Yoga and Low Carb Diets

Yoga is an ancient system of movement designed to generate vibrant health and well being. Excellent health and well being are experienced in the results of a yoga practice such as: stress reduction, increased energy and awareness, increased flexibility, focused mind and strong body. In our modern world there are so many types of yoga to choose from that it can be confusing and difficult to start a yoga program. Do you have to practice postures(asanas) in a hot room for an hour and a half in order to enjoy the benefits of this ancient art? And, is it necessary to execute postures under strict guidelines created for East Indian bodies and minds? As a yoga instructor my answer would be no. A successful yoga practice supports the goals of the practitioner without rigidity.

An appropriate yoga program should be adapted around our needs. Those on low-carb diets for weight loss or weight control can benefit tremendously by practicing yoga. A major benefit of yoga is a developed awareness. A consistent yoga practice assists us in recognizing the causes of stress in our lives. Yoga helps us observe the thoughts that cause stress. Once we are able to recognize the stress we are able to calm our carb cravings. When we develop awareness we can make conscious choices around food and feel more in control of our lives. I have taught lunch time yoga classes where students practiced forty-five minutes of yoga instead of reaching for high carb snacks. Students have reported that after class they choose healthier foods and actually eat less. Yoga can be a carb substitute, a healthy alternative.

Breath work is also an important component of yoga. Yoga trains the mind to recognize where and when we hold our breath. The less access we have to the breath the more stress is stored in the body. Yoga teaches us to fill ourselves up with breath instead of high-carb food. Yoga can inform us when we are becoming stressed so we can make the choice to sit and breathe, meditate or do physical yoga postures. With a consistent yoga practice we have less need of carbs that deplete our energy. Focus on the breath dissolves our cravings and reduces stress. We naturally reach for more nourishing foods. If we hold the breath then we become unaware of our cravings and old eating patterns take over. Cultivating awareness while we move in yoga postures is just as important as the movement, especially for those wanting to change eating patterns.

Since low-carb dieters need to be careful not to hit a sugar low during the day yoga is an excellent movement program. Yoga conserves energy while many exercise programs such as aerobics, weight training, bicycling etc. expend energy. Yoga assists the practitioner to tap into reserves of energy in the body. If the low carb dieter feels energy depleted the craving will increase. For anyone with the goal of life style or dietary change it is important that the exercise program be accessible and stress-free. Yoga postures teach us to expand into our own energy without judgment or criticism. A practice of relaxation and meditation (either seated cross-legged or lying on your back) when you have completed your postures is key in a yoga program. The relaxation assists us in integrating the movement and regenerating our energy.

How do we choose a class that is appropriate for us? How do we get started on a yoga practice? Try several styles and notice how you feel after each. An appropriate class is one where at the end of class you feel internally rejuvenated. When you leave class you should feel lightness in your step and a desire to return. Other positive signs are: more access to your breath, a feeling of well being (combination of calm and high energy). Here are eight postures that will get you started. I suggest you do them every three to four days and familiarize yourself with the movements. Again, your yoga postures should express who you are so you won't look like someone else performing the same pose. Simply follow the directions and while you're in the pose try to become as aware of your body and thoughts as you can. Breathe a simple breath based on the rhythm of your inhale and exhale. Take four or five breaths for each movement. Notice where and when you might hold your breath. I would recommend purchasing a yoga mat. You can buy them in most health food and sports stores.

1) Mountain Pose

Stand with feet together or hip distance. Imagine roots growing out of your feet into the earth. Feel your spine lengthening as the crown of your head lifts toward the sky. Inhale and exhale and feel the oppositional movement of feet planted firmly on the ground while the crown reaches upward. Keep your gaze focused at the horizon line. This posture prepares the body for a yoga practice.

2) Forward facing warrior

Stand in mountain pose and lift your arms by your ears, a few breaths and center yourself. Take a step forward on your right foot and bend your knee over your ankle. Focus your gaze at the horizon. Lengthen the torso and drop your shoulders. Repeat on the other side. This pose strengthens the thighs and brings in warrior energy.

3) Forward facing warrior with a forward bend

Repeat the above posture. Slowly straighten the front leg and extend the spine over the front leg. Relax the arms beside the leg. Repeat on the other side. This pose opens the spine and stretches both legs. This movement also soothes the mind.

4) Tree balance

Stand in mountain pose and become centered. Slowly transition your weight onto the left leg. Bring your hands into a prayer position over your chest. And position your left foot on your calf. Balance on your right leg while you breathe and focus your gaze at the horizon. Allow your body to move with the flow of your breath. Balances are never static. This pose develops balance and confidence.

5) Downward facing dog

Come on your hands and knees. Legs hip width apart and arms shoulder distance apart. Tuck your toes and lift your tailbone up toward the ceiling into an upsidedown V position. Fan out your fingers and press them into the floor. Keep moving your tailbone and elongate your spine. Bring your ears between your arms. Return to your hands and knees slowly and rest. This pose cleanses the mind and strengthens the upper body.

6) Bridge

Lay on your back and bend your knees, legs hip width apart. Lift your hips and spine toward the ceiling as you move through the front of the knees. Bring your arms underneath your body on the floor and interlace your fingers. Keep your gaze at the chest. This posture increases energy and increases flexibility in the spine.

7) Seated twist

Sit with both legs extended in front of you. Bend your right leg keeping the left in front with the foot flexed. Place your left hand below the right knee and bring the right hand around the back of the body close to the spine. Lift and rise through the crown of your head on the inhale, on the exhale twist the spine to the right, moving around the axis of the spine. Move from the lower to the upper spine, the head is the last to twist around. Slowly release from the base of the spine and come back to center. Repeat on the other side. Twists flush and balance the nervous system.

8) Reclining bound pose

Now it's time for relaxation. Lie on your back and bring your feet together. Allow your knees to splay apart. You can also extend your legs and come into corpse pose if bound pose is too much for your hips. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Let go of any stress and allow your body to release into the floor. Stay as long as you like.

About the Author

Combining twenty years of yoga and thirty years of professional nursing experience, Carmela Cattuti offers students a unique and effective teaching style. A strong medical background in childbirth allows her to provide women with valuable yogic breathing, stretching, and meditation techniques to aid with the fertility, delivery and postpartum stages of pregnancy.

Having studied extensively at the Iyengar Center and achieving instructor certification at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Carmela also provides in depth yoga instruction to both men and women for reducing stress and harnessing ones full capabilities of body, mind, and spirit. Workshops and private sessions offer practical tools for creating balance and relaxtion in daily living and are available throughout the Boston area for individuals and corporations. Carmela can be reached at (617) 970-5320.web: http://www.yogame.com

Whistler, BC: A Great Winter Spot

If you're thinking about planning a great winter vacation, think about taking a trip to the beautiful Whistler ski resort in Whistler, British Columbia. There are plenty of great accommodations around Whistler, and Whistler rentals shouldn't be hard to find. The difficult thing is to choose your spot from a wide variety of luxurious rentals. When browsing the multiple online listings for Whistler condo rentals and Whistler chalets, consider all of the amenities included in the different chalets, townhouses, and condos available. Some are set in specific locations, for example, the ski in-ski-out condos and chalet rentals that give renters the best possible access to the ski lifts, or lodges or townhouses set close to golf courses.

Another thing to consider is the amenities included in many Whistler rental deals. Those searching the rental listings will see that many of the lodgings include luxuries such as hot tubs or saunas. Also, lodgings come equipped with barbeques and decks for great cook-outs. Then there are the more basic conveniences such as 5 bed, 5 bathroom houses with multiple storage units and freezer/refrigerator space. Some are also equipped for your convenience of communications with high-speed internet and telephone service. For entertainment, some rentals include large-screen television and home stereo sets.

You also have to consider the aesthetic aspect of your condo or chalet rental. Most have been newly renovated and are lavishly decorated. Some offer spectacular mountain views. You can peruse the interior and exterior views of your lodgings online, since many renters have posted details picture tours of the rentals. Other details like wood fireplaces can give a rustic kind of charm to a rental tonwhouse or chalet. Whistler rentals can be found in abundance, located in proximity to the versatile Whistler Ski Resort where visitors enjoy much more than skiing. Check out the many Whistler chalet and townhouse rentals available and book one soon for the next seasonal vacation.

The resort has a web site where you can look at all of the activities available, and Whistler condo rentals can be found in online accommodation directories. When looking for a Whistler rental, consider all of the great features that these lodgings offer. If you are looking for comfort of living, Whistler townhouse and condo rentals include many living amenities such as storage space, washer/dryer, and barbeques for cooking. For entertainment, some accommodations offer wide-screen televisions and speaker systems in rec rooms. For your ease in communications, high-speed internet is included in some rentals. Whistler rentals also look to offer relaxing amenities like hot tubs and saunas. Rentals offer spectacular mountain views or comfortable, convenient locations for those looking to ski often. Whistler rentals offer ski-in ski-out access for the best access to the lifts and ski areas. Others offer proximity to golf courses for convenience during the golf season.

When you try to decide on lodgings, browse the pictorials generally included in the online directories to get a feel for the look of your Whistler rental property. Most are new and nicely decorated, some with rustic features like wood fireplaces or balcony spaces. You will most likely find one that grabs your eye, and contains the best list of facilities included in a summary under the listing. So when you start thinking about that perfect ski trip, take a look through this abundance of great rental spots in Whistler. It might be the way you'll spend your next relaxing winter holiday.

Author recommends http://www.skiwhistler.co.uk as it is a great site for finding top-quality chalets, townhomes and condos for rent in Whistler. You can also find other whistler condo rentals in the website as well.

Change Your Beliefs -- Change Your Health

To many people in the Western world Metaphysical Healing is akin to voodoo, quackery, complete fantasy or lunacy. In China, Japan, India and other Eastern countries Metaphysical Healing has been the primary medical practice for thousands of years. Metaphysical Healing is becoming more recognized in the western world. However, it is primarily considered a last resort approach, whereas, in Eastern countries Western medicine is considered a last resort approach.

Understanding Metaphysical Healing is shockingly simple, yet for the Western mind, it is analogues to asking someone to cut off their leg and watch themselves bleed to death. The Healing that is referred to is, in keeping with all known traditional practices and what is beginning to be understood scientifically, is referred to as Energy Healing or Spiritual Healing.

Spiritual Healing has existed since the beginning of time amid religious beliefs and practices, along with the mystery, superstition, fear, and misunderstanding. Spiritual or Energy Healing is now becoming recognized regardless of what anyone chooses to believe or think. Ask almost anyone about their spiritual well being and they will probably tell you, "Yeah, I do my spiritual healing in church". Therein the confusion arises out of the association of healing with religion and the spiritual. The majority of people do not understand the difference.

The definition of "HEAL" means, 1. To restore to health or soundness, 2. To set right, repair, 3. To restore a person to spiritual wholeness, 4. To become whole and sound, to return to health.

The definition of "SPIRIT" means, 1. The vital principle or animating force within living beings, Incorporeal consciousness. There are about twelve more elaborations mostly to do with various religious implications.

The definition of "RELIGION" means, 1. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe, 2. A set of beliefs, values and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.

Thus, based on these common interpretations of how things 'ARE', many paradoxes are created. The resultant effect is confusion and un-wellness. The Truth, as Carl Jung and others have carefully worded in their writing, is this: Every Thing in the universe is Energy and Consciousness. How anyone thinks or feels about that Fact cannot change it. The purpose of All religions is the recognition that humans have a part of themselves that is not physical and there is a need to explore and experience this aspect of themselves. Part of the intent is to discover one's purpose and to live in the best way possible, part of that goal also includes the attainment of Truth and Spiritual Wellness. However, the result with regard to our Spiritual health has been an abysmal failure. If the most important aspect of our being is our Spiritual self, it is a miracle we have existed this long.

Currently, many churches are in a state of extreme confusion in an attempt to avoid accepting the Truth. The greatest struggle is how to incorporate all the now known knowledge and assimilate it into their dogma and theology. The problem is the impossibility of reconciling the obvious flaws in most theology and doctrine. The obvious shortcomings and how political and nationalistic and other special interests and agendas have resulted in a history filled with disappointment and tragedy.

The majority of ministers and individuals who have spent a lifetime in religious practice have never had a Spiritual Experience, or if they had a Spiritual Experience they were unable to accept it for what it was-thus its significance was lost. For many having a Spiritual Experience has only created confusion, because if they told anyone, they would be considered weird, psychotic, or hallucinating. How tragic-as we are Spiritual Beings having a human experience, and we are Human Beings having Spiritual Experiences. Churches are full of believers and few knowers. In speaking with one minister, I asked him what would happen if one Sunday morning he got up before his congregation and told them the "Truth." I was not surprised when his response was, "I would be gone before daybreak, I have to tell them what they want to hear."

It is interesting to note that even today most people, including psychiatrists have never heard of the most brilliant early pioneer in modern psychiatry, William James, of the late 1800's. Dr. James was about a hundred years ahead of his time. This world-renowned lecturer and noted authority ruffled more than a few feathers when he stated, "In our western civilization, the cause of our greatest psychological problems is Religion".

God according to many, while perceived by religious teachings, as the creator and builder of the universe and the ultimate controller of all things, is also seen as being something very distant or external. The single conscious revelation by Christ and other Masters was the realization that this is not the case. The Knowing that came into full realization was the understanding that everyone and everything was a part of the whole. As this became an Awareness also came the experiencing of the very essence of God or Creator and of what we refer to as Love. In ordinary human terms and understanding the magnitude of this Love was the sheer enormity of it and its ability to transcend all things.

For those who have never had this experience, imagine the time when you have felt the highest Love you have ever experienced magnified millions of times and it will probably not even come close. Understanding the divinity in all things and the interconnected consciousness is the path to all healing and wellness.

In many cultures it has always been thought and/or known that we are spiritual beings, the biggest exception is in our western industrialized cultures that we are people who happen to have a soul. The most beautiful and simple interpretation of how everything 'IS' can be found in the Native American tradition. "Everything in the universe is Spirit, each thing in it is of the same Spirit and it is all Connected." This is exactly what we are beginning to understand in science and quantum physics, that everything in the universe is made of the same thing and has a consciousness about it. The two things that frustrate scientists the most is the fact that all these things operate across time, space and dimensions they do not yet understand, and the ability of things to operate on inter-dimensional and multi-dimensional levels.

A high degree of new understanding about the science and physics of what spiritual really means is now mostly coming from independent researchers. High-tech and aerospace research physicists and scientists, all seem to have a more concise and accurate understanding of Spirit and the Spiritual than those from a theological background.

Let us look at-The Reality and The Truth of Spirit

In plain language, There is only One God or Universal Energy that Is Everything. There is only One Consciousness. We are only one individuated expression of The One. All the dogma, theology and religious beliefs anyone chooses to pile on this truth is commonly referred to as bull. It is the lack of true knowledge and the application of these distortions, which have been the source of all the problems. Spirit is alive, it is something that is lived and experienced, the surest way to destroy or suppress it is to organize it and institutionalize it.

My Spiritual journey has led me to many experiences such as: Being in contact with Angelic Beings; The acquisition of the gifts of Clairvoyance, (the ability to see soul energy and spiritual beings), Clairaudience, (the ability to hear Angelic Beings), practicing Empathic and Psychic Abilities with others, Conscious Astral Travel. These Spiritual Experiences have taught me: Everything we think or feel affects oneself and others. We need to realize every feeling such as anger, fear, hate etc., are mind generated emotions and need to be modified or eliminated, one of our hardest Religious based habits to let go is that of Judgment and it is imperative that we do so.

Anyone can accomplish an extremely beneficial start by concentrating only on the Spiritual aspects, the emotions of Love, Compassion and purity of Intent and Purpose. The Truth is: Only Love is Real-all else is created in the ego mind and becomes a false reality. In every situation where "I" and "ME" become the central thought and focus, begin realizing this as the mind driven Ego blocking the True Spirit of yourself and everything in the universe. No matter what you think about anything, how does it feel in your Heart, if it is not coming from Love let it go. In this modern material world filled with cynicism and disbelief, Begin To Know This Universe Is Full Of Real Mystery And Magic beyond your wildest imagination. All that is required to access these aspects is to do all things with compassion, good intent and with unconditional Love. These few steps sound very simplistic and trite yet contained within, in their simplicity, lies the keys to unlocking the universe and to discovering the Real Reality.

If you derive one bit of knowledge from this article, savor this crucial information. There are only two types of individuals in this world, the ones who want to stay and those who want to leave. The ones who are determined to leave have already set the process in stone and cannot be interfered with. The ones who want to stay and are having problems can affect dramatic changes by addressing the body, mind and spiritual energy patterns and consciousness.

The bottom line for many concerning their Health and Well-Being in their present existence is much affected by two factions, Doctors and Ministers. Doctors are trained as mechanics who work on the physical mechanism. They are in the Business of Treatment, they are Not Trained in the "Art of Healing". Most do not even understand the most rudimentary concepts of Healing. Most do not realize how they can produce damage and even induce death sentences on their patients.

There is little difference in the effects produced by an intentional damaging curse or a prayer prayed improperly, bad advice or simply some random negative thought. Ministers are trained in traditional theosophical dogmatic perceptions specific to the cultural religious views they ascribe to. Most people have little concept about True Spirituality or how the universe really operates. As a consequence they convey misinformation, half-truths, superstitions and fears along with a multitude of associated damaging information into a person's consciousness. The result of which is Confusion and Paradox-which leads to distress, disease and un-wellness.

The suggestion regarding a strictly religious approach would be to make a serious effort to study each and every one of them thoroughly and in depth. The result will be absolutely amazing when one discovers each and everyone of them are all talking about the Same Thing, only from their own unique perspective. Real enlightenment develops as the understanding for each reveals they are only methods and techniques. Considering what the public is receiving from so many sources, Bad Information is Bad Information and Incorrect Information is still Incorrect Information, no matter how well intentioned.

Contrary to popular beliefs, true spirituality requires one hundred sixty-eight hours a week not one. Every moment counts-The Four Agreements

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing for Individuals, Special Issues and Professional Coaching. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.gen-assist.com

5 Ideas for Writing Effective Sales Letters

Sales letters, sent via e-mail or snail mail, are an effective and inexpensive way to get your message out. Even if your letter goes out to thousands of people, it can give the feel of a personal communication - IF you write it in a direct and conversational tone.

To get your creative juices flowing, here are five tried and true formulas that can work for either e-mail or printed letters.

1. Tell a story - from either your point of view or a customer's.

Example: '"When I started my own business, I was very nervous about keeping my books. I'm not a numbers person and wanted nothing to do with it! Then I purchased 'EZ-CASH-BOOKS' software. Instantly, all my accounting "dirty work" disappeared. I gained instant peace of mind, and now I can focus on my real job - finding and keeping customers!"

Copy written in a story format has great appeal. By telling a short story that relates to the reader's situation, you create empathy with her. People are also familiar with stories and enjoy hearing them (they appear daily in newspapers, magazines, TV, etc.). If your letter happens to be a long one, you can draw out your story for added suspense, saving the outcome for the end. (However, as we'll mention later, it's safest to send a short letter.)

2. Ask questions.

Example: "Have you ever stared at yourself in the mirror and wanted to cry? If we told you we have a product guaranteed to help you lose weight while you sleep, would you be interested? And what if we told you this product sells for less than $30?"

Basic psychology dictates that when you ask a question, the reader feels compelled to answer it. You're involving them immediately in the issue at hand. Many effective sales letters ask a series of questions that are all likely answered with a "yes" from the reader.

3. Offer something for free.

"Visit our Web site, http://www.ezinequeen.com, today, and sign up for our FREE biweekly tips for e-zine publishers."

Think of three free things you could offer right now. A free e-mail or printed newsletter. A helpful article, report, brochure, or booklet. A complimentary consultation or a discount on a first visit.

4. Point out a fear or problem the reader may have.

"You may feel safe in your own home, but did you know that burglaries are on the rise in your neighborhood? This may be the ideal time to install that home security system you've been thinking about."

This method may seem sly, but the advertising industry has been doing this to us for years. Remember how Listerine convinced all of us we have "halitosis"? (It's the clinical term for bad breath, but it sounds like the plague!) Direct marketers call this "pushing the "touch" button. This method isn't appropriate for all topics, but you'd be surprised at how many situations you can use it in.

5. Mention someone the reader knows.

"Your friend *Jenny Smith* told us you could use a little 'R&R.' That's why we're inviting you to the grand opening of our new 'Bath and Beauty' Web store, featuring home spa products to help you relax."

If you operate a referral program, this is an extremely effective way to reach out and touch your prospects. I wrote a letter using this format for a prominent day spa in New York City, and it generated quite a bit of attention. Why? The reader immediately sees the name of someone she knows - the letter makes an instant, personal connection.

(TIP: Ask your clients for the names of a few people who may be interested in your products/services, offering them an incentive if those people respond. These types of referral programs take some time to generate, but they're worth it!)

One Final Note:

Remember that your number-one goal is to "hook" your reader right away! We're all bombarded with tons of e-mail and snail mail every day, so you have a limited amount of time to grab our attention.

Your best bet is to keep your e-mail sales letters within one or two computer screens, and your snail-mail letters to one or two pages.

(c) 2002 Alexandria K. Brown

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen," is author of the award-winning manual, "Boost Business With Your Own E-zine." To learn more about her book and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at http://EzineQueenTutorial.com/

PR: The Thrill of a Good Idea

The notion that a business, non-profit or association manager can actually hold a big key to success in his or her own hands IS a thrilling idea!

And it becomes more thrilling as the manager actually alters individual perceptions leading to changed behaviors of key outside audiences. Then persuades those external stakeholders to that manager's way of thinking, helping move them to take actions that allow their department, division or subsidiary to succeed.

The thrill is real when public relations does something positive for those managers about the behaviors of the very outside audiences of theirs that MOST affect their operation, thus helping achieve those manager's managerial objectives.

The trick lies in getting a manager's public relations team members working towards the same external stakeholder behaviors so that the PR thrust stays focused.

Here's one blueprint that can help create such a thrilling reality: people act on their own perception of the facts before them, which leads to predictable behaviors about which something can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-desired-action the very people whose behaviors affect the organization the most, the public relations mission is accomplished.

Properly employed, this kind of public relations approach can deliver results like enhanced activist group relations; community service and sponsorship opportunities; membership applications on the rise; expanded feedback channels; new proposals for strategic alliances and joint ventures; rebounds in showroom visits, as well as capital givers or specifying sources looking your way; not to mention new thoughtleader and special event contacts.

One can also envision improved relations with government agencies and legislative bodies; prospects starting to work with you; customers making repeat purchases; promotional contest overtures, and even stronger relationships with the educational, labor, financial and healthcare communities.

However, one potential source of worry must be, who makes the blueprint come alive? Will your worker bees be regular public relations staff? Or people sent to you by a parent entity? Or possibly a PR agency crew? Regardless of where they come from, they must be committed to you as the senior project manager, to the PR blueprint and its implementation, starting with key audience perception monitoring.

Something else to keep your eye on. Simply because a practitioner describes him/herself as a public relations specialist doesn't mean they've bought into the whole program. Assure yourself that your team members really believe deeply why it's SO important to know how your most important outside audiences perceive your operations, products or services. Be certain they buy the reality that perceptions almost always lead to behaviors that can help or hurt your unit.

Take the time to go over the PR blueprint with your PR team, especially your plan for monitoring and gathering perceptions by questioning members of your most important outside audiences. Questions like these: how much do you know about our organization? Have you had prior contact with us and were you pleased with the interchange? How much do you know about our services or products and employees? Have you experienced problems with our people or procedures?

Professional survey counsel is always available to handle the perception monitoring phases of your program, if your budget will allow. But I stress that your PR people are also in the perception and behavior business and can pursue the same objective: identify untruths, false assumptions, unfounded rumors, inaccuracies, misconceptions and any other negative perception that might translate into hurtful behaviors.

Here, you need to set your goal in order to do something about the most serious distortions you discovered during your key audience perception monitoring. And that could be to straighten out that dangerous misconception, or correct that gross inaccuracy, or stop that potentially fatal rumor dead in its tracks.

If you are to be successful in this PR effort, you need a solid strategy to show you clearly how to proceed. To keep things simple, note that there are only three strategic options available to you when it comes to handling a perception or opinion challenge. Change existing perception, create perception where there may be none, or reinforce it. Of course, the wrong strategy pick will taste like a cold catfish souffle, so be certain the new strategy fits well with your new public relations goal. You wouldn't want to select "change" when the facts dictate a "reinforce" strategy.

Remember that members of your target audience need to hear a powerful message. But persuading an audience to your way of thinking is hard work. Which is why your PR folks must create some very special, corrective language. Words that are not only compelling, persuasive and believable, but clear and factual. Only in this way will you be able to correct a perception by shifting opinion towards your point of view, leading to the behaviors you are targeting.

By all means, let your communications specialists "spider" your message to make certain its impactful and persuasive enough. Then, sharpen it before selecting the communications tactics most likely to carry your message to the attention of your target audience. You can pick from dozens that are available. From speeches, facility tours, emails and brochures to consumer briefings, media interviews, newsletters, personal meetings and many others. But be sure that the tactics you pick are known to reach folks just like your audience members.

A peculiarity of human nature holds that the credibility of a message can depend on its delivery method. So you might consider unveiling it in presentations before smaller gatherings rather than using higher-profile tactics such as news releases. Another human reality is that people love progress reports, a fact that will alert you and your PR team to get back out in the field and start work on a second perception monitoring session with members of your external audience. You'll want to use many of the same questions used in the first benchmark session. Only this time, you'll be watching very carefully for signs that the bad news perception is being altered in your direction.

If things aren't moving fast enough for you, try increasing the beat with more communications tactics and increased frequencies.

Once in a while, we can all use a thrill. This can be one of those times for the business, non-profit or association manager astute enough to demand that his public relations effort actually help him or her achieve their managerial objectives.

Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net. Word count is 1180 including guidelines and resource box.

Robert A. Kelly ? 2004.

About The Author

Bob Kelly counsels, writes and speaks to business, non-profit and association managers about using the fundamental premise of public relations to achieve their operating objectives. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communi- cations, U.S. Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The White House. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Columbia University, major in public relations.

mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net

Visit: http://www.prcommentary.com

Hair Care for Children

Salon visits can be scary experiences for small children: They are boring, full of strangers and strange smelling products, you are being ordered to sit still for ages, whilst some idiot is doing terrible things to your hair which you didn't want to happen in the first place. Life is sooo unfair!

So how do you as a parent, avoid, annoying the stylist, upsetting your child and getting yourself stressed? Well this is where your best child psychology skills come into play! Sometimes your child will have unwarranted fears and you have to help to overcome them. Creating trust by taking their concerns seriously is the first and most important step. Promising a treat can also help. Best of all is to check in your local area to see if there is one of the growing number of new specialized children's salons available. Salon chains like Cartoon Cuts are designed to make the hair cut experience more positive and entertaining for small children: toys, video games, specially shaped chairs and specially-trained stylists, all help to ensue the experience is more like going to a theme park rather than a visit to the doctor.

Home Sweet Home

However, if your child is afraid of the hairdresser's, then try to cut their hair at home. They will feel safe and comfortable and you will save time and money. You can do it yourself if you have the skills - or the bravery. Cutting hair for a child is basically the same for an adult, except that a child's hair is usually thin and baby soft. Keep the bangs approx. 1/2" from the eyebrows. If the child's hair is thin, avoid short cuts for now until their hair comes in thicker. Shape around the face if you're trying to grow it long. If you don't have any haircutting experience, you might want to seek out a step by step guide on children's hair cutting, or get someone to do it for you.

Putting on the Style

Whatever you do, remember that today's media-savvy, celebrity-crazy kids want to look good. Children start to take an interest in their own hair style from an early age; even the kindergarten set want to be in-style. They want their hair to be like their best friend or even a television character. Boys that used to be seen only in ball caps are now having their hair bleached and highlighted.

Finding the right hair style for a child is usually about finding a cool, fun, and easy-to-manage child hair style that suits your youngster's active lifestyle. But you may experience resistance - as children get older they start to have very definite opinions of how they want to wear their hair. This hairstyle preference will surface in early childhood and continue throughout the teen years and into adulthood. Many a growing child will argue with their parents over how they want to wear their hair to school. At this stage of development the hair becomes a major identity factor.

Hair Care 101

The key is to be encouraging; as children start to take an interest in their own hair and how they style it, this is the time to encourage them to follow an entire regime of good hair hygiene practices. It is important to show a child (when they are willing), how to properly shampoo and rinse their own hair. You can also teach them about towel blotting, detangling, combing and brushing their hair. Help them build a good hair hygiene schedule so that they learn the importance of keeping their hair clean and neat. Try also to get them to develop good eating habits because healthy hair is very dependent on high quality carbohydrates and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Good nutrition will promote shine and condition at any age.

Tips for Tip-Top Hair

Washing - use a mild shampoo, preferably in the child's favorite color or scent. Sometimes children are more willing to wash their hair with a fun shampoo, especially if it doesn't sting their eyes.

Combing/brushing - try to create trust and reassurance by allowing them to comb and brush their own hair on their own terms. Do not brush your child's hair 100 strokes before bedtime in the traditional manner - this will over stimulate the sebaceous glands and make the hair greasy and heavy. Doing a quick brush to get the tangles out should be sufficient. Combing the hair will promote shine and condition. Remember to use a comb on wet hair rather than a brush or you risk creating static electricity, which leads to breakage.

Accessories - give your child high quality combs and brushes and teach them the proper way to care for their hair to instill good grooming habits that will last a lifetime. Purchase some "hair friendly" clips and hair ties to help a child keep their hair off their face, and reduce the chance of tangling or matting. Stay away from any hairclips with sharp teeth, because they can cut into the hair and cause potential hair damage.

Tangles - all parents know that dealing with tangles is a nightmare for both parent and child. Here's how to reduce the trauma of removing tangles:

1. Hold the section of hair you're trying to comb out.

2. Hold it taut so the child won't feel you ripping through the ends. 3. Spray a good leave-in detangler on the knot.

4. You can also comb conditioner in while the child's hair is still wet. Children need conditioner too (avoid heavy types and stick with conditioners that are specifically called "light" conditioners).

References:

1. Children's Hair, www.Styles101.com
2. Child Hair Style and Hair Care Tips, Short-hair-styles.com
3. Lets Talk Kids Hair, Lynne Chapman http://www.BellaOnline.com

Michael Barrows is a web publisher specialing in niche marketing. Pick up his FREE ebook "(Nearly) Everything You Should Know ABout Hairstyles and Hair Care" at his website; http://www.great-hairstyles.com

Past Life Regression - Without Trance or Hypnosis!

Instant Past Life Regression - No Trance Required

I was in the employ of a UK adult education college at one time and was asked to do a course on Hypnosis ? BUT I was not to do any hypnosis with anyone, nor hypnotise anyone because that was too dangerous and they didn't want to take the risk. It was also something to do with the very strange regulations that exist in the UK for the use of public buildings for hypnotist performances and group hypnosis; either way, I was faced with the bizarre challenge how to conduct a hypnosis training but without hypnosis.

So what I did was to teach all the hypnotic inductions, from relaxation to guided meditation and then also rapid inductions as "self hypnosis" ? I taught the class how to do it for themselves whilst I stood and watched them do it.

They got very good at it and we would then play with the trance phenomena and had a great time, until one stormy night, with Past Life Regression on the menu, the door opened and a number of principals from the college walked in and told me they had come to observe the class to make sure that absolutely no hypnosis was taking place, even by accident.

Oh dear. What was I going to do? I was in no doubt that the principals would have a fit if I instructed my class to put themselves into a near coma with the use of a set of beads each or a pendulum they were holding themselves and it was then that my unconscious mind, ever helpful and nicely riding in to the rescue with some very unusual suggestions when those are needed, invented for me "Instant Past Life Regression ? No Trance Required." Instant Past Life Regression

This is a great little game and a wonderful party trick. You can play it with anyone at all who can answer these questions even just with a nod or shake of head; it is very quick and very effective.

The only rules are:

1. Don't think about it;

2. Answer as quickly as you can;

3. If you don't know, just guess or make it up.

Are you ready to elicit an Instant Past Life without any form of hypnosis?

Let's go:

* Were you male of female?

* Your job or work?

* Your father?

* Your mother?

* Any children?

* Sisters?

* Brothers?

* Your house or home?

* Where in the world?

* When in time?

* How old when you died?

* What did you die of?

For the purposes of this exercise, I just did this and these were my answers on this particular occasion:

Male, soldier, don't know my father, mother died when I was young, might have children but don't know any, no sisters, two brothers I remember, live with my regiment in a tent or barracks, Southern India, 1820, died age 32 of a lance wound to the chest that pierced a lung.

This set of answers, like your set of answers, is only the beginning. You can now take any part of this and refine it with further questions. As you do so, please note that more and more detail comes to light, and the rough sketch above is beginning to be filled in and fleshed out as you give more attention to detail. There comes a point in this process when there is a shift and the whole mental construct that is being created becomes very real, indeed.

Refining The Construct

Here are some questions about our unfolding character:

* How tall?

* Hair colour?

* Hair style?

* Eye colour?

* Skin tone?

* Anything striking about appearance?

* Any other identifying features?

* Clothing?

* Footwear?

* Underwear?

* Unique decorations/jewellery?

* Important possessions?

* Anything else that's important to know about?

My own soldier was close to 6 feet tall, had brown hair that was a little curly and worn in a pig tail, his eyes were brown and he had fair skin with a slightly yellowish cast. He had had chickenpox badly as a child and the skin on his face was rough and full of little scars. A previous injury had left him with a "frozen shoulder" on the left side and he would wear a small package made of wool under his clothes around that area at all times. He was wearing dark brown trousers, boots and a black/charcoal grey (probably faded) jacket at the time of his death and an off white plain linen shirt. His only important possession was a small knife thing you use to get stones out of a horse's hoof he was wearing around his neck on a leather band that had been given to him by a good friend when he was much younger.

As you can see, even at this second level of questioning we find some very intriguing detail, such as the knife thing ? I do believe there is a name for it but I can't remember what it might be and only "saw" the object during the exercise. We also have entry points into some other story lines here ? what happened to the friend? Where did the old injury occur? ? and that's after perhaps five minutes and the most basic of questions one could ask to get to know any individual across time or space.

The Levels Of Reality

As we get more and more information, the person is taking on more and more and life. Here in brief are the levels through which the person becomes manifest and real, as it were:

Generic Information

The first level of reality is generic information to provide the base structure to a construct ? who, what, where, when. At this point, your creation is still fairly nebulous and lacks personality which comes with:

Individual Information

The second level of reality which is specific information about that individual construct (person, countryside, event, creature etc) ? what is unique about this, what catches your attention, what makes it stand out.

General (Overall) Time Line

The third level of reality is added with the temporal aspects ? how did this come to be? What happened? What will happen in the future? This brings the creation to life and makes it very real indeed ? it now has a future, a present and a past.

Specific Incidents Remembered

The more you focus in on any aspect of the time of the life of your person the more detail will be provided until you have actual associated first person memories of the events, entirely detailed and entirely real.

101 Uses For Personal Development

This basic pattern has innumerable uses.

The first is of course in the context of personal development and past life regression. Regardless of whether one might view past life regression as real memories of past lives or metaphorical re-inactments of problems in this one, either way the challenges offered need to be resolved and this is a particularly exciting and fascinating way of making real, true and lasting changes in ones life.

Even people who don't usually respond to "guided meditations" can work this pattern through to get extremely specific and associated memories, events and unfoldments to work with and to use for problem resolution.

Another major use for this pattern is of course in the context of creativity - fiction, character development, finding materials and inspiration for all forms of works of art. It is basically a foolproof generator for events, stories, situations that can provide much more material than anyone could work up or out in a single life time.

It is particularly interesting to consider this pattern in terms of Project Sanctuary events and can also be employed for developing other things besides characters, such as habitats, alien societies, objects that have never been or have been forgotten, and all manner of other uses.

Whether you are going to play it as a game at a party, use it to amuse yourself and your children on a long car journey or for serious personal development and making changes to the very structure of your personality, it is a fascinating pattern that is always interesting and begins to soften and expand the channels and pathways of your mind.

Silvia Hartmann, PhD

First published in The Story Teller 2001

The Sidereus Foundation http://sidereus.org

All Rights Reserved.

Quick Cash Advance Payday Loan - Get it Free or Cheap

If you are looking at getting a payday loan or a cash advance loan, you probably already know that one of the main drawbacks to getting one of these types of loans is that the fees can be so high.

The positive side of getting a payday loan or a cash advance loan is that they are so convenient. If you are in a temporary bind and in need of some fast cash, it's a discreet, quick way to tide your financial situation over until you get paid on your next pay day. Even if you have bad credit, you can get approved for this type of personal loan. Payday loans are a quick way to get a fast cash loan until you get paid on your next pay day. It is also very fast to get this loan online. There are even payday loan companies who can get you the money almost in an instant, same day, in less than 1 hour.

The only drawback with payday loans are the high fees. There are a few ways to save on fees for getting a payday loan or cash advance loan.

1. Start with a lender who charges no fees for your first loan with them. On your first time getting a payday loan or cash advance loan, there is a company that actually charges you zero fees on the first loan. It's hard to believe but your first loan with them is actually free. To see our recommendation, click on the link below.

2. Make sure you start the loan or have it deposited the absolute last day that you can wait to have the money deposited and then pay off the loan the day you get paid. With the highinterest that these loans charge, you don't want the money sitting in your bank account doing nothing while charging you interest at the rate of 400-500% or more.

3. Only borrow the minimum amount you can get away with borrowing. The usual rates for payday or cash advance loans range from $8-$30 per 100 borrowed, per week. You could save yourself $60-$90 just by borrowing $200-$300 less.

4. Shop around for the payday loan or cash advance lender with the lowest fees per week. Find out the fees per week, what the minimum loan period is and if there are any other hidden fees.

If you play your cards right with payday loans or cash advance loans, you can make use of the quick, easy way to get out of a temporary financial jam, while keeping your fees low. If you are going to get a payday loan, make it as cheap as possible.

To see a list of recommended Payday loan or cash advance lenders visit this page: Recommended Payday Loan or Cash Advance Lenders

Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide. ABC Loan guide is an informational website about various types of loans. The site has informative articles and the latest finance news.

Facing the Enemies Within

We are not born with courage, but neither are we born with fear. Maybe some of our fears are brought on by your own experiences, by what someone has told you, by what you've read in the papers. Some fears are valid, like walking alone in a bad part of town at two o'clock in the morning. But once you learn to avoid that situation, you won't need to live in fear of it.

Fears, even the most basic ones, can totally destroy our ambitions. Fear can destroy fortunes. Fear can destroy relationships. Fear, if left unchecked, can destroy our lives. Fear is one of the many enemies lurking inside us.

Let me tell you about five of the other enemies we face from within. The first enemy that you've got to destroy before it destroys you is indifference. What a tragic disease this is. "Ho-hum, let it slide. I'll just drift along." Here's one problem with drifting: you can't drift your way to the top of the mountain.

The second enemy we face is indecision. Indecision is the thief of opportunity and enterprise. It will steal your chances for a better future. Take a sword to this enemy.

The third enemy inside is doubt. Sure, there's room for healthy skepticism. You can't believe everything. But you also can't let doubt take over. Many people doubt the past, doubt the future, doubt each other, doubt the government, doubt the possibilities and doubt the opportunities. Worse of all, they doubt themselves. I'm telling you, doubt will destroy your life and your chances of success. It will empty both your bank account and your heart. Doubt is an enemy. Go after it. Get rid of it.

The fourth enemy within is worry. We've all got to worry some. Just don't let it conquer you. Instead, let it alarm you. Worry can be useful. If you step off the curb in New York City and a taxi is coming, you've got to worry. But you can't let worry loose like a mad dog that drives you into a small corner. Here's what you've got to do with your worries: drive them into a small corner. Whatever is out to get you, you've got to get it. Whatever is pushing on you, you've got to push back.

The fifth interior enemy is over-caution. It is the timid approach to life. Timidity is not a virtue; it's an illness. If you let it go, it'll conquer you. Timid people don't get promoted. They don't advance and grow and become powerful in the marketplace. You've got to avoid over-caution.

Do battle with the enemy. Do battle with your fears. Build your courage to fight what's holding you back, what's keeping you from your goals and dreams. Be courageous in your life and in your pursuit of the things you want and the person you want to become.

To Your Success,
Jim Rohn

Reproduced with permission from Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine. Copyright 2005 Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved worldwide. To subscribe to Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine, go to http://Jim-Rohn.InspiresYOU.com

The Secret to having these Ten Pairs of Shoes

Whether you love shoes or not, there are ten shoes every woman should have.

Did you know there are actually only a basic 8 shoe designs and every style of shoe out there are a variation of 1 of these 8 shoe designs.

"see a shoe and pick it up and al day long you'll have good luck" ? Andy Warhol

By having these ten pairs of shoes you will discover how easy choosing your clothes will be ? your style will be improved.

Adding to your collection of shoes then becomes fun - understanding how to choose shoes is more important than you might think.

THE TEN PAIRS OF SHOES

1. high heel

2. wedge heel

3. strappy heel

4. sandals [with or without heel]

5. kitten heel/Sabrina

6. tennis shoes/trainers

7. ugg boots

8. leather boots [with or without heel]

9. flip flop sandal

10. flat

WHY THESE TEN

These ten shoes run across the 8 basic shoe designs.

You have a shoe for every occasion and if you choose your heels and colours right you will have the perfect mix for anything you wear.

"not diamonds but heels are a girls best friend" ? William Rossi, World Famous Shoe Designer

"shoes are not an accessory, they are an attribute" ? Christian Louboutin, World Famous Shoe Designer

Every single pair of these shoes will benefit you in some way.

Shelley Costello is owner and author of Womens Shoes Guru. An honest and factual guide to choosing womens shoes online. Gives secret benefits to womens shoes and helps with understanding shoe designs.

http://www.womens-shoes-guru.com

Identity Theft - Dont Think You Are Immune

As identity theft becomes more prevalent, the need to regularly check your credit report is very easy to see and understand. Two big headlines in the news recently point to how closely tied your credit report and identity theft are.

First, we hear of the troubles of Choice Point, a company involved in the storage and distribution of credit information. It appears some criminals set up a fake company and used it to obtain sensitive credit information. Then in turn they used it to steal the identities of about 750 people. That number will probably grow, since more than 500,000 people across the country have been put at risk.

Second, comes the story about missing computer tapes containing credit card records of more than 1.2 million of Bank of America cardholders. Most of the accounts belonged to federal government employees. This has placed the account holders in danger of increased risk of identity theft.

Both of these companies are now in the process of notifying the people of their exposure. The truly bad part of all the problems is these leaks and losses occurred months ago. These two companies were not very quick in notifying the people affected. Way too much damage could have been done before they had been alerted to the trouble.

While the headlines may change, the need to check your credit report does not. You may be very careful. You may shred your documents, the credit card and other financial solicitations you receive in the mail. You may take great care how and where you give out your financial information. Unfortunately as these stories show, it may not be enough.

Identity theft affects about 10 million victims per year. It has been estimated to cost consumers and businesses more than 50 billion dollars a year. It is easily among the fastest growing categories of white collar crime. You need to do all you can to fight theft of your identity.

A new law has been put on the books by the Congress to help combat the losses. It allows the you, the consumer to request a free credit report from the credit agencies once a year. You should not hesitate to take advantage of it. However, the law has a rollout feature which does not allow full access for all Americans until September 1 of this (2005) year.

While this is a step in the right direction, in typical fashion the government continues to leave the populace exposed. You should access your credit report much more often than once a year. If an identity theft takes place just after receiving the free credit reports, an enormous amount of damage can be done before you can review your next free report.

The Federal Trade Commission has put together a list of questions and answers concerning this new law and the effect it will have on your credit report and your risk of identity theft. They can be helpful to you in determining your rights under the law

It makes sense to check your reports regularly, as often as, on a monthly basis. This may seem a bit much to you, but just ask a person who has had their identity stolen how much hassle it is to take your life back. They will tell you it is well worth the effort. Let's face it, no one cares as much as you, about your credit record, and the damage that identity theft could cause in your life.

(c)2005 David Wilding

David Wilding has for the past ten years worked with groups and individuals to rid their lives of debt. Visit his website for more ideas, tools, and strategies to get rid of your debt.