Meditation - Free Article

How to Learn Self-Hypnosis Quickly and Easily

2009-01-17T17:01:00.000-08:00

Many health care and counseling professionals have begun to learn hypnosis. The benefits of learning hypnosis have become increasingly apparent as more studies are done. Recent research has shown not only the physical benefits but emotional and spiritual benefits have been documented as well.

There are several ways to learn hypnosis that range from professional training to self-teaching.

Many licensed schools teach hypnosis and hypnotherapy. Students are educated about the human mind and how the subconscious differs from our conscious mind.

Before a hypnotist can be successful, they must understand how the mind affects a persons perceptions and behavior. The art of relaxation and the ability to tune out the worries and everyday problems are learned. This may sound easy, but it takes education and years of practice to completely learn hypnosis.

Some students begin to learn hypnosis out of curiosity. They quickly discover that it is more involved than they thought. Learning hypnosis involves understanding the human muscle structure and how it can be relaxed. Relaxation is a very important part of hypnosis. If your subject can't relax they will not be susceptible to hypnosis.

Hypnosis students must also learn how to build rapport with their subjects. The feelings of safety and security must be present before a positive session can take place.
Many who try hypnosis are skeptical in the beginning, so a good rapport and a feeling of security are a must for a successful hypnosis session.

For those that are looking to learn hypnotism for use on themselves or those close to them here is a simple step-by-step process you can use.

1. Choose a safe, quite place where you will not be disturbed and get comfortable.

2. Repeat a series of relaxing statements in your mind for a few minutes. Focus on this series of words or mantra. It doesn't really matter what these words are so long as they relax you.

3. Relax your whole body. Begin at the top of your head and move to the tip of your toes relaxing each muscle group in turn. Allow your eyes to close naturally as you become more deeply relaxed.

4. Begin breathing slowly and deeply allowing each breath to deepen your relaxation.

5. Imagine a relaxing, peaceful place. Begin imagining a staircase with ten stairs, as you climb the stairs you come closer and closer to your peaceful place.

6. Climb the stair slowly on the count of your breathing. When you arrive take a moment to vividly visualize the place in every detail. Become familiar with the smells, sounds and how beautiful the place truly is.

7. Once you are completely relaxed and at peace, you will begin your positive self talk. Repeat to yourself the positive thoughts that you are working on. Be optimistic and positive as you implant your suggestions and use a tone that conveys belief in a good outcome.

8. To end the hypnosis count up to five, open your eyes and take a deep breath. Enjoy the relaxation and positive feeling of refreshment that you feel after hypnosis.

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Meditation: The Pause That Refreshes

2009-01-16T17:00:00.000-08:00

Do you find yourself overworked, full of worry, or just plain stressed out? Then, it's time to relax. Give your mind a break and your immune system a boost. Learn to meditate.

For many people, meditation is something quite mysterious. After all, meditation is a practice most often associated with ancient spiritual traditions. But, the fact the matter is, meditation is simply a way of relaxing your mind and your body which, in turn, helps to separate you from your everyday problems and worries. It is a process that can be learned and practiced by even the busiest person in today's modern world.

There are many forms of meditation. However, experts often say that the various forms of meditation fall into two broad categories: concentrative meditation and mindfulness meditation.

In concentrative meditation, the person sits quietly and focuses attention on a physical object, a particular sound, an image, or on the most fundamental bodily process, breathing. Most people have heard of using a mantra to meditate. Here the person repeats a special word over and over. Repetition of the word provides the focus needed for meditation. No matter what the person uses, the purpose of the object of meditation is to give the mind an anchor to the here and now. As the mind becomes absorbed in its focus on the object of meditation, external distractions are reduced. The jumble of thoughts and anxiety so common to daily life disappear.

In mindfulness meditation, there is no specific object of meditation. Instead, the person sits quietly and simply witnesses or notices whatever happens to present itself mentally. It could be a thought, a mental image, a sound, or a bodily sensation. The goal of the person meditating is to observe whatever passes through the mind and let it go without reacting to it or elaborating on it. By practicing a kind of detached awareness of immediate experience, the person is encouraging the development of a calmer, clearer state of mind.

Learning to meditate is not a complex matter. However, as with any skill of value, learning to meditate does take some effort. Fortunately, there are many books and e-books on the market that can provide the beginner with simple "how to" instructions and helpful meditation exercises. Meditation also requires practice. But, the practice can be as little as ten minutes a day.

One key to successful meditation is consistency of effort. The person needs to find a time in the day to meditate regularly. The payoff for doing so may be enormous, both physically and psychologically. Modern research has shown that the regular use of meditation enhances immunity, lowers heart rate and blood pressure, reduces cholesterol, and speeds recovery. Psychologically, meditation seems to reduce anxiety and depression, while increasing creativity and feelings of happiness and joy. Given its power and simplicity, the practice of meditation should be included in any serious, holistic approach to health and wellness.

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Learn About Yoga Accessories

2009-01-15T16:58:00.000-08:00

Yoga Accessories have started to enhance the yoga expedition only since the past two decades even though the origins of Yoga are very ancient. They are about as eclectic and range from the essential to the frivolous and fun. In the beginning it can be a mystery as to what you need by way of accessories. So we lay out some of the most essential yoga accessories together with bits of whimsy driven necessity that may be fancied once in a while.
Certain styles of yoga emphasize some accessories more than others. There is no hard and fast rule; if it helps with your practice use it. Since yoga is about making it as accessible as possible to adopt postures and bring the body into a state of poise and equilibrium for dynamics into meditation, then whatever helps the process is good.

Here are some of the most important Yoga accessories you will need in your regular practices.

1. Yoga mats
A Yoga mat is an essential accessory for Yoga practice, whether it is a standard non slip mat, ultra sticky or even an Indian Yoga rug mat. This is because it is essential to have a good surface that supports postures and is safe to work on. By far the most popular style is the sticky-mat. It is so called because it grips the floor and does not slide.

The beauty about having one's own mat is that that just by laying down on it, you get immersed and attuned to your yoga space. It sharpens the focus and awareness to what you are about to do and helps create just the right mental state for a session. Yoga Mats are really one of the more useful yoga accessories though not considered absolutely essential by some.

2. Yoga blocks
Yoga blocks are simple tools that help you ease into difficult poses by strengthening, stretching, and aligning your body without strain. They open up the possibilities of letting your body stretch and enter more deeply into your practices with safety and confidence.

A Yoga block shortens the distance between you and the floor, providing a stable anchor point thereby reducing strain. You can use it to ground your lower hand in a standing pose, to space the hands in the peacock pose, or to support your hips in the bridge pose. Check out the Yoga blocks and their different uses.

3. Yoga straps
Yoga straps help you grasp your limbs that are normally out of reach. They also help you hold poses longer, greatly increasing flexibility. Yoga Straps normally come in three lengths, 6', 8' and 10'. They also come in different buckle styles on sturdy 1-1/2 inch cotton webbing that adjust easily and hold securely. Check out for comfort and fit before you buy.

4. Yoga blankets and rugs
Yoga rugs provide a bit more cushion than sticky mats. They are perfect for absorbing perspiration for the hot styles of Yoga. In order to avoid slipping on hardwood floors, it is advisable to place a sticky mat beneath your rug. Yoga blankets are a versatile accessory that functions as a prop.

5. Yoga bags and totes
The unique shape of a Yoga bag provides an interesting challenge when it comes to transporting your gear. Fortunately, you have mat bags, carriers and totes to solve this problem, from the practical to the luxurious. Nowadays, Yoga bags are available in all sizes, styles and colors. These are among the most practical of Yoga accessories.

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Learn Some Techniques of Lucid Dreaming

2009-01-14T16:56:00.000-08:00

Have you ever experienced a dream whose results you could determine, and where you could do anything at will? Then perhaps you were able to have a "lucid dream," which occurs when you know that you are dreaming, and can thus manipulate your dream to suit your needs
Lucid dreaming is a common phenomenon which has been used as the theme of movies and books, and which is the focus of interest of psychologists, New Age groups, and artists alike. Because they often feel real, lucid dreams can often be more memorable than any other kind of dream. Even the pain of nightmares can be offset by lucid dreaming, which is why some psychologists recommend that their patients intentionally have lucid dreams, so that the patients can rid themselves of any torment or inner strife that may impair them in the daytime.

Although lucid dreaming is relatively rare, it can be achieved with different techniques, and this means you are no different. Before lucid dreaming can be done, however, you have to recognize that you are dreaming. You can do this by looking for "dream signs", which can be identified by performing the following "reality tests".

1. If you are confronted with text or a clock in a dream, read the text or the time, look away, and then look at the text or time again. In the real world, text and time will not change; in the dream world, however, text and time will alter drastically.

2. Switch on electronic objects, or look at reflective objects. Electronic switches such as light switches will not usually work in the dream world. Mirrors will be blurred, or will show distorted images.

3. Try to inflict pain on yourself, or keep yourself from breathing. If you feel your chest tighten, or if you feel little or no resistance or pain on your skin, then you may be in a dream state.

4. Observe your environment: do you see talking animals? Are there purple dogs and green horses? Do buildings suddenly get up and dance? You may be dreaming.

Not everyone can have lucid dreams. There are many factors that affect such ability, including meditation and age. If you do wish to have lucid dreams, and you can recognize that you are in the dream state, then you can get started with any of the following techniques.

In Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreaming (MILD), all you need to do is to prepare yourself mentally for lucid dreaming. While you fall asleep, remind yourself, over and over, to watch out for dream signs, and to know that you are dreaming.

The easiest way to start lucid dreaming is the Wake-back-to-bed Induction Technique (WBTB). This exploits the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) cycles, which indicate deep sleep and lucid dreaming, and which get longer in the latter parts of the night. To employ WBTB, go to sleep tired, then wake up in five hours' time. As soon as you are awake, direct all your thoughts on the will to make yourself have lucid dreams while keeping yourself awake for an hour. When you are finished with the hour of focus, go back to sleep. Not only may you have lucid dreams, you will have them longer, and more vivid.

A common technique is called Waking Induction of Lucid Dreaming (WILD). This involves going from the waking state directly to the lucid dream state. To use WILD, you have to recognize that you have reached the border between waking and sleeping, and you have to remain aware of your state. You may be able to enter a dream with complete awareness, and an ability to change events to suit your needs.

Another effective method is the Cycle Adjustment Technique (CAT), which means adjusting your sleep hours so that you are more alert during the later portions of your sleep. To do so, try to wake up about an hour and a half before you normally do, and continue to do so until your cycles are completely adjusted. This heightened awareness of having to wake up; alternating with normal hours of waking at the usual time, actually makes the body more aware of the dreaming state, and can induce lucid dreaming.

Don Juan's Technique is also like MILD, except that it requires focus on your hands. All you have to do is to stare at your hands before going to sleep, then telling yourself (preferably aloud) that when you look at your hands later, you will realize that you are in a dream state. When you do reach the dream state, look at your hands again, repeat the words to yourself, and continue to do so to keep your awareness during the entire dream.

Lucid dreaming experts recommend three basic steps to induce a lucid dream. First, you have to relax as you go to sleep. Second, remain aware of your dream state. Last, enter your dream, and continue to remain aware of the state, all while enjoying what your dream can offer. In lucid dreaming, you can fly, run at impossible speeds, experience activities that you might not normally do while you are awake, get ideas for a novel or work of art, and even rehearse scenarios that you might encounter in real life!

Once you know that you are dreaming, remember every single detail of your dream. Try to manipulate the dream to suit your preferences. If you can, keep a dream journal, along with a pen, on your bedside table. As soon as you wake up from your dream, relax, keep your eyes closed to remember as many details as possible, then open your journal and write everything down.

Lucid dreaming can be done by everyone, and its benefits can be enjoyed by all. If lucid dreaming can rid us of our inner demons, then by all means, let the sleeping begin!

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Many Varieties of Meditation are Available for Stress, Disease, and Depression Through Relaxation

2009-01-13T16:55:00.000-08:00

Most of us who have never meditated or who have always practiced it in a very prescribed manner can learn a great deal by moving beyond our rigid precepts. Beyond the spiritual, there is mounting documentation that regular meditation can reduce stress and support longevity. It's no longer uncommon for health care professionals like physicians, psychologists, and massage therapists to recommend various types of meditation to their patients and clients.
Courses are available at seminars, retreats, colleges and on-line suggesting that we all need to find a way to expand our inner connection while moving outward into the unknown. We live in a stress-producing society and are often much less physically active than our ancestors. Most of us need to find a way to unwind.

One group, Vipassana, offers free retreats that last ten days and require ten hours a day of meditation. If you know anyone who does that type of inner work you have probably noticed that they look very different "after: than they did "before"...and keep going back. That says something for such a rigorous ritual.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) can be researched on the web and studied to great advantage according to its proponents. Many have been at it for decades and wouldn't want to have a day go by without "connecting" in a deep and powerful way.

HeartMath has carefully documented statistics about what can be done to regulate heart rate, blood pressure and even body temperature through their method of meditation. Their system is more data oriented than metaphysical and consistently delivers to those who follow its guidelines.

Some groups are deeply religious in their presentation of meditation. The Catholic Church offers the age-old, Centering Prayer, Buddhists have many differing applications and the Self Realization Fellowship offers a unique mix of Christianity and Hinduism in their Lessons that lead to Kriya Yoga meditation.

The web offers a new student a large selection of options to consider. Many include free instruction and also have local groups for continued support. An overwhelming number of books on the subject are available, also, that can help the neophyte compare meditation methods before establishing affiliation.

To eclectic students, there is the possibility of learning several different methods of meditation and even combining them as they see fit. It can be a very personal process.

Not only can meditation be directed toward individual growth and expansion, there are methods, like the Buddhist Tonglen practice, that take on the job of working toward the healing and well-being of others. Monasteries and convents, both Christian and non-Christian, have meditated for world peace and individualized emancipation for centuries.

The opportunity for all of us to take a closer look at mediation and how it might enhance our lives and improve our health is definitely out there. Start small, shop around, and talk it up. What you come up with could radically change your life.

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Relieve Stress With Meditation

2009-01-12T16:53:00.000-08:00

By meditating,You will enhance your daily living and help you manage your stress. You will find that you will feel better and be able to get your body in a state of greatness. You will appreciate life more and be able to enjoy the little things a little better. You will have better understanding of what you have to do in order to be happy and you will not be afraid to go after it.
When you do meditation, you will find that you are going to feel better about yourself. You will have the energy to do things that you want to, and you will also have the will to do it. You will have a great sense of clarity in your brain that will allow you to do the things that you want to a lot easier. This is going to help you gain control and get your thought process in order. There are usually many different classes in most areas that offer meditation for you. You can look up these different classes and get all the informatiYon that you can about it.

Think about what it can do for you and then sign up for a class. This is a great way to get started. Once you learn all the techniques, you can then begin working on your meditation at home. You can do meditation alone or with someone else. It is best to practice this alone so that you can get the total experience from it.

If you want to recruit a partner or friend into this great thought process, you can. This is a great idea for anyone that is desperate to change their attitude and their way of thinking. You can gain self-esteem through meditation. This is a way for your body and mind to gain control over the way that you feel about yourself. You will find that during the process of meditation, you are going to get your self-confidence back and be able to tackle the world ahead of you.

Meditation will allow you to think clearly and to gain the respect that you want and need from not only others, but yourself as well. You need to sit up completely straight when you are in meditation. You will have to have your neck and your head in a straight line when you are sitting on the floor. You should also face north or east for good meditation practices. If you have the proper body posture, you will have a better chance at a good meditation process.

Meditation is something that anyone can learn to do for him or herself. It is a great way to help your body feel better and to get your mind under control. You do not want to keep stress and bad feelings bottled up in your mind any more than you have to. You need a way of releasing these things and getting your state of mind back to a relaxed and better state of mind.

Meditation will let yourself connect with your inner being. You will find out a lot about yourself,what is causing you stress and how to deal with it,and what you are looking for in life. You have to be in control and be able to take on anything. With the right meditation, you can accomplish this and get your physical and mental state in great condition.

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Color--The Pathway To The Soul

2009-01-12T16:51:00.000-08:00

You are what you eat, and you are what you think, but do you know that you are also the color that you choose? The fact that colors have psychological significance and that meditating on them can heal old, emotional wounds is the basis of Dr. John Diamond's breakthrough in Meditative therapy--the Diamond Color Meditation. Working with Dr. Max Luscher and the Luscher Color Schematics, Dr. Diamond has produced a meditation that allows us to access the healing energies we need at the unconscious l
Dr. Diamond is a pioneering figure in alternative and holistic medicine. He began his career in psychiatry, but expanded into holistic medicine. His body of work, which embraces a wide range of disciplines from psychiatry to applied kinesiology to music, is as long as his credentials. He now practices as a Holistic Consultant in New York. Dr. Diamond is also associated with Life Energy Foundation.

According to Dr. Diamond and Dr. Luscher, colors have deep psychological significance that go back to our primitive, unconscious roots. "I love the unconscious and have worked there, lived there for many years and I have not only a great belief in it but a great respect for it," says Dr. Diamond. The color palette presented in the Diamond Color Meditation allows us to access the unconscious energies we need to heal our wounds. These energies are part of the great healing force--The Life Energy--that we can all activate within us.

Most of us evade the pain of our wounds by escaping into unhealthy addictions for work, food, toxic substances, toxic relationships or toxic beliefs. Living on the surface in this manner denies us the power to confront our wounds in a genuine manner and transform them into healing energies. However, meditating on the colors and symbols of the Diamond Color Meditation allows us to shift out of stress and anxiety into a state of being loved or "Belovedness." It is this state of total surrender to a sense of being loved that allows for the power of deep healing. All colors have a spiritual dimension, according to Dr. Diamond, but the color fuschia in particular has this quality that transports us to our mother--the One.

Anguish and pain prevent us from seeing and living in the One. When we are in this state, according to Dr, Diamond, "we are in the dark. No amount of material objects, money or cars will actually fulfill our deepest pain, longing and suffering. Sometimes these roadblocks are conscious, but more often than not they are unconscious."

"I believe that you have to approach [the unconscious] with awe, respect, admiringly, and lovingly because to me, it is the very heart, or essence, of the person. It is not something to be trampled on or approached without deep respect." The Diamond Color Meditation is a perfect way allowing us access to our unconscious in a respectful, loving manner. Re-establishing the state of being "beloved" at an unconscious level means that we are treating our anxieties and pain at their primal source--the site of primal wounding. Engaging the unconscious in this manner releases tremendous healing power.

While drugs can bring about symptomatic relief, true lealing always involves a change in a person's attitude towards himself, his situation and life. color meditation allows us to tap into the great healing force within us--Life Energy.

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About the Author

Mary Desaulniers Ph.D will be interviewing Sharlene Mclearon on her Internet Radio show "Reclaiming The Body's Wisdom." Details at GreatBodyat50

How Meditation Can Transform Your Life

2009-01-12T16:50:00.001-08:00

Anything New Age has started to really take hold in our busy driven western society. We are starting to appreciate what some of these new age concepts can do to really add value to our lives. People have started to embrace meditation as a way to create inner peace and reduce stress in their lives. Everyone from all works of lives are seen touting the benefits of meditation that they have experienced in their lives. So how can meditation really transform your life?
The benefit of meditation is that it quiets the mind and redirects your mind to focus on something else. Its amazing that we can have up tens of thousands of thoughts a day but many of which are just the same thoughts we had yesterday. What meditation can do is quite the mind enough so that your mind can then focus on the important things to think and listen to. If you think this is easy try sitting on a comfortable seat and try not to think about anything. You will be surprised as to how difficult this actually is and how quickly random useless thoughts seep into your mind.

The great thing about meditation is that it can seamlessly mesh into your existing lifestyle. You don't need to some yoga master in a lotus pose sitting by a river to do meditation.

A wise man once said "Tell me what that is upon which you most frequently and intensely think, that to which, in your silent hours, your soul most naturally turns, and I will tell you to what place of pain or peace you are traveling, and whether you are growing into the likeness of the divine or the bestial."

By using meditation you can begin to focus intensely in your life that which you want for your life. You can in effect through the power of meditation design the very life that you want without any limitations. After all the only limitations we have in our lives are those that we have placed there ourselves.

Meditation can therefore through the power of thought and focus can actually promote health in your life, abundance, serenity and peace. You will be able to live with a new found gratitude and see things differently.

To start embarking onto the habit of meditation all you need to do is start a routine that you can follow. You don't need to spend hours sitting still to do meditation. You can set aside 15 minutes or so each day. Find a comfortable place away from distractions. You will want to remove your mobile phone and any other electronic devices. Its only going to be for 15 mins so I'm sure you can live without them for that long.

Once you have gotten yourself in a comfortable position whether sitting down, lying flat on the ground or whatever you choose, then close your eyes and start to concentrate on your breathing. Take deep long breaths slowly through your nose and then exhale through your mouth. You want to take in your breath to a count of 6 in and then exhale counting to 6. When breathing focus on your abdomen. Focus on it expanding and contracting. After a while your breathing will start to slow and you will be in a meditative state. You can at this time either choose to focus on whatever comes to you, focus on nothing or even ponder on a question that may have been on your mind through the day.

You will be surprised at the clarity to which you will be able to deal with questions and problems once you are in a meditative state. Why not give it a go yourself and write down afterwards how you felt and what you thought about. Keep to a regular routine and make sure you keep a journal account of your sessions then go back and read them after several weeks. You might surprise yourself with the revelations you get.

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Self Hypnosis - A Powerful Tool

2009-01-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

Self Hypnosis is a process of autosuggestion, by which an individual trains the subconscious mind to believe something, or systematically organizes the person's own mental associations to achieve a given purpose. This is accomplished by presenting the mind with repetitive, constant, self-affirmative thoughts until those thoughts become internalized.

The acceptance of autosuggestion may be quickened through mental visualizations, verbal affirmations, thinking using one's internal voice of that which the individual would like to believe.

The purpose of deliberate autosuggestion are intended to change the way one believes, perceives or thinks, to change one's acts or to change the way one is composed physically or physiologically. A good example is if you are reading every night aloud a written statement describing how you would like to be and then repeating the statement in your mind until you fall asleep. Have that written statement worked out ahead of time, properly prepared and worded and memorized. It is not too difficult to remember them as they are rather short and it is you who composed them. If you have them ready and remembered, you can simply think your way through them at this point.

People have reported changes to such a nightly routine or such other methods of autosuggestion, for example, increased confidence, the conquering of life-long fears and improved mental faculties.

When you are doing monologue i.e. conversing with your self, you just talk to yourself about what it is you want to do, be or become. Don't say 'you.' You are talking to yourself, so use the first person personal pronoun 'I.' Some suggestions can be more clearly stated in a somewhat more formal sort of way, like, 'I am eating less and becoming more slender every day'

Relaxation is the first step before beginning autosuggestion. With a tensed mind and an aggressed body autosuggestion wouldn't work effectively. Once you have relaxed then comes the deepening the relaxed state without falling asleep. One simple method is the count-down technique where you simply start counting downward from, say, 20 or 100 or what suits you best. Imagine that you are drifting deeper into deep relaxed state with each count. Other images and thoughts will probably force themselves as you count, which is natural. But gently brush them aside, continuing with your counting.

Never end the session abruptly but rather think to yourself that you are going to be fully awake and alert after you count up to say, three.

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3 Steps to Daily Success: Using Motivational and Inspirational Quotes to Achieve Your Goals

2009-01-12T16:47:00.000-08:00

Changing our day-to-day behaviors may be easier than previously imagined. By meditating on and repeating motivational and inspirational quotes, we are better prepared to change our thought patterns, behaviors and in turn, change our lives.
Here's how it's done.

If we believe something to be easy, we find little, if any, struggle in accomplishing it. However, if we imagine something to be difficult to accomplish, then our struggle becomes more apparent. In fact, if we imagine that it is difficult to change a specific behavior, then we will always find experiences that will justify that belief.

Take this for example.

We wake up one morning and decide that:

"This is the day I start losing weight. When things get difficult, I will not reach for junk food, but instead I will focus on something else to keep my mind occupied. It'll be tough at first, but I'm going to give it a try."

If you continue with this thought pattern and belief, don't be surprised to find yourself struggling more often than not. Why?

If we look at this example closely we find a couple of thought patterns and beliefs already in place. We have determined to do something good for ourselves, but we do ourselves a disservice by choosing certain negative thought patterns, beliefs and words that go along with it.

We have said,

"When things get difficult...."
(This is already assuming that there will be difficult moments! Strike one!)

"It'll be tough at first..."
(This is already assuming it will be difficult at first! Strike two!)

"...but I'm going to give it a try."
(Remember the movie "The Karate Kid"..."There is no "try", there is only "do". Strike three!)

Now there are hundreds of products out there that will assist people in losing weight. Some, if not all of them, may work for various people at various stages of their goal. But for many people who have convinced themselves that losing weight is difficult, some products may fall short when our thought patterns are stronger than our desire to change.

Here is something that I've done to change a behavior I no longer desired.

I recently lost 20lbs in about 12 weeks. I didn't like the way I looked, felt or even thought for that matter. I needed to change and take some action towards it.

First, I realized that I had to change my way of thinking about losing weight. My old thought patterns were no longer working for me. My thoughts were like little tiny pictures that I projected in my mind of how heavy I was. I no longer wanted these pictures or thought patterns a part of my life. I had to choose a thought pattern and belief that would be easier to think about.

I chose this thought,

"Losing weight is easier than I thought."

Perhaps not the most ideal for everyone but it worked for me.

Secondly, I chose a word I wanted to focus on for that day, week or month to help me in accomplishing my goal (Start with just a day, or just an hour for that matter. Keep it simple.) The word I chose needed to be in relation to the change I want to make. For example, I chose the word "FOCUS", as I felt that that's what I needed to think about most of time; focusing more on losing weight than gaining it. Choose any word as long as it relates to your situation. Examples include Attitude, Energy, Action and Believe.

Following that, I scoured the Internet for motivational and inspirational quotes that resonated within me that related to that specific word I chose. Quotes that I could remember, especially ones that really spoke to what I wanted to accomplish.

But here's the most important part.

I needed quotes that were powerful enough to change my thought patterns the moment I read them. Quotes that REALLY spoke to me when I my eyes fell upon them. Quotes that forced me to pause and think for a moment. Quotes that had that extra "edge" where my mind said, "Yes. This is one."

These are all signs of a quote that held power for me. I "focused" in on the following quotes.
"All that we are is the result of what we have thought." Buddha

"The only way to discover the limits of the possible, is to go beyond them into them impossible." Arthur C. Clarke

"It's not what you achieve in the end that matters, it's who you become in the process." Author Unknown

In fact, I found dozens of quotes that I resorted to from time to time, but these three I always came back to. They spoke of who I was, what I wanted to accomplish and who I wanted to become as I worked towards my goal.

I wrote them down. I carried these quotes with me constantly. I read them and meditated on them whenever I had the opportunity to. At work, home or at the gym (yup, I finally got myself to exercise, primarily by focusing on Arthur C. Clarke's quote!), I focused on these three powerful quotes to help me FOCUS on what I wanted.

Because I changed my thought patterns, over time, I can honestly say I am 20 lbs lighter and a whole lot happier. Yes, I'll be the first to admit that accomplishing the goal involved more than just thinking but it all began with my thoughts. The thoughts then permeated into my actions. (Now I need to FOCUS on maintaining that weight, so for me a whole new thought pattern begins.)

Here are the three steps again:

1. Decided to change your way of thinking about a behavior, making it easier for you to think about it. Phrase it in a simple way.

2. Choose a word to focus on to change that behavior for a period of time.

3. Find a minimum of three motivational or inspirational quotes related to that specific word that are powerful enough to change your current thought patterns the moment you read them. Meditate on them and repeat them, silently or out loud, every chance you get.

Be patient. Stick with it. Give it some time.

Why do you think companies offer a 30-day money back guarantee? They know that if you do something for 30 days it becomes a habit and you no longer need to return it! (Learned something, huh?) Give it time.

The first step to what you want to accomplish is changing your mind and the thought patterns and beliefs associated with your behavior. Thoughts are the precursor to action, meaning that thoughts occur before any action takes place. That's what needs to be changed first. Your thoughts.

It worked for me and I hope this inspires and motivates you to achieve your goal.

Think positive.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/

You Can Propel Yourself To Success With The Power Of Your Mind

2009-01-12T16:45:00.000-08:00

Whatever the mind can believe, the mind can achieve. - Napoleon Hill

It all starts with an intense belief that your goal can be achieved. It starts with the belief that it is possible to live a happy, abundant, and successful life full of vim and vigor according to your heart's desires.
To transform that dream into reality, you have to believe in yourself and in your capacity to attain it. The presence of such strong belief in mind and heart intensifies the emotion towards the achievement of the goals you have set in life. This intense belief then becomes the driving force that will lead you to success.

The intensity of emotion together with the belief in your capacity to achieve your goal will result to power, one that will propel you to surmount all obstacles, both the expected and unexpected. Sure, you will encounter roadblocks and all sorts of hindrances; but the intense belief that you will succeed no matter what, will clear the path all the way towards the achievement of your aspirations.

Think of yourself as an active volcano. A volcano has tremendous power coming from within. Understand that you have the power and you have what it takes in order to succeed. When you intensely believe you can, it simply means you can.

Still unconvinced of the effect of a strong belief? Let us try it in reverse. Think of something that you want to have or something that you really want to do. Establish an internal dialogue by saying this repeatedly: "I cannot do it. I cannot have it." Intensely believe you cannot do it. How do you feel? Sad? Afraid? Powerless? With that dialogue running in your mind, your actions will be geared towards failure since all your actions resonate with your belief.

Now, bring yourself back to the right frame by intensely believing you can successfully achieve your goals. Your course of action will be geared towards success. How you think and how you believe is how you will be.

For some, staying within the comfort zone or the status quo is the preferred option. Others find it easier not to do anything. Choose laziness and you will surely fail, for success requires action.

Action is required to overcome all sorts of resistance. In Physics, an object in motion will encounter resistance in the form of friction. You encounter all sorts of friction as you travel along the road to success. Your strong belief serves as gas that fuels your strong desire and drive through resistance.

Think of yourself as a rocket propelling and soaring to great heights. Overcome the force of gravity with your intense belief. Escape from the strong grasp of gravity through the initial propulsion represented by a very intense belief. As you reach a certain point, the pull of gravity becomes less as you go higher and higher in space.

Always use the power of imagery. Imagine the kind of life you aspire for. Expand your belief as you build the kind of life you dream of. Do not get distracted by what others have to say. Keep in mind that you are capable of overcoming them. Hold on to your aspirations and be flexible with your plans.

More importantly, intensely believe you can do it!

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/

Silience: The Art of Being

2009-01-12T16:44:00.000-08:00

Why do we always feel the need to be productive? Always having to be on the move or keep our mind occupied. It feels like any time there is silence we have to fill it with some thing, god forbid there be a moment of uncomfortable silence to reflect in. It almost appears as though we are scared to spend a moment in silence. As though we're afraid of what we might come to realize during our silent contemplation.
To reflect on your own personal reality is one of the most effective ways to get in alignment with your goals, desires and passion. Most people are not even aware of what they want to experience in life; they've become caught up in being "comfortable" keeping busy in order to continue being "comfortable" that they forget that there is an entire universe of possibilities awaiting them.

Silence is the key. From the silence can we begin to see cleary what we want to create in our reality. We must have the idea before we can start to build. The art of contemplation breeds change. We humans are not meant to be like gerbils, running on the treadmill of life. We must be still and listen to ourselves for a change in order to surpass the lifestyle and experience of previous generations.

Can you sit still in complete silence with your eyes closed and your hands in your lap? Could you do that for 15 minutes a day for the rest of your life? Try! Do it and see what happens. I guarantee you will see change in your life if you do this. You will begin to build a relationship with yourself that you once had when you were a child, before your mind became poisened by preconcieved notions. But don't beleive me, do it yourself!

This simple yet underestimated way of experiencing reality is one of the missing pieces to bringing a grander experience of life to every one. Being in complete silence alone or with other people allows you to just be. They should teach a course in school called "Silience: The Art of Being". We must go back to our infant nature and stop trying to fool ourselves in to thinking that we have it all together and understand all aspects of reality.

If we allow the idea that "we have to always be productive" to be prominate in every moment of life it will only hinder our growth as human beings. We'll never take a moment to look and say, hey wait a minute if we keep walking the path we're walking its only going to create more and more suffering, maybe we should change course. With out moments of silence, with our breaks in unconscious mind patterns, we won't be able to co-create a new reality for all human beings to live in. We need to take that time and experience the simplicity silence.

Maybe we'll all finally realize that we're just children convinced that we're adults.

Sit.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/