I borrowed this article from http://vivenzia.blogspot.com/.
It makes interesting reading...
One of the most unforgettable books I've ever read has been Michael Harner's new-age classic, The Way of the Shaman. Published originally in 1968, a history professor introduced me to the book in a class called "The History of Ideas: 1500-present." The professor wove an awfully engaging narrative throughout the semester, bounding back and forth between Descartes and Russian mystics, between Einstein and Native American shamanism, etc. Back then, I was laced-up in atheistic skepticism. Now I'm... something else.
But unlike most of my other assigned reading (mostly academic "theory"), what I read in Harner's book didn't seep out of my consciousness almost-immediately. The major elements of Harner's book are 1) a trip to South America as an anthropologist, 2) a hallucination-session with a Shaman who told Harner, "if you want to understand us, you must drink this ayahuasca," and 3) some serious reflection about what it all meant.
Harner's book begins with a 10-page account of the visions he saw in the hallucinogenic state, including the clear picture of a giant crocodile-like reptile with water gushing out of his mouth. Incidentally, after reporting this part of the vision to some missionaries in a nearby village, he discovered that he had effectively hallucinated a significant portion of the book of Revelation which(!) he had never read (he had been raised without religion). You want to read a good excerpt? Good, here's some:
Now I was virtually certain I was about to die. As I tried to accept my fate, an even lower portion of my brain began to transmit more visions and information. I was "told" that this new material was being presented to me because I was dying and therefore "safe" to receive these revelations. These were secrets reserved for the dying and the dead, I was informed. I could only very dimly perceive the givers of these thoughts: giant reptilian creatures reposing sluggishly at the depths of the back of my brain, where it met the top of the spinal column. I could only vaguely see them in what seemed to be gloomy, dark depths.
Then they projected a visual scene in front of me. First they showed me the planet Earth as it was eons ago, before there was any life on it. I saw an ocean, barren land, and a bright blue sky. Then black specks dropped from the sky by the hundreds and landed in front of me on the barren landscape. I could see that the "specks" were actually large, shiny, black creatures with stubby pterodactyl-like wings and huge whale-like bodies. Their heads were not visible to me. They flopped down, utterly exhausted from their trip, resting for eons. They explained to me in a kind of thought language that they were fleeing from something out in space. They had come to the planet Earth to escape their enemy.
But that's not all; Harner goes on to describe how it was revealed to him that the dragon-like creatures were thus inside of all forms of life, including man. THEN Harner puts in a footnote: "In retrospect one could say that they were almost like DNA, although at that time, 1961, I knew nothing of DNA." I know, I know: Riiiiiiight.
But the story doesn't stop there. In 1998 Jeremy Narby published a book called The Cosmic Serpent, which tells of his own stories living with natives living in the Amazon rain forest. Narby picks up where Harner's suggestive footnote left off--his argument is that those black specks that looked something like reptiles created life as we know it to hide from their space-enemy. Again: DNA is hiding in "life" to escape some alien enemy. And, Narby argues, this is how we explain the knowledge of the village Shamans which is otherwise inexplicable. For example, scientists are at a loss to account for the Indian knowledge of a certain kind of anaesthetic called "curare." To make curare, "it is necessary to combine several plants and boil them for seventy-two hours, while avoiding the fragrant but mortal vapors emitted by the broth. The final product is a paste that is inactive unless injected under the skin. If swallowed, it has no effect." So if you're skeptical, try to account for that kind of knowledge; "the scientists" are at a loss--
For the record, Harner was basically ostracized because the academy didn't like his research into the irrational. Narby's argument, that plants can literally communicate with us through these visionary experiences--well, we'll see how his career goes. Ayahuasca has been illegal as a Schedule 1 drug under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, so you can't try any of this in America.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
12 Tips for overcoming Anger and Gaining Peace
Anger appears when one is confronted with frustration, unhappiness or hurt feelings, or when plans don't turn out as desired. It also shows up when coming against opposition or criticism.
Anger never helps anyone. It wastes your energy, and can hurt your health, spoil your relationships, and cause you to miss opportunities. Getting angry is acting against your best interests.
Things don't always proceed according to plans and expectations. People not always act the way you wish them to act. You may not be always able to be in control of external influences and conditions, but you can certainly learn to control your attitude and reactions. There is no sense of allowing circumstances and people to pull your strings and affect your mind and feelings. You can choose not to let what people say and do affect your moods. You can maintain an inner attitude of emotional and mental detachment, and refuse to allow every minor event play with your feelings and evoke anger.
I often see people getting angry over unimportant and insignificant matters. Some insignificant remark or action, not getting a satisfactory reply to a question or just moodiness are enough to set fire and cause anger, snappy remarks, arguments and even physical fights. This is absolutely unnecessary. Life can be happier without this behavior.
Anger is a negative reaction, and if you wish to progress on the path of self-improvement or spiritual growth you should avoid it as much as possible.
Learning to calm down the restlessness of the mind and gaining peace of mind, is one of the best and most effective methods to overcome anger, and in fact, all negative emotions.
If you are willing to invest the time and energy, you will reap great rewards. Peace of mind will not only help you overcome anger, but also help you overcome anxiety and negative thinking, and enable you to stay calm, tranquil and self possessed in difficult and trying situations.
Peace of mind requires the development of an attitude of emotional and mental detachment, which is of vital importance for overcoming and avoiding anger. It protects you against being too affected by what people think, say or do, and is therefore highly recommended. Detachment is not an attitude of indifference and lack of sensitivity. It is an attitude of common sense and inner strength and leads to peace of mind.
I would like now to suggest a few simple tips to help you manifest some inner detachment and peace of mind, so as to be in a better position to overcome anger.
1. At least once a day, devote several minutes to thinking on how much your life would be better without anger.
2. When you feel anger arising in you, start breathing deeply and slowly several times.
3. You may, instead of breathing deeply, or better still, in addition to it, count slowly from one to ten. This will delay your angry reaction and weaken it.
4. Drinking some water has a calming effect on the body.
5. Try to be more patient, no matter how difficult it might be.
6. Be more tolerant toward people, even toward people you don't like.
7. Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion. You can disagree with people, but still maintain tact and diplomacy.
8. Choose to react calmly and peacefully in every situation. Try again and again, regardless of how many times you lose control and get angry.
9. Positive thinking makes it easier to disregard remarks and behavior that otherwise could cause anger.
10. Try to manifest at least some self-control, self-discipline and more common sense.
11. Don't take everything too seriously. It is not worth it.
12. Find reasons to laugh more often.
Remez Sasson writes and teaches about positive thinking, creative visualization, success, mind power, self-improvement, spiritual growth and meditation.
He has been studying the above subjects for many years, and now he is sharing them through his books, articles and website. His website, which is constantly attracting an increasing number of visitors from all around the world, features many of his articles.
Remez Sasson is the author of the books "Peace of Mind in Daily Life", "Visualize and Achieve", "Will Power and Self Discipline" and "Affirmations - Words of Power".
Website: Success Consciousness
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Remez_Sasson
Anger never helps anyone. It wastes your energy, and can hurt your health, spoil your relationships, and cause you to miss opportunities. Getting angry is acting against your best interests.
Things don't always proceed according to plans and expectations. People not always act the way you wish them to act. You may not be always able to be in control of external influences and conditions, but you can certainly learn to control your attitude and reactions. There is no sense of allowing circumstances and people to pull your strings and affect your mind and feelings. You can choose not to let what people say and do affect your moods. You can maintain an inner attitude of emotional and mental detachment, and refuse to allow every minor event play with your feelings and evoke anger.
I often see people getting angry over unimportant and insignificant matters. Some insignificant remark or action, not getting a satisfactory reply to a question or just moodiness are enough to set fire and cause anger, snappy remarks, arguments and even physical fights. This is absolutely unnecessary. Life can be happier without this behavior.
Anger is a negative reaction, and if you wish to progress on the path of self-improvement or spiritual growth you should avoid it as much as possible.
Learning to calm down the restlessness of the mind and gaining peace of mind, is one of the best and most effective methods to overcome anger, and in fact, all negative emotions.
If you are willing to invest the time and energy, you will reap great rewards. Peace of mind will not only help you overcome anger, but also help you overcome anxiety and negative thinking, and enable you to stay calm, tranquil and self possessed in difficult and trying situations.
Peace of mind requires the development of an attitude of emotional and mental detachment, which is of vital importance for overcoming and avoiding anger. It protects you against being too affected by what people think, say or do, and is therefore highly recommended. Detachment is not an attitude of indifference and lack of sensitivity. It is an attitude of common sense and inner strength and leads to peace of mind.
I would like now to suggest a few simple tips to help you manifest some inner detachment and peace of mind, so as to be in a better position to overcome anger.
1. At least once a day, devote several minutes to thinking on how much your life would be better without anger.
2. When you feel anger arising in you, start breathing deeply and slowly several times.
3. You may, instead of breathing deeply, or better still, in addition to it, count slowly from one to ten. This will delay your angry reaction and weaken it.
4. Drinking some water has a calming effect on the body.
5. Try to be more patient, no matter how difficult it might be.
6. Be more tolerant toward people, even toward people you don't like.
7. Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion. You can disagree with people, but still maintain tact and diplomacy.
8. Choose to react calmly and peacefully in every situation. Try again and again, regardless of how many times you lose control and get angry.
9. Positive thinking makes it easier to disregard remarks and behavior that otherwise could cause anger.
10. Try to manifest at least some self-control, self-discipline and more common sense.
11. Don't take everything too seriously. It is not worth it.
12. Find reasons to laugh more often.
Remez Sasson writes and teaches about positive thinking, creative visualization, success, mind power, self-improvement, spiritual growth and meditation.
He has been studying the above subjects for many years, and now he is sharing them through his books, articles and website. His website, which is constantly attracting an increasing number of visitors from all around the world, features many of his articles.
Remez Sasson is the author of the books "Peace of Mind in Daily Life", "Visualize and Achieve", "Will Power and Self Discipline" and "Affirmations - Words of Power".
Website: Success Consciousness
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Remez_Sasson
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
The Purpose of Yoga
I thought you guys might like this...
The Purpose Of Yoga
By Donovan Baldwin
Yoga, or its ancestor, first appeared somewhere around 5,000 years ago. Since then, it has gradually evolved into the modern form. However, its "modern form" is neither completely modern, nor is it the only form of yoga. In the western world, when we speak of "yoga" we are commonly referring to Hatha Yoga, a branch of yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama in the 15th century. To keep it simple, Yogi Swatmarama saw Hatha Yoga, not as an end in itself, but as part of a pathway to a higher state on the yoga journey. Hatha Yoga concentrates more on the physical training, conditioning, and "preparation" aspects of yoga. So, as we talk about the purposes of "yoga", please keep in mind that we are talking only about one portion of the entire range of disciplines encompassed by the word.
We sometimes hear of someone who learned to become more relaxed by the practice of yoga. Or, maybe we have heard of someone who became more invigorated and energetic as a result of their practice. Perhaps someone else was able to play a competitive sport better than before they began practicing yoga, or perhaps they were able to lay aside the competitive aspect of their nature that had been driving them into bad health and broken relationships. We may have even heard all of these types of stories. I have! This, and all the claims made about the practice of yoga, creates a very confusing picture even in the minds of those willing to believe what they hear. For those who have doubts already, the multitude of claims can sound like those of an old-timey snake oil salesman.
Actually, research conducted by many prestigious organizations and institutions has confirmed that a regular practice of yoga can actually produce all of these effects and more. While some uncertainty exists in some areas as to exactly WHY yoga is so effective in relation to a given situation, condition, or result, the common ground seems to be that it works.
While yoga can return the same physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits as any other physical training or exercise program, it also produces a blend of positive results that allow the individual organism to integrate the effects and actions of several different systems to produce a whole overall outcome which seems to be greater than the sum of its parts. For example, the increased ability to relax may help the ability to perform, the strengthening of the physical body helps the emotional output to be brought under control. All specific benefits of yoga, when practiced regularly, work together for the overall benefit of the person.
It appears that this synergistic outcome combines the more specific benefits associated with any regular exercise program, with meditation, with deep breathing, with the "exercise" or "massage" of internal organs normally ignored by standard physical activities to produce the confusing array of "positive" outcomes mentioned at the beginning of this article.
Whatever the other positive outcomes of a regular yoga practice may be, its effect on physical and mental health in general should not be ignored. Yoga has been found to have a positive effect on such conditions as asthma, respiratory difficulties, high blood pressure, pain management, back pain, arthritis, and weight loss. Psychologically, it tends to increase self awareness, create a positive self-image, and uplift the spirits of the participant. Many who come to yoga for the first time find themselves with a "new lease on life" as one practitioner put it to me and find themselves trying new experiences, finding new friends, and taking control of a life which had, up until then, been in control of them.
Apparently, yoga has the potential of being effective in many aspects of life and health, and can, in most cases at least, mold itself to your needs. It might be said that the purpose of yoga is to serve in whatever capacity it is needed.
Donovan Baldwin is a Texas writer and a University of West Florida alumnus. He is a member of Mensa and is retired from the U. S. Army after 21 years of service. In his career, he has held many managerial and supervisory positions. However, his main pleasures have long been writing, nature, and fitness. In the last few years, he has been able to combine these pleasures by writing poetry and articles on subjects such as health, fitness, yoga, writing, the environment, happiness, self improvement, and weight loss. Learn more about yoga at http://yoga-4-the-health-of-it.com/ You can also find articles on yoga and other health related subjects at http://nodiet4me.blogspot.com/ .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donovan_Baldwin
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Purpose-Of-Yoga&id=435403
I got this article from allwellbeing.blogspot.com
The Purpose Of Yoga
By Donovan Baldwin
Yoga, or its ancestor, first appeared somewhere around 5,000 years ago. Since then, it has gradually evolved into the modern form. However, its "modern form" is neither completely modern, nor is it the only form of yoga. In the western world, when we speak of "yoga" we are commonly referring to Hatha Yoga, a branch of yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama in the 15th century. To keep it simple, Yogi Swatmarama saw Hatha Yoga, not as an end in itself, but as part of a pathway to a higher state on the yoga journey. Hatha Yoga concentrates more on the physical training, conditioning, and "preparation" aspects of yoga. So, as we talk about the purposes of "yoga", please keep in mind that we are talking only about one portion of the entire range of disciplines encompassed by the word.
We sometimes hear of someone who learned to become more relaxed by the practice of yoga. Or, maybe we have heard of someone who became more invigorated and energetic as a result of their practice. Perhaps someone else was able to play a competitive sport better than before they began practicing yoga, or perhaps they were able to lay aside the competitive aspect of their nature that had been driving them into bad health and broken relationships. We may have even heard all of these types of stories. I have! This, and all the claims made about the practice of yoga, creates a very confusing picture even in the minds of those willing to believe what they hear. For those who have doubts already, the multitude of claims can sound like those of an old-timey snake oil salesman.
Actually, research conducted by many prestigious organizations and institutions has confirmed that a regular practice of yoga can actually produce all of these effects and more. While some uncertainty exists in some areas as to exactly WHY yoga is so effective in relation to a given situation, condition, or result, the common ground seems to be that it works.
While yoga can return the same physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits as any other physical training or exercise program, it also produces a blend of positive results that allow the individual organism to integrate the effects and actions of several different systems to produce a whole overall outcome which seems to be greater than the sum of its parts. For example, the increased ability to relax may help the ability to perform, the strengthening of the physical body helps the emotional output to be brought under control. All specific benefits of yoga, when practiced regularly, work together for the overall benefit of the person.
It appears that this synergistic outcome combines the more specific benefits associated with any regular exercise program, with meditation, with deep breathing, with the "exercise" or "massage" of internal organs normally ignored by standard physical activities to produce the confusing array of "positive" outcomes mentioned at the beginning of this article.
Whatever the other positive outcomes of a regular yoga practice may be, its effect on physical and mental health in general should not be ignored. Yoga has been found to have a positive effect on such conditions as asthma, respiratory difficulties, high blood pressure, pain management, back pain, arthritis, and weight loss. Psychologically, it tends to increase self awareness, create a positive self-image, and uplift the spirits of the participant. Many who come to yoga for the first time find themselves with a "new lease on life" as one practitioner put it to me and find themselves trying new experiences, finding new friends, and taking control of a life which had, up until then, been in control of them.
Apparently, yoga has the potential of being effective in many aspects of life and health, and can, in most cases at least, mold itself to your needs. It might be said that the purpose of yoga is to serve in whatever capacity it is needed.
Donovan Baldwin is a Texas writer and a University of West Florida alumnus. He is a member of Mensa and is retired from the U. S. Army after 21 years of service. In his career, he has held many managerial and supervisory positions. However, his main pleasures have long been writing, nature, and fitness. In the last few years, he has been able to combine these pleasures by writing poetry and articles on subjects such as health, fitness, yoga, writing, the environment, happiness, self improvement, and weight loss. Learn more about yoga at http://yoga-4-the-health-of-it.com/ You can also find articles on yoga and other health related subjects at http://nodiet4me.blogspot.com/ .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donovan_Baldwin
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Purpose-Of-Yoga&id=435403
I got this article from allwellbeing.blogspot.com
What a day!
Today is a tiring day!
I went to work even though my daughter is ill and I was just trying to send something but it took long with dial up so I just gave up!
I went to work even though my daughter is ill and I was just trying to send something but it took long with dial up so I just gave up!
Monday, January 29, 2007
The Science Behind Consciousness
The Science Behind Consciousness
By Justin Kander
Some people talk about being lucky, getting lucky, having something lucky. But it's very possible that all of us, everyone in the world, are born being very, very lucky.
What follows is just a theory, but quite possible. Every man's body on the planet contains billions of sperm cells, and is constantly creating them. Each cell contains an individual that would be developed once the sperm united with the egg. That individual body would hold a consciousness. Therefore, each sperm cell holds one individual that holds one consciousness. If that sperm never unites with an egg, that individual consciousness never develops.
What does this mean? The chance by which you came about was 1 / trillions. That's slimmer than winning one hundred state lotteries (no statistical research backs that up, but it sounds true). So, theoretically, anyone can say that they are lucky to be alive.
Of course, this is not the only theory. Another is that if a consciousness that would be in one sperm dies, then that same consciousness could come out in another person. A problem with this theory is that it would kick out an existing consciousness, but it's still possible. Another theory is that one consciousness is in all sperm until that consciousness is developed. Once it is, a new consciousness would take over.
There is another subject dealing with consciousness, although very unrelated to this one, and the question is: What is conscious? Humans, obviously, but that is the only thing we are 100% sure about. Monkeys, dogs, cats, tigers, wildebeests, and other large animals seem to be conscious, but they could just be acting like bacteria, and doing whatever is necessary to survive. However, animals like dogs go beyond that, as they are able to be trained and exhibit things behind fear of death. But on a lower level, like ants, beetles, and other bugs, the chances of them having any consciousness is low. They are most likely just automatically moving and doing things simply so they will survive. Some might say that bugs do amazing things; spiders, for example, make webs, and that appears to take intelligence. Think of a virus, which is definitely not conscious (and is still being argued to if it is even alive). They do amazing things; attach to a cell, inject DNA/RNA, and multiply through that process. They're not conscious and they can do that, and it is most likely the same thing with bugs. So if you've ever felt bad about stomping on an anthill or killing a spider, just remember that they didn't even know what was going on.
About the Author
The author's cool website, www.w4t3r.com, has a load of Funny Stories. It's promised that you will laugh at those funny stories!
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/46343.html
By Justin Kander
Some people talk about being lucky, getting lucky, having something lucky. But it's very possible that all of us, everyone in the world, are born being very, very lucky.
What follows is just a theory, but quite possible. Every man's body on the planet contains billions of sperm cells, and is constantly creating them. Each cell contains an individual that would be developed once the sperm united with the egg. That individual body would hold a consciousness. Therefore, each sperm cell holds one individual that holds one consciousness. If that sperm never unites with an egg, that individual consciousness never develops.
What does this mean? The chance by which you came about was 1 / trillions. That's slimmer than winning one hundred state lotteries (no statistical research backs that up, but it sounds true). So, theoretically, anyone can say that they are lucky to be alive.
Of course, this is not the only theory. Another is that if a consciousness that would be in one sperm dies, then that same consciousness could come out in another person. A problem with this theory is that it would kick out an existing consciousness, but it's still possible. Another theory is that one consciousness is in all sperm until that consciousness is developed. Once it is, a new consciousness would take over.
There is another subject dealing with consciousness, although very unrelated to this one, and the question is: What is conscious? Humans, obviously, but that is the only thing we are 100% sure about. Monkeys, dogs, cats, tigers, wildebeests, and other large animals seem to be conscious, but they could just be acting like bacteria, and doing whatever is necessary to survive. However, animals like dogs go beyond that, as they are able to be trained and exhibit things behind fear of death. But on a lower level, like ants, beetles, and other bugs, the chances of them having any consciousness is low. They are most likely just automatically moving and doing things simply so they will survive. Some might say that bugs do amazing things; spiders, for example, make webs, and that appears to take intelligence. Think of a virus, which is definitely not conscious (and is still being argued to if it is even alive). They do amazing things; attach to a cell, inject DNA/RNA, and multiply through that process. They're not conscious and they can do that, and it is most likely the same thing with bugs. So if you've ever felt bad about stomping on an anthill or killing a spider, just remember that they didn't even know what was going on.
About the Author
The author's cool website, www.w4t3r.com, has a load of Funny Stories. It's promised that you will laugh at those funny stories!
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/46343.html
Induce Consciousness by Lucid Dreaming
Lucid dreaming is dreaming while being aware that you are dreaming. The idea is that once you are aware you are dreaming you can alter your dreams and control what happens. Once perfected, it allows you to control the direction of your dreams. This is an enticing prospect for creative problem solving since when dreaming, you are restricted only by your imagination, not by the realities of physical constraints or social customs. Imagine being able to develop new ideas, chat with Einstein, or get golf tips from Tiger Woods.
Can you learn to have lucid dreams
Lucid dreaming is like any other skill - some people are naturally better at it than others but most can learn how to do it. To learn how, it's important to first know a bit about the stages of sleep.
Our sleep patterns follow a repeating cycle that involves different levels of sleep having different brainwave activity. Each cycle lasts about 90 to 100 minutes so a person will typically experience 4 to 5 complete sleep cycles a night. The stages of this cycle involve four levels of Slow-Wave or Non-REM sleep followed by REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.
Although some dreaming occurs during the other stages of sleep, the most vivid dreaming occurs during the REM stage. During this time, the higher frequency beta waves keep the mind active. As its name suggests, REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is characterized by frequent bursts of rapid eye movement, along with occasional muscular twitches. The first REM period occurs about 90 minutes after falling asleep and lasts about 10 minutes. This REM period increases in subsequent sleep cycles during the night.
How do you start?
One of the first requirements for having lucid dreams is to be able to recall your dreams. This can be done with a little practice. A good method is to focus your intent on remembering your dreams. Before falling asleep, repeat to yourself over and over, "I will awake from my dreams and completely remember them." If your thoughts wander, try to come back to this affirmation so that it is your last thought before drifting off to sleep. Another good technique is to keep a dream journal to record your dreams upon waking. Whenever you awake, immediately attempt to focus on what you had just been dreaming and write it down on a writing pad. Try to capture all the key points, such as what you were doing, where you were, and who was around you. Also, note anything strange such as things that wouldn�t normally happen in the waking world. If you find these strange events recur in your dreams, then they are your personal dream signs which you can use to recognize when you are dreaming.
Inducing lucid dreams
Lucid dreaming is usually induced by some sort of cue,something that indicates to the person that what they are experiencing is a dream, and not reality. These cues are often referred to as dream signs. Dream signs are usually things or events that would be impossible or very unusual in the waking world. Some examples of dream signs are breathing under water, flying, light switches that don�t work, suddenly returning to work at an old job, or being naked. Whenever a dream sign occurs in your dream, stop and ask yourself whether or not it is possible. If the answer is no, you are dreaming! With practice you can learn to recognize when you are dreaming by looking for these cues and doing a 'reality check'.
Once you have caught yourself dreaming, you can start to control your dream. Try changing the scene or situation, or controlling your own actions. In order to be successful at controlling your dreams, you should believe that what you are trying to do is possible. So it's important to remember that you are in control and anything you want is possible. Start with some small things and gradually work up to more challenging activities.
A good resource in this area is Dr. Stephen LaBerge's book Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming which is based on his extensive laboratory work at Stanford University. However, if you really want to speed up the learning process, there are audio CDs available that enable you to experience lucid dreaming in just days. One program that has had good reviews is Bradley Thompson's The Lucid Dreaming Kit. The kit includes an Audio Stimulation CD that you play as you go to sleep which incorporates special beats and prompts to help you become lucid when dreaming.
Using Lucid Dreaming for Creative Problem Solving
Although lucid dreaming can be used for many applications, one of the most intriguing is to solve problems in your sleep. Lucid dreaming is a powerful tool that taps into your brain�s most creative state without the normal sensory distractions that disturb our focus during waking hours. Lucid dream offers the potential for truly creative thinking.
David Allen is an award-winning inventor with a strong interest in simple and practical methods to enhance creative thinking. Visit http://www.creativityboosters.com for more easy tools and techniques to increase your creativity.
source: http://www.valuablecontent.com
If you want to try the lucid dreaming kit then click on the the lucid dreaming link on the right hand side. Remember there is also a refund if you are not completely satisfied.
Can you learn to have lucid dreams
Lucid dreaming is like any other skill - some people are naturally better at it than others but most can learn how to do it. To learn how, it's important to first know a bit about the stages of sleep.
Our sleep patterns follow a repeating cycle that involves different levels of sleep having different brainwave activity. Each cycle lasts about 90 to 100 minutes so a person will typically experience 4 to 5 complete sleep cycles a night. The stages of this cycle involve four levels of Slow-Wave or Non-REM sleep followed by REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.
Although some dreaming occurs during the other stages of sleep, the most vivid dreaming occurs during the REM stage. During this time, the higher frequency beta waves keep the mind active. As its name suggests, REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is characterized by frequent bursts of rapid eye movement, along with occasional muscular twitches. The first REM period occurs about 90 minutes after falling asleep and lasts about 10 minutes. This REM period increases in subsequent sleep cycles during the night.
How do you start?
One of the first requirements for having lucid dreams is to be able to recall your dreams. This can be done with a little practice. A good method is to focus your intent on remembering your dreams. Before falling asleep, repeat to yourself over and over, "I will awake from my dreams and completely remember them." If your thoughts wander, try to come back to this affirmation so that it is your last thought before drifting off to sleep. Another good technique is to keep a dream journal to record your dreams upon waking. Whenever you awake, immediately attempt to focus on what you had just been dreaming and write it down on a writing pad. Try to capture all the key points, such as what you were doing, where you were, and who was around you. Also, note anything strange such as things that wouldn�t normally happen in the waking world. If you find these strange events recur in your dreams, then they are your personal dream signs which you can use to recognize when you are dreaming.
Inducing lucid dreams
Lucid dreaming is usually induced by some sort of cue,something that indicates to the person that what they are experiencing is a dream, and not reality. These cues are often referred to as dream signs. Dream signs are usually things or events that would be impossible or very unusual in the waking world. Some examples of dream signs are breathing under water, flying, light switches that don�t work, suddenly returning to work at an old job, or being naked. Whenever a dream sign occurs in your dream, stop and ask yourself whether or not it is possible. If the answer is no, you are dreaming! With practice you can learn to recognize when you are dreaming by looking for these cues and doing a 'reality check'.
Once you have caught yourself dreaming, you can start to control your dream. Try changing the scene or situation, or controlling your own actions. In order to be successful at controlling your dreams, you should believe that what you are trying to do is possible. So it's important to remember that you are in control and anything you want is possible. Start with some small things and gradually work up to more challenging activities.
A good resource in this area is Dr. Stephen LaBerge's book Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming which is based on his extensive laboratory work at Stanford University. However, if you really want to speed up the learning process, there are audio CDs available that enable you to experience lucid dreaming in just days. One program that has had good reviews is Bradley Thompson's The Lucid Dreaming Kit. The kit includes an Audio Stimulation CD that you play as you go to sleep which incorporates special beats and prompts to help you become lucid when dreaming.
Using Lucid Dreaming for Creative Problem Solving
Although lucid dreaming can be used for many applications, one of the most intriguing is to solve problems in your sleep. Lucid dreaming is a powerful tool that taps into your brain�s most creative state without the normal sensory distractions that disturb our focus during waking hours. Lucid dream offers the potential for truly creative thinking.
David Allen is an award-winning inventor with a strong interest in simple and practical methods to enhance creative thinking. Visit http://www.creativityboosters.com for more easy tools and techniques to increase your creativity.
source: http://www.valuablecontent.com
If you want to try the lucid dreaming kit then click on the the lucid dreaming link on the right hand side. Remember there is also a refund if you are not completely satisfied.
Inducing Consciousness through mindfullness exercise
Basic mindfulness exercises put you in a state of awareness where distractions are let go, and your mind power is able to function more effectively. They help to induce your consciousness by helping you to think clearly and concentrate better. They're also easy exercises to do.
More Mind Power in Minutes
A basic mindfulness exercise starts with sitting down, relaxing and breathing deeply through your nose. Close your eyes and be aware of your breath going in and out. After a minute, move your attention to your body, one part at a time, noting sensations of cold, hot, tight, sore and anything else you identify. In a few minutes, start listening to sounds in the room, without thinking about them. Just listen.
When it feels right, open your eyes and look around as if you are seeing for the first time. Rest your eyes on an object for half a minute, examining it without talking about it in your mind. Then move to another object, and another, while still maintaining an awareness of your body, your breathing, and any sounds. Stay in this state of mindfulness until you are ready to get up.
Being aware of your body, breath and immediate enviroment, puts you more fully "in the moment." Your mind is in a very receptive state, with fewer mental distractions that prevent clear thinking. Doing a mindfulness exercise before important mental tasks will give you greater mind power, specifically more focus and concentration.
An Even Easier Mindfulness Trick
Try this one today: When you feel stressed, stop, and carefully watch yourself to identify what's bothering you. Maybe you're expecting something bad to happen, or an argument is going on just below the surface of your consciousness, or you're worried about something, or in pain in some way. Make a note of everything you find.
Then deal with these mind-irritants. Make a phone call that's on your mind, take an aspirin, apologise to whomever you were fighting with. Write things on tomorrow's list, to get them off your mind. If there's nothing you can do right now, tell yourself that. Do this exercise, and you'll feel less stressed, and more able to concentrate on the tasks at hand. You'll have more mind power today.
Steve Gillman has been studying brainpower enhancement, creative problem solving, and related topics for years. You can visit his website, and subscribe to his free Mind Power Course, at: http://www.IncreaseBrainPower.com/mind-power.html
source: http://www.valuablecontent.com
More Mind Power in Minutes
A basic mindfulness exercise starts with sitting down, relaxing and breathing deeply through your nose. Close your eyes and be aware of your breath going in and out. After a minute, move your attention to your body, one part at a time, noting sensations of cold, hot, tight, sore and anything else you identify. In a few minutes, start listening to sounds in the room, without thinking about them. Just listen.
When it feels right, open your eyes and look around as if you are seeing for the first time. Rest your eyes on an object for half a minute, examining it without talking about it in your mind. Then move to another object, and another, while still maintaining an awareness of your body, your breathing, and any sounds. Stay in this state of mindfulness until you are ready to get up.
Being aware of your body, breath and immediate enviroment, puts you more fully "in the moment." Your mind is in a very receptive state, with fewer mental distractions that prevent clear thinking. Doing a mindfulness exercise before important mental tasks will give you greater mind power, specifically more focus and concentration.
An Even Easier Mindfulness Trick
Try this one today: When you feel stressed, stop, and carefully watch yourself to identify what's bothering you. Maybe you're expecting something bad to happen, or an argument is going on just below the surface of your consciousness, or you're worried about something, or in pain in some way. Make a note of everything you find.
Then deal with these mind-irritants. Make a phone call that's on your mind, take an aspirin, apologise to whomever you were fighting with. Write things on tomorrow's list, to get them off your mind. If there's nothing you can do right now, tell yourself that. Do this exercise, and you'll feel less stressed, and more able to concentrate on the tasks at hand. You'll have more mind power today.
Steve Gillman has been studying brainpower enhancement, creative problem solving, and related topics for years. You can visit his website, and subscribe to his free Mind Power Course, at: http://www.IncreaseBrainPower.com/mind-power.html
source: http://www.valuablecontent.com
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