Personal Development, Self Improvement & Self Help, Are You Living in Integrity With Your Goals?

So... you have set the goal and started the process of achieving what you want. You work towards the goal, think about the goal and are really excited. Then something happens. You loose steam, you get busy and the excitement that you had while you were working towards your goal fades and another project gets stuck back up on the shelf. Waiting for completion and just outside of your grasp.

These projects and goals that you shove to the side have an impact on your mind. They are promises that you made to yourself that you have broken. Inside there is an overdrawn debit account for every project that you did not complete. The internal stress from this debit account wears on you if you cannot put it back into alignment.

Getting Back Into Integrity

One of the ways that you start to live in integrity with your goals is to figure out what you really want in life. Many times you start a goal and never finish it because its something that you don't really want. Maybe some of the goals you have been setting have been for other people and not you. You will never make real progress until you have clearly defined goals that you actually want. Think about each of the projects that you have tabled or not completed and evaluate whether you want that for yourself or whether you were just going through the motions for another person.

Once you have that done list out the five main areas of your life: wealth, health, family relationships, love relationships and your form of spirituality. Write down what you want in each area of your life and be specific.

Do A Daily Check-Up

Each morning when you wake-up read your goals. Plan out what you will do each day based on the five categories of your life. Make sure that you devote at least five minutes every day to each of the five areas. At the end of the day go back over your list and ask yourself if you lived true to your goals during the day.

Living in integrity with your goals means that you take steps each day to move towards them. You align yourself in terms of your habits and your thoughts so that you are helping move yourself closer to your goals. If you merely sit around and dream without taking action you are out of integrity.

When you change your habits, actions and thoughts, your whole life will change. Set aside a few minutes each day to work on your goals. Click on http://www.GlobalSuccessILG.com to learn about how to increase your income and create wealth in your life. This site covers topics from leadership, to tax strategies, to growing your business and many more. Ray Stendall is President of Wealth Expressions, Inc. and regularly coaches individuals and businesses on how to achieve their goals and objectives.

Overcoming Limited Beliefs

Five Things You Should Know About Your Religion - Ask Yourself Some Simple Questions

Most of us are raised from children into adulthood, to believe in someone else's religion. Most of us never even got the chance to choose a religion or spiritual beliefs to follow on our own. I came up with a simple list of five things that you should know about your religion, or you shouldn't be allowed to practice it.

1. Where did your religion or spiritual beliefs originate from? You should find out who started your religion and why they started it. Some of the worlds major religions were started by intelligent people. Do you think it's possible that your religion was created by an intelligent person, instead of a supreme being or multiple gods. Someone's just trying to trick you into believing.

2. How did you get involved in your religion or spiritual beliefs? Was it part of your upbringing, did your parents suggest this religion to you, how long has your family been involved in your current religious beliefs. Was your great, great, great, great, great grandfather or grandmother part of this religion or spiritual belief. How far back does it go in your family?

3. Do you believe in your religious doctrine or scripture? Is there any parts of your religious scriptures, writings or communication from other fellow believers that doesn't sit right with you? Does every part of your religion makes sense and can it be explained sensibly to someone outside of your religion?

4. Do you practice what you believe on a daily basis? If you're supposed to read your scriptures or pray daily, do you? If your religion teaches love and compassion, how do you treat people less fortunate than yourselves? Are you one of those people who can justify your wrong doings, to yourself and others, to give them the illusion, that you are a religious or spiritual person.

5. Do you know where you are going after you die? Are you going to someplace wonderful and extraordinary, like heaven? If you had to earn enough credits or points, do you think you have acquired enough, to enter the next level of existence? If you're bad, are you going to a bad place, with all the other bad people?

Try to always keep one thing in mind do you use, religion and responsibly.

These are just some of the answers, that I sincerely believe most people should know about their religion or beliefs. You should be able to answer at least one of these questions if asked by a nonbeliever.

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 spiritual religious articles filled with great subjects 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.

Jim Rohn Author Review

Putting Up With Organized Religion - How Long Do We Follow Something That's Outdated

Let me explain where I'm coming from in my writing. Organized religion worked good 200 or maybe 500 years ago, but I really don't see a need for it today. We fight wars over religion and even kill people that speak out against organized religion. Religions and governments all over the world control people through fear and pleasure.

I'm tired of people fighting and killing all over the world in the name of some religion. I once heard an Iranian man, through a translator, on our local news say, "if he dies in the name of Allah, he gets to go to heaven." I don't know if I want to be signed up for that program but obviously he believes in it enough and is willing to die for what he believes in, right or wrong. Some people view this man is evil while others view him as a hero, how do you think you would do this person?

What the Romans did to people 2000 years ago is what I would consider a very bad. Was the devil actually providing an evil influence for Roman leaders back then. I've never heard anyone mention that but they did kill Jesus of Nazareth and he seemed like a pretty good person.

If Jesus would have kept his mouth shut, he could have lived to a ripe old age. He chose not to, because he believed in his cause. Some Jews believe that he was under the influence of evil, that's hard to imagine. He believed that some of the ideas and teaching of the Romans and Jews were wrong and he was going to make them better. These leaders were afraid of change and decided to eliminate what they view as they evil problem.

I started writing to influence and educate people in a positive way. I really don't want to upset religious followers, but I would like them to understand, a little more about their religion. What causes people to kill others in the name of their god? Is that evil or an evil influence from other religion's of the world.

I would imagine most of these people choose to accept words from their religious leaders as facts and will never question their faith. If religious followers could understand other religions, maybe they wouldn't persecute them or try to convert them into their own beliefs.

My influence will affect others and will provoke them to think, always question your religion and when they start thinking, this is when I've made a positive influence in a constructive way. If someone starts to think about their religion and it gives them stronger feelings and deeper beliefs, maybe they can answer some of my questions, instead of avoiding them with spiritual scripture or faith.

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. Check out one of his recommended books, The Power of Myth. If you've ever wondered, where religion has evolved from. Check this book out.

Brainwashing People

The Power of Positive Affirmations

Positive affirmations are powerful tools to help you manifest what you desire into your life. This is not a new concept but now that science has documented a new energy field, simply called The Field, that they say is the primary component of all things, positive affirmations have new and powerful meanings.

Everything that exists is made up of energy in the form of radiating wavelengths. The denser the form, a rock for example, the lower the energy levels, at the other end of the spectrum there exists things that have high levels of energy. These high energy level forms are things like light, colors, and thoughts.

Yes, thoughts!

You see, the things we think about are sent from us as energy and permeate the things and people around us. Everything starts as a thought! Ford motor company started as a thought in the head of Henry Ford, it was his idea of bringing the automobile to the masses that created the Ford Empire we know today. The skyscrapers that line our beautiful cities, at one time, were thoughts in an architects mind.

In order to understand the power of positive affirmations we need to better understand the power of our thoughts. The things we think about continuously will materialize in time. Therefore, it is important to always think positive thoughts. When you spend your time thinking about what you lack in life, all you will ever have is lacking. In order to acquire all that you wish for you must focus on it with laser accuracy and put a plan in place to achieve it. Affirmations give us this focus and keep us going in the right direction.

Thoughts, when focused on and combined with passion, in time, are manifested into reality. That is the power of positive affirmation, it is the repeated reading of a statement or thought that gets into the sub-conscious mind and radiates from us to attract the necessary means to bring forth that thought into reality.

It is the absolute knowing, with the absence of doubt, that you will acquire what it is you desire. It doesnt matter if it is a material possession, love, or spirituality; we become the things that we think about. Unfortunately, if all we focus on is negative things or wishes all we will ever have is negativity and mere wishes.

By using positive affirmations and repeating our desires and goals daily in our thoughts we begin to manifest them into reality. Suddenly, changes begin to happen in our lives that begin to bring forth our desires. If we want more financial freedom and use affirmations aimed at acquiring more wealth then, almost miraculously, we get the promotion we wanted or our business takes a turn for the better providing the added income we desire.

This must be done in the sense that what it is you desire has already manifested itself. Do not use an affirmation that is stated as a want or desire. A good example in the case of financial freedom would be:

Wealth flows into my life like the water of the streams and rivers to the oceans. I have plenty of income to meet my needs, with lots left over to help my fellow man.

You notice that there is no asking for wealth or money it is stated as if you already have it. By sending this message out into the universal intelligence, the field, it will attract like energies and manifest itself into reality. Things that we perceive as miracles are the fruition of thoughts that have manifested themselves into reality. That is the power of prayer and meditation, God gives us what we ask for, good or bad!

Use this simple guide to let the power of positive affirmations help you in your life.

1. Write down on paper what it is you desire. It is best to keep this personal, sharing it with others only allows negativity into your mind. Society, family, and friends like to tell us that things cant be done. They mean well but you do not want to let those thoughts enter your mind. Memorize the affirmation and remember to keep it in the sense that you already have what it is you desire.

2. In the morning when you have time to yourself repeat the affirmation 20 times. Make sure that it is stated with emotion and passion, not just stated out loud. Envision yourself with your desire and how you will be once it becomes reality. Repeat the process before you go to bed at night.

3. Any time you feel yourself doubting your desire or any negative thoughts enter your mind, clear your mind and repeat your positive affirmation. Do not let negative thoughts or setbacks deter your focus from achieving your desire.

4. Lastly, stay focused and be receptive to opportunities when they present themselves. The path to your desires may not come in the form that you envision! So pay attention and be alert to opportunity.

I hope this article has helped you see the potential in yourself and the power you have when you use positive affirmations. I promise, that if you will use these simple steps as outlined above you will see great changes in your life. It is important to understand that what we think about becomes our realities in life, so be careful what you think about.

Good Luck on your Journey!

There is unlimited power with Positive Affirmation Mark Williams has a web site that is full of Motivational Quotes and Personal Development Strategies that can help you reach your full potential.

Religious Education And Fear

The Sun God Of Christianity

Commentary on Real Religion

Swami Vivekananda presented the talk, Real Religion at the World's Parliament of Religions in 1893. With this speech, he introduced Vedanta (AKA Hinduism) to the West. It is more than 100 years later and the Christian West continues to struggle with the world's religions. This is a brief opportunity to comment on Vivekananda's speech.

"Religion does not consist in doctrines or dogmas." What simple and wise words. However, the religion of the West, Christianity, is devoted to its doctrines and dogmas. Doctrines about Christianity as the exclusive path to salvation are the roots of Christian evangelization and, sadly, of Christian intolerance. Such intolerance extends to the ends of the earth. The Catholic hierarchy, for example, sets its gaze upon every religious tradition and judges. The proselytizing view of the Catholic Church and all of Christianity, peruses its own house. In Catholicism, for example, Catholic theologians who dare to present theological arguments for salvation in religions other than Christianity are silenced, taken from teaching positions, indexed.

I agree with Vivekananda. Doctrine is not the same as the experience to which doctrine points. God-realization cannot be achieved by reading doctrines or encyclicals. The Christian Testament points to a reality that must be experienced. The purpose of the Gospels, for example, is to encourage faithful to embark on a journey home to God and to portray the unfathomable source of pure love that is God. But, the words are not the journey. "The raft is not the shore." If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him.

This does not mean that doctrines, dogma, sacred texts are disposable and without real spiritual value. I merely suggest that the source of strife among the peoples of the world is inordinate reliance upon religious teachings at the expense of emphasis upon an experience of God and the consequent comprehension of the interrelationship among all people and the cosmos.

For religious leaders in any religious traditions, why is it so incomprehensible to agree with Vivekananda: As soon as a man stands up and says he is right or his church is right and all others are wrong, he himself all wrong. Of course, in order to be consistent, I suppose I must admit that I could be wrong.

Sandi Fults has a Master's degree in Systematic Theology from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas. She also attended the graduate Middle Eastern Studies program at the University of Texas at Austin. Her area of specialization is Interreligious Dialogue and the world's religions, with emphasis on the South Asian Hindu and Buddhist religious traditions. She is convinced that interreligious dialogue is a way to peace.

Bible Verses That Don

Understanding the God Consciousness Gestalt and Evolution of the Soul

Two words we will be using often in this discussion are (Hierarchy and Gestalt). For our purposes, Hierarchy will mean the stratified organization and layering of consciousness based on it's abilities, maturity and development. Gestalt will mean an organized and united whole that equals more than the sum of it's parts, and cannot be defined by knowing and categorizing the totality of it's components. When we think of consciousness in light of what we know and see in our everyday activities, we are presented with evidence that some living forms seem to possess more developed abilities than others.

This leads us to the assumption that we are the living epitome of consciousness expressed in human form. We assume that we are the top of the pile of living consciousness, with all other living forms below us. Of course, the word "living" itself is arbitrary, as we all tend to draw our own line of demarcation between what is "alive" and what is not alive. We attribute consciousness to things that are alive, that move, that think, reason, etc. In other words we like to consider ourselves and some animals as possessing consciousness.

If we were able to trace the evidence of consciousness downward on the scale of "living things" we would be amazed to learn that birds, insects, flowers, grass, bacteria and even the cells that compose the human body have their own and value oriented type of consciousness. Their consciousness is not equal in egotistical development as ours, but it is not less in quality, it simply has not developed in the same way as our reasoning mind consciousness. The natural instinctive consciousness of the animals serves them well for their necessary interaction with nature and the environment. We humans are part of a beautiful tapestry of consciousness composing a system of reality rising out of need and developed with a purpose. All consciousness contained within our realty has it's purpose and that purpose is to BE. What we don't understand as yet is that EVERYTHING possesses it's own type of consciousness.

Consciousness is even somewhat aware of itself in the ubiquitous electron, the atom, and even the cells and molecules are aware of their motion within a life form. The American Indian knew only a few hundred short years ago, that there is consciousness in the tree, the rock, the river and mountains. It is rather easy to accept this premise in light of other spiritual enigmas that confound us. Unfortunately with the evolution of our precise physical manipulation in a three dimensional reality, it became necessary for us to focus intently on physical performance of the biological form and we lost some of the intuitive truths that were inherently ours from the beginning. These truths are not lost, they just became buried deep within our psyche waiting to be activated again, to bring about the natural blending of the physical reasoning mind and the inner knowledge that still awaits activation.

So if we were to attempt to stratify and categorize consciousness, we would probably put ourselves near to top of the ladder with a huge gap between ourselves and God. Why would we assume that there are unending gradations of consciousness below ours but seemingly none above ours until you reached that ultimate "God Reality"?

The truth is that there are countless gradations of conscious entities above us of such psychic sophistication that we could only contemplate them as godlike psychological structures and their reality would not be translatable in words. There exist countless very mature, sophisticated entities that we cannot perceive and never will be able to perceive. These are the entities, some of which have experienced Earth reality at sometime in the distant path, have evolved through Earth reality and gone on to other more challenging worlds. Because we cannot perceive these entities with our Earth tuned senses does not mean they do not exist. They exist more assuredly than you or I do in an actuality that is so evolved that even if I were able to explain it, you could not understand. To these "super entities" Earth reality was once their kindergarten just as it is now ours. Earth is the beginning playground for new consciousness. We are here to learn, create, experience, yes, make mistakes for sure, but to learn from our mistakes and create again and again, improving all the while.

Now finally, there is therefore a PYRAMID GESTALT of consciousness with newer consciousness on the lower levels, evolving and moving upward within the pyramid structure as they progress. Of course the very top of the pyramid is ALL THAT IS (GOD). This Prime Being is composed of all consciousness below on the pyramid structure. Conversely speaking if we were to carry that thought to it's logical conclusion, in some very real way, your existence NOW on the lower levels of the psychological pyramid structure speaks of your very real connection with Top of the pyramid. Everything is connected and part of another everything.

Everything is part of something else. Nothing in the Universe stands alone. You are a part of this Pyramid Gestalt, this Hierarchy of consciousness that and between you and All That Is are unimaginable sophistication that you can hardly envision. The fact that you are part of countless entities above and below you as they are part of entities above and below them. "I use the term above and below, when the meaning is more advanced in consciousness development". I am saying that within this Hierarchy, you are part of something else, that is itself part of something else and so on forever. In entity development there is no better or best, there is just more advanced, mature, developed, but all are of the same quality, as they came from the same Source.

This kind of psychic oneness should not in the least bother you or make you in any way feel insignificant. It is quite like the following analogy. You live within your family at the same time you live within your city or county. You also live within your country and live on your continent and there is no contradiction, no jealousy of one above the other even though you are part of all simultaneously. The entity of which you are a part, scarcely notices you, but it's development depends on the structures upon which it rests and give it strength. You are a part of grander entities, and you don't even notice it. You are evolving in that direction yourself, and as your position on this pyramid of consciousness increases in depth and awareness, so will it increase maturity and psychic sophistication.

If you have been anxiously awaiting your unification with God, forget it. You are already as closely connected as you will ever be. As you increase and become more, All That Is increases multitudinous amounts multiplied by the number of all consciousness on this earth. From this you can see that as you increase, All That Is increases exponentially. As an example, as you progress an inch, All That Is progresses a million miles in terms of distance as an analogy. All That Is experiences through all entities beneath itself including you, as you to are also an entity of considerable worth and always becoming more. All That Is doubles itself in nanoseconds. So as there are countless layers of consciousness below yours, there are more above yours also. There is no huge gap between yourself and God and there are others that have gone before you. The more sophisticated and evolved the entity, the more entities involved with it and a part of it.

An entity can perceive dimensions of reality that are not yet as not as developed as it's own, but cannot perceive dimensions that are more evolved.

My name is W. Allan, single male 62, a resident of Naples Florida. I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis and have in the past, written a column called SECRET REALITY which was carried by spiritual and metaphysical magazines. I have recently started a blog to publish my work with the intent of incorporating expanded versions of my blog in book form. You can contact me any at my e-mail address: beachinguy@hotmail.com You may also read other articles at my blog at: http://answersbygod.blogspot.com and have a small company recording and selling CD's of the sounds of nature from my web site at http://www.naturesong.net Published author and writer of Spiritual columns (Secret Reality) and books. Owner of a Naure CD company (NatureSong), recording and distributing nature sounds CD's to retail outlets including a wide variety of bird song CD's and over 36 different sounds of nature. All of our nature sounds and bird songs are continuous, ambient sounds of nature without music.

What Happened To The Wise Men

Light Workers video

This video tells of the estoic wisdom between the three types of light workers and how they are going to bring the earth into a new earth full of love and light.

Life of Jesus

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

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 spiritual help library filled with great subjects 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.

Spiritual Journaling
George Washington Carver

Does God Exist and If So Who's Right

Would you stake your life on your beliefs? I'm asking this question, hoping that you have an answer. Would you be gambling with your life or are you that sure about your religion. Do you live your life without a doubt that your religion is right and other religions are wrong or are you one of those people that hopes you are right and hopes that the other religions aren't.

If you are a Muslim and follow Islam, is the Quran the Word of God? Is this text flawless and without error? What's going to be going through your mind when you go to heaven, if you go to heaven, only to find out that the Hindu religion is right. Are you convinced without a doubt, 100% that your religion is right or are their errors and mistakes in your religious text.

Is your God going to be merciful and understanding to other religions or other people who have lived what you would consider to be a good and moral life. Is your god going to let them enter heaven or is he going to turn them away or possibly send them to burn in an eternal lake of fire.

Imagine, if you can, standing near a cliff and there was a long line of people and you were slowly working your way towards the front of the line, watching someone who was glowing with radiant light asking people questions, and pushing some of the people off of the cliff, while others walk away unharmed. You're going to be ready to answer any questions that the glowing person is going to ask you.

When you arrive, he simply says do you believe in your religion 100%. What's your answer going to be? What's going to be going through your mind? Are you that sure, that you're right.

So I ask you again, are you positive and without a doubt, 100% sure that you are right about your religion and the other religions are wrong. If you're not 100% sure, do a little research about your religion and your beliefs will either get stronger or weaker but try to keep an open mind, either way.

Most religions around the world have certain things in common. Seek the truth and the truth shall set you free. You've got to know what you're looking for though, so pay attention.

Choose Your Religion

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site.

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects 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.

Fantasy Books For Women

If you are looking for some of the best Fantasy Books for Women (or any speculative fiction books written for girls), then read this guide

It's no surprise that women want a different sort of fantasy book then do men. Many women complain speculative fiction books are almost all male-orientated. Fear not though. Not all the best books are for men! There are some great series in the genre for women! If you are a woman tired of male protagonists, pathetic female characters, and lousy romance, you've come to the right place!

While the majority of books in the genre is geared towards males, there is indeed a fair amount of superb books in the genre for girls. I've created a recommendation list of the Top 10 Fantasy books for women.

#1: Liveship Traders (Robin Hobb)
Robin Hobb is one of the best writers in the Fantasy genre. Her characterization and writing skills are sublime. Robb has the ability to create magical (in every sense) worlds that really just suck you in. Hobb's handling of romance is very well done. If you are looking for a book with a fascinating magical world with a very strong female protagonist, Liveship Traders will deliver this. This is one book that will appeal to both men and women alike - but I believe women will find the compelling female protagonist quite appealing.

#2: The Sevenwaters Trilogy (Juliet Marillier)
Without a doubt, Juliet Mariner is a master at creating realistic female characters. Her Sevenwaters Trilogy is a masterpiece - intelligent, complex, adventurous, and sad. This is Celtic speculative fiction with a well-realized world, well-developed romance, and a magical and mysterious world. This is very well-written fantasy for the girls!

#3: Kushiel's Dart (Jacqueline Carey)
Read this book and experience a gamut of emotions: passion, exultation and sadness. Kushiel's Dart is a superb read for both women and men - but especially women. If you are a women looking for some literature geared towards women, then Kushiel's Dart is just what you need. The female character is one of the most complex characters in the genre of fantasy. While the book can be read by both men and women, I think the strong female protagonist makes this novel especially appealing to women.

#4: The Lions of Al-Rassan (Guy Gaverial Kay)
This man has yet to write a bad book. Kay populates his landscapes with fully realized characters. Kay's female characters are always intelligent, thoughtful, and likable heroines. Kay is a wordsmith - he takes his art very seriously. If you are looking for some beautifully written, mature read that lacks all the magical power-ups prevalent in most modern fantasy books, then pick this series up. Women should enjoy the vivid characterization of the main (female) protagonist. A fantastical story for women that absolutely rocks!

#5: Archangel (Sharon Shinn)
If you are looking for a wonderful romance novel set in a fantastical landscape, definitely check this novel out. It's sort of a Science Fiction - Fantasy hybrid with a bit of re-imagined John Milton thrown along for the ride. This fantasy story has a great love story - it's interesting to the relationship between the two protagonists evolve from utter dislike to love. Those women looking for some heavy romance fantasy with a lot of character, check this book out.

#6: The Ruins of Ambrai (Exiles, Vol. 1) (Melini Rawn)
Melini Rawn is a great fantasy author who writes books geared towards women. This story is wholly character-driven, with complex assortment of characters and a very compelling world. Rawn's ability to create layered plots combined with her strong writing really makes this book something to be treasured. Without a doubt, this fantasy novel is a story that all women will love.

#7: Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (Susanna Clarke)
Those women who are fans of Jane Austin and Lord of the Rings should definitely check this fantasy book out. It's written in the old Victorian style with lots of big words and flowery prose. But the story, my oh my! It's fabulous. This is not really romantic fantasy (though it does have strong romantic elements), but this is one book that should not be missed. It's one of the best fantasy books out there and it's made my top 25 best fantasy books list.

#8: Dragon and the Phoenix (Joanne Bertin)
This novel is an outright romance hiding in the skin of a fantasy book. But it's also a good romance. If you love fantasy books and you love romance, then I urge you to read this book. This romance fantasy book has everything women might want in a fantasy novel: a powerful hero, strong romantic tension, love triangles, action, and an addicting plot. If there is a fantasy book for women subgenre, then this book definitely qualifies.

#9: Dragon Prince Trilogy (Melini Rawn)
Those ladies lusting after some epic fantasy for women, will find themselves quite satisfied with this novel. This novel is epic fantasy with a strong cast of dangerous females. The romance between the male and female protagonists is the central focus of the book, but world building is pretty good. I felt this was sort of a Robert Jordan for girls series (though, the plot is completely different). It's good to see some epic fantasy for girls. Who says only men can read epic fantasy?

#10: Rhapsody (Elizabeth Haydon)
This is an interesting book. This is another "romance in fantasy clothing" book. Haydon creates an interesting world with a ton of romantic tension. This book makes no apologies about being a pure bodice ripper - so if you are looking for a fantasy novel with lots of romance and lots of sex, well, this book will be sure to deliver those in spades. Despite the heavy prevalence of romantic plots, Haydon's world building is quite good. There are different races, cultures, religions, and magics. I only recommend reading the first book in the series though - the sequels are not as good. If you want a fantasy book geared towards women, well, this book delivers. It's a fantasy book for women!

I hope you found my Fantasy books for women recommendation list useful. If you want a more comprehensive fantasy book guide, check out bestfantasybooks.com.

Ben K -- Lover of Fantasy Books and world traveler.

Bhagavad Gita

Yoga - Improve Your Breathing

Yoga is an ancient discipline that encompasses the entire body and mind and the breath is the link between the two. So, to perform correctly the yogic exercises one needs to learn the art of breathing which will lead to complete physical and mental relaxation and balance.

Yoga has been practiced for many centuries to improve the overall health and well-being of a person. With the stress we put our bodies through on a daily basis it is good to know that there is a way out.

To get the most benefits from a yoga practice we need to learn how to breathe correctly using our entire lung capacity and not only a small fraction of our lungs. When you breathe with awareness you become more aware of your physical body and of your state of mind. You will get lots of benefits like:

1) By breathing slowly and deeply you allow more oxygen to get into your body, especially to the brain.
2) It will release tension and stress.
3) The correct breathing will help to reduce wastes and toxins.
4) It will improve digestion.
5) It will improve your concentration.
6) It will help you think in a more positive way.

Apart from a deep abdominal breathing, which is quite easy to learn and relaxing, there are many other types of breathing. Some can be done on your own after learning from a qualified yoga teacher, but some should be always done in a presence of a yoga teacher.

The deep abdominal breathing is best done lying on your back on the yoga mat in a well ventilated room. Keeping your eyes closed observe the natural breath rising and falling for a moment. Then begin to lengthen the inhalation and deepen the exhalation. Start noticing the rhythmic rise and fall of your abdomen and the feeling of complete relaxation.

Alternate nostril breathing without retention can be easily mastered but adding the breath retention should be done under the proper guidance from a yoga teacher. It has some health contraindications so please check it before attempting it.

Kapalabhati is a more vigorous form of breathing helping to energize your body. It is good to learn it from a qualified yoga teacher before trying to perform it on your own.

In some circumstances breathing exercises should not be done:
1) If you are having any breathing problems.
2) Directly after eating food.
3) If you are depressed.

Remember: Breathing exercises can be detrimental to your health if done incorrectly!

Ms Barbara is a Certified Yoga trainer and also a Teacher in Physical Education. She is a member of REPs as Advance Instructor level 3.

She have been learning, practicing and teaching many styles of yoga for around 10 years. Her classes vary in dynamics and strength, depending on the level of students. Some classes may be very gentle and meditative, while other very powerful and strong.

For more information about the author check http://www.yoga-london.org.uk

Can You Change Your Life

Positive Thinking For Your Golf Game

Here's a little known secret on how to instantly improve your golf game without a lesson or new golf equipment.

Filling your mind with positive thoughts and encouraging beliefs can empower you to play better golf than what you have been playing. Even if you've never tried this, or can not release your full potential, you will actually see and feel yourself making improvements in your golf game. Using positive thinking to improve your golf game or your life can be...life changing.

When you use positive thoughts, words, images that are conducive towards your growth and use them for the betterment of your game, you're using positive thinking. Positive thinking on the golf course involves using positive affirmations and visualizations. Your goal is to eliminate any negativity in your mind. This is critical for you to do before you step into your pre-shot routine. If you are visualizing the ball curving off into the trees yet again, your result will probably be just that.

Even though many golfers have heard about the benefits of positive thinking to improve their golf scores or have seen partners that have had success, sadly, they still haven't tried the idea to bring improvement to their games. The problem with the golfers is that they are not informed enough to make a sound judgement and have not even tried the method of positive thinking in their games. It amazes me that people that can run huge businesses and corporations, and have had success at it, seem puzzled with the concept of positive thinking on the golf course. There are numerous articles, books, lectures, and papers written on the subject. Positive thinking on the golf course can be the major factor to bringing more success to everyone's golf game.

Clint Hitchcock (The Simple.Golf.igist)
Deer Park, TX
Have you ever asked yourself how you can take your golf game to the next level?
Visit http://www.simplegolfogy.com

Writing Or Evil Influence

Not Washing His Hands Led To The Seven Woes

I was sitting waiting to meet a friend for lunch when I opened my Bible and began reading, soon after I began I realized I was reading the seven woes of Jesus to the Pharisees. It got me thinking and this is what I thought....

It's a kind of strange beginning for a story of Jesus, but the life of Jesus was not without is strange beginnings. Jesus had been invited to a Pharisees house and it was their custom to wash their hands before a meal, custom carried down till today in some good houses.

Jesus, aware of the custom sat and refrained from getting up to wash his hands and mildly waited till the issue was brought up.

Then as soon as it is brought up he launches into what could be said an angry tirade.

It seems Jesus provoked this little tirade by his actions, like healing that mans arm in the temple of the Sabbath.

It seems to me nearly everywhere Jesus went he did things contrary to accepted custom. He always seemed to have people liking to take him up on the fact that he didn't do the supposed law of the land he was in.

Do the seven woes cut you to heart?

Can you see yourself being addressed in them?

Are you all white and whitewashed and a lovely Christian on the outside and inside full of anger and bitterness and envy?

Does the West really make better people of the people that convert to our brand of Christian faith?

Have a good look at the seven woes and if you need to repent, repent and take it up with the Father.

Have you ever wanted to see a clairvoyant but the Bible forbids it? Did you know that there are people in churches with a gift of prophecy that can get a message off God for you? You can ask questions of them and they can take the questions to God for you. Eighty percent of the church don't use these people as they don't think the gift of prophecy exists anymore but the people that do use them get tremendously blessed.If you are not a Christian just say that in your email and the prophet will be more sensitive to you. Come and request a free personal prophecy today at http://www.personal-prophecy-free.net

Mark Twain

The Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes - A Great Review

It has become a bit of a family tradition to get Dad something a bit young and wacky for Christmas and last year was no exception. Two years ago I was given The Dangerous Book for Boys and had great fun with my young son showing him everything from growing crystals to making go-karts. In amongst the gems was a design for a paper airplane.

Joe, my young son, loved it but I couldn't help remembering a lad called Alan Jones at school who could fold the most fantastic paper planes that could cross the classroom in a perfectly straight line or the gliders that he made that could swoop gracefully around before coming to a controlled landing on the teacher's desk. The quest was on to find the definitive paper airplane design.

This year my seven year old daughter found me the Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes. Ok she probably had a bit of help from her mum but who cares, the thought was there and this book is Wow! It has been out for about four years but for anyone who hasn't found it yet it is the definitive guide to paper airplanes. Ten designs covering darts, gliders and stunt planes and everyone one of them flies like a dream. This book really does do what it says on the box. Not only that but it also gives you forty sheets of assorted paper in loud colourful designs that mean that your planes not only fly well, they look totally cool as well.

The Spy Plane that you launch vertically upwards just to watch it swoop gracefully back to earth. How can something without an engine stay up so long. The Headhunter in tiger skin print will fly in a dead straight line for thirty feet without any problem. The Flying Ninja in red and white stripes can fly straight and true or swoop softly if thrown more gently. Joe's favourite is the Swashbuckler made from treasure map print paper. He is amazed by the graceful patterns it makes as it swoops and dips around the room.

We had a fantastic hour taking all ten designs to the park on a frosty morning in the Christmas holidays test flying each design and only had to give up when the planes started to go soggy from landing on the frost.

So if you want to be the coolest Dad and teach your kids how to have good old fashioned fun without using a games console, then the Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes is the book for you. Try it, you will not be disappointed.

My name is Nick Bynoth. I am an older Dad to a young family, Keen on staying young and enjoying quality time with my wife and family. To this end, we have set up our own on-line business in order to maintain the work life balance and enjoy my children as they grow up.

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Answering Your Buddhism Questions

If you take a long look into history you would see that religion has shaped most of history's events. It may be the conquering nation that has one religion and wishes to spread its beliefs. In the past two thousand years Christianity has become one of the most popular religious choices. But it is not the most popular. Do you know what the most popular religion/spiritualism is in the world? It is Buddhism. This unique lifestyle and religion dates back centuries and has hundreds of millions of followers.

It is a spiritual journey into Nirvana that drives practitioners to lead faithful lives and do what is deemed correct. There are even many people who practice parts of Buddhism that are not Buddhist in any way. Yoga is a very popular activity but one that stems from this spirituality. In this article we will cover the basics of this spirituality and religion. Hopefully it will shed some light on a culture that has gained in popularity in Western Civilizations.

When did Buddhism originate?

That is a difficult question to answer. Some people believe that the start of Buddhism occurred when Buddha was born. Others consider the start to be when he actually achieved enlightenment and began teaching is followers. If you follow the belief that it began with his birth then that would put the date roughly at 556 BC.

If you follow the belief that it began at his enlightenment then it dates around 531 BC. As you can see it is a very old religion that dates back well before many modern religions. The story is a fascinating blend of fiction and fantasy. As with many noted spiritual leaders found in religions throughout the world, Buddha was said to have communicated with the gods.

How does someone become a Buddhist?

There is no right or wrong way in becoming a Buddhist. Usually most people are introduced to Buddhism through a friend or relative. It is quite normal to have questions when you are confronted by a faith that is entirely different than the one you had growing up. Knowledge is fundamental to understanding this spiritual way of life.

You can declare yourself a Buddhist but unless you know about the practices and philosophies, you are merely a shadow of what a Buddhist truly is. There are many great resources on the internet and in bookstores. Many Buddhist's have local chapters and they gather together to meditate and talk about their beliefs.

What are some of the Buddhist concepts?

One of the philosophies that Buddha strongly believed in and spoke of often was that nothing in this life is permanent. Everything goes away. He believed that attachment to physical goods and status were the downfall of man. There are other tenants such as not harming others that are practiced throughout the world. Many people believe that this is a pacifist's view of life but it is one that Buddhism embraces.

Why is meditation so important in Buddhism?

Meditation is very important to Buddhism. It is the cornerstone of the entire religion or spirituality. Meditation is how Siddhartha became Buddha. It was through carefully examining his life and the world around him that he became aware of the true path to happiness or enlightenment. Meditation is the one tenant of Buddhism that is found in all of the different sects. The sects may vary on the correct path or on what to indulge or abstain from but meditation is the key to finding the answers to death, sickness and happiness.

Learn more about Buddhism at Mike Selvon portal, and while you are there download your FREE gift on the teachings of Buddhism.

The Jewish Menorah - A History

The menorah is a seven branched candelabra which has come to represent the Jewish People and Israel. Its origins directly derive from the Torah and its symbolism has proven to be long lasting.

Early coins and pottery containing images of the menorah and dating back to biblical times have been recovered from archaeological sites.

The first menorah was originally made for the tabernacle and later placed in the first and second temples. The Torah records how the great artist, Bezalel, fashioned the menorah in accordance to detailed Divine instructions. These instructions are recorded in Exodus 25:31-40, see excerpt below:

"31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made, even its base, and its shaft; its cups, its knops, and its flowers, shall be of one piece with it. 32 And there shall be six branches going out of the sides thereof: three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candle-stick out of the other side thereof..."

Listed below are some of the facets of the menorah:

- (as stated above) it was hewn out of a single block of pure gold

- it weighed approximately 150 pounds and just under 5 ft in height

- it had seven branches; a middle branch and three branches extending from each side

- according to Maimonides and Rashi, the side-branches extended from the middle branch in a diagonal line, not in a semi-circular arc as most drawings depict

- extra pure olive oil was used in the cups - gently pressed, not crushed and just the first emerging drops were considered pure enough

- it was positioned beside the southern wall of the temple, opposite the 'shulchan', the table which held the twelve show-breads.

The daily maintenance and lighting of the menorah was a task allocated to the Kohanim (priests). Interestingly, although only the Kohanim were permitted to prepare the menorah, there were no restrictions as to who could light it.

It is written that one branch of the menorah miraculously stayed alight continuously. Synagogues today have a 'ner tamid' (everlasting light) situated opposite the ark, which contains the Torah scrolls. This reminds us of the significance of the menorah during temple times. In addition many synagogues also display a menorah, or an artistic impression of one, in painted decorations or on stained glass windows.

After the fall of the Second Temple, Jewish historian Flavius Josephus recorded that the menorah was taken to Rome and carried along during the triumphant homecoming parade. A depiction of this event is preserved on the Arch of Titus that still stands today in Rome.

During the Jewish festival of Chanukah a menorah is lit on each of the eight nights. This menorah differs from the temple's menorah in that it has nine branches instead of seven.

The location of the original menorah is unknown today but the symbolism lives on; the national emblem of the State of Israel is a menorah, flanked by two olive branches.

The author of this article researched the origins of the menorah during the development of a range of Judaic themed homeware. http://www.judaicamosaica.com

Beyond Motivation - Passion

It seems that just as we shifted paradigms in the eighties, we worked synergistically in the nineties; now we are passionate in the naughties. Even my local petrol station has passion brochures at the pump! So what are we passionate for ?

Last October I got some unasked for, but expert, advice from an extreme extrovert to be more passionate. After I had calmed down, I took a long hard look at what I was doing and seriously questioned my passion level. This was after all, expert advice.

My research took me through a motley assortment of superficial pop psychology and self help books, all with Passion in the title and each more inane than the last. Finally I stumbled across a book by Sydney author Peter Wallman, The Wisdom of Passion. He appeared to get to the real core of what Passion is, and after meeting with him I was convinced that he had identified a simple but powerful process for identifying and capturing our core passions. I loved the simplicity of the process and the clarity it brought to me and my business. Now I assist others to identify what it is that gets their juices flowing.

Along the way through research, self analysis and questioning of my clients and others who have Passion Mapped I have identified some keys to passion.

Passion is very personal and unique to the individual.

Most of our strongest passions are kept internalised and rarely expressed outwardly.

The most powerful passions are not material (or sport).

Connecting strongly with our passions creates a magnetic effect We attract people and opportunities.

Eliciting deep passions requires skill, we have learned well from the school of hard knocks to keep this side of ourselves hidden.

When we express our passion, our voices change, our eyes sparkle, and our physical demeanor shifts.

Passion is contagious be very careful.

Passion comes before motivation and way before action.

Passion makes a difference.

I share my story of being told to be more passionate with colleagues and clients and generally get snorts of bemusement. As an introvert, I am not given to bounding into a room, leaping in the air, giving great shouts, or jumping up and down on a sofa Oprahs or anyone elses. So how do I express Passion? Tell me after you talk to me!!!

Passion is not something you have more (or less) of. Passion is inherent and intrinsic.

Last week I had the opportunity to coach 10 leaders and staff members of a niche organisation during three intense days.
Each of these individuals has a determination and a spark in their eyes, a tone of voice and a body posture which unmistakably conveys the depth of their passion about the work they do. Unsurprisingly, the organisations Director is passionately leading from the front - a true visionary leader. I felt honoured and very humbled to be coaching this particular team. Their common focus and harnessed energy, steered by their Director, is making a huge difference to their client base. Truly a high impact and passion based organisation.

One of our tasks as leaders is to uncover and unleash the hidden power of Passion in our employees, to harness and direct this passion towards a common shared goal. Just imagine, if you will, for a moment what your team could achieve this year if they were as passionately involved and focused as the organisation I mentioned earlier.

Kofi Annan said To live is to choose. But to choose, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go, and why you want to get there.
In business our Mission and Values statements spell out who we are and what we stand for, Our Vision statement gives where we want to go, and our Strategy gives us the how. But the why is missing.

Passion is the why!!

Liz Cassidy, founder of Third Sigma International is an author, Speaker, Trainer and Executive Coach and is passionate about facilitating results in the businesses, professional and personal lives of her clients. For more information http://www.thirdsigma.com.au

Spiritual Journal Video Help and Advice

This can make a difference in your life.

Question Your Religion

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

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 motivation help library filled with great subjects 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.

Habits To Prevent Losing Things

Rethinking Today's Religions - Misleading Our Children

When I was a young man, my parents told me about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Every Christmas, there would be presents underneath the tree from Santa Claus and on Easter I would get a basket full of candy and eggs. However, when I was 11 years old, my parents broke the devastating news to me, there was no Santa Claus or Easter Bunny.

As you can imagine, I cried for hours over the frustration and disappointment. For one, I thought that I wasn't going to get any more Christmas gifts, but my parents provided me with the needed psychological relief and told me that they were going to provide Christmas gifts for me, until I died. Even though I was upset, I was relieved and confused.

If my parents lied about this, could they have possibly lied about something else, anything else. Have you ever thought about this and is there a situation in your life today that could be an old habit that never got corrected. Some theme that your parents told you when you were a child that was a lie and they never told you the truth. Maybe they never told you the truth because they don't even know themselves that it's a lie.

Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny were obviously disappointments to me and most people that I've talked to about their experiences, with their parents and even their children. Why do we do this as parents to our children, even though we didn't like it when it was done to us. Hard to explain why we can't break certain habits and certain traditions.

I love Christmas and the joy of giving. Even though I am no longer a Christian, I enjoy going over to my relatives homes and spending Christmas or Christmas Eve with them. Now for the bad news, if you were raised to believe in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism or any other large religious organization. Let me ask you this, do you think that it could be like Santa Claus, do you think the religion you believe in so strongly could be a story that has gotten out of control over the centuries.

I've spent a life time rethinking today's religions and can't find very many facts to prove any one religion is superior over another. Do your own research and find your own answers. Enlightenment could be as simple as gathering the right information.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

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. Check out one of his recommended books, You Can Have It All

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects 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.

Suggestions For Lifes Problems

Religious Fundamentalism Can Create Problems

Religious groups can easily justify their actions by using religious text to benefit and promote their beliefs. The Muslims can sling quotes out of the Quran to justify their treatment towards women as second-class or even third class citizens in society, often removing certain rights from them because they weren't born men.

Shouldn't these women be treated equally. This is where religious fundamentalism evolves into religious fanaticism.

Christians can often use the same tactics to justify their beliefs and Christianity. This list goes on and on and has created hardships in the past on some people in our civilizations and will continue to do so in the future. As long as people continue to turn a blind eye to evil religious and government leaders, atrocities will take place and some of them will even be supported by those who eventually will become accused are victims of their own wrongdoings.

Does anyone remember the Ku Klux Klan? If you live in the south eastern part of the United States, there is a very good chance that you have heard of them or even know someone who belongs to this organization. The Ku Klux Klan was responsible for hanging African Americans throughout the early 1900s to prove that the white race was superior to the race of black people. Their religious beliefs fueled them with righteousness.

If this going on anywhere in the world today, may be issues about abortion or gay marriage. It seems like an oxymoron, if we allow gay people to get married, we won't have to worry about the abortion issue.

Some Christians, but most Americans look at this as a shameful part of our American heritage. It's not something that most Americans would ever support today. I would like to point something out about the Ku Klux Klan, they started out as a Christian organization and made examples out of other white people who weren't conforming to their ideal Christian society.

There are stories of people that abused their wives and the Ku Klux Klan set them straight, one way or another. If it required beating the crap out of them or killing them, something needed to be done and they are morally obligated to perform the task as Christians. These people took their Christian beliefs to an extreme.

When are we as a country and the world going to start fighting religious fundamentalism at its core and stop the atrocities that are going on today, using religion to justify their wrongdoings.

Create Personal Power

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

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 library filled with great subjects 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.

Fear Based Motivation
Soren Kierkegaard

Overcoming Negative Self-Talk With Positive Affirmations

Motivational affirmations are a great way to lift our mood when things aren't going our way. Our mood is controlled by our internal dialogue which can be our best friend or our own worst enemy. It can limit us from doing what we want to do resulting in a lack of confidence even though we know that other people believe in our abilities. It doesn't have to be that way because we all have complete control over the way we think and feel (whether you believe that or not!) and can regain control by using a variety of methods, one I recommend is affirmations.

Using affirmations can change how you think about yourself and how you view the world around you. These positive statements can bring you the motivation you seek, as well as happiness, joy, and passion. When you're feeling down repeating affirmations can immediately improve your mood. Even though affirmations can work immediately don't think of them as a quick fix. Positive affirmations are most effective in the long-term so you can get what you deeply desire out of life.

When you use affirmations, you are literally reprogramming the way you think. You replace your negative self-talk and doubts with positive, motivating thoughts. Eventually, these positive thoughts become reality. These motivational affirmations work because they push away the negative thoughts that are limiting you day in and day out. You can leave your negative thinking in the past if you fill your current thoughts with positive, motivational affirmations.

Before you know it these positive affirmations will become second nature allowing you to change your life systematically, one thought at a time. Here are ten motivational affirmations you can use to improve your mood:

1. I welcome positive energy and I use that feeling to accomplish more.

2. I use my energy to live my life to the fullest.

3. No matter what I'm working on, I'm always committed to completing my goal.

4. I trust my thought processes. They are clear and I am very capable.

5. I can find my own intrinsic motivator.

6. No matter how hard I may fall, I get back up, dust myself off, and forge on.

7. No matter the challenge, I will see it through.

8. I enjoy being responsible for my actions.

9. My life is full of purpose, exciting chang, and many recognized deeds.

10. By commemorating the smallest nuggets of success I am motivated to complete the larger tasks.

Use this list of affirmations in those moments of frustration to help you find the motivation you need to continue. Repeat them in the morning when you first wake up, or make them your last thoughts at night before you sleep. Add your own energy into them by making them your own, change the words or add to them. Affirmations are far more powerful when you create them for yourself because they have special meaning for you. It doesn't matter where you get them, as long as they speak to your heart and are focused on the present.

We all need a motivational boost from time to time. Now you don't have to look to other people or situations to keep you moving forward. Keep your affirmation list updated with the thoughts you'd like to be thinking, repeat your affirmations several times a day, and soon you will easily be able to command and master your emotions rather than having them control you.

If you are on a journey towards self realization gain access to free personal growth resources information and audios at Inspirational Guidance. Sign up to receive our free ezine "Discovering Greatness Experiencing Joy" http://www.inspirationalguidance.com