Living Energy Blog

Today’s Daily Om inspirational essay about conscious decisions coincides nicely with the thought I’d like to share today: taking personal responsibility for yourself leads to an empowered and authentic life. This in turn supports better physical, mental and emotional health, resulting  in overall well-being and happiness. When we make conscious decisions we actively sort through our options, choosing the ones that feel right at the time. We actively choose our response vs. defaulting to decisions unconsciously. We choose what to do because it feels right vs. merely doing what we are told, even if it is not the popular or recommended approach. Acting by default is taking the easy route and doing whatever someone else says. Acting by default is a lazy approach.

Recently I met with a dermatologist. This individual made two recommendations that did not suit me. The first was to use a sunscreen that I know ranks high on the EWG’s “hazard scale” for sunscreens. The second was to use a petroleum based product with methylparaben to moisturize dry skin. When we discussed the sunscreen and alternative choices, it occurred to me that this professional was simply unaware of better choices for your skin. She was recommending products that block the sun but may also contribute to skin cancer. I wrote down the name of the second product, looked it over at the pharmacy and later researched the ingredients on my own. Although I didn’t remember why, paraben-based products were a flag in my mind. A quick Google search provided the answer: concentration of parabens, particularly methylparaben have been found in breast tumors. So here we have an educated professional recommending products that may contribute to more problems than the ones I was trying to solve. My guess is that this is a common occurrence. How often do we defer to others’ because we think they know better or they must be right (including me!)?

Rather than be angry about this professional’s lack of knowledge in this area, this experience reinforced my resolve to be personally responsible for my choices. This professional provided her best recommendation. In my opinion her recommendation fell short of being more fully informed. That part is up to me and up to each one of us.

As you go through each day, become more aware of your decisions. Pay attention to the ones that you consciously make vs. the times you just do what others say. Responding by default may seem like the easier and less overwhelming choice at the time. If it leads to you feeling disempowered or blaming others for any part of your choice then it’s really about delaying the inevitable: being responsible for your own choices, actions, thoughts and words.

The healthcare system is just one example. Each of our lives is filled with many more, particularly within our work, family and social environments. Play with these thoughts and try them out. How do they apply to your life? What changes can you make to live a more empowered and authentic life?

Related articles

• Study Shows Bisphenol-A and Methylparaben Have a Triggering Effect on Cancer (guide.thesoftlanding.com)
• A Review of the Five Best Sunscreens that are Safe for Both You & Your Child (savings.com)

“The New Science of the Teenage Brain,” National Geographic Magazine’s October cover story, is a “must-read” if youare the parent of a teenager or you interact with teens. Brain imaging technology shows us that adolescence is a key time for brain remodeling and wiring — a highly adaptive and functional period, as the brain continues to develop well into our mid-twenties.

The physical changes in the brain move slowly from the rear to the front. The rear of the brain, by the stem, is where we process functions such as vision and movement. The front of the brain is where more complicated thinking and processing occurs, along with goal setting and evaluation of different agendas. In teens, the front of the brain is still developing. As we age our ability to integrate memory and experience into our decisions improves.

Research has found that teens tend to make less use of the part of the brain that monitors performance, spots errors, plans, and stays focused. They use more of the brain that deals with impulse. However, when offered an extra reward, teens push the decision-making regions of the brain a little harder. Thus, richer rewards make the executive region of the brain more effective. This is one of the reasons why video games are so successful. They are fast, exciting and filled with lots of rewards.

The teen brain weighs risk vs. reward differently than adults. Teens love new and exciting things. They’ll take a higher risk for the thrill of it as well as for the social rewards, such as approval of friends. They react strongly to social ups and downs because that is a big part of their world. Teens are closely connected to their friends. They follow and learn from them.

So where do we draw the line with helping vs. hindering our kids? How do we guide our children to make the best decisions when they are not fully equipped to do so?  Studies show that kids do better in life when parents are involved and guide their children with a “light but steady hand, staying connected but allowing independence.” It’s a matter of being involved while creating a safe and somewhat protected environment where the teen feels like he or she is in control of decisions that matter to them.

As with all relationships, understanding another’s perspective is key. Knowing the teen brain is undergoing massive reorganization and growth during these prime years may help make the process a little easier. Give some thought to turning situations into a game. Include a series of rewards. Evaluating the risk vs. reward from a teen perspective may bring a whole new light to the situation.

If you find your stress level increasing as you interact with your teen, take a time-out. Breathe. Create some space. “Freeze-frame” the situation on a positive note and flow loving energy to yourself and your teen. Then come back and try again when your energy is clear, coherent and abundant.  As adults, we set examples for our children. Although they may be taking cues from their friends, they are watching us. They want to know what to do, yet they want it to be their decision. Gently offering a perspective based on wisdom and experience, vs. parental authority has a better chance of penetrating the teen brain than taking a heavy-handed approach that may hinder or shut down communication channels.

Related articles

• Online Course Explores the Teenage Brain (psychologytoday.com)
• FINALLY! A Scientific Explanation For Why Teen Brains Are Different (businessinsider.com)
• “An exquisitely sensitive, highly adaptable creature” – The Teenager (19pencils.com)

Take a time out when your energy is tangled or knotted!

Do you ever feel like your wires get crossed, knotted or all tangled up?  This happens to me periodically, particularly with technology. Yesterday I spent three times the length of time it took me to write a communication to rectify a technical snag in the program. The longer I spent trying to fix the problem, the more constricted my energy became. I knew what was happening, yet I continued down the path. I felt that if I just tried a little harder I just might “get it.” I took a break for a few hours while I went for a walk and prepared dinner before approaching it again in the evening. I made progress, which brought some relief, but there was still one piece evading me. By the time I was ready to call for help, online support was closed for the evening. I tried again … using a few different approaches. Still no luck. Late into the night I acknowledged that I would set the problem aside, get a good night’s sleep, and contact the Help Desk in the morning. I’m glad I did. The problem was fixed within half an hour.

As I was going through this process I realized that my experience was a replica of what many of us do each day. When we have a problem, we push and push, trying harder and harder. We might make some progress but often not enough to resolve it completely. As we get deeper and deeper into the issue, our energy gets all tangled up. Once it is knotted up inside it gets harder to extract ourselves and seek a different route. We experience blockages at many levels … mental confusion and frustration, physical tightness of breath and body, emotionally we may feel anxious, be short with oneself or those we encounter.  The more wrapped up or emotionally invested we are in the issue, the harder it is to solve.

There is an art to gently untangling knotted energy. The solution is to step away from the situation, create some space and allow options to present themselves. Anything that brings relief will ease such situations, open the door and allow options to present themselves. A walk usually helps me. I often get a lot of ideas and answers as I walk. Yesterday this was not the case. A good night’s sleep is next on my list. This is what helped me. I went to sleep knowing that I would get a resolution to my problem in the morning. After I finally set it aside, I knew getting the right help would take far less time than I had already invested. And that is exactly what happened.

The next time you realize that your energy is tangled, step away from the situation and create space. Withdraw your attention from the problem and change your pace. Breathe. Go for a walk. Meditate. Play. Watch a movie. Read a book. Spend time with family or friends. Do something creative. Sleep. Return with a fresh perspective and re-charged energy. Take a new approach. It will make a difference.

Related articles

• Untangled (chrisbrogan.com)
• An Untangled Moment (karmalifereadings.wordpress.com)

Cosmic Consciousness (Photo credit: Rainbow Gryphon)

Is there a link between compassion and crime? As I listened to an NPR story about the drop in violent crime for the fourth consecutive year, I wondered if this is a reflection of society becoming more community-oriented, compassionate, caring and kind. I see more and more evidence of this every day every day. Yes, there are still those who don’t have a clue and continue to operate under old paradigms. Although such voices are loud, domineering and at times unbelievable, I am convinced that this is a dwindling population. As we withdraw our focus from what feels wrong and place our energy on what feels right, each of us will experience more of the inevitable shift in consciousness. It is a sign of our times.

Look around. “Doing good” is a growing movement. You will find ample evidence that people DO care about others. In my town a Fire Fighter grows fresh produce for our local food pantry and encourages others with gardens to drop off their extra produce so that those in need can eat fresh, seasonal vegetables. Our Helping Hands organization of volunteers provides those in need with things such as support for basic necessities, back to school clothes and school supplies, holiday food baskets, items that are ready to pass along (such as bikes) and more. Some people contribute money, some contribute items, some contribute time. Some people do all three. What’s going on in your family, community, or social network that is “doing good” for others?

Daily inspiration is readily available. The Good News Network is in its 15^th year of providing good news to its internet readers. They provide inspiring stories of people doing the right thing world-wide. The Daily Good, another online resource, has been providing inspiration to its subscribers since 1998, almost as long. The mainstream media is also hopping on the bandwagon. Compared to prior years, more and more time and space is dedicated to human interest stories that encourage, stimulate interest, and inspire our spirit. These are just a few examples. I know that there are many more.

As we “do good” for others, I believe that each of us becomes more compassionate, caring and kind. Being part of the same human family, deep down we have similar needs and wants. What’s “out there” in the big, wide world is a reflection of what’s “inside,” closer to home, as reflected in our community, family, and individual consciousness. As we continue to shift and change for the better, the world around us will too.

One of the most effective ways to make a difference is to do “the work” on yourself. Consciously release your resistance to what “is”, accept things as they are, and change what you can. As you work with your own energy, the energy around you will shift as well. If you don’t believe it, just play with this concept. You will soon see evidence of your thoughts, feelings and beliefs playing out in front of you. Sometimes we are blind to this. As you tune in and observe what really shows up in your world each day, you may be delighted to realize how you, the observer, can change what is being observed. The world is one big mirror of our collective consciousness. We are all responsible for what is going on. You can begin by being more compassionate, caring and kind with yourself. Just do a little bit more every day. When you have a setback, accept it and begin again. Living your life this way can be a lot of fun and make a big difference in the world at large.

Our violent crime rate has dropped for four consecutive years. This is a good thing and each of us has contributed to it in one way or another. Maybe in 2012 we’ll see an even bigger jump. Let’s each BE the change we want to see in the world.

Related articles

• COSMIC Convergence – by Carl Calleman [topics include Elenin, pole shifts, consciousness shifts, and more]] (jhaines6.wordpress.com)
• World Peacemakers Call for 3-DAY Moratorium on All News 9/22-24 (news.yahoo.com)
• Clow’s 2011 Fall Equinox Report (deniselefay.wordpress.com)

Today, Labor Day, 2011, I find myself reflecting on the meaning of work. Most times when I hear about work it is in a negative context such as: “Ugh! I have to go to work.” Or “No, I can’t do that, I have to work today.” Or one’s spirit is a bit deflated and resigned to: “I wish I could join you but I have to work.” Sometimes I hear people looking forward to the future: “I can’t wait to retire. Then I won’t have to work.” Some of my Facebook friends commented on those who were working on this holiday vs. those were enjoying the fruits of that labor. The ones doing the commenting were the ones “working” today and not enjoying it.

So what is “work” and why does so much of our life revolve around it? What is your purpose in exerting physical labor or mental activity? In a larger context, consider whether or not your work reflects your passion … something that interests you deeply, something you care about and something you love doing. A job, on the other hand, is a way to earn a living and pay your bills. If you are among the lucky ones, you love your job and that is your work.  Imagine how different the world would be if everyone unhappy with their jobs, switched until they found something they truly loved and then they engaged passionately in daily work. Or perhaps people could begin to view their jobs differently and appreciate the ways in which their job adds value to their life as well as the lives of others.

It used to baffle me why people spend so much of their lives doing something that they regularly complain about or that genuinely makes them sick or that they don’t enjoy. The more deeply I engage in my work, the more I realize that it’s because many people live their lives unconsciously, on automatic pilot, and feel powerless to change. Without thinking, people spout off about going to work, being at work or having to work. Are you among them? When this happens, universal forces arrange themselves to bring you exactly what you are feeling and what you express. Reflect on this for a moment. How do you feel about your job or your work and what do you say to others or articulate about your circumstances?  Do you see any patterns between what you convey and what actually happens or unfolds?

The good news is that you and your circumstances can change, even with our high rates of unemployment. In a few days, Karen Kallie, Tony Pace and I will launch the first program in our Living Energy: Personal Energy Empowerment Series. Watch for it. It might help you shift your life and engage in work that you truly love. Perhaps by Labor Day 2012 you will be positioned to love your work and your job!

Related articles

• Labor Day (xandrepressview.com)
• Labor Day Blessings! (guchiid.wordpress.com)

“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.”   Nikola Tesla, Inventor

Our feelings have resonance/frequency/vibration. We have a choice to resonate at frequencies that feel good (those based on Love) or those that feel bad (those based on fear).

Most peoples’ feelings are on automatic. They do not realize how much power they have to change their internal state AND affect their external world. 

We can take charge of our feelings:

1. Acknowledge and process negative, fearful ones ASAP–denial is not helpful! We all have negative thoughts, feelings and beliefs–even once enlightened! The challenge is to become a Master and not let them dominate you and determine your experience.

2. Once you have moved through the negative and bade it farewell, then let good feelings flow so that you maintain a more steady stream of “feel good”.

This process is a challenge and there is a learning curve to be sure. Perhaps a useful question can help serve as a reminder as you go through the day: What kind of world would you rather live in—one based on lovingkindness or one based in fear?

Your thoughts and emotions are involved in a constant interplay with our environment. To bring more of your creative power to bear in the creation of your life you can work with energy from both the inside- out and the outside- in! The mind is an important and powerful influence no matter which direction you choose. It holds both the problem and the solution to achieving greater mastery of your life.

  Our minds are always with us… busy, constantly engaged with analyzing, labeling, planning, or preoccupation with a variety of concerns, worries, and stresses. When we are focused on these mental states our energy fields are affected. Habitual thoughts, positive or negative, create ripples throughout our being that have repercussions on an emotional and physical level. They also influence choices, decisions and the ability to move forward in our business and personal worlds.

 So, one very simple yet powerful way to be in charge of your energy is to be in charge of your mind. Start to become aware of the daily conversations in your head! You may be surprised by the stream of chatter, an ongoing commentary regarding life: events, experiences, people, places and things.

 This chatter tends to be based on beliefs formed at various times in our lives. They may be the result of one strong event or an accumulation of messages received over time. Attitudes are formed upon the beliefs and behavior follows. Many of the beliefs we live with were formed in childhood and have never been explored by an adult mind to determine if they are still useful!

 Sometimes it may be difficult to discover beliefs from the level of the everyday mind. This is one reason why tools such as imagery, visualization, self hypnosis, relaxation and meditation are so beneficial. They help us drop below the level of the chatter and observe from a broader perspective. These techniques have many health benefits as well as being pleasant and easy to use.

 There are other simple ways to begin to harness your mind’s power.

 Next Time:

Methods to Develop the Power of Your Mind

What does it mean to reinvent yourself? How do you do it? What are the steps?

 Join us on Monday at 10 A.M. when we will be talking with Debby Hoffman Adair about this topic. Debby will be sharing her experience and expertise in regards to transitioning through major changes in our lives.

 Debby is an award winning presenter, and the president of Positive Results Seminars. Her programs reflect her mission statement: to help people see the possibilities within themselves and create the results they want—Positive Results! Her programs are filled with information, motivation, inspiration, and of course—Fun!

 We hope you will join us as Debby shares how she reinvented herself from house wife to entrepreneur, overcame shyness, conquered her fear of public speaking, and transformed herself into a professional speaker and author.

If you cannot join us live, please listen to the recording at your leisure.