from the challenges, issues, or even the pain in our lives or around us. It's important that we're able to confront, face, and deal with these difficulties. However, we don't have to obsess about the bad stuff and let it run us. We each can consciously choose to focus on the good stuff in our lives, with others, and most importantly towards ourselves.
There are great things happening in your life and around you all the time -- if you choose to look for them.
Five Principles for Living a Life Filled With Appreciation
1) Be Grateful - Focus on the many blessings in your life and all that you have to be thankful for.
2) Choose Positive Thoughts and Feelings - Make a conscious decision to transform your negative thoughts and feelings into ones that empower you.
3) Use Positive Words - Pay attention to the words you use with others, about things, and in speaking about yourself. Speak with the most positive words possible. Our words have the power to create, not just describe.
4) Acknowledge Others - Focus on what you appreciate about the people around you and let them know. Be genuine and let others know the positive impact they have on you and your life.
5) Appreciate Yourself - Celebrate who you are, what you do, and the many gifts and talents you have. Self-appreciation is not arrogance; it's an awareness of your own power and the key to self-confidence, success, and fulfillment.
When we truly focus on this good stuff, our world transforms and we are able to see and experience the GREAT FULLNESS of our lives.
We don't have to wait until everything is handled. We don't have to wait until we get it all perfect. And, we don't have to wait for people to do things exactly as we want them to. We can start appreciating life, others, and ourselves exactly as we are, right now.
Don't wait 'til it's too late!
About the Author:
Mike Robbins is a personal growth expert, author, and sought after keynote
speaker who empowers individuals, organizations, and groups of all kinds to
appreciate themselves and each other -- thus leading to greater success,
improved relationships, and increased fulfillment. Experience the positive
impact of appreciation on yourself and those around you by reading Mike's new
book, "Focus on the Good Stuff." To purchase this book (at a new release
discount) and receive hundreds of dollars of FREE bonus products from authors
like Jack Canfield, Marianne Williamson, and many others, click here:
http://www.focusonthegoodstuff.com/launch
*****
The list price of this book is $19.95. To purchase it from Amazon.com for
$13.57, a 32% discount, go directly to
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=0787988790/selfimprovemeonlA/
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*** Book Review: Avalanche: The 9 Principles for Uncovering True Wealth - By
Steve Sanduski, MBA, CFPR and Ron Carson, CFPR, CFS, ChFC ***
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Meet Andrew Craver, a real-estate developer who grew up with a chip on his shoulder and an insatiable hunger for money. Though his bank account is stuffed and his home could grace the cover of a magazine, he's exhausted, overweight, and emotionally bereft. At middle age, an ethical dilemma leaves him unemployed and without the protection of the money that he has held so dearly for more than twenty years.
In this life-changing parable, you'll go on a spiritual journey with Andrew as he struggles to transform himself and find meaning and purpose amidst the pressures of life. While opening up to wealth advisor Hank Kinnick, old soul Dr. Graham, and personal trainer Tamara Ross, Andrew begins to get his finances -- and his life -- in order. Suddenly, disaster strikes and all bets are off as Andrew drops into the depths of despair. But it is in the darkness of sorrow that he will finally find his true inner strength -- the stuff it takes to emerge enlightened into a life of lasting significance.
Creatively illustrating today's most important lesson -- that money can't buy happiness -- this profound tale is your field guide for redefining success and creating true wealth in your life and in the lives of the people you love.
And as a thank you for investing in this book, the authors are offering several FREE gifts to those who purchase the book today. To access the offer, simply click on this link: http://www.avalancheparable.com
*****
The list price of this book is $16.95. To purchase it from Amazon.com for
$11.53, a 32% discount, go directly to
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=1427754675/selfimprovemeonlA/
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*** Brief News of the World ***
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Positive:
* Dolphin's new tail can help human amputees: Gel developed for injured fish makes false limbs comfortable for people *
Prosthetic specialist Kevin Carroll travels the country tackling the toughest human amputation cases, so it was only natural that he was also drawn to Winter -- the only known dolphin to survive the loss of her powerful tail flukes. "My heart went out to her, and I was thinking I could probably put a tail on her," said Carroll, vice president of prosthetics at Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. (Click here for complete news story) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20415964/
* Microsoft to boost charity in India *
Microsoft Corp. will distribute free software to nonprofit groups to boost charity in India, a company official said Monday. The software donation will be routed through a technology assistance program that India's NASSCOM Foundation is offering in partnership with TechSoup, a San Francisco-based group that partners in charity work with companies like Microsoft, Cisco Systems and Symantec. (Click here for complete news story) http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070827/ap_on_hi_te/india_microsoft_software_donation;_ylt=AtvB6aE1B4MLpOnptATdpnGs0NUE
* Devices Aim To Stop Drunken Drivers: Automakers Are Developing Ignition-Interlock Systems That Could Help Keep Drunken Drivers Off The Road*
If friends don't let friends drive drunk,
there's one car that's a driver's best friend. It's equipped with a breathalyzer
linked to the ignition, and it won't start if the driver is intoxicated.
"Interlock devices are up to 90 percent effective in reducing repeat offenses.
This really can stop repeat offenders from continuing to drink and drive," says
MADD CEO Chuck Hurley.
(Click here for complete news story)
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/22/eveningnews/main3195683.shtml
Other:
* Georgia Wins Little League Title: Dalton Carriker's Walk-Off Homer Gives Georgia Little League Title, 3-2 Over Japan *
Make it three straight Little League World Series championships for the United States. Dalton Carriker homered to right in the bottom of the eighth inning as Warner Robins, Ga., beat Tokyo 3-2 in a thrilling title game on Sunday. The 12-year-old Carriker raised his arms in celebration after hitting a 2-1 pitch from Japan's Junsho Kiuchi over the right-field stands.
"USA! USA!" cried the Georgia-partisan crowd. (Click here for complete news story) http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=3527070
* Diamonds unlock secrets of early Earth *
Diamonds more than 4 billion years old -- nearly as old as the Earth itself -- have been discovered in Western Australia, giving scientists vital clues about the early history of our planet. Found trapped in zircon crystals in the Jack Hills region, the small gems are the oldest identified fragments of the Earth's crust and their existence suggests the Earth may have cooled faster than previously thought, experts said on Wednesday. (Click here for complete news story) http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/08/23/earth.diamonds.reut/index.html
* Kids can teach their parents CPR: study *
Sending 7th graders home with an instructional
DVD on CPR and inflatable training mannequin is a good way to get more adults
trained in CPR, according to study a conducted in Denmark and published today.
Giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately after cardiac arrest --
the sudden loss of heart function caused by a heart attack or a blow to the
chest -- can double a victim's odds of survival, according to the American Heart
Association. (Click here for complete news story)
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSKRA77426720070827