WHAT DOES MONEY REPRESENT TO YOU?

Given that we are in the midst of tougher economic times this topic seems timely. After joining my first forum 3 years ago I am amazed at how many get-rich-quick schemes are advertised or discussed on line and off. A friend of ours in yet another multi-level marketing program and not to long ago one of our clients got mixed up in one of those Ponsie schemes where you put five grand in and bring two others who will do the same thing. She lost her shirt...and the five grand and her friends were not impressed when they did too.

David and I write, produce and present a variety of personal development courses and one of them involves the dynamics of money and people's relationship with it. I have condensed some of the basic ideas into a brief discussion.

So here goes...are you up for sharing how you views about money and what it represents to you? For example...
Does money represent any or all of the above?...Power?
...Prestige?
...Status symbol?
...Security?
...Freedom?
...Control mechanism?

Or do you view it in a completely different way? A quotation from Joseph Campbell suggests; "Money is congealed energy...and releasing it releases life's possibilities." After a lot of ups and downs in our financial life David and I finally came to view money the same way.

How and what we "view and do" with our money is a great representation of how we are doing in other areas of our life as well. When we are balanced, focused and living within our means there is greater prosperity and abundance within our financial flow.

During the times we have over-stretched ourselves in other areas and begin to live beyond our means mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically...it often shows up in our finances as well. Well that is a brief overview of my perspective on money...are you up for sharing yours? 

FOCUSED ATTENTION AND ATTENTIVE LISTENING...ARE WE LOSING IT?

The idea for this discussion came out as a direct result of our business development plans during the past few months.

I attended few seminars for small business owners in our area and there was a common thread in all their presentations. They kept saying..."You only have 15 seconds to grab people's attention...if you don't do you will lose them."

Then I have noticed that in conversations with some people they do not maintain any eye contact while chatting. They look away, gaze around and it is as if they are not capable of focusing on anything or anyone for more than a couple of minutes...if you even get that long.

Then there are those who can't wait for others to finish a sentence before they rudely interrupt, change the subject or override the person who was speaking only a moment before.

My next example are those who do make eye contact but you can tell they are not really listening. It is abundantly clear that they are far more involved in their own thoughts than anything anyone else has to say.

Even on discussion forums there are some members who present themselves and their ideas with a seemingly genuine interest in learning more about others. Then there are the little flip one liners that make many of us wonder...why bother?

Our work as life coaches often involves families members and teachers. They express concern about how young people are decimating languages with short form words that many do not "get." They see young people more involved with their blackberries and chatting to a variety of friends on line rather than getting out and connecting in person.
David and I experienced the same from some people when we asked them to read content on the website and give us critical feedback. Not all, but some said there was too much content for them to read...even though each link is approximately one page long.

Being that we market services...not a tangible product we feel it is important for prospective clients to be able to read who we are and what we are offering. The same thing used to happen when I posted longer discussions on Mylot. Too long discussions...can't read it...make them shorter and then I will reply. Again not everyone said that...but there have been enough over my two years there to make me aware that it is a growing mindset.

Now there is Twitter where people have a minimum number of characters to respond and that is shortening focus and attention span even more.

All these incidents are just observations of mine. However, I am curious if any of you are finding similar dynamics in your exchanges with people? If these examples are becoming the "norm" for modern society what does that say about us? Are we really making enough time for who and what matters to us?

So if our attention span is decreasing then what does it represent and where is it leading us? Are we so caught up in our own lives that there is no time to stay present, attentive and caring to friends and strangers alike? None of us can change what we are not aware of...so are you aware of these observations too...or is it just my perspective? 

MIND MAPS ARE POWERFUL SELF-DISCOVERY TOOLS

Mind maps are, by definition, a graphical method of taking notes. The visual basis of them helps one to distinguish words or ideas, often with colors and symbols. They generally take a hierarchical or tree branch format, with ideas branching into their subsections. Mind maps allow for greater creativity when recording ideas and information, as well as allowing the note-taker to associate words with visual representations. Mind maps and concept maps are different in that mind maps focus on only one word or idea, whereas Concept maps connect multiple words or idea.

Mind maps (or similar concepts) have been used for centuries in learning, brainstorming, memory, visual thinking, and problem solving by educators, engineers, psychologists, and others. Some of the earliest examples of mind maps were developed by Porphyry of Tyros, a noted thinker of the 3rd century, as he graphically visualized the concept categories of Aristotle. Philosopher Ramon Llull (1235 - 1315) also used mind maps.

A mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea. Mind maps are used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing.

The elements of a given mind map are arranged intuitively according to the importance of the concepts, and are classified into groupings, branches, or areas, with the goal of representing semantic or other connections between portions of information. Mind maps may also aid recall of existing memories.

By presenting ideas in a radial, graphical, non-linear manner, mind maps encourage a brainstorming approach to planning and organizational tasks. Though the branches of a mind map represent hierarchical tree structures, their radial arrangement disrupts the prioritizing of concepts typically associated with hierarchies presented with more linear visual cues. This orientation towards brainstorming encourages users to enumerate and connect concepts without a tendency to begin within a particular conceptual framework.

The mind map can be contrasted with the similar idea of concept mapping. The former is based on radial hierarchies and tree structures denoting relationships with a central governing concept, whereas concept maps are based on connections between concepts in more diverse patterns.

Mind maps have many applications in personal, family, educational, and business situations, including notetaking, brainstorming (wherein ideas are inserted into the map radially around the center node, without the implicit prioritization that comes from hierarchy or sequential arrangements, and wherein grouping and organizing is reserved for later stages), summarizing, revising, and general clarifying of thoughts. One could listen to a lecture, for example, and take down notes using mind maps for the most important points or keywords.
One can also use mind maps as a mnemonic technique or to sort out a complicated idea. Mind maps are also promoted as a way to collaborate in color pen creativity sessions.
Mind maps can be used for:-
• Problem Solving
• Outline / Framework Design
• Anonymous collaboration.
• Marriage of words and visuals.
• Individual expression of creativity.
• Condensing material into a concise and memorable format.
• Team building or synergy creating activity.
• Enhancing work morale.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO CENTER YOURSELF?

The term "centerdness" or being centered is bantered around and I have often wondered what people think about the concept. Then while doing research for an article I am writing I came across some information on the concept that decided to share it here. 

Thomas Crum author of the book, Journey to Center puts it this way: "There is not true path without center. With center the mind, body and spirit merge and passion and commitment unleashed in a force that cannot be contained."  Central to his approach he states that Contentedness is a true psycho physiological phenomenon that affects everything in your environment."

When I read the information Crum is putting forth most of it fits with what I have learned about the importance of finding one's center in both my personal and professional lives. In the training I have had it is evident that being centered is a mind/body/spiritual experience that occurs when one's attention and awareness form a bridge between the outer experiences and the inner core of your being. From this place it is easier to "live in this world but not of it." It assists me in  maintaining  a sense of balance while going through the most daunting experiences.

Having presented the above I am curious about your views on this topic. Do you have ways of 'centering' yourself when things become chaotic. If so...what are they? Do you think the idea is unfounded? Have you thought about it before or not? It is a fascinating concept and if you want to read more about it Thomas F. Crum has written the book Journey to the Center and the Magic of Conflict.

When I find myself feeling ungrounded or off-center I use breathing techniques, meditation, energy work, yoga, movement and prayer to help me move back into a more centered place.I also take 10 deep inhales and exhales and in the past few years I listen to CD's that synchronize the left and right hemispheres of the brain. They are called hemi-sync or brain sync and there is a related blog here and the link for it is: 

I welcome your input and of course...perspectives!

HOW HEALTH CONSCIOUS ARE YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10?

As I life coach and writer in the healthy living field this is a question I often ask clients. With
that in mind I was curious how you would rate yourself on a scale of 1
to 10. To give you some ideas of how I see it within that bell curve a
rating a rating of 1 would be that you rarely, if ever give your health,
diet and everything pertaining to health much consideration. This
rating could include those who love to eat, drink, smoke and be merry
and not worry about the consequences their choices are having on their
current or long-range health.

Ratings within the 2 to 5 range could be those of you who have decided to make some changes towards  healthy living such as giving up smoking, drinking, losing a little
weight, drinking more water...but still love the richer foods and know
that there is room to cut down on the amount of sugars, carbs and fats.
Within this rating many are not into vitamin supplementation because
they are unconvinced they are worth the expense or that supplementing
the diet makes any difference anyway.

Ratings within 6-8 are those who consider themselves quite health conscious and are into
reading labels, staying informed about the latest healthy living
information, take vitamins, exercise when they can. People within this
rating often offer suggestions and information about their ever
expanding health consciousness and usually walk their talk about it.

If there is anyone who would put them in the 9-10 rating...I take my
hat off to you and say you are where I aspire to be. You are the ones
who are full fledged vegetarians...maybe even Vegans...you exercise,
meditate and have your emotional mental, spiritual, energetic and
physical aspects in harmony and you keep your life in balance...and good
for you that you do. You wonderful testimonies to healthy, balanced
living on every level. In my view you should also give yourself a star
beside the rating if you are managing to live life that way over the
long term. It is not easy to do in the fast-paced world we live in.

Anyway...in case you are curious how I would rate myself...probably in
the 6-8 rating. I am health conscious, eat wholesome foods with a low
fat diet and David makes wonderful raw, fresh fruit and vegetable juices
and I drink two glasses with my knee enhancing powdered supplement GLH
and MSM. I don't smoke or drink but I do enjoy a glass or two of white
dry wine on special occasions. The reason I cannot w rate myself any
higher is because I often throw my sleep patterns off by doing things 

on my computer or gaming into the night and sleeping later than I would

like to when I do. Exercising consistently over time is something else that I have never
quite mastered. Meditation and yoga are things I do...and they help to
keep the stress down...but no I am not a 9 or 10 so far.

OK there is my self-honest assessment...care to share yours? No judgments
here...just a friendly dialog between Cyber-friends!

WHAT DO ANGELS LOOK LIKE?

Like the little old lady who returned your wallet yesterday.
Like the taxi driver who told you that your eyes light up the world, when you smile.
Like the small child who showed youth wonder in simple things.
Like the poor man who offered to share his lunch with you.
Like the rich man who showed you it really is all possible, if only you believe.
Like the stranger who just happened to come along,
When you had lost your way.
Like the friend who touched your heart when you didn't think you had one left to touch.
Angels come in all sizes and shapes and both genders and all ages and skin types.
Some with freckles some with dimples, some with wrinkles, some without.
They come disguised as friends, enemies, teachers, students, lovers and fools.
They don't take life too seriously and t hey travel light and often do not leave a forwarding address,
They ask for nothing in return they wear sneakers with gossamer wings,
They get a deal on dry cleaning but are often they are hard to find when your eyes are closed,
But they are everywhere you look when you choose to see…may we always open our eyes, hearts and mind so we never mess those everyday angels in all our lives.
--Veronica M. Hay

MANY BABY BOOMERS ARE NOT RETIRING..THEY ARE LIVING LONGER AND STRONGER

Coralie Darsey-Malloy

Baby boomers are valiantly signaling their advancement into the golden years with fitness routines, healthy lifestyle choices and supplementation in their diets. However, many who are already there have not had the same advantages. Too many of our elders suffer from depression. Their diets are frequently devitalized, current health management is symptom relief rather than holistic-care and dramatic lifestyle changes occur when they are least equipped to handle them. Others have been forced into retirement because of chronic health problems or disabilities that may create additional care-taking responsibilities, sadness and loneliness. Any of these co-factors is enough to create depression, but when they occur simultaneously it is not surprising that people feel overwhelmed and unsupported.

Brain Food Dozens of nutrients can alter the biochemistry of the brain. Even slight deficiencies can result in common complaints such as fatigue, mood swings and depression. Key among these brain nutrients are the B vitamins. Their catalytic action includes oxidation (the body’s ability to provide fuel and supply the brain with its energy source, glucose). Without enough glucose, the brain cannot function properly and mental health problems can arise. According to Eric Braverman, MD, of the Princeton Brain Bio Center in Skillman, NJ and Charles Tkaca, MD of the North Nassau Mental Health Center in Manhattan, NY, people who are not getting enough of B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 frequently get a host of psychiatric and neurological symptoms like confusion, depression, fatigue and psychosis. Some preliminary studies on autopsied Alzheimer’s patients revealed deficiencies of boron, potassium, selenium, B6 and B12. The lack of essential vitamins along with excessive amounts of aluminum directly or indirectly predispose one to Alzheimer’s disease. The B vitamins are also known to be involved in the production of neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. These biochemicals allow brain cells to pass messages along their nerve pathways. Low serotonin levels can cause depression. The population that is currently approaching senior status will not be as accepting of the system as those before them. Our current elders have come through hard times and the depression. They are used to making do.

Baby boomers and their offspring are used to a more affluent lifestyle and will not settle for less. It’s obvious that in finding solutions for overcoming depression in seniors today, we are also helping those who are rapidly approaching their own senior years. The infinite wisdom of our provincial government of Manitoba decided to eliminate food made on site in local hospitals. Food is prepared and frozen in Toronto, sent to the hospitals and re-heated on the premises. Re-heated scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes and pasta are the most unappetizing foods I have ever seen. The obvious disgust of elderly patients is justified. This is a time when people need the best possible nourishment to maintain their strength and to heal. Offspring resort to bringing healthy food choices and vitamin supplements to parents because the system they pay for does not attend to one of the most important aspects of longevity--proper nutrition.

Some people have difficulty admitting sadness or guilt and prefer to withdraw into isolation. Symptoms of depression such as insomnia or sleeping frequently and for excessive periods of time; loss of appetite or ravenous appetite; headaches; blood sugar imbalances; backaches; gastro-intestinal upsets; feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy; irritability; and suicidal thoughts are often minimized and explained away as "getting old." This rationale does a great disservice to those in advancing years who accept their fate without question.

Working as a group facilitator and practitioner afforded me the opportunity to interact with people of all ages. I have had the pleasure of seeing another side to seniors through Creative Retirement Manitoba. Most of them take supplements, exercise and watch their diets. Their involvement with activities beyond their immediate family gives them independence and purpose. They have a commitment to lifelong learning and strive to feel in control. They interpret change as a challenge rather than a threat. Even those with health challenges are an inspiration. One woman has developed macular degeneration in her eyes and was not very mobile. She belonged to a computer club and refused to give up her favorite hobby. Her solution? Buy the biggest monitor she could and eventually go to voice recognition if she lost her sight completely!

To help prevent further degeneration she took eyebright (orally and eye drops) bilberry, vitamins A, C, E, B and zinc. It is this combination of nutrition, supplementation and attitude that prevents this group from allowing depression to take hold. Their approach to whole-person healing is an example that these methods work for anyone--at any age. Necessary Nutrients A new study has compared levels of omega-3 fats in healthy people with those diagnosed with depression. Levels of omega-3 were 40 per cent lower in patients with depression, on average. It isn’t known yet whether depression causes lower omega-3 deficiencies. Possibly it’s vice versa. One theory is that diets deficient in omega-3s make people more vulnerable.

With other risk factors a low omega-3 intake can push people over the edge. Salmon oil may be nature’s Prozac. Just one 85 gram serving of salmon provides almost two grams of omega-3 oil, 10 times our daily average. Flax seed and hemp seed oils are also excellent sources of omega-3s. Even a minor deficiency of vitamin C can affect mental health. Many seniors today don’t eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables to maintain vitamin C stores. They supplement their diets to compensate. St John’s wort is an important herb for replenishing the nervous system, especially when the brain seems depleted or when the nervous system is out of balance. It contains hypericin, a natural compound that has been shown in studies to help support the nervous system by minimizing the effects of minor depression. It is a safe and natural alternative to mood-altering drugs.

Light Cures for the Blues Most artificial light lacks essential wave lengths in much the same way that refined flour lacks certain vitamins and minerals. Lack of sunlight can also create a vitamin D deficiency. In a recent study participants supplementing their diets with 400 IU of vitamin D reported feeling more enthusiastic, inspired and alert than those who took a placebo. These preliminary studies led the experts to think vitamin D may affect levels of the mood-lifting brain chemical serotonin. Depression is not a normal part of aging. Despite the problems older people face, many are very satisfied with their lives. Those are the ones who are doing something to keep it that way! References: 1. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 119 (July); 60(1). 2. Biological Psychiatry, March 1, 1998. 3. Drugs and Aging 1998; 12.

For more information about healthy, dynamic living check out our Fresh Beginnings website at www.fresh-beginnings.com

MIKE OLDFIELD...TO BE FREE--LOVE THE MESSSAGE!

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