The English Prime Challenge

English Prime looks and sounds just like the everyday English language we use with family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and strangers, with one major exception, the verb 'to be' and all its variants, i.e., is, was, am, will be, etc., are removed. By using English Prime, often referred to as E-Prime, one can communicate more clearly and realistically than otherwise. The verb 'to be' creates the illusion of absolute certainty and unequivocal truths. Sometimes, this is appropriate, such as the statement, the flower is planted in the pot, or when describing certain properties or qualities, such as the dog is hairy. Even then, the word 'hairy' can have many levels of meaning and as such is not terribly clear. When used in the context of identity, the word 'is' becomes very problematic. For example, the simple sentence 'John is a troublemaker' would appear to suggest that John makes trouble all the time everywhere. Moreover, it suggests that one's own perception of the situation should be taken as truth, which it is not. Another person may perceive John as a goof off, but not a troublemaker.

A more accurate and realistic statement about John's behavior might be something like, 'the way I see it, John appears to behave as a troublemaker when at school.' This conveys a point of view, in a given context, not an absolute universal truth; it presents an appearance of behaviors which are interpreted by the observer as being that of a troublemaker, in a particular setting; it does not imply equality between John the person and a specific set of behaviors, in a specific set of conditions. John may behave in a very helpful and compliant way with friends outside of school. John is very helpful would contradict John is a troublemaker. Which one true? Which one false? It depends on the observer, and on the context, the conditions under which those behaviors are being observed.

Let's take another simple example: The sky is blue. Although this may seem the common experience, and does describe a property or quality of the sky, one would agree that the sky exhibits many shades of blue, at different times of the day; at night one would say the sky is black. E-Prime would remove the 'is' and replace it with something like 'appears as.' The sky does only appear as blue at some times, for many people, but not all people, at all times. By stating the sky is blue, the presumption becomes that it appears as blue for all people at all times, which it does not.

English Prime arose in the mid 1960's out of General Semantics. Here is the main idea of General Semantics: 'people can only know what they observe and experience when they see, hear, touch, taste, smell, think, and feel, and furthermore, that what they observe and experience can affect how they observe and experience in the future. Because each person has different experiences throughout their lives, they interpret their experiences differently' (wikipedia.org). This way of understanding semantics (i.e., the science of meaning in language) aligns with modern quantum physics, in that the observer and the observed influence each other, that which we perceive becomes colored by the very act of perception itself. We don't really experience an object as much as we experience our interaction with an object. Just about everything we call reality exists as a point of view, a perspective.

Another example, simple in structure and yet potent in effect, 'I am depressed' becomes 'I feel depressed.' There is a huge difference between being depressed and feeling depressed. In the former, we are identified as depressed; in the latter, we are experiencing a feeling or state of mind. Or, better yet, 'I feel depressed when I make a mistake' adding a context, a condition to that state of mind. And, even better than that, 'I experience feelings I label as depressing when I make a mistake.' The statement 'I am depressed' has an unrealistic absolute-ness about it. Some proponents of E-Prime have stated that improper use of the verb 'to be' creates a kind of 'deity mode of speech' which allows 'even the most ignorant to transform their opinions magically into god-like pronouncements on the nature of things' (wikipedia.org). Our point of view, our perspective, the ways in which we as an individual interact with our world, may appear to us as 'our truth' but, in fact, falls far short of Truth. Individual truth does not exist. Individual perception, interpretation, point of view and meaning does exist. Truth is; everything else: appears as. So, when you find yourself saying something like so and so is a such and such, or that I am such and such. Stop. Consider how you might phrase that using E-Prime. Take into account this idea of personal perspective, point of view, context and conditions, not an absolute, eternal fact. Up your game. Consider applying English Prime to your written and spoken words. It will require some rethinking, and rewording, of common phrases. The benefits include improved clarity of thought, speech and communication. It even has benefits in the realms of mental health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9998495

Gaining Self-Confidence - How to Stop Thinking Like a Victim

When it comes to gaining your self-confidence it can be difficult to come by and easy to lose if not nurtured and worked on continually. Self-confidence is vital when it comes to feeling as if you are in charge of your of your life and with self-confidence, you will feel more like the victor rather than the victim in life.

The victim's mentality is the case where the individual does not take personal responsibility for their life and feels that the world is against them or that they need a lucky break to succeed in life. Whereas the self-confident individual understands that they are in charge and that if they are to achieve any goal in life they have the ability to work through whatever obstacles may stand in their way. And they learn to either find a way or make a way.

To avoid thinking like a victim, and to help you feel you are in control, rather than external forces, and avoid feeling overwhelmed when it comes to achieving your lifetime goals or taking on a project that seems insurmountable, begin by breaking down the steps that you need to take to become successful.

By breaking down your steps into smaller segments whether it is a daily or monthly goal, begin by working on one particular project at a time until it is completed then start another. By breaking down large projects or complicated ones, you begin to gain more self-confidence as it will grow with every successful completion and you begin to feel you have the upper hand in the situation rather than feeling like the victim, overwhelmed and defeated.

To avoid feeling like the victim in life and gaining more self-confidence with each passing day, you have to learn to adapt and expect the unexpected in life. Becoming self-organized and practicing good time management when it comes to completing projects or getting rid of unnecessary problems and time-wasting activities in your life will help you to learn to adapt and gain the self-confidence you need to be a victor in life.

Time wasting activities include staying away from negative thinking people who will try and tell you you cannot do something or that the system is rigged. People that buy into that philosophy end up living a life of victimhood and they love nothing more than to drag you down to their level.

That's not for you, by learning to think for yourself and staying clear of negative influences you allow yourself to build your confidence by allowing yourself through decisive action to prove that you can succeed and become more than you ever thought possible.

So when it comes to avoiding thinking like a victim in life, stay proactive, learn to take action on your dreams, take the personal initiative to find ways to become successful and in control of your life through a desire to become unstoppable and a champion.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10032335

Deprogramming Codependent Beliefs

Recovery entails changing those beliefs, the most damaging of which is that we're not worthy of love and respect - that we're somehow inadequate, inferior, or just not enough. This is internalized shame. Last year, I published a blog, Codependency is based on Fake Facts explaining the effects of this programming, which squelches our true self. Romantic love that's mutual can for a brief time liberate our natural, true self. We get a glimpse of what it would be like to live unshackled by shame and fear - why love feels so wonderful.

There are countless ways parents communicate shame, even with just a look or body language. Some of us were shamed with criticism, told we weren't wanted, or made to feel we were a burden. In other cases, we inferred that belief from neglect, violation of our boundaries, or dismissal of our feelings, wants, and needs. This can happen even when parents say they love us. Being codependent themselves, shame and dysfunctional parenting gets passed down unconsciously. Bad parenting can also be the result of an addiction or mental illness.

Identify your beliefs

It's key to recovery that we separate damaging beliefs from reality and from our truth. Like digging through manure, this is how we uncover the gold, your buried true self that's longing to be expressed. Most of us find it difficult to identify our core beliefs. To a large extent, they're unconscious. In fact, sometimes, we think we believe something, but when our thoughts and actions (including words), prove the opposite. For example, maybe you know someone who claims to be honest, but who misrepresents or lies when necessary. However, we can discover our beliefs from our behavior, our thoughts and feelings. Beliefs generate thoughts, feelings, and actions. (Sometimes feelings come before thoughts.)

Beliefs → Thoughts → Feelings→ Actions

Examining our thoughts and feelings provides clues to underlying beliefs. For example, when you don't keep your body as clean as you like, are you just uncomfortable, or do you feel ashamed or disgusted. What do you say to yourself? Your thoughts might reveal a belief that it's shameful and disgusting not to shower daily or that bodily odor or fluids are repulsive. Such beliefs indicate a general distaste and shame about the human body.

When feel we should or shouldn't do something, it may indicate a belief. "I should shower daily," is more of a rule or standard than a belief. The underlying belief might be about the virtues of cleanliness or hygienic well-being.

Another way to gain self-awareness is to notice how you judge others. We usually judge other for the same things we would judge ourselves.

Criticism and devaluing statements or gestures directed toward children attack their fragile sense of self and worth. They create insecurity and a belief of unlovability. List parental statements that impacted your self-esteem. Examples are:

"You're too sensitive,"

"You can't do anything right."

"I sacrificed for you."

"You're good for nothing."

"Who do you think you are?"

Beliefs also come from experiences with siblings and peers, as well as other authority figures and cultural, societal, and religious influences. In all, our beliefs are a conglomerate of other people's opinions. Usually, they're not based on facts, and they may be challenged.

Our over-reactions to people when we're triggered are perfect opportunities to analyze and challenge the thoughts, feelings, and the beliefs that are being activated. For example, if someone doesn't return your call, do you feel hurt, guilty, ashamed, or angry? Do you assume they don't like you, are angry at you, that you did something wrong, or that they're inconsiderate? What is the story you weave, and what is the underlying belief?

A few of the common beliefs codependents hold are:

·         Other people's criticisms are true

·         People won't like me if I make a mistake.

·         Love must be earned.

·         I don't deserve love and success.

·         My wants and needs should be sacrificed for others.

·         I must be loved and approved of to feel okay.

·         Other people's opinions carry more weight than mine.

·         I'm only lovable if a partner loves me (or at least needs )

·         Many codependents are perfectionists and hold false, perfectionistic beliefs that who they are and what they do are "imperfect," making them feel that they're inferior or a failure.

Challenge your beliefs

Once you've identified your beliefs, challenge them.

·         Ask yourself what evidence you have to support your beliefs and thoughts?

·         Might you be mistaken or biased?

·         Are you certain your interpretations of events are accurate?

·         Check out your assumptions by asking people questions.

·         Is there any evidence for another point-of-view?

·         Are there instances in your experience or in the experience of others that even occasionally contradict your assumptions? Survey people to find out.

·         Do people disagree with your conclusions? Find out.

·         What would you say to someone else who thought and felt as you did?

·         What would a caring friend say to you?

·         Do you feel pressured to believe as you do? Why?

·         Are you free to change your mind?

·         What are the consequences of remaining rigid in your thinking?

·         What would be the consequences of changing your mind?

Practice recovery

It's not enough to read about codependency. Real change requires that you risk behaving differently. This requires courage and support. Instead of being your codependent self, start "Affirming Your True, Authentic Self."

Think good thoughts about yourself. Notice and change how you talk to yourself. For example, instead of looking for what is wrong with you, start noticing what you like about yourself. Instead of saying, "I can't," say "I won't," or "I can."

Take action to meet your needs.

Authenticity is a powerful antidote for shame. Express who you really are. Speak up, being authentic, and share your thoughts and feelings. Set boundaries.

Take action to do what you really want. Many codependents are sure they'll fail and are afraid to risk. Try new things, even though you don't believe you're good at it! Discover you can learn and improve with practice. This is the master key that unlocks many doors. Then you know you can learn anything.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10027265

Is there scientific proof we can heal ourselves? | Lissa Rankin, MD | TEDxAmericanRiviera

Emerging Corporate and Business Communication Trends in 2018-2019

Communication is the base of business. One of the most fundamental elements encompassing customers, partners, employees - both on site and remote, and any number of others that a business must stay in touch with - 24/7. add to that the way the modern world works. Not just communicating with their clients or customers base, being able to support efficient remote team collaboration will enable businesses to increase scale of operations, open up functional new branches, tap into new client demographics, and expand their sphere of activity globally.

A few years ago, the introduction of IP telephony was seen as a huge leap in the field of business communications. Today, technologies have moved so far ahead that people located hundreds of thousands of kilometers from each other can feel like they are sitting in the same room. There has been a massive growth in software as a service (SaaS) including SD-WAN, Unified Communications, etc, and it seems like a growing tide. While the past was about picking up a phone to make and receive calls, the current technology even behind that has changed enormously. In the case of business communications, as in any other field, there has been enormous transformation as more and more organizations have become heavily reliant on their internet connections to talk to customers, suppliers, partners, and employees.

Keeping up with current industry trends has always been important in order to stay relevant. As technology evolves at an exponential rate, businesses and professionals need to prepare in order to maintain their competitive edge. It appears, year after year, as if newer and better technologies are being introduced continuously. Each new technology promises more efficient communication than ever before.

So, what corporate and business communication trends are likely to be useful for brands and employees who wish to remain relevant in an evolving global market and workspace? What are the technologies and trends that will ensure that communicators are able to reach new audiences, can improve their customer service levels and efficiently engage with the next generation of employees and colleagues?

Augmented reality (AR) and Virtual reality (VR): Companies may use AR experiences to give higher caliber candidates a real taste of what it's like to work in the organisation. Or they can use VR to transport customers to new destinations to discover new facets of a company's product or operations. Now, and in the future, these two technologies are sure to grow in significance. They are not merely limited to creating games or novelty experiences. AR and VR can be used as invaluable tools in many business applications. For example, one could organize a virtual 3D tour for potential customers of an under construction or to-be-constructed facility, or a facility located far away. One could walk them through every step of a manufacturing and quality assurance process. And these are far from the only possible options for AR and VR, the imagination is the king, the sky is the limit.

Live Video Streaming: Consumers crave connection and brand authenticity. They need to see, feel, believe, in order to be brand loyal these days. The rise of live video streaming technology already allows companies to give people a taste of what they want. Studies show that Facebook Live videos are viewed more often, and for much longer than other content. Moving on to and enhancing live streaming and 360° videos will only cause a growth in this customer connectivity.

WebRTC: Web-based communication in real time (WebRTC) is a breakthrough concept allowing one to run a two way conversation or a video conference and collaborate from within the internet browser without having to install any other program, special plugins, modules or accompanying programs. This gives users an incredibly simple and non fuss tool to support all the needed types of remote communication: chat, screen sharing, content sharing, audio and video communication.

Social Intranets: while these are not a total novelty, innovation and advanced functionality are making them the trends of the moment. For example, intranets are increasingly providing support for video communication, allowing the merging of several chat rooms, and providing advanced opportunities for content exchange - all without compromising the basic quality of communication.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI based assistants, like Siri, function based on the voice requests of the users. They operate on the Chabot principle, and search through browsers and implement various kinds of processes within the functionality of a mobile device. Increasingly, software solutions based on AI are achieving qualitatively new levels and becoming capable of performing quite complex tasks. In 2017 the number of successful mobile applications which are based on machine learning and virtual neural networks have gone up significantly. In the future, apps such as these will increasingly be used for business purposes including remote communication. It is likely that users will be able to acquire full-fledged virtual assistants, who will take over some part of the duties of the real employees of today.

Increased Adoption of Hosted VoIP: There are currently almost one billion VoIP users around the world. The landline connections of the past are disappearing rapidly. VoIP in today's business world introduces many advantages including greater flexibility, enhanced control, and higher scalability. Digitizing telecommunications enables companies to host and maintain infrastructure in the cloud. The number of VoIP users is poised to increase exponentially. This is especially true of businesses leveraging Hosted VoIP which becomes an effective way to manage cost, improve flexibility, and gain far better control of communication systems. Offering cost savings and reduced maintenance needs hosted VoIP is set to become a popular trend of the future.

Increasing Shift Towards Mobility: Today's workforce is more mobile than ever. More and more employees are demanding flexible working conditions. From a business's perspective, workforce mobility is a major enabler of productivity. It allows companies to seek out talent without geographical limitations. Some studies seem to suggest that mobile or remote employees will make up as much as 75% of the US workforce by 2020. it is no surprise, then, that mobile VoIP is becoming entrenched in the modern digital culture. Smartphones and mobile and personal computing devices are set to play a very important role in the transition from an "office based" to a "web based" model of business. The need for tools that ensure productivity - no matter the location - demands that businesses make sure their employees are able to work using any personal device from any location.

Need for Seamless Communication and Collaboration Tools: The rise of cloud computing has become one of the key trends and drivers in modern communication. With web-based applications being the new norm in enterprise computing, employees are better able to collaborate -- working well together on the same projects, no matter where they may be located. Apart from platforms streamlining communication in the workplace, there is a need to support better collaboration within the office as well as remotely. To ensure this, more and more businesses are turning to newer web-based applications offering seamless communication. This is the reason why VoIP and related tools are increasingly coming to be integrated with key business processes. Office 365 for Business, for example, now provides complete integration with Skype.

Promotion of BYOD Strategy: The implementation of the IP telephony process had one significant drawback it did not allow employees or other people receiving communication to take the communication devices with them. To fix this in an increasingly mobile world, leading vendors of network equipment offer the integration of IP phones with the already owned mobile devices of users. It allows the phonebook to be transferred, automatically, to the user's smartphone, and to redirect calls and corporate email as well. This kind of integration is convenient and necessary for business organizations who have branches that operate in different time zones, for example. Networks based on this Bring Your Own Device technology allow companies to rent fewer offices and support personal user devices, instead, enabling employees to work remotely.

Integrating and Simplifying Communication Tools: Seamless integration between business applications streamline the business's coordination and collaborative needs. This can range from merging cloud-based functionality into computers, to installing apps that enable talk, chat, text, conferencing on mobile devices. Advancements in technology allow users to simplify mobile tools and streamline multiple communication platforms. In future, digital workspaces are only going to become more sophisticated, with greater focus on workplace flexibility as well as remote work options. A combination of cloud-based tools, along with unified communications, combined with web-based collaboration apps to integrate data and facilitate communication are all coming together. This will ensure productivity in the future, and encourage better teamwork.

Greater Adoption of Visual Communication: People learn and retain better when they can "see" the facts. Business leaders are realizing that visual communication must become one of the tools for business success in the future. Whether it is closing a deal, negating geographic boundaries and cultural differences, or holding conferences with far flung team members, businesses need to shift to a more visual mode. This can enable conferences to occur without the need for extended travel times and eliminate high travel and lodging expenses. This also allows for a faster and more retainable intake of impressions and facts - whether it is a client, a customer, or an employee.

Enhanced VoIP Security and Cyber-Security Spending: 2017 saw a lot of headline-grabbing news of cyber-attacks. Companies and individuals had their private information stolen, and destroyed, or held for ransom. Business owners must realise that it isn't just enterprise companies being targeted. More than 20% of cyber attack victims spent at least $50,000, and took longer than six months to recover from the attack, according to Nationwide's third annual survey of business owners. Gartner (NYSE: IT) projects that Cyber-Security spending is likely to increase to $93 Billion dollars in 2018 and increase steadily for the next 5 years. Security will continue to be a major issue, in the age of digital data where data is the most sought-after commodity globally. The increasing shift toward VoIP also presents unique security challenges. After all, internet-based communications are easier to breach than traditional landline conversations. Organizations will need to ensure additional security measures, including data encryption and 24/7 monitoring, by hosted VoIP vendors.

However, what do these Business Communication Trends mean for You as an employee, a future employee, a job seeker or a decision maker? It means you need to be aware and competent with the technologies behind these trends. Explore how a cloud-based tool can simplify communications for your prospective organization, if one is not already in use. Make sure you are abe to work efficiently from any device. Consider how available tools can be used optimally for more than one job - bring that to the interview table. Make sure - as a decision maker - that your office is equipped with dedicated spaces for in-person and virtual meetings, and brush up on the technology and the etiquette of being in one - as an employee. Learn how to use WebRTC and bring it to your organization - if not already present - so that employees can communicate more easily in real time. Make sure you learn how to find interoperable communications technologies and learn to connect endpoints to other devices and services. Consider how these business communication trends will affect your employability, retainability, and productivity, and plan how you will adjust and adapt.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10119252

Tony Robbins: How to Become More Disciplined (MUST WATCH)

Be Free of Evaluations of Others

In almost every phase of our lives, at home, at school, and at work, we find ourselves under the rewards and criticism of external judgment. This is judgement for ourselves and of others.

Such judgments are part of our lives, seeing both the contrast, from birth to when we grow older. I believe a certain amounts of social intelligence is necessary.

'That's good!"

"Your wrong!"

"What a failure you are!"

Like most, I find myself all too often making such judgments and evaluation of others. However, in my experience, they do not make for my own personal growth. Hence, I do not believe these attitudes and judgments are helping me to create healthy relationships.

Curiously enough, a positive view in the long run can be as threatening is as a negative view of others

"You look amazing!"

"Congratulations, job well done!"

"Wow, what an amazing outcome, you surely are lucky!"
Judgments good or bad affect us
Since to know someone well, sometime our judgments of being kind can easily imply you also have the right to tell them they are bad.

We cannot see in another which is not within ourselves. For example, if you saw someone who was arrogant, how would you know this unless you have experienced it yourself. Similarly, the opposite, the good side, when we see the beauty in others. We are always seeing a projection of who we are onto others.

So, I have come to the conclusion and feel that the more I keep a relationship free of judgement and evaluation, the more I permit myself to reach a point where others will recognize the focus of evaluation, the center of responsibility, lies within ourselves. It always come from ourselves, where else we would know the difference.

The meaning and value of our experiences is, lastly, something which is up to each and everyone of us to see the truth within ourselves. No amount of external judgments can alter this.

Remember: we cannot see in other what does not lay within.
Taking another path
So, a I am working towards building relationships to which I am not, to,y own feelings, of see to understand my evaluations of other person. This I believe can set myself and others free to be a self-responsible, self-aware, and self- person.

Free from evaluation

If in my working with others, I am dealing with them as an ignorant, arrogant, immature attitude, what can be in this relationship.

I accept others as a process of becoming who I really am, endeavoring to see and make real everyone's potential.

Be grateful. accept and meet the other person who is also in the process of becoming. If not, will you be bound by your judgments.

Become an integrated person who in that moment knows so you both can have a deeply and dependable experience.

Reeny coaches individuals who are stuck, afraid, unsure, in transition, struggling with self-doubt, frustration, falling back to old patterns

As a Soul Purpose Coach, she uses techniques to awaken your heart and open your intuitive powers guiding individuals to embrace a soul aligned path to life that will bring greater joy, freedom, success, and inner peace.

Her blogs, includes inspirational articles are written for those who are seeking a new view to looking at life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10123440

Tony Robbins: Feeling Lost? How to Find Yourself Again ( Tony Robbins Passion )

Peering Behind the Curtain

Before I went to church this morning I spent a little bit of time in front of the mirror. Now, I don't wear makeup and I don't do my hair. It is naturally curly and I keep it short. So I only had to spend a few moments in front of the mirror making sure everything was in place. It's not so much that I liked what I saw when I was done. It's just that I am a realist. I look like what I look like. Sure, I could lose some weight, and I could get some of the wrinkles fixed. I am working on the weight. But I don't think I will get a facelift anytime soon.

My guess is that the majority of people spend at least a little bit of time in front of a mirror on a daily basis. None of us wants to go out with our hair all wonky or with our clothes bunched up, or with something stuck in our teeth. So we primp and preen enough so that what we see is at least acceptable.

The thing is, although a mirror is supposed to be an accurate reflection of what is in front of it, we all filter what we see through our own lenses. Our eyes take in the sight, but our minds filter out what we don't want to see. Someone may be fatter than they allow themselves to believe. Someone may be shorter or taller than they'll admit to, and so on. Even if the mirror is perfectly formed, our minds will only let us see what we are willing to see.

This is true spiritually as well. There are four basic kinds of people in the world. Those that don't believe they even need a mirror, because they are perfect and happy already. There is a veil, a curtain, that blocks them from the truth and they don't even know it. Then there are those that don't want to look in the mirror because they are afraid of what they'll see. They know there is a veil and they like it that way. Further, there are those that look in the mirror but don't see the truth. They think the veil has been removed but it has not, so they are not seeing reality. And finally, there are those that look in the mirror and see actual reality. They know the veil has been removed. The curtain has been pulled back and they can see behind it. They are now seeing the world as it actually is. It would be great if we were all like the fourth group, but we know it's not true. The great news is that no one is stuck where they are. If they are willing, they can change at any time.

We should start out by reminding everyone that God Himself has already removed the curtain, and every single person on earth is capable of seeing actual reality, if they want to. We are told in Matthew 27:51 that when Jesus yielded up His Spirit the veil (curtain) of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. I find it remarkable that the veil was not torn from the bottom up. But no, God Himself tore it from top to bottom.

The veil was a very heavy curtain within the temple in Jerusalem, and it separated the people from the most holy place, the place where God Himself dwelt. His holiness had to be kept separate from the people, and a priest could only go in there once a year after making sacrifices for his own sins (Lev. 16:3; Heb. 9:7). But Jesus came to change all that. His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross was enough to eliminate the veil so that all can freely come to God and find salvation and forgiveness in Him. Now they can look into the mirror without fear or condemnation.

However, the first group of people I have mentioned above is a group that simply doesn't believe they need a mirror (or they won't admit they need one). They are still fully behind the veil and they either don't know it, or they don't want to know it (or they just don't care). In their minds they are all set. They don't need to see anything else, and they don't want to.

Many are currently in a place where they just don't care about spiritual things. But others of them are more militant. They will shout down anyone trying to oppose them. Some will go so far as to try and force opposing voices to affirm their sin. I believe that they do this because their consciences bother them. In their hearts they believe that if they can just get Christians and/or conservative voices to affirm their sin then they'll feel better about themselves. It is not true, but they believe it anyway.

Christians and other conservative voices must not affirm their sin. But we must continue to love them and pray for them. Jesus told His disciples not to give what was holy to the dogs, nor cast their pearls before swine (Mt. 7:6). In other words, if they aren't interested in the truth then we should not waste our time trying to give it to them. But we should love them and pray diligently that God will "open the eyes of their heart" (Eph. 1:18) so that they will one day be able to hear the truth.

The second group of people are those that are aware of their own sin, but would rather not face it. I am reminded of two Bible stories from the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites. You see, after Moses led the Israelites from Egypt, while they were still in the wilderness, God spoke to them from the mountain (Ex. 20:19). But His booming voice terrified the people. So they begged Moses to go and talk to God, and then come tell them what He said. Moses complied and spoke to God himself, face to face (Ex. 33:11). At one point, after speaking with God, Moses' face began to shine. So he covered it with a little veil. The people seemed content with this, too. It appeared that they weren't interested in getting close enough to God's glory to have their sin highlighted.

Many people today are just like that. They are aware of their need for a savior. But for whatever reason, they simply will not draw near. It scares them and they stay away. Or they worry that their sin is too big. They don't want to face whatever it is, so they seem content to remain outside the veil. They are aware of the veil, but rather than being a hindrance, it is a comfort. We must pray that we can reach them with the good news that God can forgive every and all sins. There is no reason to fear seeing themselves in the mirror without any veil covering it.

The third group of people are deceived. They believe the veil has been removed, but they either don't fully understand, or don't want to understand what it means to live in Christ after the veil has been removed.

I am reminded of the many hundreds and thousands of Jews that continued to sacrifice at the temple, even after the veil was torn in two. They completely missed the point and went on with their lives the way they were, thinking that they were okay. God destroyed the temple in A.D. 70 and disbursed them, effectively ending the sacrifices, but still today they long for the old days to return. They have completely missed the point of what Jesus has done for them.

They are hundreds, maybe thousands of people who think that they are Christians simply because they were raised in a Christian household. And there are many more who are worshipping under a false religion. They believe they are saved and have everything they need. They are still under the veil and don't even realize it. We must pray for their eyes to be opened as well, and for the truth to come shining through to their hearts, piercing the darkness that still holds them captive.

Finally, we come to group four. These are those that know they need a savior. They know that God has removed the veil for them and they are forever grateful. They are willing to look into the mirror and see the truth about their own sin. But they also see that they have been clothed with Christ. They look into the mirror knowing that they must daily re-clothe themselves, and recommit, and reconnect because they are sinful at heart. They understand their own depravity but are not afraid to face it. They are not deceived into thinking they can save themselves. They already know they cannot. So they look in the mirror and confess their sin and clothe themselves with Christ, and then go out into the world in confidence and joy, doing the works that God has prepared for them.

The question we must ask then, is which group do you find yourself in? If you're not in group four, then are you willing to admit your sin and your need for a savior? Are you willing to gaze in an unveiled mirror? God can forgive every sin, and there is no condemnation in Him. He simply wants us to admit we need Him, and He will do the rest. Are you willing?

Dr. Norita Sieffert has been writing and speaking for more than three decades, leading people into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ and challenging them to be all they can be for God. Not The Scarecrow Ministries strives to teach people the truth claims of Christianity and show how Christianity is relevant to every facet of life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10123674

Tony Robbins Tips On Changing The Way You Feel

Secrets to A Winning Mindset

To succeed in life requires a lot of courage because there is almost
nothing in this world that is 100% risk-free. Winning or losing comes
from the mind that is why a winning mindset is crucial to achieving
set goals irrespective of the difficulties or challenges encountered.
No matter how small your goals are or how lofty your dreams may be,
you cannot achieve much without a winning mindset, which is the force
that generates the power and enthusiasm that drives you.
When you see successful people, they not only have a winning attitude
but also possess the winning mindset. Giving up is not among the
traits of winners and following through to the end is never the habit
of losers. To get to the pinnacle of success, you must have a winning
mindset that results from positive thinking and perspective to issues.

Tips to Having a Winning Mindset

Do you see successful people and wish to follow in their footsteps?
Are you searching for ways to develop a positive mindset? Do you want
to nurture your mind with the winning attitude? Here are the tips to
help you have a winning mindset.

1. Have an It-Is-Possible Belief

There is a great connection between what you believe and the result
you get from your efforts. The best way to start creating a winning
mindset is to have a positive belief and be addicted to that thought.
By having an 'it-is-possible' mindset, you are setting your mind above
all limitations and obstacles on the path to achieving your goals.
When this thought gets into your subconscious mind, it will become
effortless to see possibility in having things go your way.

2. Set Goals and Have a Detailed Plan

Remember that every success has an equal chance of failure. As a
result, do not attempt anything without setting a goal and creating a
detailed plan to achieve your goal. Identify factors that could cause
your failure and plug every necessary hole and take advantage of the
factors that can drive your goals to success. Be meticulous in planning.

3. Spare No Efforts / Never Think About Quitting

To have a winning mindset, be ready to go all out and leave no stone
unturned. Do not spare any efforts and you must be prepared to see
your goals achieved regardless of how long you need to labor or how
much pain you must endure. You must not think of quitting - it is the
habit of losers.

4. Declare Your Anticipated Result to Yourself

There is a strong force behind positive confession. Make a declaration
(speak out) of the result you are expecting to yourself every time.
Let this positive thought fill your head then get into your heart; let
it take over your mind and finally get into your subconscious mind.
Doing this will embolden you with positive energies and a winning
mindset that will push you beyond your limit to achieve your dream or
set goals.

Innovator, Trendsetter, Author and entrepreneur... These are few words to describe Carl Mathis. While some may know him as a minister and a teacher, others have become fond of him through his written work, "Think Like A Winner." For speaking engagements or to find out more about Carl Mathis,

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10123773

Tony Robbins - 30 years of stuttering, cured in 7 minutes!

Meditation, Visualization And Manifestation

A lot of people adopt meditation techniques to relax and keep themselves stress-free. They are now gradually realizing the significance of meditation activities in their daily life. Even doctors accept and recommend it as a good way to treat certain health disorders as also a way to maintain a healthy life.

Meditation activities are now widely carried out as a simple exercise though it requires time and practice to master it. With regular practice, one can perfect the art and make it a daily ritual. Through patience and consistent practice, it is very easy to master this technique. You will, however, need to build your powers of visualization to perfect the art of meditation.

Visualization is an art commonly used by more or less every person without being aware of it. Generally, children are very quick in seeing and remembering certain things when they notice something. Grown-ups need to concentrate more as their mind is always clustered with so many other things, that they sometimes are not able to concentrate their mind on one object at a given time. Visualisation plays a very important role in the art of mediation. Therefore, you must learn to master the art of visualization before you finally become a meditation expert.

Though visualization can be easily mastered, some individuals need to really struggle to learn this. Practice is the only means through which you can master the visualization.

You can perform a very simple exercise to become perfect at visualization. All you have to do is just pick any one of the many objects lying in your house and place it on a table with no other thing on it. Now, concentrate by looking at the object for a few minutes and make an effort to identify the fine details and try to remember them. After this close your eyes and try to imagine the same object in your mind. Try to frame a mental picture of the object with as many things you remember having seen. Try to also mentally experience the feel of the object and your own mental or emotional feelings about the object. Did you enjoy or feel stressed out?

Next, pay attention to a new object after clearing the details of the previous one. Repeat the same procedure and again find out how much you are able to succeed in this experiment. Always concentrate and pay close attention to all the relevant information about an object. After completion, you realize that there were few missing links or substance while recalling the object's details with your imagination.

Visualization can be sometimes quite stressful for beginners but they should keep trying instead of worrying and giving up. These stressful feelings will soon die out and you can perform visualization related exercises with full ease.

So, just keep practicing and master the visualization technique to help you become better at meditation and manifest abundance in all aspects of your life. Be it health, wealth or love.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10004027