Is Subliminal Learning An Easy Way To Achieve Self Improvement?

Have you ever wondered how a song got stuck in your head? Haven you ever wondered how a certain word came into your vocabulary even though you never remembered trying to use it purposefully? Could this be the effect of your unconscious exposure to subliminal learning?

Cited Research

An article in Wikipedia concerning to subliminal research highlights a series of laboratory experiments conducted by Robert Zajonc in the 1960s. In the experiments, subjects were exposed to various stimuli [Chinese characters, paintings, pictures of faces, geometric figures and auditory stimuli] for a very brief duration that could not be perceived consciously. They found that the subjects rated these objects more positively than the other characters which they had not seen. The article went on to state that subliminal effects were generally weak and unlikely to occur without controlled laboratory conditions. [1,2,3]

There are a lot of products available on the market today that claim they have subliminal messages encoded in their products. They talk about various “beats” that excite the learning centers of the brain which result in a magical acquisition of the specific subject matter.

However, the last sentence in the paragraph regarding a summary of the research above, clearly states, “that the subliminal effects were generally weak and unlikely to occur without controlled laboratory conditions.”

Scientists are finding that it is possible to accelerate the learning of some skills with the aid of subliminal learning. However, when learning complex skills such a language or mathematics, there is little evidence to support the value of subliminal learning programs.

Personal Learning Experience

It is a well known fact that we absorbed a lot of the knowledge that has shaped our personality before the age of three. The rest of our learning has been acquired through participation in the educational systems, other community institution and by experience relating to “trial and error.”

As we reach our adult years, we find some of this learning is now out dated; but continues to serves us in a negative way through false beliefs. To “unlearn” the beliefs is a task in itself. It is this author’s opinion that subliminal learning programs would be of little value in replacing our old beliefs with new desired ones. Some authors like to refer to this situation as running an anti-virus program on your computer. These programs effectively remove the viruses but they don’t install any new programs. Before the days of the computer, I liked to use the analogy of washing the blackboard. Remember how the chalk dust would adhere to the blackboard until the blackboard was almost gray if someone hadn’t taken the time to literally wash it? And how, after the blackboard washed, the new material was much clearer.

I end this article by stating, “That in the final analysis, we truly learn and retain knowledge through the conscious use of our five senses in the great and wondrous laboratory of life experience.”

[1]• ^ De Houwer, J., Hendrickx, H. & Baeyens, F. (1997). Evaluative learning with "subliminally" presented stimuli. Consciousness and Cognition, 6, 87-107.
[2]• ^ Zajonc, R.B. (1980). Feeling and thinking: Preferences need no inferences. American Psychologist, 35, 151-175.
[3]• ^ Bornstein, R.F. (1989) Exposure and affect: overview and meta-analysis of research, 1968-1987. Psychological Bulletin, 106, 265-289.

What do The "Seven Deadly Sins" Have to Do with Self Improvement?

As I have previously stated in a prior article in this blog, entitled “Why do we need self-improvement anyway?” self improvement generally refers to improving one’s peace of mind by eliminating stress and anxiety. The stress and anxiety can be found within our intellectual, emotional, psychological or spiritual levels of our life or in any combination thereof.

Many people turn to their religious faith for their guidance. There is a strong parallel in whatever religious teaching we [meaning you or I] have chosen to follow. All religious teachings provide us with moral codes and other ethical guidelines that are essential to live in peace and harmony within our community.

According to Wikipedia; the “Seven Deadly Sins”, a classification of “Cardinal Sins” has been used since early times by the Christian Church. The “Seven Deadly Sins” are usually defined as anger, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy and gluttony.

I think it is interesting to note that when we examine our emotional drives of apathy, grief, fear, lust, anger and pride, we find that the “Seven Deadly Sins” actually correlate with our emotional drives. So now, we can look at the “Seven Deadly Sins” in a somewhat different way; the manner they relate to the things that drive us emotionally. For instance:

 Apathy includes sloth in addition to the emotional feelings of depression, being overwhelmed, powerless, etc;
 Grief stands alone. One will continue to grieve until one can let go of the past and accept the challenges of the present moment with joy.
 Fear, which includes the emotional feelings of anxiety and worry;
 Lust including greed, gluttony and envy;
 Anger, which also includes defiance, frustration, impatience, rage, rebellion, resentment, stubbornness, etc.
 Pride, which incorporates the feelings of arrogance, dogmatism, hypocriticism, judgment, selfishness, stubbornness, etc.

Here’s some other interesting tidbits to for you to think about:

 Five of the six categories listed above are emotional drives.
 The emotional categories of lust, anger, and pride are identified as one of the “Seven Deadly Sins”
 Lust is the most significant emotion in the list of the “Seven Deadly Sins” as greed, gluttony and envy are all attributes of lust.

Therefore, it is my belief that this would imply most of our emotional attachments are considered as sins in the eyes of the Christian Church.

Thus, it should stand to reason, that religious teachings are, indeed, important guides to self-improvement and that there is a strong correlation between religion and self-improvement.

6 Simple Tips for Adult Motivation

There is not a lot of material written about the subject of adult motivation. A review of research indexes indicates there is, unfortunately, little interest in learning about adult motivation. Yet, it is an important driving force in our day-to-day lives.

Consequence of Overlooking Adult Motivation

It is very easy to overlook adult motivation until we become discouraged which can lead to depression. It’s the old downward spiral of the apathy whirlpool that literally sucks our creative energies “down the drain.” As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Add Adult Motivation to Your Self Improvement Arsenal

Therefore, it is extremely important that we add the hidden strengths of adult motivation to our self improvement arsenal. We can, then, activate this tool when it becomes necessary for us to call upon our adult motivation arsenal when those “blue” moods come to visit us.

Each Decision IS a Goal

Whenever we decide to do anything, the result of that decision is a goal, howbeit, ever small. Motivation can be defined as the power force that keeps us on the path to achievement. True, we can give up achieving the goal; but, then, that decision transforms into a questionable action and the power of adult motivation "goes down the drain" along with the goal.

Here are some simple things you can do to enhance your awareness and strengthen your adult motivation. By incorporating these into your daily life, you will have the tools cope with those “blue” moods before they become more serious obstacles.

6 Simple Tips to Acquire and Maintain Adult Motivation

 Cultivate your sense of humor. Take time to enjoy comedy. Watching “raw” videos that people publish of the funny things their pets do. Find ways to laugh at yourself when you make a mistake. Listen for and to laughter. It is a wonderful antidote in laying the foundation to keeping your adult motivation levels in good repair.

 Observe life around you. Watch how other people resolve their life challenges. You can emulate them; or you learn what not to do if their methods do not “ring your bell.”

 Take pride in your successes and always congratulate yourself.

 Strive to do better and achieve your next desired goal with less stress.

 Be an example to other people. Walk with your head held high and with a firm gait. You can be rest assured someone is watching you, even if you are walking in the park for exercise. I know because I live next to a park that has a walking trail.

 An essential part of adult motivation is having a good moral code. By living by a good moral code, you will experience far fewer “guilt trips” and, hence, a reason to feel “blue”.

Transform these simple tips into habits and you will have a good foundation for adult motivation which will serve you very well in the days, weeks, months or years ahead.

Stressed = Desserts [spelled backward]

Do you ever wonder if this why so many of have problems being overweight?

It is a well-known fact that stress is the source of a multitude of chronic health problems ranging from:

 Heart trouble
 Panic/anxiety attacks
 Angina or heartburn
 Severe Depression
 Irritable Bowel Syndrome
 Hypoglycemia
 Apathy leading chronic fatigue
 Migraine headaches
 Insomnia

Common Causes of Stress

We are literally bombarded with stressful information, whether from the global news of natural or man-made catastrophes; the national news coverage of civil unrest and/or political confrontation and/or economic downturns; or local news coverage echoing the above events that are occurring on the local scene.

Then to offset this, the Madison Avenue media expose us to all the hyped-up products designed to make us rich, beautiful, happy in addition to solving all our problems – for a price. It used to be that one could turn off the television and avoid most of this noise. Now, it has invaded the Internet with its obnoxious pop-up ads and blaring videos.

Stop Stress Now!!

Any feeling that creates a contradiction in and to your feeling of contentment [stress] is an “untruth” and does not serve you. It is just like the virus that infects your computer. Hit the delete key!!

Another way to look at stress is to equate it with confused imagination.

Control Your Exposure to Stress

You can control your exposure a small amount of stress by taking some part in some of the following actions:

 Turn off the TV. I permanently turned off my TV over ten years ago and have never missed the “noise”.
 Turn on your favorite music.
 Go for a walk whenever you feel “stressed out”.
 Visit the library or bookstore. Some bookstores even have coffee shops.
 Start small “de-cluttering” projects. Hold a garage sale or donate unused items to your favorite charity thrift shops.
 Treat yourself by brewing a special cup of tea or coffee and grab a good book to read, if only for a few minutes while the house is quiet.
 Start a craft project you enjoy such as needlepoint, knitting, updating photo albums, etc.

How to Avoid Stress

The best way to avoid stress is to “Live in this moment only, RIGHT HERE and RIGHT NOW.” The means observe where you are in your current feelings and surroundings without judgment and accept this present moment “Just as it is” with out fear about the future. This moment of RIGHT NOW is all there is.

Disciplining your conscious mind to relax into this mode of thought is THE MOST effective way to avoid stress “period”.

Until we meet again--Have a Wondrous and Glorious Week

How to Make Success Not Just Obtainable but Sustainable

Each of us has a fundamental need to consistently improve our life. Our self satisfaction continues to grow as we feel that we are contributing to the well being of our family members, friends and our community through our influence and actions.

However, it is very easy to become a victim of the materialistic value belief that says the more you own the more power you have to influence others. It is unfortunate that this often becomes the benchmark we use to judge our personal success. Then we become complacent, thinking that once we have everything we our life will be perfect and filled with happiness.

But then there is the “gap effect” part of your subconscious that is always prodding you to strive for the next level. Are you on this “wheel” that that spins on its axle and goes nowhere?

Do I need to add that this is like the computer virus that can bring your computer to a halt? Likewise, this insatiable drive can bring you to a halt both emotionally and/or spiritually.

If you should need further evidence of this, look at the news items relating to the current suicides that take place frequently such as the top fashion models, the immediate family member of international political figures or “fallen” community leaders.

Were you aware that the word “success” comes from Latin and means “to advance” or “to improve”. This implies that success is a continuing process and not a “means to an end”. Stated a different way, success allows you a better quality of life; thus, moving you forward to having a better life experience. This was my lesson for the day.

This brings us to the “sustainable” concept of success.

It is impossible to sustain “inner peace” when you depend on other people or external things to make you happy. The feeling of happiness comes from the enjoyment of external things, things outside of you; and therefore, is temporary. I recommend that you stop and ponder what your feelings would be if other people were suddenly removed from your life and/or you lost your possessions.

Nor can you achieve any level of sustainable success without developing some changes in your attitude. This requires that you honestly examine and listen to your inner feelings. It is imperative that you get acquainted with yourself, i.e., “Know thyself.” And, then, endeavor to accept yourself as you are and to fall in love with that wonderful being.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!

Why do we need self-improvement anyway?

Have you ever pondered self improvement and how it might change your life? This has been an active undercurrent in my life for a good number of years. With all the new thought that is being published and broadcast in the media, it is becoming even more important for me to remain diligent in addressing this issue in my own life.

By writing this web log, I have invited you to join me in this journey. In my research, I have stumbled upon several aspects of self improvement and an equal number of ways to achieve personal goals.

The main purpose of this blog is to share some of these concepts with you. Of course, the key, for you, is to find the one that enables you to break your specific weakness into small steps so that you can take one step at a time in achieving your self-improvement goal.

The one central obstacle to achieving one’s self-improvement goal seems to be
“fear”. The underlying cause of this fear can usually be traced back to lack of self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, and doubt. Just, where did these negative self-concepts originate?

If one has an open mind, one does not have to look too far. Now, comes the “sticky” question? Do you have what it takes to start reprogramming your subconscious behavior?

If you are affluent, you see a therapist/coach who effectively relieves you of some of your financial wealth in exchange for teaching you some self-hypnosis exercises and/or gives you some medication to ease your anxiety. For some, there is always the local neighborhood bar at which we drown our troubles with our friends and neighbors who are in the same life situation.

Another more viable idea is to turn to the volumes of self-improvement books and CD’s. "Been there and done that." However, after carefully spending $1,000+, I did find some very good advice that has helped me get on the road to “emotional recovery”.

If you are angry, judgmental, jealous, unhappy, et al, you have some problems that need to be addressed. Yes, a change in attitude is in order and you must take responsibility now or continue to experience the same unhappiness until you finally make a choice to take remedial action.

Now, we come almost back to the place where we began this discussion. Self improvement generally refers to improving one’s peace of mind by eliminating stress and anxiety. The stress and anxiety can be found within the intellectual, emotional, psychological or spiritual levels of one’s life or in any combination thereof.

To undertake self-improvement, one must reflect and rely on his own knowledge that has been gained through experience, self-dependence, and self-identity. It goes without saying; you must have a strong desire to embark on this journey. It is a lot easier when you have the support of family members and friends.

I invite you to join/stay with me on this journey of learning and self-exploration. It is, indeed, a rewarding journey.

Take care and have a Wondrous Christmas Holiday filled with the Blessings of Peace and Love.

The Fallacy of Time [Part 2 of 2]

Organizing Your Daily Responsibilities

As promised, here are some ideas to help you manage and achieve your daily responsibilities:

Review

Think about all the things you want to accomplish at the start of the day. Make a list if you can keep note pads handy. It will make you feel more comfortable andhis is a good way to keep track of your tasks and commitments.

Handling Interruptions

You may have several interruptions that require your attention. Take each in stride. Later, it is important to return your concentration and efforts on the prior item only. Do not give thought to any of the remaining items on your list.

Congratulate yourself upon completion of each item.


Be Creative.

Time is an element when simple creativity can be practiced with great efficiency. Plan your daily tasks around your outside commitments and appointments. There are some things you can accomplish by “multi-tasking” such as laundry, or dishes, if you have a dishwasher.

Arrange to do grocery shopping and other errands after doctor’s appointments. Or you can arrange to pick up the kids from school after shopping. This saves gasoline too. You can even do the cooking at the same time by using a slow cooker as it cooks food all by itself and doesn't require your attention.

New Tasks

When you have to do a certain task for the first time, often there is no clear direction on how it should be done. Take a few minutes to plan it out. If there is no immediacy, you can give thought to this task before going to bed at night. Often you will know how to approach it the next morning. Either way, this will save you from a great deal of anxiety/stress.

Visualize Completed Outcome

Visualize the outcome of your objective and the resulting pleasure. Think about any alternatives that you can do to make it even better. Choose the best one of these.

If there is only one option, just do it “one step at a time". A friend would often remind me, “The difficult, we do now, the impossible just takes a little longer.

There is only this one single moment called NOW. Be happy and above all, “Love yourself” ‘cuz, my friend, that’s all YOU have.

Have a Great Day and thank you for allowing me to share these thoughts with you.

The Fallacy of Time [Part 1 of 2]

What is Time?

There is a saying, “Time is gold.” If this were so, then we would have no need for money.

Unfortunately, however, we are ultimately measured by the amount of money and material wealth we accumulate in our lifetime. Thus, if your possessions are few, society judges you by “declaring” you have not used our time in a productive manner.

Time Can Be and Often Is an Enemy

Regardless of the circumstances of our birth, “rich” or poor, each of us are literally born into a world of stress from the very first moment of our lives.

We are often told, “Time is a precious commodity. Once it’s gone, it cannot be recovered.” “Don’t waste your time/my time.” Blah, blah, blah.

Without getting into physics, time is a only concept, the measurement of a dimension we use to determine the age of physical objects.

We use time in our daily lives to measure our activities, “How much did we accomplish within certain preconceived time frames.” We seem to be caught in the trap of always measuring and judging ourselves and others.

Celebrate Your Accomplishments

Instead, we really need to celebrate all the things we accomplish, the love and kindness we share with family members and friends and the wonderful things we learn as a result.

Time Can Be Recovered

It is a well-known fact that stress can shorten your life span by a significant number of years. Conversely, you can add years to your life by eliminating stress. “The ball is in your court.”

I will share my list of suggestions to organize your daily responsibilities in next week’s article.

Until then, take good care and savor each breath of your precious life.

Using Affirmations as a Key to Achieve Self Improvement-Part 1 of 2 - What Is An Affirmation?

Good Morning and Welcome

What Is An Affirmation?

According to Wikipedia, an affirmation is a declaration that something is true.

The familiar phrase, “I am, therefore I exist,” is attributed to Descartes as affirming one’s existence as a being. It may be a simple phrase, but it says everything about the individual being who is saying them. It indicates a confidence not commonly found among other beings.

Affirmations in Vogue

While affirmations are used in prayer, the use of affirmations became more in vogue with the New Age Movement.

Affirmation is a combination of verbal and visual techniques that succinctly describes the desired state of mind of a person. Strong affirmations can be very powerful, and can be used by almost anyone to achieve his goals and fulfill his desires. However, the power of an affirmation is often limited by the ingrained belief held by the subconscious mind. Therein lies this challenge.

Affirmation, used in the manner, is an assertion made by a person, about something or about a state of being. A person can choose the desired goals he/she wishes to attain, like “I now have a good life.” Being healthy in mind, body, and spirit can also be made possible through affirmation.

Using Affirmations

Though challenging, the use of affirmations can be a very powerful way to empower one’s subconscious. Once the habits of the subconscious are disciplined to accept one’s affirmation as being true, the conscious mind reacts accordingly with the desired reactions. By using affirmations, one is often enabled to do, to work, and to strive for more things. Affirmations are ways to help people to believe in themselves and to put their thoughts into action.

Come back next week. Our article will outline some of the basic rules you need to follow in using affirmations.

Obstacles to Self Improvement-Part 6 of 6 - Pride

Good Morning and Welcome Back

Pride is a great obstacle to Self Improvement mainly because it is considered as one of the seven deadly sins. According to Wikipedia, "In Ancient Greece, instances of pride were termed hubris because of the added connotation that pride was a crime against the gods and would result in fatal retribution. The word was also used to describe those who considered themselves more important than the gods themselves."

I see pride as an important concept that is really being misused by our culture. I see it is being used as a psychological weapon to influence the masses into buying whatever ideas/things that are being "hawked " by the media; thereby, promoting "pride" as a status symbol of materialistic ownership.

This emotion grows/evolves into some of the other feelings that are part of pride such as: arrogance, judgmental, superior, unfeeling and vain. These are feelings of separateness. There are many historical incidents to support what eventually happens when pride consumes your psyche.

What is "Pride"? It is a verb frequently used in a reflexive sense of "congratulating oneself" [Online Etymology Dictionary @2010 Douglas Harper].

Using this context, taking pride in ones work and/or pride in ones accomplishments can be a good starting point in achieving self improvement. Not only have you done something that benefited you, you have given a unique and special gift, an example, to those around you. My first mentor always reminded me, "By example do we teach."

I also find inner peace through being grateful, not only for the opportunity and experience of learning/doing, but that I was able physically and mentally to meet and achieve my goals.

Take care!! Hope to see you next week with more insights in Self Improvement techniques that you can use.

Obstacles to Self Improvement-Part 4 of 6

Good Morning and Welcome Back

Lust is usually present when your daily life is full of hiccups with one stumbling block after another. When this is the case, be on the lookout for its subtle influences.

Lust is another big obstacle to the self improvement goals you wish to achieve. It is not limited to obsession with someone of the opposite sex. Lust is an emotional appetite for any thing you feel that "you can't live without".

Just the other day, I had a very interesting experience with this emotion.

I'm not sure exactly where to begin this story. Anyway, I was presented with an opportunity to change my life. This chance opportunity awakened a long-held dream I had had for several years. Perhaps, the Law of Attraction was working for me after all. All the details of my dream fitted into place. My infatuation grew with the idea of a new life filled with new adventures.

So I set about to make this happen. I literally wore myself out rearranging my life and/or "scheming" for five days.

This is how easy it is to allow/permit "lust" to take control. When the long-held dream failed to materialize for me, it was then, I was "shocked" and awakened to the realization; "Hey, I was really causing myself a great deal of stress in my desire to have this experience to come into my life." Immediately, at this moment, my inner peace was restored.

We need to be vigilant. Lust is ever present in our daily lives, and manifests itself when we are are not completely satisfied with our life "right here and now". It is very easy to lose control of these "I wants/needs"; and, as a result, you can easily become compulsive and manipulative in trying to satisfy your perceived needs. If you choose to ignore this emotion, you can quickly fall into the trap of addiction and loss of self esteem.

The grass on the other side of the fence may appear to be much greener, but it comes with a price, sometimes a very high price.

See you next week when I share some thoughts on the emotional attributes of anger.

Until then, take care, my friend!!

Fear, An Obstacle to Self Improvement-Part 3b of 6

Good Morning and Welcome Back

Fear, in itself, is a gift. It is a vital part of our survival skills and alerts us to the possibility of danger; as you well know, the basic instinct relating to "fight or flight".

Let's continue our discussion relating to FEAR and identify some of the more common the types of FEAR that invade our emotions and, thereby, control our lives.

At this point, for starters, I ask you to consider each of the "labeled feelings" on this list and how it affects you. How about: anxious, apprehensive, evasive, frantic, inhibited, insecure, panic, paralyzed, paranoid, trapped, uneasy, vulnerable? This is, by no means, a comprehensive list. There are other feelings associated with fear; but, I think this will give you a good start.

It is the FEAR that is buried deep in our sub-conscious [that has accumulated during our entire lifetime] that so easily dominates our conscious reactions. There is good reason to equate FEAR with Cancer. They are, indeed, quite similar. If left unchecked/untreated, FEAR consumes the mind while cancer consumes the body. Actually, this fear is a gift [a wake-up call], albeit, a painful one.

While FEAR is based on past experiences, it really impacts your future. Picture, if you will, trying to drive a car with one [or more] flat tires.

I like to "label" my fear as "confused imagination". The label, "confused" effectively prompts me to sort/analyze what is happening/or has happened that has created the feeling of fear I am currently experiencing.

While it is most unfortunate, our global partners, the organizations within our community, and the old parenting skills choose to manipulate us with the force of threat which then radiates into the FEAR that either cripples us or make puppets of us.

Are you aware that force is only a temporary fix that impedes the growth [self improvement] of the targeted/victimized individual? Add this one thought to your mental library.

How do they accomplish this? Bluntly, and quite simply, we choose to permit FEAR into our lives through "ignorance and/or misplaced trust [which is actually a form of ignorance]". Ignorance is another complex story in itself.

As mentioned in last week's article, FEAR accumulates in our memory bank and comes out to greet us each time something happens to threaten us. This is the door by which we allow FEAR to control our lives. Let's slam the door shut now.

Just believe me when I tell you, "There is NO THING that can happen to you unless you permit/allow it to happen, either consciously or, quite often, unconsciously.

Come back next week. My scheduled blog for next week will be on how "lust" affects your commitment to Self Improvement.

Obstacles to Self Improvement-Part 3a of 6

Good Morning and Welcome Back

Let's explore coping with "Fear". In my opinion, FEAR is the hurdle of all hurdles when it comes to impeding self improvement and personal growth. While it is a feeling you experience NOW, it is mainly one of anxiety and/or expectation of what's going to happen tomorrow, or the tomorrow after tomorrow, "ad infinitum".

Upon sensing the onset of fearful feelings, it is now the time for you to take several deep breaths. Breathe in. Breathe out. Relax. Clear your mind. If this fails, go for a walk in the warm sunshine, or the brisk air that accompanies the fall season, or the falling snow, whatever. Notice the beauty of nature that surrounds you, smell the fresh air, and let your thoughts melt away into the environment of your surroundings. That "You are okay right NOW" is all that matters.

Another helpful exercise would be to discuss your anxiety with an understanding partner, [or what about your reflection in the mirror?] and fully describe the situation and the reason it is bothering you. Now you have two options: either use only the words "Quack, Quack, Quack" without any conjunctions or you can describe your problem in a "Donald Duck" type of voice. Try it. This is also works for a distracting response to anger.

Enough for now. Next week, I will define some of the various feelings that are attributed to fear. By recognizing these feelings, we can address our fears by asking ourselves questions pertaining to: "What is causing me to feel this way?" and "Why am I feeling this feeling?"

One closing thought; "You are responsible for your fear and you, alone, are the only person who can change, redefine, or modify it." When each onset of fear occurs; and, if you make the choice to defer, be rest assured, it will stay with you accumulating "ad infinitum".

Take good care until we meet here again

Obstacles to Self Improvement-Part 2 of 6

Good Morning and Welcome Back

Last week's blog concerned the feelings of being overwhelmed or stuck and how you can change them into challenges. One emotion that is often the basis of feeling overwhelmed is grief.

Today, I would like to focus this blog on some of the attributes associated with grief. Grief is not just concerning the loss or mourning of a loved one. It is about losing anything you felt that you possessed or enjoyed the experience of having; for example, your job, your house, your girlfriend, your boyfriend, or an unrealized dream.

While I was researching material for this article, I was surprised, almost shocked, to learn that being ashamed and being guilty are also included with feelings of grief. However, when you think about it, this does make sense; you have awakened to a reality of your imperfection.

Grief, including 50+ associated feelings, does not serve you. And what does not serve you is an Untruth.

"How can I stop my grief?" you ask. [At least, I hope you are asking this question.] Grief is holding on to something in your past and through the habit of remembering, you continue to live in the past. There is no way you can move forward in your life while you cling to the past.

I would like for you to take several slow deep breaths and focus on this reality, "I am right here right now."

By ardently practicing this one rule, you can change your thoughts; thereby awakening a change in your attitude, and most importantly, a change in your life.

Take good care and have a Wondrous and Glorious Week until we meet here again.

Obstacles to Self Improvement-Part 1 of 6

Good Morning and Welcome Back,

My approach to Self Improvement has been and continues to be to eliminate the obstacle [weakness] that stifles me at the moment. As soon as I recognize that I am struggling, I take action to change my thoughts.

One of the primary obstacles preventing us from achieving Wholeness is "apathy": those feelings of discouragement and despair; those feelings of being overwhelmed or powerless; of being stuck and unfocused.

"Okay," you say, "How can I get rid of these emotions?"

AHA! Now we focus on winning our new and challenging "game" of Self Improvement. When we accept this challenge, we immediately become focused and unstuck. We now have power. And, furthermore, the feelings of being "overwhelmed" along with discouragement and despair fade away as we see the progress we have made. And as your self confidence grows with winning, your power continues to become stronger as you stay focused on this challenging game. You are now on an upward spiral moving toward your goal.

Always, always keep your focus on winning this game,

Come back next week for some more obstacles that can hinder us from winning our game of Self Improvement.

What is “Truth” and how does it relate to Self Improvement?

Good Morning and Welcome Back!!

How does one start on the road which leads to Self Improvement? I feel a lot can be said to examine what you believe to be true.

I have also come to the conclusion each of us has our own individual truth. On several occasions, I have read or heard the statement, “We are what we believe.”

What do you believe about yourself, about your immediate family members, your friends, your neighbors, your community, and/or your government? Are your beliefs rigid or do you consciously make an effort to expand the scope of your earlier beliefs?

What is the source of information that has formed [and continues to form] your beliefs? Is it by observation, i.e., people watching and personal experience, continuing education, browsing the Internet, television, movies, etc.?

All of this data, positive and negative, is absorbed into your belief system and directly affects your own version of “truth”; and, ultimately your thoughts and actions. Advertising is a prime example.

This is enough for now. In future blogs, I plan to offer thoughts defining some of the emotions that are the basis of the unwanted stress in our daily lives and how this can propel us onto the Road of Self Improvement.

Self Improvement as a Way of Life

Every thought we have, every decision we make and every action we take is for our self improvement either directly or indirectly. Oh, the millions of wondrous possibilities and wondrous probabilities that are available to each of us each day.

 In one source, I counted  44 different aspects of self improvement. These aspects range from "Abundance Prosperity" [very popular these days], Mind Development, Time Management, and also includes information on  Shopping and Product Reviews. This one library contains quite an array of varied information. And, unfortunately, there is a vast amount of misinformation that is also published and available to the ill-informed reader. How does one tell the difference?

One friend of mine, calls it "a jungle". I like this analogy for its visual connotation and for the imagined fear that would be ever present if we were transported to a real jungle. However, when you "people watch" you become more aware of the jungle of imagined fear that encompasses so many people today.

This leads me to the "Law of Cause and Effect". Can you envision Ignorance as being the Cause/Source of Fear? And, then how does this relate to all of Marketing Tactics that are based on Fear? And how does this make you feel when you have been "scammed" [tricked into buying into something that you felt would bring you Abundance and  Prosperity]?

I ask you to ponder these thoughts and your reaction to them. You cannot change your life without allowing new directions to your road map of being. No excuses for the past are allowed. You cannot change the past; it's over; however, you can change the future course of your life by contemplating new thought.

I also ask you to join me in discovering and planting the seeds of Love, Happiness, Joy and Inner Peace in the beautiful garden of Your Innermost Heart.