Evidence of the Mysterious  April 29, 2010 “It is not death that is the tragedy of life. It is what you let die when you are alive.” --Robert Muller   My father passed away on Sunday evening. He was 89 years old, and I was with him as he passed. It was a bittersweet moment. We had only been expecting his transition for a few days, but we were complete -- nothing was left unsaid.   Several minutes after Dad had stopped breathing, I SWEAR I saw a twinkle in his eye when I held his head and said "Goodbye, Dad, Auf Wiedersehen, until we meet again." He was insistent about emphasizing those words every time we parted. He made sure to remind me that it was never "good-bye," but instead "until we meet again." Reincarnation was not part of his philosophy, and yet he was open to the mysterious.   So now I am wondering: Will we meet again? If so, when? Will I know him? Will he know me? I suspect it's likely, but for those of you who are curious or skeptical about past life regression therapy, I have written an article that explores some possible explanations about this mysterious process. It's called: Past Life Regression: Is It Real?   Energy Only Changes Form Einstein's research introduced the notion that energy is neither created nor destroyed, it only changes form. Human beings are both energy and matter, both particle and wave. So where does our energy go when it leaves the body? The particle stays behind, but what happens to the wave?   What Do You Think Happens When You Die?  I just learned of a film that explores these questions, and while I haven't personally seen it, I am inspired to share the link so that you can explore it yourself. The Scientist was the REMI winner at the 43rd World-Fest Houston International Film Festival.   Survival of Consciousness Research What evidence have we found for the survival of consciousness after death? Much of it is anecdotal - stories of people who believe they have experienced past lives or who have survived a near death experience. But some researchers are attempting to use the scientific method to validate what evidence we do have. Here are some of my favorite resources on this topic: ·                         The Afterlife Experiments, by Gary Schwartz ·                         Life After Life, by Raymond Moody ·                         Many Lives, Many Masters, by Brian Weiss ·                         Exploring Past Lives, by Mary Lee LaBay ______________________________   Grief pushes us into "deep rest," weighing down our muscles, wringing tears from our eyes and sobs from our guts.  It isn't pretty, but it's nature's way. —Martha Beck, Finding Your Own North Star   I'm grateful for the support of my family and friends. I had a fabulous healing session with my friend Lorelei Spiegelman with Inner Spirit Medicine this morning. Energy healing is a beautiful way to shift physical and emotional patterns (remember the particle and the wave - energy healing helps shift the wave so the particles can rearrange themselves). I highly recommend her work, and I can also refer you to other energy healers on my website.     In Closing...     "Dwell in possibility." -- Emily Dickinson   I think of love as like starlight - it continues spreading its light in all directions for millions of years. Regardless of whether we can see it or not, the light is still radiating. Whenever we have expressed love in any way, even if the particle - the physical expression - of that love is no longer with us, the wave form created by the heart-felt expression of love continues to expand outward in all directions. Our limited sense of self, our identification with our personality or ego, can be fooled by the lack of the physical form. But our soul knows the truth - love lasts forever, existing beyond time and space, and once touched by love, we are forever blessed.

 

New Moon Motivation April 14 - The Spring New Moon in Aries Creates an ideal time to launch a new project or start a new habit.   “People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing. That's why we recommend it daily.” --Zig Ziglar   Changing habits can be like carving a new path in the woods. A habitual pattern is like an old pathway --well-trodden and familiar. Even if it doesn't take us where we want to go, we choose it because it seems safer and easier than trailblazing a new, unfamiliar direction.   Blazing a New Trail Visualization, mental imagery, and hypnosis can be as powerful as bulldozing a new pathway through the woods (without harming any actual trees!). We can use our minds and our emotions to make powerful impressions that cut through obstacles and reveal a magnificent new way of being. But to make the effects lasting, it's also important to maintain that new pathway. If you don't, it can get overgrown with weeds of distraction and neglect.   Motivational Path Maintenance... So you've started down your new pathway. How do you maintain your motivation? By repetition - going down your new pathway over and over again until it becomes the new well-trodden path. Here are some effective ways to keep your pathway clear of mental weeds: Listen to an audio program or do self-hypnosis daily or weekly Make a vision board featuring your new direction and put it in a place where you can see it often Repeat positive affirmations, to yourself or out loud Practice mind-body techniques that trigger "muscle memory" of how wonderful it feels to go down the new path The more you walk (or skip, or leap, or dance or fly) down your new pathway, the more you keep it fresh and inviting. At the same time, you allow the old pathway (the one with the habits you want to release) to grow over with weeds, so it's no longer appealing. Sharing My Favorite Motivational Resources You may enjoy some of my favorite sources of inspiration and motivation. I have them sent to me via email for some daily inspiration. You can preview or sign up for them at their respective websites: Motivational Quote of the Day from Nightingale Conant: www.nightingale.com TUT...A Note from the Universe from www.tut.com (TUT stands for Thoughts Are Things) Martha Beck's Quote of the Day from www.marthabeck.com Thought for the Day from Joel & Michelle Levey from www.wisdomatwork.com If you have some favorite motivational resources, please contact me at LaurenArcher@Live.com and share them!     In Closing Spring is a perfect time to launch new projects, start on a new fitness program, or begin a new habit. Harness your enthusiasm, use the momentum of the season, and maintain your motivational pathway to achieve your wildest dreams!

 

Opening to Transformation February 9, 2010 "We shape our self to fit this world and by the world are shaped again. The visible and the invisible working together in common cause, to produce the miraculous." -- David Whyte   Sometimes, when we least expect it, life may seem to catch us off-guard, knock us down, spin us around, and turn our world inside-out. And yet, when we take the time to look beyond our outer circumstances in order to gain a broader perspective, we can allow the challenges of our lives to shape our personal growth. The situations that ache the most are often the ones that force us to stop, turn within, and reflect on more meaningful questions, such as:  How am I being called to grow? What within me needs to be healed? In what ways am I being transformed into the grandest version of the Self I chose to become? What does the contrast of this situation reveal about my heart's desires? Thanks to advances in brain research (scroll down to learn about the upcoming workshop with Dr. Joe Dispenza, author of Evolve Your Brain,) we've learned that the deeper the emotional impact of an experience, the more lasting its impression and the more profoundly our character is transformed as a result. (It's important to remember that this is as true for negative emotional experiences as it is for positive emotional experiences, and the brain doesn't differentiate between a real and imagined memory. Hence, we can use this knowledge to program positive change.)   While our conscious mind may interpret struggles and challenges as restrictive forces of limitation, resulting in experiences of doubt and fear, our subconscious mind has access to layers of wisdom and insight that allow us to transcend limitation and open ourselves up to possibilities we haven't yet imagined.   So how do we access some of these layers of our inner wisdom? How do we reach beyond the fears and doubts of ordinary reality? By entering an alternate state of consciousness, such as trance. As we close our eyes, relax, and enter a light trance state, our mind is free to explore deeper and broader levels of understanding.   Transforming Your Perspective: An Exercise   What if you could see your life from a new vantage point? Imagine, if you will, that your awareness miraculously lifts out of your body, beyond the Earth plane. Perhaps you are floating among the stars, like a detached observer, where you gaze down at the action on the Earth below. As your vision clears, you perceive the way your entire life has unfolded, seeing beyond the apparent drama of your present mundane circumstances. Lo and behold, you realize that you are a hero in the grand, epic journey of your own life. From this vantage point, you can observe what is coming to be, what is passing away, and that which abides. From this perspective, what can you learn about yourself? What do you value most? What would you do if you knew you had nothing to fear?    Simply taking a few moments out of your ordinary experience to shift your perspective provides valuable insights into the meaning and purpose of your life's journey. It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day struggles of mundane reality. We tend to forget that many of our challenges are illusory, and as we face them, like a hero on a grand quest, we can indeed transcend and transform.     "I will not die an unlived life. I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire. I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible, to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise. I choose to risk significance; to live so that which came to me as seed goes to the next as blossom and that which came to me as blossom, goes on as fruit." -- Dawna Markova     May you blossom fully this winter-into-spring.

 

Launching Your 2010 On Purpose! By Lauren Archer January 5, 2010   "We all have access to our own purpose and when we are in connection with that purpose, we are completely unique." -- Martha Beck     If you had to select ONE WORD to describe the essence of your overall direction and focus for this year, what would it be? How would you describe your unique intention for 2010?    Although we never really know what life has in store for us, one theory I have adopted is this: we can choose our lessons, or we can have our lessons thrust upon us by the circumstances of life. When take an active role in our personal growth and deliberately choose our life's direction, our life can be more meaningful, and the learning process can be more gentle. Alternatively, when we ignore our inner calling or our power to choose, we may find ourselves literally or figuratively "knocked over the head" over and over again before we finally figure out that our soul has been trying to get our attention.   Many of us avoid facing up to our challenges and lessons by distracting ourselves with excuses or engaging in habitual behaviors. If you ever find yourself inexplicably stuck in patterns of behavior that appear to be self-sabotaging, consider that there is indeed something much greater that your soul is calling you to be and do. You can continue to avoid your calling, but the cost of avoidance is greater than the courage it takes to face up to the challenge - and the reward for having stepped up to live on purpose is immeasurable.   How do you discover your purpose? I believe our purpose is ever-unfolding, and is usually more subtle than specific. It does not come from the realm of the logical, rational, linear mind. You can tune in to your inner wisdom and listen to the promptings from your heart and soul by entering a trance or meditative state. The more often you do, the more you will be able to discern the meaning of those subtle thoughts and feelings, not only when you are in trance, but also during normal, waking consciousness.     “Achievement of your happiness is the only moral purpose of your life, and that happiness, not pain or mindless self-indulgence, is the proof of your moral integrity, since it is the proof and the result of your loyalty to the achievement of your values.” -- Ayn Rand     May your life be one magnificent grand adventure filled with happiness, health, and peace as you live on purpose in 2010.

 

The Greatest Gifts You Can Give By Lauren Archer December 22, 2009   Happy Winter Solstice!   Another winter has officially arrived. During these dark days and long nights, I invite you to turn your attention inward, enjoy a few moments of silence, and ponder these actions as among the most important gifts you can give to yourself and others this holiday season: To know that your life has meaning, value, and purpose; To remember that your very essence is interconnected with everyone and everything in the living universe; To dare to ask yourself those deeper questions, including who you really are; To heed the call of your soul; To awaken to the magnificence of your being; To see and sense beyond the illusion of ordinary reality to the extraordinary mystery of the universe; To recognize that every moment is infused with the seeds of unmanifest potential; To accept that what may seem like the greatest challenges of your life are opportunities for your soul to evolve to new levels of awareness and understanding; To realize that you are enough, you have enough, and there is nothing outside of yourself that you need to be happy or complete; To release worries, doubts, fears, and limiting beliefs; To persevere toward your heart’s desires, no matter what the outer circumstances of your life seem to reveal; To embrace paradox; To trust that you are never really alone; To believe in the inherent goodness in yourself and others; To allow others the freedom to learn their own lessons; To give yourself permission to be authentic; To sit in silence and quiet your mind; To listen to your intuition; To become aware of the creative power of your thoughts and feelings; To breathe joy, love, and happiness into your heart; To pause throughout the day and shift your attention to the present moment; To reflect on the limitlessness and interconnection of space and time; To understand that as you allow more joy, love and happiness into your heart, you positively influence the vibration of the entire planet. These gifts are intangible and invisible, yet the impact of giving them to yourself and others is more profound than anything you can buy in a store, and more important to the health and well being of the planet than any other action you will take.    May your holiday celebrations be sparkling with light, May your consciousness be illuminated with wonder,  May the portal of your heart open wide with awe, And may the path you walk in the new year guide you to extraordinary experiences of beauty and love and mystery.   Winter blessings,   Lauren      In Closing...    2009 has been one of the most amazing, mysterious, powerful, incredible years of my life. I am grateful for all of the lessons I have learned, the challenges that have awakened me, the friendships that have supported me, the opportunities I have been offered, and the inspiration I have received.   "Everyone carries with them at least one piece to someone else’s puzzle." - Lawrence Kushner

 

Seasonal Survival Strategies How to Avoid the Seven Dietary Dangers of the Winter Holiday Season By Lauren Archer November 11, 2009   It's that time of year again...the annual hoopla of holiday hostings coincides with the infamous Dietary Danger Days. Whether you'll be attending an official office outing or a fun family feast, a casual cocktail mixer or a blazen black tie bash, you can bet your appetite that you'll encounter an enticing array of bulging buffets filled with fatty, festive fare. No wonder the average person gains five to fifteen pounds during the winter months.   But wait - there's hope. With a little know-how, you can be the exception and not the rule. Follow these survival strategies and you can gracefully glide through the galas while keeping your wits and your waistline in slender style. According to research conducted by the Cornell University Food and Brand Lab, these psychological factors can influence overeating.     Danger #1: Proximity We tend to eat more when food is placed close to us vs. when it is across the room. How close you stand to the buffet table at a party will have a profound influence on how much you eat at a party. Survival Strategy: Use this knowledge to your advantage -- stand further away from buffet tables, and keep food or candy dishes off of your desk and out of your hands.   Danger #2: Variety Imagine two bowls of M&Ms - one all brown, and another that contains all the colors. When given free will to eat as many as they like, most people will eat one and a half times as many multicolor M&M’s as the homogonous hue. Given our instinctual predisposition for variety in our diet, we are triggered to eat more when there is more variety. Survival Strategy: Knowledge is power. Beware of the color trap. Healthy variety is good, but limit yourself to just three or four of your favorite foods at a buffet.   Danger #3: Volume Size matters. Researchers gave people two different sizes of popcorn buckets and measured how much they ate in a movie theater. They even gave out stale popcorn just to see what would happen. Sure enough, the people with larger buckets ate 53 percent more than people with smaller buckets. Survival Strategy: You can avoid this trap by remembering that your stomach is about the size of your fist. Before you take your first bite, mentally size up your portion and set your limit in advance.   Danger #4: Loaded Liquids Beware the extra calories in those traditional seasonal beverages. One cup of eggnog has nearly 400 calories and a whopping 19 grams of fat - almost one third of a day's allotment. An eight ounce glass of hot buttered rum has nearly 300 calories. Four ounces of Irish Cream liqueor has 400 calories. A grande pumpkin spice latte has 260 calories. Survival Strategy:  If you must indulge, think of these loaded liquids as your dessert. Better yet, explore the nearly infinite variety of seasonal teas, like cinnamon apple, peppermint, or winter spice. Or simply get a drip coffee, add cinnamon and non-fat milk, and enjoy!   Danger #5: Distraction  When we eat while socializing or watching TV, we may forget to notice how much we are consuming.  When we eat on the run, we may completely miss the experience of dining, and feel as if we haven't really eaten at all. When we eat out of a box or bag, we lack visual cues for portion size. Survival Strategy: You can escape danger by making sure each meal is enjoyed as a separate event, slowing down long enough to bring your full attention to the dining experience.    Danger #6: Social Pressure  According to a recent study in The New England Journal of Medicine, people have a 57 percent greater chance of becoming obese when they have a friend who is obese. That percentage increases among close relationships (like best friends). If one person becomes obese, the other has a 171% greater chance of becoming obese too. Dr. Cedric Bryant, Chief Science Officer for the American Council on Exercise, says that this study suggests that “your social network could alter your perspective on what’s considered a reasonable weight.” Survival Strategy: Be honest with yourself and your friends about your goals for a healthy life. Socialize with people who support your healthy lifestyle.   Danger #7: Cabin Fever Longer nights and colder weather tend to inhibit our outdoor activities, especially in the evenings. We spend more time indoors, gathering in the kitchen, or snuggling in front of the TV, instead of working in the yard or going for a walk. When we sit still and move less, our metabolism can slow down, making us feel more lethargic. Survival Strategy: Movement and exercise doesn't need to be confined to the gym. Use TV time as movement time - do leg lifts, push-ups, jumping jacks and squats during your favorite programs. It's vital to balance the inevitable increase in holiday calories with healthy movement, and it will enhance your energy level at the same time.   So remember... Be realistic -- don't be a statistic. Keep your Holiday Party Survival Strategy in mind this year. When you do, you'll find it easier than ever to swiftly side-step those seven dietary dangers and set yourself up for to start the new year in great shape!

 

Reinventing Yourself  October 26, 2009   "The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to let go of who we are in order to be who we must become."   Have you ever thought about how some of us wear our identity like a costume? We craft our persona so that we can easily fit in and be socially acceptable. Author Martha Beck calls this our "social self," a necessary part of living in a civilized community. Yet beneath the costume of the social self is your "essential self," the life force that animates your being and holds your heart's desires.   An overly developed social self can be like an ill-fitting costume that traps your essential self behind a mask, leaving you feeling purposeless, stuck, bored, or resigned. The cure is getting in back in touch with your essential self and finding ways to express it.    Who are you becoming? How do you define yourself? Is it by your job, your role in the family, your activities? Who are you without those definitions? How have you shaped your identity based on other people's expectations of who you should be? Who would you be if you were free of those expectations?   Halloween is an ideal time for to reflect on these questions. October 31 marks the exact middle of the season of Autumn, when the days grow dark, trees drop their leaves, and plants show signs of dying. The ancients believed that at this time of the year, the "veil between worlds" is thinner as we enter the season of transition between life and death. It's the perfect time to remember the truth behind appearances, and seek insight into that mysterious, unmanifest potential waiting to be expressed within you.   Whether or not you plan to don a costume and try on a new personality this Halloween, I encourage you to use this time of the year to seek deeper, inner wisdom. On Halloween, I invite you to ask yourself these questions: How have other people's expectations of me influenced my choice of "costume?" Who would I be, if I felt free to fully express my essential self? What do I need to let go of in order to be who I must become?   To support the process of discovering your essential self, I created a new audio program called Reinvent Yourself. You'll want to listen to it on Halloween night and capture the magic!     In Closing...   "If you're doing something you love with people you love in a place you love, you are going to create something of value to the world." —Martha Beck   This Halloween, my wish for you is that you experience more freedom to be who you love to be, and do what you love to do.

 

Happy September! September 8, 2009   Before you get caught up in the "busy-ness" of your autumn activities, remember that it's vital to make time to nourish your soul. Pay attention to your deepest heart's desires. Tune in to your inner wisdom. Learn how to create a life you love, not just for yourself, but because your very existence makes an impact on the entire universe.     As the days grow shorter and autumn approaches, remember that at any given moment, anything can happen. Stay awake to the possibilities that lie before you. No matter what kinds of relationships, habits, or belief patterns you have created in your life up until now, you can reinvent yourself, shift your beliefs, and live a life that is beyond anything you may have imagined. I welcome the opportunity to be of service no matter where you are on your journey.

 

Extraordinary Media News & Reviews     "Know Wonder Radio" debuts Wednesday, August 12, 2009 I'm honored to announce the launch of a brand new radio show that I am cohosting with visionary artist and author Angela Russell, founder of Know Wonder Entertainment, along with inspirational leader, Rev. Charles Hall.    Know Wonder Radio has already been named the *ARCHIVE OF THE MONTH* with our debut show on World Puja Network. You can download archives when you register (at no charge) at www.worldpuja.org.   "What does it take....to be a skilled creator? What is it to depart from the mundane--status quo, to wake up and remember, in the midst of chronic doubters... in a disbelieving world, to dream beyond limitation?"   In Know Wonder's debut show, we offer empowering ideas pertaining to the adventure of Being --body, mind & spirit-- consciously engaged in the emergence of a higher order of cultural intelligence... because as each one of us changes the way we envision ourselves, we are, in effect, laying the foundations for the transformation of humanity.   Discover the wonder of who you really are - visit www.worldpuja.org, register, and listen to the Know Wonder Show today!   Mass media has the power to transform our world. Below are several films that I think you will find compelling and inspirational, especially because they have the power to transform your belief in who you are.   Below, you'll also find a listing of my fall classes. No matter where you are in your personal evolution, I look forward to staying in touch and sharing ideas on the journey with you.      Films to Transform Your World View   This month, I'm recommending two extraordinary films...     The Shadow Effect, by Debbie Ford - Available on DVD The Shadow Effect, a visually stunning and cutting-edge documentary, will inspire you to step out of the self that you've known and break free from the bonds of the past. Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Dr. David Simon, and other world-renowned thinkers join Debbie Ford to reveal the transformative power of your shadow -- the parts of yourself that you dislike and disown, the past that you regret and repress, and the future that is waiting to be birthed.  The Shadow Effect will leave you breathing deeper as you take back your power and step into the possibility of the next greatest evolution of yourself.     Something Unknown - DVD - 104 Min. What has science discovered about extraordinary human experiences such as telepathy, clairvoyance, energy healing, telekinesis, remote viewing? Where is the boundary between 'real' magical powers and fraud? Can these ‘miracles of the mind’ be explained?   I had the privilege of spending much of this past weekend with many of the researchers interviewed in this film. The 52nd Annual Parapsychological Association Conference was held at the University of Washington August 6 - 9th, and was attended by the leading scientists and researchers in the field of extraordinary human experiences. It was an honor to witness the dedication and high level of integrity by these amazing scientists demonstrated in their quest of "Veritas" - finding the truth.

 

Invitations & Celebrations      Because I am celebrating some fabulous new opportunities, I'm sharing valuable invitations for you in this enews!   Don't you just love the word "invitation?" Life is always inviting us to make choices - and we get to choose whether to accept or reject the situations, opportunities, relationships and experiences that come our way. What if you could accept more of Life's invitations for joy, health, freedom, and love, and reject invitations for lack, limitation and stress? How would your life be different? Can you even imagine it?    Guided imagery and self-hypnosis allow you to release those pesky old limiting beliefs so you can open your mind and heart and accept new possibilities for healing, abundance, and well-being that may even be beyond your wildest dreams. Hypnosis is not mind control - I always "invite" my clients and listeners to accept positive suggestions, and remind them that they have the right to reject suggestions.   I invite you to discover the secrets used by athletes, executives, and performers.   My Self-Hypnosis CDs are available to order on Amazon.com, or at www.PositiveCentral.com/products.htm.     Celebrating Body Sculpting   I've always admired the art of body building and body sculpting as amazing examples of the power of the mind-body connection.   Did You Know... When I was younger, my figure could best be described as "pear shaped," which meant heavy on the bottom, but thin on top. It was only after being introduced to a body builder (thank you Dan, wherever you are), that I learned I could change my shape.   With a little know-how, a lot of motivation, and a few months of self-discipline, I was able to create and sustain more of an hour-glass shape. I did this by building strong, shoulder, chest and back muscles, while minimizing the body fat from my hips and thighs.   With the right combination of strength training and aerobic exercise, you can practically reshape your body into any look you desire.   In Closing...   So many people are able to let go of feeling "stuck" as they accept the invitation to experience hypnotherapy. Through the power of their mind, they now accept greater possibilities in their life. Like Sharon, who wrote me the other day:   “Something certainly shifted after our first session. I am not so down, my energy is much higher, my attitude is far more upbeat, and I am sleeping sound and awaken refreshed.”  —  Sharon Angle   Please feel free to call or email me with your questions. It is my purpose and passion to share the tools I have, so I welcome the opportunity to discuss your goals.

 

Summer Reading Empowering Your Dreams! June 23, 2009    I'm thrilled to recommend three fabulous books for your summer reading. Below you'll find my reviews, along with a very special offer to help launch the Women of Wisdom book today only!   Summer Book Reviews: 1. Women of Wisdom 2. Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting 3. Finding Your Own North Star   Scroll down for details and reviews. Feel free to forward this email to your friends and trusted colleagues - and happy summer reading!     Women of Wisdom: Empowering the Dreams and Spirit of Women By Kris Steinnes   2009 IPPY Bronze Award Body, Mind, Spirit  2008 Award Winning Finalist Best New Non Fiction from USA Book News    This anthology of wisdom from some of the greatest women thinkers and writers of our time is a rare treasure. It inspires, informs, and gives us hope for the future in which the best potential of all people, and of our precious earth, can be realized.                     -- Joan Borysenko, author of A Woman’s Book of Life   Women of Wisdom invites you to experience:      -  the wisdom of these best selling women authors,     -  the stories, art and poetry of the WOW community,     -  and daily inspiration ~ a book to have on your nightstand!       Finding Your Own North Star Claiming the Life You Were Meant to Live By Martha Beck   Finding Your Own North Star will teach you how to read your internal compasses, articulate your core desires, identify and repair the unconscious beliefs that may be blocking your progress, nurture your intuition, and cultivate your dreams from the first magical flicker of an idea through the planning and implementation of a more satisfying life.   This is one of my favorite books of all time - I've recommended it to clients and friends, and everyone has reported enlightening "aha moments" from the discoveries they gained. And Martha has a very witty sense of humor that I know you'll love!   Martha Beck is a life coach and columnist for O, The Oprah Magazine. Martha has a PhD from Harvard and is a mother of three who lives in Phoenix.   Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting By Lynn Grabhorn   I have read hundreds of self-help books, and this is one of the most delightful, empowering, and fun-to-read of them all. Grabhorn has managed to distill the essence of how to manifest what you want in life - by focusing on your FEELINGS. I highly recommend it!   Here's a link to save 25% on your copy: http://www.hamptonroadspub.com/book/561/ref/117/affiliate_banner_id/1 Summer is a great time to renew your energy. When you have a moment to soak in the sunshine or relax on vacation, take one of these fabulous books with you and use the wisdom to empower your dreams.

 

Transformational Moments   May 13, 2009    "The greatest thing at any moment is to be willing to give up who we are in order to become all we can be."  - Max DePree   We've all heard of the phenomenon when a person's life is transformed in an instant - perhaps by a chance meeting or a tragic event. While it appears that many of life's transforming moments happen randomly, you can deliberately trigger a transformational experience and create an intentional shift in your attitude, behavior, and perspective.   What differentiates an ordinary moment from one that transforms your life? A transformative experience has a deeper level of impact on each of our four primary elements of being: Body, Mind, Emotion and Spirit. The stronger the influence in each area, the deeper the experience is impressed into our brain and psyche. Of course, both positive and negative experiences can transform our lives. That's why we must take deliberate steps to create positive transformation!     Create a Transformational Moment Right Now!   Take a moment to conjure up an image of your ideal self. Go ahead - make it extraordinary, juicy, and expansive. Give it vivid color, rich sound, fluid motion, and strong feelings. Step into the image and bring it to life. Be sure to connect this virtual image not only with your mind, but also with your body, your emotions and your spirit. Let yourself soak in the experience of this virtual image for several seconds or several minutes -   impressing it deeply into all the layers of your awareness. Now take in a nice deep breath, exhale and say, "yes!"   Do this at least once a day and watch what happens!   “A solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.” —Maya Angelou   We have learned that the brain doesn't differentiate between real and imagined input, which is why hypnosis, guided imagery, and other mind-body techniques can create deep, lasting impressions that literally transform your life.    This weekend, I will be leading a group of people through a series of powerful transformative experiences at my Mind-Body Transformation workshop. We will kick it off with a fire ceremony on Friday evening. There is room for one or two more attendees - contact me at 425-881-7082 right away if you would like to join us.   Supporting Your Transformation When you are ready to deliberately create transformation in your life, here are several tools to support your journey. A private session with a customized hypnotic CD Mind-Body Transformation Weekend Workshop The 7 Steps of Self-Hypnosis audio program Group classes and events Remember - no matter what your current conditions, you can deliberately transcend ordinary reality and transform your life from the inside out.     In Closing...   "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away."   No matter how ordinary or mundane your daily life can seem, remember that at any given moment, anything can happen. Each moment is capable of becoming a transformational moment, providing you with an opportunity for a fresh start. My wish for you is to experience the transformative power within your mind and heart so that you can live the life of your dreams.

 

Take Positive Actions for Earth Day Happy Earth Day!  April 22, 2009   We live in an interconnected universe. Our thoughts and actions impact the world around us in both subtle and profound ways.   Here are three simple things you can do today to make a positive contribution to our planet.    1. Feel well. Did you know that the way you feel influences the world around you? According to The Institute of HeartMath (IHM), your emotions influence the electromagnetic field generated by your heart, which "extends out in all directions into the space around us. The heart's electromagnetic field can be measured many feet away from us by sensitive devices" and can be "registered by people around us."   Feeling good is not selfish - it's absolutely vital to your own well being and creates a positive "ripple effect" on the environment around you.    Recipe for Feeling Good Take a gentle, even breath. Remember a time when you felt good in the past. Smile. Say "ahhh." Allow those good feelings to grow stronger with every breath. Notice where you experience good feelings in your body. Repeat several times a day for best results.   2. Eat well. Reducing your consumption of processed foods with lots of packaging will make a difference this Earth Day and beyond. Think about the life force in the food you eat. Increase your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, and minimally packaged items. You'll be healthier and you'll reduce your carbon footprint.   3. Live well. Take time to explore your personal values. Discover what ignites your passion. When you realize the tremendous influence your thoughts and emotions have on your experiences, you must then ask yourself: What kind of life experience do I want to have? What is meaningful for me? How can I make the greatest contribution to my world?   Oprah Winfrey says, "Each of us has a personal calling that's as unique as a fingerprint -- and the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you. The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance -- and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning."   Discover the power of living in alignment with your core values in a six week private coaching series. Learn more here: http://www.positivecentral.com/HeartMathCoaching.htm In Closing... In whatever ways you are called to make your contributions to the Earth this year, I invite you to consider one of my favorite quotes:   "What you are against, weakens you. What you are for, strengthens you." --Wayne Dyer   Instead of fighting against what's wrong with the world, focus on supporting what's right. Instead of being part of the problem, seek ways to be part of the solution. Remember that where attention goes, energy flows - keep your attention on the hope for a sustainable future. There are a lot of people working hard to develop new solutions - let's send them our support and appreciation.

 

Living in the Media Age April 15, 2009   "If we are forced, at every hour, to watch or listen to horrible events, this constant stream of ghastly impressions will deprive even the most delicate among us of all respect for humanity." - Cicero   Today, media has a profound influence on our lives, allowing us to learn, grow, share and connect in ways we have never been able to before. Thanks to new technology, we now have more control over the content that we allow into our homes. We get to choose how we "program" our minds and our lives - and that choice is having a direct influence on the changes in our global society.   How do you think the media has influenced our current economic and global changes? How are you coping with the changes in your own life? In addition the positive media we deliver via our website, e-newsletter, and online services, Positive Central provides a refreshing alternative to media: real, live events  that allow us to get to know people in our community. We gather together to learn, network and socialize while meeting respected authors and speakers in the field of personal growth, human achievement, and wellness. The Evolution of a New Consciousness    I don't know about you, but I watch less television than I used to, and spend more time on social networking sites, watching online videos, and reading email. The face of media is changing rapidly and we can harness these changes for good. Whether we are aware of it or not, we are participating in the evolution of a new consciousness, facilitated by new forms of media. I'm inspired by the opportunities and possibilities for a positive outcome. How about you?

 

The Power to See Beyond Appearances April 1, 2009   April Fool's Day is a perfect time to challenge yourself to see beyond appearances. What kinds of situations, people, or events influence your thoughts and emotions? How much power do you have over your own thinking? How much more could you be and do if you could master the power of your mind?   This month, I'd like to share several resources for you to claim more of your personal power and avoid being fooled by fear, doubt, and influences from the mass media.   First, in honor of April Fool's Day, I've posted a fun little article about how our own thoughts can trick us into avoiding exercise. It's called "Are You Fooling Yourself?"  If you've ever said, I'll start tomorrow, or I don't have time to exercise, you'll want to read this article. Let April be the month you claim your power and stop fooling yourself with old excuses. Read the article here.   Second, I'd like to introduce you to some remarkable authors whose work will inspire you to see beyond appearances. We welcome Dr. Carlos Warter for a presentation on April 17th, featuring how our current global crisis can be a tremendous opportunity for growth, on both a personal and a community level. And we're honored to host Dr. Eldon Taylor  for a presentation on April 25th that reveals the covert ways our thoughts are being influenced by the media and how we can reclaim our rightful power over our own mind.   Thirdly, for those seeking more self-mastery, I'm leading several workshops this month.The next Hypnosis for Weight Loss class is on April 15th, the Ending Emotional Eating workshop will be on April 18th, and a special workshop women only, Entering the Zone will be on April 28.    Finally, my friends at The Conference Works are extending a special offer to the Positive Central community - 2 for 1 registration to see the legendary Joseph Chilton Pierce in Bellevue this weekend. Joseph is speaking on Intellect and Intelligence: Fulfilling Your Evolutionary Potential. To get your discount, call 800-395-8445 and ask for the 2 for 1 special, and tell them Lauren Archer sent you.   In Closing...   On April Fool's Day, remember that things aren't always as they appear, and you have the power to see beyond appearances. Like a muscle that can be strengthened and trained, you can strengthen and train the muscle of your mind. We all have the power of "selective focus," one of the most useful attributes of the human mind. Learn how to maximize this power at one of our upcoming workshops, or call me at 425-881-7082 to schedule a private session to help you gain more personal mastery.

 

As Winter Passes... March 8, 2009    Today, as the time on our clocks forces us to "spring forward" and reminds us that our winter is passing, let us remember to place our attention not on the hour we have lost, but to focus instead on all we are gaining as we embrace the onset of a brand new spring.   Similarly, as the world around us reels from the emotional chaos of these changing times, let us remember to place our attention not on what has been lost, but on the potential opportunities that lie before us for profound transformation, individually and collectively.   As the seasons change, I'm reminded to notice "that which is coming to be and that which passing away, and to honor that which abides."   Winter is traditionally a time for deep and profound growth beneath the surface. This has been an extraordinary winter in the Seattle area, with an unusual amount of sparkling sunshine and beautiful white snowfalls well beyond what is typical for our region - in stark contrast to long stretches of dull, grey, rainy days (in fact, we are being blessed once again with yet another dusting of beautiful, magical delicate white snow as I write this). It's been an extraordinary winter for me personally, and I expect that I'm not alone in having experiences of much deeper and more profound growth beneath the surface than usual.      As I say in my Awakening Soul CD, at any given moment, anything can happen - stay awake. As you allow yourself to integrate the lessons of this past winter and prepare to embrace a new spring, may you awaken to all of the extraordinary potential may be lurking just beneath the surface of your being, ready to spring forth within you. May you grow beyond any past limitations, stretching your ideas of what you thought was possible for yourself. May you reach new heights, and may you be a blessing to this world just by claiming the true essence of who you are.   Thank you for allowing us to stay connected, and as always, I welcome your comments and feedback.

 

Hypnosis Offers Hope to Help You Cope February 25, 2009   Did You Know...   O Magazine columnist placed Hypnosis as #1 of "5 Ways to Cope with Money Stress."   "For years people have turned to hypnosis for help quitting smoking and losing weight, but the technique is also becoming popular among business types desperate to overcome financial stress, according to a November report in The Wall Street Journal....The suggestions might be 'Money is energy that comes and goes' or 'Your net worth doesn't equal your personal worth,' to deflect the paralysis and insecurity that financial panic can cause." You can read the entire article by Nancy Palmer here: http://www.oprah.com/article/spirit/emotionalhealth/200903_omag_money_anxiety     We can all use a little extra help coping with the stress from the changes in the economy and in our world. Successful athletes, musicians, artists, and executives use hypnosis regularly because it works. Self-hypnosis is easy to learn and can make you feel more empowered in all aspects of your life. Because hypnosis is safe, effective, and non-invasive, it has no side effects. I've posted more information here, and you can do-it-yourself with the help of my program, The 7 Steps of Self-Hypnosis either at Amazon or Positive Central.   In Closing... Have you ever known someone whose life was changed in an instant based upon one single, powerful emotional experience? I know I have, and I have also been awakened through the personal experience of life-changing emotions.  “He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed.” —Albert Einstein (1875-1955)   If emotions can cause such amazing change, wouldn't you like to learn how to awaken the power of positive emotion in your life? Yes, you can transcend old patterns of emotional self-sabotage. Yes, you can dramatically change the quality of your life. Yes, you can claim your right to live your life to the fullest.     "We have two choices: continue to blame the world for our stress or take responsibility for own reactions and deliberately change our emotional climate." -- Doc Childre and Howard Martin, authors of The HeartMath Solution   I wish you the extraordinary potential of learning how to more fully access the power of your emotions, and welcome the opportunity to be of service.   As always, I welcome your comments and feedback. Lauren Archer