05.16.08
Posted in Living at 8:03 pm by admin
Women are very much active in the business world and has given men a run for their money. If you’re working in an office, you have colleagues, customers, clients, bosses, employees who are women, and they deserve recognition too. Gifts are a good way of showing them appreciation, thanks, and recognition. If you’re not so good in picking out gifts for women, here’s a list of products that you might want to check out:
Crystal Paperweight -
This is one desk accessory that any businesswoman will appreciate. It will help put in place the pape1C82rs on her desk and can also serve as a fabulous desk decor. Because it is eye catching, it can also serve as a great conversation piece. Perfect to give to a colleague or employee.
Ladies’ Pocketbook Jewelry Case -
For a colleague or client who’s always on the go…and perfectly accessorized, a travel jewelry case with innovative organizing compartments will keep her valuables safe and sound in transit. This can hold necklaces, bracelets, a ring bar and a snap-close organizer for earrings, pins and brooches.
Personalized Canvas Bag -
If you wish to give a canvas bag, choose a bag that is large enough to be an extra travel carry-on bag. Make it even more special by personalizing it with the recipient’s name. It won’t go out of style and is an ideal gift for the business woman on your gift list.
Lipstick Case -
Women love to look good, and a lipstick is usually a very basic item to carry around. A lipstick holder is very convenient. If you want, you can also have her name engraved under the case for the perfect personalized gift.
Personalized Bath Robes -
If you know that your colleague or client loves to pamper herself, give her a cozy bathrobe that she can use in the spa or at home. Go personal by having her name embroidered on it too.
Cigarette/Credit Card Case -
Business people have credit cards. So this is a gift that will be greatly appreciated. A stainless steel cigarette case or credit card holder, in one, is a perfect gift.
Leather Keyring Frame -
For your female boss or your secretary, every and any woman will love a key chain in fine leather. And she would love it even more if it holds a small oval shape photo. She can put a photo of her choice and carry it around with her wherever she goes!
Personalized Cosmetic Clutch -
A cute and functional cosmetic case is the perfect holiday, birthday or congratulatory gift for all the ladies in your office. A cosmetic clutch is the perfect size for tucking into an overnight bag, a carry-on bag or a purse. You can also personalize it with her initials monogrammed.
Travel Alarm Clock Photo Frame -
For those who travel on business. To keep track of time as well as have a little reminder of who is waiting for you at home. A mini alarm clock with photo frame is compact in size so it can easily be packed in travel luggage.
Monogrammed City Tote -
She’s always on the go…meetings, client lunches, business trips…so keep her busy life stylishly organized with a tote bag! This slim-lined tote bag is useful because it can carry her business papers and other essentials. Perfect as a congratulatory gift for meeting a goal or getting a promotion.
These are just some excellent ideas for business gifts for ladies. Give out these gifts, and the women in your business circle will certainly appreciate the gesture and will remember you the next time they do business.
The author is an independent writer and has written articles about unique executive gifts She believes that finding business gifts women will love is fairly easy if you know where to look.
Confucius The Hero
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Posted in Living at 7:56 pm by admin
A sun tattoo design is a great choice, but finding the quality artwork online can be hard, as you may have found out. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way anymore. These tips will tell you what’s wrong with a lot of the generic art on the web, as well as how to find the good stuff.
When searching for your ultimate sun tattoo design you need to be aware of a few things. The first thing has to do with using places like Google to locate your artwork and looking for art through random, cookie-cutter websites with tattoos. These kinds of places are filed with designs that are old, sometimes over five years old, and the content is already plastered all over the internet and back again. Also, who knows how many people might have that sun tattoo design inked on their skin already since it’s been seen by everybody on the web? That is not the type of artwork that you want to settle for.
One more thing about the artwork from those websites. A lot of the designs are made by artists who do not have very much knowledge when it comes to drawing something that will look good once made into real-life tattoos. While they may be good at what they do, which is draw, some don’t know what it takes to draw something that will look just as good once inked onto someone’s skin. With this said, it’s better to be careful of this when choosing a sun tattoo 5B4design from one of these websites.
There is a way around the generic sun tattoo designs, though…
It starts with the use of internet forums. I can’t tell you how much great information I have found on nay given subject, especially when it comes to tattoos and the places that have quality artwork. Remember, people love to get out and brag to others when they find a hidden gem, which in this case will be a websites that may have great sun tattoo designs, along with thousands of other top notch, original artwork. There is not a better place on the internet for these folks to spread the word to the select few who are looking for the same thing. You can reap the benefits of their findings.
I have also found just about anything I have wanted when it comes to ideas for tattoos and different styles in a wide arrange tastes through the use of forums. There really isn’t much that you won’t find if you know where to look. Looking for tattoos isn’t something you want to just settle for. You want the best artwork you can find, not generic art that is all over the place.
Finding a quality sun tattoo design online does not have to be hard anymore and it can even be fun, so go along and get the original artwork you have always wanted.
Want to know where to find the largest, most original websites to find the 484perfect sun tattoo design?
Adam Woodham is the author of this article and runs the blog Tattoo Art Design which features the 3 top websites with the absolute largest gallery of tattoo artwork you will ever see, including suns. Finding the perfect tattoo has never been easier.
Franklin D
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Posted in Living at 7:49 pm by admin
Don’t get Japanese Dragon Tattoos until you read this. After reading this short article, you will be more well informed and able to make a better choice when selecting your Design.
Let’s begin. The dragon has long been an important symbol in Japanese mythology. The Japanese dragon is a fascinating creature with the head of a camel, eyes of a hare, horns of a deer, scales of a carp, paws of a tiger, and claws of an eagle. Additionally, Japanese dragons also commonly have long whiskers and a jewel under its chin.
Many people are attracted to the allure of these mystical creatures, but few people truly know what they symbolize. Japanese dragons, like their Chinese counterparts, are distinct from Western dragons. Whereas in Western culture they are depicted as evil and malevolent, dragons in Japanese Mythology are viewed as guardians of the imperial families. For this reason, many people chose the Japanese dragon to serve as a guardian and protector. In Japan, a dragon is normally called “Ryu” (You might recall Ryu from Street Fighter). These mythical beasts command a high level of respect since it is believed that the first emperor of Japan was descended from a dragon. In Japan, these creatures are also viewed as gods of lighting 16D0and thunder.
Popular locations for Japanese dragon tattoos include full back and upper arm designs. For upper arm designs, the dragon typically wraps around the arm, with the head extending onto the chest or back region. This however should not limit your decision on where to place this tattoo. The style and location of your design should be personal and unique, as these factors will ultimately determine the meaning of your tattoo.
If you’re looking for really cool Japanese dragon tattoos, I highly recommend you check out the internet’s largest tattoo gallery at www.chopper-tattoos.net
Webmasters: You may reprint or distribute this article as long as you leave the content, links and resource box intact.
Magical Thinking
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Posted in Living at 7:43 pm by admin
Every religion that believes in one God has its own version of angel history, dealing with its organization, hierarchy and duties. Although guardian angels and archangels seem to be related more to Christianity, it was not the Christians who formed the notion of angels. They adopted much of their angel basics from other religions, particularly Judaism.
Although the various types of angels are given somewhat different names and duties, all the major religions agree on one thing - these special angels are the messengers of God and come here to guide and protect us. Another thing that they appear to agree upon is that angels were created before human beings. The higher spiritual beings, considered archangels, have never “lived” on earth in human or in any incarnate form. However earth angels (or guardian angels as we call them), spirit guides and ghosts have had at least one (and often many) incarnations here on earth.
Although they have never incarnated, archangels have the ability to… and have been known to… take on human form in order to help in an emergency or when the need is greatest. Many stories abound of “strangers” suddenly appearing to render help, only to suddenly disappear again when we aren’t looking, leaving no footprints or any type of sign that they were there.
There are many, many angels and archangels in heaven, however the most notable are the seven archangels which are: Michael , Gabriel , Raphael, Uriel , Raguel, Sariel and Remiel. These seven archangels are based on the seven Essence angels. The Essences were a particularly spiritual group that practiced a more esoteric Judaism than is the norm more than 4000 years ago, and were said to still be present during the time of Christ.
If you notice, all of the archangel’s names end in el, which is the title for “angel”. The most detailed account of the activities of the angels is given by Enoch, who supposedly lived before the flood (and was Noah’s grandfather). He was recruited by the angels to perform such duties as being a messenger and a keeper of records (scribe), between angels and men. His accounts were written down and have been passed on for thousands of years and are now contained in The Book of Enoch.
Here is a brief look at each archangel:
Michael - His name means: “Who is like God.” Michael is believed to be the warrior, protector and defender of heaven and earth. He is the angel that is called upon when protection is needed.
Gabriel - Her name means “God is my strength.” She is the only female archangel and is associated with conception and birth.
Raphael - His name means the “Shining One Who Heals.” Raphael has the power of healing the sick. He is also considered to be the “Chief of Guardian Angels.”
Uriel - His name means “Fire of God.”. He has two responsibilities: the Angel of Repentance, the Angel of Music and Poetry.
Sariel (Saraqael) - Sariel’s responsibilities are more related to dealing with the earth angels in the capacity of the fate of such angels who break the Laws of the Universe.
Raguel - His name means “Friend of God.” Raguel looks after the earth, nature and her resources. He also is responsible for justice, equality and fairness.
Remiel - His name means “God raises up” and “Face of God.” Remiel is the Angel of Hope.
Rose Smith is the publisher and editor of Inspirational Words of Wisdom Enjoy an enriching collection of uplifting quotes, poems of inspiration, & tales of ageless wisdom for children and adults. Kick start your mental motivation today!
Brian Tracy
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Posted in Living at 7:30 pm by admin
There are many risks 5A8involved when Early-Stage companies begin seeking loans from a bank; however, in order to understand the risks involved, one must understand what a bank really is. A bank is defined as a financial institution that accepts deposits and channels the money into lending activities. The Federal Reserve regulates institutional banks such as Bank of America, Wachovia, local banks etc. Due to these regulations, banks assure fair lending practices, protection of assets for those who have deposited money with them, and rates that can be charged to a borrower. Most people believe that debt financing only comes from banks like this, or institutional lenders, and that equity financing comes from private or institutional investors. With Angel Investing, however, there are many ways to participate.
Private investors can provide capital in a debt vehicle. This allows private investors to play the role of a bank, but without the fiduciary restrictions of operating under Federal Reserve Regulations. These individuals are labeled as investment bankers or dealers/brokers and are governed by the Security Exchange Commission (SEC). In most cases, Early-stage businesses are better off going with an investor governed by the SEC, because to the surprise of many Early-stage businesses, the web of requirements attached to loans guaranteed by the Federal Government quickly become a hassle. In fact, many Early-Stage companies can’t even qualify f5A8or loans due to an unanticipated shortfall of capital.
When a young company seeks traditional commercial loans early on, then important revenues and profit margins are used to service the loan instead of fueling the growth of the company. Therefore, it’s very important for Early-Stage companies to funnel all of that capital towards the growth of the business instead. If this is not done, then the consequences impact negatively on the company who is trying to grow and reach new milestones in its trek to attract private equity investments. Angel Investors can expect returns sooner through the form of debt than by making straight equity acquisitions. Private investment in the form of debt can earn a return of 10 to 40 percent, which works out incredibly well for the entrepreneur and the private investor.
Karen Rands is President and CEO of Kugarand Holdings LLC, a company that connects entrepreneurs with Angel Investors. Karen got involved in the world of angel investing in 2001. She left corporate world to join one of her clients as their VP and to help them raise their last bit of go-to-market capital. What she did discover is a whole new world of investing. As Karen Rands got more involved in the world of angel investing, she had requests from high net-worth men and women and their money managers to re48Ecommend training so they could learn How to be an Angel Investor. In 2003, Karen launched the Learn to Be an Angel Investor (http://www.howtobeanangelinvestor.com) ebook series. Thousands opted in to receive the original drafts. Finally, the first 5 books of that series are available to purchase at http://www.kyrmedia.com Karen Rands’ involvement in the world of angel investing grew with the acquisition of the Network of Business Angels & Investors (http://www.nbai.net) in 2005.
Jim Henson
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Posted in Living at 7:23 pm by admin
There is a fine line between wanting and needing- this fine line is extremely critical in our efforts to create intentionally. It took me a while to realize what I was doing wrong.
You see, typically, when you are in the state of wanting you begin to visualize and fantasize about what it is you want. Perhaps you are driving along when you see the car of your dreams. When this happens you usually think, that is it! That’s the car I want! Then you begin to fantasize about how good it feels to be driving that car and you begin to emit the positive emotions attached to those thoughts that attract other thoughts of like kind, which could be; I would look awesome driving around in that car; all the girls or guys would see me and I would look so cool driving around in that great car! Well, if you could stay in that feeling thought for approximately 1 minute then you would have set into motion the power of attraction. The critical piece here is to continue in this emotional set point without deviating. The problem we have is that we begin the process of powerful wanting, we stop ourselves dead in our tracks with thoughts that say ” oh, but I would need to be making so much more money to own a car like that, or But I cannot afford that. These thoughts usually bring about bad feelings. There you have it you have just annihilated all the good thoughts and feelings and created the block to your power of manifestation. The block to what you really want.
Like wise, when you are needing something you are usually connected with bad thoughts. For example, when you are needing something, you are usually focused on the lack of it. When is it that you notice that you need more money? When you are short of it or when your bills come. When is it that you notice that you need more peace in your life? Usually when your life circumstances are in chaos. The point is that when we are focused on the lack of something no matter how hard you want it, you are actually pushing it away. This hits very close to home, I thought I was doing all the right things. I was writing my affirmations of being abundant all the while I was really focused on the lack of it. The more I wrote these affirmations the more I wished I had what I did not have. I was focusing on the lack, creating bad feelings within my gut. Then I would read all these books and become annoyed because I felt that all this was a bunch of hog wash; since I really did not understand what it was that I was doing wrong. It wasn’t until I began to focus in on my feelings during my affirmation writing time and begin to make the connection between what I was wanting to create and what I was needing. This was a major revelation to me, as I am sure that it is for many.
It was at this point that I came to the realization that we must be like children; they truly know more than we do about the power of intention and manifestation. When a child sees a toy that they want on the TV commercials, they immediately begin saying I want that toy and they begin to fantasize about it. They think about all the good things that will happen to them when they have this toy in their hands. They talk about it to everyone, their friends, family and even strangers. They draw it; they cut out pictures of it all the while feeling good about this toy. Then within a few days somehow they manage to acquire this toy.
These feelings of joy that children create bring about an intensity of good emotions that makes it possible for them to be able to manifest this toy, and many other things in life that they want.5B4 This is the fine line between wanting and needing. These good feelings are the ones we need to bring with us when we are writing our affirmations, when we are in the delirium of wanting. Whenever we want to be deliberate and intentional creators of our own destiny. We need to tap into the good emotions that come with wanting. We must make sure that we stay away from the emotions that come with needing. We need to be critically that when we are creating, we are not focused on the lack, but focused and emotionally driven like a child. Simply focus on what it would feel like when we are in possession of what it is we are wanting. This is the true power of deliberate, intentional creating.
Marti Angel, MA
“America’s Health and Expert Lifestyle Coach”
Marti is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Yoga Professor, RYT, Reiki Master level 2, Certified WATSU water therapist, Certified Meditation Instructor, Certified Metabolic Typing Advisor (Health Excel, Inc), Certified Nutraceutical Consultant, Certified Health/Lifestyle Coach, Motivational Speaker and founder of the number one alternative therapies site on the web, http://www.angelhealthinc.com
Her blog– http://www.martiangel.com
Jerry And Esther Hicks
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Posted in Living at 7:16 pm by admin
The American diet is full of C.R.A.P. (Caffeinated, Refined, Artificial, and Processed) Foods. We need to be more mindful of what we put into our bodies. We also need to be mindful of the internal pollution we put into our minds. The mind-Body connection tells us that all thoughts produce neurological and immunologic (Bio-Chemical) Changes. Begin to eat for your health; Eat for your metabolic type, be present with each mouthful, chew food to liquid and change your thoughts to practice positivity while eating. We are how we eat. If we eat in a stressed, rushed manner we are creating more of the same in our lives. When we begin to eat in a calm, meaningful and relaxed manner we become more of the same. Be very careful not to eat in anger as this can cause the same in the intestinal tract. An angry meal leads to an angry stomach, all of which can result in bringing the body into dis-ease. Stay away from the three white devils ( white flour, white rice and white sugar). Eat for peace not for stress.
STRESS — leads to a metabolic imbalance as well as an energetic imbala5B4nce. There are 5 types of Stress (information provided by the C.H.E.K. Institute)
1. Psychic (spiritual, mental, emotional) 2. Nutritional (insufficient quantity or quality) 3. Chemical (toxic substances, non-nutritional dietary excesses) 4. Physical (postural, structural, traumatic, degenerative, thermal) 5. Electro-Magnetic (x-ray, microwave, geomagnetic, cosmic, etc.)
We must all learn to use UN-STRESS strategies to help keep us healthy:
Meditation, Visualization, Prayer, Yoga, Breathing, Tai chi, Budokon, stretching, hobbies, nature walks etc. These strategies serve to enhance the quality of our lives.
We also need to remember that every emotion is connected with a thought and vice versa- so emotional release therapy is important. Think of this as an emotional Detox. Just as it is important to detox the body, it is equally important to detox the mind.
We also need external help through: REIKI, ROLFING, WATSU, Chakra Balancing etc. We must take care of our bodies and mind- we can manage stress more effectively when we are fed well, well rested, well exercised and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Provide for your spiritual needs: The human body functions much best with attitudes of love, gratitude, forgiveness and humbleness.
Your health and stress level are extremely vital to each 565other. Your health should be the number one priority in your life. Release stress and get on with your path to live a healthy life! Purchase a great meditation CD at http://www.angelhealthinc.com/meditation.html“>http://www.angelhealthinc.com/meditation.html
Marti Angel, MA “America’s Health and Expert Lifestyle Coach” is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Yoga Professor, RYT, Certified Meditation Instructor, Certified Metabolic Typing Advisor (Health Excel, Inc), Nutraceutical Consultant, Certified Health/Lifestyle Coach, motivational speaker and founder of the number one alternative therapies site on the web http://www.angelhealthinc.com/
Seefailure
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Posted in Living at 7:11 am by admin
Spiritual exercise might be defined as any intentional behavior that helps one become more like God, draw closer to Him, know Him better or that follows the principles or commandments of God. In most translations of the Bible, the word godliness is used in 1st Timothy 4:8 instead of spiritual exercise. The more we become like God, the more spiritually fit we will be and the more we will experience a full life. That’s what God wants for each of us, to live a life full of joy, peace, kindness and love. This is what Jesus had in mind when he told us in John 10:10 that he came to give us a full and abundant life. In addition to having an eternal life, which we can have if we believe in Jesus, we can have a truly wonderful life on earth before we die if we live according to the principles that God lays out for us in the Bible. Part of having a full life is being healthy. When we enjoy good physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health we are better able to do the type of things that we want to do and enjoy doing. We are better able to use the gifts and talents that God has given us. Our life is more meaningful.
The disciple Paul points out that physical exercise has some value, and it certainly does, but when compared to spiritual exercises, the physical activity is of lesser importance. We know the huge importance of being physically active. So many health conditions like obesity, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease are the result of inactivity. Physicians will tell us how important being physically active is. And as important as physical exercise is, spiritual exercise is even more important.
Much has been written over the years about spiritual exercises. Saint Ignatius of Loyola, who lived in the 15th century, wrote an influential book titled Spiritual Exercises where he wrote about his struggles to grow closer to God and of the benefit of certain behaviors. When practiced, these activities would help him grow in his faith. Scientific research is showing that when people practice certain spiritual behaviors that are associated with their faith, their health is positively impacted. Many of the behaviors that have been identified in this research can be considered spiritual exercise. Activities like praying, believing in God, attending church, socializing or fellowshipping with others of a like faith and serving others in need have all been shown to have a positive impact on health. The medical community recognizes the significance of the faith and health connection. According to a poll of doctors by the American Academy of Family Physicians, 99% of physicians say that religious beliefs can make a positive contribution to the healing process. This is, perhaps, the tip of the iceberg.
God inspired the writers of the Bible to write about his principles. God loves us and his principles were intended for our good. They were intended as a guide to help us make decisions and to know his will for our life. The more we live according to these principles, the better our life will be. Read a contemporary version of Psalms 119 and you’ll understand the benefits of following the guidelines set out for us by God. The writer says in verse 93 that his joy and health was restored because he followed God’s principles. Verse two tells us that when we obey his principles we are happy! Throughout the bible God reveals his principles which are a form of spiritual exercises. When we incorporate well defined principles of physical fitness into our exercise routines, we become more physically fit and healthier. A regular exercise program that includes cardiovascular activity, resistance training and flexibility exercises will help us to be more fit. When we eat a variety of foods in moderation and accompany that with physical activity, we are better able to control our weight. When we incorporate God’s principles into our life, we can become more spiritually healthy, and this improved spiritual health can impact on our physical and emotional health.
There are numerous spiritual exercises that, if practiced, will improve one’s spiritual health. Perhaps the best way to understand what exercises are best for you would be to get to know God better by reading and studying his operation manual for your life, the Bible. That is a form of spiritual exercise. Just as it is important to eat foods that provide physical nourishment, it is important to nourish yourself spiritually. As you read the Bible, you will get to know God better. You will understand how he wants you to live so that you can have the terrific life he intends for you to have. As you combine this with praying, another form of spiritual exercise, you will begin to draw even closer to God. Spending quiet time alone with God will also help you grow in your faith. Some would call this exercise solitude. As you get to know God better you have the opportunity to love him more deeply. When your love grows you’ll want to yield to God more frequently. This yielding, or surrendering, will draw you even closer to him. This is what happens in your relationships that are important to you. You begin to make sacrifices for the other person, out of your caring for them. As you love God more and more, you’ll want to be less selfish. You’ll also begin to realize and believe that submitting to his principles is in your best interest. Serving others is another form of spiritual exercise. Study after study in the research has shown that when we volunteer and give our time to others, it has a positive impact on our health.
The secret to living a full life is to have a life of love, gentleness, kindness, peace, joy, helping others and other “fruits” …… including good health. The more we remain close to God, and live out of his power and direction, the more fruit we will bear. The secret to staying connected to God is to follow his principles, to obey him. The more we love God, the more we will desire to obey him. And the secret to loving God is to know him better. The disciplines and behaviors mentioned in the Bible that help us to be more God-like are forms of spiritual exercises. Practicing these spiritual exercises can help us move along this process and enable us to enjoy a more full life. When we incorporate these type exercises into our spiritual fitness program we are more likely to experience better emotional and physical health.
Read more about the faith and health connection.
Dale Fletcher, M.S.
http://www.faithandhealthconnection.org/
http://www.coachfletch.com/
Dale Fletcher is a speaker and wellness coach and talks on the topic of faith and health. A regular contributer to Faith and Fitness Magazine, he lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Home Building Ideas For The Future
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Posted in Living at 6:42 am by admin
Why do we have an Ego?
Almost all spiritual guides say that we must eliminate or dispose of our ego before we can reach enlightenment. If this is true, then why did our creator burden us with an ego to start with? Would it not have saved considerable struggle just to let us be born with only a spiritual side and not have an ego to fight with all the time? A fight that most peopA1Ble seen to loose.
What is the ego anyway? The ego is that part of us that makes us separate from other people and things. It is the opposite of oneness that most spiritualists are trying to achieve. The ego is, as the Taoist express, the ten thousand things. So then why do we need one?
The ego allows me to be different from you even though we are made from the same dirt. Namaste. The ego is built from our individual histories or dharma. No two can be alike.
The ego expresses the opposite of the unifying field that leads to enlightenment. We tend to look at the ego as bad and oneness as good. However, the Taoist teach that nothing is either good no bad, it just is. So the ego cannot be bad or evil, it just is. So, why do we have to destroy it to get where we want to be?
If we look at the ego as one extreme and the all encompassing oneness as the other, we see that as humans living in physical bodies that our path lies somewhere between the extremes. When we were created is was so that the creator could experience life in as many different ways as possible. The ego defines each of the infinite different ways. As long as we realize that the ego is just part of the continuum between oneness and the individual, then we can stop wasting our energy fighting our ego and let out lives flow naturally between the extremes of ourselves as different and our selves as part of the whole.
Mike Strawbridge is a Performance Consultant enhancing business and personal performance by integrating mind, body and spirit.
http://www.mikestrawbridge.com
For more articles by Mike see =>More Articles
Sam Walton
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Posted in Living at 6:29 am by admin
The concept of enlightenment is an age old idea. Although it originated in ancient eastern religions it has almost taken on a life of it’s own in modern spirituality. You may ask yourself ‘what is enlightenment?’ and like many great sages your answer will fall short of fully encapsulating the totality of it’s meaning. I don’t believe that there are any definitive answers or explanations for what enlightenment is. But, there most certainly are many insights that can help us to better understand this invisible spiritual dimension of life.
The beginning of the 18th century was the start of an era better known as the Age Of Enlightenment - a period of time in history that is characterized by a global shift in thinking. Essentially The Age Of Enlightenment took mankind out of the ‘dark ages’ where the state and the church had a monopoly on ‘knowledge’ and they controlled what people were allowed to believe.
Along with many great scientific discoveries (of which Newton’s laws were one of the most significant) a new intellectual awareness compelled ‘ordinary’ people to start thinking and exploring life for themselves. People started to turn their attention inwards instead of looking to the church to tell them what to think and believe. This global shift in thinking was the birth of our modern world and it started with our incurable search for meaning in life.
What took mankind out of the dark ages and into ‘the light’ was knowledge and learning to look past dogma and convention. Hence the name The Age Of Enlightenment because it refers to the idea of casting a light unto what was previously dark.
Have you ever tried finding your way in a dark room? You feel hopeless, uncertain and lost. This is how many people feel in their everyday lives - as if they are living in a spiritual darkness. In this sense the idea of enlightenment can be a great insight for you. Enlightenment is nothing but turning on your own inner light to help you ’see’. This seeing is not sight as we’ve all come to know it but rather an inner sight (or an insight) that goes beyond that of ordinary everyday perception.
Many people think of enlightenment as a ‘goal’ - as a state of awareness to reach by following certain spiritual practices and when they eventually reach this goal their entire life will be blissful and without any problems. The truth is that this is impossible, for the very nature of our consciousness is for it to expand and enlightenment is about the unfolding of your spirit by expanding your awareness.
This inner light that helps us to perceive things in greater truth will not change our outer world as much as it will change our inner world. It’s an inner realization that will help you to change the filter through which you perceive and experience everything in life. Enlightenment is not an attainment, but a realization. Once you reach this realization nothing will change, yet everything will change. You will find that even though the world hasn’t change it appears as if it has because you see it anew.
We all spend much of our lives working towards the attainment of an ideal state of mind; a state of mind where we are happy, where we feel peaceful and where we feel that our lives are meaningful. But, life is never fixed in time and enlightenment is about allowing your spirit to grow into this life by expanding your awareness of who you really are. Enlightenment is that inner light that gets switched on through inner wisdom. It allows you to see past the illusion of your sensory experiences of life and to see in ever greater clarity that divine part of who you really are.
http://www.illumen8.com
Discover the 3 ancient spiritual secrets and find out what these three ancient sages had to say about enlightenment. Click Here… to download your FREE copy of this new guide to living a truly spiritual life.
Philip Yancey
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