Auto-suggestion and affirmation
By Penny | March 18, 2008
Autosuggestion is a declaration of an intention or a goal is stated over and over again until the mind of the person accepts the statement as truth. This type of affirmation is viewed positively and it mobilizes one’s resources and effort towards the attainment of the goals so stated.
It is also a means of harnessing the power of the subconscious in helping achieve goals. It is a form of self-hypnosis, usually accompanied by having a compelling vision with the statement; the person repetitively tries to live through the moment ad if it already happened.
Sports psychology has made use of autosuggestion and visualization to win games and this was proven time and again by claims made by athletes. It seems that human beings are quite good at mentally programming themselves to achieve a specific goal.
However, the opposite effect can also take place. One can repetitively place himself in a position where negative thought repeatedly bombard the mind into submission. The brain makes no distinction between a positive suggestion and a negative suggestion.
Therefore the wording of the affirmation is very important. It is always better to declare a statement in a positive sense instead of the negative because the mind does not hear any negative remarks.
For example, if one wants to stop smoking, his statement should not be “I will not smoke.†The mind can only perceive and accept it as “I will smoke.†It would always be better to say, “I will exercise daily to be healthy.â€
The more positive the affirmation the more powerful the effect of the affirmation will have.
Affirmations must be stated everyday. It should the first thing done when one wakes up, before work is started, and before one goes to sleep. This is programming the mind for success.
Visualization is executed by seeing a future event in as great detail as one can. It must involve all the senses, even taste and smell. The objective is to create a compelling vision that the mind will readily accept as reality. If done correctly, the mind will subconsciously work towards the fulfillment of that desire.
The mind is a powerful tool for success. Because it is like a sponge, one must be careful what one or others put in it. Use affirmations and visualizations to clean up your mind as well.
Nothing happens easily. However, employ some of the principles outlined here and in no time your self confidence will soar!
Best of luck.
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Choose how to React
By Penny | March 11, 2008
The human animal is the only organism so far known to be aware of its own existence. Untrained, this awareness does not help him overcome his instincts to react to any given situation. Frankl has found out that it is possible to use the will to make a choice on how one can react.
Other theories also hold true to this tenet. Sales people have long practiced that if one smiles long, he will eventually feel good about himself. In essence, he can make himself feel anything he wants. In essence, it is outside-in.
Smile even if there is no reason to smile. It will foster a sense of positivism that drives out negative thoughts. This is a two-edged sword. Try to frown and you can find yourself too serious to even let people near you. Our thoughts are fluid and they are ever in one state to the other.
The challenge is to keep them where you want them.
The Buddhists have long recommended breathing methods to clear the cobwebs from your everyday life. They believe that a sense of detachment and awareness of one’s state is the key to dealing with unbalanced emotion.
The effect of breathing is that concentrating on the breath is a source of steadiness that is much needed when one needs a sense of control. Breathing deeply and concentrating on it also loosens hold on the ego. It supplies the body with more oxygen to fight the effects of stress.
The Buddhists sense of detachment lessens the stress of responsibility by teaching the practitioner to not be concerned on the outcome of a task, but to only enjoy the process. Coupled with an emphasis on simplicity, compassion, and exercise, the lifestyle Buddhists lead is full of activity yet does not affect their outlook in life.
The test is still to catch yourself when you are too stressed to function well. This is where choice comes in. You make the choice to stop work when going on will be counter-productive. You choose whether it is feasible to commit to a project when you know you already have your hands full. Awareness is the gauge that tells you when you have too much. Choice is the lever that you turn to ease the pressure.
Part of choosing is when to say no. When presented with an opportunity. One must ask if the opportunity is feasible and if there it time to devote to it? If it is not, then there should be no shame in declining. Overloading oneself is another sign of poor choice, and doesn’t do you or the inviting party any lasting good.
The key is the awareness to response with an appropriate choice.
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Setting SMART goals
By Penny | March 4, 2008
SMART is an acronym for the following bywords:
- Specific. The goal has to be as detailed as possible. This is to reduce the time to think about what the goal is. This must answer the basic questions of Who, What, When, Where, Which and Why.
The more specific the goal, the more the end result can be envisioned by the goal setter. This dovetails into the sports theory that an athlete can see the goal before it is attained through training. Studies have affirmed that visualization helps immensely in the attainments of a desired goal.
- Measurable. When setting goals, it is must also be specific that progress can be held up against a measure, or a benchmark. In bodybuilding, it is measurable to state that the goal is to bench press a weight of 200 pounds in two months time.
The old adage states that if “it can be measured, it can be attained†is also a known fact among athletes. Athletes keep a record of their performance on and off the field of contest in order to have something to compare against. They even measure other athletes in different sports to improve their understanding.
- Attainable. This is a part where you determine the will to reach your goals. Do you think the goal is attainable? Will it help you fulfill your overall goal? The more specific a goal is, the more you can find ways of reaching your target. You develop and educate yourself on reaching those goals.
- Realistic. Does it make logical sense? Getting to Mars and back within 20 days is a goal, but with the resources, you have, is it realistic? Will it take a huge effort to achieve the objective? A person must be willing and especially able to achieve the goal.
It is still realistic to aim high. It has to do with the rewards received, or the way the goal moves you forward. If you do not possess the skills or inclination to reach the goal, then the goals is unrealistic. No amount of motivation can get a man to do what he despises.
- Time-bound. This is the most important of all. A goal has to have a deadline. This is to prevent the goal setter from letting his goal slide from one day to the next. The true price paid for goals is the time you give the goal.
Remember this, time is the true price paid for your dreams, the earlier the dream can be achieved, the more time you have to enjoy it.
Don’t let other people rob you of your goals, use the SMART method and share it with others so you can help each other reach your goals.
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Dreams - Torch
By Penny | February 26, 2008
A torchlight or beam in a dream is shining a spotlight on something you need to be aware of. Pay close attention to what the beam is showing you.
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Common Symptoms Of Adolescent depression
By Penny | February 12, 2008
There are certain telltale signs and symptoms that point in the direction of an adolescent having adolescent depression and these include changes in appetite, changes in sleep, loss of interest in favorite activities, irritableness as well as irrational response to frustration and finally, statements of despair.
Changes In Appetite
Changes in appetite are a sure sign of adolescent depression and are one of the key symptoms that an adolescent is becoming, or is already depressed. The change may be noticed in the form of eating too much, or eating too little, or even not eating at all for prolonged periods of time. It should not be mistaken for an eating disorder though sometimes such symptoms could develop into further pathological behaviors, especially if the patient starts to feel better following a change in diet.
Much like changes in diet, changes in sleep are also symptomatic of adolescent depression though the behavior varies from individual to individual. However, a drastic change in sleep behavior that does not have any rational reason behind such behavioral change is what one should be looking for.
There may also be a reduction in interest in activities that were previously favorites of the patient, and this is another common adolescent depression symptom that is noticeable in children. It is not the same as when a child outgrows his or her likes for a particular activity because he or she is not of an age for which such activity is appropriate. If a child loves a sport and during the middle of the season suddenly decides to abstain from taking part in that sport, then that is reason to be concerned and it could well be an adolescent depression condition.
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The Language of Flowers: Gerbera Daisy
By Penny | February 12, 2008
Gerbera daisies come in a vibrant rainbow of colors - pink, white, yellow red are just a few of the gorgeous colors that these happy flowers boast.
The gerbera currently ranks as the fifth most popular flower in the world behind the rose, carnation, chrysanthemum, and tulip.
The meanings of gerbera daisies stem from those of to the daisy family in general. These meanings include innocence and purity, and daisies are also a classic symbol of beauty. However, the gerbera variety holds an added meaning of cheerfulness, which stems from the assortment of colors available.
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The Language of Flowers: Iris
By Penny | January 29, 2008
The iris flower is rich with meanings and convey deep sentiments. Over 200 varieties are found worldwide. They have a wide spectrum of colors takes its name from the Greek word for “rainbow”.
The iris’s history dates back to Ancient Greece when the goddess Iris, the messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow, acted as the link between heaven and earth.
Purple irises were planted over the graves of women to summon the goddess to guide the dead in their journey. Ancient Egyptian kings marveled in the iris’s exotic nature, and drawings have been found of the flower in a number of Egyptian palaces. During the Middle Ages, irises became linked to the French monarchy, and the Fleur-de-lis eventually became the recognized national symbol of France. 
From their earliest years, irises were used to make perfume and as a medicinal remedy. Today, they are primarily seen in gardens, in bouquets, and in the wild all over the world.
Through its intricate history, the meanings of the iris has come to include faith, hope, and wisdom. Depending on factors such as color and region, irises may bear additional meanings as well. In some parts of the world, the dark blue or purple iris can denote royalty, whereas the yellow iris can be a symbol of passion. Irises may also express courage and admiration.
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The Language of Flowers: Red Rose
By Penny | January 15, 2008
The Red Rose carries more meaning than many other color roses and is a universal symbol. The long history of the red rose has lent it a wealth of significance. Red roses have been represented in countless works of art, from classical paintings and poetry to modern day music and media. They have appeared throughout history and across many cultures as political and religious symbols. The mystique of the red rose has been a source of immeasurable inspiration for many throughout the ages. However, it is as the symbol for love that the red rose is most commonly recognized.
Red roses, as we think of them today, are the traditional symbol for love and romance. The modern red rose we are now familiar with was introduced to Europe from China in the 1800’s. However, the meanings associated with them can be traced back many centuries, even to some of the earliest societies. The color red itself evolved from an early primal symbol for life into a metaphor for deep emotion. In Greek and Roman mythology the red rose was closely tied to the goddess of love. Many early cultures used red roses to decorate marriage ceremonies and they were often a part of traditional wedding attire. Through this practice, the red rose became known as a symbol for love and fidelity. As the tradition of exchanging roses and other flowers as gifts of affection came into prevalence, the red rose naturally became the flower of choice for sending the strongest message of love. This is a tradition that has endured to the present day.
Red roses continue to be the most popular way to say “I love you” to someone special. The rich heritage of the red rose has culminated in its modern day image as the lover’s rose. They are the definitive symbol for romantic sentiments, representing true love, stronger than thorns. For the budding relationship, a red rose bouquet can also signal the beginning of romantic intentions. They can send a message of commitment and an invitation to take the next step.
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The Language of Flowers: Sunflower
By Penny | January 8, 2008
Bright and cheery, bold yet comfortable, sunflowers have brilliant yellow petals that surround the flower’s center giving it an unmistakable sun-like appearance. Sunflowers come in a number of varieties, ranging from small to large and from daylight yellows to sunset reds.
The use of sunflower images as religious symbols has also been documented in some native societies. With the European exploration of the New World, the sunflower was brought to new areas, and the flower’s popularity eventually spread as the rest of the world began to appreciate its beauty and sustenance. Today sunflowers have become recognized as a floral symbol of great significance.
Much of the meaning of sunflowers stems from its namesake, the sun itself. Wild sunflowers are often photographed with their tall stalks and bright petals stretched towards the sun. This unique behavior, known as phototropism, is a motif that has appeared in many ancient myths and is viewed as a symbol of loyalty and constancy. Their physical resemblance to the sun has also influenced their meanings. The sunflower’s petals have been likened to bright yellow rays of sunshine, which evoke feelings of warmth and happiness. In addition, the sunflower is often associated with adoration and longevity.
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How to Use a Natural Remedy for Depression
By Penny | December 28, 2007
First, before you do anything else, if you believe you are depressed, see your family practice physician or psychiatrist right away. Don’t try a natural remedy for depression unless you have been professionally diagnosed with this illness. Together, you and your physician will decide the best way to treat your depression. If you would like to try a natural remedy for depression, your physician can advise you of the pros and cons of this approach and provide you with educational reading material about natural remedies for depression.
 St. John’s Wort is the best-known natural remedy for mild to moderate depression. This includes seasonal affective disorder (a form of depression that occurs in the wintery, darker days), anxiety, and insomnia, both of which are associated with depression. St. John’s Wort is a wild-growing plant with orange petals; it also has anti-viral properties. As a natural remedy for depression, it is thought to work the same way that prescription anti-depressant medications called Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs work; by elevating the levels of the brain neurotransmitter, serotonin, that governs moods, sleep, appetite and other body functions. Prozac, Effexor, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, and other SSRIs should never be taken with St. John’s Wort; it is a choice of one over another. You always have a choice. If St. John’s Wort does not work for you, you can try one of the prescription anti-depressants.
Many natural remedies have side effects when combined with other herbs, plants or prescription drugs. St John’s Wort can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and the AIDS medication Indinvir, and the triptan class of migraine relievers. It can cause miscarriage and uterine bleeding and sensitivity to sunlight.
Other natural remedies for depression that don’t appear to work as well as St. John’s Wort are Valerian root, a natural sleep aid and sedative, soy lecithin, wild oats, and the California poppy. It should be noted that the seeds of the California poppy are not the same as the opium poppy, the seeds that produce the narcotics opium, thebaine, and codeine. The California poppy acts as a mild sedative, relieving the anxiety commonly associated with depression.
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