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Recommended Reading
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The
Cedarfire Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 19
"Empower Yourself Through Mindfulness" Have you ever set the teakettle on to boil, gotten distracted checking your email, and had the kettle boil dry? I have. This is trying to do too many things at once, or multi-tasking. When you multi-task, you're trying to juggle several balls or situations at one time. Keeping more than one ball in the air at a time, splits your attention, causes you to miss other details, and wastes energy as you keep them moving. Studies have shown that multi-tasking actually is more stressful and less efficient than staying with one project and seeing it through. You can really only focus on one thought at a time. The mind darts from one idea to the next so quickly that it only seems to be thinking of several things at once. It's possible to do one thing which is automatic or has become a habit, while doing or thinking of another. You do this all the time, such as when you wash the dishes and plan the next meal. In this situation, you were only conscious of one thing, your meal planning, and you cleaned the dishes automatically. They didn't take any of your attention. Although you can switch from one thought or activity to another, it takes time and extra energy. If you're talking on the cell phone while driving, there's a good chance you could run a light because you get caught up in the conversation and your attention drifts from steering the car to the person on the other end of the call. When you're multi-tasking, you're being pushed by inner pressures and outer demands. Rushing from one situation to another creates confusion that then takes mental energy to sort out. You're actually being reactive, acting over and over in ways you've always done, rather than responsive, or consciously choosing how you want to act in the situation. Mindfulness can relieve the pressure and help you handle your challenges more effectively. Learning to be mindful, or in the moment, has wide-ranging benefits, such as improved mood, better memory, enhanced problem solving, healthier immune system, increased optimism, and a greater sense of well-being. Learning to be in the now, the present, or in the moment, takes practice. You can start by simply noticing your breath while you're meditating. If your mind wanders, simply observe the fact without judgement and bring your attention back to your breathing. Focus totally on a task, whether it's doing the dishes, answering email, or working on a project. You can bring it to a point of completion, even if it's not finished, and then go on to the next task. While you're working, only think of what you're doing at that time. Whenever you find your mind wandering, remind yourself to "Focus" or "Be in the moment." You can work towards a goal, in the future, while being in the present and dealing with what needs to be done now. Focusing on your current project narrows your attention so that you can aim all of your energy into the present activity. This allows you to get it done easier and faster. Being in the moment frees up your mental space to allow your subconscious to better process information, work out solutions and be creative. Your future is based on your thoughts, feelings and beliefs of the present. When you stay in the present, you aren't concerned about the future, which is yet to be, or the past, which is over and done with. Being in this moment, you can choose what you want to think, feel and believe and more powerfully create what you want. Copyright © 2010 Linda Ann Stewart A nationally known speaker, life coach, hypnotherapist, and author, Linda-Ann Stewart empowers people to discover new possibilities and realize their full potential. For a copy of her free ebook, "Secrets To The Law Of Attraction," visit Cedarfire.com/SecretsToLOA.shtml. I read an article quoting a study that relaxation was as effective as massage in reducing anxiety by 50%. That reminded me of a client who expressed those sentiments several years ago. So I wrote a short piece about relaxation, anxiety and mindfulness, and linked to the original article.
"How To Attract Money" This one is smaller and different that most of his books. Generally, he has lots of stories that demonstrate spiritual principles along with an affirmation. This book still has some interesting stories, but it focuses mainly on changing the reader's consciousness about money, riches and wealth. He addresses many of the blocks that people have, and explains why and how they need to change. I've read many of the concepts that are in this book in his other works. But you'd have to read all of them to find the ideas that are present in this one treasure. The ideas to manifest greater riches are condensed and distilled here. At the end, there are pointers to remember that are spread through the many stories of his other books. In this one, they're set apart so that you can refer to them easily. For that alone, I love this book. And of course, there are some affirmations. I have them marked with tabs, so that I can quickly turn to them. I've used a couple of them with some great results. For a great grounding in how to use the Law of Attraction, get this book. To order this book, click on the image of the book on the left. For past issues of the newsletter, visit Free Archives Library. Subscribe/Unsubscribe Information
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