A Spiritual Perspective on Politics

The current financial and political situation has been coming for awhile. Our system of control of power and money benefits those who are already rich and powerful. The people in our country and other consumer based nations have been living their lives based on an illusion. Assuming their basic needs are more than being met, the people strive to make more and more money to purchase more and more things. When they have what they want, they are relatively content. The truth is, too much value has been placed on maintaining personal lifestyle and too little value has been placed on the greater good of everyone. What could we do to help improve the lives of others if all the money being spent on military endeavors and projects that make corporations richer went into feeding the hungry, treating the sick, and helping people make positive shifts in their lives? What if everyone decided to be content and grateful for their blessings and changed their consumerist ways? What if citizens in our communities started sharing with and helping each other? Yes we are individuals, but we are also interconnected energetically to all other energy. The current societal focus seems to be on separation, separation from each other and separation from our collective creation energy. Our society values individualism more than community as evidenced in the every person for themselves attitude. Where is the balance? From a spiritual perspective, the energy flows triangularly and is interconnected. Being in balance means balancing your personal energetic flow, self to Self, self to others and self to The Loving Universe.

This may be too simple an approach, but we are spiritual beings in physical form. It is time for more attention to move towards individual and collective spirituality. This is a major change. It means choosing love over fear. Too many people are living in fear, fear of the future, fear they will lose their financial security. Fear energy builds on itself. It is hitting people right now at their cores. When fear hits at your core, it is time to examine what within yourself is creating that fear. Fear is all around us. It is each of our choices what we will do with the prevailing fear energy. What are we really afraid of and who is generating this atmosphere of fear? Living in fear makes people feel powerless. Who is gaining from the climate of fear?

The prevailing belief on most of this planet right now is in a lack of resources, there is not enough for everyone. This creates a system of haves and have nots. The power and control lie with a few, who have plenty, compared to the majority who feel they do not have enough. Maybe, most of us already have enough. Some are just not satisfied with what they have and constantly strive for more. Striving for more becomes the center of our lives, distracting us from what is really going on. The pressure is constantly present in advertising and more deeply in the very principles on which our society is structured. The way our governments and financial institutions were structured was eventually bound to change. The illusion that all is well and we just need to keep borrowing and spending to maintain our way of life, could not be maintained forever, even though those in power tried to keep it going. Life is about change, yet as human beings most of us resist change. Change is uncomfortable. It elicits fear, fear of the unknown future. Each of us needs to connect with our inner core, our true self, which has nothing to do with what is going on in the world around us. Whatever is happening around us, it will pass. Remaining in balance, despite what is happening around us is important right now. Otherwise, those who are feeding the fear, and have the most to gain from a population who are focused on the present situation, will continue to manipulate others for their own gain, maintaining power and control.

Does it matter who wins the election? I feel it does. Otherwise I wouldn't choose to vote. If a major change is made in political administration, other changes will naturally follow as part of the process. If a major change does not happen in the political administration, the new president will still be faced with problems to solve. The approach to creating solutions will just be different. There are no simple solutions. No president will wave a magic wand and create universal peace, happiness and harmony. We the people create peace from within, starting with our own lives, reaching out from there to help others, taking action politically to promote change. The time for complacency on the part of the majority of the citizens is over. This election is very much about fear, fear for the future, fear of loss of security, fear of change. Whoever you choose to vote for, do it with love in your heart, love for all the people, love to balance the fear energy.

Cynthia Tierra - Holistic Health Practitioner/Reiki Master Teacher is the founder and proprietor of Healing From The Heart in Sedona, Arizona. She assists people on their journeys towards healing and self realization. Cynthia created a personal treatment style catering to individual client's needs that works with the mind, body and spirit. A stress reduction specialist, professional healer and Universal Shaman, she facilitates personal healing retreats in Sedona and also does distance healing by phone. Visit her web site http://www.HealingOne.net

Spiritual Growth

Essential Oils - Healing Broken Bones is Not That Hard With the Right Healing Oils

Recently I slipped on ice and broke my arm. Luckily the bones were not displaced-a simple fracture of the head of the radius bone as shown on x-ray. What is significant is that the pain was greatly lessened by applying certain essential oils that are anti-inflammatory and pain relieving. Can essential oils help the healing process? In my case, absolutely! When bones are fractured, there may be swelling, internal bleeding into the area, nerve and even tendon damage. Applying ice and in my case splinting my arm to immobilize it greatly decreased the pain. Here are the essential oils that I used to get back full use of my arm in half the time someone of my age would take.

Helichrysum italicum also called Everlasting, was the first oil I used for pain and swelling. This is an outstanding oil that has several great medical properties. It is known as an anticoagulant, anesthetic, antispasmodic, antiviral, a liver protectant, detoxifier and stimulant, chelates chemicals and toxins, and helps to regenerate nerves.

Next I applied lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) for its anti-inflammatory action and its ability to regenerate connective tissues and ligaments. Lemongrass also dilates blood vessels, improves circulation, and promotes lymph flow. Lemongrass can be a little warm to the skin because of its high aldehyde content, so the third oil I chose was high in monoterpenes which served to quench the warmth.

Idaho balsam fir (Abies balsamae) is 98% monoterpenes making it an outstanding anti-inflammatory oil. It also has anticoagulant properties and is known as a great oil for arthritis/rheumatism, lumbago and sciatica. Plus the smell of balsam fir is that of Christmas trees-very refreshing and an improvement over the heavy lemongrass fragrance and "weed" smell of helichrysum.

The fourth oil I used was a blend called Trauma Life. It is a blend of valerian, lavender, frankincense, sandalwood, rose, helichrysum, spruce, geranium, davana and citrus hystrix. This particular blend helps to release buried emotional trauma from, in my case, the accident, but it also helps release emotional trauma from the death of loved ones, assault or abuse. It combats stress and uproots traumas that cause insomnia, anger, restlessness, and a weakened immune response. The valerian component of this oil certainly helped me to rest better since getting my arm in a comfortable position was a bit of a feat.

Many other essential oils have been found to be helpful in bone healing including wintergreen, peppermint, spruce, pine, ginger and vetiver. The key is finding out which oils are going to be most helpful for you. I found a formula that worked for me.

Want to know more about how essential oils help with bones and with healing? I'd like you to claim a free instant access to a Special Report on Five Biblical Oils when you subscribe to my free short ezine newsletter on energy healing and aromatherapy at http://www.ISHAhealing.com Look for the subscriber box on the left-hand side of the page. this free report is a gret introduction to the power of essential oils and how they can heal.

The Institute of Spiritual Healing and Aromatherapy teaches classes throughout the United States on both aromatherapy and energy (spiritual) healing. I'd like to invite you to explore our educational offerings.

From Linda L. Smith, Director of the Institute of Spiritual Healing & Aromatherapy, a national program in Christian healing.

Personal Development

Relationship Self Help - 2 Simple Techniques to Put Your Relationship Back on Track

Relationships between couples can go wrong due to various reasons. In a vast majority of the cases where relationships have completely broken down, couples gradually begin to regret the break up and long to get back their ex. Fortunately though, there are two simple relationship self help techniques that can help you rescue your relationship.

Technique # 1: Share quality time: In today's hectic and competitive world, couples hardly spend quality time with each other. Couples need to remember that with time and other commitments, such as children and career, the initial enthusiasm in their relationship is bound to come down. The first technique involved in relationship self help involves, creating time for both of you. You should let your close friends or family members know that you have allotted a particular time slot on a daily basis for this purpose. Spending time together will help you get to know exactly how your significant other half is feeling. Remember, relationship self help should start with a sincere commitment on your part that you would spend more time with him or her.

Technique #2: Say goodbye to your ego: A lot of times relationships sour due to both the parties involved not agreeing to each other's viewpoint. In many cases, it is purely a case of egos that have been hurt. While in some cases it is the husband who feels that he has been wronged and in a similar number of cases the wife. Couples usually end up accusing each other and further ruining their relationship. In many cases, the ego plays a significant part, with one of the partners not willing to listen to the other's view point. This should not be the case. Remember, a major part of relationship self help starts with understanding this point and not letting ego come in between your relationship. In fact relationship self help is all about adjusting to each other's needs.

Hopping online is the best way to find advice on relationship self help. You can have a look at Magicofmakingup - a virtual treasure house of advice on relationship, can help you patch up with your ex and enjoy a happy life.

James Redfield

10 Humorous Quotes to Help You Get Over Difficult Situations

It's easy to think about how someone else's situation is more difficult then the one you are currently dealing with. I mean, you could be starving in a third-world country, working at McDonald's, or even getting shot at in Iraq.

That doesn't necessarily help you though, does it?

What's really important is to get through whatever you're going through the best way possible. You can't just make a statement and hope your problems go away. One great way to deal with difficult situations is to face them head on with a very powerful weapon:

Humor.

Who better to assist you than one of the most iconic humorists of his time, and even today, Woody Allen. These 10 quotes should help you face your problems with a lighter heart and a less stressful attitude.

1. "Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons."

2. "I believe there is something out there watching us. Unfortunately, it's the government."

3. "There are worse things in life than death. Have you ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman?"

Love is complicated, to say the least. While it's easy to attribute the word love to many things in our lives, do we really know what it is we're talking about when we say we "love" things? Let's see what Woody says.

4. "Love is the answer, but while you're waiting for the answer, sex raises some pretty interesting questions."

5. "A fast word about oral contraception. I asked a girl to go to bed with me, she said 'no'."

When it comes to the practicalities of life, Woody has a way of making it all go by with a lot more laughs

6. "Basically my wife was immature. I'd be at home in the bath and she'd come in and sink my boats."

7. "I am not afraid of death, I just don't want to be there when it happens."

8. "I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose."

9. "If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans."

10. "The talent for being happy is appreciating and liking what you have, instead of what you don't have."

I can't say your problems are worth laughing at, but maybe if you looked at them in a new light, one that involves humor, you might be able to deal with them better.

Claudia Johnson is the editor of Daily Affirmations (http://www.daily-affirmations.com), a website dedicated to providing positive affirmations each day along with self improvement tips and product reviews. Sign up to receive free affirmations and site updates via email by visiting http://www.daily-affirmations.com/ now.

William Young

Self Improvement and Overcoming Frustration

We all suffer from frustration, and being able to effectively deal with frustration is very important for self improvement. It can be a decisive factor between success and failure.

Frustration can have highly damaging impact on our frame of mind. It can turn a positive person into a negative person. It can inhibit our progress and, in the most extreme cases can completely immobilise us. We can become so wound up with our frustration that we cant think or act rationally, or we can even become aggressive. Our frustration can often exacerbate the situation and create a vicious circle. If we are convinced that our actions are not working, no matter how hard we try, we are much more likely to reduce, rather than increase, our chances of success.

There are countless causes of frustration, and what affects one person may have no impact on someone else

There are no simple answers or remedies. Some people simply give up on what they were trying to achieve. Some people walk away from the cause and go onto something else, and find they can then face the problem rationally when they come back to it. Stepping back from the cause of the frustration and making yourself calm down will help us to see things more clearly.

Persistence and determination can often see us through our frustration, particularly if we first make ourselves calm down. Movement can help - standing up and taking a few deep breathes, or going for a walk can help to clear our minds. Sometimes we may need to look for alternatives we hadnt considered before, or totally different approaches. There are times when we may be out of our depth, in which case we need to recognise this, and be prepared to ask for advice and support from specialists that can help us.

All successful people have to deal with plenty of frustration as they progress towards their goals, this may even be one of the biggest reasons for their success. Their frustration with their poor results or lack of success may have been so great they were driven to set goals and inspired to work hard at achieving them. They almost certainly learned strategies and techniques to deal with their frustrations, which allowed them to overcome their problems and be more productive, which definitely contributed to their success.

Self Improvement Quote of the Day:

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. - Helen Keller

About The Author Garry Zancanaro is the creator of http://www.SuperSuccessLibrary.com a collection of outstanding and life changing Success and Personal Development Resources, and the founder of http://www.SelfImprovementDirectory.com where you can claim a FREE copy of THINK AND GROW RICH.

Book Review - The Highly Sensitive Person's Survival Guide

The Highly Sensitive Person's Survival Guide: Essential Skills for Living Well in an Overstimulating World

By Ted Zeff, Ph. D.

Copyright 2004 Published by New Harbinger Publications

Get ready for many suggestions and alternatives to life as usual when you read this book! Liberally sprinkled with real-life examples, you get to see how other HSPs like you have adjusted factors in their lives to suit them.

So many suggestions makes this a valuable book and somewhat overwhelming at the same time. Even with the author's own words encouraging you to take it slow and adopt a few things at a time, it holds the possibility of stopping a HSP in their tracks. You might want to read this one slowly, working on chapters with their suggestions one at a time.

What's very valuable about Zeff's perspective is his no-nonsense look at what really has to happen to be a happy HSP. He deals directly with the inner journey that is so important to reshaping life. He asks you to get clear on your goals, whether living the way you are now is either helping or harming you, how the impact of low self-esteem and not loving yourself affects you and how to constructively look at your beliefs to change your habits. He even gives a healthy six-month time frame to cement a new habit -- the longest I've ever heard quoted.

Valuable topics include:

• Coping with time pressure
• Calming your senses
• Finding agreeable foods
• Sensible exercise (at about 50% of your capacity, which is great for those of us who hate sweating)
• Getting external support while you are changing habits
• Thinking ahead to prepare in advance
• Learning to be more in control and other attitude adjustments
• The importance of routine and pacing your activity
• Nurturing your sensitive soul
• Finding health practitioners and healers

While highly instructive, Zeff's writing 'can be somewhat annoying. He is very repetitive in his points. For example, food choices, television and yoga seem to come up in every chapter. Additionally, his choice of words can appear somewhat judgmental in how he labels society and cultural norms. Still, I find some assurance in this as I know it was written by someone who is highly sensitive.

You may have heard or read some of this advice before cracking the cover of this volume. It is still good reading because perhaps for the first time, you are getting from someone who shares your sensitivity. That slight twist of perspective shows you how to take what the rest of the world does and modify it for your own peace of mind and body. That's a valuable skill to hone!

Then, there are areas included here that you might never have considered as alternatives otherwise, like Ayurveda. Exploring these choices can lead you in new directions and benefit you at the same time.

With each chapter ending with lists that recap the valuable points, you can easily morph this book into a refresher guide that keeps you in tune with your own nature. Read a list each day and you will keep valuable choices on the top of your mind. How much easier could it be to tune up your life?

Sarah Dolliver is the Founder of InnerVantage, the online community for inner-directed individuals (those who focus inward to restore). Her vision is to remove the stigma from being introverted or highly sensitive (HSP) to allow these individuals to lead rewarding lives that bring distinct contributions to the world. She educates, inspires and empowers them to use their gifts, talents and strengths as the basis from which they approach life.

Subscribe to the Awakening Your InnerVantage newsletter or get other free resources at http://www.InnerVantage.com

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Management (Bentley College, Waltham, MA) and is a graduate of Coach U and The Graduate School of Coaching from CoachVille.

30 Days to Creating Super Habits

Creating super habits are easier than you could ever imagine. Most people have something they would like to change in their lives. If you ask anyone, they are usually able to answer this question, "If you could change anything about yourself, what would you change." All the self help and personal development programs and books available today are full of useful information that nobody seems to take advantage of. You've seen the TV commercials and listen to other people tell their stories, about how they lost weight.

Are you one of those skeptics that find these stories hard to believe. Do you think it's possible to create a life changing habit within 30 days? If you don't think it's possible, have you ever tried to change something about yourself you don't like.

If you haven't tried, how do you know it's impossible. If you have tried to create change in your life, did you quit, did you quit shortly after you started. This is often what most people do. They either quit before they start and never even get started, or they quit within a short period of time after they started. Usually these people have an excuse, most of the time their excuse is quite simply, it was harder than I thought.

Creating super habits in 30 days is possible and you don't have to be an over achiever to accomplish this goal. Creating these habits will require some effort on your part but the rewards most of the time are worth the effort.

I challenge you to change something about yourself you don't like within the next 30 days.

Go to the next step for more information.

Finding Something You Don't like about Yourself

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a self help video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.