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Night VisitorA loud crash on my back porch jolted me awake at 4am—odds are it was the same raccoon that had chewed up a slew of candles the other night, and, finding nothing else palatable, waddled back out into the trees. But now I was awake. How many of us lie awake at night worrying about the bills, the kids, the job, or on a grander scale, the Iraq war, global warming and the unbalanced state of the world today? Wondering whether our own miniscule efforts might have any positive effect whatsoever? I tell my coaching clients who are struggling over the outrageous behavior of their partner or kids or the obnoxious behavior of the boss or co-workers, "You can't fix or change anyone but yourself. When you shift, then everything else begins to fall into place." And as I teach yoga classes I remind all of us during the toughest poses to remain "calm in the mind.... calm in the eyes." It's good practice for life. The Power of OneIndividual efforts can make a difference! Gregg Braden, a former senior aerospace computer systems designer, describes the physics of thought and intention in his book The Divine Matrix, which I was reading shortly before the raccoon shattered my paradigm of a good night's sleep. One example is the "International Peace Project in the Middle East" which was published in the Journal of Conflict Resolution in 1988. During the Israeli-Lebanese war in the early 1980s, meditators were trained to create peace in their bodies using a precise Transcendental Meditation technique. "On specific days of the month, at specific times each day, these people were positioned within the war-torn areas of the Middle East. During the window of time that they were at peace, terrorist incidents, crimes against people, emergency-room visits and traffic accidents all declined in number. When the participants stopped their practice, the statistics reversed," says Braden. Studies confirmed earlier findings that when a small percentage of the population achieved peace within themselves, peace was experienced in the outer world as well. Just like your mama told you, "Thoughts are things." (Especially thoughts conveyed with emotion—the universal language). The Square RootSo how many people does it take to create a peaceful shift? The experiments indicate that whether it's a congregation, a community, a city or the entire planet, it's the square root of one percent that can make a difference. Do the math—in a city of one million, the total is about 100. Braden says the more people are involved, the faster the effect is created. Of course a lot of nay-sayers exist. I'm thinking of a very intelligent big city newspaper editor's scorn over monks' meditating: "What are they doing all day? What do they think they're possibly accomplishing?" Einstein said that we can't solve a problem from the same level of thinking that created it. Braden states that we can't change a reality if we remain in the same consciousness that created it. The old axiom says, "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten." If you're looking to create a shift in your life, large or small, contact me. That's what I do—help people shift their thinking ever so slightly, and create magnificent shifts in their lives. |
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Fire Up Your Group-Hire me to Speak! Patrice Dickey is just the type of speaker we always strive to have… interesting and energetic while providing valuable information in a short amount of time. The comments after the event showed that the tips she shared were of value to our members." Vanessa Lowry, owner, Profits in Progress Cool Mind CandyA shift in thinking is being demonstrated in this situation. May cool heads prevail in the world!
Join My Celebration! The cover letter said, "Competition was particularly fierce this year so (the) accomplishment is truly impressive."—I'll toast that! Here's what Judge #39 said about BACK TO THE GARDEN. "This really is a delightful book, full of pithy, wise, fun, real, honest, short selections, each to the point and with a message one can carry away to ponder. Written by a woman who has obviously Been There, the book shares, directs, reflects wisdom and understanding at every possible turn—and quite painlessly. The writing is witty, accessible, easy and enjoyable to read, chatty or conversational, on universal subjects, what we will all encounter as we lead full lives. Dickey offers effective ideas, new fresh perspectives, techniques or tools to deal with these everyday problems or situations... The subject titles are fresh and catchy; and the interior design and cover are attractive. I like this book." I'm also honored to mention that the book has previously won Inspirational, Spiritual, Aging, Death&Dying, and 1st Place Nonfiction awards from the IPPYs 2006, Best Books 2006 (two categories) and Atlanta Writers Club, respectively. |
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If you find this Ezine refreshing, please pass it along to your friends and colleagues. Much appreciated! Your Guide to the Life You Love™ Patrice Dickey is a coach, motivational speaker and author of the internationally award-winning book Back to the Garden: Getting from Shadow to Joy. Learn more at www.artofchange.org. If you'd like to submit some Cool Mind Candy for consideration, please email me at pdcom@mindspring.com Thanks! 3/1/07 Copyright © Patrice Dickey 2007. All rights reserved. PERMISSION TO REPRINT: You may reprint any items from "Your Guide to the Life You Love(TM)" in your print or electronic newsletter. But please include the following paragraph: Reprinted from "Your Guide to the Life You Love(TM)" a complimentary Ezine featuring tools & tips, perspective shifts to help enrich your life, expand your horizons and experience Your Personal Definition of success—always including cool mind candy with that hopeful flavor. To subscribe, please visit www.artofchange.org and, if you like, download the Ebook "101 Simple Ways to Kick the Depression Habit and Get Happier Without Prozac." PRIVACY STATEMENT: Your Guide to the Life You Love(TM) will never distribute your address to anyone—honest! ***
Patrice Dickey
Phone: 404-294-9333 |