The Fear Factor

Daily Inspiration

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!” That quote from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1933 inaugural address is probably the most famous quote ever spoken about fear.

Today, I’d like to address this powerful and inescapable part of our shared human experience because, no matter who you are or where you’re from, you’ll definitely come face-to-face with fear sometime. Some people fall to their knees and become immobilized when confronted with fear; others find a way to mine their fear for added motivation and energy.

Before we get into the specifics, let’s first define our term. Fear is actually a state of mind that, in turn, creates both biological and psychological reactions. It’s loosely defined as an intense feeling of concern, dread, panic or anxiety about something real that’s about to happen or something that you imagine may happen in the future.

There are basically two very different types of fear. For the sake of simplicity, let’s call them real fear and imagined fear. Real fear is anything attached to an actual concrete event. For example, you have a fear of flying and are about to step onto an airplane for a long flight. With imagined fear, using the same airplane example, you’re terrified to get on the plane because you fear it will fall from the sky and crash. In both of these situations, fear creates an unsettled and panicked mindset that produces a myriad of physical and emotional reactions.

Fear is such an ordinary human experience that we tend to have a lot of fears in common. Some of the most common fears that people share are included below:

Fear of flying
Fear of public speaking
Fear of heights
Fear of the dark
Fear of death
Fear of failure
Fear of rejection
Fear of spiders and other critters
Fear of commitment
Fear of the unknown
Fear of being alone
Fear of financial problems
Fear of getting seriously ill

As I stated earlier, fear is actually a state of mind. In this way, fear is fundamentally and intimately tied to the self-talk that goes on inside your head. If you can change that internal dialogue, you can diffuse your fear.

For example, there’s a behavioral therapeutic approach to managing fear, anxiety and phobias called Systematic Desensitization. It operates under the simple premise that what has been learned can also be unlearned. With the help of the therapist, you’re gradually taught to incrementally confront your fear with the use of imagery, relaxation training and other techniques.

Fear is also the trigger for the infamous fight-or-flight response in humans. The flight-or-flight response propels people, when confronted with a situation that causes fear, to either dig in and make a stand or turn tail and run for the hills. However, with fear, there’s also a third option that many people experience: They become paralyzed and aren’t able to act at all.

One of the keys to living a happy, healthy life lies in learning how to deal with fear. Depending on the extent of the fear and how debilitating it is, you may need to see a professional therapist for help.

In most cases, however, most of us find a way to push through those things that scare us without professional assistance. For the sake of brevity, I offer you a simple four step process using F.E.A.R. as an acronym:

1. Face it head on
2. Evaluate the irrational thoughts creating the fear
3. Attack those irrational thoughts
4. Re-approach with a new mindset

As the late Dale Carnegie once said, “You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind.”

What is fear preventing you from doing or accomplishing in your life?

Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare

www.innerdiet.com

http://www.lifescript.com/soul/self/growth/the_fear_factor_2012.aspx?utm_campaign=2012-09-21-124016&utm_source=daily-reflections&utm_medium=email&utm_content=todays-inspiration_The_Fear_Factor_2012&VID=124016&FromNL=1&sc_date=20120921T000000

Do not suppress it - that would hurt you inside. Do not express it - this would not only hurt you inside, it would cause ripples in your surroundings. What you do is transform it. --Peace Pilgrim

How to Transform Negative Emotions
--by Viral Mehta, Original Story, Sep 19, 2011

It was a cold night in a wooded area, extremely dark, with no moon in the sky. I must've strayed off of the path at some point. I shuffled my feet around, trying to feel for the smoothness of the trail. But there was just wet grass. The moment I realized I was lost, there was an immediate surge of fear. In situations like these, where we suddenly experience an intense emotion, we often find ourselves facing a storm of "what-if" scenarios: "What if I don't find the trail? What if I can't find my way back? What if I have to be outside in the freezing cold all night?"

Before we know it, we are feeding these negative thoughts, which in turn strengthens the emotional response, and the vicious cycle intensifies. The problem isn't in the thoughts themselves, or even in the emotion. The word emotion comes from the Latinemovere, meaning to "move through or out." So in its original form, there isn't any trace of clinging to, or rejecting, these movements. But instead of allowing emotions to move through and out of us, we often feed them with negative thoughts and end up giving them long-term residence. In short order, the guests take over the house, leaving us reeling and unable to truly be in control.

So how do we turn this unhelpful pattern around? The key to any pattern is repetition. But in the case of such reactivity, this repetition is actually happening below the radar of our conscious mind. By the time a situation escalates to the point of emotion, we often find ourselves overpowered. The challenge, then, comes in sharpening our awareness so that we become sensitive to smaller versions of these same emotions.

Luckily, such micro-emotions bubble up in everyday experiences. Take an unrelated example. Say someone makes a snide remark in a meeting at work, and though it isn't a direct attack, I find myself a bit bothered. Just by having become conscious of that feeling arising, I put myself in the position to then see how it has started influencing me. What I'm thinking about is different, I'm no longer as attentive to the actual meeting and I'm feeling a bit resistant to other things that person is saying. All because of one small comment.

By consciously taking our attention to subtler levels of everyday experiences, we start to fine tune our awareness. We become increasingly awake to what's happening inside: perceptions, thoughts, feelings and sensations are constantly arising and passing. Luckily, this kind of attention is like a muscle: it gets stronger with use. The more we focus in this way, the more we start to see, but the real benefit isn't in just having more information.

The true value actually lies in understanding all the connections between these multiple aspects of our reality. We see that our interpretation affects how we feel and that, in turn, affects what we think, say and do. We start seeing the small ways in which we're "off," and more importantly, we experience their immediate effects. This becomes the basis for a powerful feedback loop and shows us where we have choice.

Initially, this choice won't shift things completely. But as we start to actually make more micro-decisions the momentum turns, and those everyday moments help in breaking our unconscious patterns. Perhaps before, that snide remark might've led to spending the next 10 minutes on coming up with a smart rejoinder. Then, it's down to two minutes before I realize what's happening. Soon, we find that our emotional reactivity has decreased, and we are catching things before they build up. Eventually, instead of getting lodged, these mini emotions flow right through us. As a result, we buy back our own time, as well as the space to re-engage with what's actually happening.

It might seem the antagonism that arises in meetings has nothing to do with the fear that arises when we're lost. But they actually share the same fundamental building blocks: a lack of deeper awareness, and therefore, an inability to make choices in how we respond. In the words of Victor Frankl, the great psychiatrist who survived the horrors of concentration camp: "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances"

No one can take away that freedom, but no one can give it to us either -- we have to practice it. We can make every situation a gateway to shift our patterns, knowing that the effects of this change ripple beyond just that moment. Then, as we find ourselves facing a tricky situation, we recognize that experience as a series of smaller, consecutive moments, each with its own choice. When these choices become more and more conscious, the cycle of negativity never gets a chance to kick in and intense emotions don't get a chance to set up shop.

On that cold night, soon after I'd gotten lost, I experienced how this process played out. Though I have far from perfected the art, in that moment, the fear came and didn't find a lasting foothold. I soon found my way back onto the trail and also stumbled onto this little truth along the way: choice is the practice and its own reward.

http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?sid=89

The education of attention would be an education par excellence. --William James

How to Trick Your Brain for Happiness

--by Rick Hanson, Greater Good, Sep 15, 2012

There’s this great line by Ani Tenzin Palmo, an English woman who spent 12 years in a cave in Tibet: “We do not know what a thought is, yet we’re thinking them all the time.”

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It’s true. The amount of knowledge we have about the brain has doubled in the last 20 years. Yet there’s still a lot we don’t know.

In recent years, though, we have started to better understand the neural bases of states like happiness, gratitude, resilience, love, compassion, and so forth. And better understanding them means we can skillfully stimulate the neural substrates of those states—which, in turn, means we can strengthen them. Because as the famous saying by the Canadian scientist Donald Hebb goes, “Neurons that fire together, wire together.”

Ultimately, what this can mean is that with proper practice, we can increasingly trick our neural machinery to cultivate positive states of mind.

But in order to understand how, you need to understand three important facts about the brain.

Fact one: As the brain changes, the mind changes, for better or worse.

Resources

Take this quiz to learn how mindful you are.

Register for our upcoming full-day seminar with Dr. Hanson on "Taking in the Good."

Watch clips from Dr. Hanson's Greater Good last talk.

Learn more about Dr. Hanson's work, including his books Buddha's Brain and Just One Thing, on his website.

For example, more activation in the left prefrontal cortex is associated with more positive emotions.

So as there is greater activation in the left, front portion of your brain relative to the right, there is also greater well-being. That’s probably in large part because the left prefrontal cortex is a major part of the brain for controlling negative emotion. So if you put the breaks on the negative, you get more of the positive.

On the other hand, people who routinely experience chronic stress—particularly acute, even traumatic stress—release the hormone cortisol, which literally eats away, almost like an acid bath, at the hippocampus, which is a part of the brain that’s very engaged in visual-spatial memory as well as memory for context and setting.

For example, adults who have had that history of stress and have lost up to 25 percent of the volume of this critically important part of the brain are less able to form new memories.

So we can see that as the brain changes, the mind changes. And that takes us to the second fact, which is where things really start getting interesting.

http://youtu.be/CRvMCIpGdE8

Fact two: As the mind changes, the brain changes.

These changes happen in temporary and in lasting ways. In terms of temporary changes, the flow of different neurochemicals in the brain will vary at different times. For instance, when people consciously practice gratitude, they are likely getting higher flows of reward-related neurotransmitters, like dopamine. Research suggests that when people practice gratitude, they experience a general alerting and brightening of the mind, and that’s probably correlated with more of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine.

Here’s another example of how changes in mental activity can produce changes in neural activity: When college students deeply in love are shown a picture of their sweetheart, their brains become more active in the caudate nucleus, a reward center of the brain. As the mind changes—that rush of love, that deep feeling of happiness and reward—correlates with activation of a particular part of the brain. When they stop looking at that picture of their sweetheart, the reward center goes back to sleep.

Now the mind also can change the brain in lasting ways. In other words, what flows through the mind sculpts the brain. I define the mind as the flow of immaterial information through the nervous system—all the signals being sent, most of which are happening forever outside of consciousness.

As the mind flows through the brain, as neurons fire together in particularly patterned ways based on the information they are representing, those patterns of neural activity change neural structure.

So busy regions of the brain start stitching new connections with each other. Existing synapses—the connections between neurons that are very busy—get stronger, they get more sensitive, they start building out more receptors. New synapses form as well.

One of my favorite studies of this involved taxi cab drivers in London. To get a taxi license there, you’ve got to memorize the spaghetti-like streets of London. Well, at the end of the drivers’ training, the hippocampus of their brain—a part very involved in visual-spatial memory—is measurably thicker.

In other words, neurons that fire together wire together, even to the point of being observably thicker.

http://youtu.be/gDl6_9TmgCY

This has also been found among meditators: People who maintain some kind of regular meditative practice actually have measurably thicker brains in certain key regions. One of those regions is the insula, which is involved in what’s called “interoception”—tuning into the state of your body, as well as your deep feelings. This should be no surprise: A lot of what they’re doing is practicing mindfulness of breathing, staying really present with what’s going on inside themselves; no wonder they’re using, and therefore building, the insula.

Another region is the frontal regions of the prefrontal cortex—areas involved in controlling attention. Again, this should be no surprise: They’re focusing their attention in their meditation, so they’re getting more control over it, and they’re strengthening its neural basis.

What’s more, research has also shown that it’s possible to slow the loss of our brain cells. Normally, we lose about 10,000 brain cells a day. That may sound horrible, but we were born with 1.1 trillion. We also have several thousand born each day, mainly in the hippocampus, in what’s called neurogenesis.

So losing 10,000 a day isn’t that big a deal, but the net bottom line is that a typical 80 year old will have lost about 4 percent of his or her brain mass—it’s called “cortical thinning with aging.” It’s a normal process.

But in one study, researchers compared meditators and non-meditators. In the graph to the left, the meditators are the blue circles and the non-meditators are the red squares, comparing people of the same age. The non-meditators experienced normal cortical thinning in those two brain regions I mentioned above, along with a third, the somatosensory cortex.

However, the people who routinely meditated and “worked” their brain did not experience cortical thinning in those regions.

That has a big implication for an aging population: Use it or lose it, which applies to the brain as well as to other aspects of life.

That highlights an important point that I think is a major takeaway in this territory: Experience really matters. It doesn’t matter only in our moment-to-moment well-being—how it feels to be me—but it really matters in the lasting residues that it leaves behind, woven into our very being.

Which takes us to the third fact, which is the one with the most practical import.

Fact three: You can use the mind to change the brain to change the mind for the better.

This is known as “self-directed neuroplasticity.” Neuroplasticity refers to the malleable nature of the brain, and it’s constant, ongoing. Self-directed neuroplasticity means doing it with clarity and skillfulness and intention.

The key to it is a controlled use of attention. Attention is like a spotlight, to be sure, shining on things within our awareness. But it’s also like vacuum cleaner, sucking whatever it rests upon into the brain, for better or worse.

For example, if we rest our attention routinely on what we resent or regret—our hassles, our lousy roommate, what Jean-Paul Sartre called “hell” (other people)—then we’re going to build out the neural substrates of those thoughts and feelings.

On the other hand, if we rest our attention on the things for which we’re grateful, the blessings in our life—the wholesome qualities in ourselves and the world around us; the things we get done, most of which are fairly small yet they’re accomplishments nonetheless—then we build up very different neural substrates.

I think that’s why, more than 100 years ago, before there were things like MRIs, William James. the father of psychology in America, said. “The education of attention would be an education par excellence.”

The problem, of course, is that most people don’t have very good control over their attention. Part of this is due to human nature, shaped by evolution: Our forbearers who just focused on the reflection of sunlight in the water—they got chomped by predators. But those who were constantly vigilant—they lived.

And today we are constantly bombarded with stimuli that the brain has not evolved to handle. So gaining more control over attention one way or another is really crucial, whether it’s through the practice of mindfulness, for instance, or through gratitude practices, where we count our blessings.

Those are great ways to gain control over your attention because there you are, for 30 seconds or 30 minutes, coming back to focus on an object of awareness.

http://youtu.be/uPXOASa1shY

Taking in the good

This brings me to one of my favorite methods for deliberately using the mind to change the brain over time for the better: taking in the good.

Just having positive experiences is not enough to promote last well-being. If a person feels grateful for a few seconds, that’s nice. That’s better than feeling resentful or bitter for a few seconds. But in order to really suck that experience into the brain, we need to stay with those experiences for a longer duration of time—we need to take steps, consciously, to keep that spotlight of attention on the positive.

So, how do we actually do this? These are the three steps I recommend for taking in the good. I should note that I did not invent these steps. They are embedded in many good therapies and life practices.

But I’ve tried to tease them apart and embed them in an evolutionary understanding of how the brain works.

1. Let a good fact become a good experience. Often we go through life and some good thing happens—a little thing, like we checked off an item on our To Do list, we survived another day at work, the flowers are blooming, and so forth. Hey, this is an opportunity to feel good. Don’t leave money lying on the table: Recognize that this is an opportunity to let yourself truly feel good.

2. Really savor this positive experience. Practice what any school teacher knows: If you want to help people learn something, make it as intense as possible—in this case, as felt in the body as possible—for as long as possible.

3. Finally, as you sink into this experience, sense your intent that this experience is sinking into you.

Sometimes people do this through visualization, like by perceiving a golden light coming into themselves or a soothing balm inside themselves. You might imagine a jewel going into the treasure chest in your heart—or just know that this experience is sinking into you, becoming a resource you can take with you wherever you go.

http://www.dailygood.org/

Benefits of Sustainable Living

10 Ways to Live More Sustainably

What do Natural, DIY bloggers talk about in the car? Usually stuff like this:

“How many simple sustainable living tips can you list? GO!”

It took only a few minutes to come up with this list of 10 ideas; some we’ve covered before, but they’re always worth mentioning again.

If you’re scratching your head about what living a sustainable lifestyle means and why it’s important, consider these manifest advantages.

Using less resources – The ability to be sustained in certain areas of life means that you’re not depleting resources. Whether you’re concerned with saving trees, using less energy, or saving water, sustainable habits will support these (and many more) natural resources.

Eliminating harmful chemicals in your home – When you begin “going green” or learning how to make more of your own products at home, you are reducing the chances that harmful chemicals will be present in things your family uses. Your family’s health is no longer compromised by chemical-laden products and the earth is protected from the disposal of these chemicals.

Saving money – Learning to live sustainably almost always results in savings. Sometimes huge savings! When you are relying more on yourself and less on large companies to provide life’s essentials, the profit-driven middle man is removed from the equation. A more sustainable mindset will also cause you to reconsider purchasing certain products or services you once thought were absolutely necessities.

Simplifying – Sustainability is about checking out the big picture. Do I really need this big house, or could we create a happy home in less square footage? Do I absolutely need a closet full of this season’s latest fashions, or can I be creative with a few wardrobe staples? Do my kids need a room full of toys, or could they survive on one toy chest full? Should we take a trip to the amusement park or spend the time planting our garden? These are questions that quickly come into perspective when your goal is sustainability. You need less, buy less, spend less, and ultimately want less.

Creating less waste – When you purchase less and make more of your own products, far less packaging is used. Have you noticed how companies go so overboard with packaging? Sustainability promotes using what you have until it can’t be used anymore, recycling, and purchasing used.

Increasing personal skills/knowledge – Living sustainably always comes with great lessons. Have you ever researched specific ingredients so you could prepare more healthful food? Or found and followed a great do-it-yourself tutorial? Your personal skills and knowledge base grow each time you take steps in sustainability.

10 Sustainable Living Tips

Compare this list against your curent practices and challenge yourself to tackle one at a time.
We’re depending on YOU to help advance the sustainable revolution.

1. Bring your own water bottle

I’m starting with one of the easiest things you can do to save resources, create less waste, and save money. If you’re still buying bottled water, take a trip to the store and check the oodles of great reusable water bottles on the market. We don’t go ANYWHERE without our BPA free Nalgene water bottles. Get into the habit of treating your reusable water bottle like your purse or your wallet. Make sure it goes to work, school, and around town with you.

2. Use handkerchiefs instead of tissues

I recently wrote about my transition to hankies and caused quite a flurry of controversy. The issue of germs becomes a barrier for some, but can be easily remedied by keeping clean hankies on hand and putting soiled hankies in directly into the laundry or a reusable wet bag to avoid spreading germs. This sustainable practice saves money, uses less resources, and creates less (germy) waste around the house.

3. Bring your own shopping bags

Don’t just take your reusable shopping bags to the grocery store…take them everywhere. Haul them to the Farmer’s Market, the Dollar Store, the hardware store, or even GoodWill. Have you seen the documentary “Bag It,” about the impact plastic bag usage has on the environment and our health?

After watching this documentary, Matt and I won’t even use the little plastic produce bags.

Make a small investment in a few shopping bags and reusable produce bags that will last several years, or better yet, make your own! How do I solve the problem of standing in line at the store and realizing I forgot my bags in the car? I have a set of Chico Bags that stuff into a tiny ball when not in use, and sit in the bottom of my purse so I always have them. Don’t carry a purse? Keep your bags in a place you will see them and remember to take them with you.

4. Reusable cloths instead of paper towel

We used to go through enormous packages of paper towel in our wasteful heyday. Those enormous packages have an equally enormous price tag. And it all gets thrown away! Ugh! Make a switch to reusable cloths…microfiber towels, cotton dishrags, or even old t-shirt squares. Keep a stack of towels in drawers or baskets around the house, making them easily accessible when family members need to clean up a mess. If you can’t commit to eliminating paper towels completely, hide your paper towels (so you’re not as inclined to use them) and see if you can get by without them for MOST things. Read more about using less paper products in your house.

5. BYO to-go containers and silverware

We haven’t actually tried this one yet, but are dying to see the looks on faces when we pull out our own to-go container for leftovers while dining out. Or what about busting out a set of bamboo silverware at an event where plastic is being used? We can’t think of any reason we wouldn’t be allowed to bring our own. It would create so much less waste, and you would have control over the materials your containers and silverware were made from. (I hate when a server puts my hot food into a styrofoam to-go container! Ew!) Trying this experiment might even give onlookers the courage to do the same.

6. Make your own cleaners

Large companies have duped us into believing we need a separate cleaner for every job in the house. Not true! We also don’t need to fill our home with cupboards full of harsh chemical cleaners. Making your own cleaners is so simple and fun we wrote an entire book on the subject. Natural ingredients can be purchased very inexpensively, and can be used for many purposes around the house. Family members with allergies, asthma, or other health conditions can benefit from chemical-free homemade cleaning products. Consider purchasing our book to learn how to make all your own household cleaners.

7. Make your own beauty products

Wouldn’t you love to have complete control over all the ingredients in your personal care products? Starting with a few simple products, like deodorant or shampoo, is a great way to get started if you haven’t dabbled in this sustainable area yet. It’s astonishing that the regulations on cosmetic ingredients still aren’t very stringent. Making your own will help you eliminate harmful ingredients in your products, save money, learn new skills, and simplify your products. Furthermore, if you make your own you can use upcycled containers, eliminating all kinds of waste from packaging.

8. Grow your own food

The more food you can grow, the more you can cook at home and preserve. It cuts down on grocery bills, increases your sustainability, and creates a wonderful sense of accomplishment at harvest time.

Growing your own food doesn’t have to mean becoming a small-scale farm. Grow herbs in the windowsill, or a few of your favorite plants on a balcony or porch.

9. Make your own condiments

A good rule of thumb: if it’s sold in the store, you can make it at home. Yours will be cheaper, made from ingredients you choose, and designed for your tastebuds. Your skills in the kitchen will increase, and your friends will think you’re genius. Get some tips at Nourished Kitchen for some great, healthy condiment recipes.

10. Become a one car family

We finally bit the bullet a few months ago and made the permanent transition from two cars to one.

Now that we both work from home it was a logical choice. Travel may require planning ahead and rearranging schedules, but being a one car family is a great lesson in sustainability. We’re saving gas, eliminating operational costs for another vehicle, and learning to plan ahead and run all our errands during one trip. I know owning one car would be more difficult for some families than others, but sometimes you never know you can do it until you try it. Consider biking, walking, or utilizing public transportation as other sustainable travel habits.

A Sustainable Living Challenge

This conversation is just beginning…

Are you already doing all of these things to live sustainably? If not, we challenge you to choose one (or more) that you can adopt – let us know what it will be.

What ways are you living sustainably that are not mentioned in this article?

The community depends on your input!

http://www.diynatural.com/what-is-sustainable-living/

Abundance is a fact of nature. It is a fundamental law of nature, that there is enough and it is finite. Its finiteness is no threat; it creates a more accurate relationship that commands respect, reverence, and managing those resources with the knowledge that they are precious and in ways that do the most good for the most people. --Lynne Twist

Living with Just Enough

--by Azby Brown, Original Story, Sep 19, 2012

By now we are all extremely familiar with the litany of challenges we face as a global species, the threats of scarcity which pit state against state and community against community, problems manmade and visible in nature: growing population, increasing urbanization, deforestation, damaged watersheds, over-consumption of resources, energy shortages, waste, pollution....All of us could easily add to this list. We know there will be no easy fixes, no panaceas, but nevertheless as we try to set priorities and search for the most promising ways to approach these problems, many of us find ourselves looking to different cultures and to earlier eras for inspiration. In this regard, the Edo period of Japan has a lot to teach us. We could in fact use it as a model of how to flip impending environmental collapse into sustainability, primarily by allowing a rich and insightful mindset rooted in centuries of experience and wisdom to guide our decisions.

The Edo Period began in 1603, at the close of 200 years of civil war, and lasted two and a half centuries, coming to an end in 1868 as the country opened to the world and was first exposed to the fruits of the industrial revolution. Most of what we think of as "traditional" Japanese design comes from this era, when shoguns ruled and society was a strictly delineated hierarchical pyramid with samurai at the top, merchants at the bottom, and farmers and craftsmen, the bulk of society, in the middle. During this time the population rose to about 30 million, roughly comparable to Canada or Peru today, and the city of Edo -- renamed Tokyo in 1868 -- was home to over 1.3 million residents.

At the beginning of the Edo period, the people found that they had deforested their mountains and were suffering from a cascade of ill effects, such as damaged watersheds and decreasing agricultural productivity. Most resources, such as iron ore and potential fuel sources, were scarce; firewood itself was at a premium. Even more significantly, there was very little arable land, and by the mid-18th century all the land that could be used for farming was already utilized. The period began with shortages and famine, but after two or three generations of wise regeneration, the large population was enjoying a quality of life arguably higher than in any contemporary European country. The forests had been saved, agricultural production had increased manyfold, and culture and literacy were on the rise.

Beauty depended upon how well a thing helped people fulfill a host of unstated requirements that lent life its meaning and purpose and helped sustain it indefinitely into the future.

The specialization that so distinguishes our culture and technology today -- the very productive mental tools we have developed that enable us to break problems down into elements that can be worked on in isolation -- would seem very odd, even incomprehensible, to a Japanese of the Edo period. True, the society was rigidly stratified and in that sense specialized, and people worked for years to master specific trades. A miso shop was unlikely to sell kimonos.

But the culture as a whole was pervaded by a sense of time in which outcomes were measured in centuries, and in which it was nearly impossible to plan even simple tasks without a broader awareness of chains of consequences that would emerge from one's actions, or of the origins, destinations, and connections among the people and things which supported human life like a vast web of interconnected spirit. As is the case in so many pre-industrial societies, people were trained from an early age to be generalists, to be multi-competent, and to always be aware of the big picture. Religion, particularly Zen Buddhism, but also Shinto and Confucianism, acted as a balanced bed of "common sense" which encouraged such thinking.

Through the influence of these values, reflected in both commoner's proverbs and in the writings of the cultured elite, problems were defined in such a way that the need for long-term thinking, conservation of energy and resources, the need to work with instead of against natural forces, and the importance of providing meaningful work for everyone instead of endlessly seeking to minimize labor, became requirements so well understood they rarely needed to be explicitly stated.

Consequently, a farmer planning an irrigation channel would find it impossible to do so without relying on his understanding of the forest, the seasons, and the wildlife that would be affected.

A carpenter planning a temple would begin at the mountain from which his timber would come, analyzing the wind and watershed there. A blacksmith forging a hoe blade knew that the fuel he gathered for his fire would remain adequate to his needs only if he did not damage the forest while gathering it, and designed the blade to be repairable and replaceable as well. By nature and by training, at every level of society individuals learned to identify important nodes amid the myriad relationships they encountered in the natural world, little fulcrums, so to speak, where applying the right amount of effort would reap the greatest mutual benefit.

Water and fuel were both precious, for instance, so Edo Japanese considered hot water nearly sacramental, transforming both tea drinking and bathing into important rituals; everything that produced and used hot water was designed to achieve the greatest economy of fuel and fresh water use. The visual appearance of these things -- stoves, kettles, bathtubs, cups -- could be robust, elegant, fantastic, or even all three at once, but if it did not also perform the "magic" of efficient and waste-free operation, of being either recyclable or able to be used for generations (and then recycled), it would be considered a poor design, an ugly thing to own and use. And this, I think is one of the best-kept secrets of traditional Japanese design: beauty depended upon how well a thing helped people fulfill a host of unstated requirements that lent life its meaning and purpose and helped sustain it indefinitely into the future.

In an environment such as this, what kind of thought had to enter the design process in order to produce successful designs, which would continue to be used for a long time? Of course the item has to perform the function for which it was intended. The material of which it is made must be abundant and collectable without using much energy besides sun, water, gravity, and human power. Wood, bamboo, straw, and earth satisfied these requirements best in most cases, and this was reflected in the low cost of most items. Similarly, the manufacturing process had to use a minimum of external energy.

Because of this, iron and steel were quite expensive, and used sparingly. Beyond these basic requirements, the economics of reuse came into play as a set of secondary virtues. In particular, because wood was relatively scarce and its cutting was carefully controlled by law, a design that allowed wooden material to be reused would be very attractive. I don't want to give the impression that traditional Japanese craftsmen and artisans consciously subscribed to a set of theories that promoted functional, sustainable design. Instead, the people who made these things were supported by a society for whom these values were givens. As designers, they gave form to their users' expectations.

This way of thinking was stimulated by the scarcity of resources during this period, but even without scarcity as a motivator, this kind of awareness can undoubtedly lead people to a better life. Can design alone lead to a sustainable society? Probably not. But it can affect what we want, what we find attractive to own and use, and help initiate positive shifts in attitude. Once we start expecting everything we buy and use to embody less water and energy in its production, to be made from abundant and renewable materials, to be easily reused, reconfigured, and transformed into new items when worn out, and to see all this reflected in its form and appearance, then we will have planted the seeds of an Edo-like sensibility.

Can design alone lead to a sustainable society? Probably not. But it can affect what we want, what we find attractive to own and use, and help initiate positive shifts in attitude.

There is more to it, however. Edo society was literate and informed, and one of the government's major roles was the protection of the environment, which it did through forestry ordinances, waterworks, and promoting good agricultural practices by sponsoring how-to manuals and almanacs.

This was not through altruism or for the spiritual advancement of the rulers, but to ensure the safety and security of the realm and the longevity of the regime. Intriguingly, government policy was most effective when the goals and principles were laid out by the central bureaucracy and each region was encouraged to develop local solutions. In many ways, this local thinking and responsibility lay at the heart of the success of the program to achieve self-sufficiency and sustainability on a national scale.

Though a very active national trade network existed, each of the dozens of fiefdoms into which the country was divided was encouraged to be as self-sufficient as possible. Each village in a fief was encouraged to do the same, as was each family in a village. The result was what we might call a "mosaic of economies," in which government and trades people were the most dependent on the cash sector, while villagers could meet most of their needs without every touching money, utilizing a "gift economy" in which surplus goods were circulated as reciprocal gifts until every household had pretty much what it needed. Ironically, most low-ranking samurai, whose fixed incomes --paid in rice -- failed to keep pace with inflation, found themselves increasingly dependent on the same "gift economy" system. Unable to buy enough to eat, little by little they converted their urban pleasure gardens into vegetable plots, and, forbidden from selling their produce on the market, secured what they needed by circulating their surplus through a network that included their neighbors and relatives.

Edo period Japan was extremely fertile creatively, and extraordinarily inventive. It was a nation of makers and inventors. The importance of the cross-fertilization and innovation that emerges when most people in society are designers and practitioners of crafts is often overlooked. In the case of Japan, every household could be expected to have expert weavers, masters of straw crafts, fermenters, carvers, horticulturists and gardeners. They used very little of what we would call "machinery," depending instead on hand processes; you might say that Japanese training and experience produced a quality and consistency of production using handwork that the West only attained with machinery.

Beyond this, the ethics of the professional craftspeople -- carpenters, potters, blacksmiths, papermakers, and dozens of other trades -- established a personal bond between maker and user, the former expected to keep an item in good working order for the duration of its useful life, the latter expected to show appreciation through small gifts and remembrances. The making of a thing in most cases was the beginning of a long-term connection between people, and that connection was cause for celebration and acknowledgment. If nothing else, our society suffers from a lack of this kind of connection, and the fact that many of us are now willing to pay a high premium to possess handmade items whose maker is known to us shows that the hunger for these connections remains.

Changing design sensibilities both reflect changes in values and encourage them. A shift in what people find desirable to own and use, like the one I describe, might seem radical or unlikely, but historically we have experienced similar conversions time and again. The shift to mass production and consumer society over a century ago, rooted in a new appreciation of machines and the machine-made, was as complete as it was unanticipated. At the same time it has never gone unquestioned, and handmade, locally produced items have never entirely disappeared. Most of us bought in to the mass-production aesthetic long ago, even if we are barely aware of it. Cars, iPods, furniture, appliances, kitchenware, tools, bathrooms -- none of them would look the way they do if what was once called the "machine aesthetic" had not been rendered approachable and familiar by good designers during the last century. Those designers cribbed a lot of their best looks from traditional Japanese design.

Those who know the story of the emergence of Modernism in art and design know that when Japan opened itself to the world in 1868, creators of every stripe in the West were stunned by what they saw, and every artistic field absorbed Japanese influence, whether it was composition and color in the visual arts, low rooflines and open space in architecture, or structures made of simple, unadorned elements in furniture. True, there were a lot of lessons Western designers might have learned at the time from Japan but didn't, such as energy efficiency, design for reuse, and how to use enzyme-based biological processes such as the ones which make traditional lacquer and washi paper possible.

But it was the Japanese who first taught us how to see beauty in function. I would like to suggest that we are on the threshold of a new aesthetic shift fed by an altered awareness of our dependence on the environment and the importance of healing and preserving it that will permanently alter our sense of beauty. It might be going too far to call this an "Edo" aesthetic, but the values embodied in Edo culture will undoubtedly form a large part of its DNA.

"Sustainability happens when species learn to feed each other instead of fight each other." A thoughtful, short reflection from author Elizabeth Sahtouris.

http://www.awakin.org/read/view.php?tid=644

 ~ LIVING MULTIPLE REALITIES ~ PART 2 ~ via Suzanne Lie ~

As channeled by Suzanne Lie PhD suzanneliephd.blogspot.co.uk

Mytre Speaks:

Gradually, the cloud of Akashic Records began to clear. We wondered if this clearing was because we were collecting the necessary information we needed for our Mission. It was when we touched the final energy pattern and found ourselves hovering over the beautiful, pristine planet of New Earth that I knew we had completed our history lessons from the past and were ready for the NOW.

However, the vision did not vanish, so we relaxed into the experience. Allow me to take a moment to explain how we “read” the Akashic Records. We opened the energy patterns of the Akashic Membrane. We always did this while holding hands and using our free hands to simultaneously touch the glimmering information pattern. Then, a scene instantly surrounded us. We could merely observe the scene and/or we could interact with it. This experience was very similar to entering a holographic program.

When we found ourselves in New Earth, we felt such joy and unconditional love that we could hardly contain it. Hence, we modulated our breathing to accept this higher frequency of reality. We had just come from experiencing Gaia’s many difficult years of tottering on the edge of survival. Then, to suddenly experience Her true Nature of SELF was overwhelming joyful.

It was with this brief experience that we were suddenly “logged out” of the Akashic reality and found ourselves in the Holosuite standing in front of our dearest friend, the Arcturian.

“I see that you enjoyed the end-goal of your Mission,” the Arcturian said with an energy that felt like a smile. I know that is a novel concept for a smile to have an energy field, but everything has an energy field – including smiles.

“Yes,” the Arcturian responded to my thoughts. “Everything does have an energy field. However, it is more correct to say that every manifestation has an energy field, as the energy precedes the creation. Therefore, let us begin our lessons by each of you feeling your own energy field.”

In response to the Arcturians request, Mytria and I released the hands that we had not even realized were tightly grasped together. When we did so, we instantly felt our energy field shift. We stepped apart a few paces so that we could focus on just our own energy field and discovered that we instantly felt like something, actually someone, was missing.

My old feeling of sorrow and guilt threatened to invade my heart again, and I felt a certain aloofness take me over. Once again, I was compensating for my loss with a low-grade anger that I had never realized I even had. I focused on understanding that hidden anger and discovered it was the mask for fear. As a warrior, fear needed to hidden by anger. I had not realized that I carried that habit into my daily life. Furthermore, I had not realized how frightening life was without my beloved by my side.

Mytria Speaks:

Mytre wanted me to speak of my experience, even though he could emphatically feel it. I too had to mask my anger that Mytre was taken from me just as I began labor with our daughter. We had had such deep intimacy in our Nature Home, and to have it suddenly taken away when I needed him so much, cut me to the core. I told myself again and again that he had to leave. My personal need for him was minute in comparison to the needs of our planet. Therefore, I had to stifle my true feelings, which created an invisible wall around me.

Only our daughter could penetrate that wall. In fact, she lived within it until she began to walk, which was amazingly soon. Then, I could only feel desolation and sorrow. All the grief of losing Mytre that I could not allow to surface while Alycia was in my aura came to the surface. Fortunately, the Priestesses of the Temple in which we lived all loved Alycia and wanted to share time with her. Thus my daughter was always loved and protected.

I realize that when I thought I had healed my sorrow, I had only covered it with dedication to purpose and I only allowed a few people admittance to my feelings. I was totally alone because I could not allow myself to feel how very much I missed Mytre. Fortunately, when I returned to our Nature Home and moved my life into the Core of the Mother, I began to heal. However, only my return to Mytre, my Divine Complement, could heal the wound of having, and then losing, that wonderful sense of completion.

Mytre Continues:

While Mytria was telling her story, I felt every one of her suppressed emotions, as well as my own guilt. However, I was able to work through the guilt quite quickly. This quick recovery gave me the confidence to allow all my emotions to come into my conscious awareness. With the return of Mytria’s unconditional love in my life, I was beginning to remember how to unconditionally love myself.

My thoughts were interrupted by the Arcturian saying: “Now that you have felt your energy when you are separated, allow your auras to expand until they overlap and flow into each other. Allow yourself to feel your two energy fields blend into one.”

Mytria and I stepped back together and resumed our pose of head to head, heart to heart and toe to toe. Instantly, we felt the bonding field of the unconditional love that we felt for each other. We both melted into the feeling, which amplified the energy field far beyond the confines of the Holosuite. We had been standing in this manner beyond time when the Arcturian joined our energy field.

“Within the deep love of your joint energy, I wish to give you each the memory of a Parallel Reality,” the Arcturian said telepathically.

Then the Arcturian softly touched me on my Third Eye. Instantly, I was swept away into the Parallel Reality in which I had chosen to leave Mytria in her Nature Retreat and returned to my duties as a Protector for our Pleiadian Colony. Therefore, in that reality Mytria and I only had a close encounter.

I made the choice to leave Mytria because I could not allow myself to follow my instincts and fall in love with her. Instead, I answered the call of what I had known as duty. By the time I actually met Mytria I had completely forgotten my encounter with her in the Womb of the Mother. In fact, I had forgotten all love and beauty in search of dedication and ambition. With that thought I jumped into the future in which I was an Admiral.

This life was not on a timeline that was preparing for our Ascension. It was not that that planet did not ascend because of my choice, but because I had left the stream of reality that was flowing towards Ascension. This stream of Parallel Reality was created when I left love. Hence, it was not a reality that was streaming into Ascension. Hence, I continually fought battle after battle. The only thing that changed was my military rank.

I was the same person as when I was young. I just had more responsibility and greater problems. I felt like as if I was a tool rather than a person. I had had many women, but nothing ever lasted or satisfied me for very long. I was very powerful and successful, but completely alone and devoid of love.

The Arcturian touched my forehead again, and I opened my eyes. I looked at Mytria and saw that she was crying. She had been there with me and felt my life without her. I threw my arms around her and hugged her so tightly that we could barely breathe. Then, my great warrior self began to cry like a baby while Mytria held and comforted me. I finally regained my composure, blinked my eyes and felt reborn.

Without a word, the Arcturian touched Mytria on her Third eye, and she went into a deep trance.

Mytria Speaks:

When the Arcturian touched my Third Eye I flashed into the Parallel Reality in which I did not let Mytre leave me to follow his military duty. We had just arrived at the Village from our Nature Home, and I had just started labor. I knew that he should follow his Commander, but I begged and pleaded for him to be with me, at least until the baby was born.

Finally, after many tears, he took me into the Temple and stayed with me during the birth of our child. However, he was not totally with me. Even while the baby was being born, he seemed distracted and a bit annoyed. I knew he was not annoyed with me. I was just a frightened woman having my first child. No, he was annoyed with himself because he had allowed me to convince him to abandon his duty.

He kept this energy field for the entire time we were together, which was until Alycia began to walk. I could no longer keep him from his responsibility, and frankly, I was tired of his halfway attempt at being loving. I had held onto him and played every guilt trick I had to keep him with me. However, we never returned to our deep intimacy again. I had not respected his Soul, and he could no longer trust me.

He started to stay out late and see other women. Finally, when he had another opportunity to go into battle, he welcomed it. So did I. Meanwhile, our society was falling apart. The temporary energy shield that the Arcturians had given us was starting to collapse. The Arcturians had created this field to stave off the Draconians until we could transmute our reality into the fifth dimension.

Because I had made a selfish and frightened choice, I had moved into a Parallel Reality in which selfishness and fear ruled our world. I knew that we would all die, or worse. There was nothing I could do. I had chosen to be so weak that I could not get by on my own and was left alone with that weakness.

When the Arcturian again touched my forehead, I collapsed to the ground, too weak to even stand. Mytre lifted me up onto my feet, put his hands on my face and looked into my eyes as he said:

“That is NOT you. That was a reality in which you left your SELF. YOU did not choose that reality in this life. Instead, you have remained the incredibly strong and powerful person that you were when we first met. Since then, my beloved, you have grown from a courageous young woman into a High Priestess of the Sacred Fire. I am honored to be your Mate.”

I did not cry. Through Mytre I could feel who I truly had become. Through his eyes I could see the courage and dedication that I had never recognized within my self.

The Arcturian Speaks:

Do you both see how a Parallel Reality sprung up when you made the “either/or” decision of leaving or staying? In the Parallel Realities you just viewed, you made different decisions than in this life, which bi-located you into a slightly different timeline. People can also chose a timeline that moves them into a happier and more fulfilling Parallel Life.

A tree has many limbs. Some of these limbs are strong enough to survive any storm, yet some of the limbs will fall away from the trunk. Your Soul creates and chooses many Parallel Realities to give itself the greatest variety of experiences. Each Parallel Reality is created when you make a life-changing, either/or decision.

On the other hand, in Alternate Realities, you chose to express different components of your complex persona so that you can live many versions of your Self in one timeline. For example, in one of Mytre’s many Alternate Realities he is an artist and in another he is a healer. In one of Mytria’s Alternate Realities she is a warrior and in another reality she is a wife with eight children.

When you place your primary Point of Perception within a fifth dimensional expression of your Multidimensional SELF, you can view and/or experience all your Parallel and Alternate Realities within the NOW of the ONE. You enter into these realities, just as you entered into the Akashic Records. Do you have any questions for me?

Mytre Speaks:

Of course, the Arcturian knew that we would say no, but It was giving us a chance to transition from our former emotional states into the Flow of life on the Motherships. As the Arcturian expected, we both shook our head NO. Instantly, we were beamed into our Quarters. We went straight to bed and we fell into a deep sleep.

If it's to be, it's up to Me

It comes from within to change your life!

BY: Lee Papier

Whatever you want in life, it starts with you.

Nothing external affects you unless you choose to let it.

We are blessed with the freedom of choice and the co-creative ability.

Before we see something on the outside, we have to create it on the inside.

The inner-self creates the realities and outcomes that we have in the physical world.

So what are your belief systems, thoughts, feelings and vision?

Whatever you consistently focus on is what you create in your world and outcomes.

So if you want to change your results in life, it starts with your inner beliefs and values.

Do you focus on positive acknowledgements about yourself?

Do you consistently focus on positive outcomes and possibilities for your life?

Do you do this for others?

This is the only way to transform your life.

You must create a positive self image, have positive self talk and positive thoughts, which creates positive feelings and leads to positive actions and outcomes.

It takes the same amount of energy to be positive as it does to be negative.

The difference in quality of life, attitude, health, relationships and success is HUGE!

‘The quality of my life is directly related to the quality of my communication with myself and with others.’

Everything starts with you. You are the source of your life.

To expect things to change on the outside, without changing things on the inside is insanity.

‘For things to change, I must change.’

You always have what you truly want.

When you really want something you do not stop until you have it.

Any ‘story or belief‘ that people, situations or things hold you back are self imposed limitations and delusions.

All the blessings of life are available to us this very moment, right here, right now.

The choice of how good we choose to make our lives is up to us.

‘If it’s to be, it’s up to me!‘

Make your life a masterpiece.

Lee Papier writes the "Have a Magnificent Day" blog on Beliefnet.
http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Articles/If-its-to-be-its-up-to-me.aspx?source=NEWSLETTER&nlsource=10&ppc=&utm_campaign=Inspiration&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_term=yahoo.co.uk

Practicing Acceptance

Which is harder: Accepting the situation you are in, or fighting it?

BY: Brandi-Ann Uyemura

I think one of the greatest obstacles we grapple with is learning how to accept what is instead of moaning and groaning about what we don’t have.
It’s like we’re sitting there one hand full of riches and the other hand open full of potential. But we don’t see it. Nope. We’re too focused on the fact that the other hand is empty and not filled yet.
“Why oh why is it not filled yet?,” we ask.
It causes us to transform back into our 2-year-old selves, throwing punches to the air, crying out for all the things we deserve to have, but don’t. Praying about how much we need it, how much better our lives would be with it. And there we are so focused on our poor, wounded souls that we neglect the jewels that fill us, surround us and already make us whole.
If you ever need to be reminded of that, check in with your nearest and dearest furry child. Notice how they seem utterly forgetful about all the mishaps you do. Analyze how a mere treat, a pet on the head or a cuddle could make them silly with joy. See how they seem to pass up the chance to moan about their loss sibling that you had to adopt them away from or the fact that they don’t have a mate, kids or even anyone that even slightly resembles them. They just move on.
Accepting your situation can feel hard. It can be like welcoming an uninvited guest or settling for less.
But it’s not.
Learning how to accept whatever you’re going through and wherever you are is a gift.
It’s about returning to a state of vulnerability in realizing you have less control over life than you think. And that is okay.
It’s about loosening your grip over the outcome and opening your heart up to possibility instead of forced intention.
It’s about seeing your life as a large red carpet unfolding in front of you instead of a predetermined path.
It’s about releasing the rigidity of adulthood that sometimes tricks us into believing we know everything.
It’s a lesson in gratitude for what you have instead of what you still haven’t received.
It’s a muscle being flexed to exercise resiliency.
It’s a reminder that the events of your life ebbs and flows like waves. No matter what you’re going through it will not always be this way.
More importantly, it’s about relinquishing the need to know what’s next. It’s about continuing to relax and release when we feel the need to grasp on harder. It’s about giving up our ego and just letting things be.
Acceptance isn’t easy.
But if we let go into the wave of difficulty rather than force our way through it, we will find the ride much easier. And almost always it will take our breath away.
Make sure to follow Brandi-Ann Uyemura's Happy Haven blog!

http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Articles/Practicing-Acceptance.aspx?source=NEWSLETTER&nlsource=10&ppc=&utm_campaign=Inspiration&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_term=yahoo.co.uk

One February Morning in Vietnam
by Eugene Hilderbrandt

It was another morning in Chu Lai, Vietnam -- a large and ugly army base where I was. One February morning, as I avoided the mud puddles in my morning duty, I found myself standing on top of a drive-up ramp.

Looking through the mists toward distant purple mountains, I suddenly became aware that I WAS those mountains and they were me. The now perfect little mud puddles were as much me as my fingers. The olive drab trucks, the concertina wire, the things that had always possessed a negative connotation in my mind were simply ... man's folly!

Another GI, whom I barely knew, walked across the compound and I experienced a love beyond words for him, a realization that he was me wearing his own personal disguise. I was immersed in this joy that I had never even heard of -- no separation from anything or anyone, no judgment of the world around me. Later, when I attempted to explain what I'd experienced with words, the only word that came close was one-ness.

Less than 2 weeks later, I was at LZ Bronco and was looking through a meager dozen or so collection of books left by earlier tenants and I saw this curious title, "The Book ... on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are" by Alan Watts. When he began describing the experience I recently had, it triggered the experience again, only this time as I immediately tried to hold on to it, to keep it, it dissolved, like quick-silver through my fingers.

A few months later, as I prepared to return "to the world" -- America -- I thought, "Okay, I now know some important truths. Life will be easier, more simple." Instead, it has become more challenging than ever. But those experiences changed this Southern Baptist bred Okie for life. I am thankful every day for the grace that I received that February morning along with the realization that this beautiful state of being belongs to every single being of every color, culture or persuasion on earth.

Although I have pursued, even lusted after the Oneness experience I'd had, like a donkey chasing a carrot on a stick, I have slowly and painfully come to realize that only through knowing and then having the compassion to love myself just as I am and accepting completely this wonderfully terrible world just as it is, will I be able to open my heart to the state that is always there, that makes the pain and the fear of self-discovery so worth the journey I'm on.

--Eugene Hilderbrandt

Somebody Tagged Me!

"'What is it?' Sabrina asked. One glance inside and my suspicion was confirmed. Lying inside were 2 tupperware containers. I could not see their contents from my bird's eye view but I could see a fresh mango and a bag of chocolates peeking from the corner of the bag. And the incredible aroma had already permeated the front office area.

'Someone has tagged me with an anonymous act of kindness!' I replied with a smile and a shake of my head. The joy and gratitude that I was feeling must have been the same feeling that went through the people that we fed on Saturday's Hear the Homeless event. It was the exact same thing. I was quietly going about my day when someone stopped me and made an offering to me, an offering from the heart." Katy Turse shares her real world story of receiving an unexpected act of kindness.

Somebody Tagged Me!
--by Katy Turse, Original Story, Sep 26, 2012

"Katy, please come to the front desk. Katy, you have a package at the front desk."

Immediately my sensors were on. Package? Why do I have a package at work? Did I order something? Did my mom send me something? Maybe it's from one of my clients. They might have mailed their paperwork in using priority mail.

But they wouldn't have called me over the intercom. Hmmmm, a package.

Wait a minute.........could it be........is it...did they....

As I approached the front desk Sabrina and Tatiana sat comfortably in their chairs in front of their computers. Nothing was out of the ordinary. They were focused on their tasks at hand and barely noticed me approaching, a smile already planted on my face.

"You called me?" I asked, somewhat suspiciously. For an instant I became unsure that there even was a package there waiting for me, maybe I was confused.

Sabrina turned to Tatiana. "Oh yeah, the doorman brought this up and told us to give it to you." As Tatiana pulled a brown paper bag from under her desk, straining from the weight of its' contents to pass it over her desk from her sitting position.

"What is it?" Sabrina asked.

One glance inside and my suspicion was confirmed. Lying inside were 2 tupperware containers. I could not see their contents from my bird's eye view but I could see a fresh mango and a bag of chocolates peeking from the corner of the bag. And the incredible aroma had already permeated the front office area.

"Someone has tagged me with an anonymous act of kindness." I replied with a smile and a shake of my head.

I rounded the corner, while dipping my hand into the bag. I lifted a round container full of fresh made Dal, finding underneath an even larger container filled with warm aloo parathas (my favorite kind!!), rice, and yogurt. In a smaller tub was the perfect amount of pickled mango. Mmmmmmmmmmm!! I set the bag down and saw an envelope amongst the Tupperware. Inside was a beautiful card with pressed flowers on the top. Inside read, "They say the world is round. What we send out eventually finds its way back home." Within that same envelope, a Smile card.

I had to swallow about three times as I stared at this card. My heart was beating fast and my body was electric with the shower of warmth that seemed to just pour through this card into my hands, throughout the rest of my body. I could do nothing but shake my head and smile, trying not to cry.

As Sujatha and I sat eating this amazingly delicious food an intense realization came over me. The joy and gratitude that I was feeling must have been the same feeling that went through the people that we fed on Saturday's Hear the Homeless event!! It was the exact same thing. I was quietly going about my day when someone stopped me and made an offering to me, an offering from the heart that I was 100% not expecting. I sat wondering who had done this and why, marvelling at the time and care that they took to provide such a healthy, delicious, well balanced meal. I stared at the careful packaging. I thought about how amazing it was that someone took time out of their day just to do this one thing for me, this one simple thing that had so many layers of meaning and depth. I recognized how much this one gesture meant to me and how much it brightened my day. It made me feel loved, it made me feel that someone (or some people) really cared about me enough to go out of their way to provide me with something as simple as a delicious lunch.

I know I felt deeply about sharing lunches with the homeless on Saturday. I enjoyed it, I experienced a lot, I witnessed people (myself included) take away lessons that will be with them for the rest of their lives, I watched them transform fears and doubts, I observed the smiles that erupted from the heart onto the faces of everyone, those being fed and those feeding. It was very meaningful to me. However, being here today, receiving this meal, enjoying it with a friend, I became one of those people. I was in their shoes and I believe I felt how they must have; it suddenly all came together for me.

I cannot express to you what I feel. I am not sad yet their is something so strong in my heart that I feel like I must cry. I am so grateful. I am so inspired. I am so contented and so joyful. I am so so lucky.

Thank you. Thank you not only for this lunch, but for this lesson. It is more meaningful to me than I could have ever possibly imagined.

http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?sid=321

Be The Change
"The whole process of life is a giving. It is a transaction. In every giving there is a taking." A thoughtful reflection follows.

Make Your Life Into a Giving
--by Jaggi Vasudeva (Dec 27, 2011)

Make your life into a giving. When I say a giving, it is not to be understood as an act. Giving as an act is a deception because, after all, what can you give? Everything that we have, including this body, we have taken from this planet. What we can give is only a paltry part of what we have taken. Giving as an act could be very deceptive and could turn ugly, but if your way of being is giving and your actions are only a manifestation of that, when you open your heart to give, grace invariably seeps in. That is inevitable.

It has been my fortune and privilege that at a very early age, I became witness to a certain state of giving -- my great grandmother who lived to be 113 years of age. In the morning, if she was given breakfast, she would always go about giving away at least two-thirds of it to the ants, birds and squirrels, particularly to the ants. People would say, ‘She is throwing all her food around, this old woman will die without eating,' but they all died while she lived. There were many days where I saw her with a little bit of breakfast that was left on her plate. She would simply sit there, watching the ants eat. Tears would be streaking down her cheeks and when somebody asked, ‘Won't you eat?’ she would say, ‘I'm full. I'm already full.’ It was many years later that I realized her way of transacting with the world. If the ants ate, she was being nourished. A logical mind would never understand this, but it was this nourishment which gave her an extraordinary longevity.

Each of us can also make every act and every breath into a process of giving – seeing how we can contribute to everything around us, no matter what we are doing. In just 24 hours, we will be so rich that the experience of life, the beauty of life, will set a glow on our face because that is the only way life functions. The whole process of life is a giving. It is a transaction. In every giving there is a taking. We are taking more than we are giving, but in your mind, just ignore the taking. You just keep giving because you do not have to take; it will be pushed into you.

There was a man who cleared one hundred acres of forest and made it into farmland. His two sons helped him and they became prosperous. When the man was dying, he called his two sons and told them that the land should never be divided, but the produce should be taken equally, fifty percent, by each son.

Accordingly, they went by their father’s word. One of the brothers got married and had five children. The other one never got married. Life went on and they each took fifty percent. One day, a thought entered the mind of the brother who had a wife and five children: "I'm getting fifty percent; my brother is also getting fifty percent. But I have a wife and five children while my brother has nobody. When he gets old, who will take care of him? He should have a little more than me because I have the wealth of my children. But he is too proud; he will not take it from me." So in the dark of the night, he carried a bagful of grain quietly and walked into his brother’s store, dropped this bag and walked back. Whenever he could, he went on doing this.

The same thought also entered his brother's mind. He thought, "I am alone, my brother has five children to feed and I am getting fifty percent, but if I give him extra, he will not take it." So he started doing the same thing at night. This went on for many years and both of them never noticed. One night, both of the brothers carrying sacks of grains in secrecy walked towards each other's storehouse and came face to face. Suddenly, they realized what was happening.
--Jaggi Vasudeva

http://www.awakin.org/read/view.php?tid=782

A Humorous Look at Aging

Daily Inspiration

By John H. Sklare, Ed.D, Lifescript Personal Coach

After a rather intense workout on the tennis court the other day, my hitting partner looked at me in breathless frustration and said, “This was a lot easier a few years ago!”

I grinned and nodded in agreement, as we both let out a chuckle. I think the uncomfortable laugh was an attempt by both of us to mask and cushion the brutal reality of his statement. I’ve been hitting tennis balls for most of my life and it was definitely a lot easier a few years ago.

After leaving the court I began to think about the process of growing older and how we all deal with aging differently. Of course, how healthy you are as you age will make a significant difference in how you feel about this inevitable aspect of the life cycle. Even though most people tend to hate the thought of growing old, it definitely beats the alternative.

With that said, I’d like to take a comical walk through the process of aging by sharing with you some funny quotes (from here and here) about this whole adventure of maturation:

You Know You’re Getting Old When:
Getting lucky means you find your car in the parking lot.
It takes twice as long to look half as good.
You and your teeth don't sleep together.
Your address book has mostly names that start with... Dr.
Going bra-less pulls all the wrinkles out of your face.

I also ran across a funny piece that broke down the human lifespan into four primary stages of development. Even though I’ve never seen these four stages in any psychology textbooks, I thought they were both perfectly descriptive and easy to identify with.

Since living a long life is truly a precious gift, it’s only appropriate that we use Santa as our gift-giving example. According to the Santa Claus Theory of human development, these are the four stages of life:

Stage 1: You believe in Santa Claus
Stage 2: You don't believe in Santa Claus
Stage 3: You are Santa Claus
Stage 4: You look like Santa Claus

Finally, there are three quotes that I’d like to share with you about the process of aging that seem to offer up the perfect balance of humor and serious food for thought.

The first quote is by Victor Hugo and is a great example showing clearly the power found in your ability to mentally reframe things like aging: “Forty is the old age of youth, fifty the youth of old age!”

The second quote gets to the heart of what makes someone old or youthful in both mind and spirit: “How old would you think you were if you didn’t know how old you are?” This quote speaks to something in psychology called Subjective Experience and is intimately tied to how you see yourself and the world inside your head.

At the end of the day, however, there is nothing we can do to stop this relentless human progression called aging. Even though you can certainly slow it down by living a healthy life, eventually our bodies break down over time just as our automobiles do.

Our minds through our subjective experience, however, have the ability to resist aging because they don’t have to abide by Mother Nature’s laws of physical deterioration.

So the third and final quote I wanted to share with you states: "You’re only as old as you feel!"

Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare

www.innerdiet.com

Symptoms of Energy Shifts

got it on link now

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1STvXa9jAEpbshgTlZTFbvTScwZ0g2oNSMOXsju_58Eo/edit

On Thu, Sep 27, 2012 at 10:53 AM, Catherine Hislop <catherinehislop@hotmail.com> wrote:

by catherinehislop

Symptoms of Energy Shifts

As we are heading into the Age of Aquarius, new energies are encompassing our bodies and are reflected in various physiological symptoms. Within this transition of the ages, many people will begin to feel many of these energy shift symptoms on a regular basis as our bodies are adjusting and upgrading to the higher frequencies.

HEADACHES: When the crown chakra opens or expands it can be an intense and painful experience. It might feel like a spike or rod is being inserted. Headaches are common and they can range from migraines, to cluster headaches. Women seem to experience them more than men. They can be caused by too much energy flowing through the crown chakra, and by hormonal changes which occurs when the chakras are stimulated. Sometimes the pain can be eased by asking Spirit and your Higher Self to make an adjustment in the energy flow. When you ask for aid to ease the pain and it is part of the process that is opening and expanding your pineal or pituitary gland, the pain will only lessen. As your vibrational rate increases, the pineal and the pituitary glands expand to accommodate the higher energy frequencies. Other glands change also, but these two are the major ones that contribute to headaches. This can last a few months, or a few years depending on what level of spiritual development that you are at and your rate of growth.

FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS: This is quite common and part of the process. Just ride it out and don’t take antibiotics which will only prolong the process. These symptoms are caused by the physical body reaction to the toxins that are released when the chakras begin to expand. What ever was constricting or congesting the chakras is flushed through the blood. Also new beliefs and paradigms are enacted the imprinted consciousness in the blood becomes toxic to the physical system because it does not support the new thoughts and contributes to confusion. It is helpful to supplement the body with blood fortifying enzymes, herbs and essential oils to ease the symptoms. Hot lemon drinks will also help cleanse the body. Don't work too much during this time, because you are going through a major shift in vibration. Try and take it easy, and it will pass.

MUSCLE ACHES AND JOINT PAIN: Increasing your vibration forces the energy through the body. When there are blockages impeding the energy flow this raised and forced energy slams into them causing these symptoms and ails. Often this is alleviated by asking for assistance from the Higher Self to adjust the flow to ease the pain. The body can quickly adjust to the higher vibration in a few moments, hours, or days.

DEPRESSION: A very common symptom caused by an increased rate of vibration. This higher frequency forces any illnesses, viruses, or infections hiding in the body to surface. To discover the root-cause contributing to this state examine your beliefs and decisions that are creating your reality. It is also important to monitor your internal dialogue to learn what you are creating for yourself. Observing and realizing the state you are experiencing is not cause by the present allows it to quickly pass. The herb "St. Johns Wart" eases depression and is anti-viral too.

CRYING FOR NO REASON, FEELING EMOTIONALLY VULNERABLE: When blockages from this lifetime, and other lifetimes began to release the emotional body will react in this manner. The Photon Belt energy stimulates and contributes to the spontaneous release of these burdens. Trying to control or resists these urges further represses and blocks the energy making things more difficult. Crying, moaning, sobbing or toning becomes a cleansing release. Use a Bach flower remedy, or an essential oil to help with the emotional body.

EXTREME TIREDNESS: Waking in the morning and struggle to get out of bed after a full night of sleep, or falling asleep in the middle of the afternoon is common. This is caused when the energy is shifting throughout the whole spiritual body. This will pass in time, each person has a different time frame for some it can be weeks, for others months, for others years. If you can create a pyramid structure to sit under this will give you wonderful boosts of energy when you are lacking it. Drink lots of pure water to hydrate the cells, add crystals to energize the water. Eat light meals with organic veggies. Doing light physical exercise will stimulate the energy flow through the body. Bach remedies, flower essences and essential oils will also help the transition.

LOSING YOUR MEMORY OR FEELING SPACEY: This can be a frightening experience because you cannot remember what you had for dinner, and dinner was only an hour away. YOU ARE NOT LOSING YOUR MEMORY. You are changing over from left brain function to more of a right brain function. Areas of the brain are being activated to cope with the higher energy coming in. Sometimes it is hard to speak, words come out jumbled or garbled, this situation will pass, there is no time limit on this.

EXTREME SENSITIVITY: As you open up to the higher vibration, you will find yourself becoming extremely sensitive to people, noises, light, smells, tastes, all sorts of things. This can affect the central nervous system and can be quite a difficult thing to cope with. You do need to take B vitamins and a multi vitamin if this is happening to you. If you are allergic to these vitamins then look for a homeopathic remedy or a Bach flower remedy for extreme sensitivity.

BLOWING LIGHT BULBS AND ELECTRONICS: If this is happening to you, then you are really reaching a very high vibratory rate and will probably be a profound healer or channel for spirit. It is due to extremely high energy coming into the physical form. It could be described as 50,000 volts of electricity coming in at once, not only can the body not cope, but it goes through the body and out again and as it does so it affects all electronic equipment.

ANIMAL REACTIONS: You will find that dogs and cats and other animals will become aware of your energy and be frightened of it or want to be around it all the time. Many animals can't get enough of the energy. Others are somewhat frightened because they do not understand it.

FOOD CHANGES: As you vibrate higher, you will find that you no longer want the things that you used to. Coffee, tea and meat are just three of the dietary changes that people make as they begin to vibrate faster. Meat is especially dense and can really affect the body's energy, especially if it has hormones in it. You may develop cravings for certain foods, or go off your favorite foods. This is normal and a part of the change to the higher vibration. If you find this happening, then let it happen and explore the new possibilities.

________________________________________

Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:20:49 -0700

Subject: time-collapse period.

a series of time collapse points goes into effect in the run-up to the end of your Gregorian year. These time-collapse points represent the juncture at which alternative timelines are integrated into your present ascending reality, because this is the sole reality which is to go forward into 2013. This collapse process can cause fluctuations in the Earth field, causing imbalances to your physical bodies. Furthermore, this process reduces the alternative scenarios that the dark cabal has available to it to try to circumvent the divine plan. These collapses are being implemented by the galactic Time Lords in order to prepare your realm to gracefully enter this single new reality. These collapses can create various physical side effects in many of you, which will include headaches, pains in your neck and spine, and assorted aches in the muscles of your legs and arms. These discomforts are only temporary, but Heaven wishes us to slow down our work on your bodies to compensate for the extra physical stress upon you during this time-collapse period.

Galactic Federation UPDATE
Sheldan Nidle’s Update for the Galactic Federation of Light and Spiritual Hierarchy
"We watch in joy as the various elements of this complex operation make their appearance and settle into position as if guided by an invisible hand. This setup is one that Heaven has spent many millennia bringing to you."

Ummac Dan

5 Ben, 1 Tzotz, 9 Eb

Sept. 25, 2012

Dratzo!
We return with more to discuss with you. At present, your ongoing body ascension programs are being temporarily suspended by divine decree, while a series of time collapse points goes into effect in the run-up to the end of your Gregorian year. These time-collapse points represent the juncture at which alternative timelines are integrated into your present ascending reality, because this is the sole reality which is to go forward into 2013. This collapse process can cause fluctuations in the Earth field, causing imbalances to your physical bodies. Furthermore, this process reduces the alternative scenarios that the dark cabal has available to it to try to circumvent the divine plan. These collapses are being implemented by the galactic Time Lords in order to prepare your realm to gracefully enter this single new reality. These collapses can create various physical side effects in many of you, which will include headaches, pains in your neck and spine, and assorted aches in the muscles of your legs and arms. These discomforts are only temporary, but Heaven wishes us to slow down our work on your bodies to compensate for the extra physical stress upon you during this time-collapse period.
New social operating structures for this reality are starting to manifest but are not yet apparent to the uninformed. The more sensitive among you are sensing that 'something is in the air,' and this something is the setting-up of the new grids in your various local time dimensions which will precipitate your long-promised new reality. Our task is to safeguard these new structures and assist in their formal manifestation in your local reality grids. This operation is being given the highest priority.

We have watched the dark cabal try to dismiss these changes by use of special, esoteric weaponry given to them decades ago. We dismantled these devices, and by means of our counter-measures we rendered impotent their various mind-control and psychic mischief-making equipment. The dark ones are now in an even higher state of panic as they can see that special measures to further contain themare being prepared. This will begin shortly. Our primary goal is still to ensure that this reality possesses its new grids before late December of this Gregorian year, as these will enable the corresponding social operating structures to roll out smoothly.
This date in late December marks the moment when your world passes through a special point in its travels through this galaxy. Your sun, like all the stars in this galaxy, rotates around the galactic core and transits various points along the way. These points can be calculated by a formula that was given to the ancient Olmec over six thousand years ago by visitors from the Pleiades. These Pleiadean scientists bequeathed the Olmec Timekeepers with a means to begin a count which leads up to a grand shift in this reality. These sacred disciplines were passed on to other Timekeepers and became a most sacred part of the daily rituals of the Maya. In their honor, we have used this count to express the date for each of our messages to you. The moment chosen for the beginning of this shift is to be given to you shortly. The Andromedan and Pleiadean scientists, who are the prodigy of those who brought this knowledge to Earth, feel very honored that this sacred date is soon to be revealed to you.
The Gregorian year is to end just after this chronological and spiritual phenomenon happens. Very shortly afterwards, we have planned a series of events that will usher in a whole new physical reality for you, in which we intend to bring about full disclosure as well as proceed rapidly with the changes in the way your world operates. The dark cabal knows that its rule over your world is wearing thin and indeed, the collapse of your reality's old grids is fully underway. The replacement grids are in place and awaiting Heaven's manifestation of them. Meanwhile, our fleet is preparing in like manner the grids of all the other planets in your solar system for this grand shift. This time is extremely close.

We expect the dark to continue its charades until it is finally pushed from power. This, too, is close, and our liaison personnel are working with our allies to firm up the dates for this. We will talk further about this in future messages.

Blessings!

 
We are your Ascended Masters! We come today with more on what is happening. At present, your reality is continuing to topple. The grid points which hold the structural integrity of your reality together have begun to develop a new grid, and we are told that it is to come into being globally at any moment. This enables the dark ones to see that their secret technologies can no longer hold back the tide of change. The Holy Spirit has touched every part of this sacred orb, triggering a series of events that will ease us into a new reality. Time, as you experience it, is ever changing, producing wondrous effects upon the Sun and all her daughter worlds, and Gaia is no exception. You have all noticed the odd weather patterns caused by displaced jet streams, with huge amounts of precipitation and flash floods, and unaccustomed wind and weather phenomena everywhere. These all herald a new time for your realm - a moment when the dark is finally eclipsed by the Light!
All our associates are working toward the divine moment put forth by the decrees of Heaven. We watch the dark cabal trying desperately to seize the moment by creating a state of global chaos intended to somehow stem Heaven's divine tide. We comprehend the depth of desperation that has taken hold in the cabalists' mindset, as we see them scurrying around like mice on a sinking ship, seeking for ways to sneak onto a lifeboat of any sort, but all in vain. It is time for them to face the music and surrender to the piper of divine fate. The moment has come for each of them to 'let it all go,' and accept that they are part of an immense shift in consciousness that is washing with abandon into every nook and cranny of this precious globe.
We watch in joy as the various elements of this complex operation make their appearance and settle into position as if guided by an invisible hand. This setup is one that Heaven has spent many millennia bringing to you. The dark did not suspect that such an immense task was in store. Each decade we moved the process forward, using our intentions and our sacred rituals. Heaven, in turn, acknowledges our actions by showering ever-increasing blessings onto this work, intensifying the glory that is our truly divine world. We ask you to acknowledge Heaven with your special blessings whenever your meditate, pray, or present sacred ritual to the glory of the Light of eternal Creation.

We rejoice in what is happening around this world, and we thank the mercy and the divine grace of Heaven and the Creator!
Today, we continued our messages to you. We thank you for your support and for your wondrous prayers and meditations that are moving us forward swiftly to a new reality. The divine moment we have all waited for is upon us! We will shortly witness events that are to change your world positively and forever! Know, dear Ones, that the countless Supply and never-ending Prosperity of Heaven are indeed Yours! So Be It! Selamat Gajun! Selamat Ja! (Sirian for Be One! and Be in Joy!)

www.paoweb.com

How to Be a Good Listener

12 Ways to Listen Closely…and Kindly

By Lori Hope
A magnificent array of diverse and unique individuals populate this beautiful planet, but as different as we are, we share at least one fundamental need: to feel heard and understood. Most of us would like to think we can easily satisfy that need with our friends and loved ones, but we often fall short. I know I do. I learned that when I had cancer, and instead of finding open ears, I often encountered open mouths eager to spout advice or share stories. I saw myself in those people, and consequently set out to do unto others as I wished they had done unto me. I wrote a book fundamentally about listening, and I discovered along the way a huge bonus. I was not only a better friend, but I was able to attract new ones. So listen up – learn the art of listening – and feel the love!

First, Practice Actively
Listening well is an art – a skill honed by practice, study, and observation. And though it seems passive – after all, people talk TO us - it is indeed an activity and can require great effort. Seeing genuine listening to be active listening will prepare you for the immensely satisfying work it takes to really hear someone.

Open Your Eyes
Good listening isn’t just about ears, it’s about eyes. Maintain eye contact, and don’t give into the temptation to glance around. I’ll never forget meeting John Kennedy Jr. at a reception in New York, and noticing that while I spoke, his eyes never left mine, even though we were surrounded by luminaries. I felt like the most important person on Earth. Also, read the speaker’s body language; if their eyes are not meeting yours, they may feel uncomfortable or could be hiding something.

Move Your Body
When you’re truly engaged, your body reacts by leaning forward, and your pupils dilate. Though you can’t control your pupils, you can show you’re listening by moving your body instead of your mouth. Nod; move forward in your chair; and if you’re close enough, physically and emotionally, gently touch the speaker’s

Keep Your Mouth Closed
“Keep your ears and eyes open and your mouth shut!” commanded a boot camp officer in a documentary I made years ago. When I’m about to listen to a friend who needs to talk, I think of that or “You have two ears and one mouth; use them in that proportion,” and remind myself to count to at least two before speaking. (By the way, keeping your lips together still allows you to give that most vital vocal sign, a soft “mmm-hmmm” that shows you are listening.)

Forget Yourself
It’s natural to relate what someone else says to your own experience and respond without thinking (I sometimes call that “blurting”), but considerate listeners keep their focus on the speaker. Even though you may have something important to say, try not to worry about how wise, clever, or empathetic you’d like to appear. Just concentrate on the speaker, which belies your wisdom and compassion more than anything.

Don't Interrupt
As tempting as it is to interject your thoughts, hold back. It’s insulting to cut someone off when she’s voicing an opinion, but it’s even more hurtful when she’s sharing a feeling, especially a difficult one. When you interrupt, it can feel like a denial or discounting of your friend’s emotions.

As channeled by Petra Margolis ascendedmasters.org Today we would like to talk about grounding as the being called Gaia has ascended and a new energy has been inserted within your earth. As has been talked about before, this is the time where you stand on your own two feet. Many are however still using the earth as their grounding point. We suggest you ground within the star just below your feet, as this star is part of your own grounding system. What are the benefits you might ask? The benefits are that you start to use your own energy flow system. Right now you are using the flow of energy within the earth. This flow has changed and the earth has become an energy system that is more contained. The benefits of using your own grounding and flow system are that balance is more easily reachable as you are not being influenced by energies outside of yourself. With the old grounding system, you were influenced by energies that were running through the earth, as most humans were grounding and are in fact still grounding within the earth, in this way you were also connected into the energies of other humans flowing through you. As you start to ground within your own energy system there will be no influence or/and energy of others within your own grounding system. This will also improve the flow within your own energy system as you are having more and higher frequency energies flowing through you. This is why we really want to emphasize the grounding within the star just beneath your own being, some call this the earth star. From one source to another Petra Margolis