The most direct route from Sedona to Flagstaff goes through Oak Creek Canyon, so everyone who had business in our nearest city had to drive an extra half hour to get there. Oak Creek Canyon is also a beautiful, unique place. The fire crawled down the canyon walls, but the firefighters prevented it from taking any structures or crossing the highway and creek.

The firefighters were angels, did a phenomenal job delivering a miracle of keeping our town and canyon safe. Every few feet along the road were signs thanking them. People in town donated food, clothing, toiletries, phone cards and postcards to them as an expression of our gratitude.

How much of yourself are you giving away? The world and the people in it make demands, have expectations, and want our time and attention, sometimes to the detriment of our well-being. Religion, school, family and society have taught us to be unselfish, to put others' needs before our own. But when we're being overwhelmed with others' desires, who is actually being selfish? Is it the person saying "No," "I don't want to do that" or "I can't do that anymore." Or is the individual who wants you to give actually being the selfish one?

Every person has their own agenda, and they usually will do what they can to fulfill that goal. They may even try to manipulate us by saying we're being selfish. That's how it looks to them, because they want something from us that we're denying them. But our service to others, in our personal or public life, shouldn't have to lead to our self-destruction.

Everyone in our world is going to want a piece of us. It's human nature to want more, so they'll continue to demand more and more until we put a limit on how much they can have. We have to remember that they have as much access to the Universe as we do. The Universe will flow in to fill the vacuum that we've created, if it's important enough for them. But to ensure our ability to continue to thrive, we need to reclaim the pieces of ourselves that we've given away.

It's been said that the more we give, the more we receive. That's true as long as we have the time to recuperate and recharge. But when the demands on us overwhelm our resources, and we begin to buckle, we need to take a step back and be supportive of our own well-being. Unfortunately, the people who have been expecting us to serve them will complain. It's hard, but we have to be strong and have enough self-worth to be firm. But many times, our own programming to "be unselfish" gets in the way of our good. In an attempt to avoid being selfish, we sacrifice our desires, our needs, and sometimes our health.

We aren't here to live according to someone else's expectations. As an individualized expression of the Universe, we are here to remember who we are, and to follow our unique path. That's not to say that when we accept responsibilities, such as in a relationship, a job or a child, that we just abandon them to follow a dream. But we don't have to give our whole being to that person, place or situation and completely abandon ourselves. There can be a middle ground.

One way to help ourselves is to prioritize. Put our needs first, not last. Recognize that I said "needs," not "wants." We need sleep, healthy meals, exercise, recreation, and time to recharge. And we also have to realize that our needs take precedence over what someone else "wants." The more we take care of ourselves, then the more we actually have to give to others.

There are times of crisis when we can't actually put ourselves first. A sick child, partner or parent takes priority for a short time. But if the crisis becomes chronic, then we need to reassess the situation and be selfish enough to address our needs, so that we can continue to be strong and healthy for them.

Answer: This is a very good question. As a person is learning about how the subconscious works, it's sometimes difficult to know just what to do. The object is to focus on your goal, such as finding the perfect job, but not to concern yourself as to which one or how you'll find it. Then you go about the action necessary to find a job. This sends forth energy into the world and lets your subconscious know that you're serious about finding one.

You may not locate your job from any of the avenues you've pursued, but the subconscious has been working behind the scenes, and you may bump into someone, or have someone contact you. By thinking on this over and over, and keeping your mind focuses on the goal, and working towards it, this helps the subconscious know what you want and that you truly want it. And by not trying to figure out "how" it will happen, this keeps you out of the subconscious mind's way.

So many times, a person might say "I want a new job," but do nothing to that end. The subconscious then figures that is just a fleeting wish. The dominant idea that a person has is what will manifest. In this case, the person might wish for a new job, but not want to put out any effort to find one. The dominant idea is to take the easy way out and stay where they are.

I first read this book about fifteen years ago, and have enjoyed re-reading it recently. Dr. Hammerschlag began his medical career as a general practitioner at a hospital on a Native American Reservation in New Mexico. He then became a psychiatrist and worked out of Phoenix, Arizona, while also visiting Native Americans on their reservations. He writes about his spiritual journey from completely believing in the miracle of Western medicine to understanding that healing occurs in many different ways. Along the way, his old issues were healed.

His experiences with the shamans, the disenfranchised, the healing practices and rituals of the Native Americans of the Southwest opened his mind to other possibilities and realities. This book allows the reader to take a step into a culture that is rich and unique. Dr. Hammerschlag weaves stories of his experiences with the Indians in with his insights, understanding, and personal history.