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Are You A Good Reciever?

All of us have desires we would be thrilled to see actualize in our lives but often can’t seem to make them happen. If you are taking action to make your wants happen but seem challenged in getting them, it maybe due to a lack of good receiving skills.

Let’s imagine a group of friends, Kelly, John, Larry, Julie and Rebecca, go out for lunch. Larry is just full of compliments…

a) Larry: John, congrats on your promotion at work.

John: Well, I worked 12 hour days for the last 6 months.

b) Larry: Rebecca, your new condo is really great.

Rebecca: Oh well, I am barely making it. Hopefully I can keep up with the expenses.

c) Larry: Julie, your garden is shaping up nicely.

Julie: Thanks and Larry, I love what you did with the living room paint.

d) Larry: Kelly, I love your new sweater.

Kelly: Thanks.

What kind of receiver are YOU? Are you like…

a) John? Do need to justify why you deserve what you got?

b) Rebecca? Do you need to diminish your success so others don’t feel smaller than you?

c) Julie? Do you feel like you need to reciprocate the compliment to be polite? Even if you really don’t feel what you are saying to them?

d) Kelly? Are you able to receive a compliment, no strings?

If you are like Kelly, you are probably a good receiver. What does this mean in relation to your life? Well, if you have been visioning what you want AND taking action, but not seeing results, you may not be a good receiver. How are you supposed to ACCEPT your good into your life, when you can’t even receive a simple compliment and feel you deserve it, no strings?

Let’s analyze the 4 types of receivers:

a) The Justifier: Often, something inside you doesn’t really believe you are worthy to receive and so you must find reasons why you deserve it. Sometimes it is because every time you have been giving something in the past, it was NOT unconditional. It was another person’s way of subtly manipulating you into doing what they wanted. And so you learned that you are not worthy to receive just for the sake of it. Now, to be cautious of receiving, you feel the need to justify.

b) The Diminisher: you want to be socially accepted. You would never want to make someone feel bad about his or her own situation because you have more. It may create jealously and affect your relationship long term. You respond by diminishing your own success.

c) The Reciprocator: You have been taught that when someone gives you something, you must give back. As a result, you go out of your way to return the compliment or favour. That is not to say that you shouldn’t give to others. Absolutely give and spread the joy BUT only give when it is genuine and unconditional.

d) The Receiver: You understand that the world is a balance of give and take. You are comfortable in receiving as you are confident that it will come back to the other in some form or another.

Now that you are aware of your receiving pattern, start noticing your reactions and focus on simply saying “thank-you” when receiving a gift or compliment. If you don’t already do this, it will feel really strange. But keep it up long enough and you will change your pattern and slowly start to receive your desires. Happy Receiving!

Cindy Ashton is an expert in helping people kiss their monsters & unleash their courage. Born with a 20% chance of living, Cindy’s life triumphs are a miracle. She presents keynote speeches, interactive seminars & motivational concerts across North America. http://www.cindyashton.com

Everything Happens For A Reason

From our daily routines to big events such as getting married, a new job or a well deserved vacation, we get fixed in our expectations. When our ‘perfect’ plans go awry as they tend to do in life, it is easy to get negative, frustrated and doubtful. But when things don’t go as you think they should or as you wanted them to, it is a fantastic opportunity to grow and learn. Here are some ways to look at why:

1. It may be a reflection of your thoughts and beliefs:

Imagine that Peter worked to the bone for months on end and finally got to go on a vacation. For weeks prior he was visioning himself relaxing on the beach, playing with the kids, and so on. The vacation came and it was a disaster … from food poisoning to bad service to rainy weather. What happened? Perhaps Peter holds a belief deep inside that unless he is working and productive, he is not worthy. Or maybe he had a bad experience on his last trip and is still holding onto the past. This ‘disaster’ is great opportunity for him to look inside and start to change his patterning.

2. There may be a better route for you:

When I was 18, I was desperate to be a dancer but got rejected from the only degree dance program in Ontario because my grades were 2% below the cut off. Although I was devastated at the time, it was truly a blessing. A month later I went and trained full time in a professional dance company, 6 hours a day. Within a week, I snapped a ligament in my ankle and damaged my knee; within a month the director heard me singing to myself and cast me to sing in the show; within 2 months, I was accepted into a post secondary diploma program for… singing, not dancing. Since I never had a lesson in my life, it was a big sign. When I applied for university again, I got into the music program on talent despite my grades still being too low. My big rejection forced me onto the path I am still on today… 14 years later. So when things don’t go your way, there may be something far greater for you. Have faith!

3. It is not the right timing:

Let’s say you and your partner have been trying to get pregnant for over 2 years. Suddenly, a parent gets sick forcing all your energy towards helping them through their crisis. Can you imagine how difficult that would be if you have a small baby? Or maybe there was something you had to learn – perhaps by tending to the sick parent, you gained greater insight and compassion… tools that would make you a better parent when the timing was right.

4. We don’t always know why:

Sometimes when we don’t know why something happens, we have to come to a place of trust – have the faith that whatever the outcome is in our best and highest good. For example: Let’s say Donna was on her way to an important interview for her ideal job – an opportunity she had worked towards for over 10 years. While driving, she realized she forgot her portfolio at home. She drove back home, got what she needed and drove off to her interview. Luck had it that she encountered lots of traffic and arrived 45 minutes late. The potential boss refused to see her and she lost her ‘dream’ job. Although it seems like a disaster, it may have been a blessing. For all we know, if Donna would have had her portfolio and continued to drive, she would have got into a life threatening accident or maybe she would have got the job but ended up with a bully as a boss. We really don’t know but ultimately, no matter what happens in our life, we must trust that it is in our best and highest good.

When things don’t go as planned, look inside and start asking questions: Is there a belief or negativity within me that has blocked my good? Is there something I need to learn from this so I can have success next time? If all seems clear, then perhaps there is a better route for you or the timing needs to be right. Ultimately, we must always know that everything happens for a reason, so have faith that all will unfold as it needs to.

Cindy Ashton is an expert in helping people kiss their monsters & unleash their courage. Born with a 20% chance of living, Cindy’s life triumphs are a miracle. She presents keynote speeches, interactive seminars & motivational concerts across North America. http://www.cindyashton.com

Shifting Perspective During Troubling Times

Challenging situations and disappointment are an essential part of the journey through the mountains and valleys we call life. We can either move through them kicking and screaming, resisting ‘what is’ to the bitter end or we can choose to … SHIFT PERSPECTIVE!

Back in high school, I was determined to become a professional dancer. Every moment of my existence was focused on that one goal – whether I was chewing my food to the beat of a tap step or walking with my tail bone nicely tucked under in a perfect ballet posture. I could be in math class working on geometry while choreography ran through the lines and curves on the page. Wherever I was, dance was. I applied to York University for dance. It was my only option as it was the only degree program for dance in Ontario at the time. I did my audition in March and waited anxiously to find out if I was accepted. June came around and I received a thin envelope in the mail… I was not accepted into the program because my grades were 2% too low. The hysterics began and I spent days crying my eyes out. I felt like all my dreams were taken away for me within a snap second – I simply couldn’t see that there may be another path.

All of us have experienced this type of disappointment or challenge. When you feel stuck as I was, follow these steps to shift perspective and turn things around. I have given the resolution to my situation as an example.

STEP ONE: Acknowledge and accept the situation as is. There is no point in trying to create a positive change if you are in denial. Certain circumstances cannot be changed but the outcome can be. Therefore it is essential to evaluate what is the truth in it, accepting that truth and then choosing the best path to get through it.

“I accept that I was rejected from the dance program. I can’t change the outcome. I need to stop dwelling on it.”

STEP TWO: Ask yourself: “How does this benefit me?” No matter how challenging a situation may be, there is always a positive that can come out of it.

“It will give me a year off to improve my grades, do further dance training and work part time, saving more money for tuition. In the long run, I will have less student debt. ”

STEP THREE: Shift perspective! What other choices do you have? How far can you think outside the box? How outrageous can you be? Come up with at least 10 options.

1. “I can train in a full time dance company, getting hands on experience.

2. “ I can work full time for 6 months, then use the money to go live in NY and train with the best.”

3. And so on….

STEP FOUR: Create an action plan and go! Decide which of those options excite you the most and take the positive steps.

“I am going to make a list of professional dance companies in Ontario by June 20th. Submit applications by June 25th.”

Right now, list a challenge or disappointment you are dealing with. Go through the steps and take charge. You are amazing and can shift ANYTHING. There is always a solution. Have fun with the process

Cindy Ashton is an expert in helping people kiss their monsters & unleash their courage. Born with a 20% chance of living, Cindy’s life triumphs are a miracle. She presents keynote speeches, interactive seminars & motivational concerts across North America. http://www.cindyashton.com

Healthly Breathing For Relaxation

With the power to heal our bodies, minds and souls, learning to breath efficiently is essential to well being. When used consciously, breathing releases toxins and stored emotions, creates a relaxation response and enhances intuition. Breathing dysfunctions, such as hyperventilation, shallow breathing and breath holding, creates pain and stress in all levels. However, like any other skill, healthy breathing can be learned, eliminating these dysfunctions.

Healthy breathing is controlled by the diaphragm, a concave muscle running along the base of the ribs. When we inhale, the diaphragm pushes our internal organs down and flattens out causing the abdominal region to rise. The exhalation happens automatically by impulse.

The first step to developing good breathing habits is awareness. Often when we ‘try’ to breath, we do so in our chests. I suggest you lie on your back. If you have back problems, place a pillow under your knees.

STEP ONE: Place your hands on your stomach, close your eyes and just notice. Don’t try to take deep breaths yet.

STEP TWO: Once you feel the breath drop into your diaphragm, you should feel your hands rise up with the inhalation and down with the exhalation. Try to perceive the sensations you feel so you can duplicate the response at a later time.

STEP THREE: As you attune to the sensations, start to breath in more deeply. If you find the breath goes back up into the chest, repeat the process.

Once you are confident in diaphragmatic breathing, use the breath to consciously relax.

STEP ONE: Scan your body from head to toe, observing the areas of pain, discomfort and tension. Imagine deeply breathing into those areas and then releasing the pain upon exhalation. Continue to breathe into those areas and release until you feel less discomfort. I often imagine blowing out black smoke that gets eaten by a cloud of white light and floats away. Try to create several images for yourself and see what works better.

STEP TWO: Balance the exhale/inhale ratio by breathing in for 4 counts then exhaling for 4 counts. Try not to hold your breath between cycles, keeping it flowing continuously.

STEP THREE: Create a relaxation response by exhaling longer than the inhalation. So begin with breathing in for 4, exhaling for 6. Then inhaling for 4, exhaling for 8.

Once you feel relaxed, refreshed and ready to go, be sure to balance the breath (4 in, 4 out). If you stand up too quickly without balancing, you may experience dizziness.

Realistically, we don’t go about our daily activities lying down. So once your ‘floor’ technique is solid, stand up or sit in a chair and see if you can still create the sensations of breathing deeply in the belly. The majority of people have difficulty breathing deeply when erect. Here are various strategies. Test out which method works best for you.

CIRCLE BREATHING: as you inhale slowly, imagine a line of white light traveling from your tail bone, up your spine to the crown of your head. As you exhale, see that line travel in front of your body, down and around back to the tail bone.

THIRDS: Imagine your lungs are split into thirds - bottom, middle and top. Fill each third sequentially, starting at the base of your ribs.

WAVES: Envision yourself on a beach seeing the waves gently coming in and out. As the waves caress the shore, breathe in and as they travel back into the sea, breathe out.

TREE: stamp your feet on the ground, firmly planting them. Imagine you are a tree and your feet have roots that grow deep into the ground. Breath through those roots up through your legs into your entire being. With practice, it is possible to feel breath moving through your entire body.

GROUNDING STANCE: place feet slightly more than shoulder width apart and allow your feet to be slightly pigeon toed. Press your feet outwards as if you were trying to split the floor in two. Notice your seat bones separate with breath dropping down into that area. This stance is also great for really feeling your own power. If you have an upcoming proposal or confrontation, get into this stance and envision what you want.

SHOULDER RELEASE: Roll your shoulders back and allow the scapula to drop (good for posture!). Then inhale as you allow your scapula to drop down further.

YOGA POSES (for those of you who practice): try the squat, crocodile and child’s poses.

The final step of course is to bring these techniques into everyday. Start to scan your body often during the day. When you feel stiff, be sure to move around gently and breathe into the tension, releasing it. When you are stressed, balance your breathing followed by exhaling longer. When stuck in an argument or fearful situation, walk away to clear your head. If you can’t remove yourself, breathe deeply so you can slow down and hopefully respond with a rational mind. Most importantly, take time to just sit and breathe everyday. It will help you re-balance your body and notice your mind chatter. As you become aware of your thoughts and body, you can begin to create change and a more balanced life. Happy breathing!

Cindy Ashton is an expert in helping people kiss their monsters & unleash their courage. Born with a 20% chance of living, Cindy’s life triumphs are a miracle. She presents keynote speeches, interactive seminars & motivational concerts across North America. http://www.cindyashton.com

Who Shouldn’t Be Hypnotized: Are You Among The Few?

Maybe you’ve read an article about the wonders of hypnosis: how it can eliminate negative habits like smoking and overeating; boost performance in sports, career, and artistic endeavors; help people sleep, let go of fears like public speaking, improve the odds of conception, and even make childbirth easier.

It seems like there’s nothing hypnosis can’t do—and no one who shouldn’t be using it, right?

But that’s not altogether true.

There are a few people for whom hypnosis is not advised for a variety of reasons, and others who might just want to think twice about making an appointment with a practitioner. Are you one of them? Find out now:

- Are your expectations unrealistic?

You may have heard that hypnosis can change your life. It can. And sometimes, yes, it feels like magic. But it isn’t magic. And it requires willingness and a bit of effort on your part—particularly in knowing what you want it to do for you, how you’ll know it worked (what specific, tangible results you expect), and in being willing and able to follow instructions.

Sometimes homework is assigned to make the hypnotic suggestions real in your life.

For instance, I hypnotize many of my clients for dating and relationship success. I then request that they do some real-world experimentation to assess improvement and where they still need work.

After hypnotizing a client I’ll call Joan to feel as attractive inside as she looked outside, I asked her to attend a large and a small social event and notice how she felt in each. We discovered that she needed more reinforcement to feel confident and desirable in a smaller crowd.

We met for a special session that focused specifically on that circumstance, and I gave her one conscious-mind exercise to do while dressing for her next event.

Today she is happily dating a great guy and still using the exercises we designed for her when she deems them useful.

- Is someone pushing you into using hypnosis?

Don’t waste your time and money on hypnosis if it’s not something you want to do. Do it because there’s something in your life you want to change, enhance, or improve. Do it simply to experience the process. Do it to learn self-hypnosis so you can coach yourself to relax, improve in your sport, open up to others, attract people to date, or do well in a job interview.

Do it because you enjoy new experiences.

Do it because a friend of yours got so much out of his hypnosis session.

Do it because you meditate or use creative visualization, and you heard that hypnosis is similar, but often more powerful.

Do it because it’s cool.

Because you read about it or saw it in a movie.

Do it because your boss stopped smoking through hypnosis and claims it saved his life.

Do it because a film star did it in his personal life and raves about its success.

But don’t do it because someone is pressuring you. It’s the wrong reason and it could taint your experience of something that could be worthwhile in the future.

- Are you unwilling or unable to follow the instructions the hypnotist gives you during the session?

If your personality or worldview is such that you can’t or won’t follow instructions, a hypnosis session could be a waste for you.

It’s okay to be skeptical about hypnosis given the misconceptions of the past (now much of medicine embraces it), but if you are bent on resisting what the hypnotist says, there’s no need to book a session.

The practitioner does not claim to be a magician, wizard, or enforcer. She is trained in a

procedure that works very effectively when you cooperate, and less or not at all when you don’t.

To get optimal results for your hard-earned dollar, be honest, follow instructions, and reap the benefits for years to come.

You may do so well that you choose to learn self hypnosis for maximum autonomy and independence. And wouldn’t that be useful almost everywhere in your life?

- Are you simply trying to prove hypnosis doesn’t work—or doesn’t work on you?

Hypnosis works, if you want it to, and follow instructions, and are working with a practitioner who knows what she’s doing and with whom you feel comfortable. Hypnosis usually doesn’t work if you don’t want it to. (For many people it’s also useful to arrive at the session relatively free of caffeine.)

That’s that. So if you’re coming to prove that you are not hypnotizable, save your money:

You ARE in control.

You CAN keep it from working.

Now use that session fee for something else. There is no need to prove your unhypnotizability further.

However, if you do want to use hypnosis to improve your life, and you’re simply worried that you can’t be hypnotized, and you truly want to, try this: find a good hypnotist you feel comfortable with, be open, ask your questions, share your worries, and then just relax and follow instructions.

- Do you have epilepsy?

In the past, those with epilepsy were strictly advised not to enter the hypnotic state. The reason was that in people prone to epilepsy, hypnosis could conceivably initiate a seizure. This does not happen to people who do not have epilepsy.

Interestingly, Science Digest (online; Feb 15 2008 issue) describes a scenario at the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital where they induce hypnosis specifically to determine whether a child’s seizure-like movements are epileptic or non-epileptic. If hypnosis brings on the seizures, the child is considered epileptic.

If you have experienced what appear to be symptoms of epilepsy, and would like to use hypnosis, ask your doctor if it’s okay before proceeding. Ideas about this may vary among the medical field, and it’s important to get the opinion of someone both knowledgeable and trustworthy.

- Are you ready, willing and able?

Go to it. Bring your thoughts, questions, hopes and desires. Enjoy the experience.

To find a reliable professional near you, contact the National Guild of Hypnotists and make use of their free referral service: 603-429-9438 in Merrimack, NH. They will be more than pleased to give you a referral, often by specialty if you ask.

Staying Confident To Achieve Success

Many of us have goals we want to accomplish. We set our intentions and forge the way, but the minute something discourages us or stands in our way, we get knocked off our horse and lose our momentum. We doubt ourselves and our goals, ultimately losing confidence in our abilities. With this decrease in confidence, we often end up making choices that are not in our best and highest good. We settle for second best because we are either desperate, impatient or don’t believe we can do better.

If you have a strong vision of what you want, you need to stay confident and focused on that end result no matter what is thrown at you. We never know how long it may take to achieve our goal or what lessons we are to learn along the way. When we do not see immediate results, it is easy to get stuck in the negative and lose faith in ourselves.

How do we stay confident?

STEP ONE: All of us have already accomplished many things along our journey. I challenge you to write at least 100 things you have experienced in the past. Just list them. It can be big or small, obstacles you survived, accolades or anything else. All that you list is a success of some sort. If you don’t think you have accomplished much in your life, start by listing successes such as: I bought myself a blanket to cover me when I sleep. To have money to purchase something that will provide warmth is a huge success to a person in a 3rd world country.

STEP TWO: Choose 1 thing on that list and write all the details about it. What you choose to write about should be a large obstacle you overcame or a goal you achieved. Write how you felt before, during and after that experience; what steps you took to resolve it; what lessons you learned; and what blessings came out of it. You will realize how strong and amazing you are.

STEP THREE: When you feel discouraged and start to lack the confidence to continue to pursue your goal, go back to the list and read over all that you have experienced in your life. Make sure to read your detailed journal entry about the obstacle you overcame. It will remind you to be confident and believe in yourself as you have EVERYTHING you need within yourself to accomplish your goals.

STEP FOUR: Continue to add successes to your list as you experience life. Also take time to write more detailed journal entries in order to build the feeling of confidence. In the long run, you will have a fantastic resource called your success journal. As you focus on your successes, your accomplishments will increase.

The only thing standing in your way is your own confidence and belief in yourself. You can accomplish anything you set your intentions on. Enjoy the process of life and know, with your new found confidence, you will achieve your goals.

Cindy Ashton is an expert in helping people kiss their monsters & unleash their courage. Born with a 20% chance of living, Cindy’s life triumphs are a miracle. She presents keynote speeches, interactive seminars & motivational concerts across North America. http://www.cindyashton.com

Happiness And The Friendly Universe

Einstein once said that the most important question a person can ask himself is, “Is this a friendly universe?” As part of the research I did for my new book, Happy for No Reason, I interviewed over one hundred unconditionally happy people. What I found was that they all answered Einstein’s question with a resounding “Yes!”

Rather than thinking the universe is out to get them, happy people believe the universe is out to support them. They see all the events in their lives through the lens of, “Ultimately, this is happening for my good. There are no mistakes. Let me look for the blessing in this.” This belief in a friendly universe is the root of their relaxed and trusting attitude in life.

There’s even research showing that a belief in a friendly universe can impact a person’s health. A recent study conducted by Gail Ironson, Ph.D., M.D., professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Miami, found that people with HIV who believed in a loving universal power remained healthier longer than people who believed in a universal power that was punishing.

This may be a hard concept to swallow. Certainly there are many horrible things that happen in this world: war, persecution, famine, and suffering. It’s easy to think that we don’t live in a friendly universe. The one thing that’s helped me embrace the idea that the universe is always out to support me is the knowledge that all the wise men and women who have ever lived — the sages and saints of the past and present — have shared this belief. I’ve also seen that people who are Happy for No Reason use it as a guiding principle, and you can use it yourself to raise your own happiness level.

Rather than trying to decide whether this principle is true or not, I suggest that you adopt this perspective for the next week or two, and see how different your life feels. That means that whatever happens, assume that the universe is on your side — even if isn’t obvious to you on the face of it.

When I first began doing this myself, I noticed that although I wasn’t jumping up and down with joy and loving everything that happened in my life, I definitely felt a lot more ease and peace inside. When you believe that the universe is out to support you, you’re able to stop resisting what is happening. This doesn’t mean being passive or complacent about the events in the world or in your own life. It simply means not fighting or bemoaning what has already happened and can’t be changed. Many of us spend a tremendous amount of energy being upset and resisting life — when you take the view that there are no mistakes and accept what is, you can use your energy instead to deal effectively with the situation now.

Try it and see. You’ve got nothing to lose but your angst. And I guarantee your happiness level will soar when you realize you do live in a friendly universe after all!

Marci Shimoff is author of the new book Happy for No Reason: 7 Steps to Being Happy from the Inside Out; plus Chicken Soup for the Woman

What In The World Is Going On?! ~ How The Consciousness Shift May Be Affecting You

Does life seem to be getting increasingly more challenging? Have your emotions been more intense lately? Does it seem like there are more thoughts racing through your mind? Have you noticed your body tensing up for no apparent reason? Have you been feeling a vague - or not so vague - sense of anxiety? Are you finding it difficult to get a good night’s sleep? Do you seem to be compelled to keep busy? Are you feeling a mysterious sense of urgency? Do you have less patience? Do you find yourself obsessing more over things? Have your moods been shifting quickly from optimistic to discouraged - from delighted to downhearted? Does it seem harder than it use to be to enjoy life?

If you are experiencing some - or all - of these things, take heart. Believe it or not, it is a sign that something very positive is happening to you, and to the planet. These symptoms are (in most cases) a “by-product” of an extraordinary spiritual awakening - or “consciousness shift” - that Planet Earth and humanity are currently undergoing. This awakening has been prophesied for ages, and has been called “The Great Shift” — “The Planetary Ascension” — “The Quickening” — “An Evolutionary Leap” — and more recently, “Awakening to the New Consciousness.”

Where is this shift taking us?

The essence of it is that we are shifting from our current limited state, to a higher vibration and level of consciousness - a more spiritually evolved state, free from many of the individual and collective problems of our present existence. We are evolving beyond the state in which fear, violence, struggle, and strife can thrive. We are growing into a more enlightened state of being, which will be characterized by unity, peace, cooperation, compassion, harmony and freedom from many of our current limitations.

This shift is being catalyzed by an increase of Divine Evolutionary Light pouring into Earth’s atmosphere. This light is the force behind all evolution throughout the universe… the process of every created thing unfolding its full divine potential and moving up the ladder of consciousness. We are currently experiencing a long, sometimes rocky transition into this higher state… a phase that may be likened to cosmic growing pains.

This transition began way back in the 1960s, and has been gradually escalating in intensity ever since, with a few significant leaps thrown in for good measure… For example, during an unusually powerful alignment of planets in May of 1981 this evolutionary light was turned up several notches. Then it was cranked up several more ticks at what was called the “Harmonic Convergence” in August of 1987.

When will this shift culminate?

First, it should be noted that the consciousness shift is a “process,” - similar to the process of growing up - and there may not be any single point in time when it is suddenly complete. Still, there are a number of teachings predicting the end of the year 2012 as the time when the shift will reach a major culmination point, akin to what science calls “critical mass.” Critical mass is what occurs when enough parts of a whole reach a certain level, initiating a chain reaction in which all the other parts are automatically raised to that level as well. For example when you are heating water, it is the point at which so many molecules reach boiling temperature, that all the remaining molecules are automatically raised to that temperature and the water reaches a full boil. Hypothetically then, when enough individuals reach a certain level of consciousness, a chain reaction will occur, bringing the rest of humanity up to that level as well.

Many of the 2012 predictions can be traced back to the mysterious end of the ancient Mayan calendar, which measured time in vast cycles, based on Earth’s position within our galaxy and our galaxy’s movement through the cosmos. If this date is accurate, it would seem we have a bit of cramming to do over the next 5 years. I don’t claim to know what the time-line is. I can only speak of the process I have been experiencing and observing over the past several decades.

When this article was originally written, this evolutionary light was coming in occasional waves. Each time one of these waves of light would pour into our atmosphere, the planet’s vibration was raised to a slightly higher frequency, elevating our living Earth - along with us earthlings - to a higher level. The time in between waves gave us time to acclimate to the heightened vibration and level of consciousness.

Since then, the frequency and power of these light waves has accelerated greatly. Currently, the effects are considerably more intensified, and we are getting very little time between waves to catch our breath and adjust. Given the rate at which the intensity is escalating, it is conceivable that a major turning point could be reached around the predicted time.

What effect is this evolutionary energy having on us as individuals?

As our vibration and consciousness are being elevated to higher levels, we are being continually challenged to let go of our limited old level of being. We humans tend to instinctively hold on to what is familiar, and resist moving into the unknown, not trusting that it can be a place of greater freedom and happiness.

Growing beyond our old level of awareness requires letting go of our lower vibrational “stuff”… our limiting beliefs, our fears, and our physical-emotional toxins. As part of this clearing process, our stuff tends to become extremely amplified, so that we must finally deal with it before bidding it farewell. When this is happening, you don’t have to look hard to find it… it is generally right in your face. This same process can be seen occurring on a global level. Many of the events that are being played out on the world stage are a cleansing of humanity’s collective toxins, and a bringing to light of humanity’s collective “shadow”.

For many individuals, this process is triggering some of those difficulties mentioned at the beginning of this article… magnified emotions, physical tension, increased thought activity, etc. Most of the “disorders” that many are currently experiencing, are due (in part) to this intensified energy. These include: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Depression. Because everything is being amplified - especially our emotions - conditions which may have existed previously as minor problems, are now becoming intensified to the level of major disorders. (It should be noted that there are multiple factors involved in creating these disorders, and I am not at all minimizing their impact, or suggesting that an individual suffering from such a disorder should simply accept it as part of the awakening process.)

Fortunately the effects if this process are not all problematic. Many people are experiencing some very positive changes along with the challenges. These include: increased intuitive abilities; feeling more open hearted and compassionate; experiencing a greater degree of divine support and guidance in one’s life; feeling more bliss and grace in one’s meditations; discovering new creative abilities; receiving new insights and gaining deeper self understanding; experiencing more cosmic coincidences, aka “synchronicities” occurring in one’s life; and feeling a deeper connectedness with Spirit and with all life.

If what you are reading here corresponds with your life experience, you may be asking, “Why do I have to put up with all this crazy stuff just because I happen to be here at this time?” On the contrary, it is no accident that you are here at this extraordinary time. You volunteered to be here in order to participate in this great spiritual awakening. We are all in this boat together, going down the evolutionary rapids. How then, can you best deal with this wild ride? Here are some helpful tips…

1. Meditate daily. Daily meditation is ideal for relaxing and allowing the intense cosmic energies to flow through you, rather than resisting them… for facilitating the process of raising your consciousness and vibration… and for letting go of your limiting old baggage.

2. Stay centered. While you are going about your day, try to remember as often as possible to shift your attention back to that calm inner center you’ve touched upon in meditation. One effective method for doing this is simply paying attention to your breathing - for a few moments when you are getting stressed or in between tasks.

Remembering to stay centered is a very effective way to reduce stress, as well as a good way to get use to living at a higher vibration. Currently we are being subjected to powerful upward and downward pulling energies. Shifting back to your calm center as often as possible helps you stay aligned with the upward pull.

3. Learn to trust in higher guidance and assistance. There is much support available from the unseen realms to help us move through this difficult transition.

4. Get plenty of vitamin B.

5. Try to remember that these are extraordinary times. Our old definitions of normal - and normal behavior - no longer apply. Everything is amplified, including our quirks and fears, so you might consider giving yourself and others a little extra slack.

Here is a quote from Choquash - a Native American storyteller - which captures the essence of all this…

“The elders have sent me to tell you that now is like a rushing river, and this will be experienced in many different ways. There are those who would hold onto the shore… there is no shore. The shore is crumbling. Push off into the middle of the river. Keep your head above the water, look around to see who else is in the river with you, and celebrate.”

Jim Malloy is a meditation instructor with 35 years of experience. Trained in 1973 by the International Meditation Society, he has taught classes throughout the western & south-western U.S. & in the U.K., & now teaches in north-central Florida & globally via The World Wide Online Meditation Center.

Meditation Chairs – The Benefits Of Having One

Now, with meditation chairs, you can easily enhance the experience of exploration. This unique chair gives you an opportunity to sit in a relaxed and comfortable position when you are engaged in a relaxation session.

A meditation chair will help you a lot in enhancing your knowledge related to meditation and also meditating in the right form. People with problems inflexibility or restricted flexibility, this chair provide a comfortable alternative to sitting on the floor.

People who have just begun with their meditation practice will definitely find this chair, a great way of increasing concentration level.

You can easily get different types of meditation chairs available on the market. You would find an amazing variety of meditation benches, inflatable cushiness and even ergonomically designed filt chairs.

With a meditation chair, you can easily sit straight and that too without putting too much pressure on your back.

A meditation chair lets you provide adequate support to the back and also helps you to remain in the best possible upright position.

Most companies have started providing quality meditation supplies. They are also manufacturing inflatable cushions, portable meditation chairs and folding benches. Now, with so much of variety, you can easily focus on meditation in any environment.

You must consider investing in a good portable meditation chair. This will help you in meditating even while you travel.

Meditation will be possible only when the mind and body is in harmony. When you face any sort of physical discomfort, you will not experience the best of meditation.

You need to be as comfortable as possible in order to expand your consciousness and obtain good clarity of mind. You also require to sit at a single position for a longer period of time. This usually causes a lot of distress and cramping in the body.

Meditation chairs are specially designed for adequate support and alignment one requires in order to obtain the maximum out of your meditation experience. Remember that an ordinary chair will never work towards providing you the same ease as a meditation chair.

If you are about to purchase a meditation chair for yourself, there are certain things you need to take in to consideration.

You need to focus on buying a meditation chair that has a slight forward angle. This will prevent you from slumping while you meditate.

Also take care that the chair is not too steeply angled. Too much of steel angle will result in over-arching. A good meditation chair will not angle more than just a few inches.

The best option for you would be to purchase a meditation chair that you can easily adjust as per your body weight, height and comfort level.

Try to take advice from an experienced person in this field. This will let your purchase the best.

If you are keen on practicing Zen meditation, then nothing would be better for you than a sitting device. You can find the best meditation chairs at your nearest furniture house with a little detailed research on your part.

Try to visit a few places prior to deciding on purchasing a meditation chair for you.

For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about MEDITATION and YOGA please visit MEDITATION BUZZ and YOGA TIPS

Meditation: A Path To A Stress Free Life

A common man considers meditation as a worship or prayer. However, this is not the real meaning of meditation. The real meaning of meditation is awareness.

In fact, any action that you perform with awareness comes under the category of meditation. From listening to the voice of running water carefully to keeping tabs on the way you breathe, everything is meditation.

When performed without any sort of distraction to the mind, meditation is known to be as effective.

One should not consider meditation as a technique. It is a way of life. The deep meaning of meditation is cessation of the thought process. The process perfectly explains a state of consciousness, where the mind of an individual is free of thoughts that are scattered all around and in various patterns.

The person who meditates will ultimately realize that all the different activities of the mind are diminished in to a simple activity.

There are several benefits of meditation that one can enjoy. These include the following:

1. Control over stress

2. Management of pain

3. Relief from drug addiction

4. Relief from cancer and other chronic illness

5. Relief from high blood pressure

6. Relief from heart disease

7. Psoriasis control

8. Infertility control

9. Relief from tension and headaches

10. Relief from premenstrual syndromes or PMS

11. Help during respiratory crises.

12. Relief from fibronyalgia

13. Relief from ulcers

14. Insomnia and irritable bowel syndrome

The true purpose of meditation is something that’s little known by most people across the globe. Most people simply love the feeling when they sense fascination and experience mystic visions, heightened mental functioning in conjunction with psychic intuition.

The actual purpose of meditation is to let the individual meet his or her true self. In short, meditation works towards bringing them back to themselves. The benefits of meditation can be enjoyed once the individual, who performs it become healthier, happier and realize a great sense of self awareness. One would definitely benefit from enhanced functioning of mind, greater intuition and an easy access to all the unknown resources and efficacies.

When meditating, you don’t require to force yourself to focus completely for longer periods of time. In case, you try to do this there will be a negative impact on the meditation.

Whenever you are lost in your own thought or get confuse, you just require to acknowledge these thoughts and try to return back to the attention of the meditation object gently. This process can be repeated as many times as you get distracted. This will help you to make your mind calmer and the distractions will tend to cease naturally.

Insight alone is not enough to transform your life. Meditation will let you understand layer perspectives of your life. It also enhances clarity of thought.

However, acting upon the guidance is extremely important in order to benefit from meditation the right way.

Meditation is surely going to change your life and bring in lots of benefits to you. All you require to do is to meditate the right way!

For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about MEDITATION and YOGA please visit MEDITATION BUZZ and YOGA TIPS

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