Can I have your Attention?

Joeseph Cardillo has written a very interesting and useful book on attention and how to use it effectively. Can I have your attention? is a short easy to read book that will have you understanding and using your attention more consciously.

Cardillo combines everyday living , his martial arts experience, discussions with attention researchers and leading edge theory in neurology and psychology into an interesting journey towards increased awarenss and focus.

What I like the most is Cardillo's concept of "procedure". Cardillo views anything that we do, feel or think as a procedure. We have procedures developed years ago that we use every day, like tying your shoes or answering the phone. These largely automatic routines make our lives easier. We also have procedures that are not so good, our good morning cigarette or our fear of heights. The good news is that if you can detach yourself from your procedures and become more aware of them, then you can modify or refine them to serve you better. You can ask "How is this procedure benefitting me?". I believe this could be a very powerful and effective way of improving your every day life, from dedicating a special home for your keys to modifying your weight. It is all about becoming clear about what you want and then modifying your procedures to accomplish your goals.

There is an appendix at the end of the book which details how you can apply what you have read to your own unique situation. You can alter your life significantly by changing how and what you attend to.

I highly reccomend this book.

The Brain That Changes Itself

Norman Doidge has written an excellent book on our brains ability to change. He has researched the field of neuroscience, met with some of the field’s preminent pioneers and given us a look into many of the most interesting discoveries and personal stories of this relatively new science.

The book is based around the new concept of neuroplasticity, the thought that our brains can change and grow. Our brains can rewire, rebuild and reconfigure themselves. We can grow more neurons, increase our I Q’s and overcome damage to our brains. We can train our brains to be faster, smarter, more analytical, more intuitive…..more of whatever we want. Our thoughts can change our brains. Our thoughts can change the actual structure of our brain. Interesting concepts…..very interesting and backed up by good solid research. Doidge puts all of this into language the average reader can understand.

After reading this book I understand how brain plasticity could help me change some of my behaviours and attitudes. I also understand how this same plasticity creates barriers to change and how to overcome or reduce them.

This book gave me a lot to think about and a few unsettling thoughts as well. It is unsettling to realize the thought you are having right now is changing your brain, however slightly. When you suddenly see things differently, when you have an epiphany, when you finally get “it” has your brain rewired, your brain structure reorganized slightly, to adapt to a new thought, a new perspective? Is it possible to adapt to change that fully and deeply?

How can I apply what I have learned from this book? Is it possible to change those same old thoughts we think over and over? Yes it is possible. This book can give you a few tips on how to climb out of those ruts. We can change our lives one thought, one moment, at a time. This book can help you understand how to change.

Changing your thoughts

You can change your life by changing your thoughts...........change your thoughts ...change your life.

We all have a running dialogue going on with ourselves everyday all day. Much of it is the same old thoughts playing over and over in our heads. Some of us have been playing those same old thoughts over and over for years........for decades ........the same old thoughts over and over..We need to become aware of these thoughts..........became aware of those old worn out thoughts......Even just becoming aware of them and naming them......"Oh there is that same old thought I think every time someone says no to me."

Once you become aware of one of your old thought patterns ask yourself this "How is this old thought pattern serving my greater good?" "Could another thought serve me better?"

What is the first thought you think in the morning when you awake?.... Oh no I am late again!
How does that serve you? What if when you woke you thought "Today I will smile and prosper" What if you said "Today I will smile and prosper"and then smiled. Mmmm.... Set two goals and accomplished one already. That thought has served me well............much better than Oh no I'm late.

What old worn out thought are you willing to discard today? What new thought could replace it?

What to do when the economy sucks

Finally a book on personal finance that gives helpful advice to those of us that are struggling just to get by. This book gives you 101 tips on how to get through tough economic times. How to hang on to your job. How to dig your way out of debt. How to avoid foreclosure on your house. How to downsize your spending bigtime. Handy stuff to know,clearly presented in a friendly guilt free manner. You're in a jam here's how to get out. Here's what you need to do. Not painless but not fatal either.

Peter Sander wrote this book primarily for an American readership. He discusses American laws and insitutions. American websites are listed and described. If you are not American you may be a bit confused from time to time but there is still a lot of good solid advice for anyone who is being affected by this downturn. As a Canadian I found much the advice very useful.

What I found most useful was his advice on budgeting. I hate even thinking about it but what Peter says makes sense. You need to know what's coming in and what's going out. If you are spending more than you are making you are going into to debt......not good. There is away out.....there is away to budget that works even in tough times. There is even a reward now and then.

This book can help you come to terms with your current financial situation. It is what it is, here's how to make it better.

I found a well made video on Kundalini awakening on You tube. I found it to be quite profound. It may offend some readers. But if you are open minded and have a basic understanding of the Chakras you may find it interesting...........helpful................enlightening...........profound?

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8101989694941061600

I had a good day today. I went for an interview. I showed up a little early. I presented myself well. I did the best I could do. I felt it went well. I am taking steps to that will change my situation. I can see a way forward. I can see how I can make a valuable contribution to society.

Others see me as what I was. I see me as I want to be. I see me doing what I have dreamed of doing. I believe it is doable because I have realized some of my dream already. I am living parts of my dream already. In many ways I have what I want. I just need to finish paying for it and then maintain what I have.

So I need to add something of value to society. Something that others would value highly. What do I have that I value highly? That others would value highly?

Peace of mind.......clarity.......a knowing of what I want to do.

I want to transfer the knowledge of how to achieve these three qualities to others

Technorati claim

I just joined Technorati.

That was easy. Now I will be able to ping my blog and check it's stats.

Technorati has a wonderful series of articles on the state of the blog sphere,a very good and informative read. Here's the link to it,http://technorati.com/blogging/state-of-the-blogosphere/
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