PersonalBrilliance

We are hard-wired to connect

Scientists who use advanced imaging technology to study brain function report that the human brain is wired to reward caring, cooperation, and service. According to this research, merely thinking about another person experiencing harm triggers the same reaction in our brain as when a mother sees distress in her baby’s face. Conversely, the act of helping another triggers the brain’s pleasure center and benefits our health by boosting our immune system, reducing our heart rate, and preparing us to approach and soothe. Positive emotions like compassion produce similar benefits. By contrast, negative emotions suppress our immune system, increase heart rate, and prepare us to fight or flee.

These findings are consistent with the pleasure most of us experience from being a member of an effective team or extending an uncompensated helping hand to another human. It is entirely logical. If our brains were not wired for life in community, our species would have expired long ago. We have an instinctual desire to protect the group, including its weakest and most vulnerable members—its children. Behavior contrary to this positive norm is an indicator of serious social and psychological dysfunction.

The good news: The changes we must make to avoid ultimate collapse are identical to the changes we must make to create the world of our common dream.   Read entire article by David Korten

Raising Self-Esteem

 High self-esteem is a critical factor that can positively affect many areas of your life. On the other hand, if you have low self-esteem, it will act as a constant challenge . . . a hurdle you have to jump over each time you want to try something new, a constant force dragging you down. 

While self-esteem can be difficult to change, it's not impossible. We've come up with a few time-tested tips for improving your self-esteem, and feeling better and more positive about yourself on a daily basis.  Here are a few ideas:

* Make a list of things you like about yourself – and refer back to it often. This list should include your successes and achievements, and your positive traits and qualities.  The more you practice liking and accepting yourself, the more things you'll be able to add to the list.

* Surround yourself with people who are loving and accepting. Don't let yourself get dragged down by the negative attitudes of others. Your true friends will like you the way you are.

* Take care of yourself.  Give yourself the care and attention you deserve, whether that means breaking a few bad habits, paying more attention to your physical health and appearance, or taking a break with some relaxing time alone.

* Do what you love. Find a way that you can shine, using your strengths and talents to the best of your abilities.  Pursuing activities that you're good at is one of the best ways to build self-confidence!

High self-esteem is a powerful motivator and an important predictor of future success. You can get started improving your self-esteem today.

Core Inner Strength, a hypnosis program developed by Dr. Shirley McNeal, is a fun and easy way to improve your self-esteem. In just four hypnotic sessions, you will discover the life-changing secrets behind experiencing comfort and safety in yourself, raising your self-esteem and self-confidence, and finding your inner strength.

To learn more about Dr. McNeal's program, click here: http://www.hypnosisnetwork.com/hypnosis/self_esteem.php

© 2007 The Hypnosis Network. All rights reserved.

Rid Yourself of this Worldwide State of Fear

What is the biggest problem that current world events are causing you? Isn't the biggest problem really how it all makes you feel? 

The markets, and the world at the moment are running primarily in a state of fear. Those who are able to calm their fears and focus on the world as it is will see that there are ALWAYS opportunities.

Life goes on... If we can free ourselves from the debilitating fear and the emotionalized thinking that are easily triggered by world events (and encouraged by the way some media report them), then we can respond appropriately to whatever life throws at us.

I listen to affirmations on a regular basis on my iPod. By doing this on a regular basis, i.e. every day, I noticed that my attitude and thinking has changed. I am less fearful of many uncontrollable situations we are all facing today.

In essence, we need to recognize our own fear of change and wipe it out. Fear of Change is a great program that helps me do that. I am not saying that I am 100% fearless, but I have definitely gained a more objective perspective and calmness about all the troubling things that are going on around me.

Won't it be great when you can embrace change and make the best of it? It's amazing how often people fear change only to have a great sense of relief when it actually happens.

Wishing you a renewed sense of fearlessness!

For more great downloads, visit here.

21 Virtues to Live By

Received in one of these chain letters... but truly valuable lessons:

1. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
2. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
3. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
4. When you say, 'I love you,' mean it.
5. When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.
6. Be engaged.
7. Believe in love at first sight.
8. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
9. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
10. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
11. Don't judge people by their relatives.
12. Talk slowly but think quickly.
13. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask. 'Why do you want to know?'
14. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
15. Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.
16. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
17. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.
18. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
19. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
20. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
21. Spend some time alone.