When you consciously want to make changes, and you find that old habits are getting in your way, you experience stress because those old habits are held in place by your subconscious mind; and when the conscious and subconscious are in conflict, the subconscious will win. That’s because when we repeat behaviors for a period of time, the subconscious accepts the behavior as something you should continue doing, and as a result, it becomes almost second nature.

For instance, when you first started driving, you had to use your fully engaged conscious mind to coordinate everything; watch traffic lights and other cars, apply the brake gently, etc. Now, your subconscious mind is in charge of driving most of the time. You can talk on the hands-free cell phone, change the radio station, yell at the kids and drink your coffee. Hopefully not all at the same time, but you get the idea–your subconscious mind learned how to drive and is going through the motions, while your conscious mind does other things. Actions that once took all your conscious attention have now become habitual. Habits are patterns stored in the subconscious. They’re automatic responses.  That’s why the subconscious is the winner in any conflict between conscious and subconscious.

Habits can be our enemy or our greatest resource. They’re neutral. They’re not for us or against us. If we learned poor eating habits as a child, then it’s likely we’ll continue with those habits. If we learned to eat healthy, then we’ll probably continue with those habits.  If you’ve tried and failed to change any habit through will power alone, it isn’t always easy and that’s why. It takes about three weeks of conscious effort to create a new habit.  This leaves a lot of opportunity for things to go wrong.

During hypnosis, a shift of information (think electrical energy) occurs in the brain that cannot occur in a conscious state. This is why we can shift habits so quickly after hypnosis. However, intention plays a big part here. If you really want to change the habit, that desire is very powerful. But you still have free will. So if your spouse wants you to quit smoking, and you don’t want to, hypnosis isn’t going to help much. YOU have to want the change.

If you want to lose weight but you don’t want to change your eating habits, forget it.  Hypnosis can help you want to eat healthy and want to get some exercise, when before you didn’t want to do either, but it cannot force you to eat healthy or exercise. So, if you really want to change something in your life, you need to be willing to commit to the change that you desire.

If you have halfheartedly “tried” lots of things in the past and have failed, then your expectation might be that everything you ever “try” is doomed to fail as well. That expectation can be a type of hypnosis. If you continue telling yourself that nothing will ever work for you, then you’re programming your subconscious to make sure nothing works. What the subconscious expects to happen will happen. Don’t use the word “try” when you’re starting something new. That word means you have a psychological way out. You’ll “try” something, and if it doesn’t work, you’ll “try” something else. That way your subconscious mind never becomes convinced that you really want the change. Remember Yoda in Star Wars?  He said, “There is no try. There is only do or not do.” See how that’s such a different mindset? This can save you a lot of time and grief. If you’re not really committed, don’t start it. You’ll just fail again and in doing so, that will program your subconscious even deeper to believe that you can’t do it.

But if you really want to make some changes, enhance your life and increase self esteem, if you really want to get into the mindset and habit of “winning,” then programming your subconscious mind through hypnosis will do it. And as you succeed, the subconscious sees that you are doing it, and that desired behavior then becomes the new habit.

Hypnosis is a pleasant relaxing experience. It is said that a session of hypnosis is worth eight hours of solid sleep. Although hypnosis is not sleep, it might be described as mind awake, body asleep. Some people go very deep, and remember hearing only a few of the suggestions and directions they decided upon for their hypnosis. Others go into a very light relaxed state, but it doesn’t matter–each is highly effective.

In 1958, the American Medical Association approved hypnosis as a medical support tool and in 1960 the American Psychological Association endorsed hypnosis as a branch of psychology. Today, hypnosis is a highly effective medical tool used to relieve pain, assist with preparation for surgery and dentistry, and is widely used to stop smoking, lose weight, reduce stress, address allergies, eliminate PTSD, help increase memory, aid in self esteem, reduce love pain, and assist in dozens of additional health problems or social challenges.

Your subconscious mind is a wonderful resource when you use it to attain what you want. We don’t know everything about the subconscious mind, but science is learning more every day. Right now we know enough so that we can use it to help us live a wonderfully satisfying life of high self esteem–with a real experience of control and empowerment.

References:

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
1. Banyan, Calvin and Klein, Gerald. Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy. Abbott Publishing House, 2001.

2. Preston, Michael D. Hypnosis: Medicine of the Mind. Tiger Maple Press, 2001.

3. Simmerman, Tim. Medical Hypnotherapy: Principles and Methods of Practice. Peaceful Planet Press, 2007.

A Documentary by Foster Gamble And Kimberly Carter Gamble

Foster Gamble is a direct heir to the Proctor & Gamble fortune. He was raised with what he calls “power and privilege,” but unlike what we might expect such wealthy individuals to do, he and his wife Kimberly have spent the last ten years researching reasons why there is such a wide discrepancy between the haves and the have-nots on this planet. They want to know why billions have nothing, and live in squalor and misery on less than a dollar a day, while a  tiny number of people at the very top of the pyramid live with incredible luxury, taking in more money each month than they could possibly spend in a lifetime. Because of their research, Foster and Kimberly have become convinced that there is an elite group of people working very hard to control the rest of us.

As they followed the trail of money and control, they came upon a story of power and manipulation, unlike anything they could have imagined. This resultant documentary shines a bright light on the activities of the families behind the big banking institutions, such as the Rothschilds, Rockefellers and Morgans, and how they have manipulated and influenced almost every area of life, from commerce and politics, to media and food production. Experts explain in simple terms how these wealthy and powerful families brought about our fractional banking system; how their banks create money out of thin air, then loan it to us and expect us to spend the rest of our lives paying it back, which we are well programmed to do. The video explores subjects such as the suppression of cures for cancer and other diseases, as Big Pharma focuses on developing chemicals for treatments, not cures. When someone is cured, they don’t need the meds any more. When you’re just treated, you need the meds for the rest of your life.

This documentary covers thirteen subjects, from New Energy technology to economics, science, spirituality, media, justice, liberty, health, environment, education, our programmed worldview,       relationships and even the suppression of information coming from ET/UFO contacts. Some of our top scientists, inventors, doctors, authors, activists, visionaries, and business leaders explain why their own experiences have shown them that something is terribly wrong with the way things are going, not only in America, but all over the world.

After years of researching these subjects and interviewing experts, Foster and Kimberly Gamble have become convinced, along with thousands of other people that the elite international group is well along on their agenda of total control.  It has become increasingly clear that they have the means, the motive and the opportunity to establish an agenda for total global rule. You may have heard of it as the “New World Order.” Before you dismiss this as just another “conspiracy theory,” be aware that you have been programmed to do just that.

And be aware that the information in this documentary is very different from just an “opinion piece,” as it includes information from some of the top people in very diverse fields, people who can see what’s happening and have the courage to speak out. That takes a lot of courage, for many who have spoken out have simply disappeared, or have had their homes and labs raided, and their inventions confiscated. They have had their funding mysteriously cut or were denied tenure, or actually lost their jobs and livelihoods.

In the early 1900’s, the brilliant scientist Nicola Tesla developed the ability to transmit electrical energy through the air like radio waves, where they could be picked up by an antenna. But right before his demonstration to the world, banker J.P. Morgan shut down Tesla’s funding, and the project was terminated. Morgan owned many copper mines and was making a fortune from all the copper wires used to conduct electricity. The suppression continues to this day.  The U.S. Patent Office seized over 5000 alternative energy inventions in the name of “national security.” We could have been freely accessing a universally abundant energy resource, but the sale of energy is very big business, so the corporate and financial elite who control the conventional sources are not about to let anyone enjoy free energy, no matter how poor or elderly they may be.

But New Energy is just one example. Suppression reaches into every sector of free thinking, where the elite are tightening their control.

This plan is not a new development. It’s been going on for decades in America and hundreds of years in Europe. In 1913, Woodrow Wilson said, “Since I entered politics, I have chiefly had men’s views confided to me privately. Some of the biggest men in the United States, in the fields of commerce and manufacture, are afraid of something. They know there is a power somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive, that they better not speak above a whisper when they speak in condemnation of it.”

This documentary and supporting website will be the first step for many of us in becoming aware of what’s going on. For others who have had well-founded suspicions, and have been researching and discussing this for years, the video is a huge confirmation, a breath of fresh air, and the website is a vast repository of information that it would have taken individuals decades to collect, even if we had had the time. The video has been dubbed in ten languages and will soon add four more. Ideas regarding what we can do, and what is already being done to counteract this plan, are listed on the video and website. The website at www.thrivemovement.com presents extensive documentation of everything in the film, as well as additional information, quotes, video clips, graphics and photos. Research is ongoing and new information is constantly being included.

It would be easy to follow your programming and dismiss this as just another “wacko idea,” but there are too many people who have been aware of these activities for years. This DVD is being reviewed by publications all over the country and is quietly going viral. Burying our heads in the sand and being described as “sheeple” is no longer an option. If you have been harmed by the housing collapse, the slow economy and the resultant dearth of jobs, you’re experiencing the American part of this global takeover plan.

But America is a tough nut to crack, with our culture of self-defense and love of liberty. During WWII, the plan of the Germans and Japanese was to conquer Europe and Asia first, then attack America in a pincer movement coming from East and West at the same time. America was known to be the last bastion of freedom and resistance. That conquest didn’t work out because we got into the fight early enough to foil their plans. So, becoming aware of what’s being planned for us now is the first step. Of course we’re not looking at armed invasion from without. That’s what makes all this so hard to grasp. It’s a takeover from within. So, become informed and then decide what you can do personally to regain your freedom. There are specific ideas on the website.

Here’s to the amazing personal strength, positive energy and determination of Americans to regain the freedoms that, by design, are slowly being taken away from us by regulation; by the giant corporations that run our country; by economic hardship fostered by the banking elite; by programming through the corporate media and through constant electronic surveillance. Order your copy  from the www.thrivemovement.com website.   

Foster Gamble is a graduate of Princeton University. He lives in Santa Cruz, California with his wife, Kimberly Carter Gamble.

Written By Rachael L. Scala

I don’t have to tell my fellow X-chromosome bearers that we love to spend time together twice; this custom is pre-programmed and deeply valued among generations. Where do you go to find an eatery conducive to a friends’ evening out; or celebrating our mothers; or spending a lively moms’ brunch with the kiddos? After a glance at the following three stops, you’ll want to plan all three.

Z Bistro – 725 Basque Way, Carson City, NV 89706; 775-885-2828. Lunch: Tue-Fri, 11-2:30, Dinner: Thu-Sat, 5:30-9, http://atzbistro.com

Family-owned Z Bistro is a dazzling gem in Southeast Carson City, featuring authentic French cuisine on a rotating menu. Opened six years ago by Gilles and Tina, ze charming bistro is sure to please mature groups, and their foodie daughters. Family-style tables allow enough separation for deeper conversations, yet enhance a community dining spirit. The charming yellow interior with tasteful décor is French at heart, emphasizing the artful food. Tina amiably welcomes all guests, treating them as dear friends whom she wishes to delight with her husband’s culinary delicacies.

The menu, sophisticated and approachable, contains lighter fare that is seasonal and responsibly sourced. Gilles’ creativity shines since it changes weekly, for example, this time the nuanced pâté is smoky with a hint of maple. Lunch is peppered with crêpes, satiating Niçoise salads, and the acclaimed onion soup, laden with Gruyere. At dinner, share a bowl of mussels in lavender and fennel broth alongside crisp frites in garlicky aioli. Don’t skip the poached pears in port, with crème anglaise for dessert, decadent, not overindulgent. Enjoy with house-made orange wine, a limoncello-esque aperitif. Whether you seek a quaint lunch or a sumptuous dinner, Z Bistro gives “cred” to Carson City’s unique food scene.

Squeeze In (South Reno) – 25 Foothill Rd, Reno, NV 89511; 775-853-6090. Breakfast and lunch Mon-Sun, 7am-2pm, http://squeezein.com

The sister restaurant of two other locations, family-owned Squeeze In of South Reno beckons larger groups and families of all ages to revel in hearty brunch. In light of the coziness of the original stop in Truckee, South Reno’s location has more room to spread out. Let the kids draw on the walls as you pour over the large menu, with over 50 omelettes, share-worthy sandwiches, and the veggie-heavy HOP options (Healthy Obsession Program). No items on this menu are prepared with oil, and toast is un-buttered. Breakfast potatoes, albeit delicious, are easily substituted with fruit or tomatoes with cottage cheese.

You are sure to feel accommodated and relaxed here. The cheerful staff happily lends a hand with creating a perfect brunch, and making the kids happy. Teddy bear pancakes fly out of the kitchen first so the kids aren’t free to toggle with the eclectic décor once they tire of writing on the walls. You may relish in the nourishing, guilt-free Shi’s Superfood Scramble, made of egg whites and a plethora of vegetables, or, share a burrito with your significant other if you’re past breakfast mode already. Bottom line–the Squeeze In will leave everyone in your party happy.

Freshies – 3330 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150; 530-542-3630. Lunch, http://freshiestahoe.com

Celebrate your closest friends in a laid-back, health-conscious venue, Freshies in South Lake Tahoe. Referred to as “grown up Hawaiian with a twist,” the exotic menu is nutritious and dense. Opened in 2000 by Melodie and Erik, Freshies transforms oft-unhealthy Hawaiian cuisine into wholesome and flavor-rich masterpieces. Menu items are comprised of organic produce and chicken, locally sourced wines, and is also entirely gluten-free (save the homemade pasta). If you’re indecisive like me, order a few things to share.

In the summer, you’ll have plenty of room on the upstairs deck to tuck into the famed fish tacos (try your fish blackened), while sipping on Pliny the Elder with your girlfriends. Start with quinoa and sweet potato cakes with sweet chili sauce or portabella mushroom curry. Seeking greens? Salads are available in half portions and are still quite sizeable; try the vibrant Crunch Salad with your choice of fish. Though limited on space, you’ll feel welcomed and well attended to. Freshies has been a local’s favorite for years, for good reasons. Check out some of their events such as the Lake Tahoe Women’s Center fundraiser, where cooks and servers switch places for the night; or, their local’s appreciation night, in which the winners of the drawing dine for free on the deck over summer.

Are you properly using ergonomics at work and home to help your posture and health? If you’re not, you’re increasing the possibility of pinched nerves, unbalanced muscles (one side over-developed compared to the other), repetitive strain injuries, and degenerative disease. These symptoms increase every day that you don’t apply the use of proper ergonomics.

So what is ergonomics?  At its simplest definition ergonomics literally means the science of work. So ergonomists, i.e. the practitioners of ergonomics, study work, how work is done and how to work better.

What is proper posture? In recent years, ergonomists have attempted to define postures that minimize unnecessary static work, and reduce the forces acting on the body. All of us could significantly reduce our injury risk if we adhered to the following ergonomic principles:

• All work activities should permit the worker to adopt several different, but equally healthy and safe postures.
• Where muscular force has to be exerted, it should be done by the largest appropriate muscle groups available.
• Work activities should be performed with the joints at about mid-point of their range of movement. This applies particularly to the head, trunk and upper limbs.

Here is a good example for sitting at a computer or desk.

Conventional wisdom holds that there is such a thing as a “correct” posture. In reality, posture change seems to be as important as posture correctness, especially with regard to the intervertebral discs in the spine. These discs lose fluid over the course of the day because of the weight they carry. It appears that posture change is essential to help pump fluid back into the discs. People who stand all day tend to have back problems–but so do people who sit still all day.

One of the most important points of ergonomics is that injury comes from sustained stress. The body can handle a little bit of a stress for a short period of time without much in the way of problems.

Stop reading right now and take the time to just notice how your body feels. Do you notice any discomfort or stress in your neck, shoulders, back, or lower body? Try fidgeting into a more comfortable position. Next time you notice stress, fidget again or do some stretches. Medical tip: Repeat that process for the rest of your life.

So when do you NOT want to be ergonomically correct? This is only done with the help of your chiropractor, medical doctor or physical therapist. If you have an abnormal curve or scoliosis of the spine, due to improper posture in the past or injuries, then you will want to position yourself so that you’re pushing into the curve. For example, if you have a curve in your neck to the right side (high side of curve) then you will do better setting your computer and main work area to the right side of you. This will make your body push into the curve; this will help slow down or stop your abnormal curve progression. If you’re getting chiropractic care, along with home/work exercises and stretches to help correct your posture, then your repair and recovery time will be quicker.

References:

1.  www.erogonomics.about.com

2.  www.ergonomics.org

3.  www.Office-ergo.com

Hoop houses are burgeoning across Nevada as local farmers continue to benefit from increased vegetable production and sales. Hoop houses are the newest trend in local agriculture. The simple greenhouse structures provide shelter from the wind and cold temperatures, resulting in a longer growing season, increased harvests and increased profits for commercial producers.

To meet demand for training in this innovative technique, the WNC Specialty Crop Institute offers a Low-cost Hoop House Construction Workshop on Friday, May 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Smith Valley High School, 20 Day Lane, in Smith. Cost is $35 for those registering by April 25, $45 after April 25. Lunch is included. Seating is limited, and registration is required.

Featured speaker Ray Johnson of Custom Gardens Organic Farm will lead a hands-on demonstration of how to build a low-cost hoop house, constructed primarily of PVC tubing, precut rebar, greenhouse plastic and 2×4 boards. Developed by Utah State University, the design is popular among growers who are interested in hoop house production without a large financial investment. Johnson will also discuss growing techniques and planting schedules for hoop houses.

Information/registration: Ann Louhela -775-351-2551 or louhelaa@wnc.edu.

ARBONNE INTERNATIONAL- ALL NATURAL SKINCARE, HEALTH AND WELLNESS PRODUCTS. What makes Arbonne different from the other brands out on the market? It’s designed in Switzerland, and made in the United States. Scientists and Doctors have been developing botanical and all natural ingredients to make the best quality products since 1975. I am an independent consultant in Sparks NV. I offer consultations for anyone wanting to improve their skin or prevent the signs of aging for men and women. Also anyone wanting to lose weight with our get fit program using gluten free, vegan products. Angela Lively at 775-351-5191 or livelyskin@yahoo.com

NEVADA’S OUTDOOR LIFE COMES INDOORS. Nevada’s tradition of outdoor adventure is available all year long in Under the Stars. When guests enter this gallery they feel like they’ve stepped outdoors. They’re greeted by the sounds of nature and changing light treatment that takes them from day to night and back again. A tent and a vast cave set the stage for exploration of the natural history of the state and how to enjoy it. There’s also fishing for Cui-Ui and Lahontan Cut Throat Trout. To learn more go to: Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, 490 S. Center Street · Reno, NV, 775-786-1000

Several studies by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (based at Brown University) explored the effects of music education on young children’s learning. The conclusions of these studies support the theory that music instruction can help build intellectual and emotional skills, facilitate children’s learning and strengthen other academic areas, such as reading and math. Also, these studies indicate that music can positively affect children (and adults) of all ages.

Learning Music, Computers, and Development: With the rise of the Internet and high-tech jobs that require computer skills, there seems to be less interest in music education these days. Fortunately, several studies by experts in the field are demonstrating that studying the arts–particularly music–can actually help develop skills used in learning about computers.

The conclusions of the Brown University studies are consistent with other research on music and its effect on child development. One study (by researchers at the University of Wisconsin and the University of California) shows that when three and four year old children were given simple piano lessons over a six month period, they performed 34 percent better than other children on IQ tests, some of whom had had computer lessons instead. The impressive results came from a study of 789 children from diverse social and economic backgrounds. One of the researchers stated that music training jump starts certain inherent patterns in parts of the brain responsible for spatial- temporal reasoning. On the other hand, computer lessons do not prompt children to think ahead or visualize, as they must do when playing music.

Several studies indicate that the reading level of students with one year of music was nearly one grade higher than their peers without such music training. Children with two years of

music experience had scores equivalent to two years ahead of their reading age, and these statistics improved with music experience.

Research also shows that music touches “at risk” children in special ways. Music introduced into their environment seems to make them more relaxed and receptive to learning. Children with learning disabilities, who often have a hard time focusing when there is a lot of background noise, may be especially helped by music lessons.

Other research findings show the following:

• Children in elementary schools who were given enriched, skill-building music classes showed marked improvement in reading and math skills. Students in the program who had started out at lower reading and math skill levels than those of children in the control group caught up to statistical equality in reading and pulled ahead in math.

• Researchers found that children given piano lessons improved much more dramatically in their spatial-temporal IQ scores (important for some types of mathematical reasoning) than children who received computer lessons, or no lessons.

• A research team exploring the link between music and intelligence reported that music training is far superior to computer instruction in dramatically enhancing children’s abstract reasoning skills, the skills necessary for learning math and science.

• A McGill University study found that pattern recognition and mental representation scores improved significantly for students given music instruction for a three-year period. They also found that self-esteem improved while they were taking music lessons.

• Students with experience in music performance and music appreciation scored higher on the SAT than students with no music education. 53 points higher on the verbal, and 39 points higher on the math for music performance; 61 points higher on the verbal and 42 points higher on the math for music appreciation.

Selecting Music for Children: At around three years old, most children begin to take a real interest in music activities of all kinds. It is a good time for parents and teachers to begin mixing music with games that require body movement, such as clapping, waving, jumping and dancing. Sing-along games are ideal for initiating movement and bringing children together in enjoyable group activities.

Children, age four to six, are more consistent music-makers, and are more aware of the messages in song lyrics. Children at this age are ready to sit attentively for a short performance, or listen to a short recording. Studies of children in this age group who play instruments also perform better on tests of working memory. Appropriate activities also include lessons in music appreciation, playing instruments and learning to write lyrics to simple melodies.

Children, age seven to ten, can start learning that music has structure. Rhymes, repetition and experimenting with different sounds also can be used for speech and reading development. This is the ideal time to actively teach a child a musical instrument. Research indicated that children at this age will start showing the positive effects of music training in their academic performance.

Music has proven to provide many more benefits to children (and adults) than simple entertainment. It has even proven to help patients recover from diseases or surgery more quickly, and with less pain. Currently, scientists are undertaking much research to learn the effects of music on the mind and body, yet we now know–from findings of several of the most prestigious researchers in the field–that music can have very positive effects on child development. HB

References:

1. www.plosone.org 2. www.paulborgese.com 3. www.sciencedaily.com

For more info, contact Page Stegner, Certified Simply Music Teacher at (530) 414-4464, or visit online at www.tahoepianolessons. com.

SALON SANOTINT GRAND OPENING! For everyone who is looking for a safe, gentle, permanent hair color with excellent gray coverage that also nourishes and conditions your hair, welcome to Salon SanoTint. We offer a full service hair salon, in the European style, featuring SanoTint hair care products. Salon SanoTint is located within the offices of VIVASAN USA, at 770 Smithridge Drive, Suite 350, in Reno (near the corner of So. McCarran behind the Smithridge Plaza). Hours are Mon. – Fri. 10:00am to 5:30pm and Saturday 11:00am to 3:00pm. Salon service is by appointment only at this time. Please contact VIVASAN USA, 775-826-8482.

“THE SAFE AND HEALTHY HOMES 5K RUN/WALK WILL BE HELD AT IDLEWIDE PARK IN RENO ON APRIL 21, 2012 AT 9 AM. The event benefits the Committee to Aid Abused Women (CAAW). Entry fee until April 1 is $30 and will then increase to $35.”

“TASTE FOR JAzz #5” WILL BE HELD THURSDAY APRIL 26TH 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM AT THE ATLANTIS CASINO RESORT SPA TO BENEFIT LOCAL FAMILIES SERVED BY CARE CHEST OF SIERRA NEVADA. The Mardi Gras themed event features wine tasting from exclusive regional wineries including Bogle Vineyards & Winery, Groth Vineyards, King Estate, McManis Family Vineyard, Rutherford Wine Co., Sausal, Schweiger Vineyards, Steele Wines, Trentadue Winery and many more. Attendees can sample delicious creations by local chefs from Arrow Creek, Jazz: A Louisiana Kitchen, Men Wielding Fire, PF Chang’s, Campo, Roundabout Catering, Ruby River Steakhouse, Whole Foods and Wild River Grille. Entertainment by Reno Sax Man will bring the jazz to life and an auction will feature large format wines, trips, dinners, golf, entertainment and even live artwork being created during the event. Proceeds will provide FREE medical supplies, emergency prescriptions, diabetic items and liquid nutritional support for Northern Nevadans in need. CARE Chest helped 1,668 LOCAL families during the first two months of 2012 alone. This service is made possible through efforts like “Taste For Jazz” and other generous community support. Tickets are available online at www.carechest.org, $75.00 per person; reserved tables of 8 are $650. For more info all CARE Chest (775) 829-2273 or visit www.carechest.org.

RENO’S EARTH DAY CELEBRATION AT IDLEWILD PARK IS ALIVE AND WELL THIS YEAR. The event has been held in Reno for over 40 years, drawing crowds of almost 8000 people at its best. A new group has picked up the event and with the help of many volunteers and businesses in the community, this year will be another year to remember with a three armed theme: The Natural World, Many Cultures and Green Technologies. The festival will showcase local entertainment all day on 2 stages with performers of all types – local bands and musicians, circus acts and acrobatics, martial arts and magic, dance exhibitions and more! Earth Day vendors and organizations have come together again to offer a wide variety of crafts and products, educational information and fun activities to learn about our planet and sustainable living. Activities include scavenger hunts, festival blackout and raffles with prizes announced all day long, including live broadcasts from several radio stations. Everyone has come together this year to keep the tradition alive and make the event a success. Join us Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, 2012 at Idlewild Park in Reno for family fun in a truly community event.

Have you ever watched helplessly while your “Inner Jerk” took over and made a complete mess out of a situation? Inside each of us lives a family of selves–Professional, Parent, Spouse, Pleaser, and Inner Jerk–to name a few. When one of them acts out, it’s usually a sign they are feeling ignored and rejected.

The concept of sub-personalities is an ancient one and influenced the work of psychological theorists like Freud and Jung. Jung did extensive work on identifying archetypal energies, which universally express themselves in human personalities worldwide. These ideas also influenced the work of gifted family therapists, such as Virginia Satir.

If this sounds like Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), it’s not. Actually MPD is treated by helping the disowned selves to connect and communicate with each other again. The state of our mental health is deeply affected by how well our inner family is getting along, and how aware we are of the dynamics between the various selves. The Voice Dialogue technique, developed by Hal and Sidra Stone, is a simple way to begin the process of getting to know your inner family.

Some real life examples of working with inner selves:

KT, a loving mother, is walking with her son and their four dogs. She’s in a bad mood for no identifiable reason, and the yipping playfulness of her entourage is tromping on her last nerve. They discover a mud puddle–she explodes, yelling at her son and kicking the dogs. Later she realizes what happened: I was being a real jerk. We were supposed to be playing and having fun. Then I suddenly remembered to check myself and there was my Inner Jerk. I pictured myself hugging her, like I’d do for my son if he was having a bad day. The image snapped me out of my funk and I was able to apologize to my son, pat the dogs, laugh at myself and enjoy the rest of the walk.

In processing this later, she discovered she had been ignoring her own need to play in mud puddles. Her Inner Jerk was acting out to get her attention and, as it often happens when we “diss” a part of ourselves, she directed her inner frustration at her loved ones. Her homework assignment for the week was to go play in her own mud puddle.

HJ, a gifted writer, is struggling with a serious case of writer’s block. A deadline is looming and he is staring at a blank screen. He is encouraged to explore his inner selves and finds that his Critic is fighting with his Muse. He is led through a dialogue between the two and makes an interesting discovery, they both want the same thing–quality writing. They each have a role in the process: the Muse creates and the Critic edits. They are fighting for control, leading to the block. The dialogue leads to a fascinating solution. The Critic agrees to step back while the Muse is drafting; the Muse agrees to step back while the Critic is editing.

So, next time you find yourself being an unbearable tyrant, try a little loving on that Inner Jerk. If your inner casts of characters are quarreling, call a timeout and see if you can’t get them to agree on a common goal, even if their means of getting there are different. An interesting side effect of this inner work is it also works marvelously with difficult people. Maybe you can’t bring yourself to hug them, but try softening your heart and see what happens.

References:

1. Satir, Virginia. Your Many Faces. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts, 1978.

2. Jung, Carl G.. Memories, Dreams, Reflections (Aniela Jaffe, Ed.; Richard & Clara Winston, Translators). New York: Random House, 1961.

3. http://www.voice-dialogue-inner-self-awareness.com

1. Energy Audit

Regardless of how much you manage the heating and air conditioning systems in your home, air leaks throughout the household could mean you’re wasting energy every time you turn up the thermostat.

A home energy technician, or auditor, can come in and check every nook and cranny of your house for leaks and proper insulation. From cable lines to cracks in the walls, these technicians don’t miss a thing. By closing all the doors and windows, the auditor can fixate a fan to send an airstream out of the house. An infrared camera can then be used to see where cold air is flowing in as the house depressurizes. And let the fixing begin! A complete energy audit and repair could save 5-30 percent of your monthly energy bill.

If you can’t find a home energy technician near you, just start checking around the house for possible air leaks and insulation failures. Every little bit helps. You can also go to www.sierragreenbuilders.com for more tips and advice on weatherization, specific to the Reno/Tahoe area.

2. Keep the Cold

There are times when we waste water and don’t even realize it. It most commonly occurs when waiting for our water heater to kick in before a bath or shower. Every day, gallons of water are wasted as we stand beside the faucet, waiting for it to warm up. If saving water is a priority of yours, keep a few five gallon buckets on hand, and save that cold water for other uses. It could be repurposed to water plants around the house, soak grimy pots and pans in the sink, or, if you’re really passionate, cut off the water main to your toilet and manually refill it with your newfound cold water supply! Be creative: you can purchase buckets made from recycled materials, as well as a variety of home water storage systems.

3. Save and Pay

More and more companies are providing online banking options for their customers. Instead of having a bill printed on paper; put into a paper envelope; driven to your house in gasoline-fueled trucks; then driven away from your house in a new paper envelope equipped with a paper check—think of all the paper and gasoline you would save for the environment by simply opting in for the online billing option. As long as the billing website reads, https://, that “s” stands for “secure,” so you know your information will be safe.

4. Don’t Warm the Wash

Laundry is a necessity. But what isn’t a necessity, most of the time, is cleaning your clothes in hot or warm water. First of all, check the tags on your clothing. Some of them require that they be washed in cold water. The colder the wash, the less energy is used to heat the water, so make sure that you can wash with cold water every chance you get. If your clothes aren’t very dirty, a warm wash would often suit you just fine. And if you’re a relatively clean individual, try a cold wash and see how you like it. Cold washes also tend to prevent shrinkage and fading of your clothes, so maybe you’ll be able to wear your favorite shirt for a few more years.

5. Go Raw

Eating raw food will benefit both your health and the planet. By eating raw food, you needn’t use energy from the stove, oven or microwave. There’s less packaging and processing involved in a raw apple as compared to a microwaveable, frozen apple pie.

There is a belief that cooking food above a certain temperature, about 118°F, kills its “life energy,” and while many nutrients remain, “dead food” is being consumed. People who have gone on raw diets have reported feelings of greater energy and less fatigue during the day. Check out the “rawsagna” recipe in this issue, or visit www.hbmag.com for more raw ideas. Check out the Pneumatic Diner, at 501 W 1^st St. in Reno, for some vegan and vegetarian options as well–ask for the vegan nachos.

6. “Sleeptalking”

Cell phones typically only need just a few hours to regain a full charge, yet many of us leave them plugged in all night long. Make a habit of fully charging them up before you go to bed; and get up early enough to recharge whatever’s lost through the night so that it’s back to 100 percent before you walk out the door.

7. Road Wage

The angrier you get on the road, the more it tends to cost you. Constant accelerating and braking from aggressive driving behaviors may reduce your gas mileage efficiency by 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in the city. Also, if speeding is a hobby of yours, gas mileage usually decreases rapidly once you hit speeds of 60mph or more. For every 5mph over 60 you drive, consider it an extra 30 cents a gallon for gas. Get more information at www.fueleconomy.gov.

8. Plant a Tree…?

Yes, that’s still a good thing to do, and not just for kids either. However, planting a tree can also have lasting energy-saving effects if planted with ulterior motives. Keep track of which part of your house tends to heat up the most during the warmer months of the year. If a tree is strategically planted to block the angle of the sun, you could naturally reduce your average room temperature by a few degrees in the summertime. Look for planting tips and ideas from a few local sources, check out: www.gardenshopnursery.com, www.drycreekgarden.com, and www.fullcirclecompost.com.

9. Paper Towels: A luxury.

Stop and think of an instance when using a paper towel was the only possible solution to solving a problem in your house. Or, try and recall a time where several rags or washcloths just couldn’t handle the job, and paper towels had to come in and save the day. Now, never buy paper towels again…or, just use them sparingly. If you do use them, try composting them. They should break down, if exposed to natural elements, within two to four weeks, according to www.ecolife.com. There are also several brands of recycled paper towels that are considered more “green” over others.

10. In the Know

The whole country is getting on board with green living, and what better source of information than the Environmental Protection Agency? Go to www.epa.gov/gogreen and put in your e-mail address to start receiving their monthly Go Green! newsletter. You can also find more tips on www.hbmag.com.

Written By Rev. Jack R. Elliott,

Author and Spiritual Life Coach |

Dear Rev. Jack, “Is there one quick thing I can do to break the blues? I find myself sitting on my couch, clicking away on my remote–watching endless hours of TV. I know that this isn’t me, but I come home from work on Friday evening and I’m just exhausted. The next thing I know, its Monday morning and the grind begins all over again. – Bertha

Dear Bertha,

I recommend that you spend some time with your Mother–Mother Nature that is:

Go on a walk with her, you’ll be amazed. I believe that Spirit uses Mother Nature to teach us what we need to know, to transform our own lives. In my twenty plus years as an HR Executive, I noticed that many of my co-executives went for a walk at lunch time. After a few weeks of being the only person in the employee dining room, I decided to walk as well. To assure that I would do it, 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. was marked on my appointment calendar so that my assistant wouldn’t book an appointment during my 30 minute walk.

The first day or two were hard. I kept looking at my watch, as to distract the mind chatter, which was endless: “I should answer Harry’s email; I have that huge deliverable at 2:00, I should be working on that; my feet hurt–why did I wear these shoes…” and so on. But I stuck to it. On the third day, I noticed the scent of some roses as I walked by a neighboring building. “Why are these here?” I answered myself, “They’re here to be enjoyed by the people who walk by.” I was surprised I hadn’t noticed them the prior two days.

The next day, I gave myself a challenge: to notice something else in nature that I hadn’t noticed the day before. What I noticed was flowering ground cover, beautifully stacked rocks, and artfully manicured lawns surrounding the neighboring office buildings. Prior to my daily walks, all of this had gone by unnoticed. Soon, I was excited about my noontime walk, for I knew that Mother Nature had another surprise for me, just around the corner.

I remember one day, when spring was just becoming summer, the warmth of the sun seemed to wash over me as I took my walk. It felt so good. I asked myself, “When was the last time you felt this good!” I couldn’t remember. The image that did come to mind was me as a child. I couldn’t wait to finish my breakfast, so I could get “outside.” When I was a child, I lived for the outdoors. I relished the feel of the wind against my face as I rode my bike down to the playground. The smell of newly mowed grass awakened my senses, and provoked me to kick off my shoes and socks just so I could feel the warmth of the carpet of green beneath my feet.

I remember, lying in the grass for hours taking in the rich blueness of the sky; making up imaginary stories from the imagines I formed in my mind from the clouds as they passed by overhead, “Look it’s a bunny!” I loved watching the tree tops sway in the breeze, and the sound that wind made as it passed through the trees. I was both amazed and comforted by nature. This must be why they call it “Mother Nature,” I mused.

While I’ve always loved the autumn colors, it’s spring that often amazes me. Early one May, I had gone out to gather the morning papers and I noticed that the Crêpe Myrtle Tree near my front door had the tiniest buds–just about to pop! I remember thinking that by the next week, the tree would be in full bloom, but I’d miss it because I was going to be gone.

Later that day, I was working in my den, and I noticed that the day had turned out to be warmer that I had anticipated. Not warm enough for the air-conditioning, but a perfect day to open a window. As I opened the window, I noticed the tree. Something had covered it. I dashed outside to see what had covered the tree only to notice that each and every bud had opened up! The unusually warm day had caused the tree to transform in just five short hours. The tree was filled with beautiful red flowers and rich, fresh green leaves. I was awestruck by nature once again.

As I went back to my writing, I realized that Mother Nature is a great teacher. If a tree could transform in five hours, why couldn’t I? Spirit gave me that metaphor for a reason. Spirit used nature once again to remind me that what may seem to be now, in just a moment, may very well be something totally different.

So Bertha, I invite to see your world from a different point of view. Go for a walk in nature. Let Spirit and nature reveal to you what you need to see. The rain will cleanse you. The sun will surround you with warmth. The Ocean will humble you when your ego becomes too large. The earth will ground you and support you as you take a stand. The mountains will inspire you to grow bigger than you could ever imagine. The flowers, and their fragrance, will remind you that there is a sweet, sweet Spirit that is always with you. Enjoy your walk!  – Rev. Jack

Written By Rachael L. Scala |

It’s Saturday morning. Your stomach rumbles because you’re (hungry) and excited for some Sierra Nevada therapy, in whatever form that may be. Perhaps you are a Tahoe native, already proud of the variety of local dining options. Or, you live in the Bay and plan to visit friends in the area. You know you’ll be eating out at some point, but you want to make it count, saving for something that comes from a food source that doesn’t plague your conscience or dietary needs. Check out the following three gems–and be sure to stop by at least one next time you’re nearby.

CoffeeBar – 10120 Jibboom St., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-2000, 6am-8pm Mon-Sun

Opened in 2010, CoffeeBar exemplifies a local-vore’s favorite eatery in that all food and drink offerings are made with heartfelt care, artistry, and authenticity that are inherent in Italian cuisine. Owner, Greg Bucheister, describes CoffeeBar’s offerings as unmatched in terms of passion for coffee and specialty food items. Walking the walk of sustainability in the community, CoffeeBar sources all of their produce locally, instead of from faceless giants with “organic” on their labels. The modern, yet unpretentious café offers indoor and outdoor seating, weather-permitting.

You won’t find better tasting or higher quality coffee anywhere in the region. Roasted exclusively for CoffeeBar by Carl Staub, their brew is the highest classification of organic available: C1 Grade, meaning there are no more than three secondary defects per 300g. All house coffee is from a French-press, not an auto-drip machine, and each shot is made to be consistently smooth and bold in the likeness of Italian espresso. You’ll find drinks such as a Lemon Chiffon Latte or cold-extracted Iced Toddy coffee. Their latte art further testifies to each barista’s will and skill to create outstanding beverages.

If the drinks aren’t enough to entice you, allow yourself time to pour over the menu, which offers made-to-order paninis, crêpes, salads, homemade gelato, and several other specialties. Gluten-free pastries and seasonal quiches from the local Whole Treats grace the bakery case. Vegetarian options abound, including the hearty Campagna Panini (Spinach, zucchini, eggplant caponata, tomato, red onion and smoked Mozzarella with roasted garlic aioli on herb Focaccia). Meats and cheeses are also artisanally made, meaning they are at times imported, or if possible, obtained from a local source. If you are vegan, or don’t eat gluten or dairy, ask the friendly and knowledgeable staff to suggest something.

Community activism is apparent in more than just the food. CoffeeBar partners with local non-profit, High-Fives Foundation, showcases several local artists at any given time, and soon, will host the new “Change” events, which will promote action and funding for sustainable initiatives in the area. CoffeeBar is also a special venue for other events such as art openings and CoffeeBar After Dark music events. The bottom line: you are missing out if you pass through Truckee without even a shot of espresso from this dynamic and impactful place.

The Uncommon Kitchen – Inside New Moon Natural Foods in Tahoe City: 505 W. Lake Blvd., Sunnyside-Tahoe City, CA 96146, 530-583-3663, 11am-4pm weekdays (hot food) & sandwiches/sushi til 7pm, Sat/Sun grab and go sushi

Perhaps you are picking up some local produce from New Moon right outside of Tahoe City and you freeze in the entrance due to an alluring smell–unmistakably a diverse spread of wholesome, homemade fare. That would be the Uncommon Kitchen, owned and operated by Dawn and Doug Baehr, formerly owner/chefs of Stoneyridge Café. They strive to use organic whenever possible, and their meats are free range and lack preservatives or other additives.

Dawn describes the business as an ethnic deli. You’ll find a vast spread of sandwiches on freshly baked bread, sushi of the pescatarian, vegetarian, and even raw varietals. Other offerings include sprouted nut salad–part of the famous raw taco, and constantly rotating hot food options. Doug’s passion for authenticity is evident in the scrumptious offerings that please a rainbow of diets. Try his signature Pan Bagna sandwich, a New Orleans tradition, or, a noodle bowl made with seasonal vegetables and free-range chicken. For dessert, you can always find traditional chocolate mousse. Their novel desserts also include vegan tiramisu, chocolate-covered macadamia-stuffed dates, or the innovative chia seed kheer, a raw and vegan twist on a comforting Indian pudding that will blow you away. Life is good.

The Uncommon Kitchen has been open for five years and thrives from a loyal lunch crowd. Weekend options are a bit limited, though you can still get sushi to go on Saturdays and Sundays. They are conscious of the waste they produce and use biodegradable packaging materials.

The Kitchen also offers a catering service for weddings, office gatherings, or other special events. This is a highly customized process, so if you’re interested, give them a call. You can also find their sushi, salads, and a few other items at Squaw Valley & the New Moon Store in Truckee. In the summertime, they set up a booth at the Commons Beach concert series in Tahoe City and even help to nourish yogis at the acclaimed Wanderlust festival.

Firesign Café – 1785 W. Lake Blvd., Sunnyside-Tahoe City, CA, 96146, 530-583-0871, 7am-3pm Mon-Sun

Open for 34 years and counting, Firesign Café is a Tahoe staple for outstanding, freshly made, reasonably priced breakfast and lunch. Gumaro, chef for 18 years, continues to craft inventive, sumptuous dishes for all ages and palates.

Nothing in Firesign comes from a can, even the beans that comprise the black bean burger. All sauces, dressings, salsas, marinades are made in house. The salmon is smoked on site, OJ is fresh-squeezed, and soups are made from a homemade base. This commitment to freshness is evident in everything you try. You must order the eggs benedict; I’ve never tasted hollandaise so light, yet flavorful with the house-made smoked salmon, and a perfectly poached egg. YES! Soups change daily, as do various other specials such as the Dill & Artichoke Omelette, or Cowboy Benedict–I suggest you go in to find out what these entail.

For vegetarians or vegans, you can count on colorful plates such as the tofu burger, black bean burger, and certain salads to be free of animal products. Just ask your server what he/she suggests. The staff knows the menu inside and out, so any queries you have will be whole-heartedly answered, and your expectations surpassed. I was curious about the seemingly typical butternut squash soup. Vicky, long-time manager convinced me with her “When in Rome” approach. I was immediately delighted to sip on it, savoring poached pears and candied walnuts, which brought out the distinctness of the squash even more.

Firesign’s resourcefulness and seasonality are apparent in the menu. You can expect standard American fare that stands out because it’s made with joy and attention to flavor pairings The café is enraptured in Tahoe love, a large central fireplace and rustic décor setting the country-like vibe. Regulars are greeted by first name, visitors welcomed with a warm introduction to the day’s specials and the treasure of a menu. You will leave happy, guaranteed.

Simply Music is a remarkable, Australian-developed piano and keyboard program that offers a breakthrough in music education. This unique method has children, teens, adults and seniors, playing great sounding blues, classical, contemporary and accompaniment pieces–-immediately–from their very first lessons.

This Simply Music approach focuses on the fun and sheer pleasure of playing music. The “hands-on” nature of the program, and the immediate results that are produced, actively dispel the notion that learning to play means enduring years of lessons, boring practice sessions and relentless hours of drills.

HOW SIMPLY MUSIC DEVELOPED: When Neil Moore, the creator of Simply Music, was a boy, he did not play the piano the way his teacher thought he should. Rather than read music, he listened to the teacher play the piece and then broke it down into patterns. Between lessons, he would work out the pattern and figure out the piece. Then, at the next lesson, he would pretend to read the music while playing the piece. His teacher and mother were not fooled, but they decided to let him use his own unique style of learning and, although he became an accomplished musician, Neil did not learn to read music until he was in his 30’s.

Mr. Moore taught music to students and trained teachers for many years by way of a traditional program until, one day, he received a phone asking if he would be willing to teach an eight year old boy who was blind. With reading music being out of the question, Neil wasn’t exactly sure how he’d teach the young boy (Wade), but had no doubt that he could do it.

It was clear to Neil that he needed to recreate for Wade his own experience of learning from when he was a boy. When Wade came to lessons, Neil would simply teach him the patterns he had distilled from his own childhood model. Within a few months, Wade was playing a range of blues, popular and classical pieces. When Neil asked Wade’s father if he was pleased with his son’s progress, he replied, “… not only are we happy with his progress, but he’s started to teach his four year old sister how to play, and she’s blind too.”

Neil Moore was then compelled to introduce all young children to a similar approach–no music reading, no theory–just playing and learning by “doing.” He continued developing this program, began introducing the concepts to young children, and found that they were producing superior results to older, more “advanced” students. What struck him as remarkable was that from the very beginning, these new students were playing with both hands, simultaneously, easily and musically, and with so much confidence. Parents began reporting that their children were playing all the time and the students, themselves, began saying that practice didn’t feel like practice…it was fun to play the piano!

After completing a pilot program for student of all ages, it was clear how successfully students could progress with this “playing-based” approach. From their first lesson, students were playing great sounding music and, within a few months, had already built a repertoire of contemporary, classical, blues and accompaniment pieces. The students’ experience of the process was that it was refreshing, inspiring, and motivating. Neil Moore realized this approach that was far more powerful than anything he had ever witnessed or even heard of before.

HOW SIMPLY MUSIC WORKS: In reality, children learn to talk long before they learn to spell and read. Furthermore, we learn to tie our shoelaces, brush our teeth, and button our shirt by doing and experiencing them directly, not by studying the “theory” of the subject or referring to notes. In other words, we learn by doing.

Simply Music’s “learn-by-playing” approach is based on the premise that everybody, without exception, is musical. Life is musical, profoundly so. Our heart beats to a steady “thump,” and that is rhythm, the foundation of all music; walking is a highly rhythmical, graceful, musical act; conversation is made up of spoken sentences and phrases of astonishing musical complexity. Music is easily and naturally available to us all. Our innate connection to music is precisely what gives us the ability to talk. The Simply Music program accesses the natural sense of music we all possess and teaches students to play the piano by immersing them in the actual process of playing.

The Simply Music method is a “playing-based” program and begins by translating pieces of music into a unique series of simple concepts that unfold directly onto the keyboard. Beginning students are free to relate directly to the piano because they do not have to read music. Consequently, within months, students easily and naturally establish a true “feel” for the instrument and build a Playlist that includes contemporary, classical, blues and jazz styles.

The bottom line is that students get to experience the absolute joy that comes from being able to immediately play a broad repertoire of great-sounding music.

After about 12 months of lessons, and with a repertoire of 35 to 50 pieces covering a broad range of musical styles, students go on to learn how to read music and understand more theory. Their ability to play piano so well provides a natural and ideal foundation.

References:

1. www.simplymusic.com

2. www.tahoepianolessons.com

“Going Within”

Written By Rev. Jack Elliott |

Dear Rev. Jack, I find myself drifting from one day to the next without much purpose. I have a pretty good life, but as I approach my 65^th birthday, I’m becoming more and more aware that I am not really making a difference in anyone’s life and I’m starting to question, “do I really want to be here?”  My bills are paid, but I really don’t have any savings to speak of, and my retirement income will only be my $2,300 Social Security Check. I’m a widower and I have two lovely children (a boy and a girl) and they each have good marriages and children of their own. However, if I were to die tomorrow, I’d really have nothing to leave them. Am I just feeling blue, because I’m approaching a milestone birthday? Will this feeling of “I should have done more” go away? – Virgil, Oakland CA.

Dear Virgil,

Think about the drop of water that falls into the ocean. That one drop of water may consider itself to be insignificant when it finds itself assimilating into the vastness of the ocean. However, what that drop of water cannot see is the ripple effect its arrival caused. The ripple moves out from the point of entry, and gets bigger and bigger as it makes it way to the shore.

Your life is like the drop of water. From your vantage point, you cannot see the difference you’ve made. You have no idea of the ripple effect that you have caused. Considered this:

Had it not been for the gift of you, your wife would have never known the love of her children. She would have never been able to hold them, love them or hear their laughter.

Your son would never have had the gift of playing ball with his son, nor would his wife ever known the sound of her son’s laughter, or to have seen the sparkle in his eye.

Had it not been for the gift of you Virgil, your daughter would have never been able to walk down the aisle to see her new husband’s expression of joy on their wedding day. They would never know what it is to be so loved, had it not been for the gift of you.

Do not fret that you have not made a difference. You have made a tremendous difference. You have no idea what your grandchildren may grow up to be. But they could not be that, if it were not for the gift of you. Your grandchildren may become teachers, doctors, authors, or the parents of a great scientist. They may just be the one to save a life, find a cure or bring a new insight to the world. This is why you need to be around. You need to be a witness to, and take in, all that you have caused to be.

In the meantime, get out of the house and get busy. Find some place that you can serve. Volunteer with an organization you care about. Unlike your work world, you’ll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people. At this age, community is everything. You don’t need TV or the Internet to keep you company, you need people. Surround yourself with people that are energetic, rather than those that talk about their aches and pains. Honor the memories of the past, but don’t live in the past. Be willing to see what’s down the road and around the next curve.

Each morning, ask Spirit (or God) to reveal to you what it is that you are to do that day. Listen; and then do it. My intuition tells me that you still have a lot of living to do, and even some more ripples to make. See yourself not just as a retired worker, widower, father or grandfather. That’s far too limiting and I believe that such thinking has become your prison. You are part of the entire world that surrounds us–just as the drop of water is a significant part of the Ocean. It is but a single drop, but it has an effect on the whole sea.

I see that you live in Oakland, so I suggest that you take a trip to the ocean. Throw a rock into the water and watch the ripples swell as they make their way back to you on the shore. While you’re there, allow Spirit to remind you that you have indeed made a tremendous difference for having been here, and your work is not done.

Albert Einstein had a good understanding of humans as an inseparable part of the One, as he writes:

A human being is part of the whole called by us universe. We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest. A kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. The true value of a human being is determined by the measure and the sense in which they have obtained liberation from the self. We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if humanity is to survive. (Albert Einstein)

As I often say Virgil, “If you want to change your life, you have to change your mind.” The message to you is a universal one: We all have to realize that we are all part of one nature; one thought, one vast energetic ocean of cause. Go with the flow Virgil; allow spirit to show you the way and thank you for teaching us this lesson today. You see, you’ve made a difference in every reader’s life today, just by asking the question. Thank you!  – Rev. Jack.

By Ayn Rand

Movie reviewed for Healthy Beginnings by

June Milligan, M.Ed., CCHt |

The book The Fountainhead was published in 1943. It was one of the most popular books of that time and has become an enduring piece of literature. This movie was produced in 1949 and is a good portrayal of what Ayn Rand was trying to say in the novel. It’s the story of one man, Howard Roark, and his struggles as an architect who is determined to retain his integrity against clients and powerful peers who are determined to alter his designs and to make him conform.

Roark has a real passion for his creative architecture, which in the movie, look somewhat like Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs. Ayn Rand wrote Roark as a man who is way ahead of his time, is uncompromising in his creativity and is determined to accomplish his professional goals. Even against enormous pressure to do so, he refuses to compromise. This puts him out of work until a client who wants to erect an unconventional building hires him to design something spectacular. The machinations of his powerful enemies are fascinating and the passionate complex relationship between Roark and the socialite Dominique Francon, who also has the same philosophy of life, is interesting to follow, as it develops from competition to true love. Roark’s elegant speech in a courtroom at the end of the movie, as he is fighting for his freedom, is philosophically the high point of the movie, as he explains just exactly why it is impossible for him to compromise his integrity by changing his designs.

Ayn Rand writes magnificently about the struggle between integrity and conformity in our private and business lives, as well as the trials of entrepreneurship and perseverance in the face of spirit-crushing adversity. She believes that there is a definable difference between good and evil in everyday life, and that it’s really possible for the former to prevail. She takes no prisoners, looking at even the slightest compromise as a weakness.

Having been born in Russia in 1905, and having endured the Bolshevik Revolution, fleeing with her family to the Crimea to finish school, Ayn saw first hand what she calls collectivism, one of the major aspects of Communism. She saw her family’s descent into poverty after their pharmacy was taken over and her University overrun by thugs. She finished school at the University of Petrograd in 1924 in philosophy and history and came to the U.S. in 1925, never returning to Russia.

Ayn Rand has also written In Her Own Words, Anthem, and We The Living. However, Atlas Shrugged, published in 1957, is probably her most famous work. The first part of it was recently made into a movie. The second part will begin production this April. A book 200 pages longer than The Fountainhead, it deals with the same struggles between individualism and collectivism. Every book by Ayn Rand published in her lifetime is still in print, and hundreds of thousands of copies are sold each year, so far totaling more than 25 million. Several new volumes, consisting of her self-edited periodicals and essays, have been published posthumously. Her vision of man and her philosophy for “living on earth” have changed the lives of thousands of readers, launching a philosophic movement with a growing impact on American culture. She died in 1982.

This movie is available, as is the first part of the Atlas Shrugged DVD, at www.amazon.com

I know, I know. It is February, the month of love and Valentine’s Day. So, why am I writing about the right time to end a relationship?

This is the perfect time to clarify what you want in your relationship. Valentine’s Day can offer you an opportunity to pause and reflect more deeply on your life. Either affirm your intention to enjoy and celebrate your relationship, or get straight with yourself and your partner that your relationship is not working, and it is time to end it.

Maybe you simply aren’t sure one way or the other. So, how do you know which way to go? Love has us experience an intense physical attraction, changes in our brain chemistry, and a profound psychological state of longing for the other person. In our ancestral past, love served to ensure that we would mate, conceive, and stay together in a harsh environment long enough to care for our weak and dependent offspring. So are our relationships and experience of love today only dictated by this ancient chemistry?

Artists, psychologists, writers, philosophers, and the rest of humanity, have been trying to define love for as long as we have felt it. We know that we can have familial love, platonic love, religious love, and we can create love–love for our country, our career, our community, and others. Greeks managed to define “what is love” into four types: agape: unconditional love; eros: passionate love; philia: love and loyalty for your friends, family and community; and storge: natural affection for your family.

So what are we talking about when we talk about “falling in love”?

Most popular songs croon about it, half of our books and films obsess over it, and everybody wants it. Most of us have had the experience that on one hand, falling in love can lift us up; on the other, it can destroy us.

Psychologists describe this kind of falling in love as having three components: desire, passion, and intimacy.  In order to move from “falling in love” into a thriving, successful relationship I assert there are two more elements needed commitment and compatibility.  Commitment is deciding, dedicating, applying, devoting and promising to create a thriving successful relationship. Compatibility means having affinity, closeness, harmony, rapport, and empathy for the other person. The long term success of experiencing love in your relationship will be in direct proportion to being committed to, and compatible with, the person that you have fallen in love with.

This brings us back to the question, “When is it time to end a relationship?” First and foremost, your relationship should add to the quality of your life. If you are ambivalent about your relationship, it means your relationship is sick. How sick is it?

I highly recommend that couples ask themselves these questions:

1. Are you fighting most of the time? Do you feel continuously frustrated about your relationship? (This is not about whose fault it is–are you unhappy more than you are happy in this relationship?)
2. Do you have goals that are incompatible? If there is no resolution to your incompatible goals then it will be impossible for you to have a fulfilling relationship no matter how much you love them. Example: If you want children and your partner doesn’t, your relationship is headed for trouble.
3. Are you being abused mentally (your partner is constantly telling you that you are a failure, no good, belittling you, etc.); emotionally (is your partner routinely cold or angry, yelling, calling you names, not respecting you or your boundaries, etc.); or physically (does your partner threaten violence, strike you, throw things, etc.).  If you answer yes to any part of this question, I highly recommend that you end this relationship. Being in an abusive relationship will cost you your self-worth, and could possibly cost you your life.
4. Are you finding more reasons to spend time apart, and more pleasure being apart than together?
5. Are you changing your core values, beliefs and goals to accommodate your partner, or to please them? Are you living in hope that your relationship will stop being problematic?
6. Are you constantly changing your appearance to please your partner–hoping they will approve of you, or find you attractive?
7. Can you communicate without bickering, arguing or fighting? Is there respect and listening in your relationship?
8. Do you have fun and mutual dreams for the future with your partner?
9. Are you habitually chasing after your partner with no reciprocity? Do you have a growing feeling of emptiness about your life?

When you ask yourself these questions, you can see if your relationship is enhancing your life, or draining it. At the very least, you should be happier in your relationship than outside of it.

A sick relationship can be worked on and transformed. However, both partners need to be willing to commit to work on it and put in the effort. If one partner in the relationship does not admit or recognize the problem that the other partner has brought up, finding a solution will be nearly impossible. It is essential to any healthy relationship that each person in the relationship be able to see and understand their partner’s point of view or side of the argument. This willingness and ability will allow for greater affinity, love, and understanding in the relationship.

Often, when someone has strong feelings of love for their partner they think it is better to ignore the problems in the relationship. Usually the problems get worse. Eventually the problems will have to be dealt with, or the people in the relationship will be miserable. Don’t wait for the problems in your relationship to get severe enough to show you that the relationship is over–that is the hard way to do it. You can love someone and not have it be in your best interest to stay in the relationship. Is your relationship enhancing your life?

One last thought: Don’t let yourself be confused about whether or not you should leave your current relationship, with whether or not you might find a new relationship. If it’s clear that your current relationship should end, as painful as it might be, have the courage to end it–endings always offer up new beginnings.

“Relationships – of all kinds – are like sand held in your hand.
Held loosely, with an open hand, the sand remains where it is.
The minute you close your hand and squeeze tightly to hold on, the sand trickles through your fingers.
You may hold onto some of it, but most will be spilled.
A relationship is like that.
Held loosely, with respect and freedom for the other person, it is likely to remain intact.
But hold too tightly, too possessively, and the relationship slips away and is lost.”  Kilem Hasmate

References:

1. Richo, David. How to Be an Adult in Relationships: the Five Keys to Mindful Loving. Shambhala. 2002.

2. Kirshenbaum, Mira. Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay. Plume. 1997.