Is Coaching For You?

Coaching is a process of identifying and removing obstacles in your life which prevent you from being what you want to be.

If you are wondering whether coaching is for you, then start by answering the five key questions below:

1. Are you looking to make changes?
2. Are you ready to take responsibility for where you are, and where you want to move to?
3. Are you open to challenge and fresh perspectives?
4. Are you ready to be the best you can be and not to sabotage yourself in any way?
5. Are you willing to be different and take the action that is necessary?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any (or all) of the questions, then YES, coaching is for you!

Your key to success and your achievements is dependent on how committed you are to KNOW all that you want to know, DO what is required in order to achieve your goal, and BE responsible in steering your life towards the goals you have set out to achieve.

I work with individuals who have a habit of using their ‘thinking’ to guide their life, rather than their ‘knowing’. Individuals who want to live the life they have always dreamed of living, with no barriers or boundaries; a life rich with success and achievement, endless physical vitality, heartfelt personal relationships, and a deep sense of spiritual fulfillment. I’ve also worked with those who’ve mistaken themselves for their ego in all sorts of ways! And there have been many who are driven by old beliefs, habits or even conditioning that are creating the same undesirable results over and over. If you are searching for focus, inner-clarity, structure and balance in your life, then coaching with me will help you to channel these elusive qualities into something more tangible – a life that feels more authentic, balanced and whole.

Coaching is for you, because you are an INDIVIDUAL who is :

- Open and ready to change - you realize what you are doing now isn’t working, and are open minded about doing something different. You really want to get over this situation. You know that your life is ready for a reinvention and you want to be the one reinventing it.

- Highly motivated – you desire a real change in your life and are willing to put forth the effort to make it happen.

- Dedicated to finding your own path – your life is unique, your needs are unique and you are open to exploring the new you.

- Imaginative - you have an idea or desire for something different. And you hear the inner voices that limit you and keep you stuck; and you want to replace those limiting beliefs with an "I can do it" (confident) attitude.

- Willing to look for what is hidden – believe it or not, it is our unconscious that rules the day. You are now ready to become aware of what is hidden and respond by choice after seeing things in a whole new way.

- Wanting your ‘mojo’ back - you had it once, however some of life’s overwhelming and challenging situations have taken over or got in the way. And now you want to be back in control!

- Life long learner - or at least want to be and are excited by how new knowledge and perspectives can help you grow. You are open to discovering approaches and even goals that you haven’t thought of before.

Coaching isn’t just for adults, it is also a great way forward for CHILDREN & TEENAGERS. Its claimed by many child psychologists that between the ages of 3 years and 11 years is an ‘imprint period’. This means that childhood experiences between these ages are likely to have an impact on who that child becomes, how they feel, behave and represent themselves to the world in later life. I believe this is why it is extremely important that a child is given the opportunity to understand their feelings and emotions. Failure to do so, could lead to that child growing up and feeling unable to ever achieve their full potential.

I coach PARENTS who are willing to adopt great parenting tools. Being a parent is by far one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs on the planet! Unfortunately with this particular job there is no training manual, there is limited feedback on your performance, and no right or wrong way of doing things. It can also be difficult to find support and many parents experience the feeling of not doing a good enough job if they have to ask for advice from a professional.

During my coaching experience with parents, we’ve dealt with common problems such as arguing, stale mate (not talking to each other) and stone walling (saying bad things about each other). There is no right way of being a parent, but there are steps that you can take if your family relationships are not working out as well as they could be. Or perhaps you just want to be prepared for the challenging teenage years to come!

So if you are a parent, then coaching can:

- help you to become the kind of parent you wish you could be.

- enable you to relate to your children in ways that feel good for you and for them.

- provide you with strategies for dealing with the challenges that all parents face.

- help to improve and strengthen family relationships.

Ready to embark on a truly amazing journey of self-discovery!? Call me to discuss how coaching will help you reach your goals and together we'll work towards making your dreams become a reality!

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By Preet Kalsi

I'm Not There

The holidays are such special occasions. Many people do not celebrate the holidays due to the loss of a loved one. Life is meant to be enjoyed and you can be at peace with the loss of a loved one.

You can go visit my gravesite, but I’m not there. My spirit lives on, everywhere. I can see everything that you’re going through and I wish I could just hold you. Just know that each and every day I walk along side of you.

I am the bird in the tree and the wind that blows the leaves. Please don’t cry for me. I don’t want to see you weep. Take with you the lessons I’ve learned throughout my life. Celebrate with me, each precious moment you are given. 

When times get hard look around for me, you know I won’t be far. I’ll be that butterfly you see flying around. Have peace in knowing that I never left your side. 

As Christmas approaches, please don’t be sad. Carry on my traditions, make me glad. See myself in others; be it a smile, a look or a phrase, we are all connected in some little way. 

Through the good times and bad times I will always be there. Through each special moment, I will always be near. Until we meet again, please find solace in others. I am happy here, and in no more pain. My hurting is over, now you can sing.

If I ever did wrong please don’t follow that path. Learn from my mistakes, and remember; stay strong and be glad. I know I will always treasure the life I once had.

A New Year Means New Opportunity for Change With the Law of Attraction

Last year was a time of struggle and suffering for many people. I know I'm one of them. People lots their jobs, their family, their hope. It was very hard to escape the hardships caused by the crappy economy. The hope I've seen for a change this year is palpable. It would seem people are looking for the sun as a storm dissipates. That's not to say that the dramas and traumas of news events and daily living have necessarily changed. It's to say that my focus on them has lightened up. A Law of Attraction Coach can help you more effectively point out and transform limitation and patterns of low self-worth so you can more quickly attract and manifest your desires.

We all know what you focus your attention on is what the Universe lovingly mirrors back to you. When we focus on something, it's the equivalent of placing an order. "Yes, more of this, please." This truth implies something very important. Most people simply let their minds run on whatever track they're at, but if the world sends you more of what you think, that means you have power. There is no judgement from the Universe what you're thinking or feeling. The Law of Attraction is more like a property of physics rather than a judger in the sky keeping tally on you. 

Keep your finger on the pulse of your chronic thoughts. What is the first thing that goes through your mind after you wake up each day? Take note of the thoughts about yourself or your world that you simply take for fact and believe unquestioningly. "Another day, another rupees" or "What fires do I need to put out today?"

These kinds of thoughts are reactions to stimuli in the environment in which you live. This chronic negativity is not what I call a conscious creation; you aren't making the choice to have these thoughts, they are simply running of their own volition. 

Here are some thoughts you can try choosing when you wake up:

"What can I do today to feel good?"
"I don't have to feel like this, I am in control of who I want to be."
"I want to do something productive today, and feel good about it."

When you remember your ability to choose, choose happiness again every second. We have endless opportunities to do it over, think a better feeling thought. So choose freedom, appreciation and love for yourself. Change everything by consistently choosing happiness this year.

Preventing Child Abuse

The reason why parents hire nannies is to keep watch over their kids while they are away from home. Sadly, the very nannies that parents hire are the ones who commit child abuse to the children, without the parents knowing it. If you notice your child being afraid of going back home right after school or changes in school performance, this may prompt you to something about it. Any display of infantile behavior like thumb-sucking, nail-biting, head-banging, rocking, and other disturbing behaviors which he does not normally do, these are signs that there must be something troubling your child. This may be due to emotional abuse.

Sometimes, parents have to hire a nanny to leave their kids with. To get to know the nanny applicants, they are interviewed, screened, and hired by agencies. Unfortunately, some parents do not have the luxury of time to be with their children and talk to them. Usually, parents are not aware of what is happening to their kids lives. Because of this, most parents do not know that their children are already in pain from an abusive nanny. You will see that there are actually many types of abuse and the most common are emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse and medical abuse.

When you think that your children are being abused, you can talk to them alone and ask them nicely about the day. Any signs of fear or worry are the things you should watch out for. Try to reassure her that you wont tell anyone or that you are there to protect her. Inspect the child for any bruises, burns or perhaps injuries.

If you do not want your child to suffer from the negative consequences of child abuse, do whatever you can to prevent it from happening. To do this, it is not that easy because even family members or people whom you think you can entrust your child to have the possibility of committing this crime.

These days, there is that most important gadget used and that is the nanny cam. This also available online too. There are so many different places that you can put the surveillance cameras such as in the living room, kitchen, within the childs nursery room, playroom, etc. The kind of camera that you can tuck it anywhere in your house, or you can select a nanny cam which can be placed inside a stuffed toy, figurine, or any other home daccor is the wireless camera. Take time to look for the best surveillance camera for your needs because it can absolutely help you look after your child even when you are away from home.

What does "consciousness" mean?

I talk a lot about consciousness in my practice : “living consciously”, “making the unconscious conscious”, “consciously choosing”, and so on. But what does it all really mean?

On one hand, the idea of “consciousness” could seem completely abstract and without any practical implications. This would render the idea, if useless, at least benign. But the idea of “becoming more conscious” could also seem to be just one of the latest of the self-help-yourself-into-being-super-human strategies, which may be good for marketers – “resolve all those nasty human traits in ten seconds a day by applying these three simple tricks of consciousness!”, but I contend that this would be very bad for the rest of us. We don’t need yet another expectation to add to our list, nor do we need yet another thing to guilt ourselves about – “if I were just conscious enough, I’d be able to…”

Rather, with “consciousness” as I use the term, I want to help simplify clients’ lives, to help people be clearer about who they are and what matters to them. “Making the unconscious conscious” is a process through which we learn to go beyond living life as a quasi-unconscious, sometimes fun and sometimes frustrating routine.

It’s amazing how often we fall back into automatic pilot without even realizing it, following routines, following orders, living to the standards of others that we never actually consciously chose for ourselves, and worse, may be contrary to our own. “We” are living each day full of experiences, but to what extent are we consciously experiencing ourselves experiencing our experiences?

And this isn’t just semantics. Think about loving: you know love your friends, but how do you know you love them? Because you share routine experiences together? We share lots of routine moments with people every day at work or on the train for whom we don’t typically feel love. So what makes the difference? You know you love your friends because you experience yourself experiencing your experiences with them. 

Great, but translated to real life? As we become aware of our sense of self as we experience the events of our life (some call this “self” Presence or Witness), we start to wake up to a more present, alive dimension. Becoming a present observer in our life - one who is there to witness, feel and confirm without judgment the experiences that we live - allows us to wake up to ourselves. We pay attention not just to the schedule, but to our experience of planning the schedule. We don’t just look at our face in the mirror, we experience ourselves looking, and we feel present. We no longer take the chatter in our minds for granted; we start listening to it and constructively using it to help us understand what is important to us and what actions reflect our true expression. In essence, we start taking our experience of ourselves seriously. We slow down, we observe, we start to feel life. 

“Why are you alive?” I often ask my clients. Of course, this answer can only be felt as an inner knowingness. When they don’t know or feel confused and unsure, this is often the spark to say: “It’s time to find out!” And I’m here to help shine the light.

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Author : Jennifer Harvey Sallin,

Chhath Puja - festival is dedicated to God of Sun

Chhath, also known as Dala Chhath is an important festival celebrated in Bihar and many other parts of India in which setting Sun (dawn) is worshiped .This festival is also celebrated in neighboring areas such as Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Terai areas of Nepal with a little difference. Chhath is also called ‘Suryasasthi’ as it observed after the six days of Diwali, the festival of light.

Chhath Puja takes place during 6th day (Shasthi) lunar fortnight of Kartik month (October last to mid November). The festival lasts for four days. There is also a "Chaiti Chhath" celebrated just after Holi during Chaitra Navratri in the month of Chaitra (March last to mid April).

The festival is observed and celebrated in Bihar since time immemorial with the constant faith that the Sun God fulfils wishes if 'araghya' is offered with complete dedication and devotion.

Chhath is not just a physical attachment to the people of Bihar, infact, it presents in their hearts, and this is why the people bring the festival wherever they have migrated. Nowadays it can be easily seen at the ghats of Yamuna in Delhi and other parts of India indicating its presence across the country.

It is a festival connected with purity, devotion to the Sun God who is considered as the source of life on this earth and is regarded as wish fulfiller.

The festival is celebrated with an aim to express thanks to Sun God for offering energy to earth continuously enabling the environment suitable for the people to live.

In the evening arghya people express their thanks to Sun God for its work in growing their crops during the preceding year and morning arghya is considered as a request for a bountiful crop, peace and prosperity in the year to come.

Devotees assemble at the ghats at rivers and ponds including Ganges and take a holy dip before preparing offerings (Prasad). The main constituent of the offerings are Thekua, which is a wheat based cake.

Offerings are preferably cooked on earthen Chulha (oven). Some traditions are exercised with little difference varying from region to region and across the families with basic similarity.

During the puja, offerings are contained in small, semicircular pans woven out of bamboo strips called soop. Chhath is a Hindu festival but many muslim families also participates in this holy festival.

Legends

In ancient time the festival of Chhath was performed by Draupdi, the wife of “Pandavas” king of Hastinapur (Modern Delhi) during their exile from their kingdom. One day they were visited by 88 thousand wandering hermits (Bhikshuk). According to the Hindu customs guest were treated heartily and offered foods in the reception.

But Pandavas barely enough for themselves and thus were hardly in a position to fulfill their obligation as Grihastha (householders) and offer meals to the visiting hermits. Seeing Pandavas in deep anguish, Draupdi asked for help to noble sage Dhaumya, who pleased upon her the merits of worshiping the Sun God. Draupdi was not only able to solve the immediate problem but her Sun worship helped the Pandavas later gain their lost Kingdom.

International Relevance

 
The tradition of worshiping Sun God, the saviour of the life on earth had also found in the Egypt and Babylon the oldest civilizations of the world.

Etymology

The word CHHATH denotes the number 6 in Hindi and the festival begins on the sixth day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, which corresponds to months of October and November in the Gregorian calendar (a week after Diwali). Chhath is the holiest Hindu festival of Bihar and extends to four days.

Day 1:- Nahai Khai (Bath & Eat):- The first day of the puja is known as Nahai Khai (Bath & Eat), the Vrati (devotees) take a bath preferably in sacred river Ganga and bring the holy water to cook offerings (Prasad) at home.

Day 2:- Kharna :– A whole day fast (without water) is observed by the vratis (devotees). The vratis end their fast in the evening after performing puja. Offerings (Prasad) are comprises of Rasiao-kheer (rice delicacy), puris (deep-fried puffs of wheat flour) or chapatti and bananas - are distributed among family, friends and visitors.

Day 3:- Sandhya Arghya (Evening offering):– Devotees observe fast without consuming water. The whole day is spent in preparing puja offerings. All the offerings are kept in tray made up of bamboo. Offerings comprises of Thekua, coconut, banana and other seasonal fruits.

The evening ritual is performed at the banks of river or pond or any clean water body. All the devotees, family, friends and visitors assemble their and the agrahya is offered to the setting Sun. ‘Kosi’ – One of the most charming events during Chhath Puja known as ‘Kosi’ is celebrated at the courtyard of the house after evening offerings. Lightened earthen lamps (diyas) are kept beneath the covering of five sugarcane sticks or 24 sticks (as per local tradition). The same event also takes place at the ghats in the early morning before morning offerings (arghyas).

Day 4:- Bihaniya Arghya (Morning offerings):– This is the last and final event of the auspicious puja, the devotees again with their family, friends and relatives assemble on the bank of river or pond to offer arghyas (offerings) to the rising Sun. After performing arghyas devotees break their fast. Ginger and Sugar are used by devotees to break their fast (as per local tradition).

INDIA: A RISING SUPER POWER

The world over Time news magazine has been accepted as authentic. Very soon it shall complete 100 years of publishing. This magazine by putting forth the gist of international events puts forth a balanced and unbiased viewpoint so as to also give us information regarding the influence of these events in future. Recently on 3rd April 1989 an article was published by it regarding description of India and its main title was “Super India-The Next Military Power). It writes:

In the past few years India has rapidly emerged as such a Super Power that henceforth other Super Powers like Russia, China, USA and France can longer ignore India. India managed to push back Pakistani attack on Siachen Glacier, by entering Sri Lanka it liberated them from terrorism and by douzing the revolution in Maldives it helped reinstate Abdul Gayum government in power. Such leadership acts of Super Power India tell us that no longer can India be ignored by saying it is an underdeveloped backward country. Today on the basis of the capability of its armed forces India is on the 4th spot. First is Russia (5 million), 2nd is China (3.2 million), 3rd is America (2.1 million) troops and 4th is India that possesses highly trained well decorated 1.4 million army men. They say that the main issue is not that based on number might India should be accepted as a Super Power but what is important that in the entire world behind every 6 persons is 1 Indian. India is the world’s largest democracy and in every field be it medical, army, engineering, space travel/technology etc Indians in India or abroad lead due to their brilliant skilful intellect. Despite trying to solve internal problems it has made important progress in the past 2 decades in food grain production, export of materials and self dependence. This is that 1st Super Power who by trying to usher in world peace has obstructed military attacks by other powers that be between themselves.

In the west India has only one image- full of blind beliefs and traditions, over populated and that India which rolls in problems yet in his cover story Mr. Munro writes: From this India one more Super Power is emerging that sequentially while solving problems with the help of its spiritual heritage and talented intellectual energy lest in future becomes a power that leads the world it should not astonish anyone. This must be called divine consciousness and a flow of Lord Mahakal that is ushering in this Era Transformation and with the help of an organized force after getting liberated from political slavery spanning 2000 years again is reinstating India as a Super Power. In the 21st century it will be the leading power of the world.

America’s defense minister John Tower recently in a speech delivered by him in the presence of the American Senate to Associated Press said that very soon we shall witness India rising as a Super Power. While throwing light on the speed of development within industrialization and artistic skills of 3 eastern countries i.e. India, China and Japan he opines that we must not be surprised at all on noting that in the 21st century these 3 nations commence leading the world and inspire all to execute creative tasks. He said that till yesterday those parts of the earth which were colonized they due to their cultural heritage are emerging as Super Powers and even amongst them India is the crest jewel. He also accepted that the root reason why these countries are fast developing is are Indian and Japanese scientists and industrialists residing in USA with whom western talent cannot compete.

America’s leading economist and one making prophecies based on computerized statistics Linden La Roche opines that India from the standpoint of varied types of means is no doubt wealthy but also because of its intensely talented young intellectual class shall definitely be rendered a Super Power in all fields like cultural, financial and material. By stating this time period as between 1995-2005 in an interview with PTI he said that after a political upheaval for a few years radiant Indians oozing with spiritual energy shall first lead Asia and step by step it shall lead the entire world. 

In ‘Newsweek’ magazine dated 12 December 1988 a speech of Henry Kissinger was published wherein he opined that by the end 0f 2000 AD India will emerge as such a Super Power in the international arena wherein it shall shoulder all those world responsibilities that today is being handled by America. Ultimately in entire Middle and East Asia India shall have to be accepted by all as an emerging world leader. He says that in these days despite differences being noted between India and USA yet in the long run these 2 great Super Powers jointly shall carry out creative tasks. Henry Kissinger was a great orator from Harvard University and an ex foreign secretary of America. With reference to international matters he is accepted as a high stature specialist.

By Yuga Rishi Shriram Sharma Acharya

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

THANK YOU. Thank you Universe for all that I have, and for all that I AM. Thank you Universe for putting me directly in front of those who need my services as I do them. Thank you Universe for your guidance, and love, even though at times I don't always understand it.

THANK YOU. Thank you Universe for my health, wealth, right direction, deep insights, and my willingness to continue to move forward. Thank you for my willingness to LET GO of Fear, and to TRUST! Thank you Universe for the unending supply of air that I breathe, and breath in my body. Thank you for Life.

THANK YOU. Thank you Universe for the unabashed love that I AM and BEING willing to shower that love upon myself and all those who I come in contact with KNOWING, that what I give out returns back to me sevenfold! Thank you Universe for the unending flow of prosperity in my life even when I'm not able to recognize it. Thank you Universe for sustaining me.

THANK YOU. Thank you Universe for the deep healing that is taking place within. Thank you for my willingness to OPEN UP MY HEART. Thank you for my desire to LOVE! Thank you for my family, and our willingness to help, love, and support each other. Thank you Universe for your unending support.

One of the fastest ways to recognizing Spirit and having a grateful heart is to be Thankful! I have come to experience and notice that when I AM grateful and thankful there is NO room for negativity, dis-ease, anger, or any of that! BEING grateful, for me, helped me to recognize Spirit EVERYWHERE!

THANK YOU. Thank you Universe for my gratefulness and for my clarity that I KNOW who I AM and whose I AM!.......THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU Universe, AND SO IT IS AMEN!

SPIRITUAL SUPERSTAR
BUZZARDSKORNER OF LOVE!

Take Control of Your Time

 

Who are you allowing to control your time? Many people I know always feel rushed or always wish they would take time to do things they enjoy but somehow feel pressured to keep themselves busy with things they do not enjoy. Lets start by thinking about how we are using our time and if this is adding to our overall well being. Do you spend time buying things you do not need? Think about all the money spent on personal hygiene. There is a ton of marketing put into making women believe we must get our nails done, must have our hair colored, must use perfume, lotion, shaving cream, face wash, makeup, etc. You can reduce stress by evaluating your To Do lists and just saying wait, is society just telling me I should do this to get me to spend money? Consumerism is a parasitic habitual pattern that we get sucked into without realizing it. We suddenly have no time when we allow our environment to condition us. It seems obvious when we think about it but so few people are bringing it up that it is very easy to get caught up in a buying frenzy that spreads like cancer into your schedule. That buying habit tricks you into believing you need a new outfit for every occasion and you need to continuously buy things to add to your home.

People are most happy when they are helping other people. The brief satisfaction that is derived from a compliment about your "lovely home" or your "new haircut" is no match to the long-term satisfaction derived from spending time thinking about who may need your support or who may need someone to listen to what is going on in their life. When we obsess over physical appearance the result is we attract relationships that are skin deep and usually unhealthy. You will be much happier if you start to realize the part you play in the relationships you are attracting to yourself. If you spend a significant amount of time purchasing products or services to improve your physical appearance, your ego is seeking gratification that you are beautiful and the person who feeds that will most likely step into your life but this type of relationship does not have a strong foundation. When we seek happiness outside of ourselves we are giving away our power. When we are consciously able to take control of our thoughts which will then allow us to control our actions and our TIME we realize that we do not need the compliments or adoration of others to feel complete. We can then attract relationships with people who have similar interests of being an honorable person and making a positive mark in the world. The ability to evaluate how you are spending your time is such a simple concept yet it offers you a much more peaceful existence.

Goals for Life – I have a secret for you!

Here is a common saying – “I can achieve goals for life if I work hard enough.” Do you agree or disagree? Actually, it’s a trick question. Because although it’s true that we are in charge of our destiny and results, it’s equally true that we will only go as far as our feelings, mindset and habits allow.

These set of feelings, beliefs and habits dictate how we “do” goals.

And if our feelings, beliefs and habits are designed to produce mediocre or poor results, then it really doesn't matter how hard we work.

There is a secret psychology to goals. We can begin the process of changing our feelings, beliefs and habits so that we can finally reach our goals. Our feelings, beliefs and habits are almost like a blueprint for our goals.

It’s just like an apartment’s blueprint told a building contractor exactly how to go about creating the apartment, our feelings, beliefs and habits spells out exactly how we “do” goals. 

If these aren't designed for achieving success, we will miss opportunities, sabotage ourselves and watch our work slip away despite our best efforts.

Why can self-made millionaires lose everything and then bounce back as strong as ever? It is because of “The Secret”. What is “The Secret”? It is the law of attraction. This is a natural law that governs the whole order of the universe and of our personal lives through the process of “like attracts like.” For example, if we wake up in the morning and think angry thoughts and feel angry, we will attract back events and circumstances that cause us to feel more anger. Equally, if we think and feel positively in the morning, we will attract back positive happenings and situations.

Of course we all have bad days, but the point here is to form the habit of thinking positively. Everyone is entitled to off days here and there.

Our health, wealth, and happiness can be attracted purely by changing our thoughts and feelings. Our thoughts are like a magnet, whereby they attract thoughts of comparable frequency. What if we could differ from the majority of people in the world today and master the law of attraction and see results from our goals? Well we can.

There is a book called “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. The thing I like about “The Secret” book is that it comprises insight from current day teachers who have used it to achieve health, wealth, and happiness. They tell their gripping stories of obtaining immense wealth, overcoming problems, and achieving what many would call the impossible. They don’t see things as impossible because the very word says “I’m possible”. That’s how they look at life and how many others who have read it look at this word in a new light.

If we want to improve our goals and achieve our potential, we must change our blueprint. If we don’t, then we will keep creating the same results. That’s a given. “The Secret” is a great place to start changing our blueprint!

Author : By Gary Daly

 

Five Roads to Self Discovery . . . How to Find Your Road

Webster defines Self Discovery as the act or process of achieving self-knowledge. Further, he defines Self Help as the action or process of bettering oneself or overcoming one's problems.
Both are all about changing oneself. It’s all about finding ways to change your life.

I love this quote by George Carlin:

“I went to the bookstore and asked the salesperson, ‘Where’s the self-help section?’ She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.”

It’s true we do have to find our road to self-discovery, and it happens in several ways. It happens when we experience nagging thoughts in our mind that life could be different.

Finding your road is usually preceded by a period of unease. This meddlesome discomfort often proceeds the discovery of your road to change.

We’ll take a look here at five roads that lead to self-discovery. They all begin when you experience a turning point. This is a point where you realize you can change your life; the point at which you choose a new road.

You want to change where you are so you look at a road map and you find there are several roads that lead to your destination. Now you have to choose the best route; what road will you choose?

Most likely you will choose your road based on how you arrived at the moment of knowing you wanted to change your life, to go in another direction. 

The event might be:

1. A dramatic moment when you experience absolute clarity and direction.

A pivotal point, an epiphany or an "AHA" moment. This is when realization impacts your consciousness. You know your life must change. It’s crystal clear, and from that point on you see the road to a new life and your life is never, ever the same. 

2. It might be a point, reached by many addicts and alcoholics, when you feel you can no longer handle life.

This is often referred to as bottoming out. You simply give up and reach out for help. You choose the road to recovery asking for help from others.

You find a group of peers where there is a coming together for common mutual assistance.

3. Perhaps you are experiencing un-rest or dis-ease and you’re seeking the help of a therapeutic or spiritual help group.

You choose a road to travel with other souls who share your concerns and are of a like mind. If you open up to the nudging of your subconscious mind you’ll discover the right road.

4. Because of a gnawing need to learn and discover, you might choose the road of research and education.

 

You may take classes, get a degree, read books, view videos and take seminars, learn meditation.

All of the roads you may choose are chosen in the name of self-discovery. 

5. You may unexpectedly find the road to a higher power.

Perhaps you find a place, a person, a thing or a group that you can believe in. In other words, you come to believe. The important point is knowing you can find help and change your life.

As you begin to apply all you’ve learned from your journey, you can live the life you have always dreamed of living.

We really can live extraordinary lives. You just have to find your own road, travel it and see where it leads. Once the road opens you must take action. You must move yourself to travel the road.

Albert Einstein said: “Nothing happens until something moves.”

A healthy spirit of self-discovery raises people from despair. It advances you in intelligence, virtue, and spiritual growth.

Four things you need to do as you set out on the road to self-discovery:

1. Forgive yourself
2. Forgive others
3. Accept yourself
4. Accept others

Samuel Smiles:

“The spirit of self-help is the root of all genuine growth in the individual."

Whichever road you choose, consider what it will do for you.

Your journey should:

1. Not harm you, but rather benefit you
2. Improve your attitude
3. Positively change your behavior
4. Improve your environment
5. Re-educate your subconscious
6. Enlighten your consciousness
7. Include self forgiveness and forgiveness of others
8. Bring about self-acceptance
9. Improve your self esteem

John Wooden:

“Remember this, the choices you make in life, make you.”

Travel your road with enthusiasm and apply what you learn. Make the trip about discovering the life you’ve always dreamed of living. Too often we look at the road but do not start the journey. Too often we limit ourselves. How sad, when we could learn to live extraordinary lives.

You can be happier, healthier, and more prosperous. Find your road(s) to discovery of self. THEN GO FOR IT.

C.R. Law:

“Unless you try to do something beyond what you have mastered, you will never grow.”

Author : Wee Dilts

 

Navratras - Magic of Nine Days

Nine days of fasting and prosperity throughout the year. That's what the magic of Navratri is. Luck, money, business, and education; this is a favourable time for all aspects of your life.

Gujarat: The festival of Navratri is celebrated with great zeal in the western & northern part of India. Gujarat, in particular, is well known for its grand Celebrations and dances during this festive occasion. The most popular and well known among these folk dances are the Rasa and the Garba. The Rasa is said to have its origin in the legends of Lord Krishna. These are enactments of stories in dance form from tales of Krishna. These colorful yet elegant dances are performed as part of the Navratra celebrations. People gather from all over to enjoy and be a part of these festivities. These are also known to be associated with the agricultural rites that are performed. The designs made on the dance floor remind one of the vibrant paintings made on the walls of huts. The Dandiya Rasa performed by men is at par with the Garba of the women folk. The dancers gather around with sticks on their hands all geared up to entertained. The sticks have tiny bells attached at their end that enhances the sound which is created when the sticks are struck.

Rajasthan: Jaipur is the hub of enjoyment and garba is probably one of the most entertaining dance forms performed here. Women dressed in beautiful costumes bearing pots on their heads go from one home to the other and perform the Garba. There is always a leader who begins the song and the others repeat in unison which forms the chorus. The dance is rhythmic and the singing, a reminder of how rich and colourful India really is. Getting all tied up with Navratri celebrations will not come as a surprise, especially if you happen to be in Rajasthan.

Kashmir: In Kashmir, there are many devotees of Sherawali Ma Durga and Lord Shiva. The Kashmiri pundits especially celebrate navratras with much enthusiasm. Each hindu house-hold performs the pooja at home. The adult members of the household fast and they only consume water followed by fruit in the evening. Also, they grow barley in the earthen pots to attain prosperity. Most of these kashmiri pundits visit the temple of goddess Kheer Bhawani on all nine days; this is one of the important rituals in Kashmir.

Punjab: Punjabi people perform navratri puja in their farming fields for a good cultivation. They devotionally celebrate Navratri. They only drink milk for seven days before breaking the fast on Ashtami or Navami. They worship Durga Ma, Lakshmi and offer prayers at home. Some of them have fruit or a complete meal once a day. Alcohol and meat are strictly avoided during this time.

Navratri Celebrations in South India

Navratri celebrations in the southern part of India are celebrated in a manner much different from the rest of India. There's nothing in common except for the devotion and enthusiasm with which the people in this region celebrate this occasion. Read on till the end to find out all about what makes Navratri special in the South.

Bommai Kolu: During the nine nights of the Navratri festival, women in the south, especially Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh decorate their houses with traditional wooden dolls. These wooden dolls, popularly known as Kolu Bommai by locals in this region are a symbol of pride for those who display it for others to see. These handcrafted idols are beautiful and reminds one of how rich India is, in terms of tradition and culture. Mostly, scenes from the village or Gods are depicted through these dolls.

Rangolis: This is yet another traditional art South India is well known for. Patterns are made on the floor and women gather to design these rangolis using various coloured powder and flowers. This is a tradition mostly followed by the women in the house. Rangoli is referred to as Rangavallie in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Sundal: Sundal is what instantly comes to mind when one mentions the Navratri festival in South India. This delicious sweet dish with its mouthwatering taste is an instant hit with the locals. It is also available in different varieties and forms. Lentil and brown sugar are used in the preparation of this special sweet dish. Navratri celebrations in the South are not complete without preparing Sundal in the evening.

Traditional gifts exchanged between family and friends during this festive occasion include coconuts, clothes and sweets.

In India isn’t the crisis period over?

[Presently, there is an abrupt change in Indian Politics. Although I am a Spiritualist, I can never keep me away from the views that make the economic reform possible under the auspices of Dr. Manmohan Singh, our Prime Minister.
Everybody in a democratic country has the right to react and remark. Political understanding takes its own course and surprisingly we are elevated. Let truth come to light.]

Dear Dr. Singh, keep up the spirit to enable economic reform at any cost. We know well indeed that thinking even of worst situation--expecting early election, the obstruction should not be given indulgence. With due respect to others viewpoint, we are one with you. We are aware of your economic sagacity. It is not politics that we should be compassionate about your lack of boldness. An honest and sincere person has all along been denounced for his goodness. Let your stern attitude find for the entire citizen a solution. 

When you are respected by Barak Obama, US President, this is real time for the Congress to allow Obama’s Guru to prove his sagacity. Let us hope for the best. And the ‘best’ is little ahead. We must face the reality and struggle hard to touch the finishing line. We should sacrifice for the better days to come. If we don’t, we will be just slaves to other countries away and abroad.

What a crisis, indeed! After long three years of sweet and sour relation unpredictably TMC breaks the friendship with the UPA. Congress led by Dr. Manmohan Singh this time looks like a great warrior. He is not at all in a mood to retreat. Naturally, the battle will end in bitterness if no compromise is possible and it is likely. However, if Congress has to be extinguished, it should face the situation valiantly in the battleground.

Without economic reform our country’s position is at stake. It has to be realized by all the parties. None knows how the things will change rapidly. Let us think of the worst; blessed are those who has strong political sagacity, based on strong economic structure. Finally, it seems to be a case between Mamata and Manmohan—fundamental and essential which mean, none can be ignored. Let us hope for the best. There is no room for ego and emotion.

Things easy understandable often seem to be never possible to understand and communicate. The public sentiment is being utilized; the leaders catch fish in troubled water. Of course, the rank and file of every country should not be blamed for such activities. In the face of repercussion the government may have to retreat but the result as a whole will evidently be not at all good. Unfortunately, making so delay our PM is likely to be misunderstood. 

In fact public in general can never realize the reason behind such economic reforms. They are deprived in every way, before or after--whoever comes in power. Most striking thing is this that seldom we will hear any voice from the elite group. Either good or bad, let there be anything, they are prepared to adjust themselves with the situation. In any way they remain never unfed. Most of them know how to swim across the river.

Please don’t misunderstand me. I am not pleading for UPA. There might be wrong—why ’might be’, definitely there is corruption in the administration. The ministers and the leaders took advantage over the honesty and goodness of our Prime Minister. Sorry, this can never be the excuse. As an administrator PM could react when the corruptions were brought to light. However, despite any reason whatsoever it may be, reform is estimated and that should be realized by the leaders of all the parties. 

“Trinamool ministers quit, govt. breathes easy with SP of UP support.”—published in Times of India on 21 September 2012 is very much disappointing. It is sad indeed; was ever unwanted. How next to kin UPA and TMC among themselves during the last eight years split up! Sometime I think what is truly the relation between Center and State? Is it like a father and his son or brotherly? It may be like big boss and his subordinates. Whatever be the case a good relation needs to be developed with every state independently to maintain a healthy atmosphere at the Center. Unfortunately, we find it has just been broken and we are set to think of unwanted adversities likely to prevail now and onwards.

Sorrowfully, the importance of TMC is in jeopardy with the UPA and any financial help, which is earnestly expected from the UPA government, will not be considered so sympathetically from right now. Strangely, the concept and contrast between both of them will simply be out of breath. 

However, the leaders are enough grown up and they are not at all ignorant about their role in our democracy. Now what is most desired is this. Congress led by Manmohanji and UPA by Soniaji will sit together take some drastic steps to ensure economic reforms and the rest that couldn’t but oppose should and must let in the bitter pill. 

Yes Dr. Singh, go ahead with your full energy and momentum. Since you are one of the wisest economists living at present in the world, we do believe, you along with your colleagues will soon come out successful. The fruits of hard earned reforms will evidently go down to the level of the villagers living in remote corners of our motherland. Of course next time you are supposed to look after the administration at that level. 

Finally, take it as a boon for the actuality that you have the hold up of SP and BSP of UP. Let them be true to their support. We are, indeed, little worried about their mentality and vested interest. Leave it; let what comes on the way, you look quite young at this old age. The blessings of Great Ma-Mahajnan, the spiritual genius, will be showered on you and your supporters.

  By Ma_Mahajnan Prosad

 

Author's Bio: 

Ma-Mahajnan, a matchless spiritual genius, expressed her entire creation in a state of "Conscious Trance” which has all been stuffed with matters of highly philosophical values and related with strong literary sense. She could not attend even Primary School due to extreme poverty. Strangely, she was taught all by herself in the School of Nature. The weird and wonderful life is possibly the souse of her vast experience and profound realization. She was born on 17 July, 1928 and passed away on 22 January, 2011.
 

You Inspire Me

No matter how near or how far; you inspire me. No matter how rich or how poor you are; you inspire me. No matter what language you speak; you inspire me. No matter the color of your skin; you inspire me.

No matter if you have new clothes or if they’re worn thin; you inspire me. No matter if your days are full of laughter or full of tears; you inspire me. No matter if you run to the finish line or you can’t walk at all; you inspire me. 

You can be broke and feel no hope; you still inspire me! No matter if you do good or do wrong; you still inspire me. No matter if you have faith or not; you still inspire me. No matter if you are weak or strong; you still inspire me.

I learn by mistakes, both my own and by yours. You are an example to me. Your attitude will either inspire me to be like you or not to be like you. If I see bad, you inspire me to do good. If I see injustice, you inspire me to bring forth justice. If I see a loss of hope, you inspire me to bring forth hope. If you lack trust, faith or love; you inspire me to show you. 

You have truly taught me what success means; it is much more than a dollar sign. You inspire me to move mountains. You have taught me that all beings are blessings. You have taught me that with each struggle is an underlying lesson to be learned. You have inspired me with all you say and with all that you do; we have just this one moment in time to inspire another.

Whether you breathe easy or struggle with your last breath, you inspire me. You inspire me with you loving acts of kindness, your generosity and your love for your fellow man. You inspire greatness in others, so thank you. Your kind soul inspires me.

You have taught me how to give when you have nothing left to give. You have helped others when you have needed help yourself. You have shown me strength by standing up, while others would have remained knocked down. With your burdens strapped on your back your smile carried you on. Your tireless strength has taught so many others. You have taught others that a kind word and a hug can go further than any amount of money can go in this lifetime. Thank you for inspiring me.

People Are the Most Important Resource

       Increasing numbers of business people find that the key area for applying spirituality is in how employees are treated.  Simple things can be very powerful, says Marc Lesser, founder of Brush Dance, as he learned to take a few minutes each day to appreciate someone, to thank them for a job well done, or just to listen to their concerns.  Generosity with your time can be as important as generosity with money. 

      Southwest Airlines, one of the only airlines staying profitable after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  Their secret?   They say that people are their most important resource, and they mean it.  Company policy is to treat employees like family, knowing that if they are treated well, they in turn will treat customers well.  They have a “University for People” and their policy is to hire people based on their attitude and then train them for skills, rather than the reverse. Unlike other airlines, negotiations between management and employees for pay raises and benefits are much shorter and easier as both sides come to the table wanting to hand write a win/win contract.  They have been named many times as one of Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For.”

     Aaron Feurenstein, CEO of Malden Mills in Lawrence, MA, which produces popular Polartec fabrics, believes labor is the best asset a company has.  He says a company has an equal responsibility to its community and to itself, and since his town has high unemployment, he kept all 3,000 employees on his payroll after a major fire destroyed three out of its four factory buildings.  Workers repaid his generosity with a 25% increase in productivity and 66% drop in quality defects.

    Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, with stores all over the world, purposely built a soap factory near Glasgow, Scotland because it was an area of high unemployment, urban decay, and demoralization. She made a moral decision to employ the unemployable and put 25 per cent of the net profits back into the community because she said this is what “keeps the soul of the company alive.” 

    10,000 Marriott International employees worldwide dedicate a day of service to their local communities each year in their “Spirit to Serve” program. Timberland, the popular New Hampshire based shoe company, pays employees for 40 hours of volunteer work annually.  Ohio-based Zero Casualties Inc., an urban apparel maker, donates seven per cent of its profits to inner city charities.  The company has crated a marketing campaign based on its values of “no drugs, no violence, no racism.”

     Medtronic regularly invites happy customers to attend meetings with employees to tell them how their medical equipment helped improve their health or saved their life.  This inspires the Medtronic workers and gives their work a deeper sense of meaning and purpose because they can see how it really helps people.

     IBM funds childcare centers at 60 of its locations.  Intel offers 22 weeks of maternity leave. The Men’s Wearhouse, one of Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Companies to work for, supports homeless men in re-entering the job market.

    Tom Chappell, CEO of Tom’s of Maine, which produces soaps and toothpastes, stays mindful of profit and the common good by giving away 10% of its pretax profits to charities. Tom’s gives employees four paid hours a month to volunteer for community service, and uses all natural ingredients that are good for the environment.  After studying at Harvard Divinity School, Chappell re-engineered his business into a sort of ministry, saying, “I am ministering--and I am doing it in the marketplace, not in the church, because I understand the marketplace better than the church.”

     Saturn auto manufacturing says the key to their success is their experiment in corporate democracy and participatory governance.  Empowered teams make most company decisions.  

     60 Minutes did a television show on SAS, a billion dollar computer software company that has low absenteeism and only 3% turnover, which saves them $80 million each year in training and recruitment.  Their secret?  A no-lay-off policy, 35 hour workweeks, flex time, and on-site amenities such as a gym, a medical clinic, and massage therapists.

    Spiritually oriented materials on personal change have been used in employee training for several years at the Bank of Montreal, and Boatman’s First National Bank in Kansas City regularly provides spiritually oriented trainings for its top executive group. 

    Consulting firms using spiritual approaches are doing a booming business. The Enlightened Leadership International in Colorado has been teaching top executives at major companies such as GTE, Georgia-Pacific, and Lockheed Martin how to focus on what’s positive, instead of  the problems, because our beliefs create what we experience. Other major firms such as The Covey Leadership Center and The Centre for Generative Leadership teach Fortune 500 executives how to align their company’s mission with their deeper values.  

     Managers and union workers of Southern California Con Edison attend sessions called “The Heart Shop” with pianist Michael Jones to cultivate compassion for each other, creativity and a new intelligence of the heart. Boeing set up a series of weeklong trainings with poet David Whyte for 600 of its top executives to unleash feelings, take risks, and be excited by change--instead of terrified of it.

     NYNEX established an Office of Ethics and Business Conduct to encourage employees to live by a set of core values: quality, ethics and caring for the individual. This new focus led to increases in profits, productivity and product and service quality, as this affected how the company is perceived by customers and stakeholders.  

    Judy Wicks, founder of the highly successful White Dog Café in Philadelphia, uses her restaurant as “a tool for the common good”, raising money for the hungry and sponsoring seminars on racism, the environment and social change. Thanksgiving Coffee Company invests a share of its revenues in community development among the Central American villages that grow its coffee beans.  It pays Fair Trade prices for coffee from small farmers cooperatives, which is often three to six times as much as regular prices.