Self Improvement Newsletter
Issue # 520, August 25-26, 2008

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* Self Improvement and Personal Growth Weekly Newsletter *
Issue # 520, Week of August 25-26, 2008
Publisher:  David Riklan - http://www.SelfGrowth.com

In this issue:

-- Quotes of the Week
-- Recommended Product of the Week
-- Article:  Activate Your Intuition: Creating Sacred Space to Unleash Your Inner Wisdom - By Laura Alden Kamm
-- Article:  If You Can't Stand the Heat... - By Keith A. Shaw
-- Book Review:  Destini the Chocolate Princess - By Joan Wright Lewis
-- Brief News of the World
-- How to Subscribe and Unsubscribe from this Newsletter

Current Subscribers - 270,488 subscribers
Removal instructions are listed at the end of the newsletter.


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*** Quotes of the Week ***
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Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer. - William S. Burroughs, 1914-1997, American Novelist and Philosopher

The fear of becoming a 'has-been' keeps some people from becoming anything. - Eric Hoffer, 1902-1983, American Social Writer

To the man who only has a hammer in the toolkit, every problem looks like a nail. - Abraham Maslow, 1908-1970, American Psychologist

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*** Recommended Product of the Week ***
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*** Article:  Activate Your Intuition: Creating Sacred Space to Unleash Your Inner Wisdom - By Laura Alden Kamm ***
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It can be said that wisdom is a combination of knowledge, experience, and understanding of life as you know it. Within this wisdom you can access striations of compassion, patience, appreciation, and grace. You naturally feel compassion if a friend's pet dies if you have experienced that sadness, too. You have tolerance for an elderly man who shuffles across the intersection; though he may keep you from making that all important left-hand turn, as perhaps you have had shuffling parents. Once, on a cross country flight, a seasoned flight attendant commented to me, "If you can sit up and take fluids, it's a good day!" She knows. She has wisdom. Wisdom highlights the common threads of our humanity.

Your acquired, life-seasoned wisdom is certainly born from these three components -- knowledge, experience, and understanding. Yet, you have a deeper wisdom. It lies at such a depth that when it suddenly emerges it can stun or shock you. This wisdom sparks you to say, "Where did that come from?" Now, you're really speaking from that place of inner wisdom; the variety of which is the deepest treasure you hold. It is the sum of your soul's knowledge, experience, and understanding, marbled with the lessons learned from this life. This level of wisdom is delivered by your inner voice, your intuition. It is the voice of the eternal you, and you have access to it at any moment, 24/7. With it, you can solve all manner of problems.

So how do you access and activate your inner oracle, guru, and self-contained life coach? We have all experienced it popping to the surface when it is needed by either ourselves or a loved one. But is that all we get? Don't get me wrong; it's wonderful when we receive or can pass on impromptu wisdom. However, can we create on-demand wisdom? The answer is yes!

To create on-demand, repeatable, and accurate wisdom you need to be willing to put in some practice time in order build your intuitive skill. Yes, we all have soulful wisdom; the hard part is accessing it, trusting it, and managing the skill that brings it forward. Enlightenment is easy; maintaining it is difficult. When we hold a new way of thinking, especially one that we believe will make our life easier, clearer, and more gratifying, we tend to become impatient. Impatience is the antithesis of inner wisdom. You have to give yourself, and your inner wisdom, space and patience in order for it to become accessible and at your beck and call.

One key to strengthening your inner wisdom and intuitive voice is to create an environment in which you can meditate, visualize, and pray. This always plays a crucial role in the efficacy of your practice. Later on, as your intuition and spiritual nature develops and seasons, you will be able to stay calm and centered even in the most distracting situations and environments. It is best to have a sacred space in your own home in which to practice. Creating this type of space in your home will lead to a calmness and centeredness in your being and in your life, no matter where life takes you.

Your sacred space does not have to consist of an entire room or wing of the house; it can be simply a tabletop in your favorite room. Creating sacred space in your bedroom is always nice because as you enter sleep and the dream state, you already have a wonderful energy of consciousness surrounding you. Your consciousness is highly suggestible when you are in the sleep state, so why not be the one who creates the space in which your consciousness rests?

If you are really crowded for space, or housemates don't understand or resonate with your spiritual quest, you don't have to create a permanent sacred place. What truly matters is what resides in your own heart space -- although having a sacred space in your home can lift you out of the occasional shadowed corner of the human experience and assist you through the periodic darkened night of the soul.

If space is limited or there are other constraints, you can create a portable altar. Simply take a small piece of cloth -- a square foot works well -- and set your sacred items on top of it to create a spiritual space. When you are not engaged in a sacred practice, you can simply wrap up your items and store them in the cloth. Place the bundle in a dresser drawer or a box when not in use. When you are ready to meditate, pray, or do whatever practice you use to enhance your spiritual growth, place your altar items reverently on the cloth before you begin. When you are finished, thank and bless the items for their assistance, gently wrap them back up in the cloth, and put them away.

What things might you put on your altar? A good foundation is important, so it is nice to have a decorative piece of fabric or cloth upon which to set your items. It is preferable to select something made of a natural or organic fabric such as cotton or silk. This type of cloth is easily available and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

Items that you set upon your altar should have significant meaning for you; they need to touch your soul. You might want to have a bouquet of fresh flowers, or, if space is limited, even a single flower. Items such as rocks, crystals, fossils, or feathers that you have found or purchased from an interesting place add grounded earth energy.

You can place any size picture of a loved one or of an exalted master that touches you on your altar. Pictures of masters such as Jesus, Mary, Lord Buddha, Hindu gods or goddesses, Saints from any religion, a cherished guru (teacher), or pictures of indigenous guides and symbols are all appropriate. After all, this is your sacred space, and your altar should bring to it the energies and levels of consciousness that are meaningful to you. Furthermore, having such masters present will help you stay focused on whatever level of consciousness you would like to resonate with and therefore achieve. When you sit quietly, pray, or meditate, you are invoking the connection to your soul's consciousness through the vehicle of your intuition.

It is also important to know that your sacred space -- whether it is contained within a drawer, sits upon a tabletop, or is spread throughout your living space -- will most likely change as you change. As your spirit grows and soars, the demonstration of how you express your spirit and spirituality will change accordingly. All things are impermanent. Think of the beautiful and meaningful sand paintings of the Native Americans, or of the colorful sand mandalas of the Tibetan Buddhists. They are sacred spaces filled with holy artistic meanings, created to evoke energies and certain levels of consciousness for particular events. These beautiful creations are used for worship in their cultural context, and then destroyed, releasing the spirit and displaying a nonattachment to form.

As you begin the journey to discover the power and intelligence of your intuition, it is best to have a quiet, sacred space to which you can retreat. Your spiritual and emotional intelligence will open, evolve, and you will experience the world in a different way. A way that involves the use of your intuition, spiritual knowing, and healing abilities. Your intuition, your inner wisdom, is your soul's consciousness. Your willingness to create a sacred space in your living room confirms your willingness to create emotional and spiritual space in your heart and in your life. Your personality helps shape this space. It doesn't have to look like a hilltop monastery or the Vatican. Allow it to reflect what exists deep within you.

It is totally up to you to choose to listen and respond to your wisdom. Your intuitive wisdom is a powerful tool that you can sharpen and hone to the point that you can rely on it in the context of your daily life. The decision to open to and trust what you intuitively receive is entirely yours. My prayer is that you will take this simple tool, one with which you were born, and work with it, develop it, and commit to its use. If you do, you will have clarity, purposeful direction, and your life will change.

About the Author:
Laura Alden Kamm is a medical intuitive, spiritual teacher, and the author of "Intuitive Wellness: Using your Body's Inner Wisdom to Heal," "Unlocking Your Intuitive Power" How to Read the Energy of Anything," and "Color Intuition: Mastering Energy of Color for Higher Awareness, Extraordinary Perception, and Healing." Doctors have described Laura as "a walking MRI" for the remarkable accuracy of her intuition. Laura has treated over 17,000 individual clients, trains corporate executives in Innovative Problem Solving, and has taught hundreds of classes, speaking to packed houses throughout the world. http://www.energymedicine.org

Check out the Experts page for Laura Alden Kamm, the Official SelfGrowth.com Guide to Wisdom.

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*** Article:  If You Can't Stand the Heat... - By Keith A. Shaw ***
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...then get out of the kitchen.

So goes the phrase associated with U.S. President Harry S. Truman. What Truman was trying to say was "Don't persist with a task if the pressure of it is too much for you," the suggestion being that if you can't cope, you should leave the work to someone who can get it done.

Hmmm...I guess it works if you are one of those individuals who EASILY GIVES UP or one of those who finds plenty of EXCUSES (such as blaming others or your current situation or environment) as to why you do not pursue your dreams, wishes, and goals.

However, if you are like many of the "Motivated Mind Body Spirit Central" readers of my newsletter and articles around the world, who:

- Are driven from within on their quest for success,
- Have a burning desire to live their lives to the max,
- Welcome and easily overcome challenges through perseverance and determination and,
- Are not afraid to ask for what they want in life...

...then you know that this is not the case in your life. You always ask for more. You always shoot for the moon. And you know that the word "impossible" was never intended for you.

However, there is not a day that goes by that I see many people who use words such as "CAN'T," "BUT," and "IF" copiously in their conversations. If you, too, are like these people, then I STRONGLY encourage YOU to continue to read on! 

To get you started and motivate you on "Your Quest for Success," here is my version of this quote (with apologies to Mr. Truman)... 

"If you can't stand the heat, then find a way to get used to, and beat it!"

The word "can't" is one of the most disempowering words known to humankind. To me, "can't" means one of two things:

Meaning Number One:

You don't want to do something (even when you know it is good for you to do it)...

Of course, I am not talking about illegal or immoral things, where a person's moral compass would not allow them to do something that would be in conflict with their values. What I am referring to is having the courage to step out of your comfort zone and finding the information and tools you need to get the task at hand done, no matter how hard, or painful it might be.

Meaning Number Two:

You do not know HOW to do or get something done. Perhaps, as with Meaning Number One, you do not have the confidence or courage to take that very first step.

Here's my straightforward 5-step plan as to how to take control of your life and prepare yourself to "beat the heat":

Step One: You need to create a burning desire for change within you. Become dissatisfied with your current situation and where you are in life. Create within yourself the courage and confidence to become a "CAN"-do type that others will gravitate to. No matter if you lack education, technical skills, or others areas of expertise, you must never let these be stumbling blocks. And with that in mind, read on to Step Number Two.

Step Two: Create a "game plan" with clearly-defined goals. Whether your goals are personal, professional, financial, or other, take the time to write then down in a clearly written, realistically achievable plan. Then as you take action to achieve your goals, also take time to visualize yourself meeting or even better yet, beating your plan. Visualization can be a powerful tool.

Step Three: Remember you are "bigger" than you know. You are just as good as anyone else. Never shoot for less than the moon. Become a person for whom the word impossible is not meant for.

Step Four: Expect, welcome, and overcome challenges. Remember what does not "kill" us, makes us stronger.

Step Five: Never be afraid to ask for what you want. If you do not ask, then 110% of the time, the answer will be "no."

The Roman philosopher, Seneca, who lived from 4 B.C. to 65 A.D., said, "Most powerful is he that has himself in his own power."

By using "Shaw's five-step plan," you will soon develop the power of confidence and courage that will inspire you to take action. You will feel more excitement and clarity in your life every day. You will be motivated like never before and easily "beat the heat."

Copyright 2008 by Keith A. Shaw and MindBodySpiritCentral.com, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this article may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means -- electronic, mechanical, photocopying, audio or video recording, or otherwise -- without the written permission of the author and publisher.

About the Author:
Keith A. Shaw is president of http://www.MindBodySpiritCentral.com, headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. He is an authority on motivation, success, self-improvement, health, and wellness.

Keith is the author and creator of "The Power of Thought" and "The Power of Concentration" Motivation and Success Systems, along with "The Power of Serenity and Peace" Spirituality and Happiness System. These systems have helped women and men around the world to achieve more in life than they ever dreamed possible. He also authored and produced "The Power of Qigong" Health and Wellness Systems (available on DVD) for increasing your health, wellness, energy, mental power, and more.

Check out the Experts page for Keith A. Shaw, the Official SelfGrowth.com Guide to Motivation.

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*** Book Review:  Destini the Chocolate Princess - By Joan Wright Lewis ***
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Rarely does a book come along with power that mesmerizes and captures the heart of its readers.   This book not only captivated my mind, it captivated my spirit! The flood of emotions for me was unreal! 

The author has apprehended the essence of what it means to have courage when it seems like everything is against you. "Destini the Chocolate Princess" addresses the real issues that plague our society as a nation, both youth and adults, in the church, and abroad.  

Prepare yourself to experience trial, tribulation, and triumph! Hope, renewal, strength, and transformation! This book is a MUST READ for everyone! (In fact, I shared my copy with my teenage sons; they absolutely Love It!) --Yolanda McIntosh, President/Founder/CEO McIntosh Mo2vations, Affiliate of Woman's Radio

*****

Consider this: you are bombarded on all sides to hate yourself. You are constantly told that you are ugly, stupid, no good, treated invisible, and laughed at. See how this beautiful heroine overcame extraordinary and unforgettable moments to soar like an eagle. Allow "Destini the Chocolate Princess" to take you into an exciting world. Experience how you could utilize her life story to destroy the shackles that hold you down from moving forward.

With the purchase of this book, author Joan Wright Lewis is giving away some FREE bonus gifts! Go to http://www.jovalpub.com/promo.html

The list price of this book is $14.95. To purchase it from Amazon.com for $11.66, a 22% discount, go here.

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*** Brief News of the World ***
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Positive:

* 'Tongue computing' could help disabled *

The tireless tongue already controls taste and speech, helps kiss and swallow and fights germs. Now scientists hope to add one more ability to the mouthy muscle, and turn it into a computer control pad. Georgia Tech researchers believe a magnetic, tongue-powered system could transform a disabled person's mouth into a virtual computer, teeth into a keyboard -- and tongue into the key that manipulates it all. "You could have full control over your environment by just being able to move your tongue," said Maysam Ghovanloo, a Georgia Tech assistant professor who leads the team's research. (Click here for complete news story)

* Unsung Holocaust Hero Celebrates 100^th *

Andre Steiner was the muscle behind one of the most daring -- and overlooked -- missions to save Jews during the Holocaust. In his youth, before he became a renowned architect, he helped engineer a plan to stave off the deportation of Slovakia's Jews through a network of work camps and a series of bribes that likely helped save the lives of thousands. The last living member of the underground network that devised the plan, Steiner marked his 100th birthday Friday in a retirement tower north of Atlanta. (Click here for complete news story)

* Gym Turns Human Energy Into Electricity * 

You've always been able to burn energy at the gym. Now, you can create it too. The Green Microgym, in the Alberta arts district of northeast Portland, opens this week and aims to turn human energy into electricity. Adam Boesel, a personal trainer and the owner of the gym, rigged up spin bikes with weedwacker motors and truck alternators in hopes of creating the first human-powered gym in the United States. (Click here for complete news story)

** For more positive news, please visit http://www.selfgrowth.com/news.html

Other:

* 'Edible optics' could make food safer: Holograms could detect E. coli or salmonella, early research suggests *

You're in the produce aisle doubtfully eyeing those serrano peppers and fresh spinach. Are they really safe to eat? A clear answer could soon come in the form of a color-changing hologram patterned onto an edible membrane of pure silk, according to a new study. The translucent membranes, dubbed "edible optics" by their creators at Massachusetts' Tufts University, have been studded with tiny grooves and crests to create the kind of light-diffracting holograms more often associated with credit cards and passports. ... (Click here for complete news story)

* US Colleges Moving To Retire Cafeteria Trays -- Holy Food Fight: US Colleges Saying Nay To Cafeteria Trays; Some Students Hate Balancing Act *

Crammed on middle linebacker Derek Walker's plate are beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, spinach and a roll. In the other hand, he balances a salad and a bottle of hot sauce. He lumbers through the small, tabled-filled cafeteria and plunks down without spilling a drop. All without a tray. "You've just got to do with what you have," Walker said. Glenville State has joined an increasing number of colleges and universities that have shed their cafeteria trays. (Click here for complete news story)
 

* How Vinyl Got Its Groove Back: CBS Evening News: In This Digital Age, Vinyl Records Are Making a Comeback *

Sixteen-year-old David MacRunnel loves his record collection. "I have approximately 1,200," he said. They're all vinyl LPs. Scratch the iPod. "You experience the music versus hearing the music," MacRunnel said. For 18-year-old Lukas Glickman, LPs have become an obsession. "I spend all my money on it. It's a problem," he said. They're true believers in a vinyl revival. Yes, in this digital age, the LP is coming back from the dead, CBS News correspondent Anthony Mason reports. (Click here for complete news story)

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